Would You Have A One Night Stand?


!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?’http’:’https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+’://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js’;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, ‘script’, ‘twitter-wjs’);

I had drinks with my girls over the week-end.  We always engage in interesting conversations during our gatherings and this week-end was no exception.   The single ladies debated whether they would have a one night stand or hook up.   Several said they would and several said they would not.  Wondering what my position was?  I said no regardless of whether a condom was used or not. 
As much as I enjoy sex, I was not that trusting of another person at this stage of my life.  Now don’t get me wrong, I believe that 2 consenting adults should do whatever turns them on.  I’m just not willing to put my life in the hands of someone for an organism.  I understand that dating as a single parent can be difficult and hooking up is an option, but personally I don’t believe that a one night stand would be satisfying. 

Twenty years ago my position may have been different as a single woman, but I’m just to afraid to take this kind of chance now.  Several of the single ladies believed that a condom would prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.  I stated that condoms were not 100%.  They do break at times, and it would be my luck that I would be the one that it would happen to. 

I’ve found that as I’ve gotten older and a little wiser, my outlook on life has changed.  My willingness to take chances has dwindled and I’m more cautious with who I socialize with.  The fact that I have a security clearance also plays a role in that.  My job requires a credit and background check, so it’s important that I come out squeaky clean and disease free.  

I also believe that my years as a teenage mother plays a role in my perspective.  I have learned to choose wisely or at least put some thought into my decision making.  This includes my sexual encounters.  Would you have a one night stand if you were single? 

I Love Lucy I Really Do


!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?’http’:’https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+’://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js’;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, ‘script’, ‘twitter-wjs’);

 The I LOVE LUCY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL, a one-hour special featuring two newly colorized back-to-back classic episodes of the 1950s series, will be broadcast Friday, Dec. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

I Love Lucy I really do.  For all the I Love Lucy Fans, CBS will be showing back to back Christmas episodes of I Love Lucy December 20 at 8:00 pm.  The kicker, they will be in color.  I started watching I Love Lucy as a little girl with my mother.  I remember those days vividly.  She would pick that time to do her ironing.  Back in those days, everything was ironed.  Pillow cases, jeans, curtains everything.  Not only did she iron everything, she used a ringer washer to
do laundry and hang everything on a clothes line to dry. I remember removing towels, sheets and jeans that were frozen and stiff as boards.  They had to thaw out in the house, haha.  Can you imagine women doing that these days.

On set photo from "Cuban Pals" episode (1952).


                                                 
I watch reruns of Lucy on Saturday mornings on the Hallmark Channel.  I’m looking forward to watching the Christmas episodes, especially in color.  I think I’m fond of programs from that era because they come from a much calmer period of time.  There were shows like Mr. Ed, Green Acres and Petticoat Junction.  The big soap opera back than was Dark Shadows with Barnabas Collins.  Barnabas was a vampire.  I knew that two thing would happen at 4:00, Dark Shadows would on and mom would be starting dinner.   

Now that I’ve gotten older and I’m watching the reruns, I think Lucille Ball was a beautiful women, and I loved the clothing that she wore.  I wish they would show all the reruns in color.   The 60’s were a time when stay at home moms were glamorous.  That’s not what was going on in my home, but it was fun watching it on TV.  My mom worked hard, and she didn’t wear high heels or make-up when she was cleaning house and raising 7 children.  I remember my mom laughing and laughing when Lucy was on.  She would usually have me coloring, baking a cake in my Easy Bake Oven or playing with my paper dolls.

                                                        

I now understand the laughter from mom.  It seemed that life was much calmer during that time period and you could see the beauty and humor in things more clearly.  Lucille Ball was a talented woman.  I can also see why she fell in love with Desi Arnaz, such a handsome man, and great actor too. 

                                                                           

I have to  give side kicks, Fred and Ethel Mertz, their props.  They were a great addition to the show.  Although they were portrayed as older, William Frawley was frugal and Vivian Vance frumpy, they were a big part of the show’s success.  I’m looking to seeing these episodes in color, and for all the I Love Lucy fans out there, mark your calendar.                                    

Kindle e-Book Review – The Prince’s Nanny

romance book reviews

I love romance books as much as I love true crime books.  I seem to be downloading quite a few romance novels on my Kindle.  The Prince’s Nanny was on my book list, so I downloaded it.  Let the book review begin.
First, Sabrina West, who is a nanny in her stepmother’s agency has been chosen for an assignment in Italy.  The job is to be a nanny for the twin daughters of the Prince of Savoy.  Sabrina accepts the assignment, but the twins prove to be a handful.  She would have to work diligently to gain their trust.   Little did she know that she would fall in love with the twins and their father, the Prince of Savoy.

Another woman has the Prince’s heart.  At least, that’s what she thinks.  As a result, Sabrina struggles to remain professional and perform her duties as the children’s nanny.  After all, nannies aren’t suppose to fall in love with their employers.  The mischievous twins aren’t fond of their dad’s financee.  So, they decide to put a little effort into ending the engagement.  They fall in love with Sabrina.  They decide she would be the perfect catch for their dad.

Let the drama begin.  I was not familiar with the author, Carole Grace.  She does an excellent job of getting you absorbed in the beauty of the Prince’s Villa, the country side and the latest fashion worn by the elite in Italy.   It’s one of favorite romance novels, and I highly recommend it.  It’s a great read for those days that you just want to relax or you’re vacationing. If you’re one of those who can’t sleep on the plane, download it before you head to the airport.  I downloaded it free on Amazon as a Prime Member.  But, for those who don’t have a Prime Membership it’s $2.99.

 

 

 

 

Calendar Gift Ideas


!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],p=/^http:/.test(d.location)?’http’:’https’;if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src=p+’://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js’;fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document, ‘script’, ‘twitter-wjs’);

2014 Calendar

I just made a calendar for one of my daughter’s Christmas gifts at Shutterfly.  I had so much fun going through pictures and finding ones that fit perfectly into each month of Xavier and Zarriah.  Although it’s not clear, this is the cover of the calendar.  The picture was taken at Zarriah’s Christening.  About 20 family members from my daughter and son-in-law’s side of the family attended.  The picture is a beautiful memory. 

This calendar will make a beautiful keepsake.  I’m thinking of making another for my office.  For January I selected a picture of Xavier playing in his first snow.  It was a great moment, January 2009.  My daughter and her family were visiting for a week-end and it snowed.  Xavier had just turned 1 the previous September.  I had a great time watching him play and trying to figure out what that white stuff was.   

                                                                 

                                                                       

How could I leave out Zarriah’s first birthday party, August 2012, and her looking at the clown.  OMG, it was hilarious.  The pictures brought back so many memories.  I’m hoping the calendar will do the same with daughter and son-in-law. 

I’ve been thinking of this calendar for years as a gift, but never made the effort to complete the calendar.  Finally in 2013 I do just that.  The Shutterfly site is easy to navigate.  To cut down on time, I would suggest that you go through your pictures and make a note of which ones you would like to use for what month.  If you’re like me, you have thousands of photos to choose from, so it can become time consuming. 

Shutterfly is currently offering free shipping.  Use Promotion Code SHIP30.  Also, new customers get 50 prints free.  The free shipping offer ends 12/23/13.  This is a great idea for your mom, a friend or yourself.  The calendar comes in 2 sizes:  8 x 11 and 12 x 12.  I choose the 8 x 11 for $21.99.  The 12 x 12 is $29.99.  They have numerous designs and layouts to choose from.  Check it out. 


                                                                    

Finding Love Again



I’ve met a man that could potentially be my soul mate.  I may be falling in love again!  After my on-line dating fiasco, I had just about given up on love.  When it was the least of my concerns, I met a gentleman that has potential.  I met this gentleman through my Uncle, who had met him on his job.  For some reason, he believed that we would be perfect for each other. 

I was leery, but also intrigued.  My Uncle had never involved himself in my love life in any way.  I was curious as to why he believed this person was a match for me.  He also has tons of other nieces, I wondered why he chose me.  After chatting with him to get answers to these questions, he said he believed that we had many things in common and I should at least meet him.  I agreed to give up my cell phone number, and I would take it from there.  I received a call the next night, but I decided not to answer the my phone when the call came through.  

The gentleman left a message, and I must admit his voice captivated me.  I decided to wait until the next day to  return his call.  When I did he was unavailable, so I sent a text.  He responded immediately.  I soon learned that he was a weapons expert and was teaching a class.  We texted off and on for the next 2 hours.  We decided to exchange pictures, we both liked what we saw.  We talked on the phone and texted each other for the next two weeks.  We decided to meet and we’ve been inseparable ever since.  We’re hitting the seven month mark.  He believes that I’m the one, and he’s going to marry me.  We’ll see about that, but I’ve decided to enjoy the ride. 

He currently lives in the next state; however, he will be relocating to my area.  I learned that he has been teaching in my area and along the east coast for about a year, and plans to relocate to my town.  That was a plus.  We found out that we had many things in common.  He’s divorced and has 3 children and 1 grandchild, I have 1 child and 2 grandchildren.  We both love seafood, wine festivals, amateur photography, travel and the Lord

There’s a part of me that doesn’t want to get my hopes up because I’m afraid of another disappointment, but there’s another part of me that’s saying take the risk.  He may truly be the one.  Things have already gone better than what I encountered on the on-line dating sites.  He’s a romantic, holds my hand, opens the door for me,  pulls out my chair, he conducts himself like a perfect gentleman.  A man who has a job and is a gentlemen, nice start.  I was curious to see what was under the exterior. 

I felt that I needed to do thing differently in hopes that I would attract someone worthy of my time.  You may be wondering what I did.  I read Steve Harvey’s book Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man and decided to follow his rules.  I decided that I would not lower my standards.  If he wanted to be with me he would raise his if necessary.  I can’t say that he raised his, but he respected mine. 

Secondly, I didn’t let my emotions get the best of me.  I followed my head and stuck to my guns on becoming intimate too soon.  He pressed initially, but I held my ground.  I made it clear that I wanted to wait and get to know him and I wanted him to get to know me before we took that step.  Becoming sexually involved too soon clouds a woman’s judgment.   He backed off and actually said he respected my decision and he would wait until I was ready.  Ladies, if he respects you he will wait.  There’s times when we meet someone that we’re attracted to, and get involved too soon because we’re afraid they’ll go elsewhere.  My attitude was go, but you won’t be visiting candy land anytime soon. 

As we spent more time getting to know each other, I leaned that he has been divorced for 10 years, and has had time to heal.  No excess baggage and no baby’s mama drama!  He clearly stated that he has a 13 year old; however, he doesn’t allow her mother to interfere in his relationships.  Another plus.  He’s ready for a permanent relationship.  He also stated that if I wasn’t ready for a serious relationship he would accept that, but he would have to move on. During one of our conversation, he said there were three ingredients to a successful relationship, God, trust and respect and they must be in that order.  If any of the ingredients were missing, the relationship would fail.  Wow, he really got my attention there. 

Another thing that I really like about him is that we can talk for hours about nothing in particular.  We burned the phone lines for 4 hours one night and I think we hit the 1,334th text message in a three month period.  We’re still going strong.  Stay tuned for periodic updates on my journey to love. 

How did you meet your significant other/husband?  I’m always up for a good love story.   

                                                                           

Fireworks Over the Beach

Hope everyone had a Happy Fourth of July.  Little late getting pictures up, but wanted to share a few fireworks over the beach.  How did you spend the day?  

Superbowl Commericals

Superbowl, what a game.  It had everything that you expect, thrilling game, the unexpected lights out saga, Alicia Keys singing the longest rendition of the National Anthem in history, Beyonce bringing the house down, great commericals and Jennifer Hudson with the Sandy Hook children. 

Each year I list my favorite commericals, and I will.  First, I have to ask what is up with GoDaddy?  Personally, I think they continue to miss the mark.  I didn’t see 1 positive tweet or post on Facebook regarding that commerical.  Frankly, I haven’t seen a Superbowl commerical from GoDaddy that I have liked yet. 

Now on to my favorites:

  • Dodge – Farmers
  • Got Milk?
  • Budweiser Clydesdales – Reunion
  • VW – Get In Get Happy  (I loved the man who said Don’t be no cloud on a sunny day.)
  • Doritos  – Goat 4 Sale
  • Oreo – Creme or Cookie Fight  (I sided with the Creme)
  • Taco Bell – Young At Heart 


I have to also bring up Alicia Keys.  Did she go on and on or what?  That had to be the longest version of the National Anthem that I’ve ever heard.  I was starting to become irritated.  Jennifer Hudson sang beautifully, and the Sandy Hook children touched my heart with American the Beautiful.  Lets not leave out Beyonce!  She brought the house down and literally blew out the lights, lol.  All in all it was a good game, and we had a good time eating good food and sending hundreds of tweets.  What was your favorite commerical?

My Bucket List

bucket lists
Another year has come and gone.  I started my Bucket List 3 years ago.  Each year I pull it out to see what I’ve accomplished during the year.
I’ve given birth to a beautiful daughter, survived a divorce, given the United Stated government 35 34 32 years of service, raised a daughter as a single mother, sent her through college, watched her get married and give birth to a beautiful son  son and daughter.  I’ve traveled, made new friends and kept old ones, purchased a home, a luxury car and I’ve been able to bank a few dollars. I’ve survived my father’s death and become closer to my siblings. I’ve strengthen my faith in God, I’m giving back to the community, and I can truly say that I’m working to be an example.  


Even at this stage of my life, I still have work to do. I’ve been thinking about retirement in the next 2 3 5 years and what I want to accomplish before and after I reach that milestone. I decided to make a Bucket List. Here are a few items that I’ve added or achieved to date:

  •  Drive Across Country 
  • Travel Abroad – Africa, Italy, Hong Kong, London, Thailand  
  • Cruise To Alaska  (Decided to mark this off my list.  I don’t cruise well). 
  • Open a Brick and Mortar for Sugar Kisses Boutique  (Decided to mark this off my list.  Not willing to work this hard anymore). 
  • Plant A Vegetable Garden 
  • Learn A Second Language – Spanish  
  • Skydive  (Decided to mark this off my list.  I’m not willing to take this risk)
  • Attend the Kentucky Derby 
  • Eat Lobsters In Maine 
  • Visit Martha’s Vineyard 
  • See the fall foliage in the New Hampshire area 
  • Spend a week in New York shopping and seeing a Broadway show 
  • Go horseback riding on the beach
  • Add a sunroom to my hone
  • Travel to Hawaii, Barbados, Dominican Republic, Jamacia, Virgin Islands
  • Plant flower beds along my new fence line
  • Build a greenhouse

 I’ll be adding to my list as I contemplate the next phase of my list. Have you created a Bucket List? Let us know what’s on yours.  If you haven’t created a list, name a few things that you would add to yours. 

Let It Snow!

First snow of 2012.  Yes, we had a white Christmas.  Unfortunately, I missed it.  I celebrated the holiday at the beach this year.  Rainy, but no snow.   I love fresh snowfall as long as I don’t have to drive in it.  The earth is covered with a fresh white blanket.  Days like this, I always make a pot of chili or vegetable soup.  Nothing like curling up with a hot bowl of either and watching old  movies.  That fluffy whiteness has a calming effect on me. 

Hope you’re enjoying your Saturday.  Stay tuned for my Christmas post, and I hope yours was as enjoyable as mine. 



Wordless Wednesday: Virginia Beach Hunt Club

                                       
                                       My Big Boy On Willow

Each year I take my grandson pony riding.  This is our 5th year.  The ponies have gotten bigger through out the years.  The first year he was on a minature pony.  Amazing how fast they grow up.