C.R.A.Z.Y!
Came and went! I barely remember any major, let alone minor details! The road hasn't been smooth, but it's been full of hidden blessings and more lessons learned! It was an awakening that's for sure... I'm wide awake and READY to LEAVE 2012!
I'm prepared and fully vested...Are you?!
It's interesting what you remember about your childhood! I remember my great-grandmother, whom I called Lessie B. She passed away when I was about fifteen years old and at that time death, I want to say, was very surreal to me. I just really didn't understand it or think of losing people around me and never seeing them again (on this side for us believers) as a reality. Even at the age I am, knowing and surviving and understanding the things I do...sometimes it's still unfathomable! :-/
With that said, I don't want to place a damper on this entry because that's certainly not my intent...so I'll carry on to the exact point of it all.
In remembering my great-grandmother; I remember her house around the holidays! Just to be clear, she was a pack-rat! She always has whatever's all around her house: on tables, counters, cabinets...you name it! She always had food too, not food like snacks either, I'm talking full-course meals: hog, pig feet, pickled this or that, smoked this and that, coconut cakes, tea cake cookies...whatever!
But I distinctly remember during the holidays- from about September through February being her "peak" season for desserts! Lol! I especially remember on the holidays Gingerbread houses!!!
All types, large and small! They weren't the greatest to eat, in fact they tasted weird to me although they were edible! I remember thinking, "Let me stop sneaking to eat this house, you can't eat it...but it smells SO good!" The funniest part is that, there was absolutely no reason to sneak! They were there to eat, but I always thought of it as more of a display :-)
Lessie B! That was her thing and I remember those houses vividly! I don't see them when I visit people's houses anymore, I don't hear people talking about them anymore either... I wonder why that is?! Maybe I've outgrown them and so like on some of those movies, like... who remembers Drop Dead Fred?! Lol! Remember she got too "grown-up" to remember Fred and only when she got back "child-like" did she remember him ;-) Maybe that's it! I don't "see" the Gingerbread houses because I'm not really looking for them...subconsciously.
Christmas Eve is my night to be with my family and love!!! I watch my fav holiday movies, get tipsy off egg nog, sip cocoa, wrap gifts, bake cookies, bask in the beauty of the occasion and usually fall asleep some time thereafter❤
Santa Claus is coming to town!! So Merry Christmas to All and to All a GOOD night! ❌⭕❌⭕,
You can be a whole lot of EVERYTHING and still not be enough. Don't allow someone else's issues to undermine your self-worth! You have value and those that truly love you see it even when you don't!
XOXO,
It's true that America is a melting pot for all types of people, with all different beliefs and religions! Who cares?! To each their own. I begin to have a problem though when your beliefs are so dogmatic and judgmental that you begin to impress them on others even after its been quite routinely expressed. We should all be respected no matter your religion or belief.
To me, it's personal! A personal decision! Just like who you decide to bed-down! I don't need to wear a shirt that says, "I'm sleeping with him!" Just like there doesn't have to be a parade where I march around chanting how free I should be to have sex with Tom, Dick, and Harry! That's what we call PRIVATE! I'll just never understand that -_-
Moving on though
As free as people should be to practice their religions is as free as people should be to NOT partake in other certain religions...I get that. Don't participate! But don't send a generic letter legitimizing your beliefs AND then further attempting to brow-beat or explain why the practice of another religion is wrong and why you think they're all going to hell. It's not your place! Have a seat!
The most grounded and learned scholars will tell you everything must, not only be done in decency and in order, but gently! Didn't your parents ever teach you: You catch more flies with honey than vinegar!
Decency and in order means: You're not going to write to your child's teacher to let them know- especially after the first generic note- why you're not celebrating holidays and how wretched holidays are!
You're not going to write the banks and grocery stores formal "generic" letters about how offensive their decorations are to you when you're shopping for eggs or cashing a check!
You especially shouldn't write a letter where multiple recipients read it and KNOW it's generic because you didn't take the time to proofread to know you have wrong names in the damn letter!! I mean really?! You already know what I'm going to say...Get YOUR LIFE!
That awkward moment when someone spends more time on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, texting, emailing, googling, or just plain old staring at the screen of their phone when they're actually supposed to be spending "time" with you.
I can truly appreciate the person that doesn't have to capture every moment socially...but would rather LIVE in the moment! The person that's actually living their life, instead of documenting it. The person that can recognize the worth of the person or people they're in a moment with instead of minimalizing it!
Just Saying,
XOXO
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." ~ Robert Brault
You NEVER know what somebody is going through!! We all have our crosses to bear, demons to bind, lions crouching at our doors, and such! Life as we know it collapses sometime, dreams get crushed, love gets lost...through it ALL...Trust. Stay Strong! Someone loves YOU!
Offer KIND words to others, give off positivity, love others! Life is short! Be mindful of the words we say and actions we deliver. God bless and continued faith!
I love you if you hadn't heard it today❤
Laaaaawwd! I'm definitely in love with this song!!
Somebody said everyday was gon' be sunny skies
Only Marvin Gaye and lingerie, I guess somebody lied
Started discussing it to fighting then don't touch me please
Then it's let's stop the madness, just come lay with me
Truth be told, I'm waving my flag before it goes bad
Cause we made it this far on for better or worse
I want to feel it even if it hurts
If I gotta cry to get to the other side
Let's go cause we gon' survive
We stay on the frontlines, yeah but we're still here after the bomb drops
We go so hard, we lose control
The fire starts, then we explode
When the smoke clears, we dry our tears
Only if love and war
Sometimes you're my general
You gotta let go of this place
Sometimes you're my enemy
And I'm throwing grenades
We'll just be chillin' and laughing
And im laying on your chest
Dont know what happen, cause things just went left
But here we go back down that road
That's just the way that it goes
Cause we made it this far on for better or worse
I want to feel it even if it hurts
If I gotta cry to get to the other side
As long as you're there i'll survive
We stay on the frontlines, yeah but we're still here after the bomb drops
We go so hard, we lose control
The fire starts, then we explode
When the smoke clears, we dry our tears
Only if love and war
As long as we walk out that door every fight and when its over
You know im going home
Right back where I belong
I take it up inside me
And We stay on the frontlines, yeah but we're still here after the bomb drops
We go so hard, we lose control
The fire starts, then we explode
When the smoke clears, we dry our tears
Only if love and war
December 4th! 12/04! I love my birth date! I know everybody probably says this...but...I really do LOL!
I'm so thankful to everyone that thought of me today! Offered well-wishes, blessings, and favor. From family, friends, associates, students, and even strangers! I'm absolutely grateful that God has allowed me to turn another year. Another year to be wiser, stronger, kinder, and BETTER! Like fine wine, we all should aim to get better with age! Today has been simply lovely! Perfection at its best❤. I've eaten my favorite...crab legs, been gifted, and spent time with those that truly love me for me...and to end my blissful evening I'll be curling up, relaxing, and watching my DVR'ed Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!!
It's one of my absolute favorite holiday past times and a highly anticipated fashion show to watch!
Here's to another year of Diva, Sexy, Cool!
Ciao!
I have a few Cunningham family traditions that I believe I'll keep with me as I grow into my own family! Beginning with Thanksgiving here are a few:
*Baking at the start of the week
*Thanksgiving dinner around 3pm
*Games/Karaoke after dinner and football
*Tree decorating on Black Friday night
*Christmas Eve baking cookies for Santa
*Last minute gift wrapping Christmas Eve
*Leaving out cookies/milk
*New Years Eve Champagne toast
*Chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentines Day
*Easter egg hunt-Golden egg with money
*Sack race, egg race, three-legged race, bobbing for apples
*Crawfish for Memorial Day
*Barbeque for 4th of July and Labor Day
*Month of October scary movie a night
I want to start having a costume party for Halloween
My favorite month of the year! D.E.C.E.M.B.E.R! The month of giving, celebrating, recognition, reflection, change, resolution, and most importantly the month of my birth! Happy Birthday to ME!!
What does your December look like?!
I LOATHE cutting my hair to all one length! It's too damn thick and unmanageable!
Lord forgive me as fast as I said that statement for being ungrateful!! Somebody out there praying, wishing and hoping for thick hair and here I am complaining!
Sometimes you just got to shut up complaining! Now, was one of those moments! Especially since I've done a whole series of thankfulness!! It's better to be happy for what you've been given, work hard to make things supremely better than to be ungrateful for the nuggets you've been blessed with!
Choreographer•Dancer•Highly Qualified Educator•Part-time Actress•Some-time Writer•Poetic Poet•Coloring Book Diva•Avid Reader•Karaoke Queen•Love Enthusiast•Truth Seeker•MOST importantly...a CHILD of the KING!
Sometimes you have to write it down or say aloud all that you are! Speak it into the atmosphere! Of course this list does not nearly express ALL that I am! But it's a start! :-)
On top of my normal culprits: God's grace and mercy, family and friends, strength, and continued health and wellness of my loved ones! Today, Thanksgiving 2012; I'm thankful for advance healing, vision and clarity!
Happy Thanksgiving! Below is my beautiful Mother's hand-made centerpiece and my world-famous Celesta Ross pound cake! I can not tell a lie; It took me a few tries to get it just right! Lol!
Most thankful for support! Spiritual, financial, emotional, etc! You NEED a great support system because it is totally hard out here! In most instances just a sounding board or listening ear will suffice!
There are so many instances of awkward relationship behavior that could be addressed. We'll take it day by day, or for purposes of my blog; case by case!
I'll begin with this first one, only because it's always important when entering and maintaining a healthy relationship for you to be free to BE YOU and have the confidence to openly express yourself to your mate! You should not have to feel like you're "performing" in your relationships; being someone you're not or holding your feelings in! Especially not in your intimate or personal relationships!
You should always feel comfortable to be yourself with and around your mate! That's the benefit of having someone that loves you; they ACCEPT you!
If you're in a relationship and you're ostracized for being yourself, you should rethink that commitment! I'm just saying!
For instance- Awkward Relationship Behavior 1:
You're being flirty with your mate or initiating some sort of intimacy, whether it's a private conversation or hand-holding but instead of following your lead, making you feel safe and secure by engaging with you they accuse you of being inebriated! You ask a serious question or emotionally put yourself out there and they automatically deduce your behavior to having one too many drinks or say, "what's gotten into you?" or "you're acting weird/strange!"
I think something's wrong there!
What do you think?!
I think your mate will never initiate again! I think you've shut down or alienated a part of your mate they were attempting to unveil and share! This may cause concealment!
This then begins a vicious domino affect! The mate that's "shot down" the other, at a later date, is now wondering why they aren't open with their feelings?! Why aren't they affectionate?! Why don't they initiate?!
It's awkward relationship behavior right?! Don't diminish someone's feelings! Even if it seems out of character for your mate; clearly, they are COMFORTABLE with you! They say love makes people do strange, different, wonderful-no less-things. You stifle your relationships growth when you point-out what someone is doing! Especially if it's not harming you! My goodness; it's FLIRTING or initiating INTIMACY! How dare your mate want to flirt with you or be intimate?!
What monsters?!!
Think twice before you belittle your mates advances, initiation and affection!
XOXO,
I'm thankful for time! Sometimes you just need a moment. Time to reflect. Time to rest. Time to grow and mature! Time to unwind! Time to gather your thoughts! Time to realize! Thank God for time! It's a gift that I'm not taking for granted!
When you KNOW better, you need to DO better! When you do better, you receive better!
I'm just saying!
If you know you're not living up to your potential, what are you waiting on?! How will you ever know when that glass ceiling's been removed, if you won't even jump high enough to touch it?!
KNOW what you're worth and stop settling! Once you know you're greater than what you've been accepting from others (i.e relationships) you'll stop settling for someone that's incapable of making you happy or accepting you for you! You'll finally receive someone made especially for you! Your soul mate!
Learn to reap the rewards for your good deeds and your good heart! Practice doing what's right! You'll see great benefit!
xoxo,
Text messages and all forms of social media! Internet.
How in the world did we ever:
1. Cancel plans
2. Ask someone out
3. Break up
4. Express ourselves
5. Have several different personalities
6. Tell people what we're doing without ever uttering a word
7. Call in to work
Heat! In my car, my heating pad, in my house, my electric heated fitted sheet!! Hot cocoa, coffee, and all things that bring WARMTH because I stay cold!
Good parents! Parents that instill values, respect and honor upon their kids! Parents that understand you can't just enjoy the act of making a baby and "think" you're great at it, but that you must nurture, guide, and actually raise your kids in order for them to have principles and make sound decisions!
Kudos!
The Democratic party has most historically favored liberal positions. Adamant ambassadors for blue-coller, laborers, labor unions, and religious and ethnic minorities! Democrats have opposed unregulated business and finance, and favored progressive income taxes. Views on foreign policy has been advocacy of cooperation and understanding between nations. Beginning in the 1930s, the Democrats began favoring spending programs targeted at the poor like welfare.
The Republican party founded by anti-slavery activists favor tradition, limited government, free market, and family values! Republicans believe the private sector is more effective in helping the less-fortunate than government. The Republicans supports giving government grants to faith-based and other private charitable organizations to supplant welfare spending.
Historically the Republican party had been supporters of rights for African Americans! The REPUBLICAN Party abolished slavery under Abraham Lincoln, defeated the Slave Power, and gave Blacks the vote during Reconstruction (let's face it...Lincoln really just wanted to win the war). Meanwhile; Democrats shunned the Emancipation Proclamation and fought for a state's right to legal slavery!
During the New Deal which offered greater employment opportunities and stronger support of civil rights under the Democratic campaign (clearly to win over the Black vote), did race play a large factor in the split of the Democratic and Republican parties!
I write all this to say:
Please stop spewing ignorance! It is a persons right, choice, priveledge, or prerogative to stand under the banner of either political party! Your stance is NOT about race (clearly) but on views for you, your voice, your family, the future of your family, and the future of the country! Educate yourself on the current candidates views and plans and make an informed decision based on your own personal needs and leave others to their opinion! Stop alienating or berating someone for having a different choice than your own!
Here's to a happy, peaceful life that you need to LIVE!
I'm thankful for STABILITY on this day! With stability I can make definitive decisions and stick to them. I'm a controlled thinker, organized and committed because of my stable condition!
1. Be with someone that celebrates you, not tolerates you!
It's hard out here enough as it is! You want to be with some one that doesn't down you, but builds you up!
2. Know what you want!
The first step to getting what you want, is having the courage to get rid of what you don't want!
3. Understand that there's no perfect person!
The key is to be with who you ENJOY and can TRUST then ride that mofo till the wheels fall off!
4. If someone screws up, let it go. If they keep screwing up, let them go!
It ain't worth all that!
5. Being intimate is NOT just a physical act! Make emotional, spiritual and mental connections as well!
That's all folks! Just wanted to throw some new Khrystian Tid Bits out there!
xoxo,
I'm thankful for this inexpensive roundtrip flight I've found for Punta Cana!!! Any extra money in my bank account is ALWAYS worthy of some praise! I'm thankful, thankful, thankful!!!
Why would you be silly and say something like, "I'm not voting for either of them! I don't agree with either!"
Prophetically speaking no one is capable of meeting all your needs at all times except the Father himself! *Simple math, common sense, and our history* will help you to understand you need to vote regardless because ONE of the candidates WILL in fact be YOUR President!
It really over-cooks my meat when I hear or read that type of blanket, uneducated, irresponsible statement! Yes, you are all those things if you said it or even thought it!
Get involved! Read! Read policies, speeches, check resumes! Start early! What?! You think it just begins with Presidency?! No! Get involved in your government! You think a person just wakes up one day and says, "I'm running for President today," without having been an active political leader in the community, city, state?!
Know the chain of command and get involved EARLY!
Every vote counts too! Stop selling that rubbish that it doesn't matter! I bet it would matter if your life was at stake! If one voice, one vote, one choice was the deciding factor of life or death for you! You would certainly think twice before saying, "what does it matter!"
So, you still ask, "Why?!" and I'm asking, "Why not?!"
Why not get active in the choices that affect you, for not just today, but years! Why not get involved early with changes you want to see! You complain about law enforcement and judges...go vote and make a change within your community! You complain about education, health care, the economy, welfare, immigration, foreign affairs, etc but all you do is add to the problem by complaining! Get involved! Make differences! Have a voice! Don't be ignorant to the world around you and the impact YOU make!
XOXO,
I'm thankful for my RIGHT to vote today! Many people fought, marched, cried and died for my free-will and liberty to VOTE! I haven't and won't abuse the privilege!
Don't you do it either, whatever race, whichever party, no matter the gender! I'm just MOST thankful I early voted and won't have to stand in no ding-dang-on line (twirls around) Lines are the worst!
I'm so grateful for a day of REST! Exhaustion from moving and shaking for about 3 months straight has definitely caught up with me! I'm so thankful for the freedom and option to just REST! No responsibility, no obligations to anyone or anything!
I'm also thankful for the fact that, against my better judgement, I did NOT cancel my membership to massage envy! That deep-tissue massage came in handy!
I'm thankful for my ability to perform! I love it so much I perform for free! Like the song says, bands will make me DANCE! I most definitely enjoyed myself on Saturday and I'm grateful to be alumni (any graduate or ex-student) of Texas Southern University! That allows me to perform each homecoming half-time! I'm even happy to be sore from the Ocean Kicks! Lol!
In the spirit of thankfulness I'm seeing on Facebook! I'm going to participate and blog each day of my thankfulness until Thanksgiving!!
Fun right?!
You should join in! I missed November 1st, but just like in real-life, if you wake to see the next day, if you're blessed to have breath; you can begin again...brand new! You have another chance!
November 1st- I'm thankful for my family- immediate and extended! They're all I have to depend on in this world and even if everything is not always peaches and cream... We ALL have unconditional love for each other! We drop everything and anything for each other!
I'm also thankful that the Lord is working on me and my patience, attitude and personality! He's merciful in that he doesn't give me what I DO deserve based on some of my actions and/or thoughts and he graces me with opportunities to "Fix It"! Lord knows
I was tried ALL day!
November 2nd- I'm thankful for the students I teach and experience daily! Even the trying ones! I'm learning from all of them and certain signs grant me the serenity to know I'm doing something right and along the right path!
(Khrysti Shrug)
I laughed, I changed channels, I returned, I gripped!
Favorite Lines:
"Oh, now you're Jack Kennedy?" - Vice President, Joe Biden
"We haven't had leadership, we've been given speeches." - Paul Ryan
I must say our Vice President was cocky and confident! Loved it, he had charisma!
Ryan Paul, put his best foot forward and looked like he comes straight from an Olympic Games commercial! He's the poster child for hair care and fitness lifestyles! At least that's what I gather!
How could you want to be PART of an organization but don't support it?!
Where do they do that at?! Clearly, you merely want to be a "member" just to say you're a member! For what it stands for! For what you think you offer! Just to do something! To perpetrate!
Organizations, associations, clubs, or whatever else that requires membership are now, more than ever, ALL about business! Perpetual incorporation and good withstanding! They're not in "need" of any more seat fillers, whiners, I'm-only-a-member-when-it's-time-to-dress-alike-and-wear-shirters, I'll-always-hit-up-the-socialers! There's WORK involved! Contributions to be made and most definitely some dues to be paid! Stop calling up people, emailing, texting, asking for references, wanting good words, and you, yourself, know you can't or won't find the time or resources to SUPPORT it when you're a non-member! You not even in there and you dont support?! What will you be like as a member then?! How do you think you become part?! Support doesn't come AFTER you're a member. It starts BEFORE! And if you're an excellent member you embody a lasting legacy! Think about it! Do YOUR part!
Toodles,
I LOVE pound cake! My mom's 7-up is my favorite! Then comes a family friend's recipe of Plain! It was SO good I asked for the recipe! Who knew I'd be around here baking...and from SCRATCH at that!?! I really enjoy baking too! Once you master the plain cake recipe you can add flavors (lemon, vanilla, almond) as well! My personal favorite is vanilla extract! You could very well add icing, my personal preference is not to, because frankly; there's no need. I find the hardest part to baking from scratch are the tedious details!
Separating eggs, yuck! It's just gross! Lol! I've since learned from my first time baking a cake from scratch is obviously, to oil the pan, but more importantly than that; remove the cake from the pan and THEN let cool! Maybe you knew that rule, but I did not. After my first snaf-foo 3 years ago, I haven't done it since!
Enjoy this lovely Fall weather and the start to the holidays!! I know I am!
xoxo,
I've included the before oven and after photos :-)
President Obama, Mr. President, my President, OUR President is still trying to implement his principles and promote the Change he discussed four years ago! (Clears throat) Education which has been hit hard these last four years! However, OUR President basically believes "Simple math, common sense, and our history"...is needed!
Gov. Mitt Romney has no details to ANY plan of action but he agrees with anonymous people he meets all over the country that hate the way America is treating them, and he does promise to cut any federal programs (PBS, PELL Grants, HEADSTART) though!
The Moderator...all due respect, because it's not my job but; he sucks
Overall rating out of 10= 2
This debate was wretched!
Blaming bad decisions YOU make on the fact that you have KIDS is a pure and total cop out!
Understand that decisions you make DO in fact affect your children, but to blame staying in an unhealthy situation a product of "your kids" best interest is bullsh!t! That's a CHOICE you make because, for a lack of better words, you're scared! Terrified, petrified, and downright afraid of making the choice to CHANGE your situation!
Of course it's hard out here...it's HARD just to live, now a days! Taking care of yourself is overwhelming let alone other helpless, innocent mouths to feed! It's rough and that's no lie! I mean seriously; people are taking their own lives in rates unprecedented. Depression, obesity, anxiety, pill popping; I mean really...must I go on?!
Of course it's HARD! Life decisions, life altering decisions at that...yes they are hard because no one truly wants to make mistakes! You don't wake up in the morning and say, "I wonder how many mistakes I can make today? I only made three yesterday; I should go for four today!" Only a hallelujah fool would say that!
But IF and/or when you do make mistakes, pick up and LEARN to make better choices!
It's really as simple as that! Is it easy?! No! Hardly ever! Is it worth it?! Absolutely!! Do some choices scare us? Sure! Can we get comfortable in our on small-minded comparisons that we don't always see the big picture God has for us! Without a doubt!
But please, please, please STOP blaming (justifying) your bad life choices and decisions on the stupid phrase, "It's not easy when you have kids!" You just sound bitter...mad at the world, and almost as of you resent your kids! You make the choice to be in the situations you're in! Kids are innocent! They are sponges and EVERYTHING you do, or don't do affects them!
Don't be bitter, be BETTER! Choose to make wiser choices!
It's the first of October!!! Fall is here and 2012 is rounding towards its ending quarter!
It's time for yet another self-reflection moment, or as I like to say...self-check!
Have you reached the majority, if not ALL of your goals?! Are you staying positive and promoting self awareness to any of your shortcomings in what's keeping you from your goals?!
Have you maintained any daily evaluations or check lists?! Have you done your part in actively pursuing purposeful relationships?!
If not; it's NOT too late!!!
Get up!
Do it!
Make it happen!
Self-check!
Let's get it!
💋;-)
Circa 1990's
Material needed:
1. Synthetic hair (color(s) totally up to you)
2. Magnetic rollers (size up to you, however preferably the pink or green)
3. Just 4 Me Setting lotion
4. Jam gel
5. Multiple rubber bands (just in case)
6. Scarf
7. Bobby pins
Place real hair into a ponytail at the crown of your head. Use Jam gel to smooth hair, lay it down and to ward any stray ends. Avoid only using one rubber band to alleviate frustration. Instead, double or possible triple up.
Once real hair is in place to liking, wrap head with scarf to further hold in place.
Next, saturate synthetic hair with setting lotion and separate into 2-3 inch sections rolling the hair around the magnetic roller. Hair will hold in place. Place synthetic hair with rollers into microwave for, no longer than, 3-5 minutes paying careful attention to burnt smell or sparks coming from microwave. If any of the previous happens remove synthetic hair immediately from the microwave.
Once hair is dry and curls are set remove rollers from the synthetic hair. Shake out or pull apart with fingers the synthetic hair to desired look. Remove the scarf from your head and begin at the crown of your head and carefully secure the synthetic hair with bobby pins to the natural haired ponytail already in place.
Give a head-shake test and once confident the synthetic hair is in place you are complete. *Hint* If bobby pins are not pulling at your natural hair, the synthetic hair is NOT secure, I repeat; is NOT secure. Please abort and try again!
I'll never comprehend the logic behind "professionals" in a professional setting complaining and not wanting to do their ding-dang-on jobs?!
You're hired to do a job, so DO it! Quit passing the buck, making excuses, blame shifting or creating opportunities to scurry past your responsibilities!
I want to applaud those of us that go the extra mile, act accordingly in our professional settings, goal set and conquor, engage in positivity, uplift those around, and continuously set the bar for high achievement! Those that, don't bark orders or critique finished products, but those paving the way and BLAZING new trails!
Keep it up! Your professionalism is appreciated, reciprocated, and truly required as standards have been minimized and lowered in today's society! I salute YOU!
Our entire body is an instrument for God! Some of us have the ability to sing, some the ability to dance. There are some of us that can rightly divide the Word of God and make it plain, some have the ability to articulate well whether written or spoken. Some of us play instruments, some can expose the Word in several languages.
No matter what your gift...you should GIVE it back to God! Use your talents to magnify the Lord because only what you do for Christ will last! Know your purpose and LIVE it!
God bless!
Live and Love UNCONDITIONALLY! 💋😍😃
Love is a learned behavior and life offers continual lessons. Grow, grow and grow...don't be stagnant! Life is too short not to use what you learn to do better daily!
I LOVE massages! I would get them every day, at every hour if I could.
I got bamboozled, er; I mean, talked into getting an introductory 6 month membership at Massage Envy. Granted I do have a regular masseuse that I go to and she's Ah-mazing! One FULL hour (unlike Massage Envy's 50 minute but advertised hour) Absolutely great, but because of my spur of the moment almost slight addiction to getting a massage I can't always call her an hour before and get a massage that same day. That's acceptable. That's realistic! I get it.
Massage Envy can usually always get me in same day and because there are about three locations in my area; usually within the hour. Perfect...so I thought!
Enough background info; I'll get to the point:
I went in yesterday to "work out" the stiffness and soreness in my lower back and neck. Suffice to say, my massage was ham but no burger! My request was deep tissue. It ALWAYS is! I have a small frame, so this has confused most whom have worked on me...I can take pressure. In fact, I LIKE, no...make that, LOVE IT! "Get in there. You won't hurt me, I promise and if I get uncomfortable, trust me; I know how to say, 'Uncle'!" I always give the "pep" talk to the masseuse.
Yesterday, it felt like I was getting lotion simply rubbed onto my back!
It started to get annoying. Imagine having an itch that you just can't scratch! That's what this annoyance was like!
The cd started to scratch too! o_O
The experience is supposed to be relaxing, and as you know nothing is more abrupt or unnerving than a scratched, skipping cd.
Why do masseuse (well...the ones I've gotten at the Envy) ask how does it feel? Is this pressure okay? Do you feel better? If they don't really want to know the answer! Don't ask me if you're just going to make an excuse!
"Is this pressure okay?"
"No. I can't feel it. You could go deeper?"
"Oh yea. I'm about to. I'm just loosening..."
-Listen! Just do what I said, you've been loosening my....for 30 minutes, it's loose! The point of the question was pressure being okay. My answer is NO, so change it!
After the massage:
"How do you feel now?"
"The same as when I got here."
"Yea. I got in there and worked it. Drink this bottle of water and you'll feel better."
-Yea! That's it water was my answer! If that's all it took why did I come to you again?! I mean really! Who says that?!
When I go to my regular masseuse I go in for a problem and I'm relieved right after. The water just continues to flush out my ailments!
Bottom line- Ham, no burger!!
**Disclaimer* No masseuse was hurt or injured before, during or after the writing of this blog.**
Live your life honestly, with integrity and independent of all negativity!
It's the absolute truth that sometimes, especially if people aren't genuinely in a good place, they will attempt to throw salt, add shade, or even make-up in their sick minds criticism against you. However, if you adhere to staying honest, hold on to your integrity, and live in positivity keeping negative people and situations out of your life; no one will ever be able to say a bad thing about you!
They may want to or try to, but your life isn't fueled with any ammo for them so it and they are useless!!
"I met this guy through a mutual friend one day at his house and through talking, I began explaining to him that I was looking for a new place. I'd had an issue with my landlord and was in the process of court matters. He, himself, had a nice place and explained to me that he had another lease property around town. Not only that; he said I seemed like a cool person, someone he could be friends with while he was in town and maybe check out the new Batman movie. I agreed and gave him my number, not sure if he was capable of being friends, but hopeful! At first I was slightly leery because he seemed to want to talk alone and upstairs in his bedroom.
I'm fresh out of a relationship and not really comfortable enough to move on just yet, so I asked a close friend of mine, who happens to be his ex-girlfriends friend, what she knew of him and if he was capable of solely having a friendship. However, now that we've exchanged numbers he contacts me late at night saying he wants to see me, asking me what I'm doing, or trying to get me to come over and watch movies. He assures me with rather slick comments that he could have any women he wanted if he was just trying to get with someone, but he feels that I seem like someone that can be cool to hang out with.
His actions (the late night texts/calls) seem to be questionable. Not to mention the fact I've kind of expressed to him reservations of hanging out with him considering my friend being so close with his ex. Something just doesn't feel right. Not only that; he's told me he's won't accept my reason for not wanting to hang with him and that he's not letting me off that easy! I'm beginning to get turn-offed and creeped out by him. I'm not sure what his motivation is for the constant calling and texting especially since we haven't known each other long at all. It's gotten so bad he's contacting me while I'm at work. I'm thinking, if all you want is a friend, and as you said, clearly could have anybody to sleep with; why are you making such a big deal about hanging out with me and, at this point, creeping me out with your incessant phone calls. The last text I got from him was something in the neighborhood of: 'I was just trying to help you out with your situation and be a friend, you seem cool. Have a good weekend.' What do you think?"
It's pretty clear: You started off very interested or you wouldn't have exchanged numbers! Formulate your opinion based off your encounters with him. You're an adult. As adults, we have discernment enough to know when something feels right or wrong. Talking it out with others may just be your way of seeking further approval to hang out with him. If that's the case; you don't need approval- DO IT! If nothing else, you have someone to "hang out" with from time to time that could very well lead to a great romance! If your concern is the time of day he contacts you- TELL HIM! If he is trying to be "a friend" he'll respect your request of an earlier call time. If it's concern for your friends opinion...well- YOU DON'T NEED IT! No one knows what you want more than you. If you're truly not interested-MOVE AROUND! But it's never cool to lead someone on by entertaining something you have no desire for. You don't want to have him thinking his actions are cool with you or charming all the while you're laughing at him with your friend and actually saying he's creeping you out! Be straight up! Be adult!
If someone tells you they're fed up with you...it's time to move around! Situations, circumstances, etc. will never be the same and they can't go anywhere but downhill from that statement! When you're fed up with a job or something, it ordinarily means you're at the point of getting rid of it. Ridding yourself of the trouble and disposing of it entirely from your life. So when we say we're fed up with someone that's usually the same path we're taking.
If I were to break down the word fed, I'd say-
F=Finished
E=Exhausted
D=Disgusted
No one should ever feel disposable, because the truth of the matter is; people aren't disposable. But when we speak of being fed up we're at a limit...a peak...and not only should you move around, but the person you're fed up with should move around too!
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. *another version of that ending says- "but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears."
Gorgeous. Breath-taking. Exhilarating. Beautiful. Magnificent. Really there's no great word that describes the air just above the clouds! I don't mean inhaling, I mean the awesome EXHALE you get from God's glory! Unimaginable.
Quick insect lesson-
The grasshopper is an insect of the suborder Caelifera. A species that changes color and behavior at high population densities are also called locusts. Destructive to plants and characteristically has long, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.
*Khrystian Tid-Bit: It's also a cocktail consisting of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream.
Ok, now on to the real!
Grasshoppers are also characterized, by muah, as those individuals that hop from one thing to another as if they have no rhyme or reason...no justification...nor (in some instances) any moral fibers! They hop from job to job, relationship to relationship, city to city or state to state, and (grossly) bed to bed. These said individuals are "finding" themselves. They constantly look for and are trying to discover what "fits".
Change is good! We're not talking about change here- we're talking about those that run around like chickens with their head cut off hopping from one thing (person) to another. The said individuals lack LOYALTY!
Loyalty is that little thing that's coupled with allegiance and devotion! Pick a lane and stay there. Be open to change, but never lack loyalty. It'll take you far! Others can recognize it within you and will in turn be loyal, allegiant, and devoted to you and what you stand for. They'll have your back and have strong desires to uplift you whenever possible!
Accents, Smack scents! Everyone, including me, always thinks it'll be romantic, sweet, sexy or all of the above to date someone with an accent! Well I'm here to tell you- I was WRONG!! So very wrong!
I couldn't have been more wrong o_O
It's annoying, confusing and most of all frustrating!
Annoying because I hated to hear my own name pronounced wrong and when it was close to correct; it sounded like a strained weezel....Queers Chain! (say it aloud and that's how my name was said!) He ALWAYS began a sentence with my name too. I think he loved my name, or at least saying it...but I hated it! Shut up already (I wanted to scream)!
If you know me, you already know I'd expressed my frustration...in a calmer more sedated version than screaming shut up of course! "Whuds I'm during Queers Chain?" (Oh for the love of all things Vera Wang shut up!)
No amount of handsome could cure the massive headache I'd suffer after a conversation with him either. What should have been quick, concise conversations all ended up turning into a tug-of-war of "huh", "what", "say that again", "repeat that one more time", "wait, slow down", "one more time"! It was exhausting to say the least! At the end of a three minute conversation I was exhausted and ready to call it a night! "Just text it to me!" Yea! That's what I would have said if text messaging was as prevalent then as it is now! (That's it! The TIMING was off!)
Because my patience is a work in progress, my tolerance or I should say, frustration, got the best of us! Queers Chain had to say good-bye, adìos, au revoir, arrivederci, ciao...you get the picture! It was a great memory, but certainly not a relationship built to last! I couldn't understand him...and now that I think about it...he probably couldn't understand me!
Queers Chain has definitely left the building!
When u look in the mirror do you see what others see?
Can you see the beauty and the mystery?
Or do you see a void?
You stare in your eyes and it seems like white noise...
Take a closer look, don't be confused
Just because you feel betrayed and slightly misused
You have too much to offer
And so much more to conquer
So, look in the mirror and see what others see
Find your inner beauty and novice mystery
In your eyes lies a story that from your lips can only be told
Step outside your comfort zone and watch beauty unfold...
By: Khrystian Nichole
Remove those in your life that constantly withdraw from you spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially! These people call themselves mad when the bank is closed! But you know what?! If they want or desire to be in your life...they'll move, adapt or die! (a little acronym we use to teach my kids about survival of the fittest)
Move--> Move on! Go elsewhere! Find someone else to withdraw from. You may continue to have them in your life, however they won't withdraw from you...at least not too frequently!
Adapt--> Learn that you won't continue to be used and abused and they'll respond accordingly...as will you!
Die--> Stop being around you totally! They've discovered the jig is up and you are not their bank of opportunity and they can't infringe on you any longer! You don't want this type of person around you anyway! They don't love you and clearly don't like you either! No deposit, no return (Vampire in Brooklyn)!
Actively make room for DEPOSITS in your life! It's essential to your health...and soul!
We all have them! Awkward, uncomfortable, inconvenient and downright embarrassing moments! I know I do! The absolute funniest thing is that it does, in fact, only last a moment! Blink of an eye...but somehow it can be...well...awkward!
Here are some I'm listing. Some are true, most are false but you may find one or all you can relate to.
That awkward moment-
1. driving in your car on the way somewhere and you realize you're a week early O_o 😳
2. you're trying to end a conversation and the other person won't stop talking
3. you ask a woman how far along she is only to find out she's not pregnant (oops)
4. when you're mad you didn't get a reply to your text...you never sent
5. you text the RIGHT message to the WRONG person O_O
6. someone is waiting with their hand up for a high-five but you're not looking (Do people still give hi-fives?!)
7. you've already said "what?" three times and yet you still have no idea what the person said so you just agree to move the conversation along
8. when you're behind a slow walker or car and there's no way around them.
9. you have all the attention in the world....from the wrong person!
10. where someone is giving you answers to questions you did not ask.
11. walking past a parked car; you stop and look at yourself in the window, and there's still people in the car.
12. that your stomach gurgles loudly during the most quiet situations/place.
13. halfway through an argument you realize you're wrong.
14. on the dance floor when you're minding your own business and someone (you don't want) comes up behind you ruining your groove.
15. that your ex-boyfriend points out to you the long strand of hair growing from your face! O_o
That concludes the first installment! Let me know of others!
Alcohol causes breakouts and dehydration too O_o Done! Pass me a Shirley Temple...er, ugh... ok...water...with lemon and sugar! No?! Okay, just water hold the sugar -,-
I LOVE these three P's of love and quintessentially- romance I've discovered! They apply to both men and women and I'll explain how I've broken the words down to apply to both sexes!
PROTECT •When you love someone you should protect their feelings, more so, their heart from any hurt that you could potentially be responsible for. Be kind, slow to anger, and watch your tongue! When you're in love; you are vulnerable to your significant other whether you accept or understand it -and not in some goofy way- but in a way that only you, them and your heart should understand. Take care in how you treat each other! They love you and only want love from you! Give that to each other, it's the best gift!
PROFESS •Open your mouth and tell a person how much you love them. No one in a relationship should have to guess your feelings for them! They don't deserve to live love in suspense. Tell them how much you want them, desire them, need them, enjoy them...just plain old love them! Take care to not make them feel disposable or expendable! And, uh, if you do in fact love them...don't be shy about it. Don't whisper or say it behind closed doors only. Love is not a secret, it's a gift from God and it's to be shared. Be open. Be honest.
PROVIDE •Make provisions to be together, share, pray, and ultimately love each other! Create opportunities to spend time together and (some) time apart. Supply each other your basic needs. Learn about each other, spoil each other and intrinsically love each other!
Lastly, no one's Perfect! Be forgiving. If we all knew what we were doing, we'd be sucking on lollipops, skipping through daisies hand-in-hand with the one we loved, but that's just not reality! Pick-up the pieces from where you are and make Preparations to live in love!
Happy Fourth of July!!! Today we celebrate independence, as well as salute the men and women that fight the good fight for it!
I'm going to take it a few steps further and bring some other viewpoints to light...
Also, take this day to celebrate your independence in being copacetic, living who you are and who's you are as opposed to living who you imagine someone wants you to be! You are a child of God and you're not built to break!
This also is a great half-way mark of the year to see how well (or not) we've progressed on our New Year's Resolution! Are you meeting your goals? Have you made positive changes, amendments, or other variations in your life? Are you on track with your vision board?
Don't beat yourself up if you've made some errors or if you've slacked off...Keep it moving! Today is a new day, a better day! Another chance to get it RIGHT and keep it TIGHT!!!
So; enjoy the food, family and fireworks and then continue pressing!
P.S- I found this lovely recipe of perfection on Pinterest...strawberries with white chocolate covered with blue sprinkles! A nice addition to the Independence Day festivities!!
Auditions are all about preparation! If you allow, it could cause anxiety and quite frankly...truthfully; be an excruciating process. In theatre the key is to find the perfect monologue. The right selection is the difference between getting a call-back or ending up in the back alley with the others! Find something you're comfortable with and that flows off your tongue with ease! It'll help being in front of strangers to "act" natural!
For the screen; if you're blessed to get the script ahead of time...study it! Learn the lines so you're not stumbling. For both, the screen and stage, rehearse in front of the mirror, away from a mirror, in the shower, driving, lying down...you get the picture?
A great head-shot is great as well! Take a picture that showcases you and your great smile, or eyes, your high cheek bones, your baby hair...something! It's the visual representation of you and essentially the lasting impression you'll offer before the call-back! Your resume should be up-to-date and a written explanation of everything you have to offer the stage and/or screen! FYI- It's best to have it right-side up pasted to your head-shot. Not stapled. It's just cleaner that way...it won't get lost! This is all the prep work! Once at the audition breathe, be comfortable, relax, release! You've done all you can now it's time to impress the casting directors with your live talent! Action! You're on!
Have fun! Take a shot before to calm your nerves. You want to be cool, calm and collected...and have personality!
Once you get the call-back take some time to research the part you're going for. Find out background info so that you know the who, what, when, where and how...it saves on the awkward read you may do on the spot! Again; be natural and have fun! It's all a process, make it fun!
Love is in the air! ...SOMEWHERE! :-) I'm a confessed bonafide procrastinator! I'm not proud, but it's MY story! As they say, "It is what it is." Very rarely am I able to think of, order, and get shipped anything personalized; so with that being said I'm putting together a list of great bridal shower ideas that are sure-fire lovely gifts for the intended receiver to ensure a picture with them...or at the very least a thank you card! Lol! You could very easily personalize some of them or not, but they're nice, inexpensive...and GREAT!
•Linen napkins and napkin rings •Picture frame •Champagne/Martini glasses •Vase •Blender/Mixer •Coffee maker •Bundt pan •Lingerie •Cookbook •Cocktail guidebook •Bathing suit for the honeymoon •Wine/Stopper/Holder •Embroidered robe •Breakfast-in-bed tray •Theater tickets •Luggage •Beach towels and a beach bag •His/Her massage •Gift certificates (you can NEVER go wrong)
Some events you'd just rather not dress particularly "down" for! An alternative to wearing flat shoes during an outdoor activity like the beach, a lawn barbecue, festival, park, etc. would be wedges! Have fun and stay sheik ladies!! ;-)
...let me count the ways! Cheating, unfaithfulness and disloyalty are all common intercerseres of failed relationships. Not just monogamous relationships, but; business partnerships, friendships, etc. I've come up with reasons people cheat, are unfaithful or disloyal!
1. Fear- most people hate to lose, hate to (seemingly) be the underdog, don't want to be one-upped. They must do whatever necessary to stay on top and WIN (so they think) and this includes cheating! They cheat to get ahead or stay ahead (so they think) Ever played a game of cards or dominoes, or even entered a contest with a cheater? What do you think they're cheating for?!
2. Needy- the constant need for validation or stroking! If they don't constantly feel validated by you they NEED to feel it somewhere and the first person showing them attention or validating the fact that the matched their shirt and pants for the day gets them all for themselves. The "yes friend" is loyal right?! The one that goes along with all of your narcissistic schemes and plans? The colleague that loves all of your ideas no matter how much they'll cost the company or how far off the mark they are?! Wrong!!! Careful of the "fans"! They'll lead you in the deep waters and then watch you drown! But you love 'em, right?!
3. Easy to Please- you have to be right?! I mean, when something is exclusive that means not just anyone can have it! Limited edition! Worthy! A true treasure! Reserved for VIP's! Clearly, you're easy to please and ANYBODY can have you AND get you off! They can make you "feel" good! They know how to show you a good time! But as Oprah said; it's easy, "fun" and great to have all those people riding in the limo with you, but where are they when you need a ride or catching the bus? (Don't worry...I'll wait!)
4. Greedy- they can't eat just one, they must eat the entire bag of potatoe chips! When they're done...yea; they feel like crap. Want to make up for it and beat themselves up but yet, like clockwork, the moment another opportunity arises (bag of chips) they're pouncing all over it!
The moral of the four: Grow some! If you're scared...go to church! Get secure in your own skin; you don't need anyone to validate you! Take a look around you! The people you can really, truly count and depend on...these aren't the folks you should cheat! The deserve faithfulness and loyalty! Give it!!
Today is the day set aside to honor and encourage all the fathers working hard, and holding it down for their children and families! ...Continued blessing, infinite favor and Happy Fathers Day!!💗 Especially to my dad! Nathan Cunningham! He's set a standard incomparable to match!
**Public Service Announcement**
Today is NOT the day for negative, toxic male-bashing, absent father slogans please put it away! We are celebrating fathers and father-figures! Make peace with yourself! If not for you, for your children and their children! Let go and let God! (oldie but goodie)
"Every woman should have four pets in her life: A mink in her closet, a jaguar in her garage, a tiger in her bed, and a jackass to pay for it all!"
-Mae West
The Serenity Prayer~
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.
Amen.
~Reinhold Niebuhr
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path. Proverbs 3, 5-6
Back awhile ago I set up a list of specific places and ideas on "Hot Spots" and more importantly WHERE to meet men. *NOTE* Where to MEET men, not FIND them! The key is to make yourself accessible, not hunt for any man! Know this*
There are, as always; many tried, tested and true places that could be as lucky for you as they have been for me! Remember; there is NO perfect place or ideal situation! Just go out and be approachable, saavy, smart, laugh, live and enjoy love coming to you! It's not complicated it just takes time! As promised; here are some additional hot spots to meet-
#6 Weddings
WHY- Love is already in the air...the water, champaign, the ambiance....so why not bask within it?! You're dressed up and looking great, they are too. Enjoy the moment!
HOW- Get there! Just because you don't officially have a plus one doesn't mean you should decline! He's probably there!!! He could be the wedding singer (clears throat) or the groomsmen, or a fraternity brother, or a relative of the family member...okay! You get the point! Mingle, dance, laugh, smile, get introduced to unfamiliar, unattached faces!
#7 The Gym
WHY- Everyone is into fitness! At least you know he takes pride in his appearance and health and he'll motivate you to do the same!
HOW- Get off your lazy tush and go! Put in your little cute workout gear, pin your hair up, add a little mascara and lip gloss (PLEASE! For the love of all things Chanel; do NOT go into that gym with a full face of makeup!!!) Pop a squat, do some reps, even take a class. If he likes what he sees he'll come over! You two can turn into workout buddies and better yet; life-long mates!
#8 On Vacation
WHY- If you love to travel, you found someone else that does too! There's no stress, no worries, and no real responsibilities! Get to know each other on a fun, friendly and flirty level first!
HOW- You're looking and acting like a barrel of fun...that positive energy WILL attract a positive person! Share a drink in the lobby of the hotel, meet for breakfast or lunch (AGAIN...MEET! Not wake up to breakfast! Remember you are a L.A.D.Y!) hang out on the beach together, your group and his group meet at a party or club together that way no one feels committed! Afterwards; stay connected through exchanging numbers, email, or other social media!
#9 Workshops
WHY- Any type of professional development broadens your horizons and elevates you to new levels! If you're stagnant professionally, you'll be stagnant in life and most definitely in dating!
HOW- Sign-up! Network! You already have something in common, now all you have to do is build! And that's what all relationships are about anyway...building! Sit at the table with those attractive men, be open, discuss...nothing too deep, but certainly don't be a wall flower!
#10 Gas Station
WHY- Funny right?! But EVERYONE needs gas, so everyone goes there! If you're filling up, you'll probably be there for awhile and that's just enough time to *spark* or not! And if he offers to pump it for you AND fill you up...he's a KEEPER! LOL just kidding...a little! (wink)
HOW- Duh! Get the gas...they will come!
"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." - Maria Robinson
Asking for forgiveness MEANS: I won't need this pardon again! It does not provide a temporary solution! Forgiveness is long-standing and is honored only if offered in the same manner!
Stop making the same mistake twice after the first time...it's a CHOICE! Commit! Stay loyal!
When you've been lied to so much it's hard to believe the truth and that's where a problem lies! Be sincere, humble and faithful in your words! Choose them wisely! Word is bond!
You don't want to keep it secret! You want everyone to know! You'll say there name for NO reason and smile the entire time saying it! LOVE
...when the bug hits all the other nonsense goes out the window! You actually WANT people to know you're in love! It's not a secret only between the two people involved! As Stephanie Mills sang, even a little child could see!!! You feel good ALL over!
I think if you deny it or act like it ain't (yes, bad grammar) so...you're NOT in love!
Think about it!
