Glimpses

A little bit of this and a little bit of that. Images and commentary for your viewing pleasure and enjoyment.

First up, some of the thank you cards I made and sent out last week. The overall design is the same but each is unique. This tends to happen when you add a distressing element to the mix.

I'd like to take a moment to thank you also. Thank you for stopping by, for being a part of my life in this blogging journey. I'm glad we've found one another.

Wing carcasses are a common sight when the peeps and I watch football. So is the blue cheese and/or ranch dressing dribbles.

Mel made those for our Monday night football watching a few weeks back. They were delicious.

I am craving this right now. Cheesy enchilada goodness. Or is it badness? Fiwa and I split this dish, as well as carne asada, after we went to see Lakeview Terrace two Saturday afternoons ago.

Ace is gonna hate this but I had to!

Fiwa has the dark polish action going on too!

Morning after brunch at Black Bear with Pretty Prince and Kyla before we settled in for Sunday football and laundry a few Sundays ago.
I gave in. Oh yes I did get the biscuits and gravy. Do you think the freshly squeezed OJ offsets the bad the dish ooozed?

Cousins hanging with their Auntie. Isn't this what lazy Sunday fall afternoons are for?

Kyla snoozed a little between games. Mel did work on the computer. Big Suge intently watched the games. I was doing laundry while keeping an eye on the game.

Don't forget if you have a probing question you'd like to ask me leave a comment and next Saturday the answers will be posted. Don't hold back. I challenged you remember?

I'm off to switch gears. I'm hitting the gym before connecting with the man later this evening. We're long overdue for catching up and honestly, I am in a little bit of disbelief we are gonna make it happen.

Peace and Love Peeps.

NOTE: spacing and pictures can be a fine art some days

All I'm Gonna Say...

... is things have a way of working themselves out.

No, I am not going to get deep and philosophical on you but I am going to share a story of how I came to remember this recently.

I was all kinds of excited, when upon calling my local stamping store, I was told they had this in stock and it would be waiting for me at the counter. I already had a design in mind for this year's Halloween greetings so off I went late Saturday afternoon.

Upon my arrival, I spied the stamp. To my dismay, it was tiny. My creative thought vanished in an instant. *poof* As quickly as it had appeared, it was now gone. Don't get me wrong. It is a perfectly good stamp but it isn't perfect for what I had in mind.

I decided to peruse the shelves to see what else was in the store and if anything might catch my eye. I have this thing about using a new stamp each year even though there are perfectly good ones in my stash that could be used in a new design. What can I say? I like to keep it fresh.

When I saw this, I was sold. Another design idea manifested itself in my mind's eye. However, it was not meant to be. They were temporarily sold out. At this point I started to wonder if I wasn't meant to return home and start at square one.

But then it caught my eye. I walked away from it. I came back to it. I walked away again. I came back to it again. I finally decided to go ahead and grab it.

This year's selection is edgy. It has elements appealing to (I hope) both men and women as there will be some cards sent to men only. It is kinda tattooish; {is that even a word?} Let me just say it is completely different than either of the previous choices noted above.

After playing around with the image, accents, color choice, and placement for a few hours over the course of the last 24 hours, I have finally decided on this year's "creation". Some of ya' might be happy to know I am using one of my previous stamps too. A combo of the old and the new.

And I am keeping it simple.

Sometimes the crafty creative flow can be a process but it is a process I thoroughly enjoy. Playing with inks, papers, and when the rubber meets the paper, it's really good for this girl's soul.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #48

Do you have a question you'd like an answer to?

Is there something you've been wanting to ask someone but haven't had the courage or chance to do so?

Has "hmmm, I wonder how she/he does that?' Or "hmmm, how did she/he come to be how they are?"

Well, this is the week I challenge you to ask the question.

In the spirit of doing so, I'm opening it myself up to YOU.

Leave a comment and next Saturday I'll do a post with the answers. Almost everything is fair game.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Grounded....In a Good Way

I was cleaning up my personal email while snacking on some delicious and nutritious mango and pineapple and came across this email from Paolo.

Agent Mo-

1) Your top secret birthday information is safe with me

2) I will check in Thursday and await further details of "Operation Thirsty"

3) Excited for libations

4) Wish Agent Ace were there too

5) Miss you

6) This message will not self destruct

-Agent P

Some background for this is we were corresponding regarding getting together for the God Loves Country outing.

I was in the midst of work and went into what my crew affectionately refers to as business Mo; direct, no nonsense, concise, communication. I flutter between the two frequently.

My email to him prior to the above reply was "Of course you can bring her! My birthday isn't until Saturday.....shhh, keep it on the down low.

Talk w by Thursday to solidify the details. Have a good week."

I'm guessing he recognized I could use a laugh and let his humor come through loud and clear.

It is love and laughter like this from my peeps that keeps me grounded, in check, and makes me feel so very loved and blessed on a daily basis.

Thanks for having my back y'all.

LOVE YOU. MEAN IT.

Sometime soon I am going to do a cast of characters post. I've brought you up to speed on Spanky. I've introduced you to Pacomo. However, I haven't ever done a run down of my family by choice peeps living life with me that I write about here or that are on display in the peep show to your left.

It's long overdue and I'll get to it soon.

For now, I am Audi 5000. I know, I know that was lame but it popped into my mind. I'm gonna' go run a few errands, as I usually do on a Saturday afternoon.

One of which is pick up this year's choice of a Halloween stamp so I can get my craft on later today. It's the perfect day to do so as there is only one college ball game on worth watching in my opinion and tomorrow is a slow pro ball day too.

I'm delaying getting the rest of the Twilight series from Fiwa on purpose. If those books were anywhere near me, I'd have my nose buried in it and would get nothing done. We can't have that can we?

No. We can't.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Mo's Music Mix

This week the shuffle decided to grace us with more old school than new school. I have a feeling most of these songs are gonna' age me...

1. Take Me With U by Prince

2. You're the First, the Last, My Everything by Barry White

3. Let Me Roll by Seal

4. Gimme More by Britney Spears

5. Planet Earth by Duran Duran

6. Jim Dandy by Black Oak Arkansas

7. Beat It by Michael Jackson

8. Fallen by Sarah McLachlan

9. Everyday is a Winding Road by Sheryl Crow

10. Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani feat Eve

For the record, I am still annoyed with Prince. Release the videos dude. Please and thank you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Fran's Right

"Life is something to do when you can't get to sleep."

I wonder when I will run out of gas today...

Breezy My Arse

I've talked about my love of fall before.

I won't bore you with the details, at least not right now. The reasons are typical. Sights. Sounds. Smells. Activities. Clothes. Food. Colors. Holidays.

Heck, I got all kinds of excited earlier this week when I was able to wear a hoodie at night and it was needed.

I'm even one of those crazy PacNW'ers enjoying the gray skies, the cooler temps, and yes - the rain. There I said it. I don't dread the rain.

What I am not so happy about it is the wind. Don't get me wrong. I like the wind. But when the weather dude says the day is going to be BREEZY, what he really means is hold on for dear life. Wear your hair in a hat or at the very least a ponytail because no matter how hard you try, the gusts will find you.

Wanna guess how I will be wearing my hair today?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Keep an Eye Out

Some of ya' have snail mail coming your way.

Most of the time I check my mail once a week.

Having a locked box allows me the luxury of doing so.

I think my mail carrier secretly curses me out.

I know this isn't necessarily the best thing but hey, it is how I roll.

So if you're like me I wanted to throw it out there, so you can keep an eye out and stuff.

Peace and Love Peeps.

God Loves Country

Who: Paolo, Courtney, and Mo

What: Catch Up Dinner and Drinks, Meet and Greet, Early Birthday Celebration

When: Thursday, September 4, 2008

Where: The Rock

You may be asking yourself why the title of this post is God Loves Country.

Simply put, there we were. Enjoying the amazing weather. Enjoying each other's company. Partaking in some grub and a drink or two while chilling on the patio. Above of us is street level in which traffic was relatively heavy due to the time of the evening we met {insert rush hour}.

Out of nowhere, and from above, blaring for all to enjoy was some country music. Serious country music. The light was long. The music was a tad annoying. We decided right then and there God MUST love country.

You've been introduced to Spanky. Allow me now to add Pacomo to the mix. So far I have not killed him. This is saying something y'all as I do not have the world's greatest green thumb when it comes to house plants.

Every morning Pacomo and I have a little conversation while I am feeding the kitties and making my chai tea latte. It must be the stimulating conversation keeping him alive and kicking. That's my story and I am sticking to it!

Thanks Paolo and Courtney for helping to celebrate my day and for the gift that keeps on giving. No more waiting 6 months before we get together again a'right?

Oh, and a trick Paolo shared with me...when taking pictures with the flash on, place piece of napkin or something similar over the flash on the camera and viola! Doing so adds an instant bit of warmth to the image captured versus being too bright. You can see the outcome of such action in the above picture. Thanks buddy!

Food for the night consisted of appetizers. A glass of wine for Courtney, a beer for Paolo, and a vodka tonic for me.

Yum-o!

Outstanding company. Great food. Good times. Blessings indeed!

Some of the things I live for and am grateful to abundantly have in my life.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Happy Monday and The Upcoming Week

First off, Happy Monday!

Why is it Monday mornings seem to come too quickly and the weekend flies by in a flash?

This week will be more of the same. Busy. Moving at rates comparable to the speed of light. But you know what?
It is all GOOD.

It's life and I am living it. Embracing what is put before me daily and continuing to make time to recharge my internal batteries by spending time with family by choice, in quiet reflection, and ensuring I am getting sleep too. I am also allowing myself permission to say no to things and people that have the potential to take me off course.

I am going to do my best to update and stop by to see you too. I would like to catch up on all the entries I want and need to write about that I have failed to do so in the last few weeks.

I hope you and yours are well too and will hang with me on this ride I call life. The blog title will ring true this week for sure...Mo is on the GO.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #47

I struggled with coming up with a weekly challenge this week.

Finally I have decided on one pertaining to our fur babies.

I'm not recommending you take them in for a check up or ensuring they are up to date on their shots.

That'd be way too easy.

This week I am challenging you to clean their bedding, their kennel, their blanket, their kitty litter box...you know the spaces they claim as their own and use on a daily basis.

Peace and Love Peeps.

They Killed It

What a night last night!

It took Mel and I longer to get to the concert than it took for me to drive to my destination for the road trip this week. Seriously.

3 hours and counting to go maybe twenty miles. At one point it took 45 minutes to get through one light. ONE light people.

We were not alone in this. We knew most all of the other cars were going the same place. How could you not when you the sounds of Journey could be heard from the windows?

The traffic was so bad at random times, folks were making mad dashes from their cars to use the restroom and to purchase beer. We just chilled in the car, gabbed, and made the most of our time until we could make it to the venue.

Kyla and Steph were already there and had staked out a great spot on the grass for us. They were able to head over early. For this, we were thankful.

Mel and I completely missed Cheap Trick and most all of Heart which is a damn shame. We really wanted to see them and hear her belt out the tunes. Kyla was in tears during their performance and Steph had goose bumps so we know we missed a good thing. Fortunately, we arrived inside the grassy area in time for Barracuda and were able to enjoy the encore. Journey killed it. Absolutely rocked the house. We are a bunch of sing along fools to begin with but to be at the concert surrounded by hundreds of others rocking out and singing along too made it that much more dare I say magical.

Mel and I left before the end of the set. We were taking no chances for a four hour trip back home. As is, we had to hike to my car. And I mean hike y'all. It took 10 minutes to get out of the "driveway" and a total of 35 minutes to make it back to the Taco Bell we grabbed grub at on the way home.

While sitting in the traffic on our way out, some random very drunk chick approached our car. She introduced herself and her BFF. Maricel and Mikey said we were the hot chicks on the freeway that they tried to keep up with and then she politely offered us some vodka. Um, thanks but no thanks.

I told you the freaks find me. We'll take the hot chick compliment but um, wrong hot chicks. We were nowhere near the freeway. We were in traffic remember?

All in all, GREAT times and Arnel Pineda did Steve Perry proud. Can you imagine to be found on You Tube and then before you know it be touring with some of the greats? A dream come true for sure. Go here to hear and see his "debut". Close your eyes and tell me he doesn't do it justice and you don't feel/hear Steve?

A quick shout out to my brothers for rocking out to these tunes in my youth. Journey, Foreigner, Boston, AC/DC to name some of the influences with your names ALL over it. Being there made me miss y'all a bit more than usual. Love you. Mean It.

Peace and Love Peeps.

NOTE: I admit defeat and will stop trying to fix the spacing issues. Thanks blogger for a frustrating few minutes of my life. {Pfft}

Mo's Music Mix and Weekend Plans

This week's music shuffle selections are

1. Mo' Money Mo' Problems by the Notorious B.I.G. feat. Puff Daddy and Mase

2. Low Rider by War

3. The House is Rockin' by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble

4. Fly Like Me by Chingy feat. Amerie

5. I'm Your Boogie Man by KC & The Sunshine Band

6. Undercova Funk (Give Up the Funk) by Snoop Dogg feat. Bootsy Collins

7. Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia

8. Lonely World by Robin Thicke

9. Baby by LL Cool J feat. The Dream

10. What You Waiting For by Gwen Stefani

This weekend is gonna be full and sure to be filled with good times.

Friday: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick concert with Kyla, Mel, and Steph

Saturday: Check in on Mars, movie (?) and lunch with Fiwa, movie (Righteous Kill) with Kyla and Pretty Prince.

Sunday: Catch up on personal stuff (making some cards, bills, cleaning, errands...you know the things adult have to do), and chillaxin.

Football. Of course there is going to be football! Time at the gym too as I was a bad girl and didn't make it as much as I would have liked this week.

I also plan to catch up on you, your blogs, and get back in the swing of replying to the comments you leave/have left for me. The last two weeks have been a tad loco so I haven't been on top of my game. I've been reading but not replying, other than in my head.

How about you? Big plans? Taking it easy? Lemme know because I am interested.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Pump It

Today was an odd day and not influenced by the full moon.

Ace likes to say the freaks find me. Today would be NO exception.

The day started early and with a not so nice surprise. I rolled over to love on Princess upon the alarm so rudely waking me at 5:45 AM. Instead of feeling soft fur my hand felt something cold and wet.

Hairballs are nasty any time of the day or night but when you've just woken up and are expecting kitty fur, it is downright wrong and just nasty.

I don't fault her. It's just how she rolls.

I promptly got out of bed and jumped in the shower. I then made the usual chai tea latte with light soy milk and scrambled some egg whites for breakfast and began to feel like a bad momma because all I had to feed the babies was dry food, some chicken baby food, and a few pieces of roasted chicken.

They have such a hard life huh? But when they look up at you with those eyes and you can see the question of where is the wet food we have come to know and love, I couldn't help but feel like I let them down.

Guilt in my heart, I headed off to take on the day. Upon my return from a quick jaunt down south in an attempt to handle a business manner, I headed to the gas station to refuel the rental car with gas.

This is the where things turn a little strange. There I am. In the grayness, light drizzle, minding my own business pumping gas.

Out of the corner of my eye I see this guy on the other side of the island peering around the corner in my direction; more than once but not so many times it would be considered inappropriate.

Then out of nowhere his wife gets out of their car and begins to yell at me. She screams, and I mean screams, "Do you have to be obvious?"

"Um, excuse me?" was my reply and in my head I was thinking what the eff?

She comes closer and continues to scream "Yea, you. You're standing there acting like you don't know what you're doing. You don't see all the men looking at you. Being all obvious..." .

While she's going off on me, her husband is telling her, "Stop. Get in the car. Shut up!"

She totally caught me off guard. All I could say was something to the effect of "I'm just pumping gas" and all I could do was stand there. Usually I have a retort on the quick but I was taken aback. I was speechless. Yea, mark the date down. Mo didn't have anything to say.

They got out of there in a flash and not a moment too soon for my liking. For the record, I was wearing a black sweater jersey dress with 3/4 quarter sleeves, a wide black patent belt, and heeled sandals. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing too revealing and certainly nothing to warrant her rant mmmmmmkay?

Yup, the freaks have a way of finding me somehow or another.

I won't even get into what happened at the rental car place right now. If something comes of it, I'll fill you in. Just know it was unexpected and my reaction leaves me thinking what just happened?

For now, how about some Spanky? Post all of that excitement, he and I had lunch with JLo and Cowboy at Jimmy Mac's.

I was running late so there are no pictures of the food to share other than their amazing bread and the peanut shell "hat" JLo decided Spanky should sport.

This would be one of the many reasons Spanky is "bathed" weekly.

Cowboy, it really is ok to be a grown man playing with a toy in public. Who cares what others may think? Each of us has always marched to the beat of our very own drum. Embrace the beat brother, embrace it!

Post some additional hours at work, I headed over to see Kyla so she could get rid of some of the gray that was large and charge in between the highlights I had done a few weeks ago. Upon my arrival, we both had to laugh when this was spotted.

Sorry Ace. I had to!

We independently had our toes done this week and darn near chose the exact same polish. Her color selection is by OPI and I think is called Black Cherry. You know mine is by China Glaze and is Evening Seduction.

So you know that saying that goes something like "All your friends are doing it"? This certainly rings true in our little corner of the world. Hmmmm, will you be able to rise above the influence?

Post getting pretty again, we both did a bit of shopping. Kitty food for me and Victoria's Secret for her. We then met up for a different kind of Thirsty Thursday. The company was great. The drinks tasty. Unfortunately, the food left a lot to be desired. Please do not try to pass off shredded pork tacos as shredded beef tacos. Just like these girls know the difference between house vodka and top shelf, we also know know our meat.

The effort to bring ground beef tacos was appreciated but but we were over it by the time that plate arrived.

I rounded out the evening by talking to Mars for a few minutes, getting and giving some hugs, and sending my recyclables with her.

Y'all send her the vibes and prayers for a quick and healthy recovery ok? She's the fortunate one and is getting Lasik tomorrow.

I'm very happy for her and let me keep it real...I'm so very envious. Technology can advance any day now so I can quit being part of the 15% of the population unable to have the procedure. Please and thank you.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Evening Seduction

Did I get your attention with the blog title?


If so, I have a feeling I am going to disappoint if you thought I was going talk sexy time with you.


Evening Seduction is the name of my choice for a fall and winter nail polish. Naw, let me correct that, toe nail polish. My stubbies are either bare, coated with a strengthener, or painted a very pale pink.


My toes? This is a whole other story.


The standby is OPI's I'm Not Really a Waitress. I also like Red Essence by China Glaze.


Evening Seduction by China Glaze is a very dark purple and almost looks black once it is on. If it is in direct light you can see the purple. I'm getting in touch with my dark side. Ha!


Do you have a color you're digging on currently or an old standby you go to time after time? I'm on the lookout for new color choices so DO TELL!


Peace and Love Peeps.


And yes Ace I kindly accept your thanks for not posting pictures of my feet. Love You. Mean It.

Spanky

Allow me to introduce you to Spanky.

He is the crew's mascot.

He was inspired by JoJo, Tina's traveling gnome.

We are a bunch of economical (insert frugal) peeps. Thus, I never got around to buying one but when this was the male toy in a Happy Meal one night, I was all over it.

Officially he is a superhero and father of the main character for the Nickelodeon show El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Riveria. His "real" name is White Pantera.

I didn't care for the name that much. I thought it wasn't inclusive and could be interpreted as a tad racist so we re-named him Spanky. Mr. Spanks if you've been naughty.

He goes pretty much everywhere with me. I "bathe" him once a week. Most all of the time he can be found in a Ziploc bag with my camera. Luckily, no one has taken him hostage...yet. Don't be getting any ideas people!

The peeps, work peeps included, have totally embraced him. Thankfully no one thinks too much of sitting down for a meal or an outing and me whipping him out of the purse or briefcase to join us.

He can be quite the conversation piece and from time to time, he has been used to weed out people. If you don't get/appreciate I am a grown woman carrying around a plastic figurine from a Happy Meal and like to take random pictures of him, you just might not be my kind of people.

Spanky's one year anniversary is January 20th. It seems like he has been with me far longer than this. I'm sensing the need for a party specifically in his honor.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Cue Willie, Sing it Kenny

I'm on the road again.

Gonna' be just me, my thoughts, the road and the radio.

Well, technically cds but Kenny didn't sing a song about the road and cds.

See y'all on the flip side, which will more than likely be tomorrow or Thursday. Today looks to be a long one.

When I'm back, I'll fill ya' in on Spanky.

Peace and Love Peeps.

What's In Your Bag?

I told CrystalChick I would do this one so here goes.

THE BASIC RULES

1. Put the contents of your handbag (for men, use wallet or pocket) in a pile


2. Photograph what is in there


3. List or describe what is in there


4. Find a story in the pile

ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS

1. What's the most important thing in there?


2. What's the most embarrassing thing in there?


3. What's the smallest thing in there?


4. Is there anything illegal in there?


5. Tag others

If you are curious like I am, which I think you are, you also want to know what holds the stuff I have in my purse. My current favorite bag is this one. Very functional. Simple. Classic. Right up my avenue. The bow matches the lining and since it has not fallen off yet, I am continuing to rock and roll with it. Some people don't care for it but since I do, there it remains.

Lemme break the contents down for you as seen above; in no particular order

• Chanel sunglasses and carrying case
• Chopsticks and carrying case
• Mechanical pencil
• Moleskin notebook
• Flash Drive
• Motorola H700 Bluetooth headset
• Orbit White Spearmint flavor gum
• Zebra zippered carrying pouch for that time of the month girly things
• Patent leather faux croc coin purse (carries cash and coins; currently contains $17.08)
• Personalized business card holder I use for cards versus a wallet (currently contains debit card, CostCo membership card, driver license, 24 Hour Fitness membership card, health insurance card, Safeway club card, AAA membership card, Am-Ex Corporate card)
• Ralph Lauren plaid cosmetic bag (contents are black ponytail holder (3), Victoria Secret Beauty Rush I Want Candy lip gloss, mint floss picks, band-aids (4), Wet Ones (2 antibacterial wipes and 2 Fresh 'n Flush), nail buffing block, nail file in an individual case, Claritin (6), compact travel brush and mirror, retractable makeup brush (used for mineral veil touch ups), vitamin case (contains a week worth of vitamins (daily multivitamin, B-50 complex, iron, calcium) and Tylenol))
• Ziploc bag with camera and Spanky
• Beat Up Ziploc bag with the liquids: germ-X hand sanitizer, Burt's Bees hand salve, Ralph by Ralph Lauren perfume, Boston rewetting contact lens drops, travel size Eucerin lotion, HaKen essential fragrance cuticle oil (vanilla almond), Bare Escentuals lip liner (nude color), dermalogica renewal lip complex, Victoria Secret Beauty Rush Sugar High lip gloss
• Savings envelope (contains coupons for Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret, DSW, Bed Bath & Beyond, Borders, Famous Dave's, Ulta, Jo-Ann's, and Michaels)

I'm feeling a tad exposed now.

As for the story in the pile. Y'all know I have a bit of organizational OCD. The proof, is as they say, in the pudding. I carry things in bags in a bag. I do this in suitcases too by the way. Most people would have the items in the beat up Ziploc bag and the plaid cosmetic bag loose in their purse, bag, briefcase, etc.

Nope, not me. I like them to be separate and contained. Partly this is due to travel. You know the whole liquids have to be a certain size and be in a quart size bag regulation. In the spirit of keeping it real, I like things in their place. And apparently I have a thing with um, wanting to be clean, while ensuring my hair can be put up if needed, and keeping my skin and lips hydrated.

The most important thing in there? Hands down it is the business card holder. ID, access to funds, health care, and peace of mind from AAA is muy importante.

The most embarrassing thing in there? I'm not embarrassed by anything in there. I do get some funny looks for Spanky from time to time however.

What's the smallest thing in there? Chopstick helpers.

Is there anything illegal in there? No. Sorry to disappoint you.

Tag others. I'm taking the easy way out and leaving this up to you. Some of you have already played. If you do decide to this, please leave me a comment so I can come on by and see what's in your bag. I'm nosy like that.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #46

For the record, that's not me nor is it my couch. I have this sofa in brushed canvas natural. You can tell from that color selection alone I don't have kids. Dead giveaway huh?

If you were following me on twitter last Sunday you know how I spent some of my day.

Cleaning the couch people! The entire thing. Each and every slipcover, including the main big one. Lemme tell you that was no easy feat and now I know why I waited 7, yes 7 years to tackle that bad boy.

Many thanks to Ace for putting up with my whining while I was doing the chore, which is this week's challenge.

Saw that one coming didn't you?

This week I challenge you to clean your couch, your sofa, your chairs...whatever you need to. I'm not just talking about taking a vacuum or lint roller to it. I'm talking about taking the cushions off and getting right down to it.

I know one person who just bought a fabulous sectional so she won't need to do the couch at least.

In case you are wondering, the most common item found under my couch cushions is kitty litter. Poor babies. That stuff gets stuck in their padded paws. Hold the comments y'all. They can't help it.

What might you find in yours?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Kitty Fitness

Even the kitties are getting in on the fitness 'round these parts.

Yup, I'm outing myself again with the shoes falling where they may.

I think it was Elizabeth who asked if I just slid out of my work out shoes. The answer, as evidenced here too, is yes.

I slide my feet out, yank off the socks, stuff them in, and typically make my way straight to the shower as I am all kinds of hot and sweaty. Post shower, I put the socks in the hamper.

Princess, for whatever reason, has an affinity for the Nikes so until she gives them up, they stay where they are.

I like how the shadow of the bike in the sun while Jasmine is taking advantage of the moment appears as if she is sitting on the bike seat. Backwards yes, but sitting on the seat.

The other picture of Jasmine with her paw on my forehead is her kung fu kitty and/or attempts to heal me. Demons be gone!

I'd love to tell you that was a planned shot or I lifted her paw up there but nope, she did that all on her own.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Mo's Music Mix

It doesn't seem right to refer to it as Fiwa's Friday Shuffle while she is on a break.

I've gotten into the groove of doing a music shuffle weekly so I'm gonna keep it going until she is back in action. I prefer to refer to it as Mo's Music Mix.

If ya' wanna play along too, leave me a comment. I'll come by and see what musical selections you have or read what you've left for me. Do know a giveaway similar to hers will be in the mix too.

This week my iPod selected these 10

1. If I Could Fall In Love by Lenny Kravitz

2. Picture by Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow

3. Like You by Bow Wow feat. Ciara

4. New Soul by Yael Naim

5. But I Do Love You by LeAnn Rimes

6. So Long, Jimmy by James Blunt

7. Mercy by Duffy

8. Nine in the Afternoon by Panic At the Disco

9. Girl's Around the World by Lloyd and Lil Wayne

10. Hot in Herre by Nelly

Didya' play? Didya'?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Summing It Up Yo!

Anyone else remember this song?

Back in the day (early 90s), especially while kicking it in the clubs of Deep Ellum, this song was the jam.

I still dig on it to this day.

The last few days have been .

In a good way.

Full of laughter, love, good times, food and drinks, late nights, shorter mornings, jokes, hugs, sports, a little bit of drama, some tears, and of course work. There is always work to do be done.

I have lots to share, and I assure you I will, but for now I need to get back to it.

Hope things are good in your world. I'll be by to see you soon.

Shout Outs go to these peeps who have made this week so far what it's been: Mars, Kyla, Steph, Pretty Prince, Q6, Ace, Walker, and the man.

Love You. Mean It.

Oh, and before I forget! Awhile back, from a meme, I said I would ask the peeps and get back to you with sayings I said. Pointed out to me this week are

• Like Really?
• Seriously?
• Just Sayin'

There are more but these were the obvious choices to share.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Keepin' It Real

Some of you already know this about me.

I have a shoe thing.

I love me some shoes.

Most girls do right?

I feel a good pair of shoes can make the plainest of outfits slammin'.

A great pair of heels can make you feel it.

The right fit, the right look, and you'll be working it like nobody's business.

All this being said, I have what I refer to as a dumping ground. A shoe graveyard if you will.

The first thing I do when I walk in the door is hang my keys up, put my purse, briefcase, and whatever else I am lugging up 25 stairs down, and kick off my kicks.

This is a representation of yesterday's into this morning graveyard; post chillaxin' with the peeps on a Monday because this is how we do.
You can tell from the picture the kind of day I had. If you're in my space, this is a dead giveaway of where I have been and what I have been doing.

And nope, I didn't stage the picture. I let the soldiers fall where they may.

First up, was a work out. I'm tight with the treadmill at 5:45 AM these days.

Next, are the shoes I wore to work. I can move 12+ hours in those bad boys.

Finally, the standby and most comfortable pair of heels I own and wear often. So often I have a pair for afterhours and an almost pristine pair for work.

Have no fear. My OCD takes over at the end of or beginning of most days. After they have aired out, I place them in their respective boxes in the closest, which are stacked according to size and type.

You knew I didn't leave them out for days on end right?

My question dear internets this fine day is do you have a dumping place of your own? If so, what would we find there?

It's all about keepin' it real today. There a'int no shame in your game.

Don't be shy now. Share. I wanna' know.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Hey, It's Ok!

Do you read Glamour?

I read Glamour.

Something from the September issue cracking me right up is the "Hey, it's ok!" feature this month.

I can relate.

Hey, it's ok!

• ... to consider Spanx an exercise plan
• ... to leave it for somebody else to clean up (for once)
• ... to.get.so.ticked.off.at.him.you.can.only.talk.like.this.
• ... to be jealous of Suri Cruise's wardrobe
• ... to think plain old condoms are perfectly fine. So what if they don't glow in the dark?
• ... to ask for ketchup for your aged porterhouse
• ... to not let your nephew beat you at Candy Land. The kid's gotta' grow up eventually.
• ... to still not be able to drive a stick
• ... to ask every one of your friends for your advice, then do exactly the opposite.

Speak it Glamour. Speak it!

1. I have often relied on Spanx
2. I wish I had someone to clean up after me from time to time
3. I have been that ticked off before
4. I'm not jealous. I'm irritated. The amount of money TomKat spends on Suri's wardrobe could feed at least a few villages.
5. Glow in the dark is overrated
6. Work husband will feel vindicated and more than likely remind me of this the next time I roll my eyes and snicker when he asks for ketchup with his dead cow
7. Um, I've won because I could before and you gotta' teach them a win is not given, it's earned
8. Still haven't mastered the clutch thing
9. Been there. Done that. Have the T-Shirt to show for it.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Weekly Challenge #45

Ok, before we go further, let me just say I have not done last week's challenge.

Yet.

I'm not so sure I will get to it today either. There is football to be watched. Laundry can be done while watching the game but cleaning baseboards? Not so much.

Now, for this week's challenge.

It's to ensure I get those thank you cards done I need and want to do.

Do you have anyone you need or want to say thank you to?

Make this the week you put thought into action. Drop them an email. Send a card. Pick up the phone. Leave a blog comment.

Just do it.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Rise and Shine

Top of the day to you.

I woke up without the alarm clock this morning.

To the sound of Jasmine sneezing and Princess snoring.

Princess was on my hip. Jasmine on my shoulder.

There was no escaping it. When they are that close, you can't help but hear them.

I rolled over, looked at the clock, saw it read 6:41 and just knew.

I knew there was no going back to sleep.

Oh I tried. Yes I did. Thirty minutes later I decided to rise and shine.

I'll probably take a nap later, if time permits.

But for now? For now I am off to make a smoothie, hit the gym, drop off some books at the library, swing by the vet's to pick up kitty food, check in on my nephew (Mars and J's dog), pick up a RX refill, get my hair cut and colored, and possibly have a late lunch with the man before the joint birthday celebration tonight.

Oh yea, thanks again for all the kind wishes. Today is the actual day.

And you know what? I'm ok with turning 20+1?.

Peace and Love Peeps.

Fiwa's Friday Shuffle

Friday.

Fiwa's Friday shuffle.

Here are this week's random 1o.

1. Angel by Jack Johnson

2. Home by Michael Buble

3. Kiss Kiss (feat T-Pain) by Chris Brown

4. See You Again by Miley Cyrus

5. Rock With You by Michael Jackson

6. World In My Eyes by Depeche Mode

7. No Matter What by T.I.

8. Let's Get Lifted by John Legend

9. Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

10. Steve McQueen by Sheryl Crow

Peace and Love Peeps.

Yummy

How yummers does that bad boy look to you?

Courtesy of "boss man", his wife, and their monkey a while ago when we had dinner at Claim Jumper one night in July.

After the day I've had, this is calling my name.

I'm going to be good. Instead of eating cake, I'm going to do some yoga and head for bed at a decent time.

This is not as fun of a decision but it is the healthier choice right?

Right?

Peace and Love Peeps.

Thirsty Thursday

As most of you know, I have a local "Cheers" and regular Thirsty Thursday happy hour with some of the peeps most every week, especially when I am in town, don't have a date, and a certain someone is nowhere to be found.

Post sushi with the girls (Fiwa, Drea, and Mars), we (Mars and I) headed over for booty shaking music, a drink, lots of laughs, and good times. Always good times.

In attendance is anywhere from 3 to 15. Who is there varies from week to week as it is an open invite. This week we were 9 strong.

A surprise was waiting in the form of an out of town guest; a former regular until he was promoted and headed down south.

He was in town for the game. {Seemed like almost everyone I know was at this particular game} I'm glad we stopped by after dinner. Time with T is good for the soul.


Mars' hubby joined us too. I love my peeps. Oh yes I do.

The next morning, some of us continued the good times with brunch at a local diner.

Those biscuits are nothing short of amazing. So big. So scrumptious. So much food. I was unable to finish everything on my plate.

The biscuit, hash browns, egg, chicken fried steak with gravy, and OJ gave me the fuel needed for the rest of the day at work followed by the game Friday night.

That story is next up. For now, back to the grind I go.

Peace and Love Peeps.