Saturday, September 30, 2006
Friday, September 29, 2006
Enough About Me
How are you guys? What's everyone been up to? Hit that comment link and leave me a little something.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Omacine Buckeye & My Neat-O! Moment
For those following Omacine's journey, there's a new post:
Omacine Buckeye
I had a few minutes and I checked my site meter to see how many hits the blogs are receiving and so forth. I was excited to see that folks are coming from all over to read it: The Philippines, Belgium, Austria, Chile, Switzerland, Germany, Samoa (What up!!!!!!!), Sweden, United Kingdom, Hong Kong & Ireland (a beautiful country I'd like to visit one day). I was also excited to find that if you do a Google search for Nikki Ann, my name blog will turn up on the first page of results. Neat-O! And if you search for Miss Nikki Ann, my blog is the first entry.
After a long day with Sir, something this trivial really excites me. I've gotta get a life.
Omacine Buckeye
I had a few minutes and I checked my site meter to see how many hits the blogs are receiving and so forth. I was excited to see that folks are coming from all over to read it: The Philippines, Belgium, Austria, Chile, Switzerland, Germany, Samoa (What up!!!!!!!), Sweden, United Kingdom, Hong Kong & Ireland (a beautiful country I'd like to visit one day). I was also excited to find that if you do a Google search for Nikki Ann, my name blog will turn up on the first page of results. Neat-O! And if you search for Miss Nikki Ann, my blog is the first entry.
After a long day with Sir, something this trivial really excites me. I've gotta get a life.
Slacking Off
A sista is supposed to be doing an internet search to find cute toddler slippers for Sir...Not! Instead I'm sipping on caffeinated coffee (a treat for me since it gives me the jitters and I can't drink it often) and going into a creative zone. Lots and lots of wonderful thoughts are flying through my mind. I love this time. A time when writer's block is non-existent and I feel in love with myself. I try and ride the flow of these moments, not knowing when my low self-esteem will allow me to tap into this moment again; it really is about when one allows themselves to tap into these moments, they're always available, just waiting.
Monday, Sir and I ventured out to the reservoir to take a 3 mile walk with the other mommies from Deb's playgroup. I arrived at 10:07 thinking that we were supposed to start at 10:00. When I didn't see anyone, I frantically grabbed Sir and the stroller; and began running, along the way asking folks if they'd seen any women with babies go past them. And of course LOTS of women with babies go walking there, so that questions was worthless. As I ran I tried to take in the sites of the beautiful waters and foliage, but it was just too dang hard--that stroller wasn't an easy thing to push with a 23 lb. baby lounging in it (plus other items that we just HAD to bring! Right!). About a mile into my run, I ran into one of our old pals from Sir's gym. We chatted for about 10 minutes and that put me even further behind in catching up with the girls. After our chat I started a crazy sprint, sprinting for about half a mile uphill until I couldn't bear it anymore, while passing a couple, who looked like lesbian lovers, who were wowed by my speed. As I slowed and walked, I passed a dad and his toddler, enjoying a slow walk as the toddler was curious about EVERY single rock and piece of dirt they passed.
Next I passed an elderly couple and asked if they'd seen the women. The couple's English skills were poor and we didn't quite make a connection. I then asked If I should stay to the left or the right of the path and the old man said: "You have come really far! Keep left." And so I did, running like a maniac.
Once I passed them I decided it was time to run again. I kept wondering to myself, hell, they must be running because I should have caught up with them by now. I ran and ran until I passed two more women with a baby. Once I got about 2 minutes ahead of them I came to a place where I didn't know whether to go left or right. I turned back and ran towards the women and apologized for having "mommy brain." They chuckled and agreed that mommy brain sucks, and then informed me that I, indeed, should be heading towards the left. They then commented on my brilliant running speed and I explained to them that I'd been running like a fool to catch up with some folks I'd decided I'd never catch up to.
I then jetted ahead of them and thought about a pep talk Oprah once said she'd had with herself about letting go. I agreed that it was time for me to let go and let the situation be what it was going to be. Running like a fool wasn't going to do much, and I'd only miss the beautiful sites (I was now almost at the end of the 3 mile trail). I slowed down, handed Sir some snacks and tried to savor the moment. Seconds later, and I do mean seconds, I saw Deb and the others headed towards me. I was to find out that we were supposed to arrive at 10:30, not 10:00; and hat I had indeed just met them at the beginning of their walk. I wound up having to walk that same 3 miles again, going back the way I started, and passing some of the same folks again--the two ladies I passed chuckled at me when they saw me again.
Along the way, I told the girls of the revelation I had about letting go and needing to slow down. And I said, "You know, Deb, reading is fundamental. If I'd just slowed down to fully read the email you'd sent out, I wouldn't have had to run an extra 3 miles." But, in the end, I'm glad we did meet them and walk the extra 3 miles--along the way we ran into two snakes (one was dead), and it was the first time I'd seen snakes that close up. And these brave moms toyed with the live snake so that the babies could watch it slither away. How neat! Actually, I backed away for that part.
So yes, it's time to slow down. Time to stop treating life as a race. If not? I'll miss out on the great scenery and wind up having to run more miles than necessary--and that ain't right!
FYI--It's Wednesday and I'm still in pain from that 6 miles on Monday.
Monday, Sir and I ventured out to the reservoir to take a 3 mile walk with the other mommies from Deb's playgroup. I arrived at 10:07 thinking that we were supposed to start at 10:00. When I didn't see anyone, I frantically grabbed Sir and the stroller; and began running, along the way asking folks if they'd seen any women with babies go past them. And of course LOTS of women with babies go walking there, so that questions was worthless. As I ran I tried to take in the sites of the beautiful waters and foliage, but it was just too dang hard--that stroller wasn't an easy thing to push with a 23 lb. baby lounging in it (plus other items that we just HAD to bring! Right!). About a mile into my run, I ran into one of our old pals from Sir's gym. We chatted for about 10 minutes and that put me even further behind in catching up with the girls. After our chat I started a crazy sprint, sprinting for about half a mile uphill until I couldn't bear it anymore, while passing a couple, who looked like lesbian lovers, who were wowed by my speed. As I slowed and walked, I passed a dad and his toddler, enjoying a slow walk as the toddler was curious about EVERY single rock and piece of dirt they passed.
Next I passed an elderly couple and asked if they'd seen the women. The couple's English skills were poor and we didn't quite make a connection. I then asked If I should stay to the left or the right of the path and the old man said: "You have come really far! Keep left." And so I did, running like a maniac.
Once I passed them I decided it was time to run again. I kept wondering to myself, hell, they must be running because I should have caught up with them by now. I ran and ran until I passed two more women with a baby. Once I got about 2 minutes ahead of them I came to a place where I didn't know whether to go left or right. I turned back and ran towards the women and apologized for having "mommy brain." They chuckled and agreed that mommy brain sucks, and then informed me that I, indeed, should be heading towards the left. They then commented on my brilliant running speed and I explained to them that I'd been running like a fool to catch up with some folks I'd decided I'd never catch up to.
I then jetted ahead of them and thought about a pep talk Oprah once said she'd had with herself about letting go. I agreed that it was time for me to let go and let the situation be what it was going to be. Running like a fool wasn't going to do much, and I'd only miss the beautiful sites (I was now almost at the end of the 3 mile trail). I slowed down, handed Sir some snacks and tried to savor the moment. Seconds later, and I do mean seconds, I saw Deb and the others headed towards me. I was to find out that we were supposed to arrive at 10:30, not 10:00; and hat I had indeed just met them at the beginning of their walk. I wound up having to walk that same 3 miles again, going back the way I started, and passing some of the same folks again--the two ladies I passed chuckled at me when they saw me again.
Along the way, I told the girls of the revelation I had about letting go and needing to slow down. And I said, "You know, Deb, reading is fundamental. If I'd just slowed down to fully read the email you'd sent out, I wouldn't have had to run an extra 3 miles." But, in the end, I'm glad we did meet them and walk the extra 3 miles--along the way we ran into two snakes (one was dead), and it was the first time I'd seen snakes that close up. And these brave moms toyed with the live snake so that the babies could watch it slither away. How neat! Actually, I backed away for that part.
So yes, it's time to slow down. Time to stop treating life as a race. If not? I'll miss out on the great scenery and wind up having to run more miles than necessary--and that ain't right!
FYI--It's Wednesday and I'm still in pain from that 6 miles on Monday.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Image From "Thembi & Preston: What Love Looks Like"
For my readers who don't know, that's me with the short haircut!
Yes, I had to point that out because I now have devoted readers who aren't friends or family members of mine!
Yes, I had to point that out because I now have devoted readers who aren't friends or family members of mine!
Images From "Thembi & Preston: What Love Looks Like"
So many folks took so many great pics from the wedding and emailed them to me. These photos are courtesy of Tunisia's camera. This is my first time posting anything from the wedding because the event was so huge that I couldn't figure out a way to tackle it. I've decided to post blurbs and pics from time to time. I think it'll be more breathtaking that way than just doing one BIG album where you can't savor each picture. And as I'm now having the time to take a look back at these photos, I am, again, amazed at how handsome of a couple they make. Let us all pray that their love surpasses their youthful beauty (and I know that they hope they can keep both their good looks and their love! LOL).FYI (for those who don't know)--The wedding was June 17, 2006. It was my brother and sister-in-law's grand day.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Our Announcement
Sorry Ladies. It's official. Mr. Bear asked me to go steady with him last night. And even though he'd had a few rounds of drinks, I'm pretty sure it was sincere. Ahh, mi amor, mi pan dulce.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Fun Alcohol Facts
The human body produces its own supply of alcohol naturally on a continuous basis, 24 hours a day, seven days a week?
The world's oldest recipe is for beer?
Vikings used the skulls of their enemies as drinking vessels.
The early church declared that alcohol was an inherently good gift of God to be used and enjoyed...to despise alcohol was heresy.
During prohibition, temperance activist hired a scholar to rewrite the bible by removing all references to alcohol beverage.
While there wasn't any cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or pumpkin pie to eat at the first Thanksgiving, there was beer, brandy, gin, and wine to drink.
Anyone under the age of 21 who takes out household trash containing even a single empty alcohol beverage container can be charged with illegal possession of alcohol in Missouri.
*Nikki clears her throat* And for those hitting the booze too hard, I have no idea where you can purchase that book to the left.And for you ladies who are looking to hangout with Mr. Boozin' It Up Bear, I'll see what I can do to get his info--that is if he can focus long enough to give me his digits. He's such a sloppy drunk and we fight about it all the time.
LOL
Latas!
Omacine Buckeye Subscription
Omacine Buckeye now has her very own email subscription. Go to her blog to subscribe:
Friday, September 22, 2006
Blah!
Let's face it, some days are just like, BLAH. I sit wondering what day of the week it is. I rarely know what day of the week it is! And then something refreshing happens: I stop and stare into Isom's eyes or I get a rib-tickling phonecall from Ang or my mom says something that's too cute and funny or I just LOOK at Peanut and Thembi and laugh or... Yeah, then I realize that life is about these tiny moments. Moments that, once linked together, equal a lifetime. A lifetime of small, intimate moments. Things that most folks won't even know happened in my life; they won't be written about in the newspaper or spoken about at a water cooler. My precious moments.
Obviously it was late at night, and I knew I'd smelt something burning. I went outside to find Peanut burning stuff in the backyard. It just didn't seem right--so I had to grab my camera. I looked at him like he was crazy--which he really is. Actually, burning stuff is something my dad and my Uncle Robert Earl do (the southern men they are). It's so sad to see Peanut turning into dad. I bet he never thought it would happen.
Speaking of precious moments...
Obviously it was late at night, and I knew I'd smelt something burning. I went outside to find Peanut burning stuff in the backyard. It just didn't seem right--so I had to grab my camera. I looked at him like he was crazy--which he really is. Actually, burning stuff is something my dad and my Uncle Robert Earl do (the southern men they are). It's so sad to see Peanut turning into dad. I bet he never thought it would happen.
And for those who can't view the slide show, here are the pics of the infamous moment.
Shout Outs!
Just wanted to say hi...
LuCiana
Crystal
Tunisia
Melissa
Selima
Preston
Thembi
Kimani
Audrey
Gia
Wallace
Erika
Jaden
Erica
A.P. Manque
Ang
Deb
Zoey
Wayne
Subrina
Tonya
Keyla
Takisha
Paul
Kirk
Turkessa
Tasha
Kenny
Mishari
Rev. Dion
Robin
Tangy
Uncle Wayne
Aunt Marion
Chiwanda
E. Craig Crawford
Ava
Mr. Tony G! -- Mom said, "Go to work!"
Phew!
And that's the short list!
I am so thankful for all of the support you all give me. The fact that you come and read about my average, everyday life means so much. Without you I'd just be talking to myself--which I do waaaaaay too much of throughout the day already! Like I'm talking to Sir now, but it's clear that I'm really just talking to myself cause he's still doing what I told him not to do.
Deb, Ang, Erica, and Tasha, what are we gonna do with these kids?
Con Besos y Amor
LuCiana
Crystal
Tunisia
Melissa
Selima
Preston
Thembi
Kimani
Audrey
Gia
Wallace
Erika
Jaden
Erica
A.P. Manque
Ang
Deb
Zoey
Wayne
Subrina
Tonya
Keyla
Takisha
Paul
Kirk
Turkessa
Tasha
Kenny
Mishari
Rev. Dion
Robin
Tangy
Uncle Wayne
Aunt Marion
Chiwanda
E. Craig Crawford
Ava
Mr. Tony G! -- Mom said, "Go to work!"
Phew!
And that's the short list!
I am so thankful for all of the support you all give me. The fact that you come and read about my average, everyday life means so much. Without you I'd just be talking to myself--which I do waaaaaay too much of throughout the day already! Like I'm talking to Sir now, but it's clear that I'm really just talking to myself cause he's still doing what I told him not to do.
Deb, Ang, Erica, and Tasha, what are we gonna do with these kids?
Con Besos y Amor
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Omacine's Update
Omacine Buckeye has been updated with a new layout and a new post. Drop-in today and see what she's up to! Feel free to leave Omacine, or me, a comment; or get into some dialogue about the crazy things going on in her life. Again I present to you...
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Omacine Buckeye
I'd like to introduce you all to a character of mine: Omacine Buckeye. Omacine was born Tuesday, September 19, 2006 at 2:30 AM when my mind couldn't rest. I was having hot flash after hot flash and felt miserable. Out of my misery bore this interesting name--Omacine Buckeye. I sat in bed and chuckled at the name, hoping not to awaken anyone in the house. This is a very normal process for me when creating my characters. I'll be up at night, or even during the day, and a name flashes into my mind. I always feel the need to explore that name and create a storyline around it. This time was no exception. I immediately started creating stories for Omacine Buckeye and was so tickled with the process that I decided to pen it.
For those interested in taking the journey with Omacine, we'll view her life through many different avenues. The first installation is in the form of a journal entry. Please be kind and thoughtful when reading Omacine Buckeye's stories. A busy mom, I have NO time to edit her stories (as I use my free time to edit my novel). I am carving out a small portion of my writing time to update her story, so you will be viewing this raw and unedited. This is about the story and not about the grammar; so don't email me with corrections!! LOL! As usual, feel free to pass this along.
For those interested in taking the journey with Omacine, we'll view her life through many different avenues. The first installation is in the form of a journal entry. Please be kind and thoughtful when reading Omacine Buckeye's stories. A busy mom, I have NO time to edit her stories (as I use my free time to edit my novel). I am carving out a small portion of my writing time to update her story, so you will be viewing this raw and unedited. This is about the story and not about the grammar; so don't email me with corrections!! LOL! As usual, feel free to pass this along.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
FYI
I have a new calendar and it can be viewed by clicking on the Miss Nikki Ann's Calendar link located to the left of the screen. With this new calendar you can add the events you want me to know about or print my calendar all in on easy click. Just scroll down to the end of my calendar to view the Add Event and Printable View buttons. And feel free to add birthdays or any other things you'd like me or others to know about. The calendar also features local Connecticut weather. Note how it'll be 42 degrees tonight! I love it!
And for those computer savvy people, there is and XML link on the calendar if you feel the need to subscribe to it. I just love XML and stuff!
Gotta run Isom to playgroup--we're late!
And for those computer savvy people, there is and XML link on the calendar if you feel the need to subscribe to it. I just love XML and stuff!
Gotta run Isom to playgroup--we're late!
The Volvo C70 Convertible
Correction: Actually the Volvo C70 convertible was My Dream Car until I had Isom; at that point I had to choose something more suitable for my small family.
Hey, I'd like to have both cars!
But I am a firm believer that a person with one ass only needs one car. LOL
But here's to the C70 convertible: You'll always be my first love.
A Healthful Reminder
FORGIVENESS is a big part of mental/physical/emotional/spiritual well-being. Today, try to forgive one small thing. If someone cuts you off in traffic don't let your road rage take over, release it and decide to utilize your other option. Forgive that driver for being blind; busy; a tired mom with 3 yelling kids in the car; a truck driver trying to make ends meet; a high school student who thinks he/she is in a NASCAR race; a 90-year-old GREAT-grandmother who's still driving around town because her kids haven't got the heart to seize her license...
Let it go... Just for today. Just this once. And see how much better you'll feel mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
And most of all: FORGIVE yourself...
FORGIVENESS
A step to better health and wellness
A step to better health and wellness
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
My Dream Car
The Volvo XC90
Hey, even The Pope knows a good car when he sees one!
Once a Volvo lover, Always a Volvo lover...
Hey, even The Pope knows a good car when he sees one!Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was forced to give up his rather secular ride, a 1999 Volkswagen Golf, when he became Pope Benedict XVI. Feeling bad for the old guy, Volvo handed over a set of Volvo XC90 keys to His Holiness yesterday. The SUV is dark blue with a light-colored interior, which doesn't really matter much since the Pope only goes mobile in the patented Popemobile that can deflect bullets and survive bomb blasts. As far as we know, Volvo's don't deflect bullets or survive bomb blasts very well, so perhaps the Bishops can use the XC90 for late night pizza runs.
[Source: SwedeSpeed]
Once a Volvo lover, Always a Volvo lover...
A Healthful Reminder
We've got to do it. People, we've got to do it. Ya gotta floss. I know-I know it's one of those tedious tasks that you'd like to skip in order to get to bed faster or move on with your day. In an ideal situation you'd floss 2-3 times a day. But hey, Mr. Tooth up there would be happy if ya did it at least once a day. For those of you in romantic relationships, it's not an option. You can't hand out wet kisses if you haven't removed the plaque and crap from in between your teeth.
Anyway, flossing and diabetes are bi-directionally related. Meaning: flossing can lead to diabetes and diabetes can lead to dental problems. So take time to floss the same way you take time to brush (At least I hope all of you are brushing. I hope...).
Then run out a plant a wet kiss on someone; they'll appreciate the extra time you put into your oral hygiene.
Here's a bit of information from mayoclinic.com:
Dental care and diabetes: Guide to a healthy mouth
You must take special care of your mouth when you have diabetes, especially your teeth and gums. Follow this advice to avoid serious complications.
When you have diabetes, elevated blood sugar levels can damage many parts of your body, including your mouth and teeth. Diabetes increases your risk of gum disease, cavities and tooth loss, dry mouth, and a variety of oral infections.
Conversely, poor oral health can make your diabetes more difficult to control. Infections may cause your blood sugar to rise and require more insulin to keep it under control.
In addition, diabetes can diminish your ability to taste sweets. Although this change may not be noticeable, it can influence your food choices in favor of additional sweeter tasting foods, thereby affecting your dental health, as well as your ability to control your diabetes.
Awareness of potential oral complications from diabetes will improve your chances of maintaining a healthy mouth and sound teeth.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
A Healthful Reminder
Go ahead! Pour yourself a glass.
I drink mine warm or at room temperature.
But if you prefer, ice cold water isn't a bad option either.
So pour. Drink up.
For those non-water drinkers, just adding one 8 oz. glass to your day can make a difference. All it takes is baby steps.
So pour... And enjoy!
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