While I was busy thinking, they did that...

                                                      
                                                      Women, the Fabric of Our Lives

March has been more of an "in like a lamb and out like a lion" kind of month for me. I meant to write posts throughout the month that feature just a few of the women (because there are many) who inspire me everyday by showing you how their stories are woven into the fabric of my life in honor of Women's History Month. I chose to do this because too many times do I think to myself about how the women in my life inspire me, but rarely do I get the chance to tell any of them. Well today I am going to tell you about 3 amazing women who have shown me what it looks like to be fearless, focused, and faithful. They are Carla, Theresa, and Vickie. 

While I was busy thinking Carla did that…

Carla and her husband Greg

Urban dictionary defines ride or die (I’m assuming it’s an adjective) as the person(s) in your life who is there through thick and thin. “They'll do what it do” to make it through with you. They are the ones who will stick with you til the end.

Now, I know that I have friends, people who are in my life because they truly know me, and have chosen to love me anyway, and I thank them for that because I am not always the easiest person to love. I’m moody, sassy, and honest to a fault, and that’s who I am seven days a week. But if you really look at what lies beneath, you get to truly know me. There are a few who have taken the time to get to know me, and those are my ride or die friends. And those friends, I can count on one hand. They are my go-to people, the people who tell me the truth when no one else will, the people who challenge me to be a better me. These people love me even when everyone else has abandoned me. Carla is one of those people.

When Carla and I met in 2006, we were both about to embark on a new voyage; we had been hired to open a new school in Cary, NC, and even though we were anxious, we were ready for something new. Immediately, I knew Carla was different from anyone I’d met. She was intent, she was focused, she moved with a purpose. At the time, I didn't know if I should in awe of her or intimidated by her, so naturally, I was both. That was 9 years ago and today, I find her to be loving and caring, not at all intimidating, but I am still in awe of her. She is the most fearless woman I know. She lifts weights, runs marathons, teaches today's youth, and she is a cancer survivor. I am amazed by how she does everything with the grace and beauty of a true woman. She gives me strength, and by her actions, I am inspired. She is the epitome of class and grace, she is my modern-day Audrey Hepburn, and she is my friend.

While I was busy thinking Theresa did that...

Theresa and her husband Tony

I started teaching in August of 2000, and needless to say, like most first years, it was a tumultuous year, filled with plenty of ups and downs. However, it was a good year for many reasons, and one of those reasons was this cute little 9th grader, Jamiyan. Jamiyan was absolutely adorable, and it didn't take me long to acquire a favorite student, even though teachers shouldn't have a favorite. Jamiyan was respectful, eager to learn; he was just overall sweet. I found myself wishing I could clone him. A year later, I taught Jamiyan 10th grade English, and the next year, I taught him 11th grade English. He followed me for 3 years, and each year it became more apparent that he was my favorite. Well, it was during Jamiyan's 11th grade year that I also became cheer coach, and met his sister, Chermia. Chermia was one of my cheerleaders, and I quickly fell in love with her too. It was at this time that I also met their mother Theresa. Upon meeting Theresa, I knew right away why both Jamiyan and Chermia were as beautiful on the inside as they were outside. Theresa and I became fast friends, and 13 years later, we still are. 

Now, it is not everyday that you meet someone as faithful and as loving as Theresa. She is the mother of 5, 4 of which are college graduates from NC State, NC A&T, UNC- Chapel, and ECU, and the youngest one, a 5th grader, is well on his way to greatness. Theresa has dedicated herself to her family, and she has been more than willing to do so. Well, last year, Theresa graduated from ECU. It was finally her turn. I have to say that Theresa's sacrifice as a mother is a testament to her faithfulness to God and her family. For me, Theresa is a confidante and a safe place free of judgment and full of love. It is no wonder that her children filled my life with love. I now know it is because she poured her love into them.  She is the epitome of love, and she is my friend.

While I was busy thinking Vickie did that...

Vickie and her husband Antwane

It was when my first born was three years old, that I went back to ECU to finish my degree. I was a full-time student and a full-time worker at US Cellular. I went to class from 8am-1pm, and I worked from 2-pm 7pm. For these 11-12 hours daily, my daughter was in daycare. It was hard. I'm not exactly sure how I made it, and I wouldn't have, if it had not been for my sorority sisters and friends in Greenville. 

It was while I was working at US Cellular that Vickie, one of my sorority sisters, and I became close. We had always known each other, but we hadn't really had the opportunity to spend time together. Right away, I sensed that Vickie possessed a spirit of resilience, and it was contagious. Vickie walked with a purpose, verbalized her vision, and dressed for success. I mean she was always "dressed to the nines"; high fashion from head to toe-perfection. And while it might have been her flair for style that caught my attention, it was her humble demeanor, her steadfastness, and her apparent love for her mother that held it. She inspired me, and I knew then that she was going to make her vision a reality because she had a way of making a person feel like he or she was the most important person in the room, and her smile sealed the deal. That was 16 yrs ago. 

Today, Vickie is more beautiful than ever. She and her husband are the proud parents of 2 beautiful boys, and the owners of a lucrative family business. When I got the chance to ask Vickie a few questions about her success, still full of humility, she attributed all of her blessings and inspiration to God and her family. I also asked her what one piece of advice she would offer to someone looking to advance him/herself today? This is what she had to say, "Listen to that inner voice...it is God telling us exactly what to do or when to do it. Being obedient and patient is definitely a virtue. If you stick with doing what you are anointed or gifted to do you won't fail. It is when folks do things that are outside of their anointing that they experience a bumpy road." Spoken like a focused, faithful, and fearless woman. She is the epitome of class and grace. She is my sister.

The women featured here inspired me then, and they continue to inspire me now. I cannot say how I came to cross paths with any of them accept that God placed them along my journey. And for that, I am thankful. 

Target Tuesday!

I'm Doing Cartwheels over the REDcard!

Last week when I was doing my weekly shopping, I came across a woman or fellow Target shopper who did not have a clue about the Target Cartwheel App. I was utterly surprised, especially since I have been using this app since June 2013. Here she was, an expectant mother, shopping with her 2 teenage daughters, about to pay full price for items when there was possibly a coupon that she could be using. Time was of the essence, and I felt that it was my "Red Dot" duty to share with her how she could get more for less. So I did, and she was hooked. Realizing that I had her full attention, I went all in, and told her about the card that has changed the way I shop, my Target REDcard. I told her that I use it more than I use my own bank debit card (I guess that means I shop at Target a lot).  Well, at least I know with every transaction made with my REDcard, I save an additional 5% off my purchase. I told her all of this, and left her to do her shopping. I continued on with my shopping as well. I didn't know if what I had told her really resonated until she found me later and thanked me for telling her about the perks that Target offers. I left that day feeling great because I knew that I had helped a fellow mom feel good about buying the things her family needs and saving money at the same time. I have to say, it was a good day.

Running into that woman alerted me that I have much work to do because there are people who are still unaware of the good deals that Target has to offer, so if you find that you are one of those people, this post is for you. Now, I am pretty sure that if you are at all like me--someone who is interested in meeting the ever-changing needs of your family and saving money while doing so-- then both the Cartwheel App and the REDCard will definitely come in handy. I love them both, but the REDcard can be used online everyday, and it even allows you to get free shipping when you shop from Target.com, not to mention the additional 5% savings for using the card to make purchases. I feel secure with the REDCard because I am saving money, and because my purchases are backed by Target, a brand I trust.

If you already use the App or have a REDcard, I'd love to hear about how much you love them. People need to know what they're missing!  

Change the way you shop and Get your REDcard today! 

All opinions in this post are my own.The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

while i was busy thinking | WIWBT: Must Have Shorts!

while i was busy thinking | WIWBT: Must Have Shorts! http://goto.target.com/c/147852/193249/2092

Must Have Shorts!

This is the time of year that I begin to look for the perfect styles that I must have for my spring and summer wardrobe. Ideally, I like to find shorts, tops, dresses, and rompers that will be my go to items for the summer. Items that I can dress up or down. Well, guess what? I hit the jackpot and if you find yourself reading this post, so did you. 

Get a week's worth of summer shorts from Target!
Shop for must have shorts here!

Target has made my life a whole lot easier with these stylishly delightful shorts that come in 3", 5", and 7"! Much like Goldilocks, I had to try all 3 fits. I found the 3" to be a tad too short for my liking, and the 7" to be a tad bit too long, but the 5" was just right. These shorts are perfect with tanks, summer sweaters, or blazers. But you'll never know if you don't try them for yourself, so act fast because right now, these shorts are buy 1 get 1 50% off! You can stock up now for the warmer days ahead.I promise you will not be disappointed!

Target Shopping Tips!

Use your Red Card, and automatically save an additional 5% and get free shipping!

Sign up here!

Do you Cartwheel? It's a must have app for the Target lover, I mean shopper!

Download today to start saving!

Save with Cartwheel for Android – Sign Up Now

Save with Cartwheel for Apple – Sign Up Now

The links in this post contain affiliate links and I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.

feel good friday

Happy Feel-Good Friday Everybody!

Mall escapade: I was browsing, and when I turned around to see what she was up to, 

she was already posing!

This week Tamia made me wonder which of us is the mommy:

After dinner last night, she said: 

Mommy, if you burp, you need to say excuse me.

(Give me time, please!)

Out of the blue, she said: 

Mommy, you look sleepy. Do you need to go to bed?

(I was sleepy!)

Walking in the store, she said: 

Mommy, do you have to use the bathroom? Then just go.

(I must have looked like I needed to go)

5 on Friday

First of all Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a wonderful week. 
I sure have had a wonderful week spending time with my sweet Tamia and just enjoying the little things that life has to offer! 

 Here are my 5 on Friday! I hope you enjoy them!

1. Favorite pic representing #AKA1908 love. 

I've been a Pink and Green Rule Breaker since 1993 when I became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The pink and green combo has become a phenomena, and it just keeps getting better because guess what... Lilly is coming to Target| launch date 04.19.15! Pink and green for life! 
See for yourself!

lilly+target

#2 Fave Food: Duck Donuts: an experience so nice, I had to blog about 'em twice!

Check out Yes I Can Monday!

#3 Favorite FB Game: Hello my name is Trixy Sprinkles Bunny Hop. 

What's your name?

#4 Favorite Moment: Randomly meeting someone wearing your dress at the play place!

#targetdresses

#5 Favorite Feel-Good Moment: This kid gives me life! I hope he does the same for you!

A star is born.
Posted by What The Flicka? on Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Yes I Can Monday!

I needed an extra push this morning in a big way. My school district has decided that this week, Spring Break Week, would be the perfect time for us to make up the days Mother Nature took away from us. Boy, am I glad that I did nothing school related during those 3 days we had off:). At any rate, I am not too sore about having to make these days up this week, and if the next 2 days prove to be as promising as today, I'm going to be just fine!

Today was a great start to my week, here's why, 

Reason #1: Duck Donuts

#1 North West Community Church surprised us with a sweet treat this morning, donuts from Duck Donuts. I first heard about Duck Donuts from watching Tar Heel Traveler and I knew that I had to try them, but the only shops were at beach locations. Well, now they are local, and let me tell you, these donuts are not just good; they are an experience. As soon as I bit into my warm powdered sugar donut, I instantly became mad. yes mad. Why? Because I knew that if I kept eating the donut it would soon be gone, and I would need another one. Now that's a good donut! So I am sending a huge thank you to Northwest Church for the special treat this morning, and thank you Duck Donuts for coming into my life and forever changing it!

See for yourself!

Reason #2: Wrangle the Paperwork

The upside of coming to work is that I'd either be at home avoiding the mounds of paperwork that are my life or I'd be out spending money that I don't have. This way, both I and my students have the opportunity to get caught up.

#3 What I Learned

So I am going to make the best of these three days of work because as we know attitude is 99% of the battle!

Happy Monday! 

21-Day Experience with Oprah and Deepak

Tomorrow I start a new journey, another 21-Day Experience, and oh how I love a 21-Day Challenge (this is my third one in 2015!).  On to the challenge. Oprah (yes, Oprah) and Deepak Chopra are sponsoring 21-Day Meditation Experience, and I can't wait! Months ago, I read an article by Deepak Chopra "7 Ways to Love Yourself Unconditionally" and it sparked something inside me. I realized that I hadn't been loving myself, instead, I had been pitying myself. A change was urgent, and thankfully, the power of perception is one that still works in my favor because mine was in need of a shift. Needless to say, that after reading that article, I was hooked on anything Chopra had to say, so naturally when I discovered that he and Oprah were journeying together on a 21-Day Meditation Experience that I could also take part in (for free!), I was sold!

So our journey starts tomorrow, and you can join me, as I join Oprah and Deepak Chopra, on a 21-Day Journey to "Manifest True Success"! Just say yes, and click the link above! 

"A waterfall begins from only one drop of water." Start somewhere, but start you must.

Meditation Experience

                           

Surviving the Madness that is March!

March is an important month for many reasons: it marks the beginning of spring, it's Women's History Month, and most important, it's my birthday month :). But for the majority of warm-blooded Americans, March is the month of Basketball, a.k.a March Madness, and for those of you unfamiliar with the annual phenomena, it is that time of year when the NCAA college basketball tournament pretty much lasts all month long and interrupts your regularly-scheduled programs. And if you are from NC, like I am, the Madness also includes the ACC Tournament: the days before the NCAA Tournament when the State Capitol Building is pretty much quiet, and the early dismissals from school reach an all-time high. It is a wonder that we do not declare the week a state holiday! Trust me, no NC native would object! Why? Because we've all embraced the Madness, in fact, we welcome it.

You see for as far back as I can remember, the celebration of my birthday has been overshadowed by either the famous Tobacco Road Rivalry between the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils, or the ACC Tournament . For this reason alone, I learned to embrace sharing my day with these great NC teams at an early age, and let me tell you, that as a Carolina fan, nothing can dampen a celebratory mood like a UNC loss to Dook. 

Fortunately, we UNC fans solace ourselves with the fact that the ACC Tournament follows the last game ( a UNC/Duke game) of the regular season, and with that notion we silently pray for one more face off with the Blue Devils. Without a doubt, we'll happily take the title of ACC Champs, and then move on to the NCAA Tournament. #surviveandadvance 

So how does one survive the Madness that is March? Why, it's quite simple really, and it consists of 2 choices: either accept that it is happening, or avoid it altogether because honestly there be no road between! Go Tar Heels!


Tips on March Madness Survival

A DIY March Madness Survival Kit
Your NCAA Tournament Survival Guide
Get the NCAA March Madness App and never miss a beat

Twitter Takes a Stand on Cyber Thugs

Put a stop to it now!

On my way to work this morning, NPR reported that Twitter has decided to change its policy to address those who use its website as a medium to either bully or abuse others. I was stoked! As of late, people have been using social media as a way to be vengeful, to harass, and even to instill fear. All negative uses of the medium, and all meant to hurt another. 

What saddens me about the entire ordeal is the fact that people take no personal responsibility for their actions and their lack of human decency. They only know that they want to hurt others, and because of this, they have become "Cyber Thugs". Their actions have caused  bullying as well as domestic violence (now online domestic violence) to evolve into something that proves to be more harmful than any physical abuse they could have inflicted. Because the sensitive information they "tweet" is shared with the world, the victims' private lives and moments are made public. Causing the victim great embarrassment. Doing this is cruel, vindictive, and just down-right wrong. 

Yes, people have the freedom to use social media however they choose, but the moment they use it to harm another person is where that freedom ends. I am glad that Twitter is taking a stand to hold people accountable for their actions. No one should have to live with the fear that their secrets or private encounters could be made public because another person felt that they had been wronged or offended.

I hope this is only the beginning of those willing to take a stand. 

 ** Domestic violence is not only reserved to physical abuse, but can include both mental and emotional abuse as well.


Articles on the issue:

Women face growing threat of online domestic abuse: experts

Twitter updates its rules to specifically ban ‘revenge porn’

Wishful Wednesday: Pink Crush

               

       

 

truthful tuesday

What life has taught me most is that even when I lose, I win!

21 things about me on my 41st b-day

1. I am afraid of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's; I don't want to forget the people I love.
2. I am obsessed with the color pink this year.
3. I am a dreamer, and sometimes I get lost in my dreams.
4. I am afraid of riding the escalator down.
5. I don't have a passport, but I'm going to get one this year.
6. I saw Michael Ealy in Cary Town Center and became a stalker in 3.5 seconds. He's beautiful! #IJS.
7. I have a crush on Jay Smooth; someone please tell him for me! See for yourself! Illdoctrine
8. I think a not so good looking man with ambition is sexier than a good looking man with no ambition!
9. I like rompers because they accentuate my asset!
10. I want to move away from NC.
11. I love to laugh and smile. 
12. I want a tattoo that represents who I really am.
13. I used to want my eyebrow pierced.
14. I want to learn to how to handle a gun.
15. I am a huge flirt!
16. I want to study law. Specifically family law.
17. I watch horror movies on mute with closed caption.
18. I am a tad bit OCD, and it's winning!
19. I am black-ish?
20. I love sterling silver hoop earrings.
21. I am the most stubborn person I know (there may be one other)! 

I have come to realize that perspective is what really matters!

HBD to me!

I pray for many more years to enjoy you, 

I feel Good because...

After missing 8 school days due to snow and ice, working a full week has been tough!  I feel good because it's Friday and the week is finally over! 

Having a 2-hr delay makes me happy.


It's my birthday weekend, and that alone makes me feel good! Happy B-day to me! 

I'm looking forward to celebrating my b-day with family and friends.

I had a great conversation with a man of God, and he told me that I did an amazing job raising my daughter (the 19 yr. old). Now, I already know that she's wonderful, but it feels good knowing that someone else knows how wonderful she is. 

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but a matter of moments." Rose Kennedy

An InLinkz Link-up

While I Was Busy Thinking, she did that...

Women, the Fabric of Our Lives: Featuring Cheryl Woods Giscombé

Cheryl Woods Giscombe, PhD, PMHNP-BC

Assistant Professor-Research Scientist, School of Nursing, UNC Chapel Hill

A year ago, I experienced a bout of depression unlike any I’d ever experienced before. I did not want to leave my house. I alienated family and friends. I wanted to take no part in what was happening in the world. But giving up was not an option for me. Eventually, I went on to talk to someone about my feelings, and she helped clear the fog. She helped me understand that my depression was not a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength. She said that it was my body’s way of communicating to me that I was suffering from some kind of imbalance, and that the imbalance was a result of extreme stress. So what did I do? Of course, I took to the Internet in search of ways to overcome stress, and to discover a path that would lead me back to the land of the living.

It was around this time that one of my high school classmates shared an article on FB from the UNC University Gazette; the article just happened to feature someone we went to school with as well, Cheryl Woods Giscombé. The article titled "Cheryl Woods Giscombé feels deep commitment to public service" highlighted Cheryl’s dedication to public service, but it did much more. Her article enlightened me about my depression as well. Because as you will see, while I was busy thinking, Cheryl was busy becoming a doctor and a nurse-- at the same time.

Cheryl Woods Giscombé is a wonderfully-gifted woman. Simply put, she is awe-inspiring and not just because I say so, it’s because she just is. I met Cheryl when we were students at Northern Junior High School in Roxboro, NC. It was there that we became cheerleaders together and very soon after, fast friends. Cheryl was one of the kindest individuals I’d ever met, not to mention beautiful. Even then, she was a force to be reckoned with. She was both brilliant and talented, and what’s more, she was full of humility. It is no wonder that Cheryl went on to attend the NC School of Science and Math. Even then, Cheryl was in a league of her own.

College happened for both of us, and then we lost touch for a while, but FB allowed us to maintain contact, but even then, I had no idea about the great work Cheryl was accomplishing for the betterment of African American women. Cheryl has been doing amazing work to understand the disparity African American women face when it comes to their health and how their cultural conditions influence how they cope with stress and other illnesses, which brings me back to the article in the UNC Gazette featuring Cheryl. In this same article, Cheryl also shared that during her pursuit to become doctor and nurse, she became ill as result of debilitating headaches called cluster headaches, and as a result she had to take some time off from her studies. Upon her return, Cheryl found that “mindfulness meditation” helped sustain her health, both mentally and physically. Like the genius that she is, Cheryl immediately saw "mindfulness meditation" as a method for African American women to employ in order to battle and/or overcome the many ills they face as they become “Superwomen.” I, of course, became obsessed with this method as a way to aid me in my endeavor to get better and rid myself of stress. Cheryl, my dear friend, was none the wiser that she was unknowingly helping me become a better me.    

Cheryl is a testament to the women who want it all but sacrifice themselves, mind and body, to accomplish it. Because of women like Cheryl Woods Giscombé, women are becoming stronger, and they are changing history. Thank you Cheryl for being a Superwoman and for becoming a part of the fabric of my life and the lives of many other women. 

To learn more about Cheryl, you might want to start with the article referenced in this post “Cheryl Woods Giscombe feels deep commitment to public service” featured in the UNC University Gazette. From there, you’ll too become intrigued by Cheryl and want to learn more about her studies and the “mindfulness meditation” approach. Cheryl has also shared her journey on Ted Talk as well. I look forward to Cheryl’s future endeavors as I am sure they will continue to improve the lives of all women.

For more on mindfulness meditation, you can begin here. 

Share Your Best, Not Your Mess

Being positive is the only way to enjoy life!