Let it flow

Ummmmmm I don't have nofin to talk about. I'm busy getting ready for my vacation that starts on Saturday. I've also been so tired lately that I don't feel like thinking. I got my blood test results back... I sure am healthy :) It's amazing that all growing up I had super high cholesterol and now that I'm out on my own, my cholesterol is normal. I think it's because I eat such diverse foods now. Growing up my daddy only liked soul food and seafood so that's what we mostly ate. We never had Italian nights, Mexican nights, all veggie nights, breakfast for dinner nights, or oops I forgot to eat nights. I got a lot of new earrings these past 2 weeks. Just little cheap stuff from Target and Forever 21. I'll try and take pictures. My mommy did the big chop. Did I tell y'all that? Well she's bald like Solange now :) It looks really nice on her. If only she would have listened from the beginning when I told her to do this. Every person that sees her tells her how much she looks like her sister Betty now. They really could be twins.  I'm hoping I can schedule all these recipe posts for while I'm on vacation. I have been having much success in the kitchen lately. Last night I had some great potato wedges. I've been on a hunt for a nail polish color I saw on Tiny & Toya {don't judge me} and I found it yesterday. I keep trying to take a picture but it comes out green in the photos. I have my doctor's appointment today about my stupid swollen big toe. I sure hope we can get this fixed because if TheCount makes fun of my big big toe one more time I'm going to break his pinkie. Yesterday I had to tell this man off. He was following me around the mall asking can he see me again (sir, I really wish you hadn't seen me the first time). I told him I was married and he told me he was too and held up his hand so I could see the ring. How dare you! You are a worthless waste of a man. He hit me with this line, "it's good to share." I promise y'all I almost jumped in my car and ran him over. You may not respect your marriage covenant, but I respect mine. How dare you! Ugggh, I'm getting mad all over again.

Choose Wisely

The doctor's office is not a good place to try and find a potential mate- unless you're pursuing the staff. Seriously dude, I was there for bloodwork, you don't know WHAT I might have, lol.

 

Reason 34759 why I love my doctor's office: Left work at 11:45 a.m. got my bloodwork done, went to baja fresh, ordered and received my food and was back at my desk by 12:20. Awesomeness :) Reason 34760 why I love my doctor's office: the man did not argue with me when I asked him to draw the blood from my hand and not my arm. I used to leave my old doctor's office looking like a drug addict from all the times the woman jabbed me trying to make the blood come from my arms.

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There are some Betsey Johnson (I kept typing Betsy Ross, where is my head?) rose bud earring studs that I really, really want. I asked my mommy to get them for me (since neither her nor my daddy got me a birthday present- 2 years in a row), she laughed in my face. This is the woman who told me target earrings were too expensive ($8 and under fyi). When I told her the other earrings were $25, my aunt joined in the laughter. Now, I'm cheap, but $25? Come on y'all, that ain't nothing!

 

Did I mention that while they were laughing in my face we were dining on a bushel of crabs, 10 pounds of crab legs, and fresh never frozen fried fish. I guess they prefer to poop their money away, rather than wear it.

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I'm pretty sure I have a picture of me from the wedding Saturday (the bride's earrings were baddddd y'all)- I have to check the camera. I was too busy setting up the dang reception because the caterer was a horribly evil and late person. Ohhhh, I set up the cake too. Would you believe this isn't the first time I've gone to a wedding and ended up setting up the reception? I refuse to have a bride come out on her happy day and be disappointed at what she sees. TheCount said he isn't riding with me to receptions anymore, lol.

 

This guy at the reception tried to holla at me by helping me put down the tablecloths and explaining how he was one of the last real gentlemen. Dude, gentlemen don't announce their deeds, they just handle their business.

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Speaking of gentlemen, my aunt told me she was falling in love with TheCount. Why?  Yesterday at the crab feast, TheCount had to leave to go do the lights at church for a program. I went in the house and fell asleep. When TheCount came back, they were cleaning up. My aunt was walking across the backyard carrying a basket. TheCount saw her, went and took it from her and carried it into the house. She was amazed. My aunt's boyfriend was like, "I asked if you wanted help!" She told him that TheCount didn't waste time asking questions, he just handled his business. She also squealed with glee when TheCount put down his cake and stood up and hugged her when she came over to say goodbye. Auntie, what kind of lame-o's have you been dating during your 60 years of life that you don't consider that behavior normal? I think I need to keep my eye on that old woman. She might be checkin' for my man!

Take 2

Last night TheCount took me out to dinner again to make up for the disaster that was The Crab Shanty. Have I mentioned lately that TheCount is the most awesomest of awesome people? Well he is. The make up dinner was at The Coho Grill. TCG is located on a golf course- which will lead to another funny story later. Most of the people there were very old and dressed in their Izod gear, but everybody was friendly. Our food was delicious! I so wish we had gone here on my actual birthday (especially since burgers were half price that night- we would have saved 75% of our money). Anyway, we had chicken nachos for an appetizer. It was a huge portion and topped with white chili, chicken, salsa, jalapenos, and sour cream. From what I saw, all of the appetizers were big enough to be an entree. I got scampi Fra Diavolo- eight jumbo garlicky shrimp spiced up with a touch of heat tossed with linguini and served with a Caesar salad, I just realized I didn't get a caesar salad with my meal. TheCount first ordered Linguini Misti gulf shrimp, chicken, Italian sausage, artichokes, broccoli and red peppers tossed with pasta in a light scampi sauce. Served with a caesar salad- hey, he didn't get a salad either. Anyway, here's one thing about TheCount- he doesn't do light sauce. He really likes sauce, so he hated the food because it wasn't covered in the sauce. It was like an herb broth. In my opinion, it was delicious. He hated it so much, he sent it back and ordered Asiago Chicken, pan seared chicken breast topped with Asiago cheese, crispy prosciutto and fresh sage, served over risotto with tomatoes and roasted garlic. He loved it, although if that's the only thing you ordered, it would probably leave you hungry. I had warm pecan pie and ice cream for dessert, because they had a sign saying it was rated #1 in the nation. I've never had pecan pie before, so I can't tell you if they lived up to their claim. It certainly was the best I'd ever had. All in all, I definitely recommend The Coho Grill located in Columbia, MD.

 

Funny Story: When we were leaving, TheCount turned the wrong way and I didn't notice. I look up and see a no outlet sign, so I point it out to him. I don't know if he wasn't listening, or if he didn't realize what that sign meant, and he kept going. We drove past an old woman walking her dog and she was just looking at us. TheCount then decides to turn down a side road and start driving. I was like, "babe, there is no outlet, you cannot get out from anywhere down here if you don't go back." Then I look around, this fool is driving on the golf cart trail. He didn't realize this road was unnaturally narrow and winding all around? He didn't notice the extremely lush greens? The lady was just standing in the street staring at us wondering what was going on. I was so embarrassed I ducked down in the seat. TheCount was cracking up because he was describing the lady's face and trying to back up down the trail so we could get out of there before somebody called the cops.

I wonder if the people in the office building across from me watch me like I watch them?

It's a rainy day here. One of those dark, dreary days that make you want to curl up on the couch wrapped up in a blanket and watch t.v. and rest all day long.

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I want a peach-pineapple smoothie so bad right now, I think I'm going to research that as soon as I finish this.

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Last night, in the nursery at church, my most favorite baby in all the world had me cracking up. When he first got there, he stood in the middle of the floor and wouldn't move. He just stood there looking at us as if he was trying to process what was going on. After about 20 minutes of that, he just took off. He started running and jumping over everything in super speed mode. It was crazy! We all sat there wide eyed and checked to make sure nobody slipped him any drugs or anything. He looked like the scene from Daddy Day Care after they let the kids eat candy for lunch.

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In a not so happy nursery note, we had to ban a baby from the nursery. She was just way too violent and attacked kids 3 weeks in row. Her mom was kind of mad about it, but the dad understood. Every single week we had to fill out incident reports and show parents bites/bumps/scratches. Not safe and really hard to do. Thankfully none of the parents were mad, but the last parent was only o.k. after knowing the girl wouldn't be back in there. I think they should just let her go ahead into the 2 year old class, it's a lot more structured (and the kids are bigger- they might beat her back).

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I really like doing things for other people. Why? Because I am super selfish and self absorbed. If I'm not doing for others then I sit around and think about how others should do for me- not a becoming trait at all! If I focus on somebody else, I can't focus on me and that's a lesson a need to learn- In the end, it's not about me.

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My church is having community day this weekend. Free haircuts, free school supplies, a carnival, and some other stuff. If you live in the DC-MD area and want some info- email me.

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I know 3 mothers that are looking at their adult daughters and saying: "I didn't raise her to be like that." They say it aloud, and they say it often (why do people feel they need to justify themselves to me). Their daughters are all older than me raising their own children- but I look at the situation and want to say to their moms, yes you did. Children follow examples, not words. In each situation I can clearly point out defining decisions that led their daughters to be the way they are. I wasn't even around while they were being raised, but it's clear as day to me, how can they not see it? 

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Parents that constantly scream and hit their kids get mad that their children are angry all the time, ummm it's what you show them on a daily basis! I'm not saying don't beat your kids or anything like that, but discipline out of love and correction, not anger. You can't be yelling the lesson to them as you're beating them- it won't be received. Don't believe me? Keep doing it and see in 20 years won't you be saying, "I didn't raise them to be like that."

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No judgement zone, I just need answers: You have to take your 4 year old to the hospital. You leave your 11 year old and two 10 year olds at the house alone. Fine, they stay home everyday while you're at work anyway and the neighbor comes over every few hours to make sure they aren't going wild. You stay at the hospital for 2 days. You don't call your kids once, and don't answer when they call you. WTH(eck)? Their grandmother goes to the house because they keep calling her wondering what's going on and they keep saying they're hungry. She gets to the house and the only food there is 2 boxes of cereal. WTH? You have got to do better.

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Parents: When you leave your kids home during the summer, leave them specific assignments to do. Worksheets, workbooks, book readings and/or reports that MUST be done in their entirety and correctly before you get home. It teaches them discipline, keeps them from being too idle, and it ensures they are learning. Disconnect the internet and block certain channels too.Especially if your kids have ALL been left back a grade. Seriously.

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I'm about to have my own reality show. I'm going to come in your life, observe you for a week and then fix everything that's wrong with you over the next 3 weeks. One family at a time, I'm going to fix this stupid world.

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TheCount pointed out to me yesterday that I never think I'm wrong. As I was arguing him down, I kind of proved his point. He's right, I can't sit here and think of one time that I actually thought I was wrong. Sigh...I'll kick my reality show off after I actually learn and process that it's not about me.

Please don't ignore the table full of black people at your establishment

Let's put it this way, my 24th birthday will not be remembered as one of my top 10 birthday's. I don't think it'll even make the top 20 list, but it's all good.

 

I'll be brief because my mood is not pleasant right now and I don't want to come off as ungrateful. We went to The Crab Shanty for dinner last night, a restaurant I had been wanting to try. The service was horrible, we requested the manager many times, the manager never came. My food was nasty and I spent the night on the couch crying because my stomach hurt so bad. Anyway, the one time our waitress actually came to our table,at which point I was the only person with a plate left, and all drink cups were empty,  this conversation occurred:

 

Barbie: (to me) Are you all finished with your plate?

Me: Yes

Mom: You're not going to eat the rest of your fish?

Me: (in disgust) Ma please, they got this fish from Wendy's

Barbie: mouth falls open as she stares at me

Everybody at Table: BWWHAHAHAHAHAHAH- Did that just happen?

Me: I'm sorry, what's funny?

Waitress: nervous giggle, walk away, don't come back for 20 minutes even though all of our plates had been cleared.

 

For a $25 seafood platter, I'm sorry but I expect something better than lukewarm, non seasoned food. I'm sorry I had to insult Wendy's, but that piece of fish looked worse and more processed than McDonald's filet o fish sandwiches.

 

Moral of the story: NEVER, EVER EAT AT THE CRAB SHANTY in Ellicott City, Maryland. You have been warned.

 

Question: Would you be offended if your waitress calculated out the tip and wrote it on your receipt? Not like when the restaurant prints it on there for you, but actually in big pink marker, calculates 18% gratuity and writes that, along with the new total, on your receipt.

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!

Today starts the beginning of 24: The Year of Glamour! Hopefully I'll have pictures to show you guys from the festivities. My coworkers are taking me to my favorite Mexican restaurant for lunch, and TheCount and family are taking me out to dinner. Oh how I love birthdays! My dad has called me 4 times this morning to say happy birthday, I think he just wanted to hear it back. This is going to be a great year!

 

p.s. pray for my nephew, he's 4 and in the hospital with pneumonia. Let's pray for healing, thanks!

It Is My Birth Month!

I looooveeeee birthdays. Fortunately, my family has always made a big deal out of them. Since my dad and I were both born on August 4 and my sister was born on August 5, we always had grand joint celebrations. This year, we threw my sister a surprise party/cookout. She came home from FAMU last week so we got everybody to come over Saturday and had a grand time. Unfortunately, my sister acted like a jerk the whole time she was home, so I didn't really enjoy her company, but it's ok because I'm turning 24 tomorrow :) In true over dramatic TM fashion, I have lined up a series of events to celebrate and I have dubbed the series, "It is my birth month!" {note: that has to be read in the voice of the butler from Mr. Deeds. If you don't know what I'm talking about, rent the movie and pay attention toward the end.} Anyway here we go:

 

August 1: Surprise Birthday Cookout for my sister.

August 2: We went shopping. Y'all know how hard it is for TheCount to spend money, so I had to show him how much I can get for the money, lol. He first put me on a 3 outfit limit, but I convinced him to change it to a monetary limit instead. I got a pair of jeans, work pants, capri's, 5 shirts, a wallet, and some earrings, with $25 left. Oh, and I get to keep both the dresses y'all liked from last week (I never  bought dress #2. I just wanted to make sure I was getting honest feedback from y'all)

August 4: It is my birthday! We're going out to eat. Somewhere, with some people. Who? I have no clue. But I love food, so I'll love it.

August 8: A wedding. This probably shouldn't count as part of my Birth Month celebration, but since I got to buy all new stuff for it, I'll include it.

August 10: Howard County Fair. I love the fair, all the food, food, and food. Seriously, I'm giddy just thinking about it.

August 14: Montgomery County Fair- see previous line

August 15-21: Cruising.... Bahamas, Grand Cayman Islands, Mexico. Food, food, and beaches. How wonderful!

August 22: Redskins vs. Steelers pre-season game. TheCount's favorite team against my favorite team

August 29: Philadelphia: A walking food tour. Let me tell you guys about a life long goal of mine. To go to each state and eat the food it's famous for. City by city, I'll eat my way around the country. When we go to Philly, I will have cheesteaks, pizza, and Ice Cream. We already have the cheesesteak and pizza place picked out thanks to Food Network, but I haven't researched ice cream yet, it may be replaced with a different sweet treat.

 

There you have it, my birth month celebration! See you guys tomorrow at my internet birthday bash!