25 Years Have Come & Gone So Fast

Last month was my 25th class reunion! I know you can't believe it, but it's true. And yes, I know you're thinking we look like we're about 26 years old. Thank you very much.

I had plans of losing about 10 lbs., and covering coloring my gray hair, in preparation. But those plans fell through. It's funny how we lose track of plans because more important things demand our attention. Those extra 10 lbs., and a few patches of gray hair didn't make a difference.

Although I was only able to attend one event, Friday night, I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I saw classmates I hadn't seen since June 3rd, 1986, and others I've seen once or twice, and only a few I've seen more. I couldn't believe how happy I was to see them all!

On my way back home that night, riding in silence, all I could do was smile. It seemed just like yesterday I was in high school cheering at football, and basket ball games, listening to Prince's "Little Red Corvette," and having nachos for lunch at Campus Inn.

I am looking forward to the next reunion, seeing everyone and doing it all over again.

Twenty five years have come and gone so fast
I might as well be dreaming
Sunny days have burned a path
Across another season
A fortune rises to the sky
Ten years come and gone so fast

(Taken from Oprah's 10 year anniversary theme song, by Paul Simon)

It's My Anniversary

Today is my 2nd blogging anniversary. Yeah!

What started out as a way to chronicle the decade of my 40s , has turned into so much more. A simple blog sparked a love for social media. I Tweet, Facebook, Tungle and more. I also blog at Woman's World Magazine, My Blogalicious, and even started a blog for my son's senior year in high school football. Most recently, I started a media blog. I am having the time of my life!

I am excited about the relationship social media and I have had thus far, and looking forward to where it's taking me in the future.

In honor of my bloggyversary, I'm having a give-away. My very first EVER give-away. Two lucky people will win Mary Kay's Nourishine lip gloss. That contest is happening now at LaRich Media, go ahead, check it out!

Wordless Wednesday

Baby girl made Mr. Husband's birthday cake last week. It says "Happy Birth, 43." Don't laugh, I see potential.

It's Been 20 Years

Twenty years ago today, Mr. Husband and I promised to love, honor, and cherish each other before God, our family and friends.

There has been much more than just love, honor, and cherish that NO.ONE.WARNED ME ABOUT! We have literally grown up together in the past 20 years. I, we've changed more diapers that I can to remember, our weight has changed, as well as hairstyles, clothes, likes and dislikes.

I can honestly say, I don't love him like I used to. My love has changed. I have a better appreciation, and a greater love Mr. Husband than I did 20 years ago. The sacrifices he's made for our family, along with the jobs he's held so that we'd have. 

We're just getting started, and have a long way to go! And I'm looking forward to it.

It's The Last Day Of School!

Boooyah! The last day of school is finally here!

It's been nine long months. Actually, the time flew by. If you remember, I wasn't happy about school starting last August at all. I'm looking forward to not having to wake the kids up early, and fuss continually. Each morning I'm like a broken record.

Get up... get up... get up...

It's 6:15... It's 6:30... It's 6:45...

Out the door... out the door... out the door...

Do you know how much energy it takes being the time keeper, the general, and the usher. I need another full nights sleep after that. Then I have to get myself ready for work. Whew!

I'm also looking forward to a Summer adventure. In March, we had THE BEST SPRING BREAK STAYCATION EVER!

I made a list of things I wanted to do, and we did only one of them. So for the summer, I'll make another list of things "I want to do with the kids," and do something totally opposite. That seems to work for us.

So for all parents who feel like I do about summer vacation, lets raise our Coca Cola, tea, or lemonaid and toast to a great summer.

YaaaaHoooo It's Summer Vacation!

Say Hello To My Little Friend

(SCREAMING) I HAVE A BLACKBERRY CURVE!

If I sound excited, that's because I AM!

For about three years now, I've wanted a Blackberry. My last upgrade, with AT&T, I didn't get a Blackberry, I went with the Palm. I liked it very well, but I still wanted a Blackberry! This time, not only did I get the Blackberry Curve, it was FREEEEEEE!

I upgraded at Wal-Mart, for the low, low price of FREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

Unlike Mr. Husband, I'm reading the user manual. A girl has to know everything her new toy can do. Shoot, it won't pick up the kids, and cook dinner. But that's ok, I have cool apps like Facebook, and I downloaded Twitter. The manual is in my purse, so when I steal a few minutes, I can learn more about my new FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Blackberry Curve.

Look out social media, Mama's got a brand new phone!

Krystal Grant, suggested I give it a name, she named hers Bernie. I'm trying hard to think of something fun, exciting, or odd. I'm taking suggestions.

Weekend Recap

That's Michelle Obama in the distance behind the gold podium

with her head at the bottom of the white banner.

Michelle Obama

Saturday, I was so very excited, it was commencement exercises for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Michelle Obama was the speaker, and I had my ticket!

After waiting at a parking lot for the shuttle to the convention center, and riding the bus that I thought would surely stop, leaving its passengers to walk the rest of the way (in my heels). I made it through the Secret Service security check point, (a medal detector), and sat in a room for graduates and faculty, for more than an hour.

The waiting was okay, there were sandwiches and drinks for us, and a lot of people to talk to. Time passed by pretty quickly, and before I knew it we were processing in. I had butterflies... I was going to see, and hear Michelle Obama, the first lady of these United States.

As we walked into the arena, I was grinning like I had new teeth. That grin was abruptly wiped from my face! WHAT THE WHAT!!! Faculty were seated BEHIND the platform of media. As in platform I mean, a three foot obstruction, with men, cameras and tripods perched upon it, between me and Michelle Obama! We DID NOT have a clear view of the first lady.

As soon as they called her name, and she made it to the stage, I felt a little better. I was able to get a glimpse of her between a camera man's legs. And during her speech, I felt even better knowing we were in the same space.

Finally the camera man moved, I was not only able to see her clearly for a couple of minutes, I was also able to get a picture (above). Maybe when I blow it up, I can see her face.

She was absolutely awesome, I enjoyed every minute of her speech. She spoke about the bar being set, and just when you think you're about to clear it, it moves on you. "Things that matters the most are the bars that don't move, family, education..."

Again, I found myself grinning that great big grin, that hurts your face, and fighting back tears.

UAPB presented Michelle Obama with the Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree. She's now Dr. Michell Obama, and a Golden Lion!

Mother's Day

I had a great Mother's Day! The men of church made breakfast for the mothers. Later that evening we had dinner with my husband's 86 year old grandmother, and her 81 year old sister, and the combined families. That was great!

My children gave me $50 to get a mani-pedi. They knew how much I enjoyed last year's, and that was the last time I had one. But that wasn't all...two of my favorite's, Coca-Cola and Chessmen Cookies, rounded off my gift.

Mr. Husband gave me $100 to do with as I please. Today is Tuesday, and I'm still contemplating what to do?! I've thought about it several times over, and even made a list:

1. Buy bras from Victoria Secret.

2. Use it toward a Flip Camera.

3. Buy a couple of summer outfits.

4. Buy a pair of gym shoes for walking.

5. MP3 player for walking.

And the longer I wait, the longer the list grows. How was your Mother's Day?

Mother's Day Wish

To all my bloggy friends who are mothers, grandmothers, or aunts who have take on a special role, Happy Mother's Day to you.

I Have My Tickets

Outside of the Howard-Hathaway Fine Arts Building

On the campus of The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

In two days, Michelle Obama will be here, in my city, as the commencement speaker for my university. And I have MY tickets! As a member of the faculty, I received two tickets, one for myself, and a guest.

I was so excited, I did a happy dance, ripped the envelope open, and waved them around. I had to have a picture with them. Yes, I will frame this picture.

Excuse me while, I Ooooo, and Awwww over my tickets!

Michelle Is Coming To Town

In just 5 days, Sat. May 8, Michelle Obama, will be the commencement speaker at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where I am an alumni, as well as a faculty member. How cool is that!

I love Michelle, and I'm a colossal fan. When we got the news, she'd be 'The Speaker,' a couple of months ago, I was skeptical. I got the news via a forward text message. I've learned my lesson about passing on, and believing those forwards. You can't always trust what's on Facebook either.

And of course, it was all over Facebook, with links to her page. Still I didn't believe. Surely it was a hoax. After the 5 0'clock news reported it, only then was it the real deal Holyfield!

May 8th, is THIS Saturday. I am so freaking excited! I will be in the same room with Michelle Obama, the wife of the President of the United States, and will listen to her speak in person. Many will watch on television, but I will be there in person, on the floor with other faculty, in my regalia.

To Mr. Husband, it's not a big deal. He has to work anyway.

I know I won't be able to take pictures, and all that, but I don't care. This event will be forever etched in grooves of my memory, like a wax album. Hopefully, I will be able to sleep this week.

What famous person, have you encountered?

My 100th Follower

I am giggling, jumping around, and doing the Happy Dance. I now have 100 followers! For the past two weeks, there were 95... 98... 99... 99... 99. Finally, after days of watching, I have 100 followers!

For those of you with hundreds of followers, it might not seem like a big deal. At 35 followers, I told my real life friends and family, like I had won the lottery. And they.did not.care! So, I'm sharing with my bloggy friends, who understand the validation. I love followers, as much as I love comments!

To celebrate, I'm spotlighting my 100th follower, Shell, of Not Quite Susie Homemaker.

Shell, writes about saving money, retail therapy, parenting, and more. And get this, she also writes 'What's For Dinner Monday's,' and I started 'Project What's For Dinner.' How cool is that?! Help me celebrate my 100th follower, by visiting and showing her some love.

Merry, Happy New Year

Just as I was getting used to 2009, it's over! Where did the time go?

Oh well, on to a new year, new decade, and new possibilities to Live, Love and Laugh Out Loud. Have a blast in 2010, I will.

Bloggyversery/WARNING!!!

It's my Blogaversary! Today, marks one year of being a "BLOGGER!" In this year, I've learned a great deal, and have had a ball writing, as well as reading others blogs. I've also made a few friends, and set a few goals for the future!

I wanted to write a very witty, moving, or thought provoking piece. Heck, I'll just keep doing me, and give you a WARNING instead.

WARNING

Another 16 year old male, armed with a drivers license, having access to a vehicle, was spotted leaving his local DMV. Take cover!

With his 17th birthday just weeks away, my son is a late bloomer when it comes to driving. He was unconcerned, and perfectly content with being chauffeured around. He's had a copy of the drivers manual since last summer. I waited for him to ask me to drive. It didn't happen. Finally... I just had to say, "Get in the drivers seat".

This summer Son took a drivers education course. After completing the class, he passed the written test, the very first time, with 100%.

We arrived at the testing center yesterday morning at 7:20, for the road test. We were third in line, that's good. The doors opened at 7:30, the kids were registered, and instructed to wait in their cars. Testing wouldn't begin until 8 o'clock.

That was a 20 minute wait. Did they realize the torture? Waiting for 20 minutes by themselves, thinking about all the things they've learned. What to do... What not to do. I was nervous for them all. My son especially!

Finally the team of officers headed outside to administer road tests. I tried to stay in my seat, but just couldn't! I stood outside and watched him go through the preliminaries. Lights, windshield wipers, breaks, horn... finally, the officer got in the car with him. I held my breath, and said a prayer.

The first young man returned, and parked in the parking lot across the street to the left. The officer wasn't getting out. She talked to him for a long time. Not a good sign. He didn't pass.

The young lady, who actually left first, returned to the parking lot they all left from. The officer got out right away. That's a good sign. She got out, and gave her mom a thumbs up. She passed.

Finally, what seemed like forever, my son returned to the parking lot he left from. Yes, that's a good sign. But... the officer was slow to get out. She was talking a lot, and and he never took his seat belt off. Not a good sign. She got out of the car, signaled for a parent to meet her at the stairs. Oh, so not a good sign.

"He passed," she said, along with some other stuff I heard later.

To him, a drivers license is a rite of passage, and a little freedom. To me, his drivers license means he can pick up his sisters, go to the grocery store, and run other errands. But most of all he can drive himself the 10 miles to school. January 14, 2010 when he's legally allowed to drive by himself, it's on! And he doesn't even have a clue!