FRIDAYS---

Well, I m back so you can probably guess, it's Friday. I'm happy if only for the fact that I'm FREE for the weekend from work but not from life itself because I've plenty to do. Isn't that what makes life worth living? Being busy and loving it.

I will attend a Christmas musical called "Live 10"on Saturday which is spectacular every year, so I expect nothing less than the best this year. Knowing how good it will be just adds joy to the anticipation. You can watch it live online @ www.mbcocala.com @ 7pm Sat Dec.10, 3pm Dec.11, and 7pm Dec 12.
Here's to all of you shoppers and boppers and lovers of all things good,
Happy Friday! And remember to
"BE LOVELY"

FRIDAY once more

It's Friday my people, and I couldn't be happier; as I've said in past posts, I look forward to Friday and being off work Saturday and Sunday, doing other stuff I enjoy doing.
Last Saturday my daughter and I went the movies to see a Tyler Perry film called "For Colored Girls". Can't say it was a great film, only one part actually resonated with me and it was a tragedy.Sad to say I enjoyed the tragedy because it was the only good part. I think Tyler should stick to "funny", it's his calling.Tyler's Christian standing does not match with the language used in this movie. I was taken back by it and Janet's acting ability has not improved so I give the whole thing a thumbs down. This was a play and I think it should stay that way, it's not a motion picture so Tyler please don't do this again...I beg you.
This weekend I want to rest and relax, enjoy being home, but duty calls and I have a 3pm meeting to attend so I'll sleep late at least.

Wonder Years

The Wonder of Old Music

What is it about old songs that take you way back to another time and place? A time when you thought things were easier and better, when in fact they may have been on the brink of disaster. Somehow the soothing sound of the music takes away everything distasteful and leaves you longing for that time to somehow magically return and bury your cares.

This weekend I had the opportunity to listen to some old Stevie Wonder and “boy” did it take me back. I seriously felt like crying at times and laughing  at other times. The words were so touching. That man’s a genius. It’s a travesty we didn’t appreciate his talent back in the day because we seldom listened to the words and if we did, they had very little meaning.  

 

My fav is “Songs in the Key of Life”. This album should be in every home in America…so much love and depth in his music. “Timeless”  is the best way to describe this work of art and “As” is the jam. This album was done in the 70’s…unbelievable

 

Thanks Stevie for allowing me to partake and enjoy for so many years “the wonder of Stevie”. If you never make another album or write another song, you have already touched the lives of many generations with the relevance of your music.

If you've never listened to Songs in the Key of Life, might I invite you to give your ears a welcoming break from some of the noise they now call music and try some Stevie tonight. These next years can be  wonder years for you,too.

Protocol for speaking to celebrities

What do you do when confronted with a celebrity? Do you get all ga ga-ed and run up to them and get your feelings hurt or simply nod and keep it moving? I really don't know but I say let the moment lead you.
I was sitting in the lobby of a Disney Hotel when Patti LaBelle walked in with her entourage, knowing how much I wanted her autograph, picture, and let her know how much I admire her talent. And of course invite her to dinner and hang out with the family (lol).
I spoke cordially and stayed in my seat while she spoke, smiled, and continued to walk past me. A part of me wanted to walk up and say "Hi Ms Patti", while the other part said,"No she doesn't want to be bothered". Timing is everything. It could've ended badly if I had interrupted and she was in a bad mood, maybe even slighted me a bit, tainted my respect for her. So sometime you go with your gut and leave those people alone, you'll get your chance.

Friday Again

How quick it seems Friday comes when it's actually here...how slow it comes when it's Sunday night!
Why is that? I look so forward to Friday and then the weekend disappears like a flash and I can't help but wonder where did it all go, did someone steal it or did someone lull me to sleep and suddenly wake me up on Monday morning and scream" GET YOUR BUTT UP". I'm at that point of seriously needing a vacation overhaul, rethink my plans or just make some new plans. It's Fall and time to enjoy everyday and I am especially enjoying the mornings....the cool breeze, fresh smells and kids going off to school. Makes me want to stay home and bake something yummy. Today would be good because it's FRIDAY and I'm ready to call it a day, although it's not done with me yet--it's only 10:am and Friday is just gettin started baby. It's got more for me to do before I can bake.
As you can see, Friday calls the shots, but I'm thinking about taking over (shhh).

Customer Service???

I was not aware that the definition for customer service had changed until I visited the "Vitamin Shoppe" on College Road in Ocala, Florida. The very busy stocking shelves employees were too busy to acknowledge our presence let alone offer any help locating a product. Well my friend and I did the self service thing and found what we were looking for, then another dilemma...how now do we pay for it, seeing these very busy ladies were more interested in stocking shelves for invisible customers. When I yelled for HELP by making the sound of a bell which was non-exisistent, Debbie who seemed to need caffeine or some of the vitamins and supplements she NEVER sells, rose to the occasion in no hurry, with no smile, no apology, just these words"I can hear you". Are you kidding me? She's done nothing to help me and she has attitude. Not good...Homey don't play dat. She attempted to get the last word which was "I spoke to you when you came in but you were talking". Of course I was not about to let this liar off that easy, so I told her as nice as I could that she should have spoken , made sure we heard her and offered assistance.In other words, got off her lazy butt and done her job.But with the new definition of customer service changing without notice, maybe she was doing her job...Doing her job under the NEW customer service rule which simply states" If the customer wants service, find it and by all means help yourselves because I'm too busy.

Weary

The word says in 2 Thessalonians 3:13 And as for you, brethren, do not become weary or lose heart in doing right [but continue in well-doing without weakening]. I feel I need those words echoing in my head because I felt close to losing heart last evening when my daughter was going through an episode and it was difficult to calm her and keep her from harming herself. I held her close, near tears, feeling my heart start to break for no other reason than I could feel her agony and she wasn't able to voice the problem she was having. I soothed her and her sister fetched a cool cloth for her head when she became hot and began to perspire...we prayed and God came through as only He can.
How comforting it is to have a father who cares for us and knows what to do when we don't.
I know one thing for sure- I love my children and will continue to stay strong and not lose heart, for God has given His angels charge over us.

Parenting

I was on my way to work this morning and saw a young teen with his shorts so low he could barely walk, not unlike so many others with the same ailment. They look like old men with some walking impairment, something glued to the inside of their legs making it difficult to move properly, so WHY is it that parents allow the boys (and sometimes girls) to leave home to go to school with something hindering them from being able to walk, let alone run. I'm afraid if something were to frighten them and they had to run...well, we know who would win. If you have to use one of your hands to grab your pants or both, your running is bound to suffer.
Come on parents of the good ol USA, buck up take your control back, help your kids to stay alive in this crazy world. Don't set them up for failure. It's not just a fashion thing anymore, they look like clones that all have the same walk.
What's funny is that I thought this stupid look would be long gone shortly after it started but looking stupid is lasting much too long. It tells me one thing, parents are not being parents. You were not called to be your child's friend. Lead them in the way they should go and pull your own pants up please.

REST and RELAXATION

Have you ever been alerted by your body that it is tired,very tired, very, very tired..I got my alert today. So tired, in fact, that I had to force myself to be courteous and kind to people who were being rude to me on the phone. I was challenged by several calls received today.. Normally, it's easy for me, but today  it was quite stressful and I had the uncomfortable feeling of coming out of my skin.
My body says "Go to the islands and get much rest and relaxation", while my purse says"Girl, you know you have no budget for a vacation right now". Who shall I listen to? What voice do I follow?
There must be some way to do this and spend NO money. Got it!!! I'll vacation on the web, take in some extraordinary scenery and drop some form of sleeping aid and have blissful sleep.
After all, tomorrow's Friday!!!

FRIDAYS

Fridays should be a celebration day or a new holiday to enjoy and be off from work. I'm saying this because I seem to come alive on Friday just knowing I made it through another week. Anyone feel me? Not that my work is unpleasant by any means, but a sense of completion and gratification for finishing off yet another whole week of work...added to all that...a paycheck. You can't beat that, can you? Not to forget I'm gonna be off for a whopping 3 days (Labor Day included) before starting the wheel turning once more.

I'm thinking jobs should allow employees 2 hour lunches on Friday just because you showed up and willing to work on such a perfect day for being off and going shopping or relaxing at the beach or just plain old being home in your jammies.

Friday...what can I really say except I love you, I adore you and please COME MORE OFTEN.

RELATE RELAX RELEASE

Let's take a deep breath and get through the day,OK? Can anyone relate? If so relax and release the pressures of the day and move on. Life is GOOD and the best is yet to come, that's my mantra for today, this week, maybe even this month, maybe longer. I have today and that's what is most important.

Higher Praise Tube - Christian Music Videos, Praise and Worship Videos, ...

Smoking___To E or not To E

I need to know what you think people!
I just stumbled across an article in the local paper about the e-cigarette. Yes folk, the e-cigarette...you read it right the first time...no joke. Does somebody have like too much time on their hands or what?
This thing is allowed in some places that prohibit regular cigarette smoking and is supposed to be THE alternative for the real cigarette...no smoke, just vapor...no butts, no ashes because it's electronic.
Anybody else foresee a problem here? I do. If it looks like a cigarette then people are going to approach the situation in a non-smoking establishment the same way as usual and assume the person has lit up and should be put out or asked to put it out.
I'm thinking maybe they shouldn't be allowed to smoke that thing in public...those vapors could be bad for your health. What do you think?

God's Favor

Well I haven't written in quite some time and a lot has happened since the last time, but my focus today is God's divine favor and what it has meant to me. I had never understood before when hearing certain people testify about receiving things like cars, houses, money,etc from unknown sources until I tapped into what God's favor really is and without it you'll never work hard enough or live long enough to get the things you dream of without it.

All I can say to anyone reading this is to search the scriptures on "favor", pray and most of all be obedient, never forget where those blessings come from. God is awesome and He has done great things in my life and because of Him, I'm a favor magnet and to Him be the glory, AMEN.

Allow Him to make your life better tomorrow than it is today.