Shame On You, Toys 'R Us

Just a few short months ago, the Toys 'R Us store in Valley Stream expanded its walls and added a Babies 'R Us. Although about a year late for me since my youngest is now 2.5 years old and we are way out of the Babies 'R Us phase, with the exception of boo boo bags and a potty seat, I was rather happy to see business growth in the area. We attended the grand opening where my children met Wow Wow Wubzy, Martha Speaks, and a host of other characters from Nick Jr.

Now that we are in the season of gift giving, Toys 'R Us should be at its best with the appropriate number of cashiers among other staffers to help us find the latest Iron Man collectibles. Well, to my disappointment, I found this during my last visit.




Umm...how am I supposed to get my cart through here?


No sighting of an employee anywhere!




Really?




Shouldn't the person who brought this out put it back?

SHAME ON YOU!! Hopefully they'll get their act together ASAP!

I'm Back!

My head is still in a tailspin after working with my husband on his first political campaign for the last four months that I don't know where to begin! I decided to stop blogging just in case someone got wind of it and then decided to twist any info from my blog around to hurt his chances. Well, turns out that up until election weekend he as well as his opponent received very little press outside of the basic info which the press still managed to get wrong. I'll leave that for another day. I just hope you do your own fact checking on candidates before reading and believing everything you read in the newspapers which often get facts wrong. As a professional publicist I would know.

There are a few upcoming blogs I am excited to write about with the first being the weekend my husband and I spent the weekend after the election at Quintessentials Bed & Breakfast and Spa in East Marion, NY. What. A. Wonderful. Time! I am also planning what will be my daughter's final huge birthday party until she turns double digits and the difficult decisions that go into planning a party around the holidays. This Thursday, we are having guests for Thanksgiving and the pressure is on to NOT make anyone sick. I am planning to make a cherry cheesecake which I have been craving, and since Junior's Cheesecake is so far away I'm going to see if I can duplicate my mom's recipe she used to make years ago for our many church bake sales.

I have also decided to start a social group for girls who are entering into middle and high school which are two of the biggest times in a girls life. I want to help them with the transition period and help them realize their full potential by exposing them various opportunities at a young age. I have a history of directing pageants in two pageant systems with the most recent being Miss America. I love placing a crown on a girl's head but in the end I always felt bad that I couldn't give more than one girl a crown. I think all of our girls deserve a tiara/crown and by creating a program for girls I will be able to give them more than a trip to a state/national pageant. That doesn't mean I won't host a pageant as a fundraiser for the girls program. Once a pageant director, always a pageant director. It's in my blood. It's been two years since I've directed a pageant and the itch is getting to me.

The first blog will be coming soon which will include me sleeping in the same bed as Brad Pitt!

Somebody Please Send Me A Piece Of Cheescake!

We had a very long night last night. After spending a wonderful weekend in the Berkshires which is in Massachusetts, hubby and I drove home and ran smack dab into some serious NYC traffic. It was Father's Day and we wanted to make it back in time to have dinner with the kids and grandma. Well, that did not happen. After we finally made it back home, we were just too exhausted to head back out and really didn't want to be bothered with the dinner crowd. With two small children, a 20 minute wait can feel like eternity.

Sir Cole went to bed just fine at first but was disturbed later in the night as we were preparing for bed. He awoke with yet another night tantrum which is becoming all too regular. It was hard to put him back to bed and finally by about 1:30 a.m. he went down. Afterwards, I was unable to rest easy and finally settled down around 3 a.m. Did I mention that we usually rise about 7 a.m.? I shower before hubby leaves puffy eyes and all. While I walked around the house with one eye open guess who was fast asleep in his crib? Yep, Sir Cole. So yes, I awoke pretty cranky. I even missed my weekly treadmill training class. Things didn't get any better today until the kids and I took a trip to our village pool. The cool water washed my attitude away as I played with the kids. The sun was blaring and we all left a shade or two darker. However, I still need someone to send me a piece of cheesecake from Juniors. This is one thing I miss about moving out of Brooklyn. Here is the website in case you want to make my day. I only eat the cherry cheesecake. The tanginess of the cherries are the best!

Should I Give My Daughter A Trophy w/o Earning It?

Classic Dance Trophy: Crown Awards


This weekend my daughter will be tap and ballet dancing across the stage during her 2nd recital. Last year I was so excited and even shed a tear while standing and clapping profusely. I mean, come on she’s my baby, right? I’m entitled to go over the top. Last year her class started with three girls and in the end there were just two of them so naturally, the two being all of three years old stole the show. This year she is one of about 12 girls and they are all so adorable. As we were preparing for bed tonight, I noticed her tapping on top of my son’s training toilet so I know she’s ready. Actually ever since last year’s recital she has done nothing short of talked about getting back on the “dance stage” which is how she describes the recital.




Last year, she noticed that some of the other dancers in the school were given a trophy. They were awarded a trophy for dancing with the school for three years. Although we presented her with a bouquet of flowers, she really wanted a trophy. While I did not run out and have a trophy made, I admit in the back of my mind I have continued to think whether or not it made sense to buy her one this year. Being a former pageant director, I know right where to go, how long it will take and how much it will cost. But is it a good thing to get her a trophy without earning it according to the dance school’s rules and regulations? I want her to understand what it means to accomplish something and what has to be done to achieve it. On the other hand, because of the nastiness we witnessed from the owner of the school, I’m not so sure if we’ll attend this school next year. So I’m not sure what to do. When and if we switch schools she may have to start all over again and may feel she will never receive a trophy.


What would you do?

What's Going On This Week

I'm constantly thinking of new blogs to write but for now I'm away from the computer for a few days. The few posts you have seen this week were written last weekend and set up to post each day. I love this option on Blogger. I may just start writing up my posts over the weekend and setting them up to post daily.










Anyhoo...I've been reading up on the life of Michelle Obama First Lady of Hope, an unauthorized bio, but nontheless I am learning small tidbits about her mothering and life as a teen. I'm still planning the ice cream social for a U.S. Senator here in my state, and still on the fence about giving my son a birthday party for his second birthday. I also received an awesome call which I'll tell you about on my other blog later.

Highlights of my week have been:

• My son is showing signs of potty training readiness
• My son is fighting bedtime regularly which is not a good thing
• My daughter and I are starting to hold real conversations which are very interesting
• My daughter recently discovered ABC Family and is being sucked in by commercials
• I am realizing that my kids watch too much TV and my 23 month old son knows how to channel surf
• I have less than 30 days to make a major decision so send your prayers my way that I make the right decision for me, my children, and my family

Happy Memorial Day

Below is a link to a great video and brief history lesson for those who only think Memorial Day is for BBQ's and sales. I come from a family who has served in various branches of the Military. My grandfather served in the Navy, my newphew recently enlisted in the Navy, my sister, cousin, uncle and aunt served in the Army, and a cousin served in the Marines. I am proud of all of them. I have not served in the military but was proud to work amongst Army personnel and college students in the Army Reserves while working as a civilian/student at my college campus ROTC for a few years during Dessert Storm.

According to History.com, Memorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, commemorates the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, at least, it marks the beginning of summer.

It's also my mother's 62nd birthday!! Happy Birthday, Mom!!

History of Memorial Day Video — History.com#history-of-memorial-day#history-of-memorial-day

*Give Away Alert: What's Hiding In YOUR Purse?

Last week I read a posting on Jean Chatzke’s Face Book page that said she was searching for women who had at least $1,000 in their closet. I did not read any further than that but I assumed she was talking about clothing that still had tags on it, items that were not used much which could be sold for money, etc. Reading this prompted me to clean out my purse. I once heard Suzy Orman say on Oprah years ago that your wallet is an indication of how chaotic your life is. I work hard at keeping my purse and wallet clean. Sometimes I do a good job and other times I don’t. I dumped my purse contents on the floor and this is what I found.








I did not find much cash because I usually don’t carry much cash. If I have it available I’ll find silly ways to spend it. Usually I spend it on food because I don’t always want to eat at home. This could explain the few pounds I have put on lately, but I have made conscience effort to select grilled items, salads, and sushi when available. After calling all of the 1-800 or 1-877 numbers on the back of the cards, I discovered that hidden in my purse was $134.77!!



Friday’s $25
Bed Bath & Beyond $20
Bear Bucks $25
Cold Stone Creamery $10
Borders $10
Saks Fifth Avenue $34.77 (down from $250)
Applebees $10


My plans for the gift cards will be to:

1. Take the kids to Borders this week to pick out a few books
2. Take Olivia to Cold Stone Creamery and Build-A-Bear Workshop on a Mommy/Daughter Date (they're hers anyway)
3. The family could go to Friday's for dinner or lunch on an upcoming weekend
4. Maybe I'll send my husband some of these from Saks Fifth Avenue online
5. We are in the market for a few kitchen items which is perfect from Bed Bath and Beyond
6. If you become a "Follower" of my blog or send some friends my way if you're already a follower, I'll enter your name in a raffle to win the Applebees gift card! Every bit counts, right?

Time to clean out your purse/wallet!

5 Random Things About Me You Didn't Know

I got this cute idea from ChanelCraves.com and thought I would do the same. Don't judge me...

1. I once danced back up for Weird Al Yankovich (one concert only)

2. I secretly want to sing the National Anthem for a professional sporting event

3. My husband is four years younger than I (I am officially NOT a cougar)

4. I have the perfect all American family (hubby, son, and daughter) sans the dog (hubs is allergic)

5. I wish I could apply eyelashes and eye make up flawlessly

A Sad & Glorious Day

Today at 11 a.m. we will be laying my dear Aunt Lordonia Coleman to rest in Toledo, OH. She is my Great Aunt on my father's side and is related to the family by marriage. Her deceased husband, my Uncle Percy, preceded her in death many years ago when I was a little girl. Although I call her Aunt, I saw her more of a grandmother on my father's side. My father's mother, Rachel Purify, died when he was 17 years old from TB about 10+ years before my birth. My dad was raised by my great grandmother, Indiana Purify, who also passed before my birth. So Aunt Lordonia was the only woman from his side of the family who I would consider to be a grandmother.

She was a hard worker in our church growing up. She was always with us on holidays. She made the best sweet potatoes ever which I could never duplicate. I'm still trying. At the age of 19 years old, she helped me buy a car. I needed a co-signer. I was late on a few payments and unlike dodging a debt collector, I saw her every week so I had no choice but to face her. My payment was just over $100 so I had no excuse. She would come up to me at church and say, "So, whatcha' got to tell me now?" A friend and I laughed about this after hearing of her death. The way she said it was so memorable. She then paid the car off for me but I still had to make the payments to her. Which I did. On time.

After she had fallen ill, my family kept me in the loop about her health. When she was placed into a nursing home, I told everyone I would fly back to visit her in May. I had an extremely busy March and April and didn't think I could leave until then. I'm so glad they encouraged me to come early. When I went to visit her, she didn't recognize me which was okay. But the next day I went to visit, she asked about my son. I was excited that she remembered me! Toward the end of the visit, I had to walk out of the room as my sister fed her. I new that would be my last visit with my Aunt Lordonia before the passed. I was at peace knowing that a woman of God had lived a life of longevity, over 90 years to be exact, and went to eternal rest with those who loved and cared for her by her bedside. I'm glad she got in one more Mother's Day.

We'll miss you Aunt Lordonia!

A Date with the Ballet

As many of you know, hubby and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary this Monday, May 3, 2010. Honestly, time has flown by. We have been blessed beyond measure and not once have we allowed any outside influences, or "spirits" as it was called in pre-marital counseling, to affect our relationship. How, you ask? We communicate. This may sound cliche, but communication really is key. More on that later.

We originally wanted to take a weekend trip to Boston, MA to celebrate but because we didn't have anyone who was able to watch our crumb snatchers the entire weekend, we decided to reschedule the trip. Instead, my husband was given two, second row tickets to the New York City Ballet by a colleague whose husband plays in the orchestra. We knew we wouldn't be able to celebrate our anniversary on our actual anniversary so celebrated it on Sunday, May 2nd. We attended church, and then had lunch with the family which also includes grandma who visits with us every Sunday. Afterwards, we put the kids down for a nap and quietly left for our 2:10 p.m. train to Manhattan. We entered the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center as the lights were dimmed sliding into our fabulous seats just in time for the first concerto. Ahhhh-mazing!

Not only was the performance breathtaking, but the music was calming as well. I appreciate the hard work the performers displayed often thinking of how much work it took for them to get to this point. While I was disppointed that I did not see any Black women, I was happy to see an Asian, Latina, and Black male dancer. However, it was a bit disturbing to see that one of the female principles looked extremely thin. So thin that I would bet she was anorexic or bulimic. Seeing her awarded a coveted position with a prestigious company and treating her body this way was very disturbing. I have a daughter who takes ballet. I do not want this woman as a role model for my daughter. I want her to learn ballet for the discipline and graceful movement it teaches but not to the point of developing an eating disorder.

We both enjoyed the performance but the costuming was extremely dull. We attended the very first performance of the new season so I wonder if this was some type of public dress rehearsal to get the kinks out. Maybe the costumes weren't complete yet? I don't know but I hope they change the costumes because the dull colors on such a beautiful stage made us a bit drowsy during the Four Temperaments. We rejuved during the two 20 minute intermissions with a walk outside to view the fountain at Lincoln Center and to inhale fresh air. Adjacent to the fountain is Avery Fisher Hall where my husband graduated from Columbia Law School in 2001 which brought back memories.

After the first performance, I immediately sent a text to some friends who have daughters saying that we have to bring our girls to a performance. It's very important that we expose our children to culture. To date, my daughter has already attended several performances at Carnegie Hall, Radio City Music Hall, recently met the Queen of Jordan, and has travelled outside of the country twice thus far. To some that's not alot but it's more than what I did before I turned 4 (that I can remember).

Enjoy your day!

Michelle Obama Reveals Malia's Upcoming Laundry Chores

Photo taken from HuffingtonPost.com

Today's children have a sense of entitlement about them. I see that in my four year old daughter already. Her father and I are beginning to discuss how to handle this before it gets out of control. We usually get her what she wants but are beginning to teach her that if she does random acts of kindness, or eats all of her dinner, puts her dish in the sink, or picks up after herself she will get a silver star on the chart. Once she accumulates many stars we then grant her wish. She needs to know that she needs to work for what she wants. I do not want to raise a bratty child. I am not having that. My children will not embarrass me in public. Our children have more than we have ever had at this young age. They have TVs, XBox, IPods, cell phones, and lap tops in their rooms all before the age of 8. I also think it's time that my daughter starts doing household chores. While it's fun to mop or play like she's mopping, I want to ride the wave before she realizes she's doing a chore and assign her a daily task. No, I won't have her mop but she can do something like emptying a few small garbage cans, right? What about picking up her toys in her room or the family room? You have to start somewhere, right? Even the Obama girls have responsibilities and they have a full-time staff to wait on them hand and foot.

Michelle Obama Reveals Malia's Upcoming Laundry Chores

Friends: How Many of Them Are REAL?

Last week I saw “Why Did I Get Married Too.” The scene that truly got to me was when all the ladies sat on the step with Patricia, played by Janet Jackson, in silence. That spoke volumes to me. She didn’t want to talk about her feelings. Her friends didn’t want to leave her in the state that she was in. All they did was sit and hug. That was true friendship. I don’t think my husband noticed, but I got very emotional. I actually bit my lip hoping to fight the tears back. The last movie that evoked such emotion in me was “The Color Purple.”


World's Most Famous BFF's

I have become a bit too familiar with the behavioural de-escalation of friendships. This is where a friend avoids contact or sees/speaks to you less often. Is there really a good reason for this? Can't the friend just say I need space or this relationship is taking more than it's giving? Geez, make something but just say SOMETHING!! Usually, it's not me but it's them. On one occasion, the friend said she was going through something and cut off contact with many people. That's fair, but let me know next time.


Beaches: A Story of Friendship

On different occasions I have been told that friendships should be viewed in levels. Everyone can’t be a best friend, a good friend, or even a real friend. I’m smart enough to know that everyone isn’t your real friend. Can we be good friends with more than one person? How many people should we share our innermost feelings with?


A wonderful group of women embraced me a few years ago and I am forever grateful for them. You know who you are. I'm sure we're friends because of what is called the Repulsion Hypothesis. This is where we choose friends with similar attitudes to us be it marriage, parenting, religious views, etc. I have friends I can talk to about marriage. I have friends I can talk to about motherhood/parenting. I have “been there, done that, got the t-shirt” friends who can advise me on various issues. I have pageant friends I can talk with. I have a friend who I can talk to pretty much about anything. I have friends who I can call on to talk me off the ledge (figuratively) when I’m ready to do some damage. Some friends I talk to weekly, monthly or yearly. Nonetheless, we’re still friends. If a friend wants to downgrade a relationship or put it on ice for awhile, give the respect of calling, emailing me or courier pigeon a note to tell them they’re on hiatus. When you call to rekindle the friendship, don’t assume the friend will be ready, willing, or able. Does a real friend treat you like that?

(RealityTV.com) Both fame and maturity/immaturity broke up these BFF's

Friendships/Relationships change at different phases of life. From middle to high school, from high school to college, and from single life to married life. Sometimes friends with children seek friendships with others with children leaving little time for friends without children. Friends come and go when you find/lose success. Friends come and go when wealth increases/decreases, and when celebrity increases/decreases. A married friend can’t confide in a single friend about the challenges of marriage. A mother cannot confide in a childless friend about the challenges of motherhood. A happily married friend cannot share her marital bliss with a divorced friend. People flock to what’s familiar and sometimes what’s easy. Convenient? I don’t know….

I've let friends go because we did not share the same values. I've lost friends for reasons that are unbeknownst to me. Maybe we didn't view the relationship the same or maybe she didn't know how to tell me she wanted to "break up" with me. A true friend always makes time for you. Will your friend answer your call at 3 a.m. in the morning? Call and find out.

So Far....

I have just 10 minutes to wake my son, put on his sneakers and jacket, finish dinner and type this post before I have to leave to pick up my daughter. Let's see what I'm made of.

It's a beautiful day out. The morning started with me awaking at 6:40 a.m. so I could run downstairs to do a 20 minute yoga workout. Before I hit the stairs, I was greeted by my 4 year old who now says good morning before her list of demands begin. When does this girl awake? The bathroom light was on so that's proof she went potty on her own without waking my husband and I to tell us she has to go potty. That took us months to get her to do that. Anyway, I managed to get my workout on, read the morning headlines before tidying the kitchen and taking my daughter her morning OJ. I have 3 minutes left to finish.

So far, I have taken the kids to the library for story/art time, Target for a few items, picked up some lunch (Pizza from Pizza Hut @ Target), dropped my daughter off at pre-k, put my son down for a nap, finished watching yesterday's Oprah with Octomom (this chick is living unrealistically...more on that later), prepared a pork loin something or other which turned my stomach as I removed it from the package (hope it tastes better than it looks), and put on a pot of green beans seasoned with turkey. Oh, I even managed to have a serious convo with the hubby about a few things. Nothing serious. We're still heading for our seven year (itch) anniversary May 3rd.

That's my day thus far in a nutshell. I'm not exhausted but still have to receive the babysitter at 3:30p, file my biz paperwork with the state of NY for my etiquette program, take my daughter to soccer practice (she better play), and get my hair done at 7 p.m. What have you done today? (I went one minute over but I'll still make it to her school in time. I also set my home alarm for any thieves out there.) Shoot...the phone just rang. Thank God for caller ID. Best invention ever...

Smooches!