Friendship

How many friends do you have? I can count mine on one hand. There are people that I socialize with, and there are my true friends. My friends have been just that since childhood. There’s one friend that I did just about everything with in my teen years. She moved when we were in our early 20’s, and we stopped communicating. I’ve thought about her on many occasions. I would inquire about her when I saw relatives, but we never contacted each other.


She lost a son several years ago, her son and my daughter were a few months apart. I sent my condolences, still I never called her. I didn’t know what to say. Not only did she lose him, he was murdered by his girlfriend. More on this insane situation in another post.


I’ve thought about my far and few friendships over the course of the years. I really need to reach out more. This is something that I should have done years ago, but I put my focus on my daughter. Seriously, being a single parent can be an exhausting experience. My life and friendships went by the wayside.
Do you believe in second chances?  I do!  I’ve reconnected with the friend that I’ve been out of touch with for the pass 30 years.  How you ask?  We reconnected on Face Book. I woke up last week to a Friend Request from her.  I was elated.  I confirmed the Friend Request, we chatted on-line and she called me later.  It’s so amazing, we talked just like we did 30 years ago.  We vowed to never lose contact again.  It was a great reunion.  We talked about old times, our children and grandchildren, our failed marriages, and the murder of her son.  We’re planning to take a vacation together sometime in the near future.  I’m thankful for second chances.  I intend to do better with this friendship this time around.  Have you lost a friendship from neglect?  Leave us a comment on how you maintain your friendships. 

Fired For Being Beautiful

Don’t hate me for being beautiful. Yes, it seems that’s still happening in the world. Allegedly, it’s happening at Citibank. They don’t want beautiful women working for them because they’re too distracting. Here’s the story, according to Debrahlee Lorenzana, pictured above, she was fired for being “too hot”. From the pictures that I’ve seen, she is a very attractive lady. She’s 5’5, weighs 125 pounds and has a great shape. DebrahLee states where she comes from women dress up, put on makeup, and get their nails done to go to the supermarket. She’s from Puerto Rico, so her dress at the office is a part of who she is. Personally, I think women should take pride in themselves regardless of where they’re from. For some women its not a priority, but for those of us who do put it at the top of their list more power to them.

When I read the article I was in disbelief. This is 2010, lets get real. The world is full of beautiful women and beautiful women are now a part of corporate America. It seems that Citibank’s male managers and co-workers found her to be distracting. Supposedly, male co-workers complained that they could not focus on their work.  As a result, two male managers gave her a list of clothing she would not be allowed to wear. The list includes turtlenecks, pencils skirts, fitted suits and 3 inch heels. Are you kidding me. It is hard to believe that there are men that damn weak in Corporate America. It is absolutely one of the most ridiculous actions by a company that I have hear of.

As a woman in Corporate America, I have seen and experienced harassment by female co-workers as a result of the pride that I take in myself so I know dress can be an issue in the work environment. I received compliments from male co-workers, but never did I receive a complaint from a male co-worker nor was I called into the office by management as a result. Than again, I’m not built like a brick house either. Anyway because of the harassment I experienced, EEO was called into my area to do several presentations on diversity. The harassing employees were told if they continued, they would be fired from the company. The harassment stopped immediately.

Now I did not sport 3 inch heels in the office for several reasons: 1) 3 inch heels are not appropriate for the office and 2) I can’t walk in the SOBs anymore. I do own a turtle neck in every color and I wear then under my suits in the winter. Gives a very polished look. Besides, what is more covering than a turtleneck? Before I gained weight, I also wore pencil skirts and fitted suits. I’ve had to change my style, but suits, turtle necks, pencil skirts and fitted suits are worn in the office. It seems that the real problem is not the clothing for DebrahLee, this is a cover-up, it’s how she looks in these garments. She’s causing hard ons, lol.

I viewed several pictures of DebrahLee in her office attire, and I agree, she has a hell of a shape on her. Go on girl, strut your stuff. I’m not mad at you.

It seems Citibank’s lawsuits are piling up. Here’s another interesting case, a former employee who is Jewish, Dorly Hazan-Amir, is suing Citigroup for sexual discrinination. The men in the office took bets on how much weigh she would gain while she was pregnant, she was told that she could go a business trips when she learned how to play golf, and her boss stated that Jewish girls were turned on by men with beareds.

In my opinion, this country still has miles to travel on the diversity path and we really need to step up the education in the good old USA. It looks like we really need diversity training in Corporate America too. If this is what’s happening in our corporations, no wonder the country is in the state it’s in. People can’t make good judgements or do their job because they focusing on their erections and how someone looks in their clothing. Would love to hear your opinion on this one.

Curel Foot Cream Give Away

It’s sandal season ladies! If you’re going to wear sandals this summer, a pedicure is a most. There’s nothing worst than seeing a lady with cracked, calloused heels and chipped polish sporting a pair of sandals. I try to visit the salon regularly for manicures and pedicures, but there are times when I just can’t keep my appointment. If time and/or finances are not on your side, a home pedicure is a perfect solution. Don’t have time for a full pedicure, try Curel Foot Cream for silky smooth feet.

I fell in love with Curel products long ago. I’m a regular user of their body lotion. Several months ago, I was given the opportunity to review their hand and foot cream. I’ve been hooked on the foot cream since the review. I’m here to promote it again. Why? Because it works. High heels are a big part of my dress. At this stage of my life, I refuse to give them up. My feet pay a serious price as a result, so regular foot care is a must for me. I’ve tried many products over the course of the years, but none has worked like the Curel foot cream. It’s nice and thick and non-greasy. Curel recommends that their foot lotion be used at night. I apply it every night before bed to keep my feet silky smooth between pedicures. I actually noticed the difference in the feel of my feet within days of using the cream. If I have an event on the week-ends, I use extra foot cream. I apply it in the morning with a pair of old socks while I’m lounging around. You can find Curel Foot Therapy at your local drug store for $4.99 a tube. Can’t beat the price for the product. I love the fact that the tube is small enough for travel too. Beach season is here, I don’t have to leave it behind. Make Curel Foot Cream a part of your daily beauty routine, you’ll be glad you did.

You can be the winner of this great product by visiting Curel, and leaving us a comment on what other product you would like to try.

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This give away will end June 25, 2010 at mid-night. Give away is open to US Residents 18+ only. Two winners will be selected for this give away.

Radio Flyer Tricycle/Little Tikes Table Give Away

Radio Flyer Tricycle I had the privilege of working with a great company, CSN Stores, last year and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with them again. I am so excited, they have everything from bathroom vanities to great toys and games I didn’t know what to choose for this give away. This site has everything imaginable, I love it. I decided to choose items that I have purchased or would purchase for my grandson or granddaughter. I know my readers appreciate quality items at bargain prices as I do, so you’ll be excited about these finds.

I recently purchased the Radio Flyer Tricycle shown for my grandson’s Easter gift. I grew up with a Radio Flyer, and when I saw it I had to bring it home with me. It’s a classic, from the red paint to the streamers to the silver bell. I also love the fact that the company is still owned and operated by the founding family. Incredible since they’ve owned the company since 1917. My grandson adores this trike. He shows it to everyone, lol. I like the fact that the seat is adjustable on this model, which will allow the tricycle to grow with him. He’s turning 3 in September, so he’ll get lots of mileage out of this purchase. It’s recommended for ages 2 – 5. You can’t go wrong with this selection, its reputation is stellar and it has the following awards to back it:

  • Parents Choice Classic Winner
  • Parent’s Guide to Children’s Media Award Winner
  • The National Parenting Center’s Seal of Approval Winner

I’m also a big fan of Little Tikes. They deliver quality products, I own quite a few. Since summer is up on us, this picnic table caught my eye. It seats up to 8 children, which is perfect for my family gatherings. I love the fact that it can folded and stored during the winter or transported to other family member’s homes for their gatherings. We usually have at least 5 – 6 little ones running around at cook outs, Thanksgiving and Christmas. I can pull this table out and seat them in one area for meals and crafts. It too will have longevity, it’s suitable for ages 2 – 8.
You can be the winner of our Radio Flyer Trike or Little Tikes Picnic Table, you choose. Follow these 2 steps: 1) visit Toys and Games Online and leave us a comment on what catches your eye. 2) In the same comment let us know which of the two items, Trike or Picnic Table, you would like to win. We will randomly select a winner from the comments. Item will be shipped directly from the sponsor. Failure to follow these steps will result in disqualification, no exceptions.

Want extra entries? Do one or all of the following:

  • Write about this give away on your blog with a link back to Mother 2 Mother (5 entries)
  • Grab our Mother-2-Mother button and place it on your sidebar (3 entries)
  • Subscribe To Our Blog (left sidebar; 1 entry)
  • Follow Us On Twitter and tweet this give away (1 entry)
  • Vote For Us On Top Baby Blogs (left sidebar)
  • Comment on one of our posts (2 entries)

This give away will end June 23, 2010 at mid-night. Give away is open to US Residents 18+ only.

I’ve Made My Vacation Plans

Does this look delicious or what?  I’ll be basting in the sun on this beautiful beach next month.  Are you wondering where it is?  I will keep you in suspense not a moment longer, it is in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  I’m booked for a week, and I can’t wait to relieve my stress and strain on this sandy white beach.  Oh Cabana Boy!  Yes, bring it on.

I’m going to try an all inclusive vacation this time around.  I’ve always been leery of all inclusive vacations.  For some reason, I’m afraid I’m not going to get my money’s worth.  I think a big part of it is that I’m not in control of my money too.  Most people that I’ve talked to have been pleased with these type of deals, so I decided to take a risk.

I can’t wait to board that plane.  I’m looking for a few new swimsuits and sarongs to take.  I’m looking for a chocolate swimsuit in particular.  I plan to wear a yellow sarong with it, and of course the classic black swimsuit with a white sarong. One pieces of course, they would lock my ass up for sure if I wore a bikini on any beach.
I purchased several maxi dresses last year at the end of the season and I caught a few deals at TJ Max and Ross on several cute little numbers that will look great with leggings or alone. I’m hoping to lose another 5 lbs before we leave.  I’ll be walking and sweating like a pig for the next 30 days.  I want to stuff as little as possible into my swimsuits and dresses, lol.
Since this is my first trip to Puerto Vallarta I can’t tell you much about it now, but stayed tuned for lots of pictures when I return.  If it is as beautiful as Cancun my pictures will make a great scrapbook, another hobby of mine.
Would love to hear from you if you been to Puerto Vallarta.  If not, tell us about your vacation plans for the summer.

Quote of the Week

A child can ask questions that a wise man cannot answer. ~Author Unknown

I’ve Been Missing In Action

For those who follow my blog regularly, I’m sure you noticed that I have been Missing In Action.  I haven’t posted much this year. I’ve been feeling down for the past month or so, and my heart just hasn’t been in my blog. I actually thought about giving it up, but I’m starting to feel better and my passion for writing has re-emerged. I’ve learned not to make rash decisions, they have always come back to haunt me.  I think I just needed to take a break and reassess my life and priorities.
I’ve had a major change in my life, I’ve found myself single again. It’s not a bad thing, hell I’ve been single for most of life. I’ve been successful in every area of my life except for men.  I’ve wondered why.  It is me?  Relationships just don’t seem to be in the cards for me, so I’ve decided to continue to enjoy my role as mother, grandmother, manager, entrepreneur, traveler, scrapbooker, amateur photographer, gardener, true crime reader, product reviewer, and my list goes on.
I believe things happen for a reason, and I found the answer to my questions in a place that I’m sure we all frequent.  My niece posted this on Facebook this morning and it’s perfect for where I am in my life:

People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they’re right, you believe lies so you eventually learn to trust no one but yourself, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.

Such wisdom coming from this young lady.  Whatever happens in life, stay true to you.  You can learn from so many people, and you never know where you will find the answer to your questions.  With that in mind, I will continue to share my wisdom, joy, successes and failures, recipes, parenting tips and give aways.  You may find what you’re looking for right here at Mother 2 Mother. 
I’m thankful for each of you, and I hope that you will continue to support my blog.  I’ve missed you guys, but I’m back.  Stay tuned for more great posts from Mother-2-Mother.

Happy Mother’s Day

Happy Mother’s Day. I’ve been missing in action, but I wanted to take the time to wish all of my readers who are mothers or mother to be a Blessed and Happy Day.
Ever wonder how Mother’s Day came about? As the curious person that I am, I decided to research. I was quite surprised to find that the day originated in my state, West Virginia.  Anna Jarvis of Grafton, WV started Mother’s Day. It originally started as a memorial to her mother after she passed away in 1907.
She decided to campaign to make it a nationally recognized holiday. In 1914, she succeeded. By 1920, Anna Jarvis had become disappointed with the holiday she spent the rest of her life campaigning against it. As with everything in this country, it had become too commercialized. Businesses were promoting flowers, greeting cards and boxes of chocolates for Mother’s Day gifts. They were profiting from what was supposed to be a simple day to recognize mothers and all that they had done in their role. Anna was so upset with their greed that she was actually arrested for disturbing the peace while protesting one day. She stated that she wished she had never started the holiday. It is said that she became so bitter as a result of the commercialization, she died in poverty, unmarried, and without children. What a sad ending to what started as a beautiful tribute to her mother.

I agreed that we are the most commercialized country in the world. We tie a dollar bill to anything and everything in this country. Statistics show people will spend approximately $2.6 billion on flowers and $1.53 billion on pampering spa treatments, manicures and pedicures for Mother’s Day. I am being treated to a spa day today, and I will be taking my family up on their kind gesture.  I will also be wearing this fabulous perfume by Beyonce, Heat, that was given to me.  I think people should be able to spend their money how they choose, and the recipients of the gifts should enjoy the gifts if they choose. We all have a choice.  I guess if I was in Anna Jarvis’ shoes, my thoughts may be different. 
I’m grateful that Anna Jarvis started the holiday. I believe that we as mothers have a very important role in raising our children and grandchildren. On the other hand I believe that we shouldn’t just be recognized on the second Sunday of May, but we should be recognized every day. After all we are mothers every day for the rest of our life.
I hope that you spend the day relaxing and doing what you enjoy, and if you get a chance leave me a comment on yours thoughts of Anna Jarvis and Mother’s Day.

Veggie Spread/Dip

I served this wonderful veggie spread for Easter and it was a hit. I thought I would share it with my readers:

  • 1 8 oz. Philadelphia Cream Cheese
  • 4 – 6 oz of Sour Cream
  • 1/2 finely chopped Red Pepper
  • 1/2 finely chopped Yellow Pepper
  • 1 small finely chopped red onion
  • 6 – 8 broccoli flowerettes finely chopped (do not use the stems)
  • 1 – 2 4 oz packs of All Season Italian Dressing (Season to your taste)

Mix room temperature Cream Cheese and sour cream. Add in chopped vegetables and Italian dressing mix well. Chill for several hours and serve with an assortment of crackers and vegetables on a nice tray. Huge hit!

Another Catholic Sex Abuse Scandal

Another sex abuse scandal in the Catholic church. I find this appalling. It literally makes me sick to my stomach when I hear about these priests abusing our children. I want my readers to know that my anger has nothing to do with the Catholic religion itself, but it is directed to those in authority who abuse our children and those in authority who cover up the abuse. I know there are more who do good within our churches than those who do evil, but child sex abuse should never be ignored at any level. I also know that their have been innocent people accused of such heinous acts, but I believe that it has been proved that the majority of the time the victims do not lie about such acts.

I believe that allegations must be brought to light and dealt with in the appropriate manner. It’s a crime, and it should be dealt with as such. If true, I think it’s a shame that the Pope and everyone involved in the Catholic church sex abuse scandal could turn their back on our youth and ignore the fact that innocent children were and are being taken advantage of by pedophiles in leadership positions. This is been a topic of discussion for years, and here we are again.

If I ever found out that my grandson was molested/raped by anyone, I would fight until my death for justice. To find that it was someone within the church would only add fuel to my fire. There wouldn’t be enough of Holy Water to put out the fire that raged within me.

Can someone explain to me how anyone could stop the prosecution of a priest or anyone else who has admitted molesting at least 200 children over a 20 year period? How do you condone this type of violation? The explanation the church gave, They did not complete the process to defrock Father Murphy because he was elderly and in very poor health, and living in seclusion and no allegations of abuse had been reported in over 20 years.” How can this explanation be acceptable to anyone? The rapist/molester tells the man who is now the Pope, that he wants to live out the rest of his life in dignity. What about the dignity of the children who was molested.

I wonder how people who abuse and people who cover up the abuse go to sleep at night knowing that a parent placed their child under the trust and care of the church and they are being violated. I also wonder how anyone can cover for a man because he is now old and he hasn’t raped any other children over the last 20 years can sleep at night.

I listened to two of the victims who are now adults, and they stated that they both wrote notarized letters to the Catholic church detailing their abuse. Neither have been acknowledged. In God we trust. If you can’t trust your child in the church, where can you send them? I shudder to think about the amount of money that has been paid out to victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic church, but whatever the amount is it will never right the wrong. These children will suffer in some manner for the rest of their life. In spite of this, the bishops and cardinals are allowed to remain within the church and carry their titles forever. Now the lowly priests are removed, but most are just transferred to another church. What sense does this make, a child molester and rapist is what it is regardless of title.

I watched Doubt last week with Meryl Streep. She played that role, and the basis of the movie is what we’re discussing in this post. It happens over and over. I just can’t comprehend this sick act.

The violation of innocent children is unforgivable. I wonder how the parents in the Catholic church can stand for this. What’s up people? Those who violate innocent children should be brought to trial and thrown under the jail. Why should there be a cover up for priests, bishops and cardinals who violate innocent children. If I was a pedophile, I would have spent time in jail. They should have to do the same.

I would love to hear your opinion on this travesty of justice.