She Watch Channel ZERO

The woman makes the men all pause
And if you got a woman
She might make you forget yours
There's a 5 letter word To describe her character
But her brains being washed by an actor
And every real man that tries to approach
Come the closer he comes He gets dissed like a roach

I don't think I can handle
She goes channel to channel
Cold lookin' for that hero
She watch channel zero
She watch, She watch channel zero

2, 7, 5, 4, 8 she watched s
he said All added up to zero
And nothing in her head
She turns and turns
And she hopes the soaps
Are for real - she learns Is that it ain't true, nope
But she won't survive
And rather die and lie
Falls a fool - for some dude - on a tube

Trouble vision for a sister
Because I know she don't know
I quote Her brains retrained By a 24 inch remote

Revolution a solution
For all our children
But all her children
Don't mean as much as the show

I mean Watch her worship the screen
and fiend For a TV ad
And it just makes me mad

SHE WATCH CHANNEL ZERO

It takes a nation of millions to hold US back

This weekend cable proved to me a point I have long held secret, the media is out to get us!!! I know it sounds a bit paranoid, but Sunday VH-1 dedicated a whole day to "Reality" Shows, many of which featured African-Americans. BET has the top rated reality shows in Tiny&Toya, and lest I forget "Basketball Wives" [none of whom are married] and "The Real McCoy" featuring Lisa Raye.

I remember the time when there was little to NO representation of African Americans on Network TV. Folk were up in arms and threatening to boycott the networks and the sponsors, then came along WB. We were elated to have shows 4 US by US. Girlfriends, Half-n-Half, Sister 2 Sister. Of course I can't forget the trailblazers like Moesha, One on One and Living Single.

Then along came the Reality Show..Initially it was the Angry Black Female on every show. We were angry in response. Now there are strippers fighting for FLAVA FLAVE and the Love of RayJ. There is the Bad Girls, Charm School and a myriad of other shows highlighting girls who behave badly.

Of course I have a theory about all this. I think it's the "Michelle Effect." The presence of a powerful sista in the White House [with two adorable daughters] has forced the pendulum to swing in the opposite direction. When there were no powerful sistas of note [no disrespect to Oprah, Condoleeza, Dr. Dororthy Height, Maxine Waters and the like], we had CLAIRE HUXTABLE whom many doubted really existed in real life. Now there are no Claire's on TV because we have a REAL LIFE CLAIRE and the unbeweaveable black barbies have appeared.

Quite naturally we should never look to TV to define us, raise our children or represent us; however in todays' media frenzied society, I can't help but notice the time and attention this new wave of "REALITY" has lulled us into a dream world circa BLUEST EYE, only this time the EYE is brown and there are millions which begs the PublicEnemy Quote: A FACT IS A FACT, IT TAKES A NATION OF MILLIONS TO HOLD US BACK.

Haunted House

Ten years ago, as my then husband and I searched our favorite neighborhood in the city for a quaint little place to call our own, we settled on a cape cod with a lot of character. Ms Betty Redford was a happy older woman and other than the odor of cat, the home was perfect for the new couple starting their new life together (us). After we moved in we learned of the rumor that her husband had died in the living room. I have lost countless nights of sleep thinking I heard Mr. Redford walking around upstairs, knocking over things, flicking the lights and reprogramming my DVD Player. I often thought back to the brief conversation we had with her before we moved in. Her only request/demand of us was that we filled the house with love as she and her husband had done.
We got right to work; LOWE'S, HOME DEPOT and the like. See we were more concerned with making the house our own. Ripping up carpet. Painting rooms. Removing wall paper. Redoing the kitchen. Buying appliances...all that fun stuff that makes buying a home so time consuming and such a labor of love. In fact, in hindsight, the only thing we didn't work on, was our love. We really didn't give it any attention. Perhaps there was a warning sign back there that we both missed.
I would still have these creepy feelings that Mr. Redford was walking around my house at night knocking over things and reeking havoc on all he came into contact with. There were the unexplainable barks of my dog and any given hour, missing items and the random thuds and bumps in the middle of the night.
One day, my neighbor Ms. G, told me how The Redfords LOVED each other so much and it was clear to all who knew them. None of that warm and fuzzy stuff mattered to me because I wanted more details on how the man died in the house. Ironically, it was , a HEART ATTACK. Countless nights I spent wondering if Mr. Redford was a mean old man hating what I had done to his house, but eventually I grew accustom to it. I even joked and called him out. TEN YEARS LATER, I finally got it!!
This spring as I was out in the back yard cutting flowers, I finally admired the garden and the grounds that Mr. Redford was once so proud of, and that my husband had worked so hard on. I had let the garden go into disrepair partially as an act of rebellion against my ex-husband and partially because I really don't know the first thing about gardening. Through it all, Mr. Redford's blossoms bloom every year like clock work. This year I filled vases throughout the house. I had the most beautiful bouquets of white and pink and red flowers...This is how he haunts me!! With the beauty of love and these lovely flowers.

I used to love the verse in the Prince song "Nothing Compares To You" where he says:

All the flowers that you planted

in the backyard
all died when you went away

And now I get it. The flowers don't die if you give them the smallest amount of attention. We had a long and snowy winter around these parts and I actually thought a few plants had died. In fact, what actually happened was while they were dormant, they returned this spring more determined than ever to show me the power of love and how after the coldest winter "must come Spring" in the words of Lauryn Hill "Everything is Everything."

Hunger

I want somebody to love me for me Make me happy Where I wanna be-Heavy D The song says it all, but it bears repeating. There are people who are chameleons, they change like the weather to attract, keep and/or repel a partner. There are also people who would love to custom order a partner from a menu; easy on the eyes, specific height, weight and ethnicity with a small side of drama mixed with sensuality and spiced heavily with whit. My favorite aunt (Jenny) has always had the uncanny ability of identifying ingredients in anything we eat. Restaurant trips were filled with her telling me what was in a dish and what needed to be done or undone to make it "perfect." [and by perfect, she meant perfect for her]. Later in the week, we would be in her kitchen recreating the masterpiece, and she is quite a good cook. I always wondered what was so wrong with the dish the way it was??? It took me years to figure out that nothing was ever going to be good enough. Rarely, if ever, did I add salt, pepper but hot sauce? I love it!!. My philosophy has always been, if you don't like it, don't eat it. Order something else. There are plenty of items on the menu; HOWEVER, if you are starving when you get to the table, you might find yourself overlooking what you need for what you want. You might find yourself ordering any old thing just to satisfy your desire. I tend to gravitate towards cheesy, hearty, comfort foods when I am starving. I have had to teach myself how to curb my appetite until I can have the best possible meal, not just the hot cheesy comfort food staring me right in the face. I am not always good at that. The hot cheesy comfort food staring me in my face might be that relationship I don't need to [re]enter, but just cause it's convenient, it works. That's what I like to call Mr. Right-Now. Not to be confused with Mr. Right, but a close second. If Mr. Right still needs hot-sauce, salt and pepper to make him tasty, is he Mr. Right? Or just Mr. Needs a little spice?? This is also why it is ill-advised to go grocery shopping when you are hungry. You are more likely to get items that are NOT on your list. Items that are costly and in the long run,not as useful. It takes a disciplined consumer to stick to the list and avoid the free samples, the glossy boxes and the enticing quick foods in lieu of what you originally went to get. Can I stick to the list??? Can you?

Best Actress

Two weeks ago we were moved to tears by both Sandra Bullock and Mo'Nique's acceptance speeches at the Academy Awards. Each women took time to publicly recognize her spouse. Prior to the awards show being aired, both of these ladies were on the Barbara Walters Special. It was to be Ms. Walters' final Pre-Oscar show, and the comments made by Mo'Nique made about her "open marriage" caused quite a stir. She said that her husband could sleep with someone else and it would not be a deal breaker, because she knew who she laid down next to every night unlike many women in Hollywood. She was highly criticized and people (including myself) questioned her self esteem about doing ANYTHING to keep a man, even allowing him to roam periodically.

Sandra Bullock's acceptance speech moved all viewers to tears. Especially when she thanked her husband. In her interview with Barbara Walters, she discussed how safe he made her feel and how she didn't feel so BIG around him. Even their after-Oscar Hamburger joint date was publicized...........and then.......the other shoe fell.

Which of these women is the BEST ACTRESS, the one who acts like she doesn't care if her man steps out? Or the one who acts like all is perfect in her marriage until something bad happens?

Where is Waldo?

I'm sure you remember the series of books where in a crowd of people, you would have to locate the ever obscure oddly dressed Waldo. What made this task so daunting was that the apparent millions of other people in the picture were all doing the weirdest things and Waldo would just be standing there right in front of your face. Sometimes we think we have to look all over the place when what we are really looking for is right in front of us.

As a rule, I have preferred out of towners, partially because I consider myself an out of towner, and because I like boundaries. However, there is something to be said about locals. Whether it implies a groundedness or just that you have a clearer picture of someone you can see more often in their natural habitat. There is a secure feeling that comes from knowing someone near. Knowing that a person can be there at a moment's notice.

Perhaps my search has been tainted because I have looked all over for WALDO and he has been right in front of my face the whole time. No baggage, No negative history, No Major Issues, just that corny red and white striped sweater. One of the things that makes Waldo so hard to find is that many of the people in the village are dressed just like him. You have to get up close to see if he has on the glasses and the pants and the boots. He has to be WALDO.

Seasons

A Blog for my Muse....

To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time for every purpose under heaven

To borrow a phrase about seasons, I want to remind you that Harvest is a season. Its the easy season. It's when you reap the benefits of all you have planted. In order to arrive at a new harvest and a new crop, you must first be completely done with the old crop. The land has to be tilled and fertilized and tended to. You have to put in work. Get all those old roots and twigs and branches and ROTTEN FRUIT off the ground. You have to do the dirty work. There are worms and manure all over the place that have to be dealt with

The ground doesn't have to be PERFECT, but it has to be READY. If it's not then the next crop you plant will not yield any fruit. It will die. No matter how much sunlight and rain it receives, it will die. NO matter how hard you try to keep the weeds and parasites out, it will die. NO matter how much energy and effort you put into it, it will die. Imagine planting Champagne Grapes and harvesting raisins.

It's what I refer to when I suggest keeping your emotional house clean. Mine is by no means perfect, but one has to really do the hard work to get ready. You can't just say "I'm Done." and that be it, on to the next chapter. You must finish this and you must come through it a changed person, because you have to acknowledge that there is room for change and room for improvement or no flowers will grow.

I type this because I know from first hand experience. I am happy with my fertile plot of land. It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears and it is my pride and joy. It is the reason I am so highly discriminating with whom I will select to plow it [pun intended]. Instead of a scarecrow, I have a Rottweiler, but it serves the purpose; to scare the crows away. So if you are a crow, it's best to start flying now.

There is also the very real possibility that as the season changes for you , it also changes for me. That is to say that there can be different results for different crops in different seasons. That's why we can't get pumpkins in August or (good) strawberries in December. Certain seasons yield certain crops. A contentious farmer would study the almanac and plan accordingly. Seasons Change. It is one thing we can rely on.

Back in the 80s, a group (Expose) released Seasons Change. It was a corny, hairspray tune and at the ripe old age of 19 I thought the lyrics were so profound (even more so than the aforementioned folk song). I pasted the lyrics of the first half of the song. I know CaliGurl will remember the Metro Days, but this is one of those Karman Ghia Classics for your iTunes:

Some dreams are in the night time
And some seem like yesterday
But leaves turn brown and fade,
Ships sail away
You long to say a thousand words but
Seasons change
It feels like it's forever
No reason for emptiness
But time just runs away
No more day by day
You dream again, it seems in vain when
Seasons change
(I want you) I want to feel you by my side
(I need you) Don't you know I need you, baby?
Seasons change, feelings change
It's been so long since I found you
Yet it seems like yesterday
Seasons change, people change
I'll sacrifice tomorrow
Just to have you here today

The Friendly Skies.....

Thank you for your attention while important safety information is reviewed.

Federal law requires your compliance with all lighted signs, posted placards, and crew-member instructions.
To fasten your seatbelt, place the flat metal end into the buckle. To release, lift the faceplate of the buckle. Tighten by pulling on the strap. Your seatbelt should be fastened low and tight across your hips.
All flights are non-smoking. There is no smoking in the aircraft, including the lavatories. The lavatories are equipped with smoke detectors. Tampering with, disabling, or destroying a lavatory smoke detector is prohibited.
There are six exits on this aircraft... two doors at the front of the cabin, two window exits over the wings, and two doors at the rear of the aircraft. Again, there are two doors at the front of the cabin, two window exits over the wings, and two doors at the rear of the aircraft. Please take a moment now to locate the exit nearest you, keeping in mind that the closest useable exit may be behind you.
The cabin is pressurized for your comfort and safety. In the unlikely event of a cabin depressurization, oxygen masks will appear overhead. Reach up and pull the mask closest to you, fully extending the plastic tubing. Place the mask over your nose and mouth, and slip the elastic strap over your head. Tighten by pulling on the ends. The bag does not need to inflate for oxygen to be flowing. If you are seated next to a small child or someone needing assistance, secure your own mask first, then assist the child.
Your seat-bottom cushion serves as a flotation device. To use it, place your arms through the straps and hug the cushion to your chest. <- YEAH RIGHT

There are very few things about air travel I dislike. Outside of TSA and TURBULENCE, I am an air travel type of girl. I like the idea [and by idea, I mean challenge] of fitting all your essentials into a carry-on bag. My most favorite part is watching the Flight Attendant go through the whole schpiel about the safety features of the aircraft where the exits are, oxygen masks and the best of all: IN THE EVENT OF A WATER LANDING, YOUR SEAT CUSHION CAN BE USED AS A FLOTATION DEVICE. As if I would even be thinking that clearly in the event of a WATER LANDING.

I really think there are a million ways this whole script can be translated into dating. I for one, board an aircraft with the exits in mind. Always looking for the safest way out, you know, in the event of DEPRESESSURIZATION; which is a waste of time because it's going to crash anyway!!

Then there is that whole thing of Turbulence. It is rough. During Turbulence, the best course of action is to fasten your seatbelt and remain seated. That however, is not the first inclination. I really want to jump ship when I experience turbulence. Between the ears popping and the plane feeling like its going to fall, I CAN'T HANDLE IT!! I would rather the plane just crash or NOT. My real issue of turbulence is LACK of CONTROL!! The pilot has complete control and all i can do is SIT THERE and wait for it to pass. I guess that's what I will do...

State of MY Union

The State of the Union is an annual address presented by the President of the United States to the United States Congress. The address not only reports on the condition of the nation but also allows the president to outline his agenda and national priorities to Congress.^[1]

As I look at the State of MY OWN Union, I realize THERE ISN'T ONE. I have been on the same merry go round for about 3 years. Like Obama, there are obstacles to overcome, but when I took this on, I was at a deficit. I had been running the streets like a mad woman doing everything I was big enough and bad enough to do. So I can relate to the leader of the Free World when he points out that this has been a BUZZSAW month.

I am a happy and proud DEMOCRAT who supports our President and First Lady. I love what they represent as a strong family unit. They look so IN LOVE and it is apparent that they have a strong PARTNERSHIP. Today, a friend and I talked about how awesome it must be to have a partner to walk down the road with in the sunshine and the rain.

Our President then went on to say that ALL Parties involved were gonna have to start getting along and working together. I don't know how this applies to my love life and my dating scenario other than, I have to really and consciously make a point to make time and energy for dating and all it entails.

I really feel like an Obama Groupie because I was hanging on his every word. What was better that the things he said were the things he didn't say. He had this stalwart and firm stance. His tone of voice was so no nonsense that I felt like he was reprimanding ME.....and I kinda liked it.

The most powerful part of the State of the Union (#SOTU) was the end when he said "We're not quitting and I'm not quitting" I guess if I am on board with the Administration, then I am all the way and I am not quitting either. I am in this for the long haul. I am not going to stop trying and I am not going to stop doing my best (the Fourth Agreement)

As I head into the next arena, I am going to be more proactive. I am not going to waste my time, or anybody else's. I am going to be about ACTION. That's what Obama asked us to do a year ago, and that's what he asked for lastnight.

Ice Is SLIPPERY

This weekend I participated in a past time that made me nostalgic for my childhood. Every year, my younger brother and I would watch TEAM USA Figureskating championships. My brother would lose major cool points if anyone knew how we loved it. In his defense, the one thing he wanted to see more than anything was someone fall. Back in the 80s it was quite the rage with Katarina Witt and Debbie Thomas and who could ever forget the tabloid ending of Nancy Kerrigan and Tonya Harding. Don't act like you don't remember!!!!

At any rate, figureskating, it seems, has it's own Drama filled process and there is (surprisingly) a lot of internal conflict. Personally, I'd have issues getting into that tiny little piece of fabric they call a "costume", but I digress.

Sasha Cohen returned to the ice rink this weekend to try and make the National Team after a 4 year hiatus. At the ripe old age of 25, she was the elder stateswoman and as such received a lot of press when her first day of competition had her in the top tier. On the second and final day, she was poised for the comeback story of a lifetime [as if sports needed anymore of em]. She was asked about how realistic her perception of her chances really was by a reporter to which she replied: " Ice is still SLIPPERY." I fell in love with her dry tone and the delivery. Her point was not missed on my on again off again attempts at dating and pursuing the ONE [if he really exists]. She went on to say that she had prepared (me too) she had practiced (me too!) she had experience (me too!!) and so did the other girls, but that the only thing that she could count on is if somebody made a mistake which would improve her chances of winning IF and ONLY IF, she had the performance of a lifetime (sigh). I was amazed at how she had just come to the resolution that MY BEST IS ALL I CAN DO, and maybe one of these other chicks will fall. Maybe, just maybe, I will catch the luckiest of breaks.

GUESS WHAT HAPPENED??? SASHA FELL!!!! That's right. The one thing she had anticipated actually happened to her. In a word, KARMA. She went home out of contention [for now]. She was predictably upbeat afterward, and despite there was plenty of space for a pity party, the blame game and excuse making, she carried herself with grace. I felt her pain and am an overnight Sasha Fan. There is only one thing I must add to her quote: Ice is SLIPPERY and COLD!!!

GAMES

These Foolish Games

are tearing me apart

and your thoughtless ways

are breaking my heart~Jewel

Who remembers the childhood game "REDLIGHT GREEN LIGHT?" This is the game where one person stands back turned to the crowd and at their whim yelled GREEN LIGHT! The crowd would run as quickly as possible to touch the ONE first. If that person yells RED LIGHT all motion has to cease. Anyone who doesn't stop immediately gets sent back to the starting point and are at a permanent disadvantage because the crowd is ahead of them. The only real way to win is to proceed slowly and wait for others to mess up leaving one person to get to the top spot. Although it seems the name of the game is to get to the destination first, SPEED KILLS. Which begs the question: Why didn't they make up a game called "YELLOW LIGHT?" That is more logical. Running a red light can be deadly [in dating and real life]. Going too slowly through a green light, one could lose the opportunity. The best bet is to just inch along.

Other fun and foolish childhood games "FREEZE", "Red Rover", and "TAG". All these games have the most unattainable task of controlled motion. The one in pursuit is at the mercy of the one being pursued. Sound familiar??

What does it say about me [or anyone for that matter] for only wanting GREEN LIGHTS? Aren't RED LIGHTS a part of the whole process and isn't the purpose to control the flow of traffic to prevent accidents?? Having driven in Tijuana Mexico and visited European cities, I fully understand the need for our [albeit predictable] lights. If our love lives don't have some degree of warning systems, relationships would flow endlessly until someone got hurt and that hurt would come sooner than later. A YELLOW, or warning light, is a necessary evil in the process in that it could save a life. If I just slow down or occasionally STOP to see where I am before I get lost, or worse, have a collision. As I type about it, there are benefits to RED LIGHTS. You can change direction. Check your cell phone. Just catch your breath and get your bearings to know your surroundings. In a relationship and behind the wheel, a RED LIGHT can be an opportunity to PAUSE. It's not as permanent as a DEAD END sign. It's a light on a timer and you know what??? It eventually turns GREEN.

I admit I thought I was prepared for this marathon that is dating. Nobody mentioned that it was a marathon of red light green light. At least in marathons, the traffic signals are turned off.

Running with Scissors

When I was young, adults admonished me not to run with scissors. The fear was that I might stab or cut myself. Funny how I ran without that same fear. My theory is that I had a higher understanding of my pain threshold and would take myself to the limit. As we divide ourselves into tiny pieces to accommodate all our personal and professional obligations, we frequently cut ourselves too closely, because we overestimate our tolerance for pain.

As for me, I think I have cut myself too closely in my love life. I find it hard to nurture and sustain one. I am going to make the effort to cut less of my love life and more of my extraneous work related over achievement ways.

Pray for me....

FEAR .....

Fear of Heights is irrational

Fear of Falling is LOGICAL

....

Sheldon Cooper

Isn't Sheldon's quote so perfect?? Isn't that the true crux of this dating matter? Aren't we all just scared of falling? Wouldn't we all FLY HIGH as birds in the sky if we weren't so scared of falling. Wouldn't we date and mate and be happy? I guess that's what separates us from the primates. Don't they look so happy??

Fear is the most powerful emotion there is. It motivates us to take some kind of immediate action whether it is FIGHT or FLIGHT. Sometimes distractions make us turn a deaf ear to our internal voice (our intuition) and we walk blindly into situations that should scare the living daylights out of us. Love has that kind of affect. Innocently, we wander down the pretty little path skipping happily until we realize we are lost in a vast forest of unknown creatures [Lions and Tigers and Bears Oh My] at which point we turn and run to safety. I've got that whole part figured out, what I don't know is how long does one stay "safe" before venturing out again? What's the statute of limitations on heartbreak and can we overcome our fears?

I am grown up enough to know that the only thing I have to fear is fear itself (jfk)..

Instruction Manual

If you find
you don't like my ways
you can send me back
in 30 days- Run DMC

This entry is inspired by the fact that this blog is actually an instruction manual. Insight into the twisted mind that is MINE. It would give anybody an unfair advantage or a head start in getting into my head. Even an Extra Terrestrial should be able to identify those characteristics and traits that are specific to me. So the next questions becomes: What does your INSTRUCTION MANUAL say? Handle with Care? Fragile? Proceed with Caution? I think mine says Open at your own risk...maybe it says irregular...I like both of these.
10 Days with The Grays was a test of the strength of my Thick Protective Coating. They are a well meaning bunch, but a tough and critical crew. Over the years, I have noticed a calmer, gentler GRAY, but they are still a tough bunch and this holiday season was no exception. My only reprieve was that their attention was divided among others. Actually, I kinda missed it. I have grown accustomed to the extreme scrutiny to the point I really don't know how to respond to compliments. There was genuine QUALITY in the family affair.
When I think about all the ways my family has contributed to who I am, I actually think it would be a good idea for them to select the next person I date. Kinda like that Mtv Show where the parents selected suitors. I mean, I think they have good taste and would select a potential candidate. So when I actually spoke to them about this, they laughed. I think they don't mind that I am SINGLE. Their perspective is that it's one less thing for them to worry about. See they listen to their co-workers and golf buddies complain about the woes of sons-in-law, grand children and the like. To add insult to injury, my father happens to be Muslim and I fear my headstrong ways would uh, complicate his life at the local mosque the second I failed to comply with traditional roles.
All of this leaves me to my own exploits and a new found inspiration that somewhere there MIGHT be someone who halfway understands and tolerates me on the days I DONT SHAVE MY LEGS.

Nothin But a Number

Age ain't nothin but a number
Goin down ain't nothin but a thang
The Love that I have for you
It'll never change

~Aaliyah

Is it better to be with someone who makes you giddy as a sixteen year old or to be with someone who makes you feel all grown up? There is a certain enjoyment in the "butterfly effect." It's that newness when you meet someone and they make you feel all mushy inside. HOWEVER, at this point in my life, there is a certain security in meeting someone who makes you feel all grown up. Given the choice, which is the better feeling. Security has a long term promise to it. Butterflies, well, they're only for a season. I guess I have answered my own question.

But what about the person who remembers you from back when?? You know, that good old relationship that fits like your favorite jeans. They feel good, you still look good in them, BUT they are OUT OF STYLE!!! A recent visit with a friend from a past life was very gratifying, but disturbing. He still looks at me through the glasses of our youth. He sees the 22 year old me and as skinny, perky and cute as she WAS, I haven't been that girl in a long time. I don't even think I know her. She probably wouldn't like me. Unlike the song, we do change and our love changes. Actually, it evolves and morphs into something unrecognizable, but equally as good as before. SADE said it's NEVER AS GOOD AS THE FIRST TIME, but I think [and by think, I mean HOPE] it JUST GETS BETTER WITH TIME!

EXCHANGE POLICY

WE all know that after the Holiday season, a lot of stores are bombarded with exchanges. Yes folks, keep those receipts. My family does not exchange gifts and I have not had this problem in a very long time. I usually buy what I want. My best friend is even more difficult to shop for because she does the same thing. What do you get the girl who has everything???
Occasionally I have to do a return or exchange. Which lead me to the question: What are you willing to exchange when it comes to dating?
Would you give up good looks for good credit?
Could you sacrifice the possibility of TRUE LOVE with someone of limited financial means for TRUE LIKE with an affluent partner?
I asked my mom this question and her answer surprised me. She said there are some folks you can't wait to see leave and some you can't wait til they return.
Which would you exchange?
I know I NEED good strong passionate conversation, and I am convinced I could let go of a good and strong passionate physical relationship.

Could you sacrifice a part of your personality, say your social outgoing nature, to make someone who is more of a homebody feel comfortable? Perhaps you are a homebody, could you break out of your shell to keep up with a social butterfly?

Do I want it all? OF COURSE, don't you? BUT if you had to exchange somethings for the sake of partnership, what would they be?

Nice Guys FINISH....

IF its true that Nice Guys Finish Last, then I have to ask WHY? Why is it when we meet "NICE Guys" we are turned off? Are we really waiting for IKE TURNER to come beat us down?
A male friend (whom I respect) recently told me that I was not giving nice guys a chance, but I would probably follow Ike Turner to the ends of the earth...I disagreed with him, but his point was valid (for women other than me). In dating Nice=Boring and that other guy, he makes us feel .........I really don't know. Still searching for answers.

Who Do You LOVE?

If it's true that we spend the most time with the one we love and when we are not with the one we love, we spend our waking moments thinking about and talking about the one we love THEN does that mean I LOVE MY JOB? I admit, I have been married to it for a while, but LOVE?
I hope not. I did not mean for this to happen and I am trying to break up as I type...on the work computer (LOL), but I can't just bring myself to quit cold turkey...I need a substitute. Shopping, Eating, working-out all leave me wanting more.. I'm open for suggestions.

Motivation

What is the big motivator for you to do the things you do? Is it to make yourself happy? or to make others happy? For example, I am fanatical about my eyebrows. This isn't to be more appealing to the opposite sex ( I doubt straight men care), nor is it to compete with other women. It's just MY thing....What motivates me to pluck, arch, wax, fill in, threat, bleach and torture my eyebrows? ME! I am my own motivation. Now as for the gym where being healthy should be the motivation in and of itself, MY SKINNY JEANS are my motivation. I want to be back in them for myself...I THINK..

What makes otherwise sane individuals get all dressed up, smell all good, get the nails and feet DID to stand in uncomfortable shoes that cost a pretty penny and "enjoy" libations in a public watering hole where others of the opposite gender MIGHT be, when they could stay home in their sweats and chill?

What's the motivation?

Do The Girlz and I really go out "JUST TO HANG?" or are we looking to get hung? Are The FELLAZ just chillin at the spot, cuz they just got off work and they like paying the price of a 6-pack for one beer? The fresh cuts, The cars, the gear?? Are these all things they'd do anyway if no women were around?

Is it purely social? REALLY?

There comes a point where our parents are no longer responsible for the decisions and by decisions, I mean MISTAKES we make as adults. I say this to free a someone I love. One of my clients has an out of town parent. Staying with grandma and grandpa has taken it's toll on this young person who has shut down and begun experimenting with drugs. It reminds me of a family situation and I took a lot of time with this mother today to share with her the pros and cons of sending her only son to stay with her parents. I know many a man (and woman) who refuses to forgive his mother for making the same tough decision many years ago. It was then (as it is now) for his own good, but when we are young, we can not understand that which is good for us, doesn't always feel good to us. It is when we are adults that we understand the tough decisions that make us grown ups in the first place. If life were full of easy decisions, we'd still be in the sandbox.

When I was a child I spake as a child. When I became an adult, I put away childhood things....

Harboring anger is childish

Not wanting to be responsible for mistakes is childish

Making a mistake is human...not trying to fix it is childish...

This unreleased resentment and frustration stands between love developing and growing. It prevents people from meeting with their hearts. It stands between me and mine. What is standing between you and yours?