Life, Love, Marriage

Yo....  I kinda suck at this blogging thing. I think up great ideas to write about, but clearly I don't follow through with actually dictating things into the cyber world. I'll do better!! I need to do better. Especially since I have exited [stage left] facebook (that's for another post).

Mini Life Update
Well.... I got married!! May 28, 2012. So my time away from blogging has been spent being extremely OCD, slightly manic, not sleeping, burning through thousands of hours cellphone minutes, suffering through crafting blisters and hot glue gun burns, checking endless checklists, and cold sweat nights after "I left my dress!!" nightmares. We hosted a 8 Day destination wedding cruise, and had our nuptials on the beautiful island of Grand Turk of the Turk & Caicos Islands. It was a lot of work pulling everything together, but the end result was amazing to say the least. A true fairy tale <3 p="p">
Going to the chapel ......
I learned so much during my planning adventures. 1)Our parents are awesome. If you didn't know weddings are expensive and generally people don't have thousands and thousands of dollars laying around ready to be spent on the random things that we have decided are necessary for the BIG DAY. The parental units came through in the clutch. Much sacrifice and expense just to give us, their children what we wanted and we are beyond grateful.  2) People will surprise you for better or worse. We have friends who went above and beyond to ensure that they were apart of our special day. Shout out to our wedding party: Clifton & Mai (newlyweds) who endured our wedding expenses in spite of their own impending expenses; Matt & Jailyn .. Matt stepped in as a groomsman right on time and Jai for planning the onboard Bridal shower. Kathy who planned the Bridal shower in Dallas with Dorenda (honorable mention-who wasn't able to attend the wedding); Carolyn who broke her leg weeks before the wedding and was our little hop along and through the pain she supported us; The entire Jenkins family who not only made the trip but rented 2 tuxes+1bridesmaid dress&shoes and gave us shower gifts AND beautiful Waterford crystal. The other members of the wedding party my brother and sister ... and even those that attended as guest did so without thinking twice about the possibility of not being there to celebrate with us. 39 guest made up of close friends and family we genuinely appreciate each and everyone of you!! So, on one hand the generous outpouring of love is dramatically contrasted by deep disappointment from those who claim that we are important to them. No bashing here, but I will never forget. A true eye opener about how people arrange their priorities, and how we were left off that priority list. #thatisall

Married Life (Highs)
Waking up everyday to your best friend in the morning. The feeling of completeness ...not that I was incomplete before.. but a different type of complete. I'm apart of something lifelong that is living and growing, dynamic.Very surreal. I look back at my wedding pictures and saying "wow.. it really happened".

Married (Lows)
Since I have been unemployed for the summer, I have been playing housewife. Sounds like fun, but the endless laundry, loading the dishwasher daily, collecting socks, undies, and other random articles of clothes from every room, wash-dry-fold-repeat, taking & serving breakfast/lunch/dinner orders. Being a live in maid/chef/personal assistant can be tedious and overwhelming. Leaving my old name behind and getting use to my new name and title "Mrs." has been quite an adjustment. My days have been running together like a twilight zone episode with weekend commercial breaks (if we have something planned). I look at the calendar and think.. it's only been 2 months.. and I have a lifetime to go?! It sounds bad... but you get married.. then you will understand. My marriage observation so far.... Nothing magical happens at the alter. Maybe we should have gotten married years ago, when I was starry eyed, love was new and exciting and I wasn't so cynical and jaded about life???? Maybe my time as an independent woman over the last 27 years has made me somewhat resistant to transitioning 2nd member of the now duo. I'll update you guys at the 6 month mark

Anyway .......That's my life in a nutshell. I promise, I'll be back with more post. I've got a lot of time of my hands (kinda) and a whole lot to say. TTYL :D








 

Sports&Love: Girlfriends Guide to Sports Part I

The following rules apply to sports with bonus tips if your significant other is a sports lover. I have had to learn the hard way. So to all the girlfriends, here is my advice. Take it or leave it.... and good luck! 

#1 The "better" team is determined by stats, projection, and who is considered the favorite by consensus.

Note: The term "better" may also be labeled arbitrarily. Avoid any misunderstandings by inquiring about the "better" team from your significant other, if they are the sports authority. This point needs to be cleared up before any matchups have taken place, or your confusion will continue.

#2 When the "better" team does not win, they are not beaten, the "better" team merely chocked. This point may also lead to confusion.  Again, avoid any misunderstandings by referring to your significant other if they are the sports authority.

Note: Rule #2 applies even when "better" team is swept, beaten in game 5, or 6 in a best of 7 series. In almost any situation of the "better" team losing, the outcome is considered an upset. 

#3 Do not assume your significant other will cheer for your team just because you cheer for their team. 

Note:This rule still applies even if a championship title is at stake for your favorite team. Fan loyalty should not be assumed to be automatically reciprocated by your significant other.  Moreover,  the opposite may occur, in which your significant other may cheer against your team. Do not, I repeat, do not take this personally! Remember, this is just sports, meant for entertainment purposes only! However,  if your significant other is irrational about fan loyalty for their team, proceed with caution and act accordingly to avoid future conflict. 

#4 If you have your own opinions about matchups and predictions, be aware that your opinions maybe considered "simple". Note: Do not take this personally, this is just a reflection of your significant other's opinion that your interest in sports is less in-depth than his (this may or may not be true). The key here is to watch ESPN's Sports Center and listen to talk radio independently of your significant other to gain expert knowledge that can not be disputed. However, even then your sports knowledge maybe called into question, because, let's face it, you are a girl.

#5 All commentators/analysts are not considered equal. Just like there are variations in fashion authorities, the same goes for sports. Find out which sports personalities your significant idolizes. This is will give you the best insight into what goes on inside his testosterone controlled mind. 

#6 There is no true off-season for your significant other's favorite sport. He likely has more than one favorite sport and if he has cable-tv or the internet he has access to specialty channels that play classic games from days gone by and sports documentaries. Sports commentary on tv or radio never ends. The off-season will be filled with conversation about trades, drafts, injuries, season projections (see point #1), and training camps. Note: Most likely the "better" team or players will be decided during the off-season, before any play has actually taken place.

#7 Watching the game with your significant other is considered quality time, even if you feel you are being ignored, it doesn't matter if you are not interested in the game. Suck it up, at least you both are in the same room. Count it as a "W". 

Interesting quote about the Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA Championship.... Go Mavs!
"Sunday wasn't a night for the best players - the guys with the Nike deals and superstar labels. It was, rather, a showcase for the better team." - Brian Lowry FOX Sports Jun. 13, 2011 

Are you touching my hair?

Many of you may know, that I have been on a healthy hair journey for awhile now. I've been serious about it for about 2 years, and my efforts have paid off! My hair is healthy, natural, and growing : ) Sometimes, I like to wear my hair in a fro/wash and go style and sometimes I straighten it via blow dryer or flat iron. Whenever I change me hair style people notice (usually my friends from other cultures) and it can be a big deal depending on what they have been exposed to in the past. Reactions can range anywhere from staring to touching! Yes, touching... smh! People better be glad I'm not easily offended! There is this one guy at work who is especially interested in my tresses. One day while sitting at my desk I felt something touch my hair, I jumped, turned around and there was my coworker patting my recently washed hair, and pulling one of my curls! He looks at me unaware of the possible danger he was in, and says "Cool", then walks away. O_O Another day, I straightened and drop curled my hair.. and low and behold he came by my desk and touched my hair again!? Really *face palm* I'm glad I'm such a nice person, or better yet, he should be happy!  I wasn't offended, but as a friendly PSA, please my fellow Americans: PLEASE, DONT TOUCH A BLACK WOMAN'S HAIR We will usually take offense to it..not sure why but we do..so consider yourself warned!! And if you don't take my advice (see below)

We are Engaged!

On Friday, 4/22/2011, Steven L. asked me to marry him. I couldn't be more happy! More details and news to come. We started a website: www.ebonyandsteven.com but it won't launch until May 27, 2011. Thank you all for the text, email, phone calls, facebook posts, hugs and kisses from all those who have wished us well : D

New Beginnings

A new year! 2011 has finally arrived and 2010 is now just a fading memory.....

I am not sorry to say that there is no love lost between me and 2010! I will not miss 2010.. uhhh huhhhh.. no no! Last year (I love the sound of that) may have been one of the worst years of my life. No exaggeration! I lost one too many a friend to death, finances were less than stellar, I was rejected over and over again by professors for admittance into their labs as a graduate student, completion of my PhD looked oh so bleak, my uncle put my house on the market for sale (against my will), all this added to my weight gain and depression.

But as they say, weeping may endure for a night, but JOY comes in the morning! Toward the end of the year, things took a turn for the better. I got motivated and lost 11lbs., I got a job working for a small biotech company in the city where I live, sold a few puppies, and I had the most amazing Christmas/New Years by spending time with my family. The Lord worked it all out, all my problems and concerns, He fixed it all! I am truly blessed. And all the stuff that didn't get worked out yet, I'm sure, in time it will all be OK.

So, new beginnings? The new year is fresh, unsoiled, unspoiled, a clean slate! Full of opportunity and open doors. No deaths, hurts, or sorrows, yet. The future is bright, and I can feel that its going to be a great year! My life is reaching the end of a chapter and a new one is about to begin. I'm excited to see what is in store for me in 2011 : )

What's the Attire?

Ever been invited to a party or some type of event, but you were unsure of the Attire? Dressy? Dressy-Casual? Casual? Black Tie???

I love to be prepared! Its the most comfortable feeling in the world to know that everything is under control, everything was planned and just waiting for execution. Maybe thats just a little OCD.. sure, I have admitted to doing 'the most', but that's just me...

I have no problem with letting the Lord lead me down a path that he wants me to go, and I have no problem waiting for the next round in this game of life. BUT, I would love to be able to plan and be prepared for whatever is gonna happen next.  Which direction should I be focusing on?

What't the attire?

Eye twitch

The lower lid of my left eye has been twitching/spasming for about a week. People are telling me that it could be due to nutrition, lack of sleep, and stress. Well, what do you know!? I'm probably failing in all three categories. #EpicFail *sigh*

Last week, I was really excited that I had new opportunities for research lab positions. My top choice totally played me. She wanted me to rotate (volunteer audition) for some unknown amount of time for the possibility of obtaining a position. Then she took back the offer of rotation all together, conveniently after I had already accepted the idea of competing for a chance to have a chance. *%$# !!! So I'm, back to the drawing board. Got to hunt down some new leads. I asked God for a open door or a closed door depending on if this lab would be a good fit for me, and it just so happens, that this door is closed. Wasn't meant to be.....Door #2 *looks around* ?? Although truth be told, I'm probably on door #22, by now. Did I mention my eye is twitching?

Now what? The semester has started and I don't have a job yet, my health insurance ends next month on my birthday, my birthday is next month, Steven's birthday is next month, my rent is due, my car note is due, I need to sell some dogs, my marathon training is non-existent...............................Did I mention my eye was twitching?