Little Things

Lately I have been smiling because of the little things.  Maybe I have mentioned before that I am not a morning person.  I usually don't perk up until 10AM.  I am functioning before 10 but my brain really starts going around 10.  My student worker decided to surprise me with a Chai Tea Latte... She really knows how to put a smile on my face.  The other little things are simple:  walking outside at night and starring up at the sky, smiling because one of your favorite songs pops up on the radio (or Pandora) and knowing that if your friends were with you that they would be dancing, realizing that Christmas is days away, receiving a Nike T-shirt in the mail from your ROCK STAR co-worker!  All of these things have happened within the last 2 days. 

I bought a new Crock pot almost 2 months ago.  Its very sleek and sophisticated because it has a timer!  I tried it out last night for the first time.  I know that I should have tried it out before but I haven't had time to cook.  We are having a pot luck brunch today at the J-O-B.  I figured that I would try out a new recipe.  I will let you know what the co-workers think about it. 

Enjoy your Thursday... or better yet Friday Eve
Love
~TC

All of My Children

Hey!!! I can't believe that just last week I was telling you that Fall was almost here!  Now I am happy to say that summer decided that it was not quite done and has heated up the temps!  It was in the 90's yesterday and should stay there for the rest of the week!  That is fine with me!  My pedicure still looks good- I can continue to so wear my sandals! 

I have metioned before that I have tons and tons of nieces and nephews!  I also have some more children that are very dear to me.  I call them All of My Children, just like the soap opera because their lives remind of the soaps.  AoMC were my kids at my previous J-O-B and let me tell you they were a MESS.  I never knew what to expect.  I guess that I should explain that AoMC are not kids- They are young adults.  They are in college and they would come in to my office and update me on their drama, problems, ups and downs or nothing in particular.  I miss them so much!!! Hugs and kisses!!!

I am excited that all of my shows are back in rotation.  My DVR is thrilled that I am spending some QT with him (yes my DVR is a HIM- don't judge me!!!).  My evenings are spent watching food shows, Hoarders, Real Housewives of (pick a city- I watch them ALL), Gray's and Private and so many more.   That is it for me today.  If you have any suggestions of some shows that I should be viewing- please let me know!  Also, I am thinking about taking a mini-vacay in late October or early November!  If you would like for me to visit your city, please leave a comment!  I need to go out of the NORTH.... I miss that Southern Hospitality! 

:-)
~TC

A Normal Day

Are you ready for the Weekend?  Yay! Finally- Friday has arrived!  And I also get to enjoy my weekend because I don't have to WORK! I will be working next weekend so I will enjoy my time tomorrow. I will watch a least a few minutes of 2 football games tomorrow!  I will also be cooking some goodies (game day food- chicken wings and chip and dip).  Both of the football games that I will be glancing at tomorrow, have ESPN set up in their city!  So much going on!!! 

One of the reasons that I love working with students, is that you have no clue what can happen at any time.  I walked out of my office yesterday and was greeted by this:

I was surprised!  I was not expecting a mascot to be running around in the office!  I whipped out iNdee the iPhone and took a few photos.  I asked Buster to pose for me!

So Cute!!!  Then I told Buster that he should be ashamed!  I could see where his privates SHOULD be!

So much better!!!  Good luck to all teams this weekend! 
I think this is where I will leave you... Have a fantastic weekend!  Catch you next week!

Luv- Lub-Wub
Love!!!
~TC

Something Sweet

Could it be that I have actually blogged for a few days in a row (even if one of my posts was lacking and pathetic- thanks for pointing that fact out).  I told you that I would step up to the challenge.  So much goes on that it is hard to find the time.  I guess that things won't slow down until the summer, and no this is not me complaining!  I love the busy feeling.  I figured that I would let my inner fat girl come out and play- MISTAKE!  She can not be trusted!  I had an event yesterday and served some sweets!!! Once upon a time I did not have a sweet tooth.  I definitely have a sweet tooth now... I love chocolate and most desserts in general.  I am trying to exercise portion control... Here is a plate of the treats:

They are a few of my favorite treats at the J-O-B.  Our catering staff knows that I am a Foodie and usually know my favorite!  The fruit tart cups are the BEST!!!  The filling is sooo good and the crust is flaky!  The cookie is a coconut macaroon with raspberry filling!  It is great!!! Simply perfect! 

I was chatting with my wonderful older big headed brother this morning and he told me that he would be going to one of my favorite places- New Orleans!!!  As a foodie- New Orleans has some of the best cuisine around!  It makes the inner fat girl squeal with glee!!  I told my brother to catch a cab and go to Dooky Chase!  I found out about DC from a friend.  I knew that she was a beautiful Creole woman from NOLA and asked her for some suggestions!  This is one recommendation that I am so glad that I took.  The area is a little sketchy but the food more than make ups for it!  I was hoping to go to NOLA over the summer and eat again but someone, I won't name any names (ahem KMM!!!) wasn't able to attend, so the trip was postponed!

And because Tonight is the Season Premiere of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, I am thinking that maybe I should get into the kitchen and cook...  I will keep you posted!

Have a Yummy Day

~TC

Come and Knock on My Door

We've been waiting for you... Well I guess you could say that I have been waiting for you!  The only person who comes and knocks on my door is my Stranger Neighbor!  And because she has been mentioned on the blog a few times before I have decided to release her name (well it's made up)... Since she is the Girl Next Door, I will call her Bridget!  Bridget came by the other day and was chatting to me about nothing in particular and had given me a fresh tomato out of her Grandma's garden.  She mentioned that one of her friends was going to be having a Game Night at her house and asked if I wanted to go.  I said maybe and didn't think too much about it.  A few days later, my office phone jingled and the caller ID notified me that it was a Bank.  I thought that the Bank was calling me about a program and some prizes that they owed me but low and behold it was Bridget!  She was letting me know that Game Night was that night and that it would Bunko/bonco however you want to spell it and pronounce it!  She apologized for being stalkerish but knew where I worked and had tracked me down.  I laughed!  I was surprised that she found me but told her that I would attend.  Because she is my next door neighbor we rode over to game night together and I got to meat 6 new wonderful gals!  Bridget only knew the hostess, who happens to be a local weather girl for one of the news stations.  We played 2 games of Bunko... I didn't do very well but the whole game is rolling dice!  But I did have a nice time.  The hostess was talking about her gay cat (can animals be gay???). 

The gals and I are supposed to get together again and play Bunko... I will let you know how that goes! 

Enjoy your day....
~TC

Excuses...

Hello?  Yes YOU!!! I have been waiting for you... Because I am sure that you have not been waiting for me!  I told you yesterday that I would explain a few things about my neighbor!  But there is no time... so tomorrow!!! I promise tomorrow!!!

Slice of Pie

Fall is almost here... I can see it slowing beginning as leaves are starting to change colors and the cooler temps that greet me every morning as I head out the door to the J-O-B.  Fall is not my favorite season but I feel like I am seeing it differently this year.  You could even say that I might be a little excited to see Fall.  And there are a few reasons why..Boots, Fall MAC collection, soups and tea.  I have already seen at least 3 pairs of boots that are calling my name, begging me to bring them home and treat them well!  I have resisted thus far but I am sure that I will splurge and buy 2 pair.  Typically, the Fall MAC collection is the best of the year!  They always have great colors!  I'm ready for a good bowl of Baked Potato Soup and hot cup of Chai Latte Tea.  Yes, Fall you are trying to make me fall in Love with you!  And I might just let you! 

Tons of things have been going on in my little bubble.  I am so happy that life has slowed down just a little!  My Stranger Neighbor has been stopping by more now! (more on that tomorrow).  I even took the time to make some banana bread last week.  I haven't baked in quite a while.  Maybe I will take the time to get back in the kitchen. 

Football season is HERE!  I completely understand sports.  I will watch it with friends but if I'm at home by myself, I would much rather have the TV on HGTV or something else.  You could say that I am not a Fan and I would agree.  Invite me over to watch the game and I will bring you wonderful snacks!  It is the Foodie in me!  My Pappy LOVES Football season and because his favorite team isn't doing so well this year (Dallas Cowboys) I have been avoiding calling him on Sunday's.  I don't want to talk to him while he is being cruddy!!! 

I have mentioned this before and I will mention it again... Sometimes I forget that I am blessed.  At times I feel that because I don't have the things that I want, that I am being forgotten.  Yesterday at church a Lady had a seizure.  The ambulance came and took her to the hospital.  One of the members said that she did  not have insurance.  This is a very nice lady, probably in her 40's.  She has been affected by the economy.  Previously she had worked for a big computer company, but had been let go and is working else where.  I take for granted the fact that I have a job that provides insurance.  I want a new car and tend to forget that there is nothing wrong with the one I have.  I overlook the fact that I live in a nice apartment and am debt free.  Sometimes you just have to eat a slice of pie and be Humble. 

have a great day....
Love
~TC

Celebrations and a little something extra

I started off on the Good Foot this morning!  As I was doing my makeup, MAC- only (forever and always) my bf Queen B texted me.  It had totally slipped my mind that she was going to the doctor to get an ultrasound to determine the sex of her first child.  Congrats Queen B on Baby Boy B!!!! Can't wait to see the little man come February!!! 

I feel like I need to touch on my love for MAC.  I know that there are women out there who do not like to wear make up.  I am not one of those women.  I do not need to wear make up but I choose to wear makeup because it gives me a little extra something!  I do feel like all women can benefit from makeup.  Even the Basics can go a LONG way!  Some of the basics that I feel women should have are simple. 

1. Moisturizer-  I am Black (and Black don't Crack (or so they say).  My skin can be oily and I still moisturise everyday.  I know that this will be a huge plus for me when I am older and have very few wrinkles.  I feel that all women should take care of their skin (face included) and have a good moisturiser.  It goes a long way!  Please believe me
2. Lips- If you aren't putting something on your lips, please go somewhere and buy a good lip balm.  Because people are looking at your face when you talk, dried lips can distract them.  Make sure to help those dry chapped lips and put a little something on them.  Your lips will thank you (I promise!!!)
3. Even you Out- I know that some women are afraid that a foundation will be too heavy.  I agree!  I am not a big foundation person.  I do think that it is nice have a nice even complexion.  My solution would be to get a tinted moisturizer.  That way you are getting the moisture that you so desperately need and a little tint of something to make you sparkle! 
4. Eyes- I might be the queen of the bright over the top eye!  But that is okay with me!  I am not saying that everyone needs to go over the top.  A little eye make up can do wonders for the face.  I would say that a good mascara can open up the eyes.  If you don't feel comfortable wearing eye shadow, the mascara can still help you out!!
5. Waxing- This goes along with the eyes- but making sure that your eye brows are waxed and/or plucked/ threaded (whatever is the method that you prefer) is a simple little thing to do.  I know that it may hurt but it looks so Good!!!! Ladies, if you have a mustache- PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take care of it!  I know that some of you think that if you wax/pluck/thread/ the hair that it will come back thicker.  This is NOT true.  If you are getting the eyebrows plucked, please let them take care of the mustache on the top lip!!!  Do not let yourself swim in DENIAL!  People are looking at the mustache!  Take care of it...

I am not an expert on Makeup... I know that!  But these little easy steps can do so much for you! 

~TC

Tiny Sentimental Birthday

See..I'm here!!! I told you I would do better!!!  I am trying to make the time to blog more. Somehow, Someway. I will get it right one of these days. 

Today is September 15 and it is a special/sentimental day for me.  Today would be the birthday of my Mama.  For those who knew my mom, I will talk about my mom but for those who did not know my mom- I tend to not say too much.  The memories that I have of My Mama are so precious and I hold them near my heart.  She was a very special person to me and not one day goes by that I don't think about her! The older that I get the more that I wish that she was her but at the same time, because she has been gone for so long- I can't imagine life with her. 

And because it is my Mama's birthday I will tell you a story!  A little something about the both of us.  And because My Mama had another child (my big headed wonderful loving older brother) I will include him on the story too.  When I was younger (grade school young) I got sick.  I pretended that I was well because it was Skate Day.  Do you remember Skate Day?  The day after school that the whole school would attend the local skating rink and have a school skate evening!?  Skate Day was always important because it was a non-uniform day.  I went to private school and wore a uniform until high school people!  Well on that day, I decided that I was not really sick and suffered through the whole day!  I got to the Skate place and skated for a while before I just couldn't hide it anymore.  One of the teachers noticed that I wasn't feeling well and made me call home (on a pay phone- cell phone's were not common at all at this time).  I called home and soon my brother came and picked me up.  While he was driving me home, we passed my mom.  She realized that I was sick and took me to the after hours clinic where the doctor diagnosed me with pneumonia and instructed my mom to take me to the hospital where I would be getting admitted!  I remember my mom being there the whole time, even when they struggled to get my i v started.  She only left when she knew that I was sleep so she could go get some clothes.  I was upset when I woke up and realized that she was gone- But she quickly returned to take care of me.  I will always be her "Hershey's Girl". 

~Tiny Chocolates

For the Hater(s)

Hey Hey Hey!!!  I feel like I need to apologize again... I know that I take a few days off... but it is not because I don't want to blog.  It is because I don't have TIME!  Oh time... that precious thing that always seems to get away from me!  Last week, I said that I would finish telling you about my special weekend with my Kay May.  So here are a few more pics of the GORGEOUS Hot Air Balloons! 

I am trying to figure out how to add an album on the blog so that you can view more pics!!!  But I am not sure how long that will take me to figure out so if you know please let me know!!!  Kay May and I had a LONG LONG day!  After watching the HAB (Hot Air Balloons) go up up and away, we went and had breakfast.  We headed on down to the Farmer's Market and sampled some really good produce.  I finally found a vendor (just one) who sold okra.  He said that it has been a bad year for okra and explained to me why I did not see anyone with it!  Kay May wanted to make dinner the next day so she bought some fresh cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes and grapes.  The grapes were fantastic!  She even put them in little baggies for me to take to work to have snacks!!!  After the farmer's market we did tons more!  We hiked, paddle boated on the water, had lunch, an ice cream snack and even had a little dinner at my favorite restaurant.  After dinner at my local fave, Asiago's, we went back to the park to see the HAB lit up at night!  It was so pretty!!!  The next day we did an activity that made my heart sing- We SHOPPED!  I am not a fan of shopping!  I will look for makeup all day long but I am not one to want to go and try on clothes.  I am not my target weight and I hate trying on clothes (and I am searching for some motivation to get back into the gym a bit more regularly).  But when I shop with Kay May it is different and kind of fun!  Overall, I had a great time with my visitor and extend an invite to any other loved one who wants to have a vacay with me!!! 

Have a lovely day

~TC

Up Up and Away

Have I mentioned that the North treats me pretty good?  No?  Well I probably don't mention it enough!  The big things for me up here is the diversity and the big distance thing that keeps me from family and friends.  Over Labor Day weekend, my Kay May, decided that she missed me and needed to come visit... Words can't describe how excited I was that someone wanted to hop on a plane and come and visit me!  I cleaned my house- I mean really cleaned- mopped, vacuumed, dusted, laundry, cleaned out the fridge, scrubbed everything... you get the point.  I even took off from work on Friday 1) because she would be arriving and 2) because I had only taken one day off the whole summer and I was starting to get a tad bit edgy.  Kay May told me not to make any plans for her visit and that we would play it by ear.  While I was perusing Facebook, I saw where my friend TK had mentioned something about Hot air balloons.  TK is a photographer- Check out her blog here.  I casually mentioned Hot Air balloons to Kay May and she was immediately captivated by them.  So she googled about the activity and Low and Behold- we started making plans!  I am NOT- NOT- NOT a morning person.  You have to bribe me to get me out of the bed for early morning activities.  The Hot Air Balloon activity would begin at 7 AMish.  I needed to figure out why should I get up out of the bed, put on clothes and drive to see balloons... But I realized that I have never had the opportunity to see Hot Air Balloons before and since I had company that I should be on my best BeHaViOr!  I rolled out of bed and we went to Starbucks.  The lady at Starbucks said that they were pretty busy for a Saturday Morning.  And the reason why the were so busy... The Hot Air Balloons.  We made it to the park and walked the short distance to the park with tons of families- pushing strollers, holding hands, carrying their kids who were still in their PJ's to see all of the Balloons.  It was such a beautiful sight to see 20+ balloons getting inflated and flying off in to the sky.  I had never been so close to something like this.  Here are a few pics from the Event!!!  I will tell you more about the Hot Air Balloons later...
Love
~TC

Closed Door

Oh... My closet!  Yes what you are witnessing WAS my closet!  What you are seeing is only half of the mess-  I have Never Ever been a fan of organizing my closet. It was one of those tasks that I have always dreaded.  I would rather make sure that my MAC is in order and all of my brushes and pigments lined up just right!  When I moved, I knew that there was a good chance that I would only been up North for a few months and I did not feel that I should unpack my whole closet.  So I took the easy way out and only unpacked what I needed.  When I found out that I would be staying up North for longer than expected, I realized that I would need to unpack.  I have ALWAYS had great friends who have come over and helped me organize my closet.  RDM organized my previous closet twice!  And it was a HUGE walk in closet!  When I moved, my Kay May, packed up my closet and TOLD me to make sure that I did a good job organizing all of my clothes when I unpacked.  I had good intentions about unpacking once I realized that I would be here for a while but I was never motivated to get it done.  My dear sweet KSan came to the rescue.  About a month or so ago, KSan came over to my place and helped me get my life in order.  It was a long afternoon.  We used up every hanger in my place and went out to buy more (I knew I had more hangers but could not figure out where they had disappeared).  KSan was on it!  We hung up everything, even did a little color coordinating, bought some decorative boxes for purses and scarves and even took tags off of some new items :-) (for those of you who don't know- I hate taking tags off my clothes until the day that I wear it).  It was a wonderful afternoon with a wonderful Lady.  I'm still so happy that she came over to get that closet in order- And yes it is still organized!!!  I make sure to hang up all clean clothes and put my shoes away!!!  Here are the after pics:

I will be updating tomorrow on more recent events!!!

Love
~TC

REAL-ly

It's Tuesday! I love coming back from Holiday weekends.  I even took off on Friday to make it a 4 day weekend!  I don't think that I realized that I have been needing some time off.  I have been promising people that I would do big updates on what has been going on lately but time is not my friend... SO TOMORROW (I'm putting it on the Blog so you can keep me accountable people)  I will start updating you on what is REAL-ly going on!!! And I assure you that it has been GREAT!  A big special Shout Out to my big homey A-Dogg on his wedding to his wonderful bride this weekend!  May God bless your union!!!  I called A-Dogg on Thursday so I could chat and wish him good thoughts and vibes before the big day.  I knew that I needed to chat with him before the big day because he would be VERY Busy.  To my surprise, when I called him on Thursday he was busy (ha ha) and said that he would call me that night!  I told him that I wouldn't hold my breath and he responded by saying that I didn't have faith!  Well he did not call me back on Thursday but called me the morning of his big day to say that he knew my thoughts and prayers were with him and that If I COULD- I would have been there to support them!  All of what he said was TRUE!  A-Dogg is a past supervisor/mentor/friend!  One of those people who you really want in your corner when times get tough!  About a year ago I had a stumble(or you could say that I was pushed) and he was the first person who I informed and helped me... And I am so thankful!  Congratulations big homey!!!

Don't forget to stop by tomorrow- You will be WOWed with all of the Activity!
Love ya
~TC

Cat Window

Tell me that I am dreaming.... There is no way that it is September.  Talk about time flying by- Hold on to your hats people!!!  I am gearing up for a very special occasion this weekend (more details next week)!!! My Stranger Neighbor came by last night and chatted with me.  She is a nice, talkative and bubbly young lady.  She came by just as I had started eating dinner.  We stayed outside and chatted for at least 15 minutes- which was just enough time for my dinner to be cold!  I didn't really mind because she is so nice and trying to friendly!  I can always appreciate a good neighbor!

Last Spring, I started parking in a new assigned parking spot at the J-O-B.  I was excited because it was a shorter walk for me into the building in the morning.  All excitement stopped when I realized that I was parking infront of CAT WINDOW....

Yes you are looking at Cat Window in all of it's glory.  I could not believe that someone had actually taken the time to put a hole in some ply wood so their cat could come and go when it pleased.  I am not an animal lover... I don't hate them but I don't love them either.  All summer I got to witness the cat waiting for me every morning or should I say CATS!  There are two of the fur balls.  The cat owner was even considerate enough to build a little step ladder over the gas meter.  I have seen doggie doors before but this Cat Window took the cake for weird and bizarre things. 

Here's what I got to look at this morning when I pulled into my parking spot.  I had not seen the cats in a few days.  They like to lay underneath the cars and then run when you start getting too close for comfort. 

Have a great Day

Love~ TC