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

Breath of Fresh Air

This past weekend I headed to Maryland to visit my dad's side of the family. A few days before it was time to go I really wanted to back out. There was so many parties and events going on in NY and I hated that I was going to miss them, especially since I haven't been doing much this summer. Nevertheless I hate to disappoint my dad so after I got home from work, I got my hair straighted, hit the road and I'm very happy I did.

My dad is one of 9 children and 5 of them live in MD and I admire how close they are. I love visiting and being around so much family at once and it's so heart warming that regardless of the last time I saw or spoke to them, things pick up where we left off. Most of my time was spent with my cousin Paula. She's about 2 years older than I am and we've never been particularly close but this visit might of changed that. We have a lot in common, like similar things, share certain behaviors, and even have the same experiences with men... go figure...lol.

I even linked up with 2 old friends of my mine from Westchester Area School. These are guys that I've know since Pre-K. We hung out Saturday and Sunday night and they showed me a real good time out in DC.

This weekend was such a breath of fresh air. It took me out of my mundane day to day activities and allowed me to be surrounded by family, fun and tons of food (too much to be honest). I feel so refreshed and this should tie me over until I hit FL and the end of August.

The only thing I regret is not taking a single picture...smh :-/

Large Coffee = Big Smiles

My dad does sooooo much for me and sometimes instead of being grateful, I act as if I'm entitled. Daddy doesn't ask for much, in fact he doesn't ask for anything. He is just happy when his family is happy but he does have a few guilty pleasures of his own: sweets and good coffee.

I sometimes get a little grumpy when I have to wake up for work in the evenings, especially if I'm sleep deprived and last week I sort of snapped at him because there was nothing to eat for dinner before I went to work. Mind you it was all my fault since I didn't cook but my daddy didn't even respond to my temper tantrum. He just quietly and quickly went up the street and returned with something for me to eat. Did I deserve it? Absolutely not but he did it anyway. Why? Well I couldn't tell you but as my friend Terry's bbm status says: "My daddy's love comes with a lifetime guarantee" and I have to agree.

That night at work I felt so guilty for being rude to him for no reason so to make it up to him I bought home a large coffee from Dunkin Donuts the next morning. When I handed him his cup, his eye lit up and he said he couldn't believe how sweet and thoughtful I was. I really wondered if he forgot how I acted the night before... nevertheless it made me love my dad even more (if that's even possible) to see such a small gesture as a large coffee equal big smiles, especially when I don't deserve it.

My first time

Here goes another confession: I've never shoveled snow before, EVER. I just didn't think it was something a girl did. At work yesterday my co-worker Vincy said when she got home she was going to help her parents shovel... and it was her birthday!! I looked at her like she was crazy and shook my head. When I got home and parked my car, I saw my younger neighbor Khali cleaning her stairs after she already finished the front of her house. It made me question why I felt I was so special, so spoiled that I couldn't even help shovel snow. So I decided that tomorrow morning would be my first time.

I told my father that I would help him shovel snow in the morning but he wasn't trying to hear it. He said why should I do it when that's what he's here for. I asked, "what happens when I move out, are you going to dig out my car then too". He couldn't help but chuckle and say, "your man will take care of that".

So this morning, after breakfast, I put on tights under my jeans (I use to do that in HS to look thick...lol), pulled on my sweatshirt and Uggs and headed outside to the backyard to shovel snow with my daddy. When he first handed me the shovel, he watched my every move and told me continuously, "Don't pick up too much snow, it's too heavy for you, let me get that area", yada, yada, yada but he became more comfortable when he saw I could handle myself.

I learned quite a few things last night into this morning:

• My dad spoils me because I'm his one and only daughter and he loves me. He'll do anything and everything for and to protect me. I know what a good man is because of him and I know what to look for in a man because of his example.
• In order to be the independent woman I claim to be, I have to be able to do certain things on my own and not depend on others.
• My parents have done and sacrificed so much for me and I shouldn't take it lightly. I need to help them out and do all that I can to show my appreciation.

Where amazing happens

I have a confession to make, this isn’t easy for me but I LOVE the NBA, there I said it. I heard some of you gasp from behind your PC’s and Mac’s but I’m tired of hiding it. I’m ready to confess my undying loving for the game. Ok, ok yes I’m the same girl that would sigh throughout the entire game then got extremely annoyed watching Sports Center right after but now I understand why men are so obsessed.

At first watching basketball was just a way for me to spend time and bond with my dad but I found myself tuning in when he wasn’t around. Don’t think I’ll be going around spitting stats, knowing all the players on the team rooster or have my TV on Sports Center non stop, but I am now a fan. I will be on the edge of my seat waiting to see if that 3 pointer at the buzzer will change the result of the game. You’ll hear my “Oooooohhhh” after seeing a magnificent dunk. You’ll see me clap when a layup is done with style and agility. I’ll be chuckling when the players entertain me with their handshakes and dance moves. I’ll also be kissing my teeth when I see Kobe give his smug expression. The Cav’s are playing the Nuggets tonight so it’s time to go. Don’t worry Grey’s Anatomy lovers, I’m DVR’ing it…lol.