The rest is still unwritten...

You’re It!

innerdiva — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:50:38 +0000

I’ve been tagged by Beautifully Complex! Here are the rules:

You must post 11 random things about yourself.
Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post.
Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
Go to their blog and tell them that you’ve tagged them.

So, if I’ve got this right, I need to post 11 random things, answer the questions, and then come up with 11 more questions. Luckily, I’ve got a few minutes while the little person is sleeping. Here we go!

The junior high and high school I attended are within walking distance of my apartment.
I sometimes wonder what life would be like if I were born into a different religion, culture, or race….like, could I be a Hasidic Jew, or would I be too feisty?
At one point in life, I wanted to work at Essence magazine.
I’ve known my three best friends for at least 23 years. Two I’ve known since birth (and have pictures to prove it).
I can find a song for every situation, which my husband finds hilarious and somewhat evil. Case in point: while watching last night’s molestation episode of “Law and Order,” I sang “He Touched Me.”
I’m wildly sarcastic, which doesn’t always translate well.
I know someone in the NBA, and I think it’s cool.
Laundromats freak me out. I get skeeved thinking about the underwear of other people being in the machine…but I still send my clothes there.
I don’t really like shoes. Wearing them or buying them.
I didn’t get my driver’s license until I was 24.
I can never leave Target with just one thing.

Beautifully Complex‘s questions for me:

1. If you cook, what is the best meal that you know how to prepare that you

always get the most compliments on ?

Now that I’m a wife, I’m trying my hand at new recipes. Hubby likes my curry chicken and channa as well as my parmesan tilapia.

2. If money was not an issue, where would you want to live & make your home

and why ?

I’d live in the Caribbean, either in Trinidad or Barbados. The pace of life is so much more relaxed, the beaches are beautiful, and the food is delicious! I’d be able to see my cousins, and my son would get a great education.

3. If you have children or plan to, what is the one lesson that you hope you

have taught them as they reach adulthood ?

I want my son to learn to always give his best. Whether he’s a brilliant scientist or a garbage collector or a mortician or WHATEVER, I want him to do it to the best of his ability.

4. If you are married, is there anything that you would want to have done any

different for your wedding ? If you want to be married what is the most

important aspect of a wedding to you ?

I would have actually HAD a wedding. We went to the JOP.

5. How would those who know you the best describe you in three words ?

Funny, sassy, passionate.

6. What is a favorite memory from your childhood ?

One of my favorite memories is going to Canada. The hockey team had just won a championship, and people were celebrating in the street, throwing toilet paper and other stuff. When we got up in the morning, the streets were clean–like it never happened.

7. Who in your life makes you laugh the most ?

Right now it’s a toss up between the baby and my husband.

8. Is there anything that you ate as a child that you don’t eat now or anything

that you wouldn’t eat as a child that you do eat now ?

Vegetables. My grandmother would force me to eat them, so for years I avoided them.

9. If you won a huge lottery what is the first thing you would do ?

I’d buy a house or go on a great vacation.

10. What could you eat all the time & never get sick of ?

I think I could eat pie all the time. Coconut cream, key lime, apple…I really like pie.

11. Do you prefer blogs, fac.ebook or twitt.er ? Why ?

I think blogs are a way for you to really get to know someone, but I post on facbook more often. I have a twitter account, but I have no clue as to how to use it.

I’m tagging:

MrsTDJ - because her stories are hilarious

The (formerly) Unemployed Bride- because we have the same name and she’s a newlywed too

Mrs. Count - because she’s a new mom too, and I want to see how long it will take her to answer

Nerd Girl - because she’s just so freaking cool (and has only just seen “Life”)

Here are my questions for you:

iPhone, crackberry, or droid?
In your Lifetime original movie, who would play you?
This is a question I ask my husband all the time when we’re deciding what’s for dinner–if you were on death row (jail, not the record company), what would your last meal be?
Under what circumstances, if any, would you be a guest on the Maury show?
What’s your favorite movie?
How did you decide to live where you live right now?
If you were a celebrity, what would you be famous for?
Will you miss the Twinkie?
What’s on your nightstand?
How old were you when you got your driver’s license, and how many tries did it take you to pass the road test? (I just want to know if I’m the only weirdo)
Are your ears pierced? If they are, did you get them done when you were little, or when you were older?

I hope you guys have fun with these questions. I tried to be as random with them as I am in real life. : ) Thanks BC for tagging me!

Epic.

innerdiva — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:03:27 +0000

And that my friends, is exactly what he did. Without giving you the gory details, let’s just say I experienced one of the most epic moments in my motherhood career thus far.

Instead of freaking out, having a fit, or even resorting to calling my mom, I handled the situation as only a mother could. While a bath is usually something his father and I do together, I lugged the tub out by myself, bathed him, and got him changed. I then figured out a way to deal with the remaining ickiness, and kept him entertained until daddy came home.

I guess what I’m trying to say is , as a mom, I do epic sh*t. As a new mother, I’ve learned that everything is a burp cloth, and actual burp cloths are too small. I’ve learned that a little drool never hurt anyone. I’ve learned that you have to make sacrifices for your kid, and for your family. I feel like I’ve matured in so many ways. I don’t stress about the little stuff anymore, and I handle things so much better.

As I get closer to 30, I look back at the choices I’ve made and the plans I have for the future. I realize that it’s not about me anymore. My son is my legacy, and I’ve been charged with the responsibility of nurturing him into a responsible adult. With his dad, I must make sure that our son is respectful, honest, intelligent, articulate, caring, and becomes a productive member of society. I’d say that’s pretty epic sh*t.

*P.S. He started babbling the day after my last post.

The trouble with comparisons…

innerdiva — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:15:57 +0000

When I found out my play cousin was pregnant with Baby A, I was thrilled. My son would have a playmate, a friend, and an arranged marriage! Baby A was due in April, two months before our son was to make his debut. Then I found out another friend was pregnant with Baby C. Visions of playdates and trips to the zoo danced in my head. Baby C was due in August, two months after our baby boy. Baby A was born first. My son made his appearance a mere three weeks later–one full month ahead of the due date we were given. Baby C came in August, as planned.

The problem with having friends who have children so close in age to my son is that I find myself comparing. While I know that because my child was born prematurely, he will develop at his own pace, I still do it. I look at Baby A and see how much bigger she is. She’s got teeth and she can say “da da.” Baby C, even though he’s younger, is crawling and pulling up on furniture. He can hold his own bottle, and he’s got teeth too. My son has no teeth, although he’s been teething forever. He doesn’t seem interested in crawling, and he laughs when we try to get him to babble.

My best friend’s son was also born premature, so I sometimes go to her for advice. She helps to alleviate some of my fears about my son’s development. I look at her son, my godson, and see the potential that my own son can have.

So, instead of focusing on the things my child doesn’t do, I’m focusing on the things he does do. Like the huge smile he gives me every morning when he wakes up, or his infectious laughter. Or the way he captivates total strangers with his big, bright eyes. Or that fact that he loves any kind of book, and cries when the stories end. Or that he can change channels, play with his dad’s Nook, and sometimes text on mommy’s phone.

I know that he’ll speak, crawl, and walk on his own. I just have to be patient.

2012…

innerdiva — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:58:36 +0000

Happy new year, folks!

Let’s see if I post more this year-once a week, maybe? Our NYE was pretty quiet. I woke up with about 3 minutes to go until the countdown (hey, in 2011 I missed it completely).We went to a Kwanzaa program earlier in the day at the museum which was pretty good. There was dancing, singing, and a steel pan band. Although we enjoyed it, the lady behind us complained the entire time. The steel pan music wasn’t good, people wouldn’t give up seats they were holding, she didn’t want to eat “American food…” and this was after she nearly poked a hole in my shoulder to ask if the seat two seats over (that we weren’t holding for ANYONE) was free. Anyway, we rang in 2012 on the couch.

Later that day, we headed out to Target in search of things to make us more organized. I got a day planner, some laundry baskets, frozen fruits for smoothies…and I’ve used none of them. Sometime this year, I plan to get it together, lol. That evening we headed over to the baby’s godparents to hang out and have dinner. It was nice to be around young people (some with kids) sharing a meal and just chilling. Everyone sat around on the floor, talking and laughing. The baby enjoyed himself, as everyone gushed over his cuteness.

I’ve made a few resolutions, most of which I’m diligently working on. I’m trying to eat better, keep the house in some sort of order, and be better all around.

Hoping you all enjoyed your new year and are looking to bigger and better things in 2012!

And to all a good night…

innerdiva — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 20:38:37 +0000

How was your holiday?

On Friday, we headed to Queens to spend the evening with my husband’s side of the family. Being the epic procrastinator that he is, my husband waited until the last minute to get gifts for everyone. Picture us at CVS, picking up Burlington and TJ Maxx gift cards. Then, instead of picking up Christmas cards like a normal person, he sprinted into Hallmark as they were closing…then off to Toys R Us for gifts for our nephews. Last minute.

Anyway, Saturday’s wedding ceremony was very nice. The pastor–excuse me, “apostle” gave a nice sermon on two becoming one that made us reflect on our own marriage. For some reason, no one wore shoes in the church. I couldn’t figure out if it was a religious custom or if they just didn’t want to mess up the church carpet. The reception was at this place that…wasn’t as nice as the ceremony. No one greeted us when we came in, and they were still setting up when we walked into the dining room. The DJ played some good songs, and the apostle was the first one up to dance.

Christmas morning was spent opening all of the baby’s gifts. After breakfast, we took a nice nap and then headed back home to spend the evening with my family. The baby got more gifts-including a pair of Timbs from his grandparents. The men were in the living room watching basketball, while we hung out trying to teach my aunt the cupid shuffle and learn the wobble (which I still can’t do) from youtube. Around 10, I started to get sleepy, but the baby was still going strong…so we left him with grandma and grandpa and went to bed. All in all, the baby had a great first Christmas! Hope you and your family enjoyed it as much as we did.

Santa came to Brooklyn

innerdiva — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:13:31 +0000

I’m sorry to post this so late, but with all the Christmas running around we’ve been doing, I haven’t had a chance to even get on the computer. On Monday, we were at my mother in law’s trying to find a dress for this wedding (hubby has pledged to never shop with me again)–I finally got something at Burlington Coat Factory…they really are more than great coats. Tuesday was…I don’t remember. Yesterday I had an interview for an HR Coordinator position, and with dropping the baby at his godmother’s house, getting to the city for the interview, and all that, I didn’t get to do much of anything…we went to bed around 8pm.

So–on to the point of this post! When we arrived home on Monday, a package from Amazon was waiting for me. Santa removed her mailing address from the label, but left me her government name. On Tuesday, another Amazon package arrived! For someone who loves getting things in the mail, it really was like Christmas.

Santa sent me a great cookbook of Trinidadian recipes! Hey Santa, you’ve created a monster–hubs went through the book selecting dishes he wanted. Santa also delivered an Amazon gift card.

I tried to play detective and figure out who Santa could be…I have no clue, but I think it could be BK. Whoever you are Santa, thank you!

I mailed out my gift, but forgot to leave a clue! You’ll know it was me from the grocery bags I used to pad the box! From the UPS tracking, it doesn’t look like it has been delivered yet…but it has left the sorting facility, whatever that means.

UPDATE: Ha ha! My detective powers led me to facebook. Yes, I’m somewhat of a facebook stalker, but isn’t that what it’s really for? I’ve found out what my Secret Santa looks like…but still haven’t been able to match her to her blog.

Holidays Pictures

innerdiva — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:11:17 +0000

We took family photos last night. Unfortunately, we won’t get them until Dec. 23, so our holiday cards will be late.

I’ve been super protective of baby’s image…no internet, only sending pictures through text message. BUT-these are the holidays. So, without further ado….

Leave a comment and I’ll email the password.

Protected: Happy Holidays!

innerdiva — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:09:12 +0000

This post is password protected. You must visit the website and enter the password to continue reading.

innerdiva — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:58:27 +0000

So now I need to find a dress to wear to a wedding. And something for the baby to wear to a wedding. On Christmas Eve. Who does that?

I know who does that. Seems to be religious folk, because my parents are also going to a wedding on Christmas Eve. A reverend is getting (re)married.

How long should one wait to get remarried? Does it matter if they are in a high profile position? Does age matter?

Hubs says we’ll only go to the ceremony and not the reception. I had to remind him that all the good opportunities for jokes happen at the reception, unless someone trips down the aisle.

I think I want to take a trip for my 30th birthday next year. Bahamas for the weekend or something.

Next year will be a good year. I’m declaring it from now. I will be at the weight I want, with the job I want, making the money that I want, while saving for the house I want, being the wife and mother that I want, with the fashion and style that I want. I will drive more, even on the highway. I will work on my spiritual relationship and go to a house of worship (with or without my family) once a month. I will be a better listener. I will actually check voicemail before the box gets full, and then return phone calls.

And I will do it all without complaint.

Christmas in Blogland

innerdiva — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 19:16:12 +0000

That special time of year is here…where people who read each other’s blogs buy gifts for one another. Put together by the fabulous Pserendipity, the 3rd annual Christmas in Blogland is kicking off. I wanted to participate last year, but knew I didn’t blog nearly as often as I should have for anyone to get a sense of my personality. This year…you probably still don’t have a sense of my personality, lol.

First, let me say that I’m excited to be receiving something in the mail that isn’t baby related. Second, I’ve already blog stalked the person I chose and found something I think they’ll enjoy. I never give a single item as a gift (must be the Libra in me), so it’s going to be a small combination of things.

Here are a few insights into InnerDiva:

My favorite color is pink. I’m a new wife (1 year) and a new mom (6 mos.).

I love to read. My favorite authors are Jodi Picoult and Tananarive Due-I have almost every book they’ve ever written, except the new ones.

I’m exploring the culinary world. I made chicken for the first time this year! What I really want to master are some Caribbean recipes, like pelau and curry chicken.

I cut my locs about 6 months ago.

Before…

After...

I’m currently rocking a curly TWA…and I don’t know what to do with it outside of a headband.

Funky, cool jewelry-like wooden earrings and chunky bangles rocks my socks. Funny enough, socks also rock my socks-the long soccer kind.

Really, I’m just a cornball who’s happy to be participating.