Happy Birthday Mommy

You are as wise as you are annoying

You don't hesitate to say I told you so but then again most times you are right

You obviously love to hear yourself talk but when you're defending me I don't mind hearing it either

The good definitely out weighs the bad and I'll take it all because no one has ever had my back like you. Love you forever

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Happy Birthday Daddy

As I get older, I realize more and more how lucky I am to have a dad like you

I wouldn't trade your understanding and support for anything

Thanks for giving me the kind of love that made the difference all through my life

Happy Birthday Daddy

Niyah's 2nd Birthday

This past weekend I went to Philadelphia to celebrate my niece Niyah turning two. She had her shindig at the Dave & Busters down by the pier. The view was spectacular especially at night.

She's such a daddy's girl

When we first arrived she didn't want anyone near here except her mom

but as soon as DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba (David & Patience's friend Jon) showed up, she was ready to get the party started.

She had a blast playing all the games

and her auntie needed a drink after running behind her from game to game

It's amazing how fast she's growing. Let's see how terrible this two year old will get

Thank God for 9/23

Well today is my favorite day of the year... IT'S MY BIRTHDAY SNITCHES!!! LOL This year I'm celebrating in Washington DC, my new favorite city... hehe ;) I told my brother's friend Lauren I would be town and we just had to get together. We've gotten to know each other a little bit over the years through my brother, reading each others blog and little facebook messages here and there but it's time we work on our own friendship especially since she lives here in DC and is really a cool chick, not to mention she's a fellow Libra so of course she gets major points for that.

For my birthday, Lauren treated me to lunch at a Japanese restaurant and because of her I had my first Hibachi experience... yay!! The food was delicious and I really enjoyed Lauren's company. I can't wait to hang out with her again, maybe next time we could even double date!

Before I left for the Japanese restaurant my friend told me to look out for a package. When I got home, I called to let him know it arrived. He told me to open it for him and when I did, it was a bunch of tees for ME all with little special messages!! I was so surprised at his thoughtful gift. When he finally came home from work, he took me to a Malaysian restaurant called Penang in the city.

It's a very modern space, with mostly white decor amidst splashes of warm reds. I wasn't really impressed with the menu so I ordered 2 appetizers: vegetable spring rolls and some of the best curry puffs I ever had. Nelson got the mango chicken with coconut rice and seemed to enjoy it.

My favorite part of the night was I finally got to wear a dress I bought at Arden B last summer but never got the chance to wear. The best part of the dress is the back that I of course didn't capture but I will the next time I wear it.

After dinner we went to a popular bakery called Cakelove/ Love Cafe. I was very excited to have a slice of their red velvet cake Nelson said is so awesome. Unfortunately, we got there a few minutes before closing and they were all out but no worries, I got a slice of strawberry shortcake instead and it was amazing especially with my boysenberry dessert wine.

All in all my birthday was great. 27 never looked this good...lol

Random Ramblings #1

I love nothing more than almost perfectly shaped eyebrows

I hate trying to put things together and pack for trips

(I leave for DC tomorrow afternoon)

I'm very excited about my 2 perfect finds at H&M today

(I'll share my outfits this weekend)

I definitely didn't need to have that Cinnabun tonight

(I'm trying to start dieting again)

I miss my niece Niyah something terrible

What should I do with my hair when I take out these braids ??

I can't believe I'll be 27 in 2 days

My almost perfect eyebrows... I'll comb them for the next pic...lol

My early birthday at Spa Castle

Yesterday I woke up to my mother busting into my room yelling that my driver side mirror was knocked off my car and the culprit rested in on the hood. I screamed in my head, 'what's next with this whip'! I mean it just got scratched and dented on the passenger side the day before. I was boiling in anger and sadness. This couldn't have come at a worse time. I had plans to meet up with my girls today and I'm driving to DC on Tuesday. I felt myself sinking fast but I wasn't going to let this incident ruin my birthday plans. I threw my hands up and said screw it, hopped in Blush (that's my car) and took off one mirror and all.

I arrived at Spa Castle right on time but of course my friends were late (as usual). I had to check in for my service /treatment 30 mins prior to avoid cancellation. I paid the admitting fee of $45 and was given an electronic wrist band. Once I made it to the other side, I was greeted by two Asian woman who handed me a toothbrush and an orange shirt with matching pink shorts. I looked for the locker that matched the number displayed on my wrist band, rubbed the face of it against the locker and it popped open. How cool!! While I was changing into my prison like garb, I couldn't help but the notice the amount of woman just walking around naked as the day they were born. I peeped around the corner and saw tons of women wading in pools butt booty naked. I said to myself these women are brave because I surely won't be doing that. I went back to the desk to find out where I needed to be for my body scrub. I was then told with a smile that I needed to get completely undressed, shower, and relax in the hot tub... IN THAT SAME ROOM WHERE ALL THE NAKED WOMEN WERE! At this point, I'm wondering where the hell my friends were. I had no choice but to comply.

Designed to favor traditional bath houses in European and Asian culture, there are 4 heated mineral pools in the middle of the spa. On the right hand side are shower stalls separated by a thin glass, perpendicular to that is an open shower room with just individual shower heads, and to the right are low vanities equipped with a detachable shower head and a little bench in case you like to wash in front of a mirror I guess. There is also a cool water pool which is suppose to boost your immune system and helps with blood circulation. The whole scene was like something out a movie to be honest. The lights were dim and it almost seemed... dare I say it, erotic...lol.

After showering I went to relax in one of the heated pools that was equipped with aqua jets. It's suppose to massage away tension through the use of acupuncture and I believe it did. FINALLY my friends arrived and these girls had no qualms about getting naked...lol. Then it was time for my Royal Scrub. The Royal Scrub included skin exfolication, Jojoba oil massage, body shampoo, aroma sea salt body rub and honey milk body wrap. This was done in a private room and boy did I feel like royalty during the process (hence the name). I've never been so relaxed and pampered in all my life. It was worth every penny. When I returned to my friends they couldn't stop talking about how my skin glowed and how soft it felt. For the rest of the day we hung out in the Aqua Bar Pool (in swim suits...lol), sipping expensive drinks and catching up. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

Today I'm wishing the woman who ages like a fine wine, a vitreous woman who loves the Lord with her entire being, a woman who gives so willingly, never expecting anything in return, a woman who puts the needs of her family before her own, a women who has sacrificed so much even when it's not appreciated, a woman who laughs so hard and loud you can't help laughing at her laugh

a HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

I love you mommy and may the Lord bless you with many more!

Dylan's 5th birthday

Yesterday my nephew Dylan turned 5 years old and I'm in awe of how fast he's growing. I remember when I found out my sister-in-law J'nyne was pregnant and was actually due the same week of my college graduation (man I'm getting old). I was so mad! Because 1. my brother wouldn't be able to attend and 2. he was stealing my thunder! 2005 was suppose to be my year; you know graduating from school, landing a real job BEFORE I even graduated, moving to a new state and all but oh no there goes Dean expecting his first baby AND getting married two months later. I told him I planned on fainting as I walked down the isle at his wedding as payback.

Anyway I could never forget when I got the news that he was born. Daddy and I just checked into our hotel in Tampa (I was looking for an apartment for my big move) when I heard Dylan James Bernard was born. My heart swelled with so much pride and love and suddenly all the jealousy and selfish feelings vanished.

Even though he lives in a different state and I only see him a few times a year that doesn't stop the love that continues to grow in my heart. It's so funny to see him develop his own little personality, interests, and hobbies. I also secretly snicker and giggle at all the trouble he causes my brother Dean...lol. I can't wait to see Dyaln and his sisters this August (cross your fingers that I'll get the time off from work) and definitely in November when they come up for Thanksgiving.

Happy Birthday Dylan Titi Nicki loves you!

Dylan's end of the season soccer and basketball pictures!

Exotic summer daydreams

Its after 3am and things are pretty quiet here on the step down unit. I already had my break and now I'm forced to watch the clock. I have nothing to do till about 6am (when I start to give my meds) but daydream of exotic places I wish I was visiting this summer. I had my heart set on going to Cabo in September for my 27th birthday but of course that isn't happening with friends like mine, always crying broke (I love yall but you know its true). I guess I'll settle on joining my brother and his family on their family vacation to Orlando in August... Can u feel my excitement? LOL... Maybe I'll be so lucky to meet a guy between now and my birthday who I can tolerate for more than 3 days at a time... Ha! Who am I kidding, but a girl can dream right =-/

The fabolous resort of Pueblo Bonito Rose where I should be spending my 27th birthday. If anyone is down and I like you, hit me up and let's make it happen...lol

A star was born...

Jay says, every day a star is born and my star was born yesterday, 15 years ago. Everyone who knows me understands what a big part of my life Kaylah is. I remember the first day I met her she was about 6 months old and she captured my heart immediately with her big bright eyes. When my grandmother moved in with us, Kaylah came along too and I was in heaven. It was like she was my daughter. I took her EVERYWHERE with me: church, shopping with my friends, the park, hairdresser ANYWHERE. She was so well behaved, cute, and precocious. Everyone loved her and always wanted her around.

Years later when Kaylah had to move back in with her mom I was heartbroken and actually cried. Thank God she would still spend entire summers and all holidays in the Bronx with my family.

Now my lil Kay- Kay isn't so little anymore. She is 15 years old with a big personality. She loves to laugh and be silly (as you can see in the pictures below). What I love about her is she isn't afraid to be herself. She embraces her uniqueness and is comfortable in her own skin. Even though she can be a smart ass at times (I guess that comes with being a teenager) I still love her.

Happy Birthday K!!

Redz' 27th Birthday

I don't remember when or how Naomi and I became friends but all my high school memories from Washignton Irving include her. I remember the way she would comb her hair over one of her eyes like the late Aaliyah, with her silver bandu (another name for head band) in place, her long natural nails wrapped in acrylic with her red Champs jacket and some of the baggiest jeans imaginable. In fact we would talk about girls who wore tight jeans but in 10th grade we became the president and vice president of that club. I remember going to The Gap with Naomi and we both tried on some size 2 boot cut jeans and instantly feel in love with the bodies we were hiding in our boy like outfits.

*Note to self: When I go back to FL I must remember to bring up my high school pictures*

Naomi has overcome so much adversity in her life and not once has she ever complained. I believe her situations have made her stronger and wiser. She is a fighter, never settling, and always optimistic. She is such a beautiful person both inside and out. She knows what it means to keep a secret for she is a holder of many of mine. I'm so happy the Lord has blessed her to see another year.

Happy Birthday Naomi!!

The girls and I celebrating Naomi's birthday at the Night of the Cooker 3-26-10

My bestie's birthday

One of my best friend's Sheree turned 27 last week Sunday but she celebrated her birthday last night at a restaurant in the city called Cuba. She looked so happy and pretty celebrating her (belated) day with some of her favorite people.

I met Sheree in 2001, my freshman year at Southern and we became instant friends. We've seen each other at our worst but we've also shared some extraordinary moments together. I love her and I'm so glad God placed her in my life.

30 isn't the end after all

My old housemate Carline turned 30 today and I helped celebrate her birthday last night at the Chateau Briand. On my way there, I thought to myself 30 is only 3 1/2 years away and I'm definitely not where I thought I would be in life. I ran all the shoulda, coulda, woulda's through my head, the different choices I would make if I had a second chance, and where I went wrong along the way.

As I arrived at the venue and I saw my friend looking extremely happy, very sexy (loved her red dress), confident, and thankful; it made me think of the trials, stress and unpleasant times we both experienced during the time we've known each other but look where we are now.

Carline has so much to be thankful for. Friends and family that love her, a new career, a man she adores (and visa versa) and so much more. I now know 30 is not the end but actually the beginning. All the adversity faced and horrible decisions made in your twenties are life lessons to bring you to a successful rest of your life and I hope to enter it with style, grace, charisma, beauty, and charm as my girl Carline did last night.

Niyah's 1st Birthday Party

My youngest niece Niyah, David's daughter, turned one last month but her birthday bash was held on Sunday in New Jersey. At first I thought it was ridiculous throwing a big birthday party for a 1 year old who wouldn't remember a thing. Her mother Patience explained it was a Nigerian custom that the first birthday be a huge celebration. I still wasn't convinced until I saw the love that filled the room yesterday.

Niyah is lucky to be apart of two cultures with rich history and customs but she's blessed to have so many people in her life that love her.