Easter Weekend

I was gone for a minute but I'm back... no long explanations but I'm sure you'll forgive me after looking at these adorable pics of my god daughter Kennedy and her mommy Sheree.

This weekend, Sheree and baby spent the weekend in the Bronx. It was an extra special Sabbath because it was Kennedy's first time at church and my daddy was there too! I wish I got a picture with my father but we didn't leave the house or church together and I sat on the balcony while my parents were in the sanctuary.

Kennedy was on her best behavior and I was so proud. She slept for most of the service but I couldn't help snapping a few pics of mother and daughter. Can you believe this is their first picture together since Sheree gave birth?!?! Crazy right...

Later that night it was time to reunite with my crew. We haven't all been together in a long time so we were all extra excited.

I love finding a good bargain and I hit it out the park with this find from Guess?. I actually saw this dress online a month ago but I refused to pay the asking price but I got it on sale for like $25! I really wanted it in white but the unfortunately the zipper didn't work... nevertheless I was pleased with my purchase =-)

Despite all the drama and the debacle that took place later on that night, not to mention Taj not showing up, I still enjoyed the time spent with my girls. I can't wait to do it again but maybe next time we'll 86 the party idea and have dinner or something ;-)

MLK weekend

I headed to (where else) DC this weekend. I only had Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off so I decided it would be best if I took the bus. It was my first experience on Bolt and the ride was kind of cool. The bus was equipped with Wi-Fi and outlets so I was more than entertained. I came in to Union Station and instead of just catching a cap and heading home to wait for Nelson as originally planned, I found him waiting for me right outside and to make it better he had the rest of the afternoon off… YAY!

One of his best friends, his cousin and her baby, and his aunt also came to visit so we had fun filled weekend.

Saturday afternoon Nelson suggested we go to a restaurant he took me to when I came down Christmas week.

Eatonville is a Zora Neale Hurston inspired restaurant named after her hometown, the first black town in America. You may remember it from Their Eyes Were Watching God.

They don’t have the most extensive menu so I got the same thing as last time, fried chicken with mac & cheese, and cornbread and it was goooood.
I love their lemonade served in drinking jars. The only down fall is there are no free refills… no bueno.

Move over Nelson... I found a new man! I ♥ Baby Josh and he ♥ me too

On Sunday we went to everyone’s favorite breakfast spot Eggspectations. I even got to stay till Monday and drove back with Nelson’s people

This weekend was filled with laughter and storytelling and even though I didn’t get to stay as long as I normally do, it was still worth it

Year in a review/ 2011 changes

OMG! Where did 2010 go? This was definitely a better year than 2009 but as I reflect on this past year, I'm thankful for all the "lows" I've experienced because my situations have taught me patience, in all things have faith, and to continue to believe in hope.

As I move into this new year and with all the talk of resolutions, I thought about all the things in my life I would like to change. I haven't been one for New Years resolutions because I believe you can make a change anytime, regardless of the date, but I have to admit, it's kind of nice to start with a clean slate on 1/1/11.

So here is my looooong list of Lifetime Changes (I think I like that better than New Years Resolution)

1. To have a REAL, personal relationship with Jesus Christ

This is very shameful for me to admit but I've been struggling with my spiritual life. I plan to devote my time to really reading and understanding the scripture and having daily communion with Him. I believe Jesus is coming again soon and I want to be ready for His return.

2. To live a healthy lifestyle when it comes to my diet and exercise

It's no secret that my biggest insecurity is my weight. I'm always either on a diet, just finished a diet or about to start one. I'm so tired of living like that and now is the time I make a lifestyle change and make exercise a part of my daily routine.

3. To achieve a more stable financial situation

I've been blessed with a career where I'm able to support myself and afford some small luxuries but this is the time I need to be more responsible and actually start REALLY saving money. I (thankfully) don't have any credit card debit and I live at home so paying down on my student loans, car note and putting something away for later on in life needs to be my priority.

4. To further my education

Even though I'm proud of my accomplishments, to this day I still beat myself up about not doing nursing the first time around. I feel I should of had a Masters by now but I can't live in the past so I plan to apply to one graduate program this year and see what happens.

5. To be a better nurse

Just because nursing school is over doesn't mean you have to stop learning. I want to make it a habit to review things I once learned because I'm sure it will make even more sense now that I'm practicing. I want to better my techniques and become even more proficient with cardiac rhythms.

6. I no longer want my emotions to dictate my actions

I've been working on this since last year and there has been great improvement already but I can do better.

7. I want to be less selfish and share more

I have no problem giving but I hate sharing what's mine. It's such a bad trait and I've been blessed to have many people share with me throughout my life that I definitely need to do better in that area.

8. Don't have an opinion where you don't have responsibility.

I read this quote on my cousin's husband's facebook page a few weeks ago. How often have you listened to a friends situation and unknowingly judged him/her? Perhaps even discussed it with another friend or your significant other, stating what you would have done differently, questioning the reasons for their actions, and even looking down at them for their misfortunes. That is not being a real friend and being a good friend is what I strive for. I have a very small circle and treasure all those that are apart of it.

9. To be a better blogger

This blog has been such a major outlet for me since I started last year but often it gets put on the back burner, sometimes because of a crazy work schedule, sometimes out of laziness. I spent 6 days in DC with my boyfriend, had Christmas dinner my MD family and later on with his, ate at a fabolous restaurant, went to the movies, etc and I didn't make one entry or take one picture. I should be ashamed of myself... I don't even deserve to be called a blogger...lol. But for 2011 I plan to do better.

PS- If you're reading this and not a follower, go to the right side of the screen and click follow please :-)

What are some of your changes for the New Year?

My Christmas wish list

I can't believe it's December 1st already. My goodness, where did 2010 go?!?!

Anyways it's 24 days till Christmas and can you believe I've never ever written a Christmas list, not even as a child. So I decided to give it a try this year...

*Thinking, thinking, still thinking... man this is harder than I thought

1. To have my student loans and car note paid off: Ok, ok I know that's a bit ambitious but hey it is my wish list...lol

2. Tinted windows for Midnight

3. A 1yr XM radio subscription

4. A new purse and a matching wallet would be nice ;-)

I'm feeling this silver Madison dotted op art sophia satchel from Coach

5. A few personal training sessions

6. Some VS PINK sweats

The set pictured above would go perfect with my new raspberry pink Uggs

7. A new pair of gold knot earrings to replace the the ones I lost last year. They were my fav...

This is the exact pair from Macys

8. An island va-cay

Ok, ok let me stop now because as you can see I'm getting a bit ahead of myself...lol. I'm sure I won't be getting any of the things on my list but at least I know what to treat myself to... after all I was quite naughty nice this year ;-)

What's on your Christmas wishlist??

Thanksgiving 2010 weekend recap

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday! Not because of the food (although it's a close second) but because of the family I'm surrounded by. My grandmother passed away Thanksgiving week 7 years ago so it's only right we commemorator her memory every year by doing what she always encouraged: for us to always remain close, keep in touch and always remember that no matter what, we're family.

This year was extra special because my older brother Dean and his family was able to come to NY. They haven't been here for Thanksgiving since 2005 when Dylan was only 6 months. This was my first Thanksgiving without my little brother David. I'm so sad he missed out this year because of work but having his daughter Niyah here made things better.

On Saturday, our cousin Jr invited us over to his house on Long Island to just hang out since Dean isn't in town with his tribe (his wife and kids) that often. He cooked us a delicious meal and I enjoyed listening to the stories and memories my brother and cousins shared of growing up in Jamaica where my grandmother had them under heavy manners (a Jamaican saying meaning heavy discipline and punishment). I love hearing things about grandma that I didn't know before.

Jr had his Christmas tree up and we couldn't help but have a little photo shoot with the kids

Even my sister in law J'nyne and cousin Dawn got in on the fun

My cousin Jr and his girlfriend Anita

Nelson came to NY for the weekend making everything even better. He got a chance to meet my brother and cousins and everyone seemed to like him. We were so inspired by Jr's beautiful Christmas tree we decided to buy one when I go to DC next week. I can't wait!!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I'm thankful for each and every one of you, my readers. Now click the follow button..lol!

Labor Day weekend

This past weekend I hopped on the greyhound and rode to Washington DC to visit an old but new friend for a few days. I was exhausted after working 3 nights straight so driving wasn't an option. Taking the greyhound wasn't bad at all. It was kind of nice just sitting for 4 hours and not having to battle traffic.

Friday evening we ate at a cute little vintage pizza bistro in China Town called matchbox. I absolutely loved the space and design. They even have an outdoor deck that would be perfect for a breezy summer night. We had the 3.6.9 mini burgers as an appetizer and the chicken pesto pizza for dinner. It was ok considering my friend promised me it would the best thing ever. He actually said that about pretty much everything he wanted me to try this weekend...lol. We hung out at home for the rest of the night (on the most comfortable couch ever) watching Season 3 of Dexter. He's trying to get me caught up since Season 5 starts in a few weeks.

Saturday night we went to see "Mr. Steal Your Girl", my baby daddy, Trey Songz, perform at Constitution Hall. Monica opened the show and I was quite impressed... the girl can blow!! I also enjoyed her background singers and dancers who kept the crowd going as she changed outfits. I forgot what a fan of hers I am as I rocked with her from 'Just One of Dem Days' to 'So Gone' to 'Love All Over Me'. Trey did his thing (OF COURSE!!). I can't wait for his new CD, Passion, Pain and Pleasure to come out next week. He did a number of new tracks at the concert and I'm already in love. I was so jealous of the girl he brought on stage for the massage *sigh* maybe next time...lol. We ended the night at Lux Lounge for a little dancing and a few drinks.

Sunday we headed to MD to my Uncle Willy's house for a BBQ. Nothing beats family, BBQ hot dogs and Beres Hammond playing in the background. Later on that night I finally got to see Takers and I loved it. Just think Set it Off, Ocean's 11 and the Italian Job all rolled into one. Let's not forget the cast of some of the finest men ever...lol.

Unfortunately Monday rolled around and after brunch at an Ihop in VA, it was time to head back home to NY. I had a really good weekend and can't wait to see ummm... DC again in a couple of weeks...lol

Yo Side of the Bed

Just in time for Memorial Day, Trey Songz debuted his new video for Yo Side of the Bed and this one is truly a tear jerker. It's so refreshing to see a music video with a totally different concept, something that is reality for many women and men, especially while our country is still at war (believe it or not). So while you're out enjoying your Memorial weekend at a BBQ, partying, or at the beach, lets not forget the men and women who have lost their lives for the freedom and liberties we take for granted.

Ok, so enough with that "proud to be an American" stuff and watch my boo get all emotional in a sexy way.

PS- I love that he's playing a devoted, married man in this video. His monogamy is such a turn on...lol