29 is the new 40

Did someone say party? I have a birthday coming up. It’s not for another 2 months but that doesn’t mean I can’t get started planning, right? I know, I know, I’m a little obsessive/compulsive about planning so I actually started planning in November. That’s not too bad considering I’ve been planning my 30th birthday since I was 8. This year’s birthday is important. It’s a big deal! My last birthday of my 20’s! Next year, I’ll be in a new decade bracket. I’ll have to check a new box-you know the one for the warrantees that say “check here for ages 30-35.” That will be me! Lumped in with the 35 year olds! I have to make this one count! Since my birthday falls in the middle of the week, I’m having my birthday on the Saturday before which this year, happens to be Valentine’s Day.

Bleh to Valentine’s Day. It’s a cheesy holiday and I never really understood it. People getting engaged on Valentine’s Day, romantic dinners on Valentine’s Day, flowers and chocolates on Valentine’s day-really? It’s all expected. Wanna be truly romantic? Do those things on another day-ANY other day. On Valentines Day, buy her a vibrator, a bottle of vodka, give her the remote, and leave for a few hours. If you feel you must, buy her a box of chocolates but pick out the ones with the pink in the middle. I hate the ones with the pink in the middle. What the f*ck kind of flavor is pink anyway? It tastes like cancer. Ladies, it goes both ways-less the vibrator, unless your guy is into all that-but lets save that blog for another day.

I LOVE entertaining. Initially, since it is a cheesy day, I know I want to have a fondue party. Maybe I’ll have edible panty party favors as a pop-shot to the day, but other than the kinky-named cocktails it will be no other correlation to the actual “holiday.” Maybe I’ll buy some candles and create a playlist. Maybe I’ll come up with some games to play. Maybe we’ll go out dancing afterwards. I’m getting to old for the clubs though. It takes 2 hours to get ready because, unlike when you were 18, you have to exfoliate, shave, lotion, face mask, tone, moisturize, cream, eye cream, derma-fill, prime, apply, flatiron, serum, spray, tape, tuck, spanks, strap, and then you’re ready to actually get in your clothes. The music is too loud, the drinks are too much, it’s too crowded, then, because I’m married-I actually dance, so when I wind up walking out of the club at 2:30am its like a scene from the Thriller video. My feet hurt, my make-up smeared, my hair is half afro and half dreads.

On second thought, maybe I’ll get the vibrator, vodka, and the remote and just entertain myself….Happy Birthday to ME!

Auld Lang Syne

“Tis the season” is now officially over. As I embark on a new year (my best year yet) I can’t help to look back to the past year…(Cue Auld Lang Syne as the background music, cock head to the left, smile slightly, and let eyes gloss over). 2008 was a tough year. It was so much better than 2007 by far, but it was a little rocky. There were soaring gas prices ($40 for less than a half a tank of gas ya’ll!), plummeting stocks, bailouts, and Hurricane Ike which made us never take ice (crackers or canned sardines) for granted again! Great things happened too though, like rockin’ the vote, turning Houston BLUE, and electing the first black president! Even better-the Texans had an 8 and 8 season winning the last 6 games straight! I’m an Eagle fan but I have to congratulate my home team on a good season (for the Texans, it was an UNBELIEVABLE season).

This year I learned patience, prayer, and hustle! I was patient with the 6 interviews at BCM and 4 at TCH. I prayed for the Lord to guide me to where I need to go, for great opportunities, and for abundant favor. And I hustled. Including doing the hustle at Elena's Birfoween Bash! Yes I did. I “got it” as in I finally know that everything is a process and everything has seasons. I think I’m entering spring because I'm definately leaving the frigged winter. I started a business plan-and actually typed it! It’s up to 5 pages and it’s actually realistic. Hey I used to dream big and not realistic-but now I’m dreaming BIGGER and realistic. I got clarity. I am even motivated enough to register for decorating classes (start in January). And as for that abundant favor-I got the TCH job. Its challenging which keeps me motivated, in a new career field (HR) which has me ambitious enough to take a course or two online, and quite abundant in favor. It comes only 2 weeks before the New Year. I mean, really. That’s the power of the Alpha AND Omega. I’m sad to see 2008 go, but I am thrilled to see what the Lord has in store for my family, my marriage, and me! I don’t make resolutions but I will say that this year I will strive for spiritual growth, balance, and success-both personal and professional. Everything after 2008 is just icing on the cake!

Here's to your best year yet and the icing on your cake! HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!