Fabulous Life of Lisa Renée

Happy New Year!

2012-01-27T10:17:00.000-05:00

ded•i•cat•ed

adjective

1. wholly committed to something, as to an ideal, political cause, or personal goal: a dedicated artist.

My word for 2012 is dedicated, and already I have started off not being dedicated to my weekly BLOG postings. But I always believe better late than never. Hello 2012 and I’m ready for all the adventures which await me.

December Birthdays…

2011-12-28T16:17:00.000-05:00

Thankfully my birthday is in May, and since I’m not a mother I’m never short changed in the gifts department. However, it seems anyone who has a December birthday always get short changed; and for the ones who birthdays are close to or on Christmas, they are lucky if the birthday’s are even acknowledges.

This year I want to acknowledge all those December birthdays on my blog.

Happy Birthday to all my fabulous December girlfriends:

3rd – Pam

5th – Arlene

8th – Tiare and Laurie

15th – Jamila

21st – Liza

23rd – Camille

24th – Tracey

25th – Lisa

I love you all and my sincerest apologies for not wishing you a personal Happy Birthday or sending you a card, but you are always in my thoughts and prayers.

No Longer Feeling Bah Humbug…

2011-12-09T15:47:00.000-05:00

The lack of Christmas decorations were really starting to put me in a bah humbug mood, but then I saw these decoration in my clients office building and it brought me such pride and joy. The client has recognized every holiday in the month of December – Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

It’s truly a wonderful feeling to see religious recognition and observation in 2011.

Updating my BLOG profile…

2011-12-01T12:13:00.000-05:00

It amazing we don’t see things which are right in front of our eyes. I was looking at my BLOG and realized I needed to change my profile.

When I first created by BLOG it read: I’m a native New Yorker born and raised, who now resides in the Washington, DC area since 2001. I am single with no children, but I have a ton of nieces and nephews who are my world, and they are the major topics and inspirations for my scrapbook layouts.

Updated Version: I'm a native New Yorker born and raised, lived in the Washington, DC area for 10 years, and now reside in Atlanta, Georgia. I am married to the love of my life, who also happened to be a childhood friend whom I reconnected with on Facebook. I have a stepson, and a ton of nieces and nephews who are my world and are the major topics and inspirations for my scrapbook layouts.

I am so blessed and favored, and have a fabulous life I look forward to sharing with you.

Tiare’s Scraps…

2011-11-23T11:45:00.000-05:00

Lasts Friday I took a vacation day from work and spent the day scrapbooking with Tiare (which is why I didn’t update my BLOG). I spent most of the day working on my honeymoon album, but after Tiare created a layout she gave me her scraps (since she always throws they out) to work with.

Here’s the card and layout I created from her scraps:

High Score…

2011-11-04T15:00:00.011-04:00

I recently had a chance to play Ms. Pacman and created a new high score, although in all honesty I only made it to the third board, which shows this generation doesn’t know anything about playing old school video games.

My husband felt nostalgic when he saw the pinball machines, and tried to give his son a lesson on playing. Patrick broke high scores on both the pinball and basketball games; and although he really played well on the pinball machine, I’m not sure breaking a new high score on the kid’s basketball hoop machine counts.

Although Patrick ruled the high score with the games, I kicked butt at laser tag. Here are my men all suited up to play laser tag, let the games begin…

Pumpkin decorating…

2011-11-03T16:27:00.002-04:00

The property where we live is managed by a Christian organization, and they are always having some type of event for their residents to participate in.

In the five months we have lived here, this is the first time we had the opportunity to participate, and Patrick and lil Patrick had a ball decorating their pumpkins.

Don’t they look proud of their finished projects…

10 Years…

2011-11-01T16:26:00.002-04:00

On October 29th I celebrated 10 year with the same company, which is unheard of in today’s economy. It’s hard to believe I’ve been here this long because I usually stay with a company for five years until I’m vested, and then it’s time to move on.

My company has been good to me and I have no regrets for staying this long, I just have to ask myself am I going to stay another 5+ years? I guess time will tell, but if I make it to 15 years I get another week of vacation; I guess that’s something to look forward to.

Southern Belle Farms Part II…

2011-10-30T21:40:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I had a great day with my husband, stepson, scrapbooking sistahs and their families at the Southern Belle Farm.

We went on the Hayrides, Cow Train, Pedal Carts, and Jumping Pillow; went through the Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch; watched the Pig Races; and shoot the Corn Cannon.

Children and adults alike, we all had a ball…

Halloween…

2011-10-29T22:42:00.002-04:00

My new husband doesn’t believe in celebrating Halloween, but I think is a cool holiday and I love the traditions of going treat-or-treating and dressing up. I also don’t think dressing up for a costume party means you are celebrating Halloween, it’s just the perfect time to have a party and put on a costume.

My friends Jeff and Dwight host an annual Halloween party, and I’ve always have a ball. Although this year I will have to miss out on the festivities since traveling to Maryland for the weekend is out of the question.

Last year I went to the party dressed as Medusa, along with school girl Tracey and my rocker niece ShaDora.

Jeff and Dwight like to keep their costumes a secret until the party, but I love how they really get into it…

Southern Belle Farms Part I…

2011-10-28T16:59:00.000-04:00

There is so much to do in my wonderful new state of Georgia and now that autumn has arrived and the weather is a little bit more tolerable for outings, I ready for some new adventures.

Tomorrow we are heading out with my SOC sistahs (you know we are always looking for a new photo opportunity), and their families for a day at Southern Belle Farm.

Check out all the things we get to do, for only $12.00 a person, and I plan on trying to do it all...

I’m exhausted…

2011-10-23T17:49:00.000-04:00

My plan was to post this on Monday, but I’ve just now come to my senses, gotten some much needed sleep, and I am conscious enough to post coherently.

After every Scraps of Color Sistah Retreat, I’m exhausted. Beginning Thursday, the night before the retreat and lasting until Monday night, on average I get about 4 hours of sleep each night. When I finally return home from the retreat I’m still wired and sleep deprived from all the fun, and look forward to doing it all again at the next retreat.

As always, this retreat was awesome, here are some highlights and photos from the weekend.

Breakfast at the Flying Biscuit...

This is what the retreat house looks like before we arrive…

This is that the retreat house looks like once everyone has arrived and unpacked…

During the retreat Saturday is designated pajama day, and we take full advantage of it. During the October retreat we always visit a local scrapbook store and Hobby Lobby, and these visits are always done in our PJ. This year we all wore pink in honor of Breast Cancer awareness. The best part of this outing was when a lady kindly informed us we forgot to get dress this morning, and then thanked us all for wearing pink, as she was a breast cancer survivor - touching.

This past summer Camille and Tiare went to CHA (Craft & Hobby Association Trade Show), and one of the vendors were doing photo sessions with props. Check out our version of using props…

Being the fabulous one in the group, I’m usually always dressed up. On Sunday night we go out for dinner and this year Angie suggested everyone should get dressed up (she loved how everyone looked at my wedding). Tiare didn’t want to make it to fancy, so she sent an e-mail suggesting everyone “cute it up”. How do we look?

On Monday after the retreat these are the remaining usual suspects (we missed you Aysha’s), and we are always up for another photo session. This year I moved to Atlanta and this amazing backdrop sits in my backyard…

2011-10-21T10:43:00.000-04:00

We loved our wedding photographer Taun Henderson.

Check out our 5 Minute Wedding Video on his blog.

Please be sure to leave a comment.

Scraps of Color Sistah Retreat #11

2011-10-13T10:51:00.000-04:00

Where does the time go? It seems with each passing birthday, time is flying by way too fast. I still remember when I was a child; Easter, Christmas and summer vacation seemed like eternity to come. Now as an adult I feel if a blink to long I going to miss the entire year.

I began scrapbooking eight years and I have been going to Georgia to scrapbook with Scraps of Color Sistahs since October 2006. The Sistah Retreats take place twice a year, in May and October. The Sistah Retreat are two of the highlights of the year, because we spend 48 hours, and over the past couple of years 72 hours together; laughing, playing, dancing, eating, listening to music, watching movies, telling stories, sleep deprived, and oh yea - creating . We do all of this naturally without any enhancements from drugs or alcohol (although some of the women need their caffeine fix), but when you have 14 phenomenal women together in one room you don’t need anything artificial.

In five years I have had to miss two retreats. The first one was retreat #2, because Tiare (yes once again I’m putting you on blast and not letting it go) had originally picked one date and then several months later, after I had booked a work conference based on her original date, she moved it and I was unable to come. The second retreat I missed was #6, which is all on me, but then I do have a good excuse. After years of going to college, I finally graduated on May 16, 2009, which happened to be the same weekend of the retreat and my birthday. Because of the May date the retreat usually fall on or around my birthday, and I have celebrated many of birthday’s with my sistah’s at the retreat. However, mommy dearest, as well as other family members were not going to allow me to go to the retreat and miss my graduation. I originally had mixed feeling about not going to the retreat, but I have to admit I had the BEST graduation party ever.

I now live in Georgia, so I no longer have to incur the additional cost of flying to each sistah retreat and limited to the amount of things I can bring. Now I can bring my entire scrapbook room (I’m not going to), and I will now chauffer Camille and Angie around, since they have always chauffeured me in the past.

The fun begins today at 6:00 p.m. when Camille arrives and continues until Monday, at 8:00 p.m., when I drop her and Angie back off at the airport. I’m so looking forward to the weekend let the fun begin Scraps of Color Sistah Retreat #11. Our sistah Aysha has to miss this retreat, but we look forward to seeing her at Retreat #12.

Here’s a photo from Sistah Retreat #8 the year Tiare began expanding the retreat from Sunday to Monday. Our flights weren’t until late in the evening, so Tiare was stuck with us until then. With time on our hand and a much needed trip to Archivers, we headed out to her house in Woodstock and did an impromptu photo session. We had a ball…

Facebook Fan…

2011-10-10T09:55:00.000-04:00

Some people are not a fan of Facebook, especially with all the constant changes they are making lately, but I’m a true fan and supporter. Typically I like to play the games, look at family and friends random posts and pictures, and occasionally post a status update.

One year ago, on October 6th, Patrick sent me a message on Facebook to call him. It was 11:15 at night, and I didn’t know if he was married, but since he was up and online I decided to give him a call, and if a woman answered I was prepared to apologize

Thankfully, Patrick answered the phone, he was single, and lived alone. That first night we talked for over two hours and a relationship bloomed. Who know a quick message on Facebook would one year later turn into us being married. My answer is always God knew and allowed us to come together in His time. We are so blessed and we continue to thank God for His continued blessings and favor.

This past Thursday we celebrated our first “Happy thank God I called you Anniversary”! Today we celebrate our One Month Anniversary! I’m not going to bore you all with continuing to count each month, but I thought these two were worth mentioning.

I love you Patrick…

Shout out to my NYC & Me Sistahs…

2011-10-01T09:44:00.000-04:00

It seems like I haven’t scrapbooked in years. However I scrapbooked at least once this summer with my SOC Atlanta sistahs, although I didn’t accomplish much.

I miss my NYC & Me Sistahs - Camille , Joy , Aysha, Natalie and Aunt Pat . For over two years we would scrapbook faithfully once a month, not counting the various crops, scrapbook tradeshows and conferences we attended. These are some phenomenal women, who are very talented, and were my inspiration and motivation to get my scrapbooking projects done. I can’t recall the last time this year we were all together and scrapbooked, but it has been a while, and I am really missing those fun days right about now.

I will always be an honoree member of the NYC & Me group, but since I have moved from Maryland I am no longer able to scrapbook with them once a month. Thankfully I have my SOC Atlanta sistahs, who I have known for over six years and have scrapbooked with twice a year at the bi-annual SOC sistah retreat organized by Tiare.

I’m shouting out to my NYC & Me Sistahs because it's the first Saturday of the month, which is when we usually met to scrapbook. I know it’s been hard for the regular 1st Saturday meetings to take place since our local scrapbook store closed, but I hope you ladies are still finding time to get together each month and scrapbook. After all, this was our “we” time to get together to laugh, cry, share, inspire, motivate, eat, create, and most of all fellowship. Ladies, we all know and accept family comes first; but it’s also important we remember friendships are essential to our existence and mental health, and we need to find the time to nurture these relationships by finding and spending time with friends.

Today, I am going to a crop with Tiare and I wanted to let my NYC & Me Sistahs know I love you, I miss you, and you are always on my mind and in my prayers. So tomorrow, when I randomly break out in laughter, or smile, it will be because I thought of my NYC & Me Sistahs and all the crazy times we have had.

Two weeks later…

2011-09-23T20:03:00.001-04:00

I’m determined not to get back into a bad habit of not updating my BLOG regularly (for me about once a week) and letting two weeks pass is more than enough time. However, I’m sure most of you will forgive me as I was married two weeks ago tomorrow.

I love my new husband and it sounds so good to say the word “husband”. However, I now have to get used to saying the word husband, because for seven months I call him my fiancé. Twice this week I have referred to him as my fiancé, and both times I stood corrected.

What I love hearing even more, is people call me Mrs. Wiggins . I love my new last name and I’m sure it won’t take me long to get used to it.

Here are some photos from our Big Day taken by our guest…

1 Day…

2011-09-09T08:37:00.001-04:00

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and marrying the love of my life. He is such a wonderful man and I thank God for him every single day.

To my traveling family and friends I hope to see you tonight at the rehearsal dinner, if not I will see you all tomorrow at the wedding.

God, please continue to bless, watch over and protect my family and friends as they travel to Atlanta.

I’m a little sad some members of my family and a few friends could not make it to the wedding, but I know you are with us in spirit.

Rest in Peace Daddy. I know you are up there watching over and protecting your baby girl.

2 Days…

2011-09-08T01:04:00.002-04:00

My bridal party is coming into town today. God I pray you will protect them all in the travels and allow them to travel safe and soundly without any incidents or issues. I love you guys and thank you for agreeing to stand beside me on my wedding day.

Tonight we are hosting a meet and greet dinner with the bridal party and our families. Most of my family and friends have not met Patrick and are looking forward to meeting the man who was a stole my heart. I’m also getting the chance to meet Patrick’s stepmother and sister.

I’m posting early because I know time will get away from me, but I hope to post some pictures later.

3 Days…

2011-09-08T01:03:00.000-04:00

Mommy Dearest arrived today! Thank you God for watching over her and blessing me with such a wonderful mother. It feels so good to have her here and already she has jumped right in and started helping me out, but then I expected nothing less because she always gives 100%.

Today was another difficult day as I received the news my father passed away. I knew it was coming when they placed him in hospice two weeks ago, but a part of me though he would keep on fighting, but the other part of me know he was ready to go home to the Lord, because he had been suffering for such a long time.

My dad wasn’t going to make it the wedding because of his health, but I was looking forward to sending him the video of the ceremony. Although he will never see me get married, I find comfort in knowing my dad will be there in spirit along with Patrick’s mother, watching over us.

Today was also the day they buried my Grandmother in Washington, DC. I can’t believe a mother and her son died exactly one week apart. I have not really been able to identify what I’m feeling or allowed myself time to grief, but my faith is strong and I know God will carry me through this too.

I love and will miss you daddy, and am thankful God gave us a second chance.

4 Days…

2011-09-06T20:31:00.000-04:00

The temperature here in ATL is 64 degrees and it’s been raining since yesterday. The highlight to having all this rain now, is it’s supposed to be 83 degrees and sunny on Saturday. Please God.

Today my final headcount was due, and no sooner did I give the number to the hotel, I find out two people are no longer coming. I just want to know, do people think wedding are free and if you don’t show up it doesn’t cost the host anything? I’m just asking. Well I’m not going to let them steal my joy, which is another reason why I dropped my guest number by 8.

I’m so looking forward to tomorrow, it’s my last day of work until September 19th. I’m so looking forward to having the time off, getting married and going on my honeymoon. Add to that Mommy Dearest will be here – YEA!!!

Another picture from our engagement photo session:

5 Days…

2011-09-05T20:03:00.000-04:00

Time is flying by to quickly! I’m actually starting to feel nervous. I’m not nervous about marrying the love of my life, but nervous about the ton of things I still need to do and fearing I’m not going to get it all done in time, but I have to let go and let God.

I have the best man in the world! I had some errands to do today, and he gladly agreed to come along. As a reward I treated him to a manicure and pedicure. During the manicure and pedicure there were tornado warnings in the Atlanta area, but by the time we finished they had passed our area, so we decided to continue with our errands. While we were in Wal-Mart, they were more tornado warnings, and they asked all employees and shoppers to head to the center of the store where it was safe. The warning seemed to last forever, but thank God it was lifted and everyone was safe. Patrick always tell me “why pray if you are going to worry”, while we were in the store I had him say a prayer for us and I was no longer worried. Thank you God for this wonderful man, I am so looking forward to becoming his wife.

6 Days…

2011-09-04T15:40:00.000-04:00

We went to church today and the next Sunday we enter the church we will be husband and wife. Patrick has been a member of NSOF for almost four years and three of the thing he wanted for our wedding was to be married in his church, Pastor Battle officiate and Regina Bell sing. We are only going to get two out of his three requests, because Regina Bell has to be in Washington DC to perform, so she won’t be able to make the ceremony. However, Regina has agreed to come by the church on Friday night for the rehearsal dinner to meet our family and friends.

Here another photo from our engagement photo session:

7 Days…

2011-09-04T15:35:00.001-04:00

I can’t believe our wedding is just 7 days away. This time next week I will be sitting in the beauty parlor getting my hair did, contemplating the day ahead of me.

I am constantly asked if “are you nervous” and my answer is always the same “NO”. I have no doubt in my mind I love this man and he loves me. I don’t really feel stressed either, just constantly thinking of all the things I need to do before the Big Day.

Today is day 2 of my 4 day Labor Day weekend and my plans today are to stay home and check the following things of my check list:

   1. Clean house
   2. Laundry
   3. Organize and clean the guest room
   4. Finish wrapping bridal party gift
   5. Print menu cards
   6. Pick up seating chart
   7. Make Andrea’s birthday gift

8 Days…

2011-09-03T00:51:00.000-04:00

Only 20 minutes to go (when I starting writing this) and we are down to 7 days. I was off from work today, but I spent the entire day running around doing errands for the Big Day. Every time I think I’m done, there is always something else to add to the list.

Patrick and I attempted to go get our marriage license today, but in order to save $50 off of the licensing fee, we need to get a signed letter signed from the pastor. Considering all the other expenses we have, we agreed waiting a few extra days is worth the savings.

Although I spent the entire day running around, the highlight to coming home was the packages we had waiting at the front door. Thank you mommy and ShaDora for our champagne glasses and cake cutting set – we love them.

Here’s another photo from our engagement photo session:

9 Days…

2011-09-01T12:40:00.000-04:00

Today is a day of mixed feelings. I am in the single digit days until my wedding and marrying the love of my life; and received the news this morning my paternal Grandmother passed away late last night.

Although saddened by the loss, my grandmother was a strong, feisty woman, who was difficult to get close to, but she lived a very long life. She buried six of her eight children, and I find comfort in knowing she is going home and will once again be close to them.

As I try to recall fond memories I have of my grandmother, I am brought back to my early childhood. My dad’s family all lived in Washington, DC, and we were the only ones who lived in NYC. I remember as a child the many trips we would take down South for no reason at all, or to spend countless holidays with our DC family. Just about every occasion and holiday was spent at Grandma’s house, and all I can think of is all the wonderful smelling and tasting foods, and how much fun I had being around all my aunts, uncles and cousins. Those good old days ended when I was about 10 years old when my parents separated, and my Grandfather and Uncle Kirk died. These are the fond childhood memories I will always hold on to, because this was a time when I didn’t realize the bad in the world, there was a lot of love and I lived my life looking through the rose colored glasses.

As an adult, my grandmother and I were never able to connect and I always felt she was cold and distant to me and most of the women in the family. However, she doted on the men in the family, as if they were kings and princes. I will never understand or now know why she was that way, but I will find solace in knowing when I graduated from college in 2009, she was proud of me and sent me my first ever card telling me so.

It is said God gives us what we can handle. I love the Lord, and I am working everyday to get stronger in His word and in my faith. As I try to deal with my grandmother’s passing in my own way, I am brought back to one of my favorite poems Footprints.

Footprints
Carolyn Carty, 1963

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed He was walking along the beach with the LORD. Across the sky flashed scenes from His life. For each scene He noticed two sets of footprints in the sand. One belonging to Him and the other to the LORD.

When the last scene of His life flashed before Him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of His life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times of His life.

This really bothered Him and He questioned the LORD about it. LORD you said that once I decided to follow you, you'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed you most you would leave me.

The LORD replied, my precious, precious child, I Love you and I would never leave you! During your times of trial and suffering when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.

Bye Grandma…

Grandma with her two great granddaughters Martequa and ShaDora in May 2009.

10 Days…

2011-08-31T16:58:00.000-04:00

What took seven months to plan in now 10 days away. No, I have not become a bridezilla and although my list is still long and I have a ton of thing to do, I am hanging in there and not stressed out – yet. Thank you God for this wonderful man.

On Saturday, August 6th we had our Engagement Photo session with Taun Henderson and had a great time and enjoyed the experience. This is one of ours and the photographer’s favorite photos. They say a picture says 1000 words, but that’s not the case in this photo. Patrick had been doing one of his Zoolander (a movie with Ben Stiller) poses and I wanted to see how he looked but didn’t want to lose my pose, so instead of looking back, I glanced back with my eyes to see what he was doing when the photographer took the shoot. We laugh every time we see it and Patrick insist this has to be one of the photos we hang in the house.

Disappointed…

2011-07-26T11:13:00.000-04:00

I was reading my girlfriend Camille's BLOG, and become disappointed with myself for letting my BLOG go for so long. When I first started Blogging I was excited about journal, and telling & sharing my stories with family and friends. Although I have a ton of excuses why I haven’t been updating, I have to let it go and move forward from here.

Here’s what been happening…

1. On February 12th, I got engaged to the love of my life Patrick and we are now 46 days away from being husband and wife.

2. Memorial Day weekend Patrick came to move me to our new home in Atlanta, Georgia.

3. June 20th I was able to transfer with my company, received a promotion and started my new job.

These are just the life changing things I have experienced; so much more has happened in the past 6 months that I’m still overwhelmed and can only thank God for carrying me through.
With 46 days remaining until the wedding I can’t guarantee how often I will be updating my BLOG, but I feel good about taking another first step. I have a lot of events coming before the Big Day, so I may not always be able to share the story, but there will be plenty of pictures.

Thank you Camille for motivating and showing me the way and setting me back in the right direction.

Happy New Year – Welcome 2011…

2011-01-06T12:27:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and has exciting plans for the New Year.

I had a wonderful holiday and spent a week in Atlanta, Georgia. This was the first time bringing in the New Year in Atlanta, and before going to church I was able to spend some of New Years Eve with my ATL Scraps of Color sistahs (Tiare, Moanica, Melissa, Gwendolyn and Erika) and their spouses, at Tiare and Robert’s house. I brought in the New Year with the love of my life at New Shield of Faith Church. The New Year started wonderfully and I’m looking forward to all it has to offer, because I am truly blessed and highly favored, and know God has great plans for me.

Each year on Scraps of color, we are tasked with picking a word for the New Year. This year my word is going to be PATIENCE.

pa•tience–noun
1. the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
2. an ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay: to have patience with a slow learner.
3. quiet, steady perseverance; even-tempered care; diligence: to work with patience.

As a woman who is not married and doesn’t have any children, I have grown up with the need for instant gratification, and if I want it I get it. I didn’t believe in waiting and saving, I just put it on the credit card and keep it moving. I believe “it’s all about me”. Although I don’t have many regrets about my purchases and decisions, I do realize I need to start planning and preparing for my future and learning to be patience. I also need to learn how to be more patience of the people around me, both with my family and friends, and strangers. I am a continued work in progress and I know finding patience is going to be a task for me, but it is one I really need to work on. I’ll keep you updated on my progress…

My ATL Scraps of Color Sistahs

Sorry BLOG…

2010-11-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

I had been away, but I’m back.

For a while I was on track with keeping my BLOG updated, but then busy season started at work. I work for an accounting firm and when our clients close their books on September 30th, we have until November 15th to issue our reports. Well our reports have been issued and we are in the final stages of cleaning up and getting our lives back in order.

One of the starts of me getting my life back in order is once again keeping my BLOG updated. Thanksgiving is only two days away and I have some fun and exciting things planned, so I should have some interesting topics to write about… stay tuned.

Back from Scraps of Color Sistah Retreat #9…

2010-10-21T17:02:00.000-04:00

Let me first preface with my Scraps of Color Sistahs are phenomenal!!! I love you girls.

As we each passing retreat, once again I had the most amazing time. This year Camille, Aysha, Angie, and I were the first ones to arrive at the house, and therefore we were all able to secure bottom bunks, and this was just the perfect start to an amazing weekend.

On Fridays, at the start of the retreat it’s all about securing your bed, greeting each other, sharing love, catching up and getting unpacked. After dinner, everyone is ready to kick it in gear and start creating, and is prepared to stay up all night, usually with the last person shutting it down around 5:00 in the morning. After not having much sleep for the past week in a half, due to very long phone conversations catching up with a childhood friend, I was sleep deprived, but I was on such a natural high about this trip I just kept it moving. Usually, I’m one of the last to go to bed, but after being up for over 24 hours (the night before the trip I didn’t fall asleep until after midnight, and had to get up at 3:21 a.m. for a 6:00 a.m. flight) I couldn’t stay up past 4:00 in the morning.

Rise and shine around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning and the fun begins all over again. Each October, we take a field trip to the Local Scrapbook Store and Hobby Lobby in our PJ’s. When we return to the house we check out each other’s purchases and again begin trying to be creative. Our fearless leader Tiare is all about eating healthy, exercising, loving our hearts & self, and breast cancer awareness; and in some way, either through conversation or activities, she tries to incorporate all of these aspects into each retreat. There are several challenges and projects we create as a group, and this year we had to make a bra card. These women are talented and the cards turned out amazing. Every retreat we have to dance and it’s usually the Cha-Cha slide, but this year we learned a new dance called the wobble, and everyone had a ball. We were supposed to jump double-dutch, but Tiare forgot the rope, a blessing in disguise. Still sleep deprived I retired about 3:30 a.m., only to wake up at 7:45 a.m. Sunday morning.

Usually the retreat ends on Sunday at 3:00, but this year Tiare extended our retreat until Monday, at noon. However, Monica, Brenda and Donna had to leave… and then there were 11. The festivities continued throughout the day, with us taking a break at 6:00 p.m. to go to dinner at Longhorn. We never go out to dinner during the retreat as meals our included in our regular stay, but we all agreed this would be a nice change to venture out. Dinner was great, and we all maintained our inside, around company voices while dinning. By 2:00 a.m., I could no longer see straight or talk coherently, so I went to bed (my earliest retreat bed time ever).

Monday morning and the retreat ends at 12:00 noon, so it’s time to get packed up and ready to leave. Most of the ladies all head for home, but Tiare, Angie, and the NYC & Me ladies (Camille, Aysha and I) continue on with our adventure. We all head to Woodstock, Georgia were Tiare lives and have breakfast at J Alexander’s, did an impromptu photo session, hang at Tiare’s house for a while, and ended our trip with a stop at Archiver’s, all before heading to the airport for our trip back home to Maryland.

Although I love every single retreat, this year’s retreat was one of my all favorites. I can’t wait until May 2011 to do it all again.

Aysha, Camille, Tiare, Lisa Renee and Angie

Heading to Sistah Retreat #9…

2010-10-14T16:21:00.000-04:00

In October 2006, I attended my first Scraps of Color (SOC) Sistah Retreat in Georgia. I had known Tiare (SOC creator) and most of the ladies from the SOC message board for about a year, but had never met them in the real world. I was excited about attending the retreat, but nervous about meeting the ladies face-to-face. Needless to say I quickly found out there was nothing for me to be worried about, because instant friendships were formed, and four years later these friendships still exist and are stronger than ever. Twice a year, in May and October, I look forward to my weekend retreat with my sistahs.

ATL here I come…

Cupcake Craze…

2010-10-08T12:11:00.000-04:00

It seems cupcakes have become the latest craze especially in NYC, LA and DC with such shops as Crumbs , Red Velvet, and curbside cupcakes . I’ve been asked “what’s all the craze about cupcakes”; and my explanation is because of their size, the cupcakes allow you to have more than one at a time, and you can try the many different varieties, like the ones pictured here.

I have been to all three shops, and to date my favorite one is Crumbs, although the other two are tied for second place. Quiani (partner food critic) and I have vowed to make the sacrifice and try all the different cupcakes shops, and ultimately pick our favorite one, and rate the rest.

Stay tuned…

Photos of Curbside's cupcakes: classic chocolate, classic vanilla, carrot cake, red velvet, lemon, peanut butter and German chocolate

Q, trying the red velvet

Farewell Yolanda…

2010-10-07T11:53:00.000-04:00

I have worked with Yolanda for several years, and over these years our friendship has grown to a point where I consider her to be a lifelong friend. She has left the company for a better opportunity, where I know she will be a huge success and I wish her the best of luck. I will miss having her near, but I know we will still see each other often and our friendship will sustain.

Yolanda’s farewell happy hour at Oya’s…

Me & Yolanda

Yolanda & Quiani

Made for Q…

2010-10-01T13:20:00.000-04:00

Quiani and I are always hanging out and like me she always travels with her camera, but unlike me she always remembers to take her camera out and get the pictures. As a reward, here’s the mini book I made for my while we were out celebrating Dwight’s Birthday at Zanzibar’s, here are some of the pages.

Front Cover

Q & Me

Jeff, Q, Dwight & Me

Me, Tony & Q

There's a story to this...

Apples to apple pie…

2010-09-29T16:48:00.000-04:00

Since we did all the hard work picking the apples, mommy dearest agreed to make the apple pie and cobbler. Now I know my mother can cook and bake, so I knew everything would taste great, but who know she would also make it all so pretty, you almost don’t want to eat it… but we did.

Apple picking…

2010-09-28T12:18:00.000-04:00

I don’t know why, but for as long as I can remember I have always wanted to go apple picking, but I never really shared this thought with anyone. About a week ago my niece Daijah mentioned she wanted to go apple picking, and a wonderful opportunity presented itself. As I started discussing this with a few of my friends, I quickly found out they too wanted to go apple picking, so I needed to plan an outing.

September 22nd through the 25th we were enjoying a wonderful Indian summer in the D-M-V with temperatures in the 90’s, and didn’t want to spend it inside. Since we didn’t have anything specific planned, Daijah, ShaDora, Tracey and I went to Larriland Farms (http://www.pickyourown.com/). Not only did we get the chance to pick three different types of apples (Ida Red, Empire and Golden Delicious), we also picked raspberries, broccoli and beets.

It was a hot day, but a wonderful adventure, and everyone enjoyed themselves and we look forward to going back next year.

Here are some photos from our pickings:

Defining Scrapbooking…

2010-09-27T12:38:00.000-04:00

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of photographs, printed media, and memorabilia contained in decorated albums, or scrapbooks.
I love scrapbooking, but this really is a vague definition when describing the hobby as a whole. When I first started scrapbooking in 2004 I only created 12x12 layouts. Fast forward and I now create 8x8 and 6x6 layouts, cards, minibooks, and various altered projects. Although I love creating all these different types of project; I would have to say my true passion is creating mini books and altered projects.

There are times when I’m just not feeling creative or in the mood to make a layout, and when these days occur I make minibooks and altered projects. Making minibooks and altered projects without pictures allows me to create freely; without having to take into consideration does the paper match the photos, which photos to use, which event to scrapbook, etc. Instead the projects are done and whatever pictures I finally decide to use, I make them work.

My NYC & Me ladies always make me feel good when I complete a project because of their lovely compliments. They always say how hard it is to create without pictures, but I must be rubbing off on them, because more of them have started making the blank minibooks.

Not only is making minibooks and altered projects a passion, its slowly becoming an obsession I need to work on. I love making these minibooks and altered projects so much, I must have about 30 completed projects and enough material to make 50 more. This past summer I started working on my obsession, and began giving away projects as gift to friends who I have spent time. I have only given away six thus far, but it’s a work in progress.

Here is an altered acrylic layout I created of my lovely niece Vanessa on her 22nd birthday:

Restaurant Week in DC...

2010-09-08T08:51:00.002-04:00

August 16th - 22nd was Restaurant Week in DC, and I had an opportunity to dine out six times with various family and friends. Although Ruth's Chris is one of my all time favorite restaurants, I tried four new ones: Potenza, PS 7's, 14K Restaurant and Lounge, and Lia's. I thoroughly enjoyed each of these restaurants, but would pick PS 7's and Lia's as two of my new favorites. I dinned at Ruth's Chris twice, once in DC and the other in Annapolis, and found it interesting each restaurant offered different menu items, which made it worth visiting two locations.

I enjoyed dinning with everyone, but the most memorable dinner was the one I had with my niece Vanessa, to celebrate her 22nd birthday. This was the first time we dined alone (I'm usually dinning with her, her parents and three brothers), and I was impressed with the woman she has become, the conversation we had, learning about her plans for the future, and seeing how confident, secure and determined she is, which I don't think I was at her age. I have watched Vanessa grow all her life, and she is so unlike most people her age and already a phenomenal woman, but then I'm not surprised, this has always been her character and her parents have done a wonderful job raising all their children.

Isn't she lovely...

CHA Chicago…

2010-08-19T16:12:00.001-04:00

I have been scrapbooking for over six years, and I am so happy I have found this fabulous hobby. Scrapbooking is my peace and has introduced to me to some wonderful and talented women from all over the United States.

In July, I had the opportunity to attend CHA (Craft & Hobby Association) Trade Show in Rosemont, Illinois with some of my NYC & Me Scrapbooking Sistah’s. While in Rosemont, we met up with Angie, who I have known for about five years; and I had the opportunity to meet two of my Illinois Sistah’s who are on the Scraps of Color Message board. We had a great time together, and one of the best things about being scrapbookers are you instantly bond with one another as if you have known each other forever.

Pictured: Angie (Michigan, via Georgia, via California), Me, Camille (Maryland via NYC), Joy (Maryland), Naudja and Monico (both from Illinois)

Checking in with an quick update...

2010-08-06T12:21:00.003-04:00

When you are living a Fabulous life, it’s hard to remember to update my BLOG.

I can’t believe we are in August, and I have not updated my BLOG since May. Although, I try to get better at updating it, the time always gets away from me.

Well I’ll try to give a brief update of what has been going on over the past two months:

June:
Checked out the Sex in the City movie; scrapbooked; attended two BBQ at Jamila’s; a Ladies Friday Night Outing; movie club; and the Great American Scrapbook Convention.

July:
In NYC for a long 4th of July weekend; my niece Amor visited for the month; scrapbooked; organized a Friday Night Fish Fry Party; Skated for the Cure lost power, water and AC in my apartment and stayed at my Aunt Pat’s house; went to Chicago to attend my first CHA (Craft and Hobby Association) Trade Show with Camille, Joy and Aunt Pat; met two SOC Sistahs Naudja and Monico while in Chicago; and got to spend some time with Angie to celebrate her birthday.

Needless to say, these are just a few of the highlights. The summer has been great, and now I’m on fast forward trying to get it all in before it ends.

Stay tuned as I’ll try to keep you updated...

Ladies Night…

2010-05-27T09:07:00.005-04:00

Thanks to my girlfriend Yolanda, this year I decided to host a Ladies Only Birthday Dinner to celebrate the occasion. I couldn’t have pulled it off without help from Mommy Dearest, and my two nieces ShaDora and Daijah, and thanks to them everything turned out wonderful. Everyone said they had a great time and plenty to eat.

The menu consisted of flank steak, salmon, broccoli, zucchini, portabella mushrooms, Spanish rice (thanks Camille), baked potatoes, strawberry trifle (which Daijah made with a little help) and a double chocolate cake from Ms. Desserts (thanks cousin Michelle).

Family and Friends in attendance: Mommy Dearest, nieces ShaDora and Daijah, Aunts Pat and Wendy, Cousins Michelle and Kelli, Tracey, Camille, Liza, Pamela, Mariama, Lisa S., Aysha, Quiani, Yolanda,

I had a fabulous birthday, which I can’t wait to scrapbook.

Future Idol Star…

2010-05-23T15:40:00.005-04:00

My niece is something else and destined for great things in her future. On May 21st her school hosted their first Idol contest and she performed No One by Alicia Keys. When she first began singing, her voice cracked from nervousness, but she was able to overcome it, and rocked the song.

There was no official winner of the contest, but in our eyes she was the Idol Winner, and as proof Mommy Dearest, ShaDora and I presented her with flowers.

I’m so proud of her!

Cinco de Mayo…

2010-05-07T09:53:00.004-04:00

After wrapping up our annual daylong conference at work, the group decided to go out for a Happy Hour. Although a Mexican restaurant would have been ideal to celebrate the day, we knew they would be crowded, so instead we ordered Mexican food for lunch and had our Happy Hour at Finn & Porter.
These are some of the wonderful people I work with.

Another month later...

2010-05-06T10:43:00.001-04:00

Here I go again and another month has passed since I have last updated my BLOG. Time is flying by way to fast.

Last month I posted pictures of the photo block I made for Quiani, but I don’t want you all to think I left Adrion out. When I tried my hand at altering tiles I thought this would be a perfect gift for a male. Check out the tile I made for Adrion, which he has proudly displayed on his desk.

Happy Hour…

2010-04-06T16:29:00.009-04:00

Thanks to my two co-workers and friends, Adrion and Quiani, I get the chance to enjoy an occasional Happy Hour after work. Most people in the DMV run home when they get off, but not these two, we will use any excuse to hang out after work, even if it’s just for half an hour. The three of us love to eat, and thanks to them I have started to enjoy an occasional drink after work.

Typically, we go across the street from the office to enjoy a drink and sushi, but this night we ventured out to Buffalo Wild Wings. We must have hung out for about three hour, and we were having a ball. Although I’m an avid scrapbooker, I always forget to take pictures of random events, but thanks to Quiani I have photos from that night.

I’m always looking for new ways to scrapbook and alter projects, and during the monthly NYC & Me March crop I tried two new projects: altering tile and creating a cube. These projects are great gifts for events with minimal pictures.

Here are photos of the cube I completed and made for Quiani as a gift (which “she loved”).

10 Random Things about me…

2010-04-05T13:36:00.003-04:00

The Scraps of Color message board created a weekly challenge, to get all of us Sistahs with BLOGs to keep them updated. This is a perfect challenge for me to participate in, especially since updating it was one of my intentions for the year, and I have not been following through.

To start of the first challenge, here are 10 Random Things about me:

I love to Scrapbook
I don’t like for my food to touch
When I’m mad, my reaction is to shut down and get quiet
I’m a true Taurus the Bull – Stubborn, Bullheaded and Demanding
I’m a loyal, true, dedicated and faithful friend
I couldn’t have made it this far without my Girlfriends
I’m very sensitive, and as a result I try very hard not to says things that may hurt people’s feelings, but by not saying anything sometimes comes at my expense
My favorite foods are Chocolate, Steak and Fried Chicken
I Graduated from College on May 16, 2009 – which was also my Birthday
I no longer like living alone, and have a house full of family members living with me.

6 Weeks Later...

2010-03-26T12:58:00.006-04:00

I can’t believe the snow storm of 2010 happened six weeks ago and I have not updated my BLOG since. Where does the time go? Just last month we had a snow storm and some areas in the DMV (DC-Maryland-Virginia) received up to four feet of snow, and this past weekend the temperature hit the high 70’s.

Well I’m back on track and I have some good things to share. This past weekend my niece Martequa came down to visit from NYC to celebrate her 25th birthday. Our original plans were to celebrate in Las Vegas, but since she was involved in a car accident last November, we had to put those plans on the back burner. Therefore, Auntie had to make some new plans:

On Friday, Martequa, Matthew, Tracey and I went to the National Zoo and enjoyed a packed lunch. It was in the 70’s and sunny, so it was a great day for an outing. Afterwards, we picked up my other niece Daijah and headed to the mini golf course. We all played a round, and of course I kicked their butts. Then we headed to Chick-fil-a for dinner, because Tracy had never been there before. We had left the house at 10:30 that morning and didn’t return until 10:30 that night.

On Saturday, Martequa and I met up with my girlfriend Jamila. First we attended a Pampered Chef party in Owens Mills and neither Martequa or Jamila had ever attended one before, they both enjoyed themselves, the company and the tasty foods we got to sample. Jamila was so impressed and saw several items she wanted to purchases, that now she is hosting a party next month. After the party we drove around for a while and then went to Stoney River in Towson for dinner. As always Jamila and I enjoyed a nicely prepared steak and sides, and Martequa tried and liked the blackened grouper. We were all stuffed after dinner and no one wanted dessert, but the restaurant did not disappoint me, they brought Martequa a dessert with a candle. As always another great restaurant choice. Afterwards we headed back to Jamila’s house for a while to chat and chill. Saturday was another busy day, as once again we were out of the house around 11:00 a.m. and didn’t return until 11:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 21st was Martequa’s Birthday. Martequa, Matthew, Daijah and I went to the library and spent several hours at the park. To celebrate her birthday I cooked dinner (lamb, fresh spinach, noodles, portabella mushrooms and tomatoes and Mozzarella) and we were joined by Mommy Dearest, Aunt Pat, Cousin Kelli and my girlfriend Tracey. To top off the evening we sang Happy Birthday and had ice cream cake. Although a relatively subdued birthday, I know Martequa had a great time, in fact she is now considering moving down to the DMV. I’m keeping it in my prayers she will come.

One-by-one, I am determined to get my entire family down here.

Zoo Pictures:

Happy Birthday Martequa

Winter Wonderland…

2010-02-09T01:08:00.011-05:00

As a native New Yorker I’m used to Snow Blizzards, but this was the first Blizzard (February 5-6, 2010) I experienced since moving to Maryland in 2001. According to the news reports this was one for the history books as the DC area received between 24” – 30” of snow, and we are expected to get another 10”- -20" in another day or so. Although I hate the cold and everything associated with winter, I do love the look of freshly fallen snow in all its wonder.

After the blizzard I had been in the house for over 48 hours, and although I was far from getting cabin fever, because I was enjoying being indoors watching TV and scrapbooking, I had to go out and take some photos of God works of art.

New Roommates…

2010-01-27T12:07:00.003-05:00

To start of 2010, my first born niece ShaDora and her daughter Daijah moved in with me and my mother. In this economy everyone needs a helping hand and I’m thankful I have the space to welcome them both. ShaDora is grown and into her own thing, but my little Dai is only 11 years old and is she is so easy to love, get along with, mild mannered, very loving and affectionate. It’s only been a few weeks of our new living arrangements, but so far things are going well… thank God we all have our own rooms.

All of my nieces love that I scrapbook and enjoy looking at my layouts – especially the ones they are in, and occasionally the younger ones will scrapbook too. Dai is so excited about living with me and getting the opportunity to make her own scrapbook, that on her first day of school in Maryland she told me I should take a her picture of her so I could scrapbook it. I love that little girl.

Here’s the photo of her first day, although I need to get started on doing her layout.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010!!!

2010-01-07T17:15:00.007-05:00

I pray you and your family member had a blessed, safe and Happy New Year.

I spent the New Year in New York City with Bryan, and this was his first visit to New York. I got the chance to see my family and a few friends, but unfortunately the trip started with me getting sick. Although sick I was a soldier during our visit, I partied into the New Year, had dinner at Aunt Pat’s and took Bryan on a car tour of the City.

Bryan’s tour of New York included leaving Co-op City in the Bronx and taking in the following sites: Hunt’s Point; the South Bronx; across 125th street; across 116th street (to find Make My Cake – a black owned bakery which makes the best cakes); down Central Park West; across Central Park South; down 5th Avenue (I had to show him the Plaza Hotel, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and the tree, and all the wonderful Christmas decorations); across 42nd Street to Times Square; down 8th Avenue; across 34th Street (to see Madison Square Garden, Macy’s and the Empire State Building); onto the FDR Drive and across the Brooklyn Bridge (Bryan had to go to Brooklyn, although we only went in about two miles in before turning around); back into Manhattan to 72nd Street to Dallas BBQ for beef ribs and drinks; up Third Avenue and back home to Co-op. It was about 20 degrees in NYC so we weren’t able to walk around, but I promised we’d go back again when the weather was much nicer.

2009 had been a trying year for everyone with the economy in a bad state, many people losing their jobs, taking pay cuts and not receiving any pay raises. Well it’s time for a change and I am claiming 2010 as the year of “New Beginnings and Great Starts.”

These are some photos of the tour taken from the car:

Is it really December 29, 2009?

2009-12-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

How is it possible I haven’t updated my BLOG in almost two months? I always get on my fellow Bloggers about not keeping their Blogs updated, and here I am in the same boat – I guess the pot can’t call the kettle black any more. Well with the New Year only three days away, it about time for me to change my ways and get back on track. One of my goals is to start updating my blog at least once a week… be on the lookout for my updates in 2010, and if I start falling off I’m looking for all of you who read my blog to start getting on me.

Tomorrow I’m heading to New York with my BF to bring in the New Year with my NYC family and friends, and show him NYC. My BF is originally from Nebraska, briefly raised in Alabama, and has lived in the DC area for almost 15 years, but he has never been to NYC. How is possible he’s never been to NYC and its only four hours away? Well it’s going to be my pleasure to show him a little bit of my city, especially during the beautiful Christmas season and all of its glory. My only regret is that it will be brutally cold and we won’t be able to do much in the few days we are there, but I’m certain we are both going to have a great time.

I would like wish all of you, and your family members a blessed and Happy New Year, and pray God will continue to keep you all safe.

Looking forward to chatting with you in 2010…

Where Did October Go?

2009-11-05T18:16:00.001-05:00

I can’t believe a month has passed since my last update, especially since I get on others about not keeping their blogs updated.

This is a quick check in to let you know I am okay and a brief update about what has been going on. This time of year is my busy season at work, and I’m usually working 10+ hours a day during the week and on the weekend. However busy season is quickly coming to an end and by November 24th it will be over. Although during the madness I did sneak down to ATL to hang out with my Scraps of Color Sistah’s for a weekend retreat.

Besides work, this past month has been insane on a personal level. On October 18th both of my father’s kidneys failed and they gave him two weeks to live. However, this man is a true fighter, because two weeks have passed and he’s still hanging in there. They now have my father on dialysis, but because he had a heart attack and strokes in the past they have to closely monitor him. Everyone keeps telling me they are so glad I had the chance to see him in August, and I am so thankful to God that I made the trip.

On November 1st my niece was involved in a car accident and broke a bone in her foot. God is good, because although she was briefly trapped in the car and they had to pry the door open to get her out, my four year old nephew was also in the car, but he was able to walk away without a scratch.

Flashback…

2009-10-05T16:50:00.007-04:00

Some of the ladies on my favorite website Scraps of Color http://scrapsofcolor.ning.com/ posted pictures of some of the famous people they have met, and it caused me to have a flashback to the days when I worked for PolyGram Records. I worked there for five years and in that time I met a lot of famous people in the entertainment industry, and I have a ton on fond memories of all the events and parties I attended.

Unfortunately, this was before digital cameras, when I wasn’t scrapbooking or taking a lot of pictures. Although looking back I now find it ironic that I worked in the creative services department, and my job was hiring photographers to do photo shoots.

There is about a 10+ year span where I don’t have many photos of myself, but I was lucky to come across these few.

LL Cool J

Eric B

Bowlegged Lou

Not just a name…

2009-10-01T13:16:00.000-04:00

I tell people all the time my last name is “Young” for a reason, and along with the Family name come superior genes.

An example of that was this past weekend.

On Thursday, I met up with Tracey, one of my oldest friends for a Jazz concert at the Congressional Black Caucus Convention. However, I must have forgot it was Thursday, because after the concert we went to dinner, and I didn’t get home and into bed until 1:30 in the morning.

On Friday, we had a volunteer day at my job, which was fun and thankfully not to exhausting. Friday night was pretty quiet, so I went to get my hair done and was in bed by 12:30 in preparation for Saturday.

On Saturday, I had three events planned. I met up with Camille for breakfast at IHOP then we went to our LSS and scrapbooked from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Then I headed over to my girlfriend Diatta’s house for a movie party, which we viewed and discussed Revolutionary Road. Then I headed to Baltimore to have dinner with my girlfriend Jamila at The Oceanaire Restaurant. After a fun filled Saturday, I was back home and in bed by 2:30 in the morning.

On Sunday, I was up early and headed out to Fredericksburg, VA for my nephew Benjamin’s 3rd Birthday party.

Needless to say I keep it moving thanks to my superior name.

Vacation #5 – Going back to Cali

2009-09-28T17:43:00.004-04:00

I finally made it California to visit my father and meet his wife Brenda, and her son David. Mommy dearest came along with me, but her main reason for going was to see California, because she had never been to the West Coast before. However, she did go with me to visit my father and meet Brenda, but her visit was brief.

The last time I was in California was 18 years ago, and the last time I saw my dad was 13 years ago, only because he was at my brother’s wedding. As a child I had placed my father on a pedestal and thought he was the greatest man ever, but then I grew up and 18 years ago his true colors were revealed and he fell from my grace

For the past 18 years my father and I had been estranged from one another, until about a year ago, when he finally apologized. The irony is he doesn’t remember exactly what he did wrong, but he has a general concept. I on the other hand remember exactly what he did, but since he has finally apologized I have decided to forgive him and stop holding my grudge.

My father has been very sick for the past few years, and has suffered several strokes and heart attacks, has dementia, and other health issues. When I graduated this year from college, he was disappointed he wouldn’t be able to make it to the East Coast, but I told him I would try to come down and visit him. I kept my promise and I’m glad I had the time to see and visit with him. During my first two visits with my dad he wasn’t doing very well and after sitting up and talking with me for about an hour, he would need to go and rest for about four hours. It was weird seeing my dad like this, but I admired the fight he still had to keep going. By the third visit, my dad was doing much better and reminded me of the man I used to know. On one hand he was the one I didn’t like very much, but he was also the strong, confident man I used to like, who showed no sign of being sick or weak.

Although my main reason for visiting California was to see my dad, I also had the chance to take in some of the sights with mommy dearest. We went to Santa Monica Pier, took a tour bus of the many sights of L.A. and met up with Maynard, a family friend who took the time out to take us out to eat a twice and on a private tour of the many other beaches and landmarks of L.A.

I don’t know if I will ever make it back to California, but I thank to God I had the chance to see my dad one more time. I am also thankful my dad has his wife and stepson in his life because they both seem to love him very much, take wonderful care of each other, and this seems like a relationship that good for all of them.

Photo 1 - Mommy Dearest, Maynard and Lisa
Photo 2 - My dad and me
Photo 3 - Me looking Fabulous

Vacation #4 – NYC Baby

2009-09-18T23:08:00.004-04:00

For my forth vacation, I spent a long weekend back home in NYC. My best friend was turning 50, so I had to make an appearance to help her celebrate her special day. For this trip I didn’t want to drive, so I took the Bolt Bus (yes, I know – Me Take a Bus?). I haven’t been on a bus in almost 20 years, after a horrific last trip, but I have to admit this time the bus was uneventful and quite pleasant, and I loved the amenities of access to the internet and electricity for my computer.

I headed up to NYC on Thursday afternoon, and met up with my girl Nicole at the Taj Lounge on West 21st Street. Nicole and I used to work together at Arthur Anderson over 10 years ago, and she was one of the first people to visit me when I moved to Maryland. We have stayed in touch, but I hadn’t seen Nicole in years, but when we saw each other it was like time had stood still. Nicole always makes me laugh, and although she from Brooklyn (a NYC thing), she is my girl, because always keeps it real and pulls no punches. Upon arrived in NYC, I don’t know when everything changed, but Broadway had been cut in half, half of the street was for vehicle and the other half was for pedestrians. WTF, happened to the Broadway bus? I ended up walking from Broadway and 33rd street, down to 21st street and 6th Avenue in my heels and with luggage, needless to say my feet were on fire when I finally arrived, but I still had a great evening.
…Nicole thanks for the hook-up and I had the best time, now you need to come down to Maryland again, so I can reciprocate.

That night when I arrived in Co-op City I saw Derrick Jones. Derrick is a friend I have known since we were in grade school, but whom I haven’t seen in almost 20 years. Derrick was staying at my cousin’s house, so in between him working and me hanging out, we spend most of the weekend catching up.
… It was good seeing you Derrick, looking forward to catching up some more.

Friday, I met back up with Nicole for lunch at Ruby Foo’s on Broadway and the hook-up on a software program.
… Nicole, you are the best!

On Saturday, we (Andrea, Aunt Pat, Butchie, Martequa, Allen and I) celebrated my Andrea’s birthday at Caroline’s Comedy Shop on Broadway (I think I spent the entire weekend on Broadway). We had drinks and appetizers at Caroline’s; then stopped at Crumbs to pick up cupcakes, and headed back to Co-op City to sing Happy Birthday and eat Coconut cake. Although this was a last minute plan, we all had a great time.

On Sunday, I met up with my ride-or-die best friend Margie at Raphael’s for brunch and then headed back home to Maryland.

I hadn’t been back home to NYC in over a year, and when I usually return home it for an event and I rarely make it into Manhattan. I have to say this trip was one of my all time favorite trips home, because I finally had the chance to do so much and see so many people.

I promise, it won’t be another year before I make it back.

And still, my adventure continues…

Celebrating Andrea's Birthday at Caroline's Comedy Club...

Chilling at Ruby Foo's with Nicole...

Vacations 2 & 3

2009-09-15T18:40:00.004-04:00

For my second trip in August, immediately after returning from Williamsburg, VA, I dropped off my suitcase from that vacation, grabbed another suitcase already packed with cloths, along with my scrapbooking bags, I rested for about two hours to let the rush hour traffic die down. At which point I headed up to Baltimore for Caryn’s Diva Crop, along with my NYC tablemates Aunt Pat, Joy and Natalie (Camille, our fearless leader was in Florida, for a Softball Tournament – can you believe she would rather play softball, then scrapbook – What’s Up With That?!?!). As always it was a blast!

For my third trip in August, I spent a long weekend with the Steward Family in Fredericksburg, VA with my nephew Matthew (3 years old). A least twice a year I visit with them for a long weekend, although we both would like it to be more (now that school is finished I may try to go more often). The Steward Family is my second family here in the South (the Mayo/Bonaparte’s are my second family in the North). I have known Valerie and her husband for over 20 years, and they are two of my best friends. They have three (3), oops I mean four (4) beautiful children, Vanessa (21), Stephen (16), Jaren (11), and the latest addition Benjamin who is going to be three this month (you see how I made an oops with the number of children they have). I love these children and they are known by all as my niece and nephews, and they proudly call and tell everyone I am there Aunt Lisa.

During my visit with them I was left home with my two youngest nephews while the family went to church, and I have to say it turned out to be uneventful. Although for a brief moment the house got real quiet and I didn’t know where the two boys had gone. However, I quickly breathed a sigh of relief when I found them both upstairs playing nicely in Benjamin’s room – although they had made a hot mess of the room.

My adventure continues…

One Trip Down…

2009-08-24T12:30:00.004-04:00

I’m back from a wonderful week in Williamsburg, VA with family. There were 15 of us, living in six bedrooms, and we all got along, although if you needed a moment of privacy you could always retreat to a bedroom.

Here are some photos of the week (1. the boys, 2. little Divas, 3. the girls and Matthew)

Summer Vacation Time…

2009-08-06T16:33:00.001-04:00

I am counting down the final days until I start the first of my many vacations planned over the next month. In the eight years I have worked for my company, this will be the second time I can remember ever taken off five work days in a row, and that time I had had to take work with me while on vacation. Now don’t get me wrong, I take all of my vacation time each year, but it’s usually done by taking long weekends in the summer and during the month of December. However, now that I have graduated and school is officially over, it time for me to get back to doing ME, and begin traveling again.

Here’s what I have planned over the next month:
1. A week in Williamsburg, VA with 15 family members
2. Diva Crop weekend
3. Extended weekend with the Steward Family
4. Extended weekend in NYC to celebrate my best friends 50th Birthday
5. Six days in California

That’s it for the next five weeks and then I’m off to ATL in October for my Scraps of Color weekend with my Scrapping Sistah and to visit with family.

I’ll try to keep my blog updated with photos and stories of my adventures.

My New Organized Scrap Spaces…

2009-07-23T12:45:00.003-04:00

As promised, Mommy Dearest has organized my scrap spaces (notice how this is plural), although there are still a few finishing touches which still need to be made and a few things still need to find a home. Overall, I can now find just about everything I’m looking for, but I still have to figure out exactly where my mother put everything. I love the way everything is organized and for the past two months have been very diligent about putting things back in their respective places. We live in a three bedroom apartment and although I would love to have a completely dedicated scrapbooking room, I also like the idea of also having a guest room.

As a trade off of not having a dedicated room, I have my scrapbooking things in three places, but trust me when I tell you, I know where everything is.

1. The living room is host to my papers, rub-ons, and a few other random items,
2. The guest room is host to my tools, punches, Sizzix, Cuttlebug, stamps, holiday specific items and a potpourri of other things,
3. My bedroom is where I do my actual scrapbooking, because this is where I have my TV and DVR. This is also where I have my photo printer, embellishments sorted by color, everyday tools I need to immediately put my hands on, and home of my two Cricuts.

This is my new dedicated space located in my bedroom:

Scrapping without Pictures?!

2009-07-07T16:27:00.006-04:00

I was recently reading a post on my favorite scrapbooking website – Scraps of Color, and came across the daily SSFT question, which asked “Do you premake scrapbook layouts? If so how often & what size? Do you find that you eventually put pics in them or do they end up sitting "blank" on a shelf?"

To my surprise, all of the ladies responded they did not do premade scrapbooks or layouts. Whereas my response was “I must be the only outcast here, because I make premade pages all the time and can get about 10 – 20 pages done in a crop. I used them to make mini books, gift albums, and I recently did this for my graduation album.” On July 25th I’m going to a baby shower, in which my girlfriend is having a boy, below are a few pictures of the premade album I made for her as a gift. I also plan on making her some thank you cards from the few scraps of paper I have left.

Momma and Baby Bug…

2009-07-01T15:02:00.000-04:00

Christmas 2006 my Aunt Pat brought me the baby Cricut and I love it, but shortly after receiving it, everyone else was getting the Expression – even my Aunt. I was determined to hold off buying the Expression until I started using my baby Cricut more. For Graduation, everyone was very generous, that I finally decided to treat myself to the Expression as a Graduation gift. AC Moore was having a sale on the Expression for $319, and one of the ladies from the store purchased it for me using her 20% discount, add to that I had gift cards totaling $75.00, and my total cash purchase was $200, which was also gift money. The package also came with four cartridges, one of which I already own and the other I have no usage for. I’m going to try to sell them both on Ebay for $30.00 each, which will further bring down the final cost. You must admit, I got A Good Deal.

Originally I was going to sell the baby bug, but my excuse for not selling are like all my other tools they both have a purpose, it was a gift, and I still own 8 unused 6x12 mats.

Don’t they look cute together?

A few of my Graduation Projects…

2009-06-18T15:05:00.007-04:00

Now that school is over and I have a lot more time on my hands, I have been trying to be more productive in regards to my scrapbooking. I have been trying desperately to get my graduation scrapbook completed, and at the same time I have been working on mini books and frames for family members who came down from NYC for my graduation. So far I have competed 18 – 12x12 pages for my album and two mini books for Margie and Charlotte. I still need to make about 10 more pages for my album, four more mini albums and three picture frames, and than I’ll be done.

My goal is to get everything done by the beginning of July. The best part is that no one is expecting them, so I’m really working on my own timeframe. Although, now that I’ve mailed out a few of the albums, I may start getting calls with everyone asking for their own.

Here are two of the albums I made and mailed out yesterday to Margie and Charlotte.

Here are some of the thank you cards I made for a select few, but others received store bought cards, which had personal messages written inside.

This mini book is for my girlfriend Shelda who was married in August 2008. Her book has been a work in progress for the past four months, but it’s finally completed and also went in the mail yesterday.

Playoff Game...

2009-06-12T12:21:00.002-04:00

I’m not a big basketball fan, but I do enjoy a live game, and the playoffs and finals. Last night I met up with my friends Jeff and Dwight at Buffalo Wild Wings (they finally have one in the Maryland area) to watch Game 4, in which Orlando lost in OT. I’m not a big fan, and I haven’t really followed the game since the Piston had Isaiah, Jordan played for Chicago and the mailman Carl Malone used to deliver. I really don’t have a favorite team anymore, but I HATE the Lakers. Now I have to admit it’s not really the Lakers team I hate, it’s more about its one player – Kobe Bryant. I don’t care what anyone says, he is a rapist. On that note, let me get a few things off my chest about the subject.

Everyone tries to say the woman asked for it, she was a groupie, she was just trying to get paid, and so on. Now I wasn’t there and don’t know the whole story, but no means no. Personally, I believe the girl went there to hook up with him, but I also believe things got out of hand and Kobe tried to go too far. I think she probably agreed to vaginal sex, but Kobe also wanted anal sex, and when she said no, he kept on. If a wife can say her husband raped her after years of consensual sex, why can’t a woman having causal sex also say no when things have gone to far.

Now many people (especially men) say she was just after the money and that’s why she settled, but people fail to remember she was the victim. I have watched many television shows (thank God no personal experiences I know of) in which women were raped, and when you see what they have to go through in court and how ALL of their dirty laundry is brought up and they are made to look as it they deserved it, I can only imagine why she settled. A women’s past or promiscuity should not be an issue, because as I’ll say again no means no. Kobe is a big name and you can be assured that trial would have been played out in the media. Chances are her case wasn’t strong enough, because it was her word against his, the prosecutor probably pointed out they didn’t have a strong case, and she probably didn’t want to have to relive the entire event on the stand and be further embarrassed and humiliated.

So my questions are:
1. What other recourse did she have, but to take the money?
2. Should she have just dropped the case and let Kobe walk away scot free without being penalized and held accountable?
3. What would you do?

Now on to Kobe… why do you think he was so quick to settle? Kobe knew he did something wrong and wanted to quickly make it go away. Kobe settled because he didn’t want to risk being found guilty and forever being labeled a SEX OFFENDER. He also didn’t want risk loosing his basketball career, the endorsements and all the money and fame that came along with being a basketball player. Kobe settled because he’s one of those few rich people, who was able to buy their way out of a jam and probably laughs about it still today.

Now I know no one is perfect, and let he who is without sin cast the first stone, but in my book three strikes and you are out...

Strike 1 - He cheated on his wife
Strike 2 - Had unprotected sex (they had DNA), and
Strike 3 - Tried to put Shaq on blast about his infidelities, to distract attention away from himself.

In my book Kobe is just dirty! What also amazes me is how quickly society is willing to forgive Kobe because he’s a basketball star, but they don’t have the same compassion and forgiveness for other criminals who actually went to jail and served their time for what I consider less serious crimes like selling drugs and gun passion.

Just my opinion…

Welcome Summer…

2009-06-05T16:01:00.004-04:00

It is amazing how quickly the month of May has passed by, considering how long it took to get here. Since my company has cut overtime since November, and there is no more studying or school work, I have my life back and usually leave the office by 5:00. However, I find myself exhausted all the time and in bed by 11:00 p.m. I guess my body and mind is shutting itself down and gearing for a reboot.

Well summer officially starts on June 21st and I am more than ready for it, I just wish Mother Nature would climb on board and stop the rain and keep the temperatures in the 80’s. By the official start of summer, I plan on being completely energized and 100% back to my FABULOUS self. Summer is my All Time Favorite time of year, and my goal is to be more active, hang out and try more new things and experiences.

So far I have the following travel plans for this summer:
1. A long weekend in NYC for my Aunt Pat’s Annual Birthday BBQ,
2. Another long weekend in NYC (or some where else special once she decides) for my best friend Andrea’s 50th Birthday,
3. A week in Williamsburg with family, including this handsome little guy below – my great nephew.
4. A weekend in Fredericksburg with the Steward family
5. A weekend at the Diva Crop

Although I’m sure as the summer progresses I have more trips planned. I’ll keep you updated and share photos of my journey.

Birthday Party Crop…

2009-06-03T15:54:00.001-04:00

Although my birthday was May 16th I didn’t actually celebrate on that day because I wanted the focus to be on my Graduation, which was on the same day. So on Saturday, May 23rd I hosted a birthday crop with my Sistah Friends. I had a great time, and there was plenty of food, fun, laughter, music and scrapbooking (maybe not plenty).

Front Row: Aysha, Liza, Me, Nicole and Kat
Back Row: Camille, Aunt Pat, Essandra, Natalie, Lisa and Joy

It’s All Over…

2009-05-24T17:42:00.000-04:00

Since May 15th it has been an exciting, hectic, fun, crazy and FABULOUS time for me. I am finally coming down from my high after all the Graduation and Birthday partying. I am exhausted from all the festivities, and have spent the entire day home relaxing, watching TV, eating and nodding.

I want to thank all my family and friends, both near and far for all the love and support they showed me. Everyone was so kind and generous I can’t thank them enough, and I will be spending the next few weeks writing thank you cards. My house is still a mess, but now that I don’t have anymore homework, I have plenty of time to get it back in order.

Graduation Photos...

2009-05-24T17:02:00.011-04:00

My advisor on the left...

Graduation Reception...

Graduation Day...

Tomorrow is going to be One of the Best Days of My Life…

2009-05-15T18:26:00.001-04:00

It’s my Birthday, I’m Graduating from the University of Maryland with an Undergraduate Degree in Marketing at 9:30 in the morning, and at 6:00 p.m. I’m having a Graduation Party with over 100 family and friends,

My siblings, nieces, nephews and most of my best friends all still live in NYC and it takes something short of a miracle to get them to come to Maryland. Well I guess it’s safe to say my Graduation is the miracle this time. I don’t want to put myself on Blast, but it has been sometime since I Graduated from High School, and it took me quite a while to Graduate from College – but I Did It, and I am the first of my parent’s children to accomplish this goal.

The festivities will be taking place the entire weekend. My family began coming into town on Wednesday, I have a Graduate Reception tonight on campus, and on Sunday I am having a brunch for all those who came down from New York along with my DC area family members.

This is going to be a FABULOUS weekend, stay tuned for photos and stories…

Status...

2009-05-11T10:48:00.001-04:00

Stick a Fork In It…
The Fat Lady is Singing…
Fin…
It Is OVER…

I am happy to report I have taken my last final, submitted my last paper, school is over and I have my Fabulous life back.

It has been one hell of a ride, but well worth the reward, because on Saturday, May 16th I put on my Regalia and swagger across the stage to receive my Undergraduate Degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland.

Thank you God.

Happy Mother’s Day Mommy Dearest…

2009-05-10T09:46:00.002-04:00

Let me first preface with I am a middle child and have all of the characteristics of middle child syndrome. I know I put my mother through hell growing up, but I also know I turned out pretty well and I owe most of that to my mother.

My mother moved down from New York City almost two years ago to live with me and I haven’t regretted one day (although I am moody and some days I just don’t want to be bothered). When I was younger I couldn’t wait to move out of my mother’s house, and now I love knowing when I get home she is there. Now I have my mother all to myself, because all of her other children, grandchildren and great grandchildren all still live in NYC, and I really try to take full advantage to being the baby girl (I have an older sister and younger brother) Although my attempts to get her to make me dinner every night just isn’t working.

When I moved to the DC area I promised my mother I would Graduate, and I’m proud to say that in less than I week I will finally be fulfilling that promise. I know my mother is proud of me, and in return for that gratitude I had the nerve to ask for three parties this month.

Graduation Party for 128 people
Graduation Brunch for 50 people
Birthday Crop for 20 people

Now at first she wasn’t very agreeable to me having all these parties (did I mention I also asked her to pay for them) and informed me we were in a recession. In response I quickly acted like a BRAT (of which I am not ashamed) and pointed out how I was the first of her children to graduate, I had never been married, I didn’t have any children, and I hadn’t had a birthday party since I turned 21, and I finally wanted my days(s) for it to be ALL ABOUT ME and be FABULOUS. It took a minute, but she finally agreed.

I constantly test my mother and I’m sure I drive her crazy on the regular, but she is a wonderful mother and the only one I have, who puts up with my most of my nonsense. In return, there isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my mother.

This Mother’s Day I want to again say Thank You Mommy Dearest for being you and being here for me. I am truly Blessed and Highly Favored to have you in my life – Happy Mother’s Day.

48 Hours…

2009-05-08T12:10:00.003-04:00

In a little more than 48 hours I will be finished with homework and final exams. This week has been hectic, but God is Good and thanks to Him I made it through another week. I will continue to pray that God especially carry me through these next two days. I’m kind of prepared for my final exam tomorrow, but nothing is really sticking. In regards to one of my papers I just can’t get a thought to paper, I’m sure I am over analyzing it, but with 25% of my grade at risk I'm a little worried. But as always… I Will Get It Done.

This semester I had to take two Marketing Capstone classes and a Biology Lab. These are the books I had to read this semester, and trust me when I tell I had to read ALL three of them from beginning to end and than regurgitate it on final exams. I look forward to finally being finished and hopefully selling these books, even if I make a small profit it will help considering the fortune I paid for them.

The Number 3…

2009-05-04T16:47:00.002-04:00

I have always been partial to the number 3 and consider it my favorite number, because it has played a significant part in so many things in my life. My parents have 3 children, and growing up I lived on the 3rd floor, in building #33… and I could go on. However, I would have to say this past weekend my number was 4. On Saturday, I created 4 albums/mini books at the Diva Crop, on Sunday I created 4 layouts and 4 cards at Denise’s crop, and I’m posting this today, May 4th.

I had a wonderful time scrapbooking this weekend and it felt good to put the studying away for a moment and enjoy National Scrapbook month with some of my scrapbooking friends I hadn’t seen for a while. I’m now in full study mode, but will post some of my projects later on this month.

In celebration of me claiming the entire month of May as my month, I have already starting having birthday cake. At Denise’s crop at Ft. Mead, she was celebrating people whose Birthday fell in the month of May, and as it turned out there was another woman there named Lisa and it was her birthday too.

31 Days in May…

2009-05-01T09:53:00.003-04:00

Happy Friday, and what a wonderful way to start the month of May. I am claiming the month of May for myself and I really plan on doing it up. I have something planned every weekend this month and I’m looking forward to each one of them.

Not only is May 16th my Birthday, but it is also my Graduation Day and the day of my Graduation party. As if one party wasn’t enough, I’m also having a Sunday Brunch with my NYC and DC family on May 17th and a Birthday Crop with my Sister friends on May 23rd.

To start the month of right, on Saturday I will be hanging with my Sistah Friends Camille, Joy, Caryn and hopefully Natalie at the “New York Table” at the 12-hour Diva Crop in Bowie, Maryland, as they host a "National Scrapbook Day" Scrapbooking Event. Aunt Pat hasn’t scrapped with us since the Diva weekend crop in February and I really do miss her, but she promised to be at my birthday crop.

On Sunday, I will be scrapbooking again with Denise (former Recollections) at Ft. Meade. She’s hosting a Mother’s Day Crop from 11:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. I’m really looking forward to scrapping with Denise, because this sistah is very talented.

This is only my second post and I’m still trying to figure out this whole BLOGing thing, but hopefully I will have pictures to share afterwards.

I ready to get this weekend started.

13 Days and Counting…

2009-04-27T14:51:00.000-04:00

In 13 days my last two marketing papers are due. However, in these same 13 Days I also have a Biology final exam on Wednesday, May 6th, and a Marketing final on Saturday, May 9th. I have been stressing out this semester, but I’m not going to wait until the 11th hour to start messing up now. In my entire academic career - and it’s been a long one, I have yet to miss a deadline, and I don’t plan on starting now. Like I tell everyone “I will get it done”, it’s just that I’m the Queen of procrastination and well work under pressure, but in the end I Get It Done.