Love is complicated.
Every day mothers perform sometimes thankless tasks to care for their children. We are the backbone of the family, nurse, chauffeur, maid, counselor, event coordinator and cook. A mother’s job is never done. And for the majority of us, these things are performed without thought or expectation of award. But today is our day and what’s a good way to celebrate? I say Mothers everywhere should have a day WITHOUT their kids. Ladies, just do you today! Enjoy.
For the record, I hate relationship advice books. Let me be more specific. I hate men that give relationship advice to women. I have ranted on this topic to many family members, friends and co-workers. My basic premise is that men aren’t that complex. There seems to be the perception that men are some deep mystery that women must seek a secret code to unlock the inner workings of the male mind. I felt as if some men (looking at you Steve Harvey) chose to capitalize on this. I felt that these so-called “men experts” put all the onus on women to make a relationship work. You just don’t see many books geared toward offering men secrets to the female psyche. At least there aren’t any that end up on the NY Times Bestseller List.
Then I went to see the movie, “Think Like A Man” based on the book of the same name by Steve Harvey. It was date night and the Hubby and I did the dinner and movie thing. The movie had been #1 for a few weeks and had generally good reviews. I enjoy romantic comedies so I went into the viewing with an open mind. The movie was great. I thought it was funny and endearing. I thought the premise was well executed and incorporated chapters from the book into a realistic story line.
Here is my main take away from the movie. Women have the power. We give it away thinking that will help us get or keep a man but the opposite is true. A good man will step up his game to be with you. You just have to require it. Yes, it’s not easy and it may hurt. You have to take the chance that he may walk away. But even if he does, what have you lost? It’s a common sense saying that people treat you exactly the way you allow them to.
To my fellow ladies I say, “Stop giving away your power.” When Steve says, “Think like a man” I hear take control of your relationship. And that’s something I think we can all agree on.
Every generation thinks the music of their youth is better than the what’s being played today. In my case, it is actually true. Let me present, Pebbles.
Perri “Pebbles” Reid may be best known for discovering the female group, TLC, but she was a hit making artist of her own. These are the songs that had me jamming back in the day.
“Girlfriend”
“Mercedes Boy”
“Love Makes Things Happen”
And one of the best love songs – “Always” Sorry I couldn’t find a video so this will have to do.
“Always”
Enjoy!
Every generation thinks the music of their youth is better than the what’s being played today. In my case, it is actually true. Let me present, Karyn White.
Karyn White is an R & B singer that made her debut in 1988 with her self titled album. She had four hit singles and was nominated for two grammys. Here are my favorites:
“Secret Rendezvous”
“Superwoman”
“Love Saw It” w/Babyface – True R&B at its best
Enjoy!
When you become a parent, you find yourself celebrating a lot of firsts. First tooth, first word, first steps and the first day of school. We try to prepare our children for the firsts in life. Maybe we should focus on preparing ourselves as well.
Two major firsts took place in our family this weekend. Princess had her first date which coincided with her first prom. Good times!
Lost in the excitement of finding the perfect shoes and getting a mother-daughter mani and pedi was the fact that this was a first for me too. My baby is careening toward adulthood at an alarming pace.
After all the pictures had been taken on Saturday, I stood there and watched my daughter. The little chubby cheeked toddler has grown into a beautiful young lady. I hugged her and told her to have fun. I released Princess to her date. She smiled and waved. Then she was gone to experience a new adventure.
I was left with conflicting emotions. A part of me was happy that my daughter reached this milestone even as the mother in me mourned the little girl who only lives on now in memories and old photographs.
Yes, parenting is a moment of firsts. I’ll continue to help prepare my kids. And take lots of pictures.
Which parenting “firsts” have you recently gone through?
I’m a Lakers fan from way back. I got my start watching Lakers games with my dad in the 80’s. Magic Johnson was my favorite player. I’ve been there through the good times (Kobe/Shaq 3 peat) and the bad (Kwame Brown and Smush Parker). Last year was a disappointment as the Lakers got swept in the second round against Dallas. Things this year looked promising despite a new coach (Mike Brown – Why?) and some curious signings/trades (Lamar Odom-bad, Ramon Sessions-good).
And then Metta World Peace unleashed an elbow. The player formerly known as Ron Artest has a reputation. If you are an NBA sports fan, you know the history. I wasn’t happy when the Lakers signed him. We had just won a championship with Trevor Ariza and I didn’t see a reason to change that. But Ron Artest came in and kept the crazy at bay. He hit some big shots and we won another championship. All was right in the world.
Fast forward to today. Metta will be suspended for seven games. This leads into the playoffs where the Lakers will face either Denver or Dallas. A challenging post season just turned into mission impossible with LA’s weak bench. Kobe, Bynum and Gasol will have to play to their highest levels just to get out of the first round. Now it’s hard for me to see how my team can make it to the Finals.
I am a Lakers fan. Ride or die with the purple and gold! This post season should be entertaining. And if my Lakers don’t make it I will still watch. There are a lot of good teams in the NBA. Whoever wins will deserve the trophy. Just please don’t let it be the Miami Heat.
Any Finals predictions? What’s your favorite team?
In today’s economy, a lot of people have to work two jobs to make ends meet. I am thinking about starting a small business on the side to compliment my full-time gig. The only problem is, would I have enough time to devote to the business and continue with my writing at the same time.
Anybody out there working more than one job? How do you make time?