My Countdown to Christmas: 8 Days & Counting…

This weekend was a great one. EP flew in for a visit and to help celebrate my middle child’s birthday.  We took Zay to a Pelicans game in the city.  My son was really stoked about going and he thoroughly enjoyed the game.  He also was able to score a picture with the New Orleans Pelican Dance Team; you go boy!  We couldn’t keep the kid from blushing. 

My two guys was able to get me to the mall on Saturday.  I hate going to the mall around Christmas time.  Don’t get me wrong, I love shopping but not when the stores are overcrowded and people are pushing and shoving.  It is something about being in tight places with a lot of people as well as the darn heat is on explode in the stores, that I just can’t handle.  However, I was able to get two gifts off of my list. My brother maybe impressed this year; two down, MANY to go.

My Countdown to Christmas: 13 Days & Counting…

It was a wonderful day in the office today.  We had a divisional office party; our department is divided into three different divisions.  We got together, played the “White Elephant Gift Exchange” game and watched “Home Alone”.   Pizza, chips, drinks, popcorn, fruits and presents were all available. 

This was our message for our White Elephant Gift Exchange:

White Elephant gift is never purchased. Just look throughout your house, your garage, a dumpster, or any other area to find something that just begs to be passed on to a more appreciative recipient.  Also, remember to use a little caution in selecting the appropriate gift for the office environment, but not so much as to lessen the festive nature of this event.

My Countdown to Christmas: 14 Days & Counting…

 

Alright, so we had a blast last night at our company’s Christmas party.  My cousin and I arrived a little late, because we were playing dress up.  Also, my son was entertaining us and kept us laughing and avoiding the clock; I guess he wanted us to stay with him, lol!  

My coworkers and I discussed the night before over coffee.  The food was amazing.  They had meat pies, crawfish pies, fried fish and chicken, duck wrapped in bacon, shrimp, fruit, a cheese spread and fudge balls.  All and all everyone had a wonderful time and really appreciated our bosses for doing this.

My Countdown to Christmas: 15 Days & Counting...

Well, today was rather slow.  I began to do some internet shopping; browsing!  I looked at computer my daughter put on her shopping list. My eldest wants the new X-Box One. Let’s not forget, my middle one wants the new Jordans. All I want is…well, I’ll get back to you on that one. 

Cupcakes and treats are starting to lurk the hallway at work.  Tonight is our first Christmas party, outside of our building.  Being that EP is in Atlanta I invited my cousin to tag along with me as my plus one.  Actually, EP insisted that I ask her to be my plus one; gotta love that man, right?   Looking forward to the party tonight; this girl loves to “play dress up”. 

Christmas Quote:

Christmas is forever, not just one day.  It’s for loving, for sharing, for giving…not to be put away like bells and light and tinsel…The good you do for others, is the good you do for yourself! ~ Norman Wesley Brookn

Happy Holidays
Jeigh 

My Countdown to Christmas: 16 Days & Counting...

Today I received my first Christmas card for 2013.  It was very touching and I wasn’t expecting anything from this sender.  I fell into the Christmas spirit right then.  So, I decided to share all my Countdown to Christmas activities and craziness; you know me there is much craziness.  I will share the things I receive and the preparations for Christmas.  Hope you all enjoy and comment freely.

My Christmas card details. It's a must share:

This Christmas, as you consider all the awesome things that have come to you through Jesus, God’s perfect gift, remember that it is but a taste of all the good things that are yet to come.

Happy Holidays!

Jeigh 

Sidebar: The New Atlanta's Vawn's Philosophy Debate

After watching Vawn’s forum from Bravo’s The New Atlanta, one of my besties and I were debating his philosophy. He said that as long as you’re honest with women, you should be able to have sex with more than one woman. Not to mention that he is currently pursuing a lady and having her think that they are working on a relationship. Here is our debate:

Jeigh: Vawn is an ass. I agree with some of his philosophy about telling the truth but dang...does he have to be so blunt with Africa sitting there?

Shay: I agree that he is an ass, and I was so disappointed to hear his views at the forum he had for his book, with all those guys, but it was pretty 'eye opening,' don't you think, to realize that many men think it is ok to play the field with many different women, as long as they are being 'honest' with them? I think most men do this without being honest! It was completely disrespectful for him to flirt with Alex, with Africa sitting right there in front of him! I can't wait to see if Emily is going to share, the info she got from Tribble with Africa! By the way, I think that Tribble is ADORABLE!

Adventures: Riding the Bus

EP wanted me to come and visit on a spur of the moment type of thing. I have put so many miles on my car driving back and forth from house to house, that we decided to try taking the bus.  So, we scheduled the trip on Wednesday for me to leave on Thursday after work.  Any one of my friends will tell you that: 1. I am a chicken, 2. I don’t like people in my personal space, & 3. I am impatient. None of this makes for bus riding material.

Any hoo, Thursday came and it was bus-riding time.  I get to the bus station with a few minutes to people watch.  There was this man that had his shirt tucked into his underwear, and they were brown, YUK!  Have you ever been to a Greyhound station? It has great writing material, but I digress.  I found a seat and sat down next to this guy that was looking around as skeptical as I was.  He asked me if I had ridden the bus before and I told him that I usually drive.  He said he does too and we should consider carpooling if the bus thing doesn’t work out. We got on the bus and everything was moving smoothly.  We decided to sit next to each other so no one else would be tempted to sit with us. 

Sidebar: For the Love of the Game

I never thought I would like football as much as I do now.   When I was younger, I would try to get out of the room if anyone was watching sports.  My father was a diehard Saints fan and they were displayed on our television screen at every opportunity. Sometimes I would sit next to him and watch a game, but never fully understand why people liked this particular sport.  Don’t get me wrong, I did like basketball; what girl doesn’t?

I didn’t get into football until my eldest son became the starting quarterback his sophomore year of high school.  I figured, I better learn the game and understand the rules since I would be sitting on bleachers every Friday.  I really bought into the whole football thing.  I became that ‘football mother’ and have a genuine love for the game.  

Friend's Escapades: Cold Busted

  

I will have to get Jess to sign on or I have to give Jess a category of her own (which I have).  Well anyway, she wants me to share her last escapade with you guys since she has shared everything else.

Jess called me Friday night to tell me that she was FINALLY done with her boo.  Remember the first thing he did was disappear from her.  He did call her back and gave her a sob story about having financial issues.  The second thing was that he didn’t share things with her.  Now he has been cold busted.

Any hoo, she went on to tell me that her friend called her.   Her friend told her that she had seen “Jarred” for several days at a house located down the street from where she lived.  Jess knew that he had only lived in an apartment with a friend. Then Jess took it upon herself to do a little investigating of her own before calling “Jarred” on what her friend said.

Love Spats: Share & Share Alike

After chatting with Jess about her new beau, I began to think about how much women share feelings, concerns and problems with others, especially our men.  On the other hand, men aren’t so open to sharing; hmm! 

All of this came about when Jess was telling me about her concerns.  She expressed that her beau told her that he had a lot going on and he would talk to her about it.  A few days passed and he still had not shared one single thing with her, except to tell her that it has nothing to do with the two of them.  She started to reconsider continuing her journey with this guy.  She said that if he can’t trust her enough to share what is going on with him then there is no need to be in a relationship with this person.

Family Mixer: The Kids Meet Up

EP and I had been planning the perfect time for our kids to meet.  We finally decided to have everyone get together the weekend of his work family picnic.  Being that my children met EP during his vacation for the Mardi Gras holiday and I met his daughter during a road trip to Atlanta, we felt comfortable and ready to have the children finally met.

Like anything else that has to do with family mixings, I was very nervous about this, because I was taking my children into his element as our children meet.  Sometimes when children meet, that can make or break a relationship; trust me, I have seen it firsthand. 

My kids and I began our journey to Atlanta.  We started our journey really late because traffic where we live was extremely crazy.  We got into Atlanta late so EP decided to pick up his daughter in the morning. 

Girl’s Night: Jess & Jeigh Hit the Streets

One of my girlfriends called and asked if I wanted to go to a local “grown folks” spot on Friday.  Being that Jess was dealing with a disappearance as well as EP and I just recently had a disagreement over something trivial, she suggested that we needed a girls night.   After being apprehensive, I decided to go ahead and say yes. 

Friday came around and I got all dolled up.  I selected a pair of black shorts, a black sequin racer back shirt, along with a pair of 5 ½ inch stilettoes in black black.  Pulled my hair up into a bun and was ready to hit the streets with Jess. 

Jess scooped me up and we made it to Famous Theater around 11 pm, which was a perfect time to get there.  The crowd had thinned out some and the music was jamming. We walked in and was greeted by the bouncer saying, “Welcome, beautiful ladies. I hope you enjoy your night.”  I knew right then that getting out was the best thing to do. 

Love Lost: The Relationship That Changed Me

Sebastian came into my life when I was not expecting to meet a man.  I truly believed in fate and that there is someone for everyone.  I also believed that I had found that in Sebastian.  He was definitely my soul mate.  I could share things with him and not be judged. He would listen and show concern when I told him what was on my mind.  He could even recall what I had told him at a later time; a memory like an elephant!  He was a wonderful person who brightened my life.  I wanted to share everything I had with him.  I was willing to make all of his pain, stress and suffering go away.  I did not want to expect anything or be on a different level with him.  I knew that I really cared for Sebastian.  He would tell me that he loved and wanted to be with me as well.  When we were together, I felt that I was very important to him.  I must tell you that I was truly happy, emotionally and physically with Sebastian. The more time that we would spend together; the more time I wanted to spend with him. 

After our relationship was in full swing, Sebastian would disappear. What I mean is, when I would call him, he would not return my calls for hours or even days.  Hell, I may not hear from him for weeks    I would send text messages and would receive no responses.  When he called or texted, his excuse always had something to do with work. 

When Sebastian did return my calls, he would tell me that he was still fully vested in our relationship.  He told me worry when he would tell me that it was over.   He never understood how his disappearing acts bothered me.  You know my dumb, green, blinded by love ass, believed him and keep the faith in our relationship.

Friend's Escapades: A Cold Disappearance

A few days ago, during my time of writing my tell all blog entry about the relationship the changed my life (coming very soon), one of my girlfriends called to have girlfriend talk; I have her permission to share this with you.  She told me that she was finished and done with her Boo.  I was a little set back because she had meet him about a month ago and she was all gung ho about him. So of course I had to ask her for details.  She opened up the flood gates and went to sharing. 

She met this guy on Facebook and they started texting and messaging from that point on. He is her fraternal brother so of course she knew she had snagged a potential partner. He was on her level.

She went on to say they meet up one weekend and she had a blast with him. He even went so far as to introduce her to his parents and other family members; sounds great, doesn’t it?  They bonded like a true couple. The conversations had turned into spending more time together.  They even scheduled weekend getaways in the near future.  Things were looking up until he got the “crumb cake”.

First Hand Knowledge of a Player

The other night, EP and I were partaking in some fun at Dave and Busters.  When this nice couple walks up to the bar and have a sit next to us.  I turned and noticed that the girl was a beautiful girl and the guy was good looking as well. 

After a drink, the girl ask her Boo for a couple of dollars to go play some games. He handed her the money. Before she could walked off, he leaned over, kissed her and told her he loves her; aww so sweet!

Now hold on, because this is where I lost all respect for this guy.  He turns around to locate where she went.  When he spotted her, he turned back around, picked up his phone and began to text a chick.  I know you are asking how I know this.  Well, he placed his phone next to me on the bar.  His phone lit up and a chick’s name appeared.  Apparently, he must have told her that she was “just a friend”, because her name appeared when the messages came through.  Anyhoo, he would text this girl then turn around to see if his girl was in the same place. This went on for about fifteen minutes.   

Love Spats: Raising the Red Flag

Sitting at lunch the other day and one of my coworkers hit the “round-table” with a question.  Usually we ask each other questions of all sorts; ranging from dating to purchasing vehicles. This particular question made everyone chime in on the subject.

Here goes the question/scenario:

My friend, Candy went to MAC to get a makeover done. She was interested in changing the way she looks.  Here is the kicker, she has never worn any forms of makeup, not even lipstick.  She goes home, all dolled up and express to her husband that she wants to start wearing makeup.  Now, she is all discouraged because he is rather upset with this whole thing.

Love Spats: Men and the Remote Control

My coworker and I were asking each other if we had watch our shows, Dallas and Kim & Kourtney Takes Miami (KKTM).  I told her that I was able to watch some of Dallas but did get a chance to catch up on all of the episodes of KKTM. She then told me she had missed them because her beau was pouting because he wasn’t getting enough attention. 

She went on to tell me that they are constantly fighting over the remote.  She said he even clutches it in a death grip when he is asleep. I laughed for a second and realized that EP does the same.

I began to enlighten her on my tug-a-war with EP and the remote.  I told her that I get to watch Sports Center or any other sports stations when we are together. If I try and go in the other room, then he pouts.  I usually have to go digging for the remote when he falls asleep.  But he fixed that by turning the TV off before he goes to sleep.  

Living Single: A Night Out On The Town

Once again, I had the opportunity to treat myself to a night out on the town.  Being that EP is three states away and I really wanted to see the Tyler Perry movie, I decided to go at it alone. 

I started my date off with passing by the mall. I actually had intentions of just window shopping but ended up purchasing several things that caught my eye a while ago. The items were finally on sale, yes, I must admit, I am a bargin shopper, and it was time for me to snatch them up.  I ended up buying a pair of shoes and clothing.  I did manage to put something else on my watch-list, so I will be back to get them later; yes, more shoes! 

Family Mixer: His Family Meet Up

Well the time finally presented itself for the tables to turn on me meeting his family.  The meet and greet time was set during my Atlanta bound trip over the Valentine’s weekend.  We would be joining his parents for dinner.  

EP explained that his mom is similar to mine.  She is also a no-nonsense type of lady, too.  She will say upfront if she doesn’t like a person and make his relationship hard.  I was talking ‘crap’ about EP meeting my family, but now the shoe is on the other foot; freaking out over here!

I have spoken and texted Mother EP on several occasions.  However, EP had me so nervous to meet the lady that I was close to backing out of going altogether. Then, I had to tell myself, he met your family now you have to put on your big girl panties and meet his.  He also planned to include his daughter in the mix.  He said it was time for us to meet.  We will have to pick up his daughter at her mother’s house. Not only will I be meeting his parents; but I will meet his daughter and her mother, as well; oh me oh my! Now my nerves are really out of whack.

Adventures: Road Trip; Atlanta Bound

Recently, I took a road trip to see EP in Atlanta.  We had been planning this trip for a while.  We could never get an ideal time to for me to go.  Finally, we both agreed that Valentine’s weekend would be perfect.  I began preparing for the trip.

The first thing I needed to do was get the oil changed and made sure the right pressure were in the tires.  The technician checked all of the fluid levels and checked the windshield wipers.  He gave me the all clear and said to have a safe trip.  I checked car off of my list.

The next thing that had to be done was, get adequate amounts of snacks and drinks.  I went to the store and picked up some Planters trail mix, Smart Water, potato chips and of course a pack of gum.   There were the essential road trip food items that my sister-in-law and I would get during our trips.  I checked this off of my list too.  Now it was time to hit the road. 

Sidebar: Stalker Alert

Recently, it was brought to my attention that I am being cyber-stalked.  This person has been following all of my social media involvement.  The funny thing is he isn’t on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram; well, to my knowledge!  Therefore, I am not really sure how he is getting his information about me, giggling as I type.

 “Oh sorry, let me let you in on who it is…It is my ex-boyfriend.  He is harmless and I am not in any immediate danger!”  

I have an idea, but not completely certain,this is the way he is finding out my whereabouts; you little sneaky devil.  He knows some very key things that are going on with me and has expressed some concern about them.  I guess I still run across his mind or he is missing what we had; ahem!  

Dating: Changing Phone Numbers

My cousin and I were chatting the other day about changing phone numbers.  She is possibly going to change hers because she is falling head over heels for her guy.  She said that she wants to because that would end all communication with other guys that aren’t looking for progression with her. In addition, that would let her guy know that it is all about him and she is serious about their relationship.  She suggested that I should change mine too, if a relationship would take off for me.

So, I started thinking; Hum, would I change my phone number because I am in a ‘serious’ relationship with someone?  After considerable thought, I can honestly say without hesitation, I would NOT change my phone number.  Reason being, I have had this number for several years and I want to keep my number.  Family members, business partners and friends all have my number.  It would take too much time and energy to make sure the important people have my new number.

Family Mixer: Meeting The Family

It's been several months since EP started swimming in that uncharted river so; he is scheduled to fly back for a visit soon.  What will be different about this trip is, he will meet my family.   Yes, I am almost ready to say I have a boyfriend (manfriend) but; that family approval is needed first!  

Being that I have been married, and through other break ups, my family isn’t accepting of men, anymore.  Sometimes I understand their position on this, because my last boyfriend was really involved with my family.  Therefore, I wasn’t the only person that had broken feelings because that relationship didn’t work.  After, that break up, they were like, “don’t bring anyone else around us!”  But here I am again; about to do what they asked me not to do; chuckle! 

Parents Do Know Best

I had an epiphany lately!  I am acknowledging that parents really do know best!  When you are young and green you believe that you know it all and “parents just don’t understand”.  We don’t realize that our parents have been through something similar or worse! 

Well, now that I am the parent.  I am beginning to see my children repeating some of the dumb mistakes I made when I ran around believing that I knew it all!  You know what I am talking about; the talking back (well, try to), the thinking that someone else’s parents are better or cooler than yours, when they go to sleep we can get up and be up all night; I ask to use the car to go one place but end up somewhere else.  This list can go on and on, but you get the point.

Year In Review

It has been a year since I started transferring my thoughts from paper to this blog. This blog has been my outlet!  A piece of me that I wanted to share and a place that has helped me understand that I too, am a mess!   I have shared my dates, adventures, and my journeys within my single life. 

Let’s recap:

• I have pondered over recycling my ex and getting that phone call from an ex asking to rekindle the old flame.
• Exes
• I went on several dates. One alone, perfect dates and some that made me want to quit searching for Mr. Jeigh altogether!  However, they made me realize what I am willing to accept and not tolerate!
• Dating
• I have shared closing a major chapter in my life and realizing that I pushed a person away because I didn’t know what I wanted.
• Love Lost

Mission 15: Going for 20!

Well, I am back at challenging myself to lose those unwanted pounds, again.  Why not add this to my year of self-challenges, right?  This time, I am going for twenty pounds.  I want to make the mission more interesting and a greater one. 

My previous challenge of Mission 15, I got those unwanted fifteen pounds off!  However, during the holidays, I managed to gain those back and some more!  Come on, don’t give me that look, you wouldn’t pass up potato pies, pecan candy, red velvet cake, cupcakes or any Christmas candy in eye sight, would you?  With summer and vacations coming up, now is time to get my butt back into shape.

Drifting: A Perfect Weekend

EP and I have finally spent some real time together, since meeting.  We had an awesome time!  He flew into the city early, so we had time to go to one of my favorite hangout spots in the city.  I took him to Port of Call on Esplanade.  He was able to partake in the hamburger with the loaded baked potato.  He loved the atmosphere and said that he could come back to a place like this. 

After eating and having a few drinks at Port of Call, we ventured over to the Superdome for the Hornets vs. Raptures game.  It was really interesting that we decided to go to this game because he is a Hawks fan and of course I am a Lakers fan!  But really the cost of the tickets was hard to pass up on.  The game ended with a Hornets lost in overtime, but this game was truly exciting.

Once the game concluded, we took a stroll down Bourbon to find a place to dance and have some drinks.  We ended up in Channing Tatum’s club/restaurant, Saints & Sinners.  I was truly impressed with the décor and the layout of the place.  The dance floor was a little small for my liking, but the place was on point.  Did I mention there is a stripper pole in the center of the dance floor, giving a side eye!  The music was slamming which caused us to stay there until wee hours in the morning. 

Sidebar: Cable Hunting

Recently, I moved and my new place has a huge tree blocking the line of sight for service with Directv.  Therefore, I had to begin shopping around for cable service.  I have had my cable service with Directv for years and have grown to love the service.  

Shopping for cable service sucked because we are only offered Cox and they truly suck!!!!  I did not want new service and yet alone with Cox.  They are a monopoly company which means that they are price gouging and their customer service is very lacking! 

Later, I began to vent to a coworker about the price, she suggested that I look into At&t U-verse!  She was telling me about the packages that were being offered and she was thinking about switching.  A friend also suggested them as well; because her friend has the service and loves it.  I proceeded onto the website to see what they had to offer.

My 2013 Goals/Challenges; “New Year’s Resolution”

Everyone starts off the New Year with promises that they try to keep.  I like everyone else, make “false” promises that I will work out, eat healthier, save money and my ultimate favorite is try to stop cursing.  Haven’t we all wrote and heard the same song?  By the time I am settled into the New Year, which could be about three weeks, all my resolutions go flying out of the window.  I fall back into my routine like I had never promised myself I would do these things. 

Therefore, this year 2013, I would like to do something a bit different.  Instead of putting myself on punishment, I want to challenge myself with achieving realistic goals.  Set some goals/challenges that are going to enhance myself as a person, friend, sibling, daughter and parent.