Because It’s Monday Morning

Yea kid, I’m with you. What a joyous weekend it was, but now back to work. Or play. Or whatever it is you do at this time of the morning.

Better yet, look at more hilarious kid pics here, at MyFirstFail.

Modern Day Romeo and Juliet

*I don’t condone extramarital affairs, so please don’t thing I’m siding with this dude*

It was a passionate love between two people that couldn’t be together, not only because of distance, but because of their situation. You’ve read the headlines: South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford sneaked away to be with his Argentine mistress, now identified as Maria Belen Chapur.

While the story of a cheating politician isn’t so shocking, this one comes with a twist. This mistress wasn’t a prostitute, an intern or a “sex buddy.” These two were in love. Passionate, all-consuming, dare I say “impossible” love. This makes things different, not only for Sanford’s career, but for his marriage. You see because it wasn’t that he wanted some kinky life on the side, he wanted this other woman. Which makes me feel for not only his wife, Jenny, but for him and the mistress.

I call Sanford’s scandal a modern day Romeo and Juliette for that reason: They (seem to) love each other so intently but can’t be together…. at least in this moment. I’m sure we’re going to see this go down a different, less politically respectable road. I’m not married, but I can’t loving someone else the same way you once felt for your wife, and not wanting to move on. Or worse, in Jenny’s case, knowing that my love cares for someone other than me in that way and continuing that relationship.

Best of luck to all… this is a tangled web.

Rest in Peace MJ

I feel like I lost a member of my family. Like the rest of the world, I was shocked when I heard that Michael Jackson, undoubtedly one of the greatest performers of our time, died. It seems like just yesterday, I was moonwalking in my bedroom, singing PYT at the top of my lungs and imagining I was the girl in the Thriller video. My mom bought me the tape of Thriller and later, because I watched it pretty much every night, had to hide it from me.

Now you can say whatever you want about the man, you can make jokes, whatever. But the fact remains that a family has one of their own and the entertainment industry has lost one of its finest. Every album, every dance, every song has become part of the soundtrack of my life. So here’s one last moonwalk for you MJ. May you rest in peace.

As Seen on the Street

My girlfriends and I enjoyed a girl’s weekend away and I didn’t get to share pics. Tragic, I know. But while we cruised VA, we noticed a lot of things that should top Glamour’s Don’t list. Most important to note: “Jean-Drawers”

For those of you that don’t know what I’m talking about, this is the name I refer to itty-bitty-barely there-scrap of material shorts. These suckers were popping up everywhere: the grocery store, the clubs and even strolling the streets (maybe for different reasons). More disturbing, the one woman we spotted had on her church shoes with this barely there bottoms. There’s only one word for this: Yuk.

It doesn’t matter if you have the best legs in the world, this is not a good look. Take it from me, that much exposure should be reserved for two occasions: a romp in the bedroom or a dip in a pool/beach.  Check out Glamour’s list of “do’s” when it comes to shorts here.

All About The Hair.

I’m bi-racial. More like tri-racial, but that’s another issue for another day. When it comes to my hair, I haven’t have the joy of rocking braids in the summertime: Cool in the breeze, easy and best of all unfussy. For me, braids don’t work. They won’t stay in and if they do last for more than a day, they become raggedy-looking. No. My hair is tightly curled or when I’m ready for a change, straight and long. Now that I have a daughter, I wake up every day and think, how will we adjust to a morning routine if her hair is unlike mine?

Right now, my 18-month-old daughter has but a few curls on her head. The back (aka the kitchen) is a little more course than mine, but nonetheless curly. Because I’ve never had to braid hair, I’m nervous that I won’t have the wherewithal to keep my child’s hair looking good. It’s not all about beauty; hair is tied into cultural and personal identity. This article on CNN made me think about this issue a little more in depth. Check it out here.

Whoa Mama!!

Happy Friday everyone!!

The weekend has arrived, my daughter is with her dad and I am running away to Virginia! That’s right, I am taking a mini-break. So while I visit friends, listen to the tunes of India Arie and dance (!), have a great weekend everyone. Stay out of trouble.

Single Parenting takes a modern twist

By Ashley Carelock

My daughter came as a surprise to both me and her father. When we found out I was pregnant, our on-again, off-again relationship was off, yet again. Being college graduates, I made the case to keep our child, figuring my degree would take care of me as I navigated the course of being a single mother.

Two years and one corporate gig later, I know that’s it worked out for our little detached family. We have no problem with visiting, not an issue with kicking in extra help when needed. The primary headache for both of us? Co-Parenting.

It’s a strange topic among any one I’ve spoken to, but the fact remains that a child needs both parents to work together (where possible). In my case, it’s possible, but not always easy. Usually a phrase used for divorced parents, co-parenting involves clear communication, time and respect with the ex and children. My child’s father and I were never married (although after a nearly seven year relationship we might as well have been) but we understand what’s most important.

If you’re trying to patch a strained relationship, check out these tips below to co-parent. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth a try. Or visit coparenting.com
• Make it clear that you value your child’s time with you and with the other parent.
• Work out a fair and practical time sharing schedule as soon as possible.
• Make a serious effort to live up to the terms of the time sharing agreement.
• Tell the other parent in advance about necessary changes in plans.
• Prepare your child in a positive way for each upcoming stay with the other parent.
• Do not conduct custody, visitation, or support discussions when you meet to transfer your child.
• Listen to your child concerning problems with the other parent, but encourage your child to work out
the problems with the other parent directly.
• Work on your problems with the other parent in private.
• Try to be reasonably flexible in “trading off” to accommodate each other’s needs.
• Do not use your child as a confidant, messenger, bill collector, or spy.

Keeping it clean…

(Photo from failblog.org)

I thought this was the cutest, most horrible thing. And of course, I had to share it with you all. Enjoy!

Livin’ It Up…for free

Every month, I fork over a chunk of my paycheck to pay for my lovely apartment. Why? I love the area I live in, but I don’t see myself here for the rest of my life. Buying a house keep me from running away and living eventual dreams. But this morning, I came across a promising link when I logged onto my computer: Live Rent Free!

It wasn’t one of those “get-rich-quick” schemes, not even a guarantee that you’ll save X amount of dollars a year. This was an article that gave several ways to get rid of your rent, or at least a chunk of it. While I don’t think I’d personally want to do some of the suggestions, maybe you would. Check it out the article here!

Pick a good one

I’ve never been a big fan of this time of the year. My hair never wants to do what I ask of it, my allergies are haywire and let’s face it, living in Pennsylvania this time of year is like living in a sauna. But I can’t complain, because it’s strawberry picking time!!

My daughter and I braved the heat wave and made our way to Strites’ Orchard yesterday. Fresh flowers greeted us as we drove through the “pick-your-own” field and to the bakery. Not only did we find some delicious maple walnut cookies, we walked away with freshly picked strawberries (my kid’s pickin’s), fresh lettuce and delicious dried apple slices.

Not in Central PA? Check out this site to find orchards in your area.