I have located the written documents of my life and forwarded my transcripts to the next University that will assist me in my educational success.........I have decided on 2 or 3 titles-"My Life as an Open Book---Lessons From Mom---What Did I tell You?"
Why did a man whom as been married more than twice write a book telling US women how to get a man. Apparently, none of the women he was involved in was able to keep him. Why is it so easy for US to listen to men---because we always want one?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
RANDOM
I was just thinking how much I have and have not grown---I sometimes dream in skinny and then I wake up as I am. Help me help myself---it's sometimes becomes very hurtful that the persons you love the most use me up and spin me around until I feel as though I have nothing left. Then when there is something else to be done--I muster up the strength to give just a little bit more.
As, I sit here thinking about what I have to done to get myself work completed documented and file---I feel at a lost. I will begin with small goals to be able to complete larger ones. I can't commit to a diet or a routine that resembles a diet or a exercise plan. Why I just take a pill to get the belly right and the but tight. The parent in me and the counselor I'm paid to be is easily annoyed and extremely tired of the requests to do and to be. This RANDOM I will be organizing my plan to write and publish my book to my ungrateful DAUGHTERS
As, I sit here thinking about what I have to done to get myself work completed documented and file---I feel at a lost. I will begin with small goals to be able to complete larger ones. I can't commit to a diet or a routine that resembles a diet or a exercise plan. Why I just take a pill to get the belly right and the but tight. The parent in me and the counselor I'm paid to be is easily annoyed and extremely tired of the requests to do and to be. This RANDOM I will be organizing my plan to write and publish my book to my ungrateful DAUGHTERS
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Unfinsihed Business
I always have great ideas---and I start strong with a plan----and then I’m derailed---my man (at the time), my attitude, my job (not career) AND always my children. Well people I have decided to practice what I preach to my clients and random youth at the store or serving me at an eatery---GO TO SCHOOL---take a class. I have started and am almost shame to say 2 different MASTERS programs. Well Monday no Tuesday I will start turning in the paperwork to start the 3rd and the last MASTERS with Liberty University in Counseling---complete it alone with my LCP supervision hours consisting of 4000. OMG, YOL, and LOL I got it. I will not allow myself to get anymore lazy then I already am.
One day I was sitting in training and the counselors were tasked to assist with diagnosing a client---and heck I thought they were talking about me---that’s because I think everything is about me. The fact, my oldest adult daughter will be having a daughter herself and once again people I thought it was about me. I was Angry because how all my hard work was in vain—because like a wise younger friend of mine advised me during my break from yelling and cursing the world---It’s her life and she’s an adult. Blah Blah. She doesn’t have a plan………
Let’s see I have had several plans and many were incomplete. I have started about 2.5 books, 3 strap books for each daughter, 2 masters programs, several jobs, online magazine, blogger, bike club, social club, non-for-profit/for profit agency and 3 marriages. I have been pregnant a few times but only completed 3 so I’m saying that to say WTF, is wrong with me. Well my people I am about to get it popping and complete something. Today I finally completed uploading my second wedding photos to lulu.com and it appeared to me that I could start and complete a small book to my 3 completed children about my life and lessons I want to teach them to be able to refer to after I leaving this old world.
First thing first place the pictures I want in the book: with me, with their dads, and just of them and maybe some family pictures with my mother and Madea of course. I realize I do well with writing bullshit about other people lives let’s see what I come up with about mine. I have some things written down---but once again I can’t remember where those notes are located.
Second, I will create an outline and organize what I WANT Them to learn from their mother. Once I had started a written version and it was a little too graphic and I had to stop but this world we live in today is graphic and the world I lived in was none to nice. I think I will do a little each week with the writing parts and work on the pictures last and upload it to lulu.com and print three copies and present THEM with the completed books NOW no need to wait until the younger ones turn 18 because the oldest will tell. I’m not so sure about the sexual parts of me they need to know---but I’m sure it will be a little more than they ever wanted to know about MOM.
One day I was sitting in training and the counselors were tasked to assist with diagnosing a client---and heck I thought they were talking about me---that’s because I think everything is about me. The fact, my oldest adult daughter will be having a daughter herself and once again people I thought it was about me. I was Angry because how all my hard work was in vain—because like a wise younger friend of mine advised me during my break from yelling and cursing the world---It’s her life and she’s an adult. Blah Blah. She doesn’t have a plan………
Let’s see I have had several plans and many were incomplete. I have started about 2.5 books, 3 strap books for each daughter, 2 masters programs, several jobs, online magazine, blogger, bike club, social club, non-for-profit/for profit agency and 3 marriages. I have been pregnant a few times but only completed 3 so I’m saying that to say WTF, is wrong with me. Well my people I am about to get it popping and complete something. Today I finally completed uploading my second wedding photos to lulu.com and it appeared to me that I could start and complete a small book to my 3 completed children about my life and lessons I want to teach them to be able to refer to after I leaving this old world.
First thing first place the pictures I want in the book: with me, with their dads, and just of them and maybe some family pictures with my mother and Madea of course. I realize I do well with writing bullshit about other people lives let’s see what I come up with about mine. I have some things written down---but once again I can’t remember where those notes are located.
Second, I will create an outline and organize what I WANT Them to learn from their mother. Once I had started a written version and it was a little too graphic and I had to stop but this world we live in today is graphic and the world I lived in was none to nice. I think I will do a little each week with the writing parts and work on the pictures last and upload it to lulu.com and print three copies and present THEM with the completed books NOW no need to wait until the younger ones turn 18 because the oldest will tell. I’m not so sure about the sexual parts of me they need to know---but I’m sure it will be a little more than they ever wanted to know about MOM.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Things to do at 40----Gardening
Things to do at 40 – Gardening
It has been a minute since I wrote some suggestions to you. I guess the time got away from me in the busy, day-to-day toils. That is okay as long as I get back to the “goal” at hand. It’s all good (I love this statement)
I am not sure if you know this but there are some hobbies you can do around the house. Those activities could help the household while at the same time give your mind and body the mental/physical vacation from the daily stresses. Plus, it could save on the wallet (save money). You know we have to get creative or go back in the day the way our money needs to be stretched.
I have been talking to my mom who happens to be 80 years young and gorgeous (YES, I am biased. YOU ARE TOO! ) just like her lovely gal pals (They are so cute when they get together for girl time). Anyway, I told her how much I wished I had a vegetable garden and how much I missed the home grown food she grew in her garden. Sure, I get vegetables from the farmer’s market or farming vendor. However, nothing is like coming home and walking through your garden or field to pick your vegetables and fruit right off the vine or tree. Talk about some “GOOD EATS” (Love that saying and the show too… ). Plus, the effort and time you put in the soil will give you something to watch grow from the dirt into existence. For some people, this act of toiling, weeding, planting and watering is medicinal physically and mentally.
Gardening can be an individual event as well as a group event. You can take some time while listening to some music and pull some weeds while water your garden. You know if you gardened with a friend or family, it will create a lasting bond with your garden partner (s) or at least show that you can work together. And you can take it one step further to prepare the meal together once you picked something from your garden. How cool would that be? By the way, if you intimidated of plants thinking you don’t have a green thumb, talk to a garden specialist or better yet Big Momma ‘cause you know grandma did some gardening back in the day
Anyway, I am seriously trying to figure out how to get a garden planted at my place with my type of soil. I’ll consult my mommy-dearest and get some suggestions. I am sure two heads are better than one and we’ll come up with something.
Garden-away!!!!
By: Sonya Gibson
Sunday, May 23, 2010
It's Time to SAVE---Never to LATE By:S.Dickerson
In my last posting, the discussion centered on finding ways to save, followed by ideas for some very stable (little to no chance of financial loss) investment options for beginners. Make no mistake, it takes time to build a nest egg, especially if there are pressing financial obligations that must be resolved prior to stepping into the saving zone. When you find you are finally in a position to invest, you’ll need to do some homework if you want to avoid being an ignorant investor. Check out my experience…
Recently I had a visit with an investment banker. I found him through the recommendation of a very trusted friend, so I felt good about scheduling a visit with him, especially since it cost me nothing. I figured the least I could do was listen to professional advice and recommendations, while at the same time gaining an idea of how he thought I was doing thus far.
My visit started with a professional’s assessment of my current financial well-being. This was accomplished through answering a few key questions:
• Are you currently employed and investing in a retirement account through your company such as a 401K?
• Do you have an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), and if so is it a ROTH or a Traditional account?
• Do you have a six month emergency fund that will cover ALL your expenses in the event of the loss of your current source of income?
• Do you currently have any investments?
• How much would you feel comfortable investing without dipping into your emergency fund?
• What are your investment goals?
There may have been a few other questions, but these were the main ones, establishing whether I was actually in a position to take the next step towards investing. Once these were answered, we were able to direct ourselves towards the best options for me at this particular time in my life. We discussed the pros and cons of investing in mutual funds, with one in particular being recommended. I like the idea of investing in mutual funds, and have been considering taking the leap for several years, sending for and pouring over many prospectus which laid out their performances over 1, 5, 10, and 20 year periods.
The way to make money by investing in mutual funds is to hold on to them through frightening stock market fluctuations, and of course, choosing one that has proven itself to be solid, reliable, well-established. The other area you’ll want to look at is what fees and costs are associated with managing your fund…there are often fees included, some of which are not as clearly visible as others. The investment banker I spoke with wanted an initial investment of $5,000 minimum for 5 years.
Before talking to an investment banker or broker, there are some things I recommend you do. First, have a thorough understanding of your current financial situation. If you don’t have cash readily available to invest, consider purchasing short term money market CD’s as a way of building your savings. Next, go online and do a search of mutual fund companies. Most of them will send you a free prospectus for your review in the privacy of your home without feeling any pressure or inadequacies you might experience when talking to the professional bankers. Pay close attention to minimum initial investment requirements, associated fees, and costs of managing your fund. Make notes of things you may not fully understand so that when you do speak with an investment manager, you have a better chance of coming to a well-informed investment decision.
My final thoughts on this article concerning investments: I usually begin my articles by talking about the one person who has most inspired me and the decisions I’ve made in my life---my mother. There was one main lesson my mom taught me a very long time ago about money, and that was to give the first 10% to God. Though I may not have always understood why this was important, once my faith and understanding of where all my help comes from was clear, I was even more committed to be obedient to this lesson. In time I realized without the help of God, without the love of Jesus, without His divine intervention on my behalf, I could do nothing, have nothing, be nothing, so once again, thanks mom…you haven’t led me astray yet.
Recently I had a visit with an investment banker. I found him through the recommendation of a very trusted friend, so I felt good about scheduling a visit with him, especially since it cost me nothing. I figured the least I could do was listen to professional advice and recommendations, while at the same time gaining an idea of how he thought I was doing thus far.
My visit started with a professional’s assessment of my current financial well-being. This was accomplished through answering a few key questions:
• Are you currently employed and investing in a retirement account through your company such as a 401K?
• Do you have an IRA (Individual Retirement Account), and if so is it a ROTH or a Traditional account?
• Do you have a six month emergency fund that will cover ALL your expenses in the event of the loss of your current source of income?
• Do you currently have any investments?
• How much would you feel comfortable investing without dipping into your emergency fund?
• What are your investment goals?
There may have been a few other questions, but these were the main ones, establishing whether I was actually in a position to take the next step towards investing. Once these were answered, we were able to direct ourselves towards the best options for me at this particular time in my life. We discussed the pros and cons of investing in mutual funds, with one in particular being recommended. I like the idea of investing in mutual funds, and have been considering taking the leap for several years, sending for and pouring over many prospectus which laid out their performances over 1, 5, 10, and 20 year periods.
The way to make money by investing in mutual funds is to hold on to them through frightening stock market fluctuations, and of course, choosing one that has proven itself to be solid, reliable, well-established. The other area you’ll want to look at is what fees and costs are associated with managing your fund…there are often fees included, some of which are not as clearly visible as others. The investment banker I spoke with wanted an initial investment of $5,000 minimum for 5 years.
Before talking to an investment banker or broker, there are some things I recommend you do. First, have a thorough understanding of your current financial situation. If you don’t have cash readily available to invest, consider purchasing short term money market CD’s as a way of building your savings. Next, go online and do a search of mutual fund companies. Most of them will send you a free prospectus for your review in the privacy of your home without feeling any pressure or inadequacies you might experience when talking to the professional bankers. Pay close attention to minimum initial investment requirements, associated fees, and costs of managing your fund. Make notes of things you may not fully understand so that when you do speak with an investment manager, you have a better chance of coming to a well-informed investment decision.
My final thoughts on this article concerning investments: I usually begin my articles by talking about the one person who has most inspired me and the decisions I’ve made in my life---my mother. There was one main lesson my mom taught me a very long time ago about money, and that was to give the first 10% to God. Though I may not have always understood why this was important, once my faith and understanding of where all my help comes from was clear, I was even more committed to be obedient to this lesson. In time I realized without the help of God, without the love of Jesus, without His divine intervention on my behalf, I could do nothing, have nothing, be nothing, so once again, thanks mom…you haven’t led me astray yet.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Dating @ 40
Dating @ 40
By Tonya Johnson
Hummm…. A VERY DIFFICULT task to undertake. We have accomplished so much at this point in our lives but being single and loving it--- is a lie. I think we tell our selves I have plenty to do and I don’t have time for the non-sense of trying to break thru the drama of getting to know yet another guy. Well LADIES a woman has got to do what A WOMAN has to do. We have lists and characteristics that we want our potential “Man” to possess but did we take the same inventory of our shelves. We want them tall, sexy, big penises. And of course as we get older our lists changes. We want a big credit score.
The same lists you make for the qualities he must have---make the same lists for your self. Stop making the situation (date) more than it is-----go out have fun-- nothing more nothing less. If you have more rules than dates ---than it is possible you have too many rules. No one said settle----you should have standards but why should the standards be unobtainable.
There are several social sites to re-connect us to our last or long ago lovers. There is an abundant amount of dating sites to help us along the dating battle grounds. I can’t personally recommend any sites because I have not used any----but I do have friends whom can testify to its usage. The dates are random and awkward. The dates could be fun and interesting to say the least—but how much does one except to gain from a computer love match. What happened to the accidentally bump into and a smile across a crowded room. Now we have advanced to blackberry messenger and I Phone connections. I have met a lot of men on tagged.com but what kind of man did I really meet the real dude or his lying representative either way it was a hit or miss situation.
What will make US more marketable? Degrees, property owned, businesses owned, because every woman I have met has the same body parts so what will make you stand out above the rest---YOU---your personality and your sexual appetite---seriously man really like woman that like what they like---I definitely not talking about changing YOU for a HIM---just that the him you chose should be similar to your YOU. Never lose yourselves to have a HIM---because you would surely be unhappy and began to leash out on HIM and the people closest to you in your life.
Free for the first 30 days:
Locateyourlove.com
Match.com
eharmony.com
Free:
Myspace.com
Tagged.com
Fling.com
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Never To Late to Manage Your Money 2
By S. Dickerson
My mother is and always has been my hero. As a single mother, she raised six children while barely making minimum wage working in a chicken factory five and six days a week. She never had “extra money” for extravagances like weekly allowances for us kids, or snacks like chips, ice cream, cookies, etc. at the grocery store. We only had enough for life’s essentials with the help of relatives. I remember when I started school (I was number five of six, my youngest brother following three years after me), not being able to get my school books until the end of the second or third week of school because my mother couldn’t afford to pay for 5 sets of books at the same time. With the assistance of great aunts and uncles, she managed to afford a few groceries each week, pay a few bills, and ensure each of us eventually got what we required most---namely books and school supplies---to make it through each semester of elementary and high school. While our neighbors and best friends’ parents were purchasing new clothes and shoes, my mom was sorting through older brothers’ and sisters’ clothes to see what could be handed down to us younger kids. Through her struggles, our mother taught us early the difference between essentials and non-essentials.
We began our journey to sound financial health by taking a close look at our income versus our expenses, as well as paying close attention to our credit reports. In my humble opinion, there are no quick paths or short cuts to financial well being; this is something requiring well thought-out plans and deliberate and decisive action on your part...yes, you actually have to do something.
Let’s say your credit report has no discrepancies, your payment history doesn’t make you cringe, and you haven’t maxed out all our credit cards. It sounds like you’re ready to take a step towards investing, but you’re still not sure where the extra cash you’ll need will come from. Remember when we talked about luxuries disguised as necessities?
Start by assessing your spending habits.
• Start a spending diary. Get a little notebook and record every penny you spend and what you spend it on.
• If you’re an emotional spender (shopping when you’re sad, lonely, angry, depressed, etc), make a small note of how you’re feeling when you splurge, too.
If you don’t cheat on this, but actually record every cent you spend, two great things will happen: you will become much more conscientious about what your hard earned income is going towards and you will clearly see the “fat” in your budget that can be redirected towards a six-month emergency fund, long-term savings and investment goals. At the end of the first month, take a look at how much you spent on eating out, after work cocktails, movie tickets, music downloads, CDs, DVD rentals and purchases, etc.
Find ways to save.
• Slip coupons and save at the grocery store, and remember, never shop for food when on an empty stomach.
• Use your local public library as an excellent source of free entertainment. Thy have the newest selection in books, DVDs, video games, music, etc. It’s not the library you grew up with in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
• Save on gas and carpool when feasible, and if you’re close to work/church/school, try walking or riding your bike a few days a week.
Get down to the business of saving!
• Take stock of your new found thrift and start off by purchasing a three or six month money market CD. Though the returns on money market CDs aren’t excellent right now, they are safe (you won’t lose a dime), and it keeps your funds out of your hot little hands so you won’t spend it if self control is an issue for you. As your CDs mature, add to them and roll them over for the next three to six months. As you slowly watch your money grow, you’ll become more excited about saving.
• Enroll in some sort of retirement account. Most employers who offer these will match your contributions up to a certain amount…that’s almost like getting free money.
• One of my favorite investments is US Savings Bonds. For $25, you can buy a $50 EE series bond. If you have a bit more cash available, you can purchase up to $20,000 in additional denominations of $75, $100, $200, $500, $1000, and $5000. You have to hold on to these for at last one year before they can be cashed in. Find out more about EE and other US Savings Bonds by visiting www.savingsonds.com.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There is a plethora of information to be found on the internet…just be sure to look closely before you leap on any “get rich quick” schemes. We’ll explore other types of investment options in our next installment. See you next time.
My mother is and always has been my hero. As a single mother, she raised six children while barely making minimum wage working in a chicken factory five and six days a week. She never had “extra money” for extravagances like weekly allowances for us kids, or snacks like chips, ice cream, cookies, etc. at the grocery store. We only had enough for life’s essentials with the help of relatives. I remember when I started school (I was number five of six, my youngest brother following three years after me), not being able to get my school books until the end of the second or third week of school because my mother couldn’t afford to pay for 5 sets of books at the same time. With the assistance of great aunts and uncles, she managed to afford a few groceries each week, pay a few bills, and ensure each of us eventually got what we required most---namely books and school supplies---to make it through each semester of elementary and high school. While our neighbors and best friends’ parents were purchasing new clothes and shoes, my mom was sorting through older brothers’ and sisters’ clothes to see what could be handed down to us younger kids. Through her struggles, our mother taught us early the difference between essentials and non-essentials.
We began our journey to sound financial health by taking a close look at our income versus our expenses, as well as paying close attention to our credit reports. In my humble opinion, there are no quick paths or short cuts to financial well being; this is something requiring well thought-out plans and deliberate and decisive action on your part...yes, you actually have to do something.
Let’s say your credit report has no discrepancies, your payment history doesn’t make you cringe, and you haven’t maxed out all our credit cards. It sounds like you’re ready to take a step towards investing, but you’re still not sure where the extra cash you’ll need will come from. Remember when we talked about luxuries disguised as necessities?
Start by assessing your spending habits.
• Start a spending diary. Get a little notebook and record every penny you spend and what you spend it on.
• If you’re an emotional spender (shopping when you’re sad, lonely, angry, depressed, etc), make a small note of how you’re feeling when you splurge, too.
If you don’t cheat on this, but actually record every cent you spend, two great things will happen: you will become much more conscientious about what your hard earned income is going towards and you will clearly see the “fat” in your budget that can be redirected towards a six-month emergency fund, long-term savings and investment goals. At the end of the first month, take a look at how much you spent on eating out, after work cocktails, movie tickets, music downloads, CDs, DVD rentals and purchases, etc.
Find ways to save.
• Slip coupons and save at the grocery store, and remember, never shop for food when on an empty stomach.
• Use your local public library as an excellent source of free entertainment. Thy have the newest selection in books, DVDs, video games, music, etc. It’s not the library you grew up with in the ‘70s and ‘80s.
• Save on gas and carpool when feasible, and if you’re close to work/church/school, try walking or riding your bike a few days a week.
Get down to the business of saving!
• Take stock of your new found thrift and start off by purchasing a three or six month money market CD. Though the returns on money market CDs aren’t excellent right now, they are safe (you won’t lose a dime), and it keeps your funds out of your hot little hands so you won’t spend it if self control is an issue for you. As your CDs mature, add to them and roll them over for the next three to six months. As you slowly watch your money grow, you’ll become more excited about saving.
• Enroll in some sort of retirement account. Most employers who offer these will match your contributions up to a certain amount…that’s almost like getting free money.
• One of my favorite investments is US Savings Bonds. For $25, you can buy a $50 EE series bond. If you have a bit more cash available, you can purchase up to $20,000 in additional denominations of $75, $100, $200, $500, $1000, and $5000. You have to hold on to these for at last one year before they can be cashed in. Find out more about EE and other US Savings Bonds by visiting www.savingsonds.com.
These are just a few ideas to get you started. There is a plethora of information to be found on the internet…just be sure to look closely before you leap on any “get rich quick” schemes. We’ll explore other types of investment options in our next installment. See you next time.
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