Dr. Scholls Rulz

On a recent visit to my favorite blog she posted something about Dr Scholls sandals I loved those shoes growing up. My next door neighbor Irene had a couple of pairs: one regular and one high heeled (really high for she is only 4'11"). She let me wear them around her house. I felt so grown up..lol
The shoes that I have pictured above define my style. If I still wore the super high heels, I would totally rock them. Sadly, I abandoned heels a few years back when I started working at the Onion. Had to. Almost a decade of living by the motto “if it doesn’t fit, so help me I’ll wear it anyway!”, took a toll on my back on those 12 hour days even though I wore kitchen shoes. Thank God I stopped before I grew corns.

Country Visit

Yesterday we visited a home that the hubby is doing work on (he’s renovating a garage into an office). Isi got over her fear of the dog about half way through. Then today, we ventured to Holly Hill, SC to visit the in laws.
With 35 days remaining and being an hour away from the hospital, I was apprehensive, but it turned out to be a pleasant visit. Hot, but pleasant. The babe was the middle of attention. She loved it.

Smoothies

I now can add yummy fruit smoothies to my list of things that I can make on the fly thanks to my handy unused baby food processor:

1/4 frozen berries

2T Yogurt (I believe if you use a flavored yogurt you wouldn’t need the sugar)

1T Sugar

Milk (enough for the desired consistency)
Takes 3 minutes to puree and 30 seconds to wash the processor. I’m going to eventually add a protein powder. A friend suggested using soy milk and fruit (hmm...) Forget going to Planet Smoothie and spending $3.50!

Murder and 54% Only Graduate

My mother called me this hot afternoon with concern in her voice. I braced myself for news that someone was dead. Hanging out in my front yard apparently is not wise according to O Magazine. She wanted educate me that pregnant women are prime pickings for murder.
“I don’t want to hear it, mom,” I said rolling my eyes. I then began to explain to her that I needn’t any help adding to my irrational fears (I already deadbolt my doors because I’m afraid someone will walk into my home to kill and rape us whilst my husband fetches us slurpies from the gas station. That’s just one of many). “I know this is coming from concern, but please don’t go there,” I concluded. She hung up hurt, but Jes’ one neurosis at a time.
Speaking of Oprah, I learned that the great (sense the sarcasm) state I reside in ranks last in education. Only 54% of students actually graduate! OMG! That my friends, is a major reason why we will be home schooling. We cannot afford private schooling and we wouldn’t dare put them in public. That’s so sad.

Memory Lane 90's style

Another rainy afternoon here in good ol’ James Island, SC. It is still hot as Hades but we’re stuck inside anyway.
I’m cruising around itunes (filling up for D- day) using up the last of my credit when I happen to stumble upon an itunes 90s slow jamz essentials mix. Man, hearing some snippets of these [early 90s] songs bring back some memories! 28 (to me) is not old in the slightest, but damn, I was a love sick teenager forever ago..lmao. Wearing Cross Colors and Kswiss (awful), hanging out trying unsuccessfully to pick up boys at the mall.
Here are a few tunes that summon the spirits of awkward adolescent infatuation:
“Sweet Thang” by Mary J Blige- I’m hanging out on my girlfriend Serena’s front porch swooning for NW boys on a hot summer evening
“I Miss You” by Aaron Hall- 16 and crying myself asleep (idiot!) listening to a mix tape from my first “love” as I spend 2 weeks in Trinidad on vacation with my mother
“Anniversary” by Tony! Toni! Tone!- hanging out at Wheaton Library and rec center
“I’ll Make Love To You” by Boys II Men- my first boyfriend taking me to my high school homecoming dance
Man! I blush! I’m grateful that I was too fearful of my mother’s wrath (also I was painfully shy) that I was pretty well behaved...most of the time (when I met my teacher, Yvonne).

BucketHead

Our little toddler has a large bucket that i purchased for our summer outings to the beach (before bedrest). She now loves to gather items around the house and tote them in her bright red bucket. Recently she has been putting it on her head and spreading laughter around the house. Let me tell you, children are great sources of love and entertainment..lmao

Dog Days

I have a confession... i do not like dogs. Let me rephrase that, i don't like having a dog of my own (but to be honest i do not care for other people's either..lmao). I'm sorry, but i am a cat person. Anyway, my husband brought home yet again another freakin' dog. We have adopted 3 dogs in the 7 years of being together and everytime it has ended bad.
My mother in law, the hubby's mom, has like 8 dogs that she has adopted (mostly purebred German shepherds)but she lives on 12 acres of land in the country! We, on the other hand, live on about an acre or so with a faulty fence and on a high traffic road. We've already lost our 4 cats (that we had for 2- 4 years) since we moved here last July (gone but not forgotten to my buds Goulash, Eboni, Nelson and Blu).
Our little tot was all smiles when she saw this long fur ball while the hubby sealed up any chances of escape. I'm hoping that the owners are found (my husband did leave a number in case someone is looking for him). The pooch did have a collar with a leash hook around his neck. He's also seems like he was a family dog 'cause he doesn't jump up on you, and exceptionally calm. Whatever the case, i better not hear the dog barking at 4:30am again tonight. I have enough trouble sleeping.

Another Collaboration

Eventhough it rained this afternoon, Isabella and i collaborated on another piece. Acrylic paint and Sharpie markers (a mixed medium that suits me perfectly. No title. I have been finding myself working with swirls, curls and circles in my sketches that have whimsical results.
Today's work is a pastoral scene with sheeplike clouds in on a inclement afternoon. I totally dig it. I guess you can say it is a reflection of how the weather seemed today. Sunny one minute, then thick grey skies with patches of billow white clouds. We are going to hang this plank in the living room. Ooooh! I'm on fire!

Horoscope

My horoscope (Pisces) this week from the Charleston City Paper was rather riveting. It started off by telling me about this guy who was struck with a disorder that left him only able to see in black and white. He took this "liability" and painted wonderful works of art using only black and white colors. Many years later he was given the opportunity to have color restored to his sight which he blissfully declined. The astrologer suggested that i take this story as inspiration for my present time.
So, okay, take my liabilities and "Make it work", as Tim Dunn would say is my mantra. I can honestly say that i have quite a few shortcomings (as many of us do) that i can work with. I've decided to start off with my weaknesses in artistic endeavourers. I want to paint, but i believe wholeheartedly that i suck. I'll keep you posted on my efforts.

Our First Collaboration

Look at our daughter and my first collaboration. It is a mixed media (paint and Sharpie marker on wood) piece that i will title "Sunset". This is the end result of Isabella's painting experience earlier this week. I'm so proud of it!

I LOVE: Care packages

After 3 weeks of waiting, my mother finally sent my care package that she has been promising to send. In it she provided casting resin/ catalyst; an annoying musical sippy cup..lol; socks and a tshirt for the hubby; tons of clothes for the Bubba; and food stamps (stamps with pictures of food)...lol
I cannot wait to have fun with the resin. There are pages of plans drawn up in my sketchbook to execute my ideas. Next i'll get colorants and liquid silicone rubber. Sherri Haab's website just started selling everything else i need. Yahoo!

Our Little Artist

Today we painted again. This time i took off all her clothes since we both were covered in paint ruining my only denim maternity shorts. The downside- do you have any idea how hard it is to remove acrylic paint off of a squirming toddler?

Crafting: Wall Boxes

The hubby brings home fun (i'm sounding like Martha Stewart)leftovers from his job sites. His present job has him building stairs, railings and columns. The columns that he and his crew built blessed me with these boxes.
Today the Bubba and i primed them, sanded and them again. I'll need to get some parts so that they can lie flush on the wall. Our beautiful blue and brown walls remain blank for the last year. I'm planning to take advantage of my nesting and get something accomplished by the time baby number two arrives.

Project Runway Cycle 3

My favorite reality show is now on regular tv on Monday nights! Thank God. I watch it with my sketchbook and sharpie. When cable tv departed our lives almost a year ago, I missed out on Project Runway cycle 2. Thankfully when we were in MD for my birthday there was a marathon and I saw all episodes but the last. Thank God for itunes.

Snail Mail

Today I received two snail mail letters from my pen pals Kismet and Eileen. I was tickled! My correspondence movement is actually seeming to work.
Correspondence movement, you ask. Is two people mailing me letters hardly a movement? I say you bet your sweet letter writing a$$! I am hopeful that they have a roll of stamps and want to write to others.
I just love sending and receiving letters through the mail. They can come from a friend who lives or far (the hubby once sent me a postcard from Columbia, SC when he was up there for all of 2 hours). Postcards. Funny Hallmark cards. Dollar store cards. Even home made cards (which I love to send). I dig ‘em all equally the most!
I believe that people have forgotten the beauty of a hand written note in the days of cellphones and email (which I find impersonal and rushed most of the time. That’s the point of ‘em, right). I know that not everyone has the time available to catch up on their correspondence as I, but really how hard is it to drop someone a postcard? The two letters I received today were on 3 x 4"paper. Short and definitely sweet. It says something to me that this person actually sat down, thought of me and wrote out their tidings. Does that not make you warm and fuzzy?!
Who do you send to? Anyone. A long lost friend (which is next on my agenda); a parent or sibling; an old school teacher that you just want to say “thanks” to, or anyone in your email list.
I remember writing letters to my cousin Katina when we were kids. I remember hounding my mother for stamps. I even participated in a pen pal program in elementary school.
Anyway, I just hope they keep writing me and I find some other friends to do the same. It’s the simple things in life that make it splendid.

Ashy skin

Just something funny i bought a while back. I have never seen anything claiming to cure "ashy" skin in writing. How many people out of the black population even know what "ashy" skin is?!.lmao
I bought it but all it did was have me smelling like cocoa butter (a nurse said i smelled like cookies..lol) but it surely did not cure my ashiness.

Sonic Rules

I love Sonic! I knew that having Sonic walking distance from our new place in James Island was a great omen since Ghetto Burger was all we had back in N.Charleston (they sold drugs out of the drive thru for Christ sake).
Yesterday we went as a family to Sonic (on a tip from my Iowa pal Kismet) where we served on rollerskates (i only tip if they deliver on skates). We use to get infused sodas with our fav fruit but i just discovered the slushies. They are awesome! They last for a long time and the strawberry lemon is to die for..lol Even the Bubba luvs them with her kids meal.

My Love Affair with Cream of Wheat

Everyone that knows me is aware that I am in LOVE with Cream of Wheat. It is something that I could live off of (and actually did when times were tight). When I was a little girl, my Auntie Yvette use to make it for me every time she was in my presence and let me tell you that it took me over 20 years to make it exactly like hers. My mom would make it too but her’s tasted different (not bad different mind you).
For the last several months I have been without. The grocery stores that I frequent stopped carrying the kind that I have great admiration. That is the red box that cooks in 2 ½ minutes and is NOT served in prepackaged servings. The preserving packets taste like absolute tripe! I wouldn’t feed it to a dog.
The other day we drove all the way to the Piggly Wiggly (about 10 miles out of the way) just to find my favorite box. I even indulged in the Enriched Farina (which I have never tried other than the stuff sold by the pound at the Caribbean market back home). It is obvious to say that I have stuffed myself for the past two days.
I make it using whole milk (gives it a nice richness), lumpy (that’s a real skill) and sweet (using sugar and Pure Vanilla Essence) with a small pad of unsalted butter. I have it down to a science and I loath it when the hubby wants some out of my pot. “What if there’s not enough for me”? I ask myself selfishly. Since the babe’s birth I have learned to share with her, but she doesn’t eat that much as a 28 year old carpenter.
Man, I can bathe in it! I bet it's even good for the skin (i mean, oatmeal baths are so why can't cream of wheat..lol)

Instructables.com

I have just discovered a fun site for those "hardcore" crafters from Not Martha's recent posting. I was immediately intruiged by the projects that turned your fridge into a light bright; the homemade shower spa; the portable ipod Tupperware boombox; the ipod Mega- phone helmet; and many more!
This site is not for amatures i assure you (i will definately have to channel my father's Electrical Engineering expertise). I'm going to have to add Radio Shack (i worked there once for a season back in college) to my list of crafting suppliers.

Am I in Labor?

Today i had my weekly visit to the doctor. He said that everything is going well and that i may even reach the end. He did perform a test to make sure that the possibility of giving birth in the next week is possible (a woman's body will release a hormone that will cause the first stage of labor to begin).
Afterward, the tyke I made a detour to SuperWalmart for a few items. Unfortunately i was having these awful cramps in my bajingo. Fright overwhelmed me for the time was not "right" for the baby to be born. My house was a mess (to me anyway), it was nap time and "The Belle" wanted to come out to play, and i was in a Walmart for Christ sake!
I hustled around for my items but left with only toilet paper (longer story). The pains were coming every 3 minutes. I quickly ventured to the bathroom and the pain quickly dissipated. Oops.
I had already called the hubby to tell him that i was going back to the hospital. I had left Walmart without my much needed items too. In conclusion, i spent the remainder of the day in bed watching my toddler run in and out of my bedroom.

"Tacky" Crafts

Tonight Fox cancelled its showing of House for baseball. Since the hubby took the babe on a quick errand, I decided to finish out a craft project started yesterday.
I made those “tacky” paper machie balloons and attached them to my door wreath that I do admit to being cheesy. A friend actually told me that it lacked a janellesque quality. I dig it now but it still seems to be missing something.
I also made a light fixture that may or may not be a fire hazzard eventhough it shines a pleasant mood lighting..lol The 40W bulb left the hall dark, where as the 60W bulb is questionable.

Bored.. and Tacky?!

Bedrest SUCKS A$$! If I had a remote for my bedroom VCR and DVD player (AWOL because of the wee lassie), it would not be so mundane. I spend a lot of time in the front yard in a newly purchased beach lounger (I only got to use it at the beach twice before I was sentenced to bed arrest) getting eaten by mosquitoes and watching PBS (Mr. Rogers rulz, man).
Today the hubby took the bubba with him on his errands that ran all afternoon. I actually did not know what to do with my unfamiliar freedom. Our daughter is more entertaining than a PsP. What to do?
Two words: Not much.
I fell asleep to the director’s commentary of A Christmas Story and then woke to play with my paper machie.
I love balloons. I find them so festive and to hear a balloon pop to me is as sad as a crying child. So I made these paper machie balloons to cascade somewhere. Maybe the babe’s bedroom.
Anyway, the hubby shared that he thought me to be tacky!! I disagreed with great vivacity. I am not freakin’ tacky. Tackiness is associated with being tastless. Hey, I may be eccentric but not tasteless!
I really think there is a difference. Is there? Am i in denial?!?

Big Girl Shot

The bubba (pronounced buhbaaa not buba) had her check up today and to our surprise had a Hepatitis A shot. She took it like a trooper and did not even cry! We are so proud of her!

An Almost Fizzled out 4th

It’s 4th of July. Just another day if you ask me. I’ve been in bed all day to make up for being in the kitchen all evening last night. Afterall, the doctor shared with me that I am 50% effaced and the baby is in the downward position.
I only got as far as the front porch to play with low risk fireworks for the babe with the hubby. After being eaten by too mnay bugs we ventured back inside to put her to bed. Needless to say I was bummed to have yet another crap 4th. I missed my family reunion in Maryland again this year too so I was home sick.
As I quickly drifted into a funk, I heard a rapping at the window above my head. The hubby had several sparklers in hand and danced around giving me a private firework display!
Who can be bummed after that?

Edna Lewis' Carrot Cake

I made a carrot cake today (yea, I kinda gave the bedrest a rest). I happily had all the ingredients already in my fridge and pantry to make my first attempt at baking a carrot cake.
Last week I checked out a book by Edna Lewis and Scott Peacock titledThe Gift of Southern Cooking. I had learned about this complementing chefs on a late on PBS. Lewis grew up in a Virginia town, Freetown, founded by her grandfather and learned true good southern home cooking from the originators. She did not really break out until she moved North and cooked in a restaurant where many found her meals to be breathtakingly wonderful. This was all before the civil rights movement. She was even a communist for a while (if I had heard correctly)..lol.
Eventually (around the late 80s I believe) hooked up with the white youth, Peacock, and budded a beautiful partnership. They cooked together, they lived together and wrote cook books together.
I recommend this cookbook. It’s easy to follow and I made my first moist cake (I use to make the driest cakes in the world, with the exception of my chocolate cake which is heavenly). The recipe only required 2 bowls a sifter and a whisk!! My only complaint was that I did not care for the cream cheese frosting. I guess I have been spoiled with the overly sweetened versions I’ve had in the past. The frosting seemed like it belonged more on a bagel than a cake.

My Hair Did

I have made a vow to do more with my hair. As you remember some time ago I had my hair braided in french braids that flowed to my waist. Today I unsuccessfully attempted to get it done again. The [one of many] black woman’s dilemma (too much new growth) prevented me from getting it, so Tonya (a new to my stylist) hooked me up with a new do using my thick locks. I love it. I have been wanting to have my hair like this for years.
I’m contemplating a weave possibly. Just for fun. I use to make fun of black women who did that, but why am I “hatin’? It’s only hair. Like India.Arie says “I am not my hair”! It is an expression of your individuality and what am I all about? Individuality!..lmao
Besides, my hair has never been this short before in my life and I’m actually excited about having a hair stylist in SC that is not mucho expensive. I usually have to go back to DC to get my hair done. I will draw the line at hair sculpting; gold anything (blond too); and anything too outrageous.

Family Bed

Thank the heavens for big blessings.
I’m on bedrest, right, so it can get pretty boring at times. This evening my husband and daughter joined me in bed with a bag full popcorn and chocolate chips (What?! That is the treat for champions) to watch a film from my childhood, The Little Prince(1974). The babe fell asleep shortly into the film between us. Picture perfect.
While watching The Little Prince we came to realize that Michael Jackson totally bites off of Bob Fosse! I mean, I could be ignorant to the fact that possibly this is widly known already, but I was appalled to see such striking similarities. He even did the moonwalk in a very “Michael Jackson” like outfit!!! MJ was boasted as debuting the famous move on a Motown special in 1984 (which I remember taping on the family Betamax). The hubby and I were saddened to realize that MJ was not as unique in dance as we had assumed since childhood.
Watch the film and see for yourself! Besides the incriminating evidence on the self proclaimed king of pop, it is a tad trippy but a sober mind can defiantly enjoy it.