The Silver Fox Makes History

Today is the 65th birthday for The Silver Fox. This is awesome. I'm so excited!!!! He's excited!!! We're all excited!!!! It's great when God gives you another year, but this is especially memorable and noteworthy because my grandfather and my dad's older brothers all passed away before reaching the age of 65. He was nervous he wouldn't see it. With heart disease being something that had done a large portion of the male members of his family in, The Silver Fox is an anomaly around this family tree. Even his younger brothers have had strokes or heart attacks. He hasn't had either!!

I love my dad and I tell him every time I talk to him. But today I told him I was proud of him. He has flaws like everyone else, but he's always there when I need him. Here's to 65 more years (I like to shoot for the stars) Daddy!!!!!!!! And yes, he's been silver since I was born:-)

Shopping in Service Merchandise

Backyard with my Favorite Person

Dancing in the man room with my Childhood Loan Officer

Note: They both think they shine on the dance floor ;-0

Dropping me off in Houston, TX for a summer internship at Six Flags

Family vacation at Universal Stuidos

Wedding of a family friend. I forgot what role the Favorite Person played as that would explain the dress Oh! Crochet braids and Shirley Temple spirals. God bless the '90s.

Spring Fling

This past weekend NYC got its first taste of spring and I couldn't have been more excited!!!! In addition to being happy that there was a break in cold weather (it was short-lived as I'm freezing today), it was a totally indulgent weekend for me. Indulgent because instead of doing something productive before playtime, I opted to play all weekend!
 
Friday night: 
In search of sheets at Century 21, I came up empty handed. That was in the home department...In ladies' shoes on the other hand, I scored these babies which I gladly broke out on Saturday...

 Me waiting to get my brows done at Bloomies Sat. afternoon

Saturday:
I had every intention of going to the laundromat and possibly prepping the bedroom for painting, but never happened. I ended up meeting with The Stormy One and heading down to the Meatpacking District where we had a blast.

First, we went over to the Hotel Gansevoort for afternoon cocktails and snacks where we were met by a couple of The Stormy One's friends.

We even ran into a beautiful bride and groom and a random bouquet of airborne balloons.

Then it was off to check out some contemporary/pop art at French artist Mr. Brainwash's "Icons" exhibit. The work is Warhol-inspired and completely crazy!!!! I sooo enjoyed walking through the gallery space.

Healthcare Hero!

After my eyes had been visually stimulated, it was time to tempt my tummy with some grub from The Standard Grill, a restaurant of the Standard Hotel. I ordered the Organic Berkshire Pork Chop with Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Shallots, and Bacon (yummy tummy oh yeah). The Stormy One had the Creekstone Farm New York Strip with Crispy Potatoes with Smoked Paprika Aioli (she seemed to be pleased te he he).

With our hungry satiated, we headed uptown to meet up with Miss Scorsese at Cafe Lalo for dessert. We laughed while The Stormy caused trouble for the clearly flustered waitress.

S

Per usual, Cafe Lalo had a packed house

Sunday:
After church, Chi-Town Stepper and I made the now traditional Sunday stop at Tonnie's in Harlem for cupcakes. But this time, not for myself (Ok I bought and ate 2 before making it down the block). The main purpose of my stop was to pick up a couple of cupcakes for a friend's bday.

The 3 of us headed to the Upper Westside to check out "Our Family Wedding" (trust me, you can wait until the dvd comes out) and then grabbed burgers (turkey w/ mushrooms for me, beef for them) at a spot on Columbus Ave.

And that my friends, was my weekend void of anything remotely responsible in terms of productivity. But I welcomed in spring with open arms!!!!!

Let There Be Light

Happy first Monday of 2010!! It's a new year, a new month, a new week, a new day, and a new chance at being excellent. In other words, a whole lot of newness!! I'm pleased to report that 2010 has gotten off to a great start thus far. The past 24 hours have proven to be especially kind. Life is lighter and brighter. Here's why:

Continue ruminating...

I Am Thankful

It's important to learn to be thankful no matter what's going on, but I must admit I'm pretty excited about what's going on. Here are just a few reasons over the past week I've had to be thankful.

1. While trying to give me "words of wisdom" on personal appearance of all things, the Silver Fox told me he looks so good when goes out that "Men fret and women pet." Yaaasss! LOL. I'm thankful that his sense of humor is still as I remember it. And unintentionally so. That's the best part.
2. I've re-connected with people I do truly care about via FB. I always thought that if you cared about people then you wouldn't lose touch, but life happens and you sometimes do. I'm glad we've linked up.
3. As a life long fan of Disney (I was a bit obsessed), this holiday season I'll finally get to see a princess that looks like me. I think this is great for all the little brown girl Disney fans.
4. I know some pretty awesome people. They are waking up every morning boldly pursuing their dreams and it's encouraging me to do the same.
5. Apparently, I'm on the verge of something big. We all are. That's something to collectively get excited about.
6. The Queen sent a large container of pralines. I've supplemented my breakfast, lunch, and dinner with it each day since. Someone please stage an intervention!!! She's planning to send more goodies!!!
7. The Tator Tot began gymnastics this week. I'm anticipating hilarious stories as a result. And super thankful that her mom recognized a desire in her to enroll her. She is committed to spotting the Tot's gifts, talents, and abilities early on so that she can nurture them.
8. My childhood Loan Officer has a new lady friend and she seems really nice and he seems happy. Smiles on the faces of my loved ones make me giddy!!
9. I have a new outlet for my writing. I'm the New York Life Coach expert on Examiner.com. Please show support and check me out. NY Life Coach Examiner
10. Cajun Spice was here this past weekend and we had a good time. Sadly, she didn't leave anything I could keep for myself. You slipping girl. I'm hoping there's a pair of earrings I haven't found yet laying around.
11. Lastly, I know folks have read about my gushing with joy over things that are happening in my life. But I really want folks to know that nothing about my external situation has changed. I still live in the same small apartment with the same annoying neighbors surrounding me. I still report to my job at the law firm until I can make a smooth transition. I'm still struggling to get my time management under control. I'm still trying to tone my body. My salary is the same as before I started gushing. I'm still trying to make changes in my relationships with friends and family for the better and to be closer to them. And yes, I'm still single! But even with it all, I'm in the happiest place of my life. I know my purpose and I see the shifting taking place in my life to be effective in this world. That in and of itself is worth more than any tangible change in any of the above areas. And it's not something that's exclusive to me. We all can have joy bubbling inside of us and be graced to enjoy everyday life no matter the circumstance.

Code Pink

I woke up this morning on a supernatural high!!! Here's what's happened so far...

1. I literally woke up singing a Lauryn Hill song.
2. I put Lauryn and India.Arie back on my iPod.
3. I smiled at the raspberries in my cereal and hummed as I ate them.
4. I said hi to or smiled at every person I locked eyes with on the way to the train.
5. I smiled on the train all the way downtown.
6. I chuckled at the thought of my reading Alice Walker's menopause poems. Don't judge me...
7. When I got off the train and felt the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze from the river, I literally began to walk with a bop in my step that if only slightly more pronounced, it would've been a skip.
8. I sang out loud walking down the street.
9. I ran into Frederick Douglass and actually said hi to him. Y'all normally he works my last nerve. I wonder if I can get him to pose for a picture so I can prove to you unbelievers he truly exists.
10. I ran into a friend of my old boss who I normally find sleazy and try to avoid whenever possible. I actually had a brief convo with him and wasn't repulsed.
11. I daydreamed about having a picnic with the Tot when I see her later this summer!!!!!!

I hope you guys are having an awesome day!!!!!