Fingers A Flyin'!

I know, I know. It's been too long since I posted. But really, it's not all my fault. It's the fault of my camera. I haven't gotten a new one yet cause I don't want to buy another quickey. I want something with a telescopic lens and lots of bells and whistles. Not in the budget right now, but since I'm so stubborn, I'm trying to squeeze every last picture I can out of the one I have. I've had to buy a card reader just to get the pictures off of it.

Also, I had to take myself a little vacay. Waaaay over due people. This yarn fetish don't take care of all the stress.

Then I had to get the kids settled into their summer plans. One's a drive away, the other a plane ride. I miss them, but I need the me time. I have a sewing class scheduled for later on in the month and I tried to find a spinning class but there wasn't one around town being offered this summer. Darn!

But I have been busy, and even though the pictures are few and of poor quality, I thought I'd need to show you just so you'd believe all my excuses for not posting. I'm working on Kamika King's Oz right now, and am excited about getting my new Double Stitch Crochet pattern book by the Simmons sisters. I won't stay away so long this time. Lot's of comments please, LOL, make me feel loved :)

China Doll Finished!

Pattern: China Doll, Interweave Crochet
Yarn: Elann Lara, Colorway ? Bright Purple
Hook Size: E, 3.5 mm
Size Made: For 38.5 bust

I incorporated maximum bust ease (the wedge), added the waist shaping (the nip i think) where recommended, I added one extra hip flare for obvious reasons and made the sleeve twice as long as recommended. I also added almost twice as many fasteners because of bunching and gapping in that area. This fixed things. I just didn't feel like making the buttons after it was all said and done. So I used some silver ones I had. I also had to include extra completely round motifs right in the front to cover up some bizarre discoloring accident.

Excess Yarn Tank

Pattern: Strappy Spring Shirt from the Soulful Hues blog.
Yarn: Elann Lara
Colorway: 323
Needles: Size 4 and 6
Size Made: 6

This top is very easy and doesn't take that much yarn in my opinion. I've paused to think about it, but I don't really have anything negative to say about it. Maybe I'll learn to knit with beads and use this pattern for my test piece.

Renee's Going Away Belt

Pattern: Floral Lace Belt, from Interweave Crochet
Yarn Used: Aunty Lydia's Crochet Thread, Size 10
Size Made: 9 motifs I think
Hook Size: 1.4 mm, that's tiny! And sharp too.

I wanted to make something special for my really good co-worker moving to a new chapter in her life. And as you all know, I think this pattern is really special.

Teddy Bear's Topper

Pattern: Crochet Child's Top. Free download from Lion Brand's Yarn.
Yarn: Lion Brand Cotton Ease, Colorway Lake
Hook Size: F I thought I'd picked up a G and didn't realize my mistake until I got to the airport. I pressed on.

Size Made: 6

Modifications: I lengthened the arms by adding rows 1 and 2

This pattern is easy but it asks to join yarn way too many times. When you add these instructions to the join new ball occurrences and the weaving in seam ends, you could loose your mind. This is why I wouldn't recommend this deceptively easy pattern to beginners. You gotta have staying power before you start this, it can discourage you really easily. I'm thinking about scratching the crochet ties and fastening with a ribbon empire style. I love the color. I thought the yarn was 100% cotton. Turns out it's a cotton acrylic blend, but it's not that bad, really.

Noro Anthorpologie

Pattern: Anthropologie Inspired Caplet

Yarn: Noro Silk Garden Lite, 2 balls
Colorways: 2028 and 2029
Size: Sorry I can't remember, I was in the zone and didn't have time for notes.
Needles: size 6 I think, like I said, in the zone.

This pattern is so easy it doesn't matter what kind of yarn you use. Just find a compatible needle to go along with that yarn. Oh yes, I have to knit mine together and not purl it together so I guess I reverse the pattern a little.

I wanted to wip this up for my Bahamas trip. It really came in handy since it was too cold with the A.C.'s inside and too hot outside. This was my first time using Noro. The colors are beautiful, but for all the hype I thought that it should have been much softer on the skin. It wasn't a horrific irritant, but I am aware of it when wearing it. Also, for all the hype, I should not be running into knots in the middle of the skein. This burns me. I mean this is what I pay the extra money for.

China Doll Progress Part Duex

Well to summarize....

What we have hear is one close fitting tunic that includes maximum bust ease, starting approximately two inches below the underarm, waist shaping and hip shaping.

With this pattern you have the option to stop at the waist or to continue on and make a tunic style top.

This is how far I would have gotten had I chosen to stop at the waist.

But, I wanted a tunic, so I began a second flair as instructed. After the second, and what was supposed to be the last flair including additional rows, I started getting a little skeptical. I said to myself "Now what does Doris Chan know about the hips of a thick black woman?" And, I kid you not, Doris Chan actually materialized in front of me with her hand on her hip. She said, "The skill level on pattern said experienced. Are you experienced, Nicole, or are you a novice, you tell me. I've showed you how to make a flair, what else do you want from me?" Man, she really had me feeling ashamed. I also started to wonder what the heck I was thinking making a form fitting top for myself. I never buy these types of clothes. It was just that I was so intrigued by the whole customization idea that I couldn't help it. These show me wearing by brand new Lane Bryant Cacique Balconette style bra. Do you see what a difference it makes?

The Second Flair. It's supposed to resemble a tunic at this point but doesn't.

After clowning me like that,I thought that Doris Chan would go away but no, she stayed there until I completed my third flair and the trim. That's cool, because I needed to tell her how much I loathe her Reverse Single Crochet, Ch 1! I mean really, what's the point? "Doris, I think you're just trying to be special by being difficult. The nerve of some people." At this point I willed her away because I didn't want her, let's call it vibe, to suddenly take away my mojo as punishment for talking smart to her.

Anywho, the next time you see the China Doll it will be completed. I've had to wing the collar because you may have noticed that those markers that were in the first picture have disappeared, oops. I'm making my sleeves longer in an attempt to hide a little of my arm fat, so I'm doing those last so that I don't use up all my yarn before making the motifs and required trims. I've already used extra on the additional flair so I have to budget. I may have to wait to show the finished product to you in the environment it is intended for. Oooooo, can I wait?

China Doll Progress

The Wedge, with maximum bust ease. Seems I started too high, but wait...


The Wedge plus the Body, 6 rows. After some contemplation I've decided to start the Nip just as prescribed.

The Waist Shaping is complete, and I've included the recommended number of Sh Patt rows. The pattern says it should be hitting right above my navel. Yeah right! My navel is right wear those blue sweats start.


I've decided to continue in the Sh Patt lengthening by two rows until I think it goes where it should.

I'm ready to start the Flare or Hip Shaping now, but I don't have time for another picture right now. The bust shaping worked out fine dontcha think? I need a tank with better support. I just got a new bra, and I'd like to have on that undergarment while wearing this but after blocking, this will turn into an open weave fabric like it was designed to be. Hmmmm, what to do? Forgive my funny picture taking face.

Crocheting and, What?! Sewing?????

I've started hooking up the China Doll by Doris Chan. I can't wait to wear this one. I saw some chocolate colored linen pants that will go perfect with this at Old Navy. Now all I need to do is find some coordinating flip flops. That shouldn't be too hard.

It's funny. I started making mistakes right from the start on this one. Thanks to Tracie for steering me in the right direction! She helped me to understand that I needed to read all of the instructions, LOL!

This is what I have so far.


I'm using Elann's Lara yarn which is a 100% Combed, Mercerized Double Gassed Cotton. Ooooookaaaay, I don't know what being Double Gassed means but, anyway, all I know is that it was was like $2.25 a ball, so this also explains the bright purple color choice. I wasn't really sure about what color I wanted to make this in anyway. I don't know about you, but for me, the price is always a deciding factor.

And, guess what ya'll, I've been trying to sew. I've gotten pretty far considering that I did not understand the pattern at all. The pattern is New Look 6774. Now that I'm examining the package I hadn't noticed that it said "Easy" or anything like that. I chose it because it was cheaper than I very similar one that I was about to buy. After a while, I just started looking at the picture and constructing the dress the way that seemed logical to me.

I looked on Youtube to find instructions for installing an invisible zipper. Even though I thought I could do it without the right equipment, I'm waiting for my concealed zipper foot to come in the mail from sears now. I couldn't get a better picture. My camera is in its final days and has forgotten how to work.


I think that I'm going to use a ribbon to reinforce the hem of the garment. I purchased this jersey material because it was like two dollars. But, this stuff is NOT for beginners to work with. I'm such a novice that I couldn't even figure out everything to buy from the package. I realized that I need to have some sort of lining at least for the top of the dress. I didn't have enough of the main fabric to construct one so I cut up a poncho like top that I was never gonna wear. I think it's cute. I'm too ashamed to go into to much detail about how the inside looks. My efforts to clean it up just made it worse. However, I must say, that this is the first time in a loooong time that I've been motivated to finish a sewing project that was giving me challenges (simply because of my inexperience in this case). I owe my inspiration to Erica, Adrianne, Patrice, and Sheila. I would never have touched that sewing machine again if it wasn't for you.

My Favorite FO Ever

But first, an update on other projects.

Man, am I ready to get this Cycling Aran out of my house. It was zipper's fault. I really loved knitting this sweater. It will be the warmest sweater my brother has because I held the DK/Worsted double. I know, I know too thick but I wanted it extra squishy because of the cables. Oh well, he can pull it out next winter. Just a few more stitches in the zipper, then it's off to big brother.


I've been trying to be good (environmentally conscious), so I whipped up these crochet grocery bags. These bags are really strong and stretchy and quick to make. Very easy pattern, but because of the continuous increasing and decreasing, I wouldn't advise making these bags sleepy or tipsy, LOL.

I made the Ribbed Lace Bolero for Teddy Bear. The Easter outfit needs a post of it's own and I should be getting the kids ready for bed now, so next time. Long story short, much to my disappointment Teddy Bear has developed a strong opinion on what she wears. So all my Easter dress ideas went out the door when we got into the store. What a shame, some of the dresses came with matching dresses for your dolly too. "No! I don't like that one." She got on my last nerve. I'll have to make her put the dress back on for a picture. I hate how the Lace Bolero came out by the way, but she wore it anyway.

And finally. I really do think I've made my favorite FO ever. When flipping through the Spring 2008 Interweave Crochet online. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this magazine because this Floral Lace Belt just called me. The largest size called for 10 motifs but because I measured my waist and divided that by the width of each motif, I decided to make 12. Too big! But this is o.k. I'll come up with a different closure than the ribbon one shown. I thought that making this belt would be like going to Universal Studios and learning how Star Trek is made (totally taking the mystery out of the whole thing), but no. I was still fascinated with this belt when it was done and can't even believe myself that I could make something so beautiful. It was easy. Am I bragging? Well, whatever. I just love this piece, O.K.?

Teddy bear is already hatin'. "Where's mine?" I'll get to it, because for some strange reason I have the crochet thread called for by the pattern in almost every Spring color.

My next venture will be the China Doll Top on the cover. There are detailed instructions for shaping for almost every figure even the busty AND hippy like me. I'm so much deeper in love with crochet right now.

What It Do, Baby?

I want to post about the stuff I've been working on, I do. But, I'm trying to borrow a camera so that I can get some adequate pictures. I've gotten the approval, but the delivery is taking some time. He'd better just bring the damn camera, LOL. Hmmm, could my attitude be why he's taking so long with it?

In the mean time, we've still been living it up. Yesterday we went to a birthday party at a dirt bike race track. It was a little nippy, but not cold enough to cancel and definitely not too cold for the actual racers. They loved it! Teddy Bear was too little to ride the track, but she has no problem entertaining herself. She spent her time rocking the mic on their intercom system. The owners of the place for some reason didn't want to ask me, "Can you please get your child?", so they just ended up turning the mic off on her after a couple of hours.

Later in the evening someone emailed me a picture of her gettin' gangsta. If you've looked at her pictures before and said to yourself, "hmmm, this child must be nuts." You'd be right. She'd probably give the Dimbled One a run for his money. I try to make the best of it. But I have a feeling that one day I'm going to be interviewed by some reality show host with dumb ass questions like, "Did you know that one day she would be on stage." Well, duhhhhhh! I'm just hoping that before then she can learn some self control.

She does not get this personality from me or from TV. I swear, she just comes up with this stuff. Getting her to model my knits is a trip.

Craving Filth

My Name is Nicole, and I'm an emotional eater. Have I mentioned this before? Well, admitting it wasn't enough to change my ways. When I get stressed out a chocolate strawberry square from the Nugget will do the trick. Why don't we just wash that down with some champagne. When I get nervous, no problem, lets whip up some salmon fettuccine with that creamy, garlicky, fragrant, flavorful sauce, and a nice green salad. When I get lonely, soul food, any kind, fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, black eyed peas, etc. Depending upon how lonely I am (chic-a-bow-wow), we can follow all that with any kind of decadent dessert and wash it down with at least two mimosas. This describes my self soothing in a nutshell. I justify the behavior by telling myself that I have the right to be satisfied every once in a while and that since the world seems adamant on keeping me struggling I'm not going to hold MYSELF back from having what I want need and deserve. Visits with my 200 lb plus cousins don't even seem slow me down.

No, I'm not trying to catch up with them, and I know I need to slow down and exercise more. Knowing this doesn't change the fact that I am still an emotional eater. But what I don't understand is why I'm craving chilin's.

Chitlins or chitterlings are pig intestines, poop chutes people! Preparing them can be tricky, and it takes a lot of patience and work. My cousin and I used to have to stand in front of the sink for half the day separating the final membrane from the fleshy part that we would later be scooping onto our plates. African Americans first started eating chitterlings because as slaves we were given what was left over from the hog (i.e. cheeks (hog mog/maw?), feet (pickled pigs feet)). I'm a firm believer in African Americans shedding behaviors instilled by slavery, mentally and physically. So, why is it then that I am still craving chittlins which I am sure have no nutritional value. I haven't had them for years .

Could it be something emotional, or something still engraved in me from slavery. If it is emotion, which emotion am I trying to soothe? Why am I craving filth?!?!

I will buy 10 pounds this evening and bring them to our Easter feast.

Summer Fit No. 1

I so very much want my camera to be functioning. Using my cell is just not working out. I don't know about you, but I have to speak with photos.

The Monica top is big, a size 6. Nothing in size 4 in her closet fits her anymore so I didn't want to risk it. This is a frustrating size. When she starts wearing it I think I'm going to cris cross the straps in the back to make it fit better. I have her pinned up in the back to take the photo.


The tutu was really easy. You can not tell but the colors of the tulle are light pink and champage. I wish I could have found some brown. I am going to figure out how to use that sewing machine so help me. I think I like the look of a more finished tutu as seen here. This one will have to do for now and besides it fits perfectly. I got the tutorial for the tutu from here.

Yes, she does wear this kind of stuff out of the house. You'll never be 4 y.o. again so we like to do it big. I think it will go well with some Crocs or bling-bling flip flops.

Thank You Hat

Ok, I've finished my co-worker's thank you gift. He said that he wanted something yellow and gray. The dark color is actually a very dark gray, or off-black. I saw this dude once with a lace hat on. I chuckled because he probably had no idea that he was wearing lace. I pictured him buying the had and saying "ah, man, this one with the holes is tiiiight", or something like that. It wasn't fancy lace, just the YO K2tog kind. Anyway since it's almost spring, and I know this co-worker is a regular on the golf course, I thought it might be wise to incorporate some holes into this wool hat. It's also soft enough and thin enough so that he can ball it up and stuff it into one of his pockets if it gets too hot.

I used Claudia Hand Painted Yarns. This fingering weight yarn comes in a 175 yard skein and I still have a huge hand full left. I used the Visor Beanie pattern by Suzanne Steiger. It's very easy but I think some of the numbers are off a little. I'll have to make another to be sure, it could just be me. I added 3 more rounds and one round of sc around the whole beanie after adding the visor. The fact that the pattern called for worsted weight yarn and I used a fingering weight with a hook 2 mm larger than what was recommended led to this net like fabric. I like it. If the recipient isn't feeling it, I'll re-do it. This visor only took a day.

There was a little neighborhood event yesterday called Second Saturdays. It was held next door to this coffee shop in a big room about the same size as the coffee shop. All it was basically is some folk like you and I getting together to show off their stuff, and hopefully sell it. Where are my Sacramento Ebony Elite sistahs at? We need to organize to do what these ladies were doing. It's here where they invited some Alpacas for some reason. I say for some reason because it really was a tiny venue. Teddy bear liked them and I did too. They are very gentle and of course very soft.


Also, I found a breeder for Angora bunnies (they were there too). I could have sworn I took a picture of my bunny's daddy, dang. They've never bred before and my order will probably be their first batch. Time to start looking for my bunny supplies. Then I'll call them. They said you don't even have to shear the bunnies and proceeded to just pluck old boy's fur out. He didn't even flinch. I also got a little lesson from a spinner that was there. I don't know why I thought a lesson was going to make my progress any quicker. I just have to keep practicing. I reminded Little Man that George Washington Carver spun and dyed his own yarn and that if he learned to do this, he would just be following the footsteps of a great African American man. This is all true, but I'm just really trying to get me some yarn out of those bunnies and I might need some extra hands for that.

I Won, I Won!

I entered a little blog contest and won! Yay! I was gifted this Lorna's Lace yarn by Kamika, along with this neat patterns book. Thank you, Kamika for blessing me! This book in really empowering. By this, I mean that each and every one of us ought to have our own patterns book by now. I wonder what the hold up is?


Anyway, I'm going to try to make Teddy Bear a shrug with this. Maybe I'll be able to get this bell sleeve shrug from it if I shorten the sleeves. I love variegated yarns but rarely use ones with neutral colors and am very excited about what the outcome will be. Yep, I'm think I'm gonna do this pattern. If you have any other suggestions for a similar item, I'm open to them.

Aaaaah, don't they look cute when they're asleep.
Now, factor in the fact that this is MY pillow that she wants to share with me every night. This is crazy, yo. I normally am one to try to hide my gross imperfections, but maybe if I let the cat out of the bag I can get some ideas that will work. Let's start with the fact that I know that this is my fault. I have never been good at getting up for night time feedings. This is why breast feeding is so cool. She'd be on there all night while we were both asleep.

No, I don't breast feed her anymore, come on! Also, she started walking when she was 9 months old and was and still is an excellent climber. I put her in the crib every night just to wake in the morning to a brown nursing ball of fat. And my bed is as high as they come. All last week me and Little Man camped out in her room with sleeping bags. So, she CAN get a full night's sleep in her own bed. "Teddy Bear, you need to sleep in your own room, in your own bed." "I can't, I'm too little, I just can't do it", she says in the winiest voice she can muster.

It wasn't that bad when she used to look like this...

...but she's grown some. I've locked my door, she'll stand on the other side of it all night. Oh yes, she can stay up all night. She only needs 30 minute naps in between. I've let her sleep on the hallway floor before and she woke up with a runny nose (it gets cold out there). I'm stumped. If I can ever get past my issues with finding a quality man, I don't want to have to tell him that we'll be having a guest in our bed.

Several family members have suggested that I just give up and let her sleep with me forever like they did with their moms. Huh!

What to Say

Well, last week I endured a somewhat major crises that I quickly recovered from, with a splendid ending I might add. By that I mean the weekend was great. A weekend that was wrapped up by a nice long visit to my favorite Oakland LYS. Then yesterday I had a long conversation with a potential new male friend that ended horribly so very quickly. Then today, a cursing kid, so I had to break him off a lil sumthin', sumthin'.

Hmmmmm, which story to tell? This is a crochet/knit site, so there will be fiber content, I promise. What the hey, you know ya'll want to hear about the conversation with the man. I'll think about it.

In the mean time, I'm anxious for Spring time weather. Summer used to be my favorite season but once I moved to the Sacramento area Summer time became Hell time. Just too hot. Last summer it was like over 110 degrees for like two weeks in a row. Gee wiz. So, in order to call the change of seasons hither, I'm whipping up another Monica Top. This top is very cute and very quick and I know that it is now a tradition in this house. I've found an easy tutorial for a tu-tu, so as long as I can find tulle in the appropriate coordinating colors, we'll always have one of those too. I could not find brown tulle, so this champage color I found will have to do for now. My camera is dead so I'm using the celly. Not that bad, huh? I ran out of brown and only need about 4 inches of pink, so that pink strip you see will be hidden under the ruffle. My point, if you make this, don't buy two of the same color, you won't need it.

This is Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece.


Now, on to this convo that went bad. I met this guy who seemed nice. He claims he's interested in finding a wife, cool. He's a computer programer, cool. Only one child, cool. I'm not ready to give him my phone number, so, I took his and used *67. We seemed to really be making a connection. I mean, we talked a little bit about everything. Work, diet, excercise, cooking, past realationships, kids, money, so on and so on. This conversation went on for about an hour and a half. Finally, I try to wrap it up cause I have to cook. Then, he tries to make a date with me. I let him and we agree to meet for lunch on Tuesday. How come within 30 seconds, it all goes terribly wrong?

"It's something about you. I don't know what it is. I'm getting this real sexy vibe." I don't think nothin' of it, I mean, I am sexy. Although we never entered into any lude conversation, I thought that he was just very intriged by my phone convo. "I mean I really am feeling you. My dick is hard as hell right now. My shit is big."

I'm like, "Whaaaaat?! How you gone turn this into something pornographic like that? I can't believe this." He had the nerve to square up our date day and time and I'm just like "uh-huh, yeah" so that I can get off the phone. Then I get grossed out thinking about what he's doing right at that very moment. I hope I did that *67 right, because there will be no having of a lunch tomorrow or anything else! This man is 39 years old acting like a teenager. I'm not a prude, I just need something more. This was our FIRST conversation.

I Made It!

Isn't there a gospel song out with this title? I maaaade it! This week has really been something else. The weekend was alright. Knitting, cleaning, lounging. I love rainy days because they give me an excuse to stay in the house all weekend. However, I am ready for Spring. There was some nice weather this week and this was very helpful. I'll tell you why later.

Thank you all for helping me narrow down the dress choices. I asked ya'll which ONE I should choose. How come couldn't hardly nobody just choose one? After tallying all choices, dresses No. 2 and No. 4 tied (scroll down to see dresses). I can work with that. I may not even be able to find the dresses in the stores if I don't move quickly. She's never worn an all red dress. At first I was like, not for Resurrection Sunday. But then again, we are there to be reminded that we're covered by the blood of Jesus.

I'm almost done with Cycling Aran.


I don't feel like weaving in ends and sewing a zipper. I used double stranded worsted weight because I liked the idea of the cables being super chunky. I have to block it. I'm so very lazy that I didn't knit a test swatch and I think it might bite me in the butt this time. I tried it on a co worker. The length was perfect though. The colors are mixed gray light and mixed gray dark. The light gray was supposed to be a vest and the color was discontinued. So, I got dark gray for the back. I think it added a little old school flair.

With my left over yarn I'm making a Brother In Law hat. Kamika paired this up with her Cycling Aran. The hat was for one of the kids (Little Man thinks it looks dorky), but I may send it to Big Bro anyway. Now for the drama. I was leaving for work Monday morning and the car wouldn't start. I stayed home that day, bummed a ride from a reluctant BD2 on Tuesday (and was therefore late), and used public transportation on Wednesday. On weekdays, it takes me an hour to get to work with one stop. I left my house at 7:20 and didn't get to work till 10:00. The bus/light rail dance was seamless. It was the fact that I had to get off a stop and walk a 30 min round trip to drop Teddy Bear to school mixed with the fact that the last light rail stop is 3 miles away from my job. I had to call one of my co-workers to come pick me up. Combine all this with cramps so fierce they had me breaking out into a sweat.

A different co-worker volunteered to get me the day before. Of course he could not be reached. He felt really bad and convinced me to stop what I was doing that very moment to drive the long distance back to my house, jump start my ailing vehicle (battery wouldn't hold a charge and the check engine light was on), recommended a place for me to take it, followed me there, took me back to work, and back to pick up my child and my repaired car at the end of the day. This guy normally irks me a lot for his entertainment. He is now totally redeemed. I will have no problems knitting him a gift since he's been asking me for a hat. It will be the best hat ever. My co-worker who kept giving me rides is getting something too. I'm thinking about Noro fingerless mitts for her. Her favorite color is turquoise. On top of that, I'm actually happy my repairs were only $225 since I thought that I had catastrophic engine failure.

The goodness doesn't stop there. Remember how crappy my week all started? Well, yesterday I turned 35 and this didn't help. Funny since sometimes I still feel like a little girl. My brother even had the audacity to call to wish me a happy almost 40 birthday. I try to avoid cursing on my blog, so we'll leave that there. Well, being single, there's normally no one around to honor me on such days. My parents are JW's, and I've never had anyone love me enough to gift me on Valentine's day or even Mother's day for that mater. I once planned my own Mother's day and demanded that BD2 execute it all. Bad idea. And, I've had friends invite me to brunch with their families, even though I'd be paying for myself (WTF?). I stopped going after a while.

This has always bothered Little Man. He sees how the world dotes over moms and lovers during these times and doesn't understand why his own Mama can't have this doting, not even on her birthday. It's not like I be crying or depressed on these days. I've gotten used to it really. Well, yesterday he just couldn't take it anymore and made me the best cake I've ever had in my life. I ate it until I couldn't eat it anymore. See how really happy I am? I love these kids.

I showed him all the cake decorating stuff I had. I didn't know he planned to use it all.

I'm very happy.

There was another cool picture he took of me and Teddy Bear blowing out candles, but I didn't want to pay any more to have it emailed to myself, and I wanted to show you all how really happy I was. I can't figure out how to get the pictures off my phone any other way.

Resurrection Sunday

You know, I just realized that this very special day is quickly coming upon us. I love this time to really reflect upon the sacrifice that that man Jesus made for us. It's hard to explain how believing in this man can bring so much power to your life. It's just something that you have to try for yourself.

Another thing that I like about this day (and don't act like you don't too), is the opportunity to dress up Teddy Bear!! Woohoo!

I really love the fact that church attire has become so relaxed these days. But, that makes dressing up even more fun. Some days I just gotta kick plain Jane out the door and do it big. After all, this is why I had a girl. Yes, I willed those chromosomes into that fetus.

Here's a few ideas I have so far. Can you help me choose a look?

No. 1

No. 2

No. 3

No. 4
No. 5

No. 6 I don't like any of these, keep looking!

I'm not stuck on sleeveless, I think I'm just drawn to it because it gives me a chance to add my own hand made embellishments. These styles are pretty mild and I may find something a lot more busy in one of those discount stores. I like the busy dresses, the ones with way too many spring like details embroidered in, because we can use them later for art in her room. Yes, there are dresses on her walls as art. The range in size from 3 months to 18 months, and it's time for a couple of new ones. The Christmas dress is going up there, but I just need to get some more complementing hooks.

I Wanna Choke Him Like Homer on Bart!

This day has been frustrating to say the least. First of all, Teddy Bear goes to a private pre-school that takes way too many days off. I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if they took Valentines day off, or Yum Kipper, and it's a Christian school. So, even though next Monday is President's day, they still took off for Lincoln's birthday today.

Little Man goes to public school. They take too many days off too. They'll be off this Friday and Next Monday. I know I'm to blame too, but I have a good excuse for getting confused sometimes. It wasn't until the school called asking where my son was that I realized that he did NOT have school off TODAY. He told me there was no school and I did not double check. At first, this was kind of funny because I f$%&ed up so bad. After me yelling a few "What?!", "OMGs", and other explicative language into the phone, Little Man figures out that he'd better run into his room to get out of those big ass footie pajamas he thought he was going to lounge around all day in.

So, he comes out of the room dressed, and I'm still kinda laughing. I'm still frustrated too, so I tell him that he's walking (I'm joking). It's about an 8-10 minute walk. He bursts into tears. "Whaaat?!" This made me mad so I pinched the mess out of him and sent him walking for real. This is the same kid who got an attitude an hour earlier when I informed him he had to share one of three pieces of pizza with his little sister even though he'd just eaten breakfast. The same kid who won't empty the trash unless I tell him, even when we're balancing stuff on top. The same kid who knows he can't go outside until his chores are done right, but won't do them right the first time always thinking I'm not going to notice half-ass jobs.

I swear, I'd hand him over to his dad, but I can't bear the thought of him turning into one of them bitches Patrice was talking about (let me add that his Dad has a good job and goes to work on time, but he was a playa and a dogg and it took him too many years to learn how to respect the mother of his child). Not from my womb, uh-uh! I know that these issues ain't no biggie, but when you add all these microscopic irritants up, you can understand why Ki-ki left the kids and Big Mama's and never came back. I know I will never do this. So, I'm going to hang in there, and be pissed off for a minute, and maybe later, if he gives me some ish again, choke the hell out of him like Homer on Bart.

Gettin' Got At

I'm pretty sure there aren't any men who read my blog besides my brother and daddy sometimes. If there are male lurkers, you ought to give a holla in the comments section sometimes, it may make things a little bit more interesting. I said that because I want to talk about something a tiny bit sensitive. Men trying to talk to me.

Beside the recent account I'm about to share with you all, I do not remember the last time a man has tried to "Get At Me." Dang, I've been using this term so freely for so many years I never realized until just now how inappropriate it sounds. Get At. So dam ghetto. Anyway....

While perusing the isles of Walmart, this Walmart employee says, "Can I help you with that cart?" I just thought he was extending some dumb ass kind of customer service so I smiled at him and gave him a cherry no-thank-you. He follow me and admits that he really just asked me that silly question so that he could lead into the can-i-call-you-sometime question.

Me: Oh, I see. Do you work here?

Him: Yes, why, do you need help finding something?

Me: No, I just saw you engaged in a conversation with an employee a minute ago and was wondering.

Him: So, I didn't see a ring on your finger. Are you taken?

Me: No, not yet. So do you work here?

Him: Yes.

Me: So, what do you do here?

Him: I'm a cashier.

Me: Oh.

I quickly divert my eyes towards the cheap acrylic yarns and patterns. I was really looking for a purse handle for my Fat Bottom bag.

Hey, at least I didn't shut him down right away. It's been so long since I've gotten any kind of action I know I need to consider all suitors. He was gross looking and looked to be a little bit younger than me. I ain't feeling no horney cashiers right now. I say horney cause I know he was trying to holla at that woman right before me, when she shut him down, he moved to me, and he didn't waist any time moving on when I showed no interest.

I once asked a guy that if my friend had not tried to match us up, would he had talked to me if he saw me walking down the street. He said that he would not have because I don't look like I need nothin' or nobody. "So, I have to look needy?" I replied. "No, it's just that blah, blah, blah, ....... But you foine as hell, ain't no doubt about that." This didn't encourage me.

My girlfriend once told me that you'll only get out of it (trying to acquire a date) what you put into it. I don't really know if I agree with her, but this does answer so many questions.