Raise your hands if your pockets and purses are feeling the pressure of holiday shopping? Not only is gift shopping an extra expense, but every thing from heating bills, fuel, and even grocery prices skyrocket this time of year. So how can we manage when so many have been laid off or stretching their paycheck thinner then rice paper? I have a family of five, so I definitely have to find all types of resources to make it from October until February every single year. Between costumes, large home cooked meals, presents, and New Years Eve festivities it can be hard to make those dollars last! One GREAT idea: turn the HEAT off when you leave the house. No one is home so why keep the couches warm? lol But here are a few resources to help make it through the holiday season:
Toys for the Children:
Toys for Tot's http://www.toysfortots.org/request_toys/toys.asp
United Way Call 211 from a land line in some states. They will direct you to Churches and Community groups that can sponsor gifts for your family. http://liveunited.org/
Also check out eHow article to locate nationwide gift programs: http://www.ehow.com/list_6696047_programs-offer-toys-kids-christmas_.html
Utility Bills/Rent:
Metro-Atlanta refer to http://www.psc.state.ga.us/consumer_corner/cc_advisory/payassist.asp
South Gwinnett County for gas, food, and job assistance visit http://www.psc.state.ga.us/consumer_corner/cc_advisory/payassist.asp
Don't forget you can use your Kroger card at SHELLS Gas and Kroger Gas to save on gas per gallon.
Nationwide every state has a Low Income Heat Program, please Google with your zip-code and contact your local office.
Coupon/Daily Deal Sites:
Metro Atlanta this site is updated ALL DAY LONG, an awesome resource http://thecoupondiva.com/home/
Groupon a daily coupon site that has DEEP discounts based on how many people participate in the deal available in VARIOUS CITIES WORLD WIDE http://www.groupon.com/r/uu3353174
Scout Mob, another group discount site based on participation and make for GREAT gift certificates for the LOW ;) http://www.scoutmob.com/atlanta/
If your in the position to give, then please drop an unwrapped gift off at your nearest Toys For Tot's donation location!
Enjoy your Holiday's!
Ladae
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
No Excuse For My Muffin Top
At my heaviest I was 240 pounds. A victim of the "Call Center Diet" and back to back pregnancies. At 5 feet 6 inches tall, I knew I had to make a change. So one late night I sat in bed watching a Turbo Jam commercial, grabbed the hubby's credit card, and placed the order. This picture was taken May 2006, 240 pounds, size 22-24, and condemed to shopping in the back of the stores. (I hate that, why do they make us squeeze through all them racks of cute clothes for skinny chicks, and then offer a slim selection of crap, but I digress)
Within 3 months of using Turbo Jam, I dropped 35 pounds. I started eating 3 meals and 2-3 snacks every day, and increasing my water intake. I stopped drinking beer and high calorie mix drinks (have to count the cal's you drink too) and traded in for vodka tonics with a lime wedge. I wrote down everything I ate/drank, counted calories, watched my portions, and made small goals (10 pds down, under 200 pds, a certain dress). This pix was taken a couple months into my "lifestyle change", 205 pounds, size 16.
After 5 months I increased my workouts from 3 days a week to 6 days. I dropped a total of 75 pounds with no crazy pills, no surgery, and had a new appreciation for fitness. Still a chocoholic, but was able to find alternative chocolate snacks besides Twix (my all time favorite). By the time I took this pix in 2007 I weighed 175 pounds, size 7-8..
I kept the weight off for a good 2yrs but recently put on a few pounds (20 to be exact!), which happens. We all slip up from time to time. However before the holidays do even more damage, I've decided to get on the ball. My friend Sirius started a Facebook group called "No Excuses", as away to keep us accountable for our food intake and workout on a daily basis. So far this group has been awesome. We motivate each other, share our food intake and recipes, and crack the whip with challenges or punishments of the day (workout routines that we do as a group). It's only been a week, but already this group has made a major difference for me and others. I've even decided to challenge myself to a meat free week too! No fish, no chicken, just veggies baby!
So here is my new BEFORE pix.. and I cant WAIT to post the AFTER in a couple months..
I encourage you to also make a weight-loss challenge of your own. Rather its online or with coworkers, don't wait until New Years Eve to make a "resolution". The best time to start is now! Start by writing down your food intake (it helps to see where you're slipping.) Find a program that works for you, weight watchers, cal or carb counts, etc. Start moving! Even if its just a long walk with the kids, or a gym pass, ANYTHING is better then nothing. Mix it up if you're getting bored or hitting a plateau. Post a picture of your heaviest moment on your cell phone or computer, so you have a daily reminder. But most importantly don't look at it as a diet, it is a lifestyle change. If your ready to change your life, then time is now to live healthy.
No Excuses Baby
Ladae
Within 3 months of using Turbo Jam, I dropped 35 pounds. I started eating 3 meals and 2-3 snacks every day, and increasing my water intake. I stopped drinking beer and high calorie mix drinks (have to count the cal's you drink too) and traded in for vodka tonics with a lime wedge. I wrote down everything I ate/drank, counted calories, watched my portions, and made small goals (10 pds down, under 200 pds, a certain dress). This pix was taken a couple months into my "lifestyle change", 205 pounds, size 16.
After 5 months I increased my workouts from 3 days a week to 6 days. I dropped a total of 75 pounds with no crazy pills, no surgery, and had a new appreciation for fitness. Still a chocoholic, but was able to find alternative chocolate snacks besides Twix (my all time favorite). By the time I took this pix in 2007 I weighed 175 pounds, size 7-8..
I kept the weight off for a good 2yrs but recently put on a few pounds (20 to be exact!), which happens. We all slip up from time to time. However before the holidays do even more damage, I've decided to get on the ball. My friend Sirius started a Facebook group called "No Excuses", as away to keep us accountable for our food intake and workout on a daily basis. So far this group has been awesome. We motivate each other, share our food intake and recipes, and crack the whip with challenges or punishments of the day (workout routines that we do as a group). It's only been a week, but already this group has made a major difference for me and others. I've even decided to challenge myself to a meat free week too! No fish, no chicken, just veggies baby!
So here is my new BEFORE pix.. and I cant WAIT to post the AFTER in a couple months..
I encourage you to also make a weight-loss challenge of your own. Rather its online or with coworkers, don't wait until New Years Eve to make a "resolution". The best time to start is now! Start by writing down your food intake (it helps to see where you're slipping.) Find a program that works for you, weight watchers, cal or carb counts, etc. Start moving! Even if its just a long walk with the kids, or a gym pass, ANYTHING is better then nothing. Mix it up if you're getting bored or hitting a plateau. Post a picture of your heaviest moment on your cell phone or computer, so you have a daily reminder. But most importantly don't look at it as a diet, it is a lifestyle change. If your ready to change your life, then time is now to live healthy.
No Excuses Baby
Ladae
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Do You Know Your Worth?
We all have a price tag. No no, I don't mean you gold diggers, that's another blog. Currency doesn't always come in the form of a Gucci Bag and a paid car note. The payment can be in the form of emotion, mental, or physical assets. We all have a price, rather we want to admit it. The question is do you know how much your worth?
How much attention do you need in a relationship to feel wanted? How much quality time do you need to stay connected? How much communication is necessary to earn/acquire trust? How come we don't add these things up before or DURING a relationship! I was recently talking with a new friend, and she expressed to me her frustration with her marriage. I wont go into details, because her story could easily be any person's story (man or woman). Basically one person's needs are not being met and love is on the rocks. She wants to leave but there are life aspects that make her stay (children, stability, etc.), which is normal for any relationship. Change is scary, unpredictable, and a hard choice to make. But its also usually the best thing you could do for a sour relationship.
So how much is your worth? Don't we all deserve a peaceful home, trusting relationship, and positive role models for our children? When women OR men stay in an unhappy home, we teach our children how tolerate bull shhht. We show them that it's normal for mommy to talk down to daddy. We show them that its ok for daddy to lay hands on mommy. We give example day after day of how little we expect for our lives. Instead we should be showing what a healthy relationship really entails. Prove to your self that you want better, and have the power to obtain better.
Challenge yourself to find your worth. Rather your dating or married, if you find yourself questioning your situation, its probably time to find out your worth. Write down what you bring to a relationship (your assets) and then what you need in return. And no this list should not include physical qualities, because THOSE types of list can keep your butt single for longer then know lmao. Ask your self are if you're tolerating this relationship for the children, bills, or comfort. (Which is never the right answer!) Find out if your happiness and mental health is where you need it to be. Quit placing yourself on the Dollar Store shelf when you're worth more then gold.
So again I ask, do you know your worth?
Ladae
How much attention do you need in a relationship to feel wanted? How much quality time do you need to stay connected? How much communication is necessary to earn/acquire trust? How come we don't add these things up before or DURING a relationship! I was recently talking with a new friend, and she expressed to me her frustration with her marriage. I wont go into details, because her story could easily be any person's story (man or woman). Basically one person's needs are not being met and love is on the rocks. She wants to leave but there are life aspects that make her stay (children, stability, etc.), which is normal for any relationship. Change is scary, unpredictable, and a hard choice to make. But its also usually the best thing you could do for a sour relationship.
So how much is your worth? Don't we all deserve a peaceful home, trusting relationship, and positive role models for our children? When women OR men stay in an unhappy home, we teach our children how tolerate bull shhht. We show them that it's normal for mommy to talk down to daddy. We show them that its ok for daddy to lay hands on mommy. We give example day after day of how little we expect for our lives. Instead we should be showing what a healthy relationship really entails. Prove to your self that you want better, and have the power to obtain better.
Challenge yourself to find your worth. Rather your dating or married, if you find yourself questioning your situation, its probably time to find out your worth. Write down what you bring to a relationship (your assets) and then what you need in return. And no this list should not include physical qualities, because THOSE types of list can keep your butt single for longer then know lmao. Ask your self are if you're tolerating this relationship for the children, bills, or comfort. (Which is never the right answer!) Find out if your happiness and mental health is where you need it to be. Quit placing yourself on the Dollar Store shelf when you're worth more then gold.
So again I ask, do you know your worth?
Ladae
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Legitimate Work From Home
The alarm goes off at 10:00 am. I roll out of bed and make a bathroom stop. 10:15, I head to the kitchen for a quick breakfast. By 10:30 I am on the clock, still in my PJ's, and relaxing in my bedroom/office. You can't beat that for a commute time! lol
I have been an employee for Alpine Acces/GE Money Bank since September 2007. Truth be told, you couldn't pay me enough money to go back to a real office setting. I have worked for plenty of big companies, with great benefits and decent pay. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, State Farm, and my favorite Syracuse University Food Service (where I got all my management skills Thank You Very Much!) But to be honest, I wish I would have found Alpine years ago. Imagine how ticked off I was to learn that the same thing I did in the major call centers, I could have been doing from home. I added up how much I spent on gas ($30/week), dress clothes ($75/month), vending machines ($3/day), lunch ($10-15/day), pot lucks ($20/month) , and DAY CARE ($400/month). OMG more then half of my income was gone before I even clocked in!
So here's the deal. If you have a home phone, excellent communication skills, a clean background, and a computer, chances are you could be working from home too. If you have a h.s. diploma, your good to go (I have a Masters and still refuse to work a corporate job LBVS!) I did not pay any start up fees, although you may have to pay for a background check which is normal. Your computer will need to have sufficient space on the hard drive. You will need to be able to self train and self help. If you are someone who needs to have coworkers around, and a manager for guidance, this job is not for you. It can get pretty lonely sitting in you office/room by yourself day after day (yes i get cabin fever.)
The pay usually starts around $9 and up, some companies you could be making a good $16 and hour. My employer offers schedules or jump on hours (jump on just means you work when you can). I get direct deposit check every 2 weeks, and benefits just like I had with my old employers. The hiring process is not quick, so be ready for 2wks of paper work, testing, and interviews.
www.alpineaccess.com is my employer's site.. and yes they are hiring RIGHT now.
www.liveops.com is another company where some of my peers work.
www.westathome.com is mostly tech and data entry.
www.newcorp.com does tech support as well.
www.teletech.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away,
Good luck with your job search!
Ladae
I have been an employee for Alpine Acces/GE Money Bank since September 2007. Truth be told, you couldn't pay me enough money to go back to a real office setting. I have worked for plenty of big companies, with great benefits and decent pay. Verizon Wireless, AT&T, State Farm, and my favorite Syracuse University Food Service (where I got all my management skills Thank You Very Much!) But to be honest, I wish I would have found Alpine years ago. Imagine how ticked off I was to learn that the same thing I did in the major call centers, I could have been doing from home. I added up how much I spent on gas ($30/week), dress clothes ($75/month), vending machines ($3/day), lunch ($10-15/day), pot lucks ($20/month) , and DAY CARE ($400/month). OMG more then half of my income was gone before I even clocked in!
So here's the deal. If you have a home phone, excellent communication skills, a clean background, and a computer, chances are you could be working from home too. If you have a h.s. diploma, your good to go (I have a Masters and still refuse to work a corporate job LBVS!) I did not pay any start up fees, although you may have to pay for a background check which is normal. Your computer will need to have sufficient space on the hard drive. You will need to be able to self train and self help. If you are someone who needs to have coworkers around, and a manager for guidance, this job is not for you. It can get pretty lonely sitting in you office/room by yourself day after day (yes i get cabin fever.)
The pay usually starts around $9 and up, some companies you could be making a good $16 and hour. My employer offers schedules or jump on hours (jump on just means you work when you can). I get direct deposit check every 2 weeks, and benefits just like I had with my old employers. The hiring process is not quick, so be ready for 2wks of paper work, testing, and interviews.
www.alpineaccess.com is my employer's site.. and yes they are hiring RIGHT now.
www.liveops.com is another company where some of my peers work.
www.westathome.com is mostly tech and data entry.
www.newcorp.com does tech support as well.
www.teletech.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask away,
Good luck with your job search!
Ladae
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Natural Truth
"Your hair is sooo pretty, why would you dread it up?" That question has always irked the mess out of me! It kills me just how uneducated black women are about their OWN hair. The fact is, we will pass up the white products to purchase the higher priced black products, which are both made by THE SAME COMPANY. smh! The only difference is they made the bottle brown, and stuck an afro on the front.
Now I've never gone to cosmetology school, but I come from a family of certified hair stylist and kitchen beauticians. I have always been the "go to" person for braids, relaxers, and weaves. But when I decided to go natural Junior year in college, my family was NOT happy. Technically I have what black folks call "good hair." You know the kind that gets cute little curls when wet, and will slick all the way down with just a little bit of hair grease. Not too thick, not too thin, and grows pretty quick. So WHY oh WHY did I lock it? Easy answer: I was tired of trying to keep up with hair fashions. Gels, spritz, curlers, glue, sew ins, wigs, and just about anything the Sally's Beauty Supply had to offer, has been attached to my head.
So here's the truth about going natural. It is not easy. It is not a quick process. Most importantly it is NOT for everyone! Changing how YOU see yourself is the first challenge, before you even start the natural process. Changing our image always takes us out of our comfort zone. Self image is usually the reason why women will cut off all their hair, and then quickly sew it back in. If you can accept that your short afro is just as beautiful as your 22 inch Wendy Williams Wig, then you've passed the hardest step.
The process can take months (sometimes years in my case) to totally go natural. If you're in a hurry, then this process isn't for you. It took years and years of creamy crack, and lace fronts, to damage your hair. It will take just as long to repair it, and grow a natural crown. If you have "good hair" like mine, it can take longer then course hair, so you really have to be patient. I found out quickly that my "good hair" aint good when you're trying to lock! lol
When in doubt, get hair help! It helps to have a great loc'tician (shout out to Franz Che www.naturalcreationsonline.com) to steer you in the right direction. There's a lot of products out there that might work for your friend, but is not right for your hair. Read the back of every bottle. If the first 3 ingredients are water, glycol, and fragrance.. PUT IT BACK! Try to use products that include natural oils. Don't let the price fool you! More expensive does not always equate to "better". All I use 100% Shea butter ($7 for a big tub of it) and Olive Oil ($5 at the grocery store). The most I spend is on shampoo and conditioners (Cantu or Pantene). I use the "white folks" hair dye (Feria #100) which has never damaged my hair (unlike Dark N Lovely ugh). Just remember your hair is like a plant, you have to protect the roots. At night, SATIN CAPS are a must for any woman, natural or relaxed. Your cotton pillow will suck the life (and moisture) right out of your hair!
So there it is, the Natural Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth!
If you have any hair tips, preferred products, or hair questions please share..
Ladae
Now I've never gone to cosmetology school, but I come from a family of certified hair stylist and kitchen beauticians. I have always been the "go to" person for braids, relaxers, and weaves. But when I decided to go natural Junior year in college, my family was NOT happy. Technically I have what black folks call "good hair." You know the kind that gets cute little curls when wet, and will slick all the way down with just a little bit of hair grease. Not too thick, not too thin, and grows pretty quick. So WHY oh WHY did I lock it? Easy answer: I was tired of trying to keep up with hair fashions. Gels, spritz, curlers, glue, sew ins, wigs, and just about anything the Sally's Beauty Supply had to offer, has been attached to my head.
So here's the truth about going natural. It is not easy. It is not a quick process. Most importantly it is NOT for everyone! Changing how YOU see yourself is the first challenge, before you even start the natural process. Changing our image always takes us out of our comfort zone. Self image is usually the reason why women will cut off all their hair, and then quickly sew it back in. If you can accept that your short afro is just as beautiful as your 22 inch Wendy Williams Wig, then you've passed the hardest step.
The process can take months (sometimes years in my case) to totally go natural. If you're in a hurry, then this process isn't for you. It took years and years of creamy crack, and lace fronts, to damage your hair. It will take just as long to repair it, and grow a natural crown. If you have "good hair" like mine, it can take longer then course hair, so you really have to be patient. I found out quickly that my "good hair" aint good when you're trying to lock! lol
When in doubt, get hair help! It helps to have a great loc'tician (shout out to Franz Che www.naturalcreationsonline.com) to steer you in the right direction. There's a lot of products out there that might work for your friend, but is not right for your hair. Read the back of every bottle. If the first 3 ingredients are water, glycol, and fragrance.. PUT IT BACK! Try to use products that include natural oils. Don't let the price fool you! More expensive does not always equate to "better". All I use 100% Shea butter ($7 for a big tub of it) and Olive Oil ($5 at the grocery store). The most I spend is on shampoo and conditioners (Cantu or Pantene). I use the "white folks" hair dye (Feria #100) which has never damaged my hair (unlike Dark N Lovely ugh). Just remember your hair is like a plant, you have to protect the roots. At night, SATIN CAPS are a must for any woman, natural or relaxed. Your cotton pillow will suck the life (and moisture) right out of your hair!
So there it is, the Natural Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth!
If you have any hair tips, preferred products, or hair questions please share..
Ladae
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
When Is The Right Time?
Parenting has got to be one of the hardest gig's in the world. No paid vacations, no sick days, some of us don't even get flex time (shout out to the single parents.) It doesn't help that television and technology exposes kids to things that mature them way too fast. Sexting and Textual Harassment are terms that were born just this decade but already have been a serious issue. And no matter how many times we (grown folks) say once u send a pix there's no telling where it ends up, I BET you we still sending risky pix to loved ones. Im guilty of it, but I don't ever plan to run for office so... :P But seriously, kids have WAY too much access to the Net. PS3, Cellphones, Laptops, and computers in their bedrooms! And yall wonder why little Suzie has a Youtube Video of her dancing on a chair? Webcam attached to the bed, and facebook page 2500 friends deep. And parents ALLOW THIS to happen.
My oldest daughter is 11 yrs old, and getting to that age where she is blossoming and definitely "smelling herself". Pretty soon she will be a teenager and I can only pray that she doesn't do half the crazii shhht I did as a teen. But I know to be ready for all sorts of drama. In efforts to prepare myself I have been asking other parents when is the right time for certain things like Facebook page or even having their own computer. In my house there is one computer and it stays in my room. This way I will always know what goes on when they are online. Some of my children's friends and cousins have FB pages already. I think 15-16 yrs old is a good age for a page, but I'm sure my husband will disagree. Never is most likely his answer, lol (protective daddy) When is the right age for a FB page?
An even harder question is when do you discuss Birth Control? By the time children begin high school sex has already been a topic of discussion (or activity) amongst their friends. If your 14yr old daughter told you she was thinking about having sex (still a virgin) would you put her on the pill? As soon as my mother found out I that I lost my virginity the first stop was the local clinic. I got the full STD check and was put on BC pills instantly, age 15yrs old. It did not make me have more sex, but it did make it easier to say "yes". Some parent feel if you give them protection then they will have sex more often. Other parents feel that safe is better than sorry. What do yall think?
Feedback por favor!
Ladae
My oldest daughter is 11 yrs old, and getting to that age where she is blossoming and definitely "smelling herself". Pretty soon she will be a teenager and I can only pray that she doesn't do half the crazii shhht I did as a teen. But I know to be ready for all sorts of drama. In efforts to prepare myself I have been asking other parents when is the right time for certain things like Facebook page or even having their own computer. In my house there is one computer and it stays in my room. This way I will always know what goes on when they are online. Some of my children's friends and cousins have FB pages already. I think 15-16 yrs old is a good age for a page, but I'm sure my husband will disagree. Never is most likely his answer, lol (protective daddy) When is the right age for a FB page?
An even harder question is when do you discuss Birth Control? By the time children begin high school sex has already been a topic of discussion (or activity) amongst their friends. If your 14yr old daughter told you she was thinking about having sex (still a virgin) would you put her on the pill? As soon as my mother found out I that I lost my virginity the first stop was the local clinic. I got the full STD check and was put on BC pills instantly, age 15yrs old. It did not make me have more sex, but it did make it easier to say "yes". Some parent feel if you give them protection then they will have sex more often. Other parents feel that safe is better than sorry. What do yall think?
Feedback por favor!
Ladae
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sneak Peek at my Entry for Eros Vol. 1 AVAILABLE SOON!
Thomastrius Williams
Author of Too Real For Fiction
Deja Vu
We almost turned around. Almost. But something told me that tonight wouldn't be the night for regrets. We slowly drove down the winding dark road, where even the high beam lights did not make much of a difference. The silence of the road was deafening. Why would they hold an event way out here?
“Are you sure we're going the right way?” my husband James inquired.
“The directions say eight miles down and on the right,” I calmly replied.
Moments later, a large mansion appeared from the trees. I breath a sigh of relief, while quickly reapplying a coat of Lip Glass. Pulling into the large circle drive way was intimidating alone. The valet person motioned for us to pull in front of the large water fountain that graced the front entry to the mansion.
“You ready for this?” I asked James.
“As ready as I'm going to be,” he reluctantly replied.
The large double doors almost seemed to open on their own, and from the dimly lit foyer, our host greeted us with a smile.
“Welcome to The Castle. My name is Davina, the hostess for the night,” she embraced both of us with a hug. “Is this your first time?”
We both nod our heads, still too shy to say much. Ms. Davina stood a beautiful five feet eleven inches of molten chocolate. Hair pulled back, revealing a her slender neck, coco eyes, and lips of a Egyptian Queen. My focus shifted to the sway of her hips, as she lead us to the sign-in table.
“Please read and sign. Tonight is open house, so no membership fee is due, but the cover is $20. Did you bring a bottle?” Davina's breath has a hint of mint as she whispered instructions into my ear. James hands her the money, while I signed our names on the line. Initialed the box that stated in bold print: You Are Aware this is a Sex Club.
Davina shows us to the changing room, where we change into our nightly attire. Mine consist of a pink corset and black mini skirt, recently purchased from Fredericks. While the husband opted for gray silk pajama pants and a black tee. I rubbed his soft bald head, as he helped close the strap on my metallic heals. His hands slid slowly up my calves, and softly up my thighs, followed by a gentle smack on my ass.
“So what do we do first little Mrs. Adventurous,” he joked.
True this had been my little conquest. I spent months looking for the right swinger group, found a few lifestyle friends, and now drove a nice hour south of Atlanta to this remote mansion. It took a few months of convincing, but I finally got the husband comfortable enough to take this erotic adventure with me.
“I say we take a tour. Let's see what, or who, there is to do,” I smirked, then lead James out of the changing room.
We ascend up the spiral stair case, illuminated with a crystal chandelier. The red wallpaper seemed to hummed “Get comfortable.” At the top of the stairs awaited a long hallway, lined with white doors, all closed. I gripped my husbands hand as he followed me to the first door. I place my hand on the cold silver knob and turn...
Friday, October 22, 2010
In The Wrong Body
People can be so limited to their own mind. The few things they were taught within 10yrs of life, is all they tend to remember, recite, and recycle no matter how much times have changed. I recently read on a family memebers page that "God doesn't make mistakes" in reference to transgender men and women. This person doesn't believe that God would trap a boy in a girl body, or vice versa. When I asked how do explain the most evil people in the world, the reasoning (another wise tale from Pastor) "God made examples of evil."
I had to stop myself from laughing. People who don't have access to other lifestyles can only recite whatever their grandma/pastor told them. I never expect everyone to agree on all issues, that's what makes us a diverse world. But if we close our mind to the fact that other people have their own truths, then that makes us ignorant. I have seen with my own eyes young girls 6yrs old, from a strait 2 parent home, who refuse to play with dolls and wear dresses. I have seen lil boys 10yrs old who sneak into mom's makeup and high heels, not really understanding why. Those who have talked to adult transgendered people usually hear the same sad story, "I didn't feel like myself. I hated trying to be what other wanted me to be." Women who have tried to carve off their breast or duct tape them down out of disgust. People kill themselves every day because they cant live with SELF. Can u imagine that? Most strait people can't.. so sad!
Science states we all start out as a female embryo, and then within 6wks the clit turns into a penis, the ovaries drop down into testis. Testosterone which we all have, kicks in more, and VOILA; We have a lil boy! So basically we're all start as women with the option to be male LMAO. Women carry male traits, just like men carry ours. Science has been able to explain for DECADES why transgendered men and women feel trapped in the wrong body. But even still, strait people challenge this concept. Even I come from a religious, strait home, and was drawn to boy clothes, short hair, and women WAY before I knew the term 'bisexual'.
I know some people think things should be simple, but the reality is humans are SO COMPLEX. No one simple cliche/scripture can make us simple. Yes God makes mistakes (with gender assignment, Hitler, Bin Laden, Bad Parents, etc) like every day. YUP I SAID IT. You can call them "examples of evil" if you want to but doesnt change the outcome. Since the days of Sadam and Gomora, humans have had the ability to love ANY GENDER, be sexually explicit, and create their own identity. Only thing that has really changed is now Doctors can snip, tuck, and sew parts on to make the body match the soul. Guess God didn't have anything to do with plastic surgeons huh? lmao
Live You Life and Don't Try To Rationalize Others,
Ladae
I had to stop myself from laughing. People who don't have access to other lifestyles can only recite whatever their grandma/pastor told them. I never expect everyone to agree on all issues, that's what makes us a diverse world. But if we close our mind to the fact that other people have their own truths, then that makes us ignorant. I have seen with my own eyes young girls 6yrs old, from a strait 2 parent home, who refuse to play with dolls and wear dresses. I have seen lil boys 10yrs old who sneak into mom's makeup and high heels, not really understanding why. Those who have talked to adult transgendered people usually hear the same sad story, "I didn't feel like myself. I hated trying to be what other wanted me to be." Women who have tried to carve off their breast or duct tape them down out of disgust. People kill themselves every day because they cant live with SELF. Can u imagine that? Most strait people can't.. so sad!
Science states we all start out as a female embryo, and then within 6wks the clit turns into a penis, the ovaries drop down into testis. Testosterone which we all have, kicks in more, and VOILA; We have a lil boy! So basically we're all start as women with the option to be male LMAO. Women carry male traits, just like men carry ours. Science has been able to explain for DECADES why transgendered men and women feel trapped in the wrong body. But even still, strait people challenge this concept. Even I come from a religious, strait home, and was drawn to boy clothes, short hair, and women WAY before I knew the term 'bisexual'.
I know some people think things should be simple, but the reality is humans are SO COMPLEX. No one simple cliche/scripture can make us simple. Yes God makes mistakes (with gender assignment, Hitler, Bin Laden, Bad Parents, etc) like every day. YUP I SAID IT. You can call them "examples of evil" if you want to but doesnt change the outcome. Since the days of Sadam and Gomora, humans have had the ability to love ANY GENDER, be sexually explicit, and create their own identity. Only thing that has really changed is now Doctors can snip, tuck, and sew parts on to make the body match the soul. Guess God didn't have anything to do with plastic surgeons huh? lmao
Live You Life and Don't Try To Rationalize Others,
Ladae
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Digital Destiny
Yall remember pulling out the shoe box of old pix and laughing about hair styles, clothing, and even the plastic on grandma's couch? Or how about those funny little stickers you could add to the picture as a thought bubble. I use to drop so much film off at Rite Aid that eventually I earned unlimited free film lol. That seems like ions ago, now that everything is digital. My photo albums literally stop 4 years ago, right around the time I got my first really good camera phone. Whenever the kids take school photo's, I scan em right into my computer or smart phone, and send the hard copies back to the school. The thought of actually purchasing envelopes and stamps to mail Grandma family pictures almost seems unheard of doesn't it?
Recently I lost my awesome lil camera phone and have resorted to using one-use flash camera's until I replace my digital toy. It cracks me up that people forget that they have to look thru the hole, and NO there isnt a review screen! Whatever you capture is what you capture, which is why we use to all be so excited to go pick up the pix and quickly flip thru em all. But now we can redo the pix 101 times, crop, edit, and enhance it all before its sent off to its new home on Facebook/Twitter. smdh
Makes me wonder what will we hand down to our grandchildren? The average child will never write a check, since Debit cards are now standard. They wont know how to properly fill out an envelope, since email is the norm (and one day we may lose postal service all together lol). You can forget about them being able to read a map, with GPS and Google Maps taking over our steering wheels. All these computerized things that make life so much easier are also removing a lot of life treasures. It's sort of sad when I think about it.
I think we all should make a pledge to at least get family photo's once a year, YES printed out on paper lbvs. I know I am at least 5 years behind on a new family picture, but planning to fix that by the end of this year. While technology is certainly a benefit, there are some things in life that just can't be replaced. Memory cards are great, but they will never have the same impact as an old photo album full of memories.
Ladae
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Why LaLa Land?
la-la land n. A place renowned for its frivolous activity. A state of mind characterized by unrealistic expectations or a lack of seriousness.
I love the definition from Answers.com! It is so fitting, but there are 2 real reason's I named this blog "LaLa Land". First reason being in my book, "Too Real For Fiction; The Memoir," my nickname is 'Lala,' the rebellious teen with a lot drive (and in some ways im still that rebellious teen HA). Second reason, well if you know me then you know I create quite a unique life every day. Living in Atlanta has opened many doors, and allowed me to experience many things. Some activities seem unreal, and other's might consider my thoughts frivolous, but regardless of other's opinion I am ENJOYING LIFE!
If you are new to my blog, WELCOME, and be ready for some funny, wild, informative, humorous, and creative blogging. Just a few heads up, I don't sugar coat, and I enjoy healthy debates. Share your opinion, but be ready for my reply LOL! Back in the early days of blogging, you could find me on Yahoo 360 cutting up, and well I'm still the same me! So get comfortable (click FOLLOW up above), share the page, and show some love.. I'm BACK!!!
Ladae
I love the definition from Answers.com! It is so fitting, but there are 2 real reason's I named this blog "LaLa Land". First reason being in my book, "Too Real For Fiction; The Memoir," my nickname is 'Lala,' the rebellious teen with a lot drive (and in some ways im still that rebellious teen HA). Second reason, well if you know me then you know I create quite a unique life every day. Living in Atlanta has opened many doors, and allowed me to experience many things. Some activities seem unreal, and other's might consider my thoughts frivolous, but regardless of other's opinion I am ENJOYING LIFE!
If you are new to my blog, WELCOME, and be ready for some funny, wild, informative, humorous, and creative blogging. Just a few heads up, I don't sugar coat, and I enjoy healthy debates. Share your opinion, but be ready for my reply LOL! Back in the early days of blogging, you could find me on Yahoo 360 cutting up, and well I'm still the same me! So get comfortable (click FOLLOW up above), share the page, and show some love.. I'm BACK!!!
Ladae
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