Thursday, September 29, 2011

The fine arts

*puts pinkie finger up to mouth*

Hey yaaaaaaaaa! I'm in a better mood thank you very much. The kiddos are out of school today, I'm thrilled I promise you lol. But what to do on a weekday with three children and low low funds? The museum of course. (You didn't guess that? Shame on you!) I love being around art.

Once upon a time when I was a wee little lad... *coughs* When I was a little girl, I always was drawing. I drew on everything. Cereal boxes, test papers, anything. I just knew I was going to be an illustrator one day *sigh* But then I grew up and I had no time to sketch. I had to clean, do homework, go to work...

Stepping into a museum is like looking at some of my woulda, couldas. What if I had supportive parents that nurtured my love for drawing and making things? Obviously my work wouldn't have been in a museum just yet, but a gallery would have been enough :) My oldest daughter now has "The Juice" <---- Tupac reference She draws all the time. Has been since she was 4. And her talent is way above anything I was drawing at 8 years old. When I told her about going to the museum today, her eyes sparkled.

So Baltimoreans, if you're not doing anything today and need something pocket friendly, go to the museum. We have two nationally acclaimed museums, The Walter's Art Gallery and Baltimore Museum of Art. Pick one.

Baltimore Museum of Art

Walter's Art Gallery
                                 


-Toodles

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Optimistic ---> Disappointed ---> Hopeless




Hey. I'm feeling kinda emo today. Yesterday the effect of putting off bills has hit me hard. First my phone service was suspended then cable & internet. I had to make a choice on which was more important and I chose to lay my pennies at Comcast's feet. Not because of my love for television but because job searching via internet is a must. We have 2 prepaid cell phones in the house so I'm not without service completely. I went online today and edited my phone number on my resume and other profiles.

This has been the longest I've voluntarily went without a job. It's now been 4 months and counting.  I was always the kind of person who stumbled into jobs and started working within a couple of days. But now the economy is in the s-t hole, I'm competing with more than overqualified people for entry level positions. *sigh*

With Officer shouldering ALL the bills, it looks like our wedding has been put on the permanent back burner. Of course I'm devastated. Officer's overtime should be going to our wedding deposit :o/ Our deposit is 2k and we've already put out decent amount towards it. I hate to see that money go to waste.

*Otis scream* <----from JayZ & Kanye song, Otis






-Toodles

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Explain this.

Them New Balance have had a hard life...


Um, yeah, that is all.



-Toodles

Friday, September 23, 2011

Things I love....

...besides my kids. :)

Before I left my last job, one of the women who worked the jewelry counter near our kiosk gave me and my 3 coworkers gift cards. It was both unexpected and thoughtful. She gave me a card for Bath & Bodyworks and told me to indulge :)

I held the card for months before deciding to finally use it. Right before I officially used the gift card, I visited the store. I was on my way to my plastic surgery consultation and had a lot of time to spend. So I walked around the store for an hour taking everything in. I put some picture frames in the cart and headed to check out. As I presented the card I noticed I was really in Bed, Bath & Beyond! (All those B's!) I left my cart, never to be seen again!

Putting my previous shopping experience behind me, I decided to online shop instead. Whenever I online shop, I always check the clearance and sales tab first. $$$$ To my surprise there was at least 100 lotions, body washes, candles etc on sale, yay! I went through the whole list and settled on 2 body washes, 1 hand soap and 1 lotion. I bought all this with my $20 gift card! Plus some of the card paid for the shopping and I only had to add $2.



The body washes were winners. They are a part of a coconut line that I hope to Beyonce Bath & Body Works doesn't discontinued. I love the coconut/mango and coconut/pineapple scents, yum. Sadly I can't report on the hand soap because Lady J used the whole body in less than 5 mins :( Parents, when your kids are silent, something is up #RIPHandSoap <---Twitter thing


But what prompted this post was my love for this...



OMG! Breathe Romance is the best lotion ever. The smell is wonderful and the scent lasts forever and ever and ever and ever..... Every time I wear it random people compliment me on it. I love the fact that the scent is both subtle and still is noticeable. I have terrible allergies which prevents me from wearing perfumes so I fell on my knees thinking God for this lotion. If I had a grading system:


!!!!!!!


-Toodles

Turning down jobs, where they do that at?

I'm unemployed, or I ain't got no job man! in the words of the wise Martin Payne. So why did I turn down the opportunity to work for a bank today? Believe it or not, I had good reason (I always think I make the best choices...).

Bank hours are typically 9 am- 5 Mon-Thur or 6 on Fridays. Saturdays vary. I was totally fine with the hours and the schedule. However, Lady J would have to attend daycare. Parents know the price of daycare is NO joke. I called around and for Lady J to attend M-F, it would cost around $125-200/week. *collapses* Did I mention the bank position was part time? If I took the job, I would be basically just paying for Lady J to attend daycare. D'oh. There would some money left over but nothing to handle any bills. Back to square one...

Tomorrow I'm working for a day laborer company. $100 for 6 hrs of work. I'll take it. Something is better than nothing at this point.



-Toodles

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Sickness

Lady J has been sick for the past couple of days. Although the house has been quiet and peaceful, I hate seeing her feel bad :( And even worse, Lady J has turned into a spoiler version of herself. Granted she's only 2, Lady J is now acting at least 8 months lol. She wants to be swaddled and held all. day. long. Thankfully I'm unemployment (but still need and want a job) and have the ability to "nurse" her back to health.

But secretly, I'm loving this. I've been a little sick myself recently, baby fever. A couple of my friends/family are either pregnant or recently had a baby. Seeing the updates and pictures tug at my heart strings. So Lady J's need for attention is fulfilling my need for a baby. *sings* It's the circle of lifeeeeeeeeeee!



-Toodles

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

*Ahem* My children

Yeah so, as I mentioned a loooong time ago (probably 20+ blogs before) I'm a mother of 3 precious little adorable girls :) *snatches the word little back* Lady J, my 2 year old, is little :). My oldest, 1st, is 8 and middle daughter, Dancer, is 6. They are the apples of both my eyes, my breath, will for living....

You get the point, right? I love 'em and I'm thankful I am their mother.

I like this image, just add 2 more girls!



Because each of my girls are unique in their own way, I'm going to give a brief description (you wanna know, right?)

1st: Obviously my first daughter. Basically taught herself to read. Always wants to know everything! She rarely gives me trouble. She's the best older sister her little sisters could ask for. Her birthday is 3 days after mine so we're both Pisces <3 Right now she's reading to Lady J.

Dancer: Is nicknamed so because she loves to entertain. She dancing and loves music. Dancer also have an excellent memory. If she hears something twice, she knows all the words. Right now we're trying to feel our way through school, but we'll get the hang of it. My "wild" child <3

And Lady J: Lady J has a whole stock of nicknames depending on how's she acting. J's spoiled to the core and knows it. Everyone in the house gives in to her. She's cute, tiny and does the most darling things. Trouble's ahead! lol

And there you have it. A glimpse into the makeup of my household. I left my dog son, MJ, out but I'll get to him another day, lol.

-Toodles





I want __________'s body! pt 2















*looks at picture, gulps*

Um... so I uh, I like Rihanna. She's a performer and has 7 albums now with singles that anyone can sing (no shade). If I could pick a body, it would be hers. She's petite up top *points* but has thighs for days. Although I hate my own thighs, Ri Ri has just enough.

I was at the opening night of her LOUD tour here in Baltimore and I must say I enjoyed myself. Rihanna is gorgeous and her playlist has enough hits to jam for 3 hours. I wouldn't say her body is my inspiration (because I would have to trim A LOT of my boob and booty meat) but Ri Ri oozes sex and that gets a thumb up from me :)


-Toodles

I want __________'s body!

Selita Ebanks: Is that "thing" real? Serena: Yup!



I definitely need to play tennis if it gets my booty HIGHER. Serena's body has always been an inspiration of me. She has all her curves but has muscles as well. And now that Serena has a stylist, she's *JJ voice* Dynamite! 

*attempts squats*



-Toodles

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Stuff that happens to me...

So.... I have a phone interview at 2 pm BUT my cell phone service is suspended. *puts a hex on all of Sprint's houses*



-Toodles

Monday, September 19, 2011

Makes you go, Huh?

Howdy! I hope you guys had an awesome weekend. My weekend was a mixture of ups and downs. Me and Officer went to a house party and saw the Mayweather/Ortiz fight UP, had an argument with my brother DOWN, spent some time with a former coworker UP, got a call from my car financing DOWN, SO DOWN ha ha. But I made it through the mayhem and am welcoming a new week. Anyway, I came up with the idea to start a weekly Huh? category on this here blog about recent things that have me scratching my weave. Here goes.... 


1. Netflix, you sorta messed up. What is a Qwister? You are doing way too much. Like unjustified increases in monthly services too much.
2. Cocky ass, turn his nose down at the Baltimore Ravens ass, Terrell Owens (TO) is broke as a joke. He revealed on his reality show that his credit score is in the 500s. *punches the air*

                3. Does one Ortiz head butt equal a 2 piece with no biscuit from Mayweather?


                                                        
4. I found out Brandy's brother, Ray J, got goons. What do they do, sing back up to "If I Had One Wish"? *plays piano* Man, get out of here....



                                                          
5. Man... Swizz Beatz dude, think with the other head. Side chicks love paper trails. BBM, text messages, pictures....



*looks at post* Huh?: The men edition, lol.


-Toodles

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Fight! Fight! Fight!

They look yummy ;)

Are you watching the fight tonight? My money's on Mayweather although if Ortiz won I would be thrilled. Ortiz seems hungry for the win. Mayweather's cockiness on HBO's 24/7 has turned me off to him. He has the money, the fame and celebrity friends but he needs a slice of humble pie, asap.

Regardless of Mayweather's and Ortiz's personalities, boxing fans are in for a helluva fight. And I'm ready!



Friday, September 16, 2011

Deflated Part II

Remember earlier when I said I had 2 interviews? Well....

Yesterday Thursday, I had a phone interview. Wednesday I spoke with a recruiter about a position with a major wireless company. She liked me as a candidate and passed my resume and application to the hiring manager. My phone interview was scheduled the next day at 2 pm. Cool. I prepared some notes about work experiences (I'm always ready) and waited for the call.

*Ring Ring*

With the pleasantries out the way, the hiring manager starts the interview. She mostly goes over the position, hours and training. My ears perked a little after hearing that every candidate must have total open and flexible schedule availability. The shift starts at 7 am to 10 pm. I jotted this info down knowing that I can't work that early or late. Then the fun begins....

Her: I noticed you left your job in May, what happened? 
Me: The company's contract wasn't renewed and there was some confusion about placement and salary so I decided not to make the transition.
Her: Do you regret your decision?
Me: Um.... *thinking to myself, what the hell?*

-Then-

Her: You left X company July 2007 and didn't start Y company until January 2008, why would you leave without another job?
Me: My manager had resigned and I couldn't continue working the amount of hours it required.
Her: How many hours were you working?
Me: Open to close, 9:30am to 8:30pm.
Her: Well, at this company sometimes you will be working those hrs, 6 days a week. Can you commit to this kind of schedule?
Me: *thinking of Mat's schedule and the kids* At this time, I cannot commit to that kind of schedule.
Her: Would you like to withdraw your offer then?
Me: *meekly* Yes.
Her: Ok, thanks. 

*Click*


I felt like a loser. This interrogation was like nothing I ever experienced. I'm a salesperson, so I normally can roll with the punches. I always have something to say and can think quick on my feet but this interview left me dumbfounded. All I could do was cry some, get pissed and let it roll off my back. I couldn't devote anymore time to this failed interview, my kids needed picking up. It was the company's lost. But damn.




-Toodles

Deflated....

So... as you know I'm unemployed. I've been sitting on the bench since May. It was kinda my choice and I totally have no regrets. The circumstances called for it so I left. Unfortunately my bills never stopped... billing o_O This week should have filled me with renewed hope especially since I had 2 interviews scheduled! But re-read this blog title *waits* Why are I deflated? *sighs*

Wednesday I had an interview for the most important career move I could make. I was anxious and had studied the night before. I arrived 15 mins early, gave my name and waited. And then this happened: "Ma'am, your name isn't on the list." Huh? What? Fortunately I had all my paperwork completed and the secretary waved me in.

There were two people ahead of me and they all seemed confident which made me even more nervous. Time passed, one person was called in and then the another. I sat alone, reading notes trying to calm myself down. "Ms.______, please come this way."

I entered an office with a panel of three people. Three non-smiling people. But I turned on my charm, totally prepared to sell my qualities. But that never happened. They never asked about my job history or why I would be a good candidate. They had 5 stock questions and then the interview was over.


It's not that I was terrible during the interview. I was quick and smiley. I answered intelligently and was confident. But I don't know if that was enough. My interview seemed only 10-15 mins. Meanwhile the only interviewee's seemed to have taken much longer. Plus I found out there was only 1 position available. Just 1. 



*Breathe Tierra, breathe*


So yeah... I'm not confident that I'm in the running. Back to job searching...




-Toodles

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Is your spouse your best friend?




I love Officer <3 He's the father of my kids, provider for our family and.... my best friend. Are you shocked? Why? Shouldn't the person you spent the most time with be your best friend?

Webster dictionary says a best friend is..... Nothing. There's no entry for best friend lol.

Changing gears.... Officer and I have a lot in common. We love football Go Ravens!, going out to eat, trying new things, traveling, video games etc etc. You see why he's more than just a friend? *Biz Marke beat box*

Just because we're best friends doesn't mean that we don't have friends outside our union. Officer and I have decent social lives. I have friends who I consider close and so does he. 

So having a mate that's also your best friend is a 2-fer. Hooray to having a life time companion :)


-Toodles







Tuesday, September 13, 2011

AAAAAARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Flat Tire Called Nationwide Road side Assistance 3 HOUR WAIT INSIDE A HOT CAR! Not being able to pick up kids from school Nationwide is NOT ON MY SIDE!




-Fucking Toodles

Monday, September 12, 2011

My online friend became my "real life" friend *insert Awww*

This weekend wasn't really planned, my money was low and I was tired but it was AWESOME! I met up with one of my cutie pie followers from Twitter. She's like a little sister to me and came to Baltimore Saturday for a visit. I was anxious because I was meeting her in person for the first time and plus, she's 19! I only mentioned this because I never had to plan events for some underage lol.

Instantly my mind went to skating and bowling. Those are the only "safe" thing for a teen in Baltimore to do lol. But bowling can be boring when only two people are playing so I took her to the skate rink. When we got there, there was maybe 7 1/2 people skating, all kids. Ooop. We turned around and slid out the door. Thinking quick on my feet, I suggested going down to the Harbor. As we walked past the Power Plant, we saw huge crowds and long ass lines. Pauly D from Jersey Shore was here!

I'm too sexy for my shirt....

Two problems: Girly wasn't 21 and even though she wasn't going to be drinking, she couldn't be on the lot AND tickets to see Pauly D dj were $30. Whomp Whomp. So..... we continued walking around. Me and her decided to paddle a boat on the dirty harbor water to make the best of it. After we escaped the possibility of catching an infection from the water, we walked back to Power Plant, satisfied that we could at least watch  Pauly D from the big tv out front.

As we waited for Pauly D to perform, I noticed a security breach and we were able to sneak Girly inside, yay! The rest of the night was smooth sailing from there. She talked us into the $30 venue for free after suggesting a flash of her boobs Didn't even have to fulfill the promise SCORE! We danced, sung and fist pumped the whole night.


I continued the tour of Baltimore by pointing out our "Block" and some real life prostitutes. She was happy and I was satisfied. And I looked like the cool big sister *pats self on back*


                                                       Fist Pump!




-Toodles


*chants* Let's Go Ravens!!!!!!

 


How many Baltimore Ravens fans are out there? *waits* I hope a lot because we won in an awesome battle against our rival Steelers yesterday. *Beats chest* I'm glad I can type because my voice is shot. I have to admit I was a little on the fence about my team because we lost some big names before this season. Todd Heaaaaaaaap, Derrick Mason, yadda yadda ya. I couldn't identify with these new guys so I ignored the whole preseason. But now? I'm ready for the Superbowl :)


Ray Lewis deserves another one, right?

Yesterday I had 7 full glasses of purple koolaid (the number of Steelers turnovers, lol) and shared my love for my boys on Twitter.


RiceNgataSuggsLewisReedRiceNgataSuggsLewisReedRiceNgata




That is all.

                                       1-0



-Toodles

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse...

No it's not Christmas obviously but that's the tone in my house right now. All the girls are sleeping after repeated threats of violence and Officer just left for work. And I'm woke. Opposite of sleep. And I'm bored. The opposite of.... entertained? "Well go watch your beloved television!" I would smarty parts but that would require me to head downstairs and I don't wanna go! *temper tantrum* You see, 5 years ago, Officer and I made the discussion to remove the television from our bedroom -Record scratch- I watched an episode of Oprah where Dr. Oz said that bedrooms were only for sleep and sex. I wanted the sleep and Officer wanted the sex ;o) So out with the tv. To be honest, not having a television in the bedroom is a welcomed break. I actually sleep, imagine that. For an addict like me, if I had tv in here I would never take. my. eyes. off. of. it.




So... with nothing in my bedroom to do (get ya mind out the gutter), kids and dog sleep, then what? Twitter! Oh yeah, totally my other addiction (you can have more than one, gooosh...). I discovered twitter at the perfect time to. Officer had just joined the police department and I was nervous. Three years ago when he would leave for work, I would always think of the negative: would he come home, will he shot someone, etc etc. And his night shift didn't help. I was a member of facebook but it seemed after 10 pm every had curfew and would bounce. So I decided to set up a profile on Twitter to see what the fuss was about and I never turned back.

But right now at 10:40 even Twitter is boring me *sigh* Guess I'll make myself go to sleep. Faux Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz




-Toodles



My TV obsession...

*looks nervously around, coughs, stands* My name is Tierra and I'm a tv addict. *sits* I should be ashamed but I am not. I simply love television. Doesn't really matter the type of show, as long as it entertains me, I'll watch. Now certain reality shows are not my type of tea, the Big Brothers, Survivors, Fear Factor (it's coming back!) are meh to me. I tend to side with the reality shows where your talent gets you through. However I detest singing shows. Maybe because I'm so extra concerning music and also because I get so embarrassed for bad singers.


She bangs but he can't sing...




My Absolute favorite channel in the entire world universe is HBO. HBO has my comedies (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Louie), my dramas ( The Wire Represent!, Carnivale I miss thee) and a host of stand up concerts and sports shows. Damn, I forgot all about Cathouse (Meow).

I'm trying to resist naming all my most haves on other tv channels... *fights against strait jacket*

JerseyShoreTeenMomProjectRunwayDanceMomsBornToDanceTopShotRealHousewivesOfAtlantaHouseOfPayneTrueBloodCurbYourEnthusiasmBreakingBadLouieIt'sAlwaysSunnyInPhiladelphiaDexterTheWalkingDeadKingsOfQueens....

Whew...

And truth be told, I'm sure I'm missing some... *resists the urge to add more shows* Yes I love television. I have to have all the premium channels, the above mentioned HBO (Can I get money for plugs), Show Time, Encore, etc etc. And high definition is a most. Wanna see my cable bill? ;o) 

When most people talk about being blessed, they mention their life, health, kids... well I'm blessed for all that AND my onDemand and DVR. These two devices has made it possible to have an active life and a stationary one. One where I can watch all my favorite shows in one sitting or spread them out through the week. 

So what should I watch right now?






-Toodles








Wednesday, September 7, 2011

"All about the dineroooo"

Maybe it was my half whispers of prayers, the abundant rain today or Obama but this chick *points to self* has an interview! YES WE CAN! Ok... *catches breath* What makes this interview all that and a bag of sour cream and onion potato chips? Let's see... maybe because it's a state job, has benefits, pays decent change... Is that enough for ya? I thought so. The interview's next Wednesday, I'm excited but not nervous. *Sings* Here comes the money....








-Toodles



Can men and women be just friends?

"We're just friends, right?'
Boys and Girls can be friends. For a little anyway, right after lunch lol. But seriously, can grown boys and girls make the same attempt? And how about those in relationships? I asked because I happen to have a boy-friend. A guy that I go out to happy hour with, watch the game etc. Nothing has ever happened but I sometimes feel weird when we're hanging. Granted we're just eating or having drinks but everyone else think we are a couple. The waitress will bring out 1 spoon or the bartender will give us an eye. And at the end of the night when we part, he and I always hesitate like something's suppose to happen lol. But I'm in love with Officer and he (my friend) is in like with whoever is the flavor of the month.

Officer is fully aware of me and my male friendship and us going out. But this post came about after him chiding me yesterday over my future friend-date Friday. It planted a seed that perhaps I am playing with fire. My friend and I enjoy each other's company sure, that's the only reason we hang out like we do, but is it more? Is groundwork being laid? I dunno.

But I'll let y'all know after Friday :)



-Toodles






Money....

Hey nobody! *crickets* No one has discovered my lil ol' blog yet so this is pretty much an open diary. I haven't written in awhile with school starting and all the busy work of taking care of 3 children and a dog. But one issue that remains front in center right now is MONEY and my lack of. Officer is working tons of overtime to keep the household a float. I feel so guilty about not pulling my share of the load. However, I have to be really selective about the jobs I apply to. I can't work shifts that start before 9 or end later than 9:30. I also have to make a certain hourly wage to be able to afford daycare for my 2 year old. Both of these components have to be met. With the job market as it is, my pickiness is further eliminating me from finding employment.



My lack of funds is not only effecting our day to day living but extra activities as well. Officer and I are in the middle of planning our wedding. We get married next June so we have a lot of expenses and people to pay. We're struggling to get the deposit to hold our venue and I haven't even looked at dresses or vendors. When we chose a date, I was working and Officer's overtime money was going to pay for everything. And now... *sigh*

But another reason I want to start working is pure vanity. I want to get plastic surgery. Badly.

Two weeks ago I went to a plastic surgery consultation. It was at a medical school which means the rates are lower because experienced students perform the surgery. At the top of the appointment I told the doctor I wanted a tummy tuck and breast lift. He did measurements and explained both surgeries. Because I want the procedures for my honeymoon, the doctor suggested I book the surgeries now so I can be healed by June. I also want to get them soon because I really want this doctor to perform them. He has been attending the school for 7 years and will be leaving in 8 months to get his own practice. His specialty is in body contouring and that's what I want! After the yes, yes, yeahs, I had a meeting with the finance department. The pricing was right but because it was a medical school, the whole payment must be made before they could book the appointment. So now I need $4000 lol.

More money, more money, more money....




-Toodles