Come What May...

Farewell Blogspot!

2006-08-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

I have a NEW & IMPROVED blog on typepad!

**I will no longer use this blog starting today.

From now on, if you'd like to read of my lovely escapades go to: http://fresheyedpoet.typepad.com/mamasraspberry/

You'll also be able to link right up to my poetry site if you click on my About Page :-)

Bye bye blogspot, it was fun (but typepad is waaaay better).

Doo doo baby things!

2006-08-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

We're registered at Target! :-) Oh, I've selected soooo many doo doo baby things! And the cutest boy clothes..awww. Michael and I are really into the Graco Products and I just melt over a onsie ;-) And I looove this glider!

I heart these baby slings!!

The Red Batik sling is from www.peppermint.com And the cute grey pouch sling is from www.newnativebaby.com I MUST have one or two of these for me and my baby boy Caleb (*hint hint-I'm a size medium).

Here's something that just fits. So the room that we've chosen for the baby (at the dream house) just so happens to be painted a light beautiful blue! It's perrrrfect I tell you, perfect. It's the room/window to the left -if you're looking at the house. Oh I can't wait to get his room all fixed up!

Happy Thursday Pictures

2006-08-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Howdy all! Here are some pictures from the past week.

-Me posing in mom and dad's backyard with my big ole belly!

-Michael tending to his turtles last Sunday morning.

-The Dream House!!! Ahhh...isn't it awesomely dreamy?!

**Pics of baby boy Caleb are on the way!

The Results Are In...

2006-08-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

It is a BOY!!! Caleb Patrick is on his way!! :-)

tomorrow is THE day

2006-08-03T12:33:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that by 1pm tomorrow afternoon we're going to know what we're having. I can't believe that I'll be five months pregnant by next week. I can't believe that God has blessed us with this tiny miracle. I am over the moon...so much to be thankful for...

Have all bets been placed? I'm still thinking pink ;-)

til next time!!!

...and a white picket fence...

2006-07-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a prayer was answered.

We will move into our dream house in the country! This is the dream house that Michael's business friends told him about with the white picket fence, 3 bedrooms, side patio, front porch, two large bradford pear trees in the front and sits behind an orange grove...yeah that dream house.

Well, Michael paid a visit to the Stillwell's (the owners) to discuss (beg & plead) if they had intentions of renting us their house. Turns out they do. And the renovations (that have been put on hold) are finally taking place. We can move in the end of September.

God is so good.

Dave said that he's decided to do more renovating than he planned-which is a great thing for us- and which is why we can't move in in August (New HVAC, possibly new tile in the kitchen, fresh paint, new shower door and other small but big details).

When Michael called and told me the great news I cried and cried tears of relief and joy. This has been a major stress for me and I am so relieved that we not only found a house but a fantastic house at that.

Yup, my hubby went by and spent two hours with good old Dave and even got to finally go inside the house! Apparently I will be super pleased :-) All the rooms are a good size, the living room is great, the kitchen is too, and there's a wash/laundry room ( I love it!). And it looks like as rooms are finished, we can start to move some stuff in (we'll have to buy a fridge and a dryer and that chocolate brown leather couch from Ikea).

*Our colors: Michael wants to ask if it's okay if he comes by to paint some of the rooms particularly the baby room--BIG smile. Oh wow, I'm thinking a light yellow...

So there you have it. We will finally have a place to call OUR HOME. Filled with our things, our tastes, our style, our special treasures, our love.

We'll have our room, the baby's room and a guest room (my mommy has a place to stay!!). Oh gosh what color scheme will we go with? At our last apartment, in Takoma Park, Michael painted our dining room this gorgeous deep red wine color with white trim. It looked soooo chic against our dark black dining room set. All from Ikea, but of course.

So in two short months we'll be getting settled into our new home-sigh...;-)

August is already here too. I mean I leave in mid-August to go home for two weeks and then it'll be September (I'll also be turning, dare I say it 31 yrs. old--ohmigosh) and that month we'll be packing and rounding up stuff for the new place.

So...it will be here before you can say gimmie that Ikea catalog!

Well, have a great weekend all!

I'm getting a 1 1/2 hour pregnancy massage tomorrow morning...BIG sigh...:-)

Next Friday is the BIG day :-) :-) :-) Boy or girl? Have you placed your bets?

Here's a laugh

2006-07-27T12:58:00.000-07:00

An hour ago I cut slits down the sides of my underwear. Stop laughing. I'm leaving for lunch in 5 min and as soon as I get home, these underwear from hell are going in the T-R-A-S-H.

On My Mind

2006-07-27T09:08:00.000-07:00

The following is just a random stream of thought that I can't keep inside my head...

***

I taught my dance class last night at Sierra Studios and one of my students just seemed different and special to me (not different or special like she's slow or has downsyndrome). Monique is about 13yrs old and she took my two week hip-hop class. She's what my dance friends would call a non-mover. She had never taken a dance class and was very nervous the first day. Her "mother" seemed very encouraging and supportive and I said Monique, you'll be just fine I promise :-) She's a sweet girl. Very quiet. Small frame and timid. But you could tell that she wanted to learn, wanted to move and express herself. It was a challenge the first class to get her to mimick me. I did my best to attend to her as well as the other girls who were regulars at the studio. But it all worked out. And by the last class (last night) she had come out of her shell. She was smiling more, she was picking up movement better and when I called her name she said Here! with confidence. After every class I made it a point to hug her and say you did so good today. Aren't you proud of yourself? She would shake her head yes and smile.

Well, after class the owners, Susan and Jim, told me that Monique is from a SHELTER!!!!!! She is an abused child!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not believe it. I just plopped down in the chair with mouth open and started to tear up. I knew that girl was special I said. I knew it. Susan said that the "mother" is not her mother but a volunteer at the shelter. Wow. The woman called a few weeks ago asking about classes for the summer. She told Susan all about Monique and how much she loved to dance around. But they couldn't afford the classes.

Well Susan (and this is why I loooove this studio so freakin' much because they're good kind hearted people) let Monique take class for FREE/schoalrship. And if she wants to come in the Fall she'll let her come on scholarship!!

After I said ohmigosh about 15 times, we three talked about how much Monique had improved over just FOUR ONE HOUR CLASSES. I mean a whole nother little girl.

I am so moved for so many reasons. First, I'm glad that I didn't find out the she was from the shelter until after the camp. That way I didn't single her out or anything. Second, I am touched by the generousity of Susan and Jim Pallas. Third, I am honored that I was able to bring dance into her life and let her have an escape even if only for 4 hours. Lastly, I am so proud of this girl for going in there not knowing anyone, learning something new and embracing it. She is obviously more confident and comfrotable with her body which is a big deal being a child of abuse.

Wow. That is why I teach. That is why I love the art of dance. This is my purpose.

***

It's no secret that I too am a child of sexual abuse. I've written about it in poems, I talk about it openly- I am not ashamed. I know that I am stronger because of it. I know that I have touched others with my poem "A Comfortable Quiet" and that makes me stronger because of it. I know that we are all here for a reason and that I did not stumble upon dance or poetry....I feel so blessed to have been able to use my gifts and my childhood to connect with others- family and strangers. I am truly moved by this little girl Monique.

***

First time mom jitters. I have them. I go from super elated to how the hell am I going to do this? Will I be able to get through labor okay? Will panic set it? That's my biggest fear. That my Panic Attack Disorder will strike and I'll lose all control. I want to be present and take in eveything and sometimes it's hard to stay positive. But that's normal right? Cuz there's times when I feel like, You got this girl. You're so ready, you're so in the right place and frame of mind. You'll be fine. But that's normal right? But also, what the heck is normal anayways??? I do know that I am over the moon with this pregnancy. It's all I've wanted and now that it's here...it's like Whoa. God thinks I'm worthy to be a mom? He thinks I'm okay? I've rid myself of my demons and dysfunction? I'm not lost like I thought I was some years ago? I'm not depressed anymore? I'm really a functional member of society who is and can balance this great blessings and task of being a mother??? Yes. I am. I just have to take it one day at a time right? As I'm writing this I hear my Grama's voice in the background....Tiffie, you've got to give it God. You've got trust in you. Everything happens for a reason....I hear ya Grama. All day I hear you.

***

I see that this post is a little on the down side. Sorry. Here's a pick me up.

I need maternity underwear. Yup. It's time. The undies I have on today are horrible. They feel like they're three sizes too small (although they didn't feel like that this morning when I put them on) and the elastic in digging into my skin and expanding belly. It's all I can do from taking them off and throwing them in the trash can. I would if I wasn't wearing a damn skirt-rats! Michael called and he said well it's Thrusday, go online to Target and see if undies are all sale and we'll get you some. Sorry but am I the only one that finds that hilarious?

***

I dream of baby furniture. I'm really really really looking forward to fixing up the baby room (but we need to move first). I see light yellows and blues, clean white linen curtians, the baby's name stenciled above the door, a basinet, a glider next to the window so I can breastfeed and and feel the wind on us in the afternoon, one of those lights that has the moving mural inside of it so the shapes and pictures rotate on the wall. Oh I can't wait to do it up. A sweet little room for a sweet little baby. Who are you little baby? 7 more days...

***

Okay I think I'll stop. Thanks for reading my thoughts :-)

Post Secret

2006-07-27T09:04:00.001-07:00

This website can be powerful and simple but always interesting to read. Check it out. http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

The Reality of Pregnancy - a website

2006-07-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

This website http://shapeofamother.blogspot.com/ has put pregnancy in a whole new light for me. I am amazed by the honesty and bravery of these women who bared all to share their stories of pregnancy/motherhood.

P.S. Watch out there are pictures of naked ladies w/child ;-)

What dancers body? This is a Mama body now!

2006-07-25T11:17:00.000-07:00

Lounging by the pool...Where oh where did the dancers body go? Oh where oh where can it be???? HA!

Oh the thrills and nuances of pregnancy :-)

1. Well, there's the whole see ya later figure! I mean look at me! I'm a plump girl! Legs, face, arms (my arms could get kick Mr. T's butt), my tummy, my back, my booty, my ta-tas...no body part is left unturned for the preggo transformaiton. Getting my dancers body back will be...interesting.

2. Heartburn of great balls of fire! Oh this one is my favorite. Especially when you think it's gone and there's that week of relief and then BAM! so sorry digesting food today is gonna suck so...mind how you eat. Small bites please, thanks.

3. Sore ta-tas. Well this has finally subsided. If I could lay on my stomach I would but the basketball that was called my tummy will not allow it.

4. Catching ZZZZ's Yeah, good luck with that. There are only two ways to "sleep": on your side and/or on your other side with a pillow tucked between your legs cuz your back won't have it any other way.

5. Jiffy John. How many times can you go to the bathroom? I've got it down to once every two hours and four times in the night. Now it's gotten to the point where I had to ask Michael to leave the toilet seat up so I won't have to bend over to lift it...HA! The bigger I get and the more my back aches me...plus it eliminates time in the John. Picture this, it's 3am: Roll, toss, roll heave ho and 3 min later I'm sitting up at the edge of the bed. Then I need a min to let my back get into gear. Then I open my eyes, then I waddle to the bathroom. 2 min later if an angel is on my side, the seat will be up so all I have to do is sqaut and drop and hoist myself back up to waddle back to the bed to do what? Plop, roll, toss, roll and place pillow ever so carefully between legs and close eyes. Repeat in two hours, thanks.

6. Swollen feet and hands anyone? So long comfy feet and so long wedding rings. My poor little pitties (that's toes) are getting fatter and fatter and more uncomfortable. They feel like stuffed sausages. And I had to sadly and painfully, literally it was painful, take off my wedding rings :-( Yeah, that hurt. My fingers are like uh uh girl no you don't! There is not enough room for blood to circulate and them rings. Now I look like a fat pregnant unwed mom with swollen hands and feet.

7. Hmm what else? Oh yeah! The constant stuffy nose, the plugged up ears, the longing for a nap at 2pm, the random headaches, the the the...

But you know what? I LOVE IT. I am going to have me a baby and all this will totally be worth it!

I am truly blessed to be a soon-to-be mommy...swollen feet, headaches, backahes, heartburn, constant fatigue and all...this little one is a dream come true!

Two weeks shy of 5 months and 8 more days til the Mega Ultrasound appointment!!!

Small Joys Tuesday & Other Fun Stuff

2006-07-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

First the fun stuff:

Finally a preggo pic! Here I am in Mom and Dad's lovely backyard on July 4th. Gosh that sure is a round belly!

Small Joys:

1. Weekend Away w/Fam

I had the best weekend away with mom, Melissa, Steve & Katelyn, Maci and Brianna, Lindee, Jared and Justin. We all spent three fun days up at the cabin at Hume Lake. Oh we had lunch by the lake, played Mad-Libs, laughed, relaxed and enjoyed each others' company. It really was a great weekend. I mean it was such a relief to get away from the heat! When we left V-town it was 109 and two hours later by the time we got to elevation 6000 feet it was a cool 70. Ahhhh. And the scenery! The beautiful red woods, the lake, the sky, the massive mountians, the cool air, the smell of pine....the view was awesome. Thanks family for a much needed weekend away. I really enjoyed spending quality time with all of you!

2. Back to Basics

My hubby got to get away too. He and Dad left Thursday afternoon for a Fishing Trip Excursion in Bishop near Mammouth. He got to be in his element --nature. I'm so thrilled that he had an opportunity to spend time with Dad and Uncle Pat and get back to what he loves--the outdoors.

3. East Coast Talks

I was feeling pretty down on Thursday and two people really cheered me up. I had a GREAT conversation with my mommy and later on that evening my Aunt Teena called me! After sulking about needing a family fix, I got to hear words of encouragment, cry and laugh loud. I really needed that, thank you!

4. Unexpected Email

On Thursday (my sulking day) out of the blue, I received a comment on my poetry blog from a former student @ the JCC, Rachel. She found my website and commented on my poetry and said just the nicest things about her experience in my dance class. She told me that my class was an inspiration to her...WOW. How sweet was that? And how random and how thoughtful? It was so good to hear from her and so touching that I made such an impression on her. That makes me feel good- I did my job :-) Thank you Rachel! Go to www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com to read her comment.

5. Good Love

The best part about this past weekend was missing my husband. Sounds weird huh? Well, to be apart for three days was good because we got to miss each other...and on Sunday night it was so nice to see him and love on him. He said to me after a big hug, "I missed you and our baby". Ohmigosh...how sweet is that? We got to appreciate each others presence in just three short days. I couldn't wait to see him and tell him how much I love him. So, time away is good for the married soul ;-)

6. My Precious One

Oh I feel my little one moving and shaking these days! It's so crazy to know that there's a life inside me growing...I feel so blessed every time she (?) makes herself known. I love you little baby.

Those were my small joys what are yours?

Homesick

2006-07-20T10:24:00.000-07:00

Oh I'm missing home something awful...

I've never been away from home this long before. When I was dancing it up in Boston I'd fly or drive home for Christmas/Thanksgiving. Friends would come up for dance shows and birthday's or just because. And my mom would fly up for EVERY dance performance which was like two or three times a year. So I didn't have to go too long without a family or friend fix.

I've been here a year and 2 months and I've not seen a friend or family member since May 2005. Wow. It's hard sometimes...I'm an only child raised by mom in a small family. And the majority of my friends are dancers or close friends from waaay back in elementary school (yeah Jasmine!).

I miss home. I miss Maryland and D.C. : The atmosphere, the trees, the scenery, the city, the sites, the buzz, the subway, the diversity the dancing.

I've got about five dance friends who all had babies recently and now that I'm in the mommy club, it would be nice to see them and hang out and do whatever dance mom's do.

I miss the seasons. The cherry trees on the Mall, the Potomac River, Dupont Circle in the Spring, the snow slushing, the orange and reds and dark yellows of the Fall foliage, and the beaches...

I miss my Grama's cheeks, and nights on my Aunt Teena's porch drinking red wine and laughing too loud about stupid stuff--- I miss my mommy.

I miss the familiarity of Maryland. Knowing that it's MY home. I know the side streets and off routes to take to get to so and so. It's my territory. It's my home.

I miss Adams Morgan and the plethora of restaurants: Indian food, Mediterranean, African, Italian, Mexican...mmmm good eats indeed.

I miss the diversity in people and the metro: Bike messengers with mo-hawks, people of ALL races and nationalities, the gay community, the Latin clubs (I must Salsa!!), the hustle and bustle of it all.

I miss all that Maryland has to offer. I mean you've got Baltimore, Takoma Park, Bethesda, D.C. and Virginia is right around the corner and so is PA and New York city isn't a bad drive either. There's so much to learn and do and see and take in...the caverns in VA, the Smithsonian in D.C., the dance in Bethesda, the poetry in Takoma Park, the aquarium in Baltimore...

Going home next month will be overwhelming, overdue and all so beautiful. There are SO many people I have to see and SO many places I need to go-a month is really needed but I will take what I can get and two weeks it is.

Going home will also be very special because it's where Michael and I fell in love. We've got secret places that we'll need to revisit, special restaurants, and trails and roads we'll need to trek on. I need to go back to be reminded of how special our time was there--the beginning of our lives together. Just him and me. For a time no one even knew we were a couple. We had hideaways and getaways and secret talks and beautiful love that only we knew of. That happened in Maryland. And being pregnant makes it even more special a whole two years later.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining I'm just homesick...

I am a firm believer that Everything Happens For A Reason. So I'm not regretful that I live in Visalia, I'm just needing a dose familiarity...I need a hug from home.

Fun pregnancy graphics!

2006-07-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

For my little one...

2006-07-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

love abound floating on dreams and penny drop wishes made long ago. here in this place having held on tight to hopes and mistakes and a grandmothers prayer. a freed bird from little girl to woman she has arrived. yes, hair down, smile on, life growing and moving down paths made just for her. the curtains are open, eyes are wide and the unknown is not important. evolution has just begun. a miracle is at work proving that God works in mysterious ways for the girl from parkvale road. cowboys and angels circle this light abundant with riches, what's to come and uncertain beauty. small joys arrive when least expected to those who are virtuous and forgiving of ones self. blessings are all around up and down...beyond comfortable quiets. the time of her life is now...in the hands of this tiny miracle called her baby.

Copyright 2006
Tiffani C. Powell

www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com

Small Joys Friday

2006-07-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

Hey there all-

Haven't felt much like writing this week so I thought I'd save up all my weeks goings-on for today's Small Joys.

1. Spooning with my hubby-

It's really beautiful to fall asleep with your husbands hand on your belly. His big ole man hand, strong and protective. His fingers stretched around my expanding belly, holding me and our baby...I just love that. The three of us :-)

2. Fun Emails with family-

The other day my mom and my aunt Teena and I exchanged about 10 emails back and forth. It was fun. Like we were all three in the same room together having our talks laughing and being stooopid ;-) I miss my family so much...can't wait to see you guys next month!!!

3. Prayers do get answered-

Teena's middle boy, Nigel, has had a very rough time these past years. But he's in a fantastic program and doing so much better! He's home this weekend (back in MD) on a three day good behavior pass and I'm so proud of him for letting go of the negative so that he could see the true good and potential in himself. He was always a smarty, we called him The Professor, and it's such a blessing to see him doing so well. We're proud of you Nigel! I love you!!

4. Random Gifts-

So Michael and I received a generous amount of cash in an unmarked, unaddressed envelope the other day. It was a very nice card that was signed Love, God. We were thrown for a loop as you can imagine. Why and who sent us money? Why the anonymity? So of course detective Mike is all, I must find out who this is! He's been trying his best to figure out which family member is the generous culprit; by analyzing the handwriting, the postmark, the wording...and no one is giving up any details. Not even mom (who can not keep a secret!). I don't care who sent it, THANK YOU for your kind words and generous gift. We are very grateful :-)

5. Good Music-

I've been downloading and burning songs for my dance classes next week and last night, while watching my favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance?, the BEST song came on. I don't know what it is about this song. His voice, the simplicity of it, the arrangements, the words...but it moves me to tears. It really touches me and I forgot how much I loved it. So as soon as I got to work, I went to Wal-Mart Music and downloaded it. I'll use it for my Modern Dance class as well as for my own use (I'll blast it in the car and sing my heart out!). Check it out: Damien Rice "The Blower's Daughter" it's on his "O" CD...it is beautiful, & sad but oh my....so touching.

6. Jackie Chan Powell-

It is confirmed. My little one has made herself (?) known :-) For the past week I've felt kicking, jabbing, poking, twirling..who knows. But I do know that I get this overwhelming feeling of happiness when I feel my baby say HI to mommy. What a joy!!! We find out in three weeks if this is McKenzie or Caleb :-) We can not wait!!

What are your small joys this week?

137 beats per min

2006-07-06T09:37:00.000-07:00

Had my 2nd baby appointment yesterday afternoon and all is GREAT!

My precious one had a good heartbeat, was totally active and sounded great! Doc said that the baby kicked while we were listening. Little stinker?! ;-) Once again, baby was very active and moving all around. And in a few weeks I'll be able to feel her (?) kick and punch and dance around :-)

As for me, Doc said I'm doing great too and right on schedule. I've gained 7 lbs, blood tests came back a-okay and she said I looked healthy and was glowing! Aw :-)

So all is right with the world!

But the best appointment is next month!

We get to have "The Ultrasound".

This is the mega ultrasound where the Sonographer herself (not Doc) gives you a full 1/2 hour, they videotape it!!!! Yes, they videotape the session for you AND anyone can be in the room! Oh BIG fun! AND if we want...we can find out what we're having. Oh my....

Oh gosh, this is the appointment you put your best dress on for :-) I mean an ultrasound party! How fun! Oh I wish my mommy could be there (sniff sniff). But I'll have videotape so that should make it real right?

Yes, Miss Sonographer, I'll take 15 copies on DVD please, the unedited version. Thanks--ha ha!

-------

Later that night Michael and I went to Target to price baby stuff and pick out a couple of things. FUN!! We picked out the playpen/bassinet that we want. We're gonna get it on Saturday. And we know the stroller we want too. Love those Graco products!!

And we even spotted some great finds for our new house (sorry no updated news about the dream house).

Can't wait to get in that house and set up shop. We're gonna hook it up!!!!

Alrighty, well that's all for now. I'm feeling good and relieved to know that baby is doing great in there. I love to hear that heartbeat! It's my favorite sound :-)

Hope everyone had a bang of a 4th July!

Small Joys Friday

2006-06-30T11:09:00.000-07:00

It's Friday and I thought I'd follow in the footsteps of my blog friend Andi: http://andimae.typepad.com/tales_of_a_crafty_mama/ and give thanks for the little things this Friday. :-)

So here goes:

1. My husband and the belly stare.

Oh my Michael is just too cute. Whenever I pass by him he stops me so he can rub my belly and admire it. He also likes to make me pull up my shirt and show family my growing tummy. I'm waiting for him to stop strangers on the street...hopefully it won't come to that ;-) But nonetheless, I think it's the sweetest thing and it shows how proud he is and how excited he is about his baby to be.

2. Arm in Arm with mom.

I love my momma Karen. Michael and me and mom went out to dinner at Calima's (they really should have a reserved seating area for us with Powell engraved on the back of the seats cuz we go there so much! HA!) last night and as we were walking back to the car mom put her arm around me - doo doo and doo. We chatted about pregnancy arm in arm and just as lovingly as you please. It was such a nice bonding moment even though it was just like any other every day occurrence. *It made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :-)

3. PBS.

Wednesday night I watched The Dance Theater of Harlem (the first All Black Ballet Company)perform at The White House on a PBS special. It was so inspiring. The dancing was absolutely beautiful and I even got see my friend/former dancing partner Rasta Thomas dance with them! (Rasta and I danced a duet together back in DC. He is an AMAZING dancer and it's crazy to think that I actually danced with him!!). It was such a treat to watch such beautiful art right there in my living room. Go to www.rastathomas.com if you'd like to learn more about this extraordinary dancer!

4. Heartburn relief.

Yeah, relief of heartburn is a joy- trust me! The nasty heartburn I've been experiencing lately is starting to dissipate and that makes mama VERY VERY happy :-)

5. Good Music.

I bought two CD's last night: Nelly Furtado and Keyshia Cole. Um Keyshia Cole is DA BOMB DIGGITY! I love her voice, the beats, the music, the words, all of it. She performed at the BET Awards on Tuesday night and she did a fantastic job belting out her ballad "Love". Damn that chile can sing! And Miss Nelly Furtado's CD is right on too. Upbeat, different, good dance tunes and kinda funky...I'm down...I'm down wit it! So yeah, I got me some new tunes that I can blast in my car and sing along to at the top of my lungs!!! My baby is gonna come out singin' instead of dancin'....ha!

6. Coldstone Creamery will be the death of me but still it's a small gaseous joy.

Alright so mama was feelin' good after work. I was like, I'm going to get ice cream before dinner and I don't even care! I had me the Birthday Cake Remix (cake batter ice cream, brownies chunks, fudge, sprinkles and caramel-absolutely delicious). This treat has got to be whipped by the wings of Angels, it's THAT good. So I get it, I eat about 65 % of it, I feel great- craving satisfied!

But around 9pm I got the WORST gas pain EVER! Horrible. It was like contractions...all the mom's out there are like uh not even close girlie! Anyways, it lasted all night. But I toughed it out. And yes, it was worth it!

What are your small joys this week?

Have a great weekend everyone!!

the lemon, sierra dances & a dream home

2006-06-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Oh where to begin? So many good things happening!

I'll start with Sierra Dances. That's Sierra Performing Arts Center- SPAC. The studio where I teach Salsa and sub every now and again. Well, I dropped by last night to chit chat with Jim and Susan (the owners and directors). I love these people! Jim and Susan are truly good people who are about the ART of dance: sharing their passion and educating their students and the community. We share the same goals and ideas about dance and that is rare and exciting! They are not about numbers and how many students they can cram into their classes. They're about the students and the art..I love it!

Oh we talked for almost three hours! We chatted about their end of the year performance (that i went to last Saturday night- it was great!!), where we see studio dance heading, what make a good teacher, what I'll be teaching and more.

I'll be teaching two classes during their two week summer session eenxt month! Modern and Hip-Hop. Go Mama! It's only two hours on Mon and Wed. nights. I'm super excited and as soon as I got home I began my lesson plan for class.

Then in the Fall I'll be teaching Jazz and Modern with the help of an assistant cuz Mama will be 6 months pregnant by then and I'm sure I'll need the help ;-)

It was a great visit and I'm really looking forward to next months dance session!

Our Dream Home-
Michael and I have found our dream home. It's a sweet little house in Exeter that's for rent and we LOVE it. The first time I saw the house, I cried.

A co-worker of his know's the owners (it's all about who you know right?) and he got us the hook up. Well of course they have been putting in a good word for Michael and I. The connection is great because the owner knows Brian Blain too so he's getting positive words about us from all directions!

Well on Monday we finally got to meet the owner and boy did he take to Michael! (but who doesn't???). They talked for about 10 min (Mike put on the charm) then he came over to the truck and we said hello. The owner, Dave Stillwell, is so nice and seemed to really like us. He told us all about the house and how much it meant to him and that he and his wife are renovating it themselves..impressive.

So....what does all this mean?

Well, let me give a description of the house first:
The house sits in the back of a small orange grove folks! Yes! I love it! And the house is big! It's dark green and is surrounded by a white pickett fence. Yes, a freakin' fence! So perfect. And in front of the house there are two large Bradford Pear Trees. Gorgeous!

Three bedrooms, side patio, good size kitchen, fireplace in the living, dining room with ceiling fan, sliding glass doors...so perfect.

And check the renovations: New floor, new carpet, new refrigerator, new bathroom, new landscaping, new roof.

It's simply the house to die for!

It will be ready August 1st and Dave said to come by in a few weeks to take a look at the inside.

I think it's a shoe in...so cross your fingers that we get this house and make it our own :-)

The Lemon-

Yes we've graduated from a raspberry to a lemon. My tiny dancer is the size of a lemon and my belly is the size of a small basketball! :-) It's like out of nowhere it just popped out! And I looove it! I got me my belly and I've started wearing maternity tops and everything. So fun!

We have our second appt.. next week! I'll be 15 weeks! So crazy!

We might find out what we're having!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If not, we'll have to hold out until the August 4th appt.

Wow. So there you have it. Got my baby, got my dance gig, almost got me a house and of course I got me my hubby. I love you Michael!

Ahhh life is good....

I went, I danced and my back said whaaat???

2006-06-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

I had a BLAST teaching on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, my back did not have fun the next day. Whoops.

The thing is I felt good. I was moving (finally!), exercting some energy, sweating and having fun! The girls loved the routine, they worked their little booty's off and before we knew it three hours was up. I got paid (very well $ $ $), I got thanked over and over again and I was asked to come back in a month to clean them up! You go Tiff!

It really was so nice to be back in my element: dancing and teaching. I love it. I love teaching dance. I'm good at it. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside and what a kick to share what you love with others!

Now I wasn't crazy or out of control or nuthin'. I mean I was careful but I did shake my booty some. I made sure to drink lots of water and when I felt tired, I sat down.

But then there was the drive home....
By the time I got out of the car, or I should say attempted to get out of the car, my back had had quite enough.

There it goes. That shooting pain. Ouch! there it goes again! Every step my sciatic nerve was giving me pain like no other.

I knew that I was gonna be in trouble. I knew that walking the next day was going to be next to impossible. And I was right.

And you can imagine how I slept that night...I didn't.

As you know, I have to get up every two hours to pee and when you've got a massively paniful sharp pain shooting up from your low back down to your heel, getting to the potty aint easy.

It was a rough night and by 5am I knew I was going to have to stay home.

But what sucked is that I couldn't take anything for the pain because I'm preggers! Rats! If only I could pop 800 mlg of advil...

The other funny but not really funny thing is that Michael threw his back out on Sunday.

So we were a pathetic mess Wednesday morning.

But praise the Lord for family members who are also Chiropracters!! Praise the Lord for Bill Sweet!!!

Jana called Bill and he fit me right in! I got to his office at 11:15am and by 11:30 after he adjusted my back -mama was good to go!

The shooting pain went away immediately!!

Of course I continued to feel some discomfort but homeboy fixed me right up! THANK YOU BILL! :-)

I hobbled around for the remainder of the day but was so thankful that I was not in pain anymore.

I went back to work yesterday and I'm doing a-okay :-)

So there's a lesson in this somewhere right?

Oh yeah, please be advised to not pop your booty when you're three months pregnant for three hours straight when you haven't done a lick of exercise in over a month.

Note to self....

Oh welll, mama still had a damn good time!

*Now I do have a teaching gig coming up next month at Sierra Studios but it's Modern and Jazz.

Yes. I will take it easy and NO I will not pop my booty :-)

Sent With Love

2006-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

Why do I have a BIG smile and tears rolling down my cheeks?

Because my mommy sent me a baby package today!

She sent me the best goodies:

My very first really real maternity clothes!! Lots of cute tops from mom and my Aunt Carolyn --doo doo!

A Best Baby Products Book (this will really come in handy)

A 6 pack of Onsie's!!!!!! Doo doo and doo! Our first baby clothes!

A pill crusher cuz she knows I still don't swallow pills well.

and a card addressed to Tiffani Cherie with hearts drawn over all the i's in my name.

Now it's the card that really brought me to tears. Let me take you back to 1993.

When I was in my freshmen year of college at Hampton University (and very depressed) my mom would send me these cards. It has a picture of a stuffed teddy bear and to the left the words Missing You. At the bottom of the card it reads, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you."

I must have received at least 15 of those cards that year (I still have them tucked away in a treasure box). And each one addressed to Tiffani Cherie with the hearts lovingly drawn above each i in my name.

That was a rough year for me. And those cards- her words of love and support is what got me through.

It's been some time since I received a "Missing You" card and that's what sent me to tears. It took me back to a time when my mom and I were...each others rock.

Our relationship was so very special. For some months, this past year we had a rough spot. But we're getting it back every day...especially with the blessing of our baby to be. And ya know, our bond is still there. Our special relationship is still there and I was reminded of that today. That you only have one mom. And she fights for you and loves you and supports you and teaches you and challenges you. Sometimes there are hard times and you hurt but she's always there and she's always going to be your mom.

This is a good lesson for me as I come into motherhood. No matter what...love is unconditional and as you become an adult, as you become your own woman and a mother it's then that you realize that that bond is and always will be special.

Thank you mom for the package of love.

I love you so much and I thank God for every remembrance of you.

So You Think You're A Cheerleader?

2006-06-20T12:27:00.000-07:00

I got me a teaching gig tonight!!!

I've been hired to choreograph a Hip-Hop routine for the Red Wood High School Cheerleading Squad!! I'm super excited about teaching again and getting back to my old days as a cheerleader back in High School at good old Watkins Mill--Go Wolverines!!! Go Orange and Blue!

How I got the hook up:

The coach, Lisa, had been taking my hip-hop class at the gym and approached me back in April about doing a routine for her squad. I was like um YEAH! Well, there's more :-)

At Red Wood they have a Dance Department ya'll! Yes, a dance dept. and in March they and I mean all 300 plus students performed their end of the year recital at the school. I went and it was awesome! I was so inspired and in awe that such a program existed at a high school. I mean some of the talent was amazing. It really was something to see. Boys and girls, all types of dance, costumes, lights, action and move! My spirits were lifted that night. And it occured to me that this might be a place for me...teaching @ Red Wood.

Well Lisa is not only the cheerleading coach but she also works closely with Michelle who runs the Dance Program and coaches the Dance Team. Apparently Lisa told Michelle all about me and they want me for future gigs!!! And yes it pays REALLY REALLY WELL. $ $ $

How exciting?!

This would be right up my alley! To start doing a routine here and a routine there (throughout the summer and fall) and then after the baby hopfully teach for their Dance Program! I mean that is ALL me.

So...tonight is the beginning of what I think will be a great working relationship/partnership.

The music:

About five months ago I was itching to find this song that I danced to back when I was on the Dance Team and the Univ. of MD. Our coach, Emily, started her own Dance Association and for two summers me and my dance friends conducted dance camps throughout MD. We're talking 1995 and 1996-10 years ago!!! It was so much fun! Anyways, so one of the routines we did was to a song called "Scarred" by Luke Campbell (yes nasty Luke from Two Live Crew). The song was and is off the chain!

After much research, I found the clean/edited version on Ebay and bought it! I knew that the time would come when the song would come in handy....and it has.

I used it for the cheerleaders and they are going to LOVE IT! The routine kicks ass! It's hard, it's fast, it's got some old school moves and some new ones too. I'm so pleased with myself. ;-)

So, I emailed my dancing buddy, Sharisse (from the Dance Team at U of MD) to let her know I found the music and was using it. She said girl I still know the entire routine by heart! She's so crazy! She always had a good memory.

Hopefully we can meet up when Michael and I go home in August and she can re-teach it to me! HA!

So there you have it...Mama is back! I get to teach talented dancers, go back in time and have a blast for three hours tonight.

I can't wait to be back in my element :-)

Father's Day and Family

2006-06-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

What a lovely weekend!

Oh there was Katelyn, and Maci and The Kalama's -Jon, Alli, Chris, Nate, Ryan and baby Sean, The Brown's- Steve, Andrew & Haley, The Smith's -Jermoned, Juli & Brianna and of course Dad and Me and Michael (soon to be Daddy).

It was a fun weekend of swimming at the Blains, a Mission Impossible Toliet Papering Event (no I was not involved), some too good for words brownies, doo doo and doo baby Sean and a luncheon at the house with the grand finale presentation of the Grill to Dad.

Well, Michael picked Katelyn up on Friday night and she hung in with us. Then on Saturday I got my hair did! I finally found someone in Visalia who braids hair. So after 7 hours and lots and lots of snacks later I emerged with new hair and a new attitude! I heart fake hair :-)

Then I met up with Miss Maci and Katelyn and my lovely husband at our house. And to my surprise, I was greeted with two dozen pink, red, orange and yellow roses courtesy of my hubby. So sweet!!!!! The flowers were beautiful and I was totally suprised. Thanks Michael!!

To the pool we go! Off the girls went to the Blain's pool for some swimming and chatting. It was so nice to be in the water (it as 100 degrees on Saturyda!!). Me and Kay Kay and Mai-Mai swam and laughed and gossiped as I did baby exercises ...we had ourselves a fantastic time.

Later that afternoon the Kalamas arrived at the house and it was on! Kids running around, Katelyn and Nate tormenting poor Chris as he tried to talk on the phone, Ryan chassing the cats, Baby Sean just being his adorable self and the rest of us looking on. It was a fun afternoon.

Later that night some unspeakable acts of T.P.'ing occured but I won't go into detail (shame on you guys!)

On Sunday everybody was there laughing and eating and commiserating. We took pictures, played in the backyard with Ryan (who loves wearing bunny ears and hopping around--so cute), some took naps (that would be me), others- who we have loving named Natelyn, continued to taunt poor Chris, some watched baby Sean sleep, others kicked it in the living room to enjoy an actually very funny Mormon Movie spoof about Boy Bands.

Earlier in the afternoon Katelyn accompanied me to Target and Old Navy so I could get me some cute pregnancy clothes. :-) I got me two dresses (so cute), a summer beach bag that I've been waiting to go on sale, a pair of khaki pants and an adorable tank top that Kay Kay picked out. Good work Kay Kay!!

Yes, it was a very nice weekend culminating with me and Maci watching Memoirs of a Geisha.

Thanks Family for a great weekend!

Here's a shout out to some awesome Dads!!

My step-Dad Clyde!
My Uncle B
My best buddy Pablo
My dancing partner in crime Reggie

Daddy To Be:
Baby, you are going to be a fantastic Father!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL! :-)

My Mommy's Special Day

2006-06-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Mom!!!

Have a VERY relaxing, non-stress, listening to the lovely ocean waves, kickin' back with your hubby, easy going birthday vacation in Virginia Beach :-) I love you and I can't wait to see you in August!!!!

Momma Karen!

2006-06-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

In all my baby madness I forgot to give a proper birthday posting for mom's birthday ~June 7th.

Momma Karen's day was just lovely! The whole fam took her out to dinner at Mimi's Cafe to celebrate. Of course we took over almost the entire back room cuz there were um let's see ...so many of us!

There was-Mom and Dad, Jana and her 3 boyz (Justin, Jared & Jake), Melissa and Katelyn, Juli and Breezy, The Browns (Haley, Andrew and Steve), Joyce and Me and Michael = 16 of us and that's only HALF the family! It was good fun.

Now mom is off to Hood River to visit with Abby & James and Lindee & Ben :-) Have a blast mom!

Hope your day was as special as you are!!

Love you!!

My tiny dancer

2006-06-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Oh my...I knew that having the ultrasound would be exciting but I was not prepared for the tidal wave of emotion that was to come.

After my physical exam with my doctor -um the BEST doctor one could ever ask for!! She was personable, sweet, funny, nice, comforting, easy to talk to, professional and all things good- she said okay now it's time. Well, let me back up for a minute...

We get to the office, pregnant women all around :-) I fill out my paperwork and then they call my name. How exciting!

I'm whisked away to be weighed (no I'm not telling), get my blood pressure checked, my heartbeat and okay all the important vital signs. So far, so good.

Then the doc comes in. When she walked in, it was like there was a chorus of angels singing Ahhhh every so sweetly. Yes, she is all I could possibly want and need in a baby doctor. She's the bomb.com

She comes in and says "Hi Tiff!" Yup, I like this lady alright.

We greet, we chat, I get the once over looksy and then she said, "Now it's time. Shall we get your husband?" "Why yes we shall!

So she has the nurse get my guy. It was so surreal...like a movie in slow motion.

Meanwhile, doc turns off the lights (oooh ambiance) has me scoot down (I had a vaginal ultrasound- I know, I know vaginal? Yeah it was wild), she turns on the ultrasound machine and then a knock at the door.

In walks my big guy with the BIGGEST smile I've ever seen on him. I'm already starting to tear up.

"HI dad!" Says doc.

So Michael takes his position at my side (doc on my right) and I take his hand.

More like I squeeze the piss out of his hand :-)

And she says, "Are you ready?"

I look at Michael and he looks at me and I look at doc, YES!

And before I could take a breath...there was...our baby.

It was the most beautiful experience of my life. I am in a dream. I am hallucinating, I am floating, I am in love.

Right there on the screen - my baby.

"My you have an active baby! What did you do before you came here?"

Straight up, not exaggerating you guys, our baby was DANCING!!!

Yes, dancing! Twisting, turning, rolling over from front to back, posing for us! Legs moving, hands wiggling. A water ballet just for us.

AMAZING.

I was immediately overcome with emotions. Crying uncontrollably, legs shaking, me squeezing Michaels hand tighter and tighter. Gazing at my love that is the father of this tiny creature dancing inside me.

What a miracle. What a miracle.

So, after what seemed liked hours, we finished up and doc gave us five awesome pictures of our little one (Yes, I went to Wal-mart last night and made waaaay too many copies) . WOW.

We're all done. We say our goodbyes and as soon as she leaves, Michael and I are hugging and kissing and crying and basically in awe of what just happened.

I've been on a high for two days now. Me a mom? Me, host to a life that I made with an extraordinary man who's only been my guy for a year and a half yet we've been destined to be together our whole lives.

I've never felt so blessed in all my life.

I can't wait to meet this tiny dancer...

I love you Michael, I can't wait to have this baby with you.

The very first time!

2006-06-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

So it's here. It's finally come! The day I've been waiting for since I found out I was pregnant.

My very first appoitment with the OB.

This is the BIG visit. The first time visit.

The visit where you go a 1/2 hour early to fill out paper work and giggle with your hubby about how you can't believe that you're here at the doctor's office giggling and filling out paper work about your baby?? No! That's just crazy talk!

The first time you meet your OB (who God willing will be nice and caring and thorough and professional and kind and warm and and and...). who is like the third no fourth most important person in the whole baby process (first- Me duh! then Michael, then-baby, then- doc!). This lady is going to deliver my baby! She better be the best damn baby deliverer in the whole damn world of baby deliverers!

The very first time you'll hear the heartbeat!!!!!!!!! (close eyes now and envision Patrick Swayze -that's Johnny- teaching Jennifer Grey -that's Baby- how to dance the Merengue and Johnny with his hand on hers to his heart saying, "Goo gong goo gong")...ahhhh... yes the heartbeat!

The first time you'll get confirmation that your baby is okay and if we're lucky an unltrasound??!!!

And the first time of:

this is how far long you are
and this is when you're due
and this is how big the baby is
and this is what you need to do
and this is what you shouldn't do and and and...

I am counting down the minutes.

I feel like tomorrow is the first time I get to meet my little someone...my little raspberry.

And now I'm crying.

I just can't believe that I'm actually gonna be a mommy. What a blessing.

oh i'm a draggin' today

2006-06-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

As you would've guessed the non-sleep I got the other night has caught up to me. I'm sitting here at work just counting down every second...i'm soooooooooooo tired. My back is aching and I would give anything for a professional massage right now. Here's a re-cap on the past 24 hrs.

I was feeling oh so good yesterday wasn't I? Well what a difference a day makes.

So Michael and I went over to mom and dad's for a crab feast. Yum! KING crab legs of delicious goodness! I can't even think of the last time I had crab legs. So darn good let me tell ya. It was me and michael, the brown's and the sweets and Brianna :-) Dinner was great! We all sat outside and stuffed our faces full of crab, rice, salad and of course melted butter..hmm mm mm.

Then it hit me.

I need to lay down.

I retire to the living room to close my eyes and begin the bargaining with the Lord about how I'll do anything to not get sick.

It worked- i kept my food down but i didn't feel 100% or even 59.2% at all. But Family trickled in and we chatted about this and that.

Then it was time to exit. Two reasons:

#1. I really needed to lay down in my own element, take off my bra (I hate bras), toss out my contacts, put on my lazy outfit and complain to my husband about how uncomfortable I am.

#2. So you think you can dance (best show ever!) was coming on in T-minus 10 min.

Yeah it was time to go.

We get home and i'm too threw.

I flop down on the coach, continue my please don't get sick prayers and immerse myself in dancers who either can or should not EVER be allowed to dance EVER! It was a good way to spend two hours and then I really was too threw.

Off to bed i go.

It's 10pm.

Yup. I wake up 10 times to pee and I got NO sleep.

Yup My back was killing me throughout the night and ALL day today.

Yup. I'm ready for the weekend.

So it's today and my tummy is still not happy with me for injesting extra large crabs and melted butter. Wooops.

So my eating habits today haven't been the best which means I'm cranky, which means I'm tired, which means I'm crankier, which means my back still hurts, which means yes it's 4:56pm and I'm ending this post and going home.

Ahh the joys of pregnancy!

Poetry Contest

2006-06-01T15:47:00.000-07:00

So when I was in Coffee Co. this afternoon, John the Owner, pointed out that there's a poetry/photography contest going on. The poems have to be of a Central California theme and you can sumbit 1-4 total. They'll publish it in a local arts paper and everything! The deadline is June 6th and I thought hey why not? So I wrote a poem about Visalia. Hope you like it as much as I do ;-) Let me know what you think!

Sweet Valley

the land of golden dreams is right here at the base of these mountains, tucked away in the rivers three, aside rolling hills of green goodness filled with country values and honest living. yes go west and discover a new life where words come easy from pen to paper, root to tree, orchards and orchards to replenish all that resides. traipsed across country to find a place to call home away from home, hospitality flowing, history deep with folks who truly love the land that was given to them. downtown calls your name, a familiar smile, a gentle greeting, a break from the day at the coffee shop where only the old time regulars know it's secrets. a knitters haven to the left, a fox theater to your right, red woods, mt whitney's and homers nose all make this town what it is. a collected soul of souls. a place of enchantment from north to south, up and around the grapevine and back to the start again. so pack your bags for a ride, walk, hike or trek to the best place the valley has to offer. golden dreams start here...

Tiffani C. Powell
Copyright 2006

blue eyes, shadow puppets, smoothies and of course the raspberry.

2006-06-01T14:40:00.000-07:00

"Today is a good day to be alive." That's a direct quote from my hubby. One day last year we were driving through the hills & mountians (in and around Three Rivers and Esham Valley at the base of the beautiful Sierra Nevadas). It was a gorgeous day: cows grazing, qualis scampering across the road, blue sky, winding road...blue eyed beau to my left...it was a great day for a drive and Michael turned to me and said, today is a good day to be alive.

Yes baby it is.

Don't know what it is about today. There's nothing in particular that's making it one of those fantastically awesome days. I just feel good to be here, to be alive. Simple but profound.

Funny that I feel so good today. I got absolutely NO sleep last night. The new trend this week is to wake up hmm let's say around 2AM or 3AM and stay up until the sun rises. It's tons of fun!

Before I awake for my nightly gazing at the ceiling for three hours in the middle of the night, I have the pleasure of getting up at least 4 times to go potty. Yes, the baby is here and mama gots to pee every hour. Such a pain! So I'm up, it's 4AM and I'm thinking wow it only gets better from here! HA. So...with that said it's a wonder that I'm up and adam today.

I mean I didn't even wake up cranky! After my three hour shadow puppet game with Lola the cat, I do eventually fall asleep from hmmm let's say 4-ish to 7AM or whenever Michael wakes up. But no crankiness! I woke up, put on a cute outfit, even put in my contact lenses (ooh ahhhh) and get this, even a little mascara and blush!! You go Tiff!

Yeah, for someone who got maybe five hours of sleep, I'm doing pretty good. :-)

Who know...maybe it's the sun and nice weather, maybe it's my blue eyed beau/partner/handsome hubby and how he calls to check on me throughout the day, maybe it's the super sweet email I got from a new friend, maybe it's the pregnancy, maybe it's the great 10 min phone call I had w/my mommy back in MD, maybe it's the strawberry smoothie I had from Coffee Co. - whatever the reason Today is a good day to be alive!

Besides, I'll get sleep when the baby is like what? 3yrs., no, 4yrs. or is it 5yrs.???

Take a listen...

2006-05-26T10:39:00.000-07:00

Listen to "Come What May" a poem from my CD - Written in 2004 and inspired by love...
Download 12_come_what_may.wma

Small Joys

2006-05-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

This post is inspired by one of my favorite blogs.

This blogger is the sweetest-she's a young wife, a new mom and a talented scrapbooker. I just love her writings and scrapbooking and... her spirit. Anyways, every now and again she'll post what she calls, "small joys". Those simple things in life that make you smile. It puts life into perspective for you when you admire the small things. Not just complaining about the BIG stuff or simply overlooking the good that's in our lives. So here goes:

Lola Cat at sunrise: I love when my alarm goes off and Miss Lola comes right in the room, jumps on the bed and says good morning. She'll give me one of her cat coos, tip-toe close, begin to do her 'kneading of the bread' then settle down next to me until I finally acknowledge her. I love how instinctual she is. She knows it's time for me to get up and poof there she is! All that' missing is for her to fetch the paper and make me a cup of coffee. She's the sweetest.

Top of the mornin' to ya!: Every morning Michael calls me at work to say hi and wish me a good day. It's usually a 2 min conversation of hey babe, have a good day, hope you feel good and I love you. It's so simple and so thoughtful. A quick, I'm thinking about you. I like that. :-) My Guy.

The Raspberry: Although I'm only 9 weeks preggers, the subtle changes that are happening to my body are extraordinary. Now that I'm getting out of the sick phase, I can appreciate the nuances that my little miracle is bringing. The little "bump" that's forming on my tummy is like whoa! Wow! How precious it is! There is a tiny life growing inside me and it won't be long until I'll be able to hear her (?) tiny heart beat. So special.

Well, those are my small joy's for today. I think I need to make more of an effort to see the beauty in life-in simple everyday occurrences. Open my eyes and take it in. It' s been a long time since I've written a poem. But with this blog and reading Andi's words of inspiration...methinks I feel a poem coming on....

Check out Andi's blog:
http://andimae.typepad.com/tales_of_a_crafty_mama/

You go head and dance!

2006-05-23T14:56:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... three postings in one day? Well, look I had a lot to say.

Anyways, you MUST click on this link and watch this video. It is so so funny! Thanks Melissa G. for sending it to me!

...please watch this video if you want to laugh your booty off. Be sure to have your sound on..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

Katherine Dunham - A Legend

2006-05-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

My mom just emailed this article to me on the great Katherine Dunham (who Oprah honored). She died this Sunday. She was a legend and will be missed.

ARTS / DANCE May 23, 2006 An Appreciation: How Katherine Dunham Revealed Black Dance to the World By JENNIFER DUNNING Ms. Dunham was one of America's first artists to focus on black dance and dancers as prime material for the stage.

Oprah does it again...

2006-05-23T12:09:00.000-07:00

Did anyone watch Oprah Winfrey's "Legends Ball" last night on ABC? It was AWESOME!

She honored 25 outstanding Black women over a three day celebration including an A-list of "young-in's" (as she called them) to aide in the historical event. Oprah is amazing! I love that she did this.

In my opinion, the whole event was a Black history moment in the making. So many influential, aspiring and groundbreaking women that have made history were honored:

We're talking --Roberta Flack, Diana Ross, Dorothy Height, Ruby Dee, Della Reese, Elizabeth Catlett, Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Alice Walker, Patti Labelle, Leontyne Price (first Black Opera Singer), Nikki Giovonni, Gladys Knight, Katherine Dunham (one of the pioneers of Modern Dance), Shirley Caesar, Cicely Tyson, Coretta Scott King, Tina Turner, Diahann Carroll, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Toni Morrison, Naomi Sims, Dionee Warrick and Lena Horne.

and then the young-in's: Alicia Keys, Halle Berry, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pearl Cleage, Debbie Allen, Yolanda Adams, Tyra Banks, Iman, Missy Elliott- I can't even think of them all there were so many!

It was really something to see, all those extraordinary women in the same room expressing their gratitude, their thanks; sharing their love and respect for one another.

I was overwhelmed.

Oprah said that too often, when someone passes do we then recognize their achievements and praise them. She said we need to do that now. We need to say thank you now. "We Speak Your Name" was the theme that was read by all the young-in's -a poem that Pearl Cleave, an author, wrote for the event. So touching.

Of course, I was in tears. Called my mom, told her I loved her and I was thinking about her. It just makes you think of the struggles that so many of these Black women went through to get to where they are today....to get us where we are today-all women for that matter! The barriers they broke. Amazing. It was an excellent program.

So thank you Oprah, for a beautiful piece of Black History.

Go here http://www.oprah.com/presents/2006/legends/legend/legend_main.jhtml for more information about the Ball.

Fine Tunes

2006-05-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

Some music I'm into this week...

Ani DiFranco "To The Teeth" freakin; awesome CD
Cat Power "The Greatest"
Massive Attack "The Best Of..."

Don't cha just love good music??

Mother's Day Wishes

2006-05-16T15:32:00.000-07:00

I know it's a couple days late, but I wanted to give a blog shout-out to all my lovely mom's out there...

My mommy
I love you so much mom. I'm so thankful to have you in my life. You mean so much to me...I missed you, I miss you & I can't wait to see you and give you a hug and see your pretty face. ;-)

Mom (Momma Karen)
You're so awesome. Thank you for your generosity, your love of open arms and your spirit. Love you!

Grama (aka. Lady G, Sweet On Feet)
The sweetest wisest woman to ever walk the earth! You are my hero! I love you and your wisdom. And yes, everything DOES happen for a reason. Thank you for teaching me that.

Teena
You are so strong Teen and I so admire that. I cherish our bonding moments on your balcony, in your room dancing to your music and talking about everybody but ourselves! HA! I love you!

And of course these fab-u-lous mom's:

My super awesome sister-in-laws-
Melissa
Allison
Jana
Juli

Other great moms-
Candice (Yay new mom!!)
Martha
Dannielle
Emily Rife
Karen Bernstein

If I left anyone out...lo siento

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!!

Love,
A Soon To Be Mom :-)

Lights, love, a banjo and a raspberry

2006-05-15T15:23:00.000-07:00

We're late for a very important date...well one year and a day late.

My in-laws threw Michael and I a Wedding Celebration Party in their backyard this past Saturday. It was a beautiful evening filled with love, good food, good music and fun. :-)

In only four short weeks mom and dad put together a lovely shin-dig with all the fixin's.

The Lights-The backyard was absolutely beautiful! Christmas lights twinkled-wrapped around the trees & fence. Red candle holders sprouted up from the ground all a glow. Four large round tables with white linen and scrumptous colorful potted flowers as a centerpiece- each with three tiny candles that mom made herself.

The Banjo- We had us a pickin' band no doubt! Bass, guitar, banjo, singers the whole nine! It was really lovely.

The Eats-Buffet style taco salads...so yummy! The dinner was strategically displayed on a table covered with a blue and yellow table cloth (my colors). And the tempt my tummy dessert table of homemade desserts and homemade ice cream (thanks Nate and the Sweet Boyz!). I mean the best desserts: Joyce's lemon cake, mom's chocolate sheet cake, and of course killer brownies. So delicious :-)

The Love/Guests-Oh we had family and friends and all the Mormies came to congratulate us. Good people, good conversation, good times :-) Thanks to Miss Melissa, Ali & Jon and the Krazy Kalama Boyz, The Sweets-Jana and Bill and the awesome Sweet Boyz, "Bendee"- Lindee and Ben, Juli & Jermond and Easy Breezy Beautiful Briana, Abby -for her added touch all the way from Oregon (I loved the Let's Eat silverware tags!), Cassie (who also couldn't be there but sent her love--congrats on your closing night!), and Mai Mai (I simply adore you!). I love you all so much and I'm so blessed to be a part of this family!!!

Mom even had a display board of pictures for all to see us in our wonder years- one for me and one for Michael. My mom sent me pictures of me from birth to high school --hey I was pretty cute! And Michael was too too cute! His doo doo baby pictures, pic's of him in his scouting days, pic's of him and his childhood friends. It was a nice touch and fun to see what we looked liked growing up.

It was such a sweet evening and so giving of mom and dad to go out of their way to do this for us. And for out of town fam to celebrate with us. The details, the decorations, the music, the food, the invitations, the love. Thank you so much for making our One Year Anniversary so special!

The Raspberry - An anniversary present from me to Michael and from Michael to me: This little tiny is due to appear in December. Now I know why I was feeling so crappy in early April....I'm pregnant!

:-)

A Match Made In Vegas

2006-05-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Today is my One Year Wedding Anniversary to the best man in da world!! Happy 1st baby! I love you so much! From Germantown to Takoma Park to who know's how many states we drove through to Vegas to Visalia....you're my guy and I couldn't be happier. Thanks for giving me the best gift ever...I'm trying to wear it well ;-)

Above is a pic of me outside the hotel before we got hitched!

What a difference the sun & a year makes!

2006-04-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

The clouds have parted, the sky is blue and the sun is a shinnin'! Halleluiah! Summer is here!! Yes, it is a gorgeous day today and I'm all over it! It's amazing what a little bit of sun rays will do to a person. I feel like I'm alive!!
Aww gee, thanks sun :-)

Weekend activities...

Michael and I are going to watch Jermoned play in a football game tomorrow night up in Selma. I think it will be a lot of fun: me, Michael, Juli and Breezy (Briana) cheering on Jermoned. A mini-road trip :-)

But before we go to the game methinks I will do a little sleeping in..hee hee

I also have to get going on Michael's wedding anniversary present.

Oh Yeah! Michael and I will be married ONE whole year May 12th!!! I know what I'm getting him I just have to make a date with myself to go get it.

Wow. A year has gone by..I can't believe I've been in California for an entire year. A drive across country with nothing but a few bins of clothes, three pictures (from IKEA), silverware, 10 turtles (we caught in Oklahoma) and our love. That's all we had in my tiny little hatchback. Drove over 3000 miles for a new adventure, got married on the way, and here we are! Viola!

So much to be thankful for and so much to look forward too...

In one year Michael has turned Brush Control into the #1 Grinding Recycling Company. He is a force to be reckoned with. He amazes me sometimes. He totally took this company and made it into SOMETHING. I am so proud of him. He has truly established himself and everyone is looking to him for "what's next?"

We've made a life here and I've adjusted pretty well:-) I've gained this awesome family, I've got dance back in my life, made a connection with a great studio, I've got a great job, I learned how to knit and I've got the love and support of my family back home.

Yeah, there's lots to be thankful for this past year.

Now, all we've got to do is get out of this condo and into our own place with our own things and we'll be set. I totally want to go to IKEA and literally buy EXACTLY everything that we had in our apartment back in Takoma Park.

EVERYTHING! Including our sofa (our chocolate brown leather got it on sale 1/2 price in the As Is section, with no feet (low to the ground) cool ass sofa), our chic and modern coffee tables, our plates and glasses, pots and pans, bedroom set, dining room table and chairs, entertainment center, our landing strip, that bowl I got for our keys and change and things...all of it! Gosh we had a kick-ass apartment. We loved it. All modern and contemporary and US! :-)

We put that apartment together from NOTHING. We had NO money when we first got together. In our first place (the one with the roaches and no electricity over Thanksgiving, bathroom ceiling falling in and flooding, no water for five days, slum landlord apartment) all we had was a mattress, on the floor. But slowly we got a little bit here and a little bit there.

Every weekend we'd go to IKEA and scope out the things we wanted. We'd mark off in the magazine what we liked and when we bought it I'd circle it and write BAM! I know, I know sooooo dorky. But that's how we did it. It was fun, it was us making our home.

So yeah, it's time to revisit that memory and get our own place. I'm over the carpet, the curtains, the walls, the furniture, the idiot who leaves his dog outside ALL NIGHT barking and yelping and I'm over the guy across the way who still fires up his motorcycle at the most inappropriate times of day. Even if we have to start with nothing but a mattress-it's been done before. All we need is our love....and an IKEA magazine :-)

Okay okay I've rambled enough.

I'm just thrilled about what's in store for us this year here in Cali and so thankful for my husband. I love ya baby!

TTFN

Five Things

2006-04-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

I got this from Abby's blog www.abbytrysagain.typepad.com

Five minutes to yourself: how would you spend them, ideally?
Glass of wine and an Ani Difranco CD

Five bucks to spend right now; how would you spend it?
A new journal and a black felt tip pen

Five items in your house you could part with, right now, that you hadn’t thought of already?
1. The curtians (yuck! they were white at some point in time)
2. The blue hideous couch that came with the apartment
3. The carpet
4. My big bin of dance clothes sitting in the hallway that i need to rummage through and either give away or throw away
5. All the crap in the garage

Five items you absolutely, positively could never part with in your house?
1. The three pictures of a beach at sunset that I got for Michael (from IKEA for our first x-mas 2004 and the only thing we bought from MD)
2. Our computer (well Michael couldn't part with it)
3. Our books
4. My journals
5. My Rocket Dog Boots

Five words you love/like?
1. Shut up! (substitute for no way?!)
2. Thank you
3. Anything You Want (yeah I know that's a statement but I still like it)
4. Account Paid (ahhh I love a closed account)
5. Precious

Thanks Abby! That was fun :-)

Connections To The East

2006-04-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Had a GREAT conversation with my mom the other day. Gosh I miss her. I miss laughing with her and reminiscing about stupid stuff (like the movie "Moving" --"We're taking it with us!" and the people who lived above us at Oak Mill Apartments whose son was waaaay too overweight and would jump up and down on the floor and wrestle with what sounded like boulders and YOU sent me up there to tell them to be quiet. HA! Or when we went and got ice cream from McDonald's? And it was sooooo gross so we threw our cones out the car window! hahahaaa!) Good times, good times...Yeah, I'm missing my mommy. I'm just so thankful that we can talk the way we do now and share I love you's and I miss you's and stuff. Can't wait to tak a trip back to MD so I can give her a big fat HUG.

My Aunt Teena is doing better. Still struggling (she's all banged up) but she's home and my mom, and Grama and Teen's bf are taking really good care of her. My mom said that Teen was feeling so much better that she went downstairs on Easter and sat out on her back porch to enjoy the sun. She's got a doctor's appt. this morning so I'll have more of an update later on today. Love you Teen!!!!

My Grama. My Grama is the kindest, sweetest wisest woman EVER! She is simply sweet on feet, just gliding along this earth touching people's hearts and being a living breathing angel. I talked to her yesterday and she automatically puts a smile on your face. Can't wait to go home and kiss her right on her neck so she can say, "Oh Tiffie! Stop that!" :-)

And my girl Jasmine (who is JUST like family). My best buddy. My cheerleading partner in crime. My old friend of gosh how many years??? Since 4th grade!!! Crazy. Well Jazz I love ya girl and I'm so glad that I can call you for and about anything. You're always in my corner, cryin' when I'm cryin' and laughin' when I'm laughin'. I leave you all the rides we NEVER got after cheerleading practice cuz we were losers and didn't have a car and our mom's were single and worked late so we had to walk ALL the way to your house (which seemed like forever) and bad mouth everyone who dissed us. Go Wolverines!!

Yup, it will soon be time for a trip back to the good ole' East for a refill of family love.

A star is born in San Francisco

2006-04-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

A FANTASTIC write up from Today's Chronicle! 4-25 about my sister-in-law Cassie's current play, "Shove Me Tender". You Go Cass!! I am so proud of you!!! ;-)

Shove me tender The alleged subway murderer is pretty creepy in Ross Pasquale's unsettlingly disturbed performance, but Cassie Powell is even scarier as the relentlessly upbeat, obsessed jury forewoman who feels empowered after having convinced her peers to acquit him. An intriguingly conceived and brightly portrayed Genette (Powell) is the pulsing heart of Mark Eisman's "Shove," a recent Los Angeles hit receiving its second staging in a Custom Made Theatre production that opened Friday at Custom's Off-Market Theaters home.

It's an intriguing play that could profit from a more tightly paced outing than it receives at the hands of director Christopher Jenkins. Set in subway stations and other locations in New York (a striking, compact set by Bruce Walters with dynamic lighting and sound effects by Ted Crimy), "Shove" explores the fatal intersection of four lonely lives with an edgy wit and quirky originality.

Genette is a runaway who was taken in by the kindly, maternal newspaper vendor (a slow, steady A.J. Davenport) for whom she works. Played by Powell on a continual, preternatural high, she's still walking on air from having saved the accused man's life, having had to turn around eight other jurors to do it. One of those jurors, Selden (a shy, immature loner turn by Todd Brotze), has fallen in love with her -- an obsession she encourages and frustrates with breezy lack of concern as she pursues her conviction that the jurors and defendant should bond in post-trial harmony.

Powell strikes the right note as the cheerfully obsessed, idealistic stalker who won't let Pasquale's anguished Lowell retreat into his shell. Eisman develops the relationships between Genette, Selden and Lowell with engaging skill, though in a few too many short, choppy scenes. Jenkins calls too much attention to the structural problems with slack pacing and by punctuating the scenes too repetitively with subway effects. An intriguing effort loses momentum as it moves toward what should be its relentless climax.

C'est Bon!

April Babies

2006-04-25T11:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to:

Abby :-)
Justin --yaaaay 15 yrs. old!
Sharea (my East Coast super fly step-sista)
Sharisse (my good buddy from Univ. of Mad dayz)

Hope you all have and had GREAT birthdays!!!

what the stars say...

2006-04-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

My horoscope for today....very nice.

Virgo
August 23 - September 22

It is probably in your nature to want to include everyone in your plans today, dear Virgo. Perhaps you find yourself running around and making sure that everyone is being cared for. More than likely, your nurturing instinct is coming out, so feel free to spread this love around freely. The thing to be careful of, however, is that you aren't sacrificing too much of yourself as you do this.

Good news for people who like it when I'm happy

2006-04-21T14:40:00.000-07:00

Who's picking up their car today???? Oh that would be me thank you very much!! :-) I know, I know! It's too good to be true AND it gets better...

Moron Driver's insurance company has ACCEPTED 100% LIABILITY!! No they have not spoken to Moron Driver directly (he NEVER called--surprise? NOT!) but his claim agent said that she felt it was only right to side with my claim agents report! Go Tiff! Go Tiff! So that means I don't pay A DIME!! And Progessive (my insurance co.) is waiving the deductible!!

It's amazing.

So there you have it. In just a few hours I'll be reunited with my car and then I can go back to Target and return yet another shirt that doesn't fit. Hopefully this time the only fun I'll have is purchasing a garment that fits.

What i've been up to

2006-04-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Let's see....

Stayed home yesterday cuz I've got another cold-fourth one since I moved here. Maybe I've developed Valley Allergies???? Yuck! I got a stuffy nose and all the other fun symptoms that accompany it. I'm still not feeling 100% as far as all the irritibility goes but functioning better than I was last week. At least I don't want to physically harm anyone that speaks to me or looks at me or attempts to be normal around me.

Michael and I got a puppy (for free) on Saturday and by Tuesday we gave her up (to a MUCH better home). She was a 7 week old as cute as a button black Labrador. I was in love but we just couldn't do it. It was VERY sad to let her go. But I think she'll do just fine: Her new family has acres and acres of land for her to roam and play. FIVE kids to romp with and the dad is a duck hunter. It doesn't get any more perfect than that for a pup. Good for her.

My car still isn't ready!! Possibly tomorrow....Arg!! AND Moron Driver's still hasn't spoken to his claim agent meaning they're NOT going to accept liability until they speak to him and "conduct an investigation." Blah blah blah. Just pay for my car would ya? Enough already. We're finishing up on week three here folks. Let's get it together. Well, Michael called up Moron Driver and left him a message. That was two days ago. I don't think he'll be returning the call.

Lindee and Ben got engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!! 'Bout time ;-)

Lola is even MORE obnoxious than before now that the devil puppy is gone. Poor cat.

That's all I got to report for now...

Oh! The sun is shinning and the weather is beautiful. So I better put on a happy face and clap my hands.

Put it in perspective for me would ya?

2006-04-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

My horoscope for the day....

Sometimes one of the hardest things of all is seeing things as they really are. Could have beens, should have beens, ought to bes, can't believe it isn'ts -- all these cloud our vision of the world around us. But seeing through these various illusions is the first step toward accepting things as they are. It could also be the most difficult. And why is it important to accept things as they are? Only then can you engage with the real world, which is the only way to really make any necessary changes.

Maybe it's PMS who knows? But I'm feeling sooooooooooooo irritable these days. Just plain not feeling good, almost sad. The gloomy day today sure isn't helping...Although it was beautiful yesterday. I think that I'm reflecting on this past year at a time when the red flag of PMS is screaming NO!!! Stop analyzing right this minute! Put down last years poems, and thoughts of where I'd like to be's...I'm the well loved PMS and I will reek havoc on your psyche, emotions and hormones in only 7 days! So if you want to feel down, then by all means continue this thought process please. You can cry for no reason, hate everyone around you, wince over the fact that your breasts feel like they're 10 lbs EACH and make it nearly impossible to sleep throughout the night. AND/OR I can make it really fun and force you to feel totally inadequate & miserable!

Yes. PMS is a strong sucker. And I believe it's got hold of me this month.

Maybe this week isn't the week to listen closely to me feelings??? Cuz my feelings are of inadequacy and loss. I miss dancing-modern dance to be exact. I miss taking class and focusing. I miss the drive, the intensity, the fluidity, the discipline, the beauty, the nothing-else-matters-cuz-I'm in-my-element dance. I miss the challenge and the knowledge that I'm honing a skill that I absolutely love and that I'm good at it!

It's been a year and I wonder how much longer I can last without being around other true dancers. I know, I know, there's studios here and I teach BUT I mean professionals. A dance community that is serious. Not just a mom and pop studio. I miss my dancers body. Don't get me wrong. It was nice to be able to fatten up for the winter and hibernate-feel like an, "Average Jane." But I'm up to 160 lbs and I'm starting to feel out of sorts about it. Might be time to go to the gym and release the bear that's been lying dormant and put him on Atkins or something. But PMS is telling me that I need to go to Micky D's and get a #1 with an apple pie!!!!

To be able to do something and do it well is an amazing feeling. But to know that you've made a career out of it...Well that's huge! That's accomplishment. That's pride. I guess I'm missing that feeling. I'm proud to be a dancer. To be an artist. A working-living-breathing-Ar-teeest.

Then there's the baby clock tick tocking away and knawing at my heart and emotions. They say that some women just know when their ready. They feel it. I certainly do. I feel it very strongly. Like my insides know that I'm in a good place to procreate. That I'm not caught up in my career or NOT married (shudder the thought) or worse NOT in love or worse NOT healthy mentally. But the dance needs to find it's way back into my life...more so than teaching two classes a week. I NEED to be the student.

I'm not saying that I need to return to dance fulltime. What I need is to take a professional class. Be around other dancers who share my experiences. I need to sweat and be challenged and lose myself in the movement. Not take a jazz class with ten 15 year olds who were my size a year ago and the main focus is tricks. I need a MODERN DANCE CLASS!!!

...I also want to learn to knit more than a scarf and start an open mic poetry venue downtown and work at my Processing job and love on my husband and travel and get pregnant and adopt another cat cuz I have a weakness for kittens at PetSmart and YES! Dance and be that dancer with kids who performs magnificently and teaches and her husband has his reptile business and he's successful and be madly in love and travel and adopt more cats and sell my fantastic knittings on line and and and oh! record another poetry CD except this time I sell it and it's great! and I end up on Def Poetry Jam and they love me and and and......

Yes. I suppose I want it all. But then again, that's probably just the PMS talking.

Two days, three days it's all the same

2006-04-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

According to Enterprise, two days = three days. Let me explain.

Michael and I return the gas guzzling Extra Large White Tahoe, aka Big White, to Enterprise this morning...Remember there's NO prize involved.

Haven't gotten the 100% from my claim agent that Moron Driver will cover the cost of the rental so Big White had to go back.

But check this out. Enterprise called yesterday to ask how long I was going to keep the car and if my insurance was paying for it or was I. I told her that I would have to pay and why and that I would return the car first thing in the morning.

Now. If I'm returning the car first thing in the morning and I'm NOT going to drive it ALL day because why??? I've returned it. Then why does two days = three??

The story continues....

We get there at 7:40am (they open at 7:30am). We would have been there sooner but I had to put $10 worth of gas back into Big White (which by the way only moved the gas gage maybe a tenth of an inch- that's how ridiculous SUV's are) so that I don't get penalized.

So we're there and the "representative" who's way too perky for 7:40 am (let's call her Miss Perky) informs me that I've had the car for three days.

I said oh no no no. I got the car on Monday, had it yesterday and I'm returning it today at 7:40am.

Miss Perky continues to inform me of the (steal ALL your money) Rental Car Rules -which WERE NOT EXPLAINED TO ME by Frank. Frank was my representative on Monday and trust me the only thing Frank did was have me sign here and initial there and initial again and sign again. He explained NOTHING. The only thing he said was make sure there's 3/4 tank of gas when you return it.

Miss Perky: "A calendar day equals one day."

I want to smack her

Internal monologue: What the f---- does that mean????

I said I don't think so...then Michael steps in.

I just love it when the big burly white man who looks REALLY intimidating steps up to the plate or in this case the counter with a deep voice and explains to Miss Perky the Mr. Mike Powell Rental Car Rules. I love it. Angry Black Woman and her supporting cast. Maybe this should be called Fun with cars at Enterprise.

Okay so after some Humf's and I don't think so's and let me tell you what I'm not gonna pay (from me and Michael of course) they waive the third day fee of $69.00 for us. After Miss Perky's supervisor, Mr. Sloppily Dressed Just Got Out Of High School and I'm The Manager??? gives her the O.K. But he first has to explain to me, in a hushed tone, that he's doing me a favor. PaHa!! Yeah whatever.

Aw thanks Miss Perky!! Just for me?!

HELLOO???!!! I'm not using the car today!!!!!!!!! WHY ARE YOU CHARGING ME??!!! Had I known about your rental car rules of sucker everyone out of their money for a technical rule that make NO sense what-so-ever that you oops! forget to explain to your customers, I would've returned it last night! DUH!

Absolutely ridiculous.

So what has Moron Driver cost me? Drumroll.....

$149 and some change.

That's right folks.

You can imagine what kind of mood I'm in.

So there you have it. I get hit, car gets hurt, Moron Driver is retarded, I rent car, I get stuck with cost and Miss Perky is still cheesin'. Something's not right here.

should have stayed in bed kinda day

2006-04-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

You know those mornings when you wake up and you know that as soon as you hit snooze (for the third time) that today is the day you have no business leaving the house and trying to assimilate with normal functioning people from 8-5pm???

Yeah, today is that day.

I'm so annoyed.

Took my car into the shop this morning since ding-bat rammed into me at the Target last week.

It went well. Michael was there to ask all the right questions and say all the right things so that they know they can't pull one over on me or something. Unfortunately, they have to order the parts and that will take 2-3 days and then they'll start working on it. So we're looking at my car being in the hospital for a week at least. :-(

Then we head over to the rental car place, Enterprise.

Trust me. There's NO prize involved.

So background: My claim agent tells me that I will get a discount rate on the rental leaving me to pay $15-20 bucks a day. RIGHT! SURE.

I get there and of course they don't have ANY compact cars. They only have SUV's for $114 a day but with my discount I'll pay $51. Oh goodie!! Only $51 a day and my car won't be ready until next week?! Cool! Yeah sure. I can afford to throw down$300-$500 renting a car I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO RENT BECAUSE A RETARDED TWEEKER WITH NO DRIVER SKILLS BASHED INTO ME!!

Yeah no problem. I've got it covered.

NOT. So I tell the guy, as soon as a smaller car comes in CALL ME!

I think that I'll keep the SUV (White Tahoe yeah I'm riding in style and I look good but I can't afford to) until Wednesday and then it's going back. *I have a feeling a smaller car won't be available.

I guess Michael is gonna have to chauffeur me around for the next week cuz we ain't got hundreds of dollars stashed in our rainy day rental car fund. Even though MORON DRIVER SHOULD HAVE TO SHELL OUT AND PAY FOR IT!!

I hate him all over again.

Then I get to work and it just gets worse.

I don't want to be bothered, I'm starving, it's slow, there' s not a lot of work to do and I have a headache.

Hmm what else can I complain about??? Hmmmm...

Back to the rental car:

What's the deal with that? I shouldn't have to pay a dime to rent a car! And my husband shouldn't have to rearrange his schedule to be a limo driver either. Homeboy should have to come out of pocket for this. It's like I'm being punished. And it wasn't even my fault (sad face, awwww...)

I hate Moron Driver -really I do.

Oh, and I have to teach my Salsa classes tonight. And let me tell ya, that's the LAST thing I want to do.

Ahhh I love Monday's.

Travel King & Queen

2006-04-07T16:19:00.000-07:00

My lovely traveling companion and I will be heading North tomorrow afternoon to Frisco! Miss Cassie has her play this weekend and we're going to support :-) Should be a lot of fun.

Ahhhh...blue eyed beau to my left traipsing across country....

Not fun with cars in Virginia

2006-04-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

My Aunt Teena was in a car accident yesterday.

This is an email from my mom:

She is ALIVE, but not kicking. THANK GOD!!!! She is in the hospital in Fairfax Virginia.

Her Pelvis is fractured in 3 places and unsure if surgery will be performed or not.

Yesterday Teen left work and some foolish woman CROSSED THE MEDIAN!!! And hit her on her driver side!! THE AIRBAG SAVED HER LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The Nissan spun around Several times, windshield broke, glass everywhere!!! She was in Shock.

She had to be cut out of the car!! And she is in pain. She was flown in a helicopter to Hospital!!!! They gave her morphine in the Helicopter. They had to cut off her clothes to get her out of the car!!

Traffic was stopped for hours at this Intersection. She has 5 or 6 witnesses who saw the whole thing and will speak up for her in Court.

Praise the Lord for airbags.

I just got off the phone with Teen and she was in good spirits but in excrutiating pain.

The Story: She was on her way home , about 10 min from work and there was major traffic-really backed up, no one moving. Except the other side was. The stoooopid woman, in an attempt to avoid the construction on her side, crossed the median and slammed into Teena's tiny Nissan. Teena said that the car spun around who knows who many times. That she saw the airbag deploy, glass breaking...so scary.

She also said that had she been driving her usual 90 MPH she would be dead for sure. YIKES. Thank GOD she wasn't. She explanied to me how scary and painful it was when they extracted her from the car--with THE JAWS OF LIFE!! They literally took the hood off of the car and cut the entire passengars side up to get to her out. SO SCARY. Then they had to pull her out-screaming from pain she said. ohmigosh.

Then they airlifted her to the hospital. WOW.

She's got some more x-rays this afternoon to determine whether surgery is neccesary.

**She's got plenty of love and support: Her straight-from-heavan boyfriend, Mark, will be taking care of her next week when she goes home, my Grama is keeping an eye on Dylan (14 yrs. Teena's son) and my mom and Clyde are also there and ready to assist and my uncle Billy's lawyer will be taking her case.

And I was just in an accident on Tuesday...

Life is so precious. You just never know.

From an email chain my mom sent me yesterday: Our life span is too short to waste it on thoughts and actions that don't promote positive growth for yourself . It is also clear that unless I invest in family and friends today, tomorrow maybe too late.

I LOVE YOU TEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wish I was home to HUG her.

Tell someone you love them today...

Let's go to the movies!

2006-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Michael and i went to the movies last night and saw Inside Man-Directed by Spike Lee. EXCELLENT MOVIE! Long but really good. If you like Spike Lee movies then you'll enjoy this one. Not to mention Denzel, Jodie and Clive are superb.

TWO thumbs up.

my new fav

2006-04-06T15:02:00.000-07:00

Go to this blog if you want to laugh. http://blogs.iberkshires.com/BreedEmAndWeep/

Who cares?

2006-04-05T16:28:00.000-07:00

Um. Is it me or am I the only person who doesn't give a hang about Katie Couric and her (teary eyed and sniffling) farewell to the Today Show? I mean she's not dead right? She's just waking up a little later on another channel right? And I care because??????

Why did Tyra Banks (who I can't tolerate) devote an entire show to MySpace the other day????? Why does she have a show in the first place? Oh right Ricki Lake retired and Jenny Jones is MIA.

What happened to Janet Jackson?

Jennifer Aniston. Enough said.

Have you seen or heard about that ridiculous show on A&E called Black. White. ? HORRIBLE. Why do they put these out of touch people on television to perpetuate more ignorance and plant seeds in more stupid peoples minds that all black people love fried chicken and white people can't dance and and and how do we dispel these generalizations??? Oh yes. Let's create a TV show about two families made up to look like and pretend to be the opposite race! Perfect! And the N word episode?? That is so 1980. And I'm SO over it. It's like bashing Gays. That is so 2005 pre-BrokeBack Mountain. Get over it. We need to shift gears folks. There's bigger fish to fry up and devour. I mean it was up for an Oscar. Let's move on.

Lindsay Lohan. Enough said.

Um. Am I the only one that thinks Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are possessed? So scary.

What's the deal with Chef from South Park?? Why are people such hypocrites? C'mon Isaac Hayes you know what time it is. I mean you set the watch as soon as you signed up to be a cafeteria chef/friend to four foul-mouthed kids from the Comedy Central Network. You knew it was coming. I mean C'mon! Your a SCIENTOLOGIST for Chris' sake! it was bound to happen. And not soon enough. Ahhh I love Trey and Matt.

Flavor Flav. Oh migosh. Hold me. The world is going to hell in a handbasket.

I watched every episode.

Other than that. I'm feeling pretty good today :-)

Fun With Cars At Target!

2006-04-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

And I thought all I was going to do was return a scantily-clad shirt that was too big. Nope. Instead I had someone bash their car into mine.

Yup. I was in an accident.

My first car accident (involving another car that is) and an unnecessary one. The culprit- a complete idiot with his 2 year old son in the back seat. Arg!! And you're allowed to drive because??????

Here's how it went down:
We're driving down the Target parking lot. I'm behind him (with a good 5 feet or so between us). He turns down one of the parking lanes and I follow. He stops, I stop -foot on brake-at a complete standstill (still a good distance between us). Before the "bashing of the cars" began I noticed that there wasn't an available spot nor did I see anyone's lights on indicating they might be backing up. So it struck me as odd that he stopped.

And Before I knew it he had put peddle to the meddle and SMASHED my (still a toddler -not a scratch on her- cuz she's only 2 1/2 years old so really she's still new since I got the car in 2003) poor cars front end!!!!! Of course my hand is on the horn like nobody's business but it's too late, the damage is done.

He gets out (and I'm mumbling some choice words under my breath) and babbles something to the affect of "Aww man." Then suggests we pull to the side and exchange information.

Let me just tell you that homeboy is a pro. This is definitely NOT his first fender-bender.

Moron Driver: "Oh sorry did I f -up your day?" "That's why their called accidents."

Me: "Um yeah!! "You don't bother to look in your mirrors OR turn your head to see that I'm obviously behind you and have been for about 500 feet! Not to mention tada! You've got your two year old son in the back seat. Great driving pal." Yeah I said all that.

So the exchange of information comenses.

Mind you this is my first accident. I don't have anything to write on, I'm nervous and really really really pissed off. But Moron Driver? Oh yeah, he's prepared. He's got his pad, pen (that was pink), drivers license and insurance info all ready to go. I should've gotten a DNA sample and a vile of blood from him just in case my big burly husband has to track him down like the dog that he is and and and....sorry I digress.

Anyways, I review the damage and yes there was/is definitely damage (fender, lights, bumper and the hood all messed up and dented and broken). I take pictures with my cell phone camera and get every piece of info I can about the moron with no ability to drive or transport a small child in a safe manner.

Let me also add that this guy was a total tweeker and even took his son out of he car to show him what "Daddy did".

Moron Driver: "See, daddy made a boo boo on her car." I want to punch him in the nose.

Child who's dad is a moron: "Hee hee daddy boo boo." AHhhhhhhhh!! I just want to grab his kid and run to CPS (Child Protective Services) and the DMV and tell on him!

Now Mama didn't raise no fool. Before we left I made sure that he admitted he was at fault.

Me: "So what happened here? I was stopped behind you and you....fill in the blank________________."

Moron Driver: "Um yeah it' s totally my fault. I didn't even bother to look in my mirrors at all."

Me: Head cocked to the side with a gaze of confusion thinking, how the hell have you made it this far? This is why I don't carry a weapon.

Moron Driver: "Don't let this ruin your shopping day!" Cheeeesy smile, toddler on hip pointing at the boo boo. Don't let this ruin my shopping day?????!!! I want to kick him.

Me: "Um yeah whatever." But Walmart sells fire arm...hmmmm

Big ending. We shake hands and THEN he apologizes and asks if I'm okay (20 min after the fact). I hate him.

So there you have it.

I had 10 min left in my lunch break, I still had the extra large and totally inappropriate (too too revealing- that's what I get for not trying it on) shirt and I 'm still really really really annoyed and I need to call my insurance company. Arg!

So I went home for the rest of the day. I needed time to decompress.

It was very traumatizing.....

for my car.

Anyways, that's my tale of fun with cars at Target.

And no way am I going back there.

Until tomorrow.

The End.

P.S. Michael went to school with Moron Driver. Don't cha just love small towns?

romeo and juliet...

2006-04-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, in a land not far away, there was a prince named Michael and a princess named Tiffani - each from different families and different parts of the country. One day in the year of 2004 they fell madly in love and in the town of Sacramento it was agreed that they would marry. And they lived happily ever after....The End.

Yes, Michael and I had a romantic getaway in the town we got "engaged" in :-) We left for Sacramento Saturday afternoon and stayed at the Holiday Inn (which was literally the BEST hotel EVER!!). We got room service, relaxed, tooled around town, shopped and marveled at how awesome Sacramento is. We love this town!

It was truly a beautiful weekend. Exactly a year ago last weekend Michael and I were at the airport waiting (for 6 hours cuz we were early) for our plane to take off after my first visit to Visalia. In those four days I met his family, was intriduced to V-town and Michael finalized things with Brian Blain (his new business partner). It was there that we got engaged, well logistically....although technically at the Motel 6 in las Vegas but that's a long story...

Bottom line- The hotel was awesome, the town was awesome (even though it was dreary and rainy) and the love was fantastic!

In fact, we're going back in two weeks!

there's just nothing like love.

til next time...

Last weekend...

2006-03-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

Michael and I had some quality time away from V-town last weekend.

We took off Friday so that we'd have a good 3 days together. On Friday afternoon we headed down to LA. We spent the night with the Kalamas (freakin' love that family!!) and had a lovely time in deed. Friday evening Jon, Michael, Nate (Nate-Dogg) and I drove to a pawn shop in Pasadena to look at a extra big Trike that Nate wanted. Pasadena is a pretty cool town. Fun shops, food and people --all that little city appeal that I'm starting to miss. So we go to this pawn shop and there it is! The Trike! Nate was so excited. It's literally a tricycle for adults. Too funny. And you can imagine that the price was pretty high. Everything in that pawn shop was overpriced and Michael was positive that we could online and find some Trike's for a much better price {when we got back to Kalama headquarters--the trike's online we more expensive!!}. So we after we check out the rag tag stuff at the pawn shop, Jon takes us on a tour of Pasadena and then off to Panda Inn for some fine Chinese cuisine :-) Friday night was fun. Dinner, laughs and of course entertainment by Ryan and Baby Sean (who looks totally different every time you see him).

Turns out that Mr. Ryan is a serious chatter-box. I mean homeboy talks up a storm! So cute. And baby Sean is to die for!!! Alli is wonderful and Nate and Michael were side-kicks all night and all day Saturday. So Saturday mornin' Michael played Tag! You're It! with Ryan (who is speaking SO much better) while the rest of us watched and laughed. Then Jon, Nate, Michael and I went to Magic Mountain!! It was a lot of fun! We rode some coasters, drove go-carts, ate funnel cake and watched cheerleaders bust a move. It was a really nice visit. :-)

From there me and hubby drove another hour and 1/2 South to San Clemente to visit with Mai Mai. I just love Maci's cute little place. She and Melissa have it fixed up so pretty out front: Flowers and trinkets and pottery oh my! She's right at home and I'm so happy for her.

We three had dinner, chatted and hugged before we scooted off to our hotel.

Next day Michael and I enjoyed a delicious breakfast at the Sunrise Cafe, visited Maci at work (we even spotted her cute boy that's got a crush on her!!!) and sat by the beach.

The drive home wasn't bad at all either -very little traffic to the Grapevine. AND.....we went to OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE for dinner!! My fav place to eat but of course!! Oh yeah Alice Springs Chicken hold the mushrooms! Yummy!!

It was a very lovely weekend visiting fam and loving on my husband. **Thanks baby for whisking me away!!

This weekend??? Sacramento :-)

Mmmmm...I love my husband.....

what r u listening to??

2006-03-23T08:39:00.000-08:00

I asked and they responded. I'm having a music fix!

I sent out an email earlier this week asking some friends what they were listening to these dayz and if they were feeling froggy, they could reply to all and share! :-) And they did!!! Oh BIG fun! So here's a list of tunes from my peeps all over from the West Coast to the East Coast.

Enjoy!

Shannon (NYC)
Frou Frou
Aimee Mann "Lost in Space"
Moby "Play"
David Bowie "Reality"
Cibo Matto "Stereo Type A"
Velvet Goldmine Soundtrack
PJ Harvey "Stories from the City Stories from the Sea"
The Shins both albums
50 First Dates Soundtrack

Sharea (my favorite step-sister from the East--MD):
G. Love n Special Sauce (from my college days)
Kem
John Legend
Leann Rhimes
Anything OLD SCHOOL especially Otis Redding
The Old New Edition

My Aunt Teena (MD)
Cape Verdi Music: Various Artists
Delirium: Poem
Delirium: Chimera
Delirium: The Best Of
Tupac: ANY Tupac CD
Tego Calderon: El Enemy De Los Guasibiri
Tego Calderone: El Abayarde
Alice in Chains: ANY AICs CD
Disturbed: Forgot the name of the Freakin CD
Scorpions: Best Of
Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley: Welcome to Jamrock
Don Dinero: Ahora Que Si
TI: Chopped and Screwed
Snoop Dogg: ANY Snoop CD
World Music: Various Artists
Grace Jones: Best of (Double CD)
Dead Can Dance: ANY Dead Can Dance CD
Cocteau Twins: Any Cocteau Twins (preferable Blue Bell Knoll)

Aysha (Washington D.C.)
Miri Ben-Ari: Hip Hop Violin (really dope rendition of National Anthem w/Doug E. Fresh)Natasha Bedingfield: Unwritten
Rize Soundtrack
Dizzee Rascal (UK Hip Hop artist)
Prince: Black Sweat (NICE!)
Various Latin artists....

Melissa (San Clemente, CA):
Jeff Buckley
Flemming & John

Maci (my favorite sister-in-law San Clemente, CA):
Cat Power
Neko Case

As for me....
Jamie Cullum "Twenty-Something"
Alana Davis - all three albums but especially "Fortune Cookies"
All the Ying-Yang Twins and Pittbull mixes are fun
Floetry -their latest "Flo'Ology"
Delirium-"Chimera"
Black Eyed Peas-both albums
Mocean Worker
"Garden State" Soundtrack
Theivery Corporation (Electronic-ish) "The Cosmic Game"
Portishead- "Dummy"
Jay Z - "Black Album"
Fall Out Boy
Robin Thicke (ooohhh he is so fine!!) "Wanna love you girl"
That LL Cool J song "Control Myself" with J.LO is off the chain!
Mila Jovovich (folk) -"The Divine Comedy" beautiful...
Snoop Dogg
"The Hours" Soundtrack
Gorillaz
Nickleback
Everything But The Girl "Tempermental"
Dead Can Dance
Dee-Lite (from waaaay back in the early 90's)
Cat Power (Thanks Maci for introducing me!!!)
And of course anything Ani Difranco, Tori Amos and Madonna!!

So....what r u listening to?

crafty-words

2006-03-21T14:41:00.000-08:00

Do you need a poetic lift? Well, then you better go to my website www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com

Are you in need of home made crafted goodies? Well, then you better go to www.etsy.com to check out my sister in law's etsy shop- abbytrysagain -to see her latest creations OR visit her really cool blog @ www.abbytrysagain.typepad.com :-)

What are you waiting for??? Go on then!

stuff...

2006-03-17T11:47:00.000-08:00

Happy St. Patty's Day All!

**Congratulations to Cassie for having a succesful opening weekend for her play Love, Labors, Lost. You go girl!! Michael and I will try and plan to come up next weekend to cheer you on!

**My Aunt Teena acquired another animal. First, you must know that Teena is an animal LOVER!! She went through a dry spell but she's recently begun the process of becoming an animal sanctuary--PaHaaa!!! Just kidding. Actually, her words were, "...zoo-keeper once again". Too much. Anyways, a year ago she had only one cat, Foxxy. We call him Foxx de Loxx. Orange Tabby cat and so sweet :-) Then in December she fell in love with Duke, a gorgeous Dobermen Pinchor (spelling??).

Now, she emails: "We had our new fence installed yesterday, it is awesome and Duke LOVES running around in his backyard and …ugh…DIGGING HOLES. Bless his silly handsome heart!

Also, we have an addition to the family….a little black FLUFFY long bushy tail feral kitty we adopted last week. His name is “TEDDY!” and he has long white whiskers, white boots, and white on his neck!! Awww doo-dooo!"

I love you Teen!!!

So funny. Yes, we love our cats. My mom, Teena, Momma Karen, Me :-) We were definitely cats in our previous lives, fo' sho'.

**Mom and Clyde: Praise the Lord for the good news! I knew it would work out. Love you guys.

**Work is going well. I love to Process Loans...what can I say? :-) My pay increase begins April 1st--wooohoooo!!

**I love my husband. We had us a home-date last night. We went to the store, bought some good eats, came home and I made my man a tasty dinner. We had carrot cake for dessert (store bought--I know, I know...) and watched our favorite T.V. show "The Office". We even went to bed at a decent hour. It was a nice night. I love simplicity :-)

**MERDE (that means good luck in the dance world) to my good friend Reggie back East. He's a got performance this weekend and I'm sure he will dance beautifully.

**Happy birthday to Aysha!! I want to say 28?? Have a great day girl!

**Rain rain go away. It's been raining all week here in V-Town. And I'm so over it! Where is Spring???

til next time...

Family is so special

2006-03-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

Services were held on Friday for Cindy at the church and it was touching to see how loved she was. Dad gave the eulogy and it was so very special and perfect. It was a lovely funeral and for me, it stressed the importance of family. There were so many moments that stood out for me on Friday but the one that will remain is the song. Cindy requested that "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" be played. For the rest of my life, whenever I hear that song (and especially that version) I will always think of Cindy and smile. Although unfortunate the circumstances, it was beautiful to be around Michael's family and witness the way they rally around one another in times of need. His family is amazing.

~til next time...

forever in our hearts...

2006-03-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Michael's Aunt Cindy lost her battle with cancer early Saturday morning. She is no longer suffering and that it a blessing. She will forever be in our hearts. We love you Cin.

Been A While...

2006-03-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Wassup everyone?!

I've been mad busy these days. I'm slowly but surely becoming a Processor and so far I've closed TWO loans!! i'm hoping to have a sit down with my boss next week to discuss my pay increase--woohoo! Who knew that I would be interested in mortgage banking??? Well, turns out I'm a pretty damned good Processor and Brian is quite proud of his protegee :-)

Got me a gig!
I hooked up with this production company, "Shiloh Productions" in town who is in need of a choreographer for their hip-hop dance team. I sat down with the Owner, Randall, of the company (they promote concerts, models, actors and dancers) and looks like I'm their woman!! I'll be putting together a dance for two performances in April for their 16 dancers (over 18 yrs. boys and girls). I watched a video of one of their shows and they're pretty talented. The boyz can breakdance and pop and lock! Too fun! So.....I've been on the internet downloading songs and staying up til midnight crunching out choreography. I'm so freaking excited ! I love the rush, I love teaching, I love to choreograph. I meet the kids next Tuesday for our first rehearsal. AND yeah I'm getting paid what I WANT!!! I told him my choreography rate and hourly fee and he said O.K. Go me!!! I'm getting paid what I deserve and I'm going to be able to work with dancers who are advanced AND the public will see my stuff not just for a class. I can't wait to meet the group and get started!

Salsa Classes
My 1st Salsa Class Session was a success!!! They had a blast and I had a blast and it was awesome!! Session II starts March 20th with TWO classes! Another beginner class and a new partners only class for my "graduates" of session I. Exciting huh? I got great feedback from my students and it looks like the majority of them will sign up for the Intermidate Partners Class. Mo money mo money mo money!

We haven't even run an ad for the next session and I've already spoken to 6 people who want to sign up for the class! AND I might be hired to choreograph a "first dance" for a wedding!!

Hip-Hop
Oh this class is da bomb! I had 35 students last week and more people keep comin'. It's so much fun. Good energy, fun students good times. Last week I had a mom that had to be over 45 who was gettin' down! She popped it and dropped it and worked it out! It was too much!

So.....the teacher is back and in full effect! Break time is over. I'm ready to get back into dancers mode (minus the performing).

My side kick is back!
Maci is in town this weekend!!

March babies---Happy Birthday to:
My Aunt Donna -March 2nd (all the way in Alaska)
Juli Ana a.k.a. J.P. -March 2nd (welcome to the 30's club girlfriend)

That's all for now.

til next time....

No party, no trip, so sad...

2006-02-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I have no means to cover the cost of the release party. Dave never responded to my phone calls or emails. So sad and so dissapointing. I am bummed. I've put a lot of time and effort into not only the CD and the websites and planning for the party but my friends and family were looking forward to it, and I was excited to finally go home; spend time with my family, see my favorite sites and people and and and...just be home. Ya know? Although I'm living in Cali it's important for me to come home and share my work. DC and Maryland are my stomping grounds so it will be my goal to save up and do this thing right - on my own.

The lesson?
Never put your eggs in other people's baskets.

~Tiff

Springtime

2006-02-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

It is absolutely beatiuful today. 70 degrees, the sun is shinning and the mountains are gorgeous!! Ahhh Sprintime is here in Visalia.

Disney Land - The Powell Family Pow Wow
Looks like it's time for the Powells to head out down to LA for some much needed R & R. I'm so thankful that my husband can finally have some time to relax and have fun. Although, Michael is fighting off a case of nasty allergies....hopefully he'll still be able to enjoy himself.

Abby and James arrived last night so we've got some of the clan ready to go. I think that they'll ride down with Mike and I. Cassie and Lindee are flying down to LA on Saturday to meet up with Ali & Jon and the boyz and of course Miss Independent-Maci Marie (can't wait to see her!!!).

It will be good for the family to get away and have some time to breathe, especially mom. I'm really looking forward to spending some good quality time with everybody :-)

Talked to my mommy this afternoon while I was at work. ;-) Love ya mom!!

Poetry:
Don't think that I'll be going home for the poetry CD. Funds are limited and it's already one month to go. The deposit for the venue is due on the 18th and I haven't done any publicity for it as I was holding out on talking with Dave, but he's MIA. So....most likely this will not happen. I guess I will just have to chalk it up and focus on the California area instead. It really would have been nice to go back and do my thing though. I've got such great connections, and friends and dance friends and my family... but looks like I'm not supposed to be focused on selling it there. My plan was to drum up talk/fan-base/press and reviews and with that support move on to other cities, record stores, radio? Get some good feedback. Have something to show for the work before branching out to place unknown. I don't know.

I'm not dissapointed as much as I thought I'd be. Although, I did have high hopes of coming to DC and having this fantastic party with tons of people, someone from the Post would review it and the CD would take off and and and... HEADLINE: 'MD native and professional dancer Tiffani Frost comes back to DC and hits it big with her debut CD "On Her Own". Wishful thinking right? Ahh daydreams... I guess I need to re-evaluate my goals with the CD. How do I want to sell it? Where? blah blah. I think that I will just sit on this and see what god wants me to do. Don't rush things right? As my grama would say- Let It Go and Give It To God. I think I'm more dissapointed that I haven't heard from Dave-so wierd. Well, in the interim, I will continue to train at work, teach my classes and map out a plan to get the CD sold here in Cali. Start the open mic at the Coffee Co, maybe take some trips up to SanFransico and find some poetry clubs to frequent. I've got the CD, it's not going anywhere so what's meant to be will be. Hopefully Michael and I can plan a trip to MD to visit family and friends this summer :-)

Anyways, that's where I'm at right now.

February Babies:
Happy Birthday to Jasmine (what up 30 something?) :-)
My new nephew Chirs Kalama (16 yrs old)!
***Maci turns 22 on Febraury 13th!!!!

Cindy is home and out of the hospital. Hopefully she'll feel somewhat better/at ease being in her own element. We love you Cin. Continue to pray for her...

~Til next time...

Moving Up On The Job!

2006-02-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

My horoscope for 2/6/06

You're due for some serious changes on the job, and you'll see a hint of what's coming soon -- but there's no need to worry about it. The higher-ups who've had their eyes on you are already quite pleased. In fact, it might just be time for a big, fat raise or a brand new title. Better make plans for the celebration now, because it's due to be a big one.

**This horoscope is RIGHT on because I found out last week that I'm being promoted to Loan Processor!!! I've begun training already and hopefully in a month or two I'll be training a new receptionist to take my place! I'm super excited about the promotion. More responsibility, MORE pay and and and...I'll be a true professional in the work place!! You go Tiff!! Brian, my manager, said that I can make $18 an hour no problem as a processor!! Me? Bring home the bacon? And not just the pan to cook it in? I'm really proud of myself and can't wait to learn more about mortgage banking. :-)

Today's Horoscope...

2006-02-01T08:09:00.000-08:00

My horoscope today is very interesting - definitely hits home.

Virgo

That little child you once were and that you are trying so desperately to forget is still causing you problems, dear Virgo. But why do you try so hard to deny that sweet and tender part of you that comes out even in your adult life? You will forget about your faults, your imperfections, and your complexes that much easier if you could just remember your childhood fondly, and maybe even smile about it.

and since I'm on the cusp...

Libra

You will have all the inspiration you need, dear Libra, to get to work on some of the problems that have been happening in the lives of your entourage lately. You will use your pragmatism and tact to efficiently tackle those things that have been making life difficult for the people you love. You will help people not to panic in the anxious atmosphere that may surround all of you today.

Quick Quiz

2006-01-31T16:37:00.000-08:00

I got this quiz from Abby ;-) www.abbytrysagain.typepad.com

1.What were you doing nine years ago?
Wow. 1997. I was in my senior year of college at the University of Maryland. I was 22 and ready to take on the world!

2.What were you doing six years ago?
Living it up in Beantown-Boston, MA. Dancing up a storm.

3.What were you doing one hour ago?
Work work work…hi ho hi ho

4.Name three movies you can't turn off if you stumble across them on television.
-Dirty Dancing
-Moving
-My Life Without Me

5.Name three things you want to improve on this year.
-managing my finances
-communicating
-my friendships and family ties

6. Name three things you can't live without.
-my husband - but of course!
-my family - from MD to CA
-dance, poetry and my cat Lola (yeah yeah I know that's more than three but whatever)

7. Name three things you could.
-Britney Spears
-people who don’t follow-through (arg!!)
-my next door neighbor who fires up his motorcycle at 11pm at night

8. Name three things you like about yourself.
-I’m artistic
-I love easily
-I’m open minded

***I tag YOU! (email me if you do this-I want to read it, ok?)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG MIKE! & CONGRATS!

2006-01-31T09:02:00.000-08:00

DAD CELEBRATED HIS 60TH BIRTHDAY YESTERDAY AND HE OFFICIALLY RETIRED AFTER 39 YEARS OF DEVOTED SERVICE TO THE

EDISON ELECTRIC COMPANY.

!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Edison threw him a retirement party yesterday and he and mom had dinner with friends. *Dad was so good at his job that they had to hire TWO people to take over his position. HA! GOOD FOR HIM!!! Now he's 60 and ready for new projects :-) And one project in particular that's he's been working on is a Powell Family Vacation.

Yes, Dad is sending everyone to DISNEYLAND!! All the kids (9) their husbands/boyfriends (5) and one wife (that's me), and the grandkids (9)!!! Isn't that awesome??!! Um that adds up to 25. Yup, 25 -The Powells, Knudson's, Sweet's, Smith's, new Powell's and and and....phew! It will be some vacation ;-)

The whole family will celebrate at Disney Land Feb. 11th and 12th for The Powell Family Pow Wow! I've never been to Disney Land (I've been to Disney World in Florida though and that was a blast) so this will be a real treat. Disney Land here we come!!

Thanks for being so generous Mr. Mike Powell! You've supported a family of 11 and you still have all your faculties?! and you want to send us on a vacation??? And not run away somewhere by yourself? Well, thank you ;-) The whole family says thank you! WE LOVE YOU!!

Celebrity news...

2006-01-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

Who knew that there were perks to my new job??? Well, the business I work for, Valley Wide Home Loans, shares a building with KJUG. KJUG is the #1 Country Western Music Station here in the valley. Our neighbors are really friendly- me and thier admin/assist. always find time to chit chat and stuff. And every now and again a DJ will come over and say hi, it's pretty cool.

And just like all radio stations they have guest artists. Well, on Tuesday we were lucky enough to meet a star!!! John Corbett is the star and you all know who he is: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (he was "the sexy husband to be"), Sex and the City (Carrie's love interest), Northern Exposure and a bunch of other movies. Well he's a singer too- acountry rock singer and he's got a band and everything!

KJUG invited us over to meet and greet and did we?! John is super nice, TALL (6'3) , totally laid back, chill personality and really cute!! Long hair and all!!! There was about 20 people in the room -us, some of their staff & DJ's, John and one of his band mate's. Too cool!

He answered questions and took pictures- go to www.kjug.com and look for John Corbett's picture. *I got to take a picture with him!! :-) Check me out!

It was a lot of fun and he's a really down-to-earth guy. He said that he's been a singer since forever and that he's finally ready to put acting aside and concetrate on his music.

So go to www.kjug.com and check him out and go to his website: http://www.johncorbettband.com/ he's got a pretty decent voice.

Yeehaw!!!

interesting...

2006-01-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

My horoscope for today....hmmm

It's human nature to dream, and to at least try to make those dreams come true before we're done with our time here on Planet Number Three. Your chance to turn one of your dreams into a goal and to tackle that goal with your usual meticulous attention has now officially arrived -- and if you're dealing with the department of long-distance travel, higher education or spiritual quests, you'll have all the heavenly help you could ever ask for to get the show on the road. Go for it.

at last...

2006-01-26T08:54:00.000-08:00

Well, I started my Salsa Class and that was a blast! Had a packed class of 20 adult students ready to shake their bon bon's and money makers. I got great reviews from the students who all said they've been waiting for a Salsa class like this. YES! You go Tiff. Last week I had two more students and I've got a private lesson lined up for this Sunday! It's nice to use your craft and get paid for it and have a good time at the same time! And with my gym visits lately, I'm looking better and feeling better. I actually wore a tank top, skirt and heels in the class and for the first time in a while felt...Sexy ;-) Wow. What a difference the gym makes!!! I've said good-bye & so long to that tummy and toned up in other areas. No, I'm not back to 125 and I don't think that I ever will be (I've finally come to terms with that) but as long as I'm "in shape" and not eating like I own McDonald's then I'll be good to go! So I guess I've had the 30 year old body image revelation. ;-)

Hip Hop is going SO WELL!! I've taught four classes and it's always full! And yes, I was so struggle that first class and uh Tuesday night too! Ha! My body was killing me but soooo worth it. I'm teaching and laughing and active again and hey, no pain--no gain right? Plus, I'm bringing the hip and the hop to tiny old V-Town and that's pretty darn cool. The students are loving it and so am I. **Bonus! My boss took my hip hop class on Tuesday!! HAHAHAHAHaa! Brian is so awesome! He showed up with his hat to the back and a swagger all his own-too funny! He's a late 30's white guy w/no rhythm but lots of energy and willingness to try. He was so cute. He totally kept up and I was really proud :-) He's a doll.

Knitting is coming along. I think I'm ready to get my knit knax online store started!! (www.etsy.com) I've got at least 12 scraves and 4 projects in the works. It's also time to learn how to purl. I've got to learn so that I can make cool stuff like sweaters and beenie hats, leg warmers, shawls.....

I finished reading "Wicked-The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" um BEST BOOK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Took me less than three weeks to finish and I loved every page, every word, every detail. I'm hooked! And now I have to see the Broadway play!! Awesome, simply awesome writing. Fairytale yet not. I highly recommend you get you a copy! You will be enchanted for sure. *I also read "Memoirs of a Geisha" and that too is an excellent book (still haven't seen the movie...) Next on my reading list: "Son of a Witch" yup you've guessed it. The story of the The Wicked Witches son, Liir--thanks Jana for lending me the books!!! Can't wait to get started.

Poetry Party
Got the place, got the CD, got the guests but my producer is M.I.A. Haven't heard from Dave in weeks. I might have to go this one on my own. It will be costly: the flight, hotel , car, the venue... Michael and I are accessing our finances and as soon as we have a clear idea on what we can and can't do I will send a deposit to book the venue. I sent my CD to Jeff Robinson in Boston! If he likes it, he'll play some tracks on his radio show!!! For more details on my poetic escapades: www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com

Possible May wedding reception??? I'll keep you posted.

BIRTHDAY'S
Michael's 28th b-day is today!!!!!!!!!!! I've been showering him with gifts all week ;-) He's so deserving of gifts and good stuff. I got him this big plush robe from L.L. bean, some clothes and a really nice thermos so he can have his hot chocolate ;-) I also got his wedding ring sized. It was slip slide on his finger but now it's st right. So happy birthday baby!!! I love you long time!!!

My grama turned 80 (again) on the 25th.
I talked to her yesterday for about 1/2 hour. She is too much! I said Grama, happy 21st birthday and she said chile I'm 80 again this year and next year too! I said you go girl! Really I think she's 83 but homegirl looks 63 and acts 43. I love that sweet lady. She had a good day and was visited and donned with gifts throughout the day ;-) I sent her a gorgeous ruby red scarf (knitted by moi of course). Hope she likes it. She's the sweetest. I miss her.

***Cindy is doing better-still battling but she's had surgery done that has made it more bearable, more comfortable. Hopefully she'll be home soon, in her own element. Love you Cin.

that's all for now. tata!

In Your Thoughts...

2006-01-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

*Michael's Aunt Cindy (his mom's younger sister) is very ill. She's in the hospital battling cancer again and we're very worried about her health and longevity. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. She really needs a blessing.

~Tiff

Here's to 2006

2006-01-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

Lo siento/sorry, I know it's been a while since my last post. I've been busy as a bee getting my poetry website in order. Please check it out and spread the word :-) www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com

Quick updates:

New Year's was gooood :-) Michael and I drove down to L.A. and spent the weekend with the Kalama's. Ali and Jon are the BEST parents ever! Really they are the picture perfect role model of how-to-parent. Micheal and I totally look up to them. We had such a nice weekend hanging out in LaCresenta with the boyz, Chris and Nate. We went to Magic Mountain on Sunday and got FREE passes for the entire year for only $49.99!!! Sweet! We rode the X roller-coaster three times and even convinced Nate to get on ;-) It was so much fun! We got rained on significantly but it was worth it.

Hippity Hop
Taught my 1st hip-hp class last Tuesday at the gym and it was AWESOME!! I was hoping for at least five students and I had almost thirty!!! Go me! The class was so much fun. They loved it and I loved teaching again. It has been 8 months since I donned the teachers hat and it is was like riding a bike. I LOVE TEACHING. I really do. I'm good at damn it. I thoroughly enjoy sharing and instructing. It feels good to see someone learn something new and know that I had a hand in it. It was dissapointing though to see myself in the mirror with all this extra FAT. VERY disconcerting-which has fueld my fire to shed the weight even more. Went to the gym everyday last week and I feel so good and already see a change. My poor body has been deprived of it's natural thing-DANCE and exercise. Now with this new gym thing it's like "what movement? sweat?" HA! And boy did I sweat in that class?! Gross. Guess it was overdue. So I'm totally looking forward to class tomorrow :-)

Salsa class is ready to go!
Susan & Jim at Sierra Studios have been running an ad in the Visalia Times-Delta promoting my class. It's a really nice ad with my pic and everything. So far they've received 8 calls! So there is interest! My job this week is to study up and plan out my class for this Sunday.

Ma-Mai's Operation Freedom is in effect!
Maci moved down to San Clemente over the weekend and even landed a JOB!! CONGRATULATIONS MACI!! We're so proud of you! She had an awesome interview with a family that fell in love with her on the spot, of course. Maci said that not five min after she left they called and offered her the job. You Go Girl! She's beside herself with excitement. Now she is officially on her own. Love ya Mace.

Michael's BIG day.
Mike's birthday is the 26th of this month. He'll be the big 28. Doo doo he's all young-cute but young :-) So I'm plotting out his gifts and things.

Packages received!
Almost all my friends and family received their gift boxes for x-mas and they loved them!!! Thanks everyone for your thank you cards and calls and emails. It was such a pleasure to knit for each of you and I'm so glad you liked the jelly :-)

Countdown...release party
For all info on my poetry thang go to my website-NOW! ;-)

Alrighty, my hands hurt from typing...

til next time

Knit-Knax for sell and more...

2005-12-30T11:51:00.000-08:00

Knit-Knax - handmade scarf's by moi!
So I've begun the task of knitting scarf's for my Etsy shop. Mom gave me a whole bunch of yarn on Tuesday and I've got five projects going and three scarfs finished :-) Get this: Two co-workers have put orders in! The one scarf I'm knitting at work was spotted and claimed- $30 bucks! Go me!!!! And my other co-worker has asked for two scarf's!!! So let the selling begin!

Flowers for me??
My husband had one dozen red & white roses sent to me at work yesterday. Thank you baby...that was totally unexpected and super sweet :-) I love you.

Words
Been writing a lot of poems lately-some finished some works-in-progress. Go to my website and check out the latest... (sadly, no one bought my CD on ebay :-( I'll put it up again in January)

Mai-mai
Farewell to Maci. My sidekick and partner in crime!! Maci's moving to San Clemente on Tuesday and she will be so very missed!!! What will I do without you girl??? :-( BUT I am super proud of you for taking the leap of independence. Go Operation Freedom! Here's to MANY roadtrips to your pad :-) LOVE YOU!!!

til next time...

Festivities and other good things

2005-12-30T11:33:00.000-08:00

X-mas was just lovely! The celebration began on Friday with a gift grab at Melissa's house--big fun! Then it was Christmas Eve dinner at mom and dad's filled with the exchange of gifts (we all picked a name since the family is so darm big!) and of course the Powell Famil tradition of re-inacting the "Manger" scene. With Michael back home they finally had a real man to play Josepf! So I was, of course, Mary. Too much. Once the cast is announced, everybody ransacks mom and dad's closet and the linens for the perfect costume that best suits your character. It was a lot of fun and very organized thanks to our director, Cassie (VP of Entertainment). Jake was a sheep, Brianna, Jared and Justin were Wisemen, Jana was an angel donned in wings no doubt! And Maci was baby Jesus herself! We all entered in on our cue while Dad read aloud the birth of Jesus as the onlookers laughed and took pictures :-) It was a hoot! I think I'm officially a Powell now. All in all what can I say? These are loving, caring, funny and giving people and I'm so blessed to have shared my first x-mas as Mrs. Powell with my new fam. Thanks guys!!!! Muah!

Bendee--
Lindee & Ben arrived on Monday for some Hannukah cheer. Lindee threw Ben a Hannukah party at mom and dad's with all the Jewish trimmings :-) Ben gave us some Hannukah history, lit the Minorah (with Breezy's help) and sang us some songs. We even played a rowdy game of Dreidal & yes....the driedal song was sung, led by me and Jermoned HAHAHahahahaaa!!

It was a great weekend and now The Kalama's are here!!! And baby Sean is TOO CUTE! He's all big and smiley. Big ole cheeks. And Ryan is too much with his vacuum cleaner and dust-buster. The boys stayed with Michael and I last night and with Maci we stuffed ourselves with home made ice cream sunday's and plenty of laughter teasing Lola (our cat) and watching stupid movies.

New Years??? The Smith's have invited us over for a partay at their house. Bring it on!!

Mailed out ALL my x-mazs boxes--yippy! Can't wait for everyone to receive their presents :-)
Talked to my mom yesterday and she and Clyde had a great x-mas with his family (Clyde has 7 siblings and they pick names for presents just like The Powells). *Thanks for the gifts mom!!! Love ya.

Thanks to Teen and Mom for the cards and to my new family for the thoughtful gifts. And espeically my hubby for hookin' a sista up!

So t'was a fantastic holiday indeed. How was your Christmas?

Merry Christmas To All!

2005-12-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays folks! Christmas is upon us and before you know it'll be 2006! And I just wanted to send a shout out of heartfelt merry merry's and love and peace and happiness to everyone :-) May your 2006 be filled with many blessings!

Love,

Tiff

P.S. Thanks so Melissa & Pete, Jes & Shannon(looove the letter), Jasmine (nice picture) and Alice for the holiday cards :-)

See you in 2006!

peace, blessings and all things poetic

Poem of the day

2005-12-22T12:44:00.000-08:00

Destiny Unknown

Play that again. Mysterious, enchanting, sometimes unpredictable- throw caution to the wind.

Do you know where you’re going to? At this point it don’t even matter. Long way off from Parkvale Road but still paved yellow for destiny’s unknown.

Who I’ve been-who I am now-who I will become are entwined with magical in between the past and present.

The perfect time of day to breath in, inhale and ingest. Watch synchronized for whatever, whenever and however fate cares to go.

It is acceptable to mosey along not knowing. It is acceptable to take tiny miracles and delight in their beauty.

Surrender the usual. The obvious.

Yes. Go on and fly then.

Chapters and table of contents are selected. What hand will you have in creating a novel that is yours?

Tiffani C. Frost
Copyright December 2005

full circle

2005-12-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

This is my horoscope for today...

The stellar energy you're getting from the stars has you looking good and feeling good -- and even moving into some very becoming transformations. Who you've been, who you are now and who you'll become are mystically entwined now, and you can be in contact with past, present and future in a pretty magical way. Meanwhile, all around you is calm and all is bright. Enjoy yourself and the season -- both are beautiful! -

Wow...

CHECK OUT MY LATEST CREATION

2005-12-21T16:39:00.001-08:00

THE WEBSITE IS UP!!

www.fresheyedpoet.typepad.com

Look out Visalia...Tiff is back!

2005-12-21T16:27:00.000-08:00

Don't you know I got me an interview tomorrow with Patty from In-Shape City for another position??!! Hot damn! As my Grama says. Yup. Patty called this afternoon with a job opportunity (besides me teaching hip-hop classes). She said that they're looking for a Group X Coordinator and that she thought I'd be PERFECT for the job. It would entail me holding interviews, doing evaluations on current employees, managing the schedule and more (including getting AFAA certified as a group instructor). *It's 10 hours a week (reasoable pay) and easy and lot of fun! I'm like... um yeah! So I have an itnerview with her and Shane at 2:30pm!! Go Tiff, go Tiff!!! I'm ALL about making extra cash AND having fun AND meeting new people at the same time. I've been smiling all day. I"m totally ready to get back in the game and go go go! Work 8-5pm, go to the gym and work two hours and work out or teach and get back into shape! AND teach my Salsa classes over at Sierra Performing Arts Center too? Shooo it don't get no better than that!

**Hip-Hop Yo!
My class starts Tuesday January 3rd!

My Peeps From Bean-Town

2005-12-19T09:46:00.000-08:00

Lizard Lounge is back in baby!!
So Jeff, the creator and master-mind of poetry night at Lizard Lounge, finally got back to me and was delighted to hear from me! He asked that I send him a CD and that he would play it on his radio station!!! YES! He has a radio station strictly for poetry!! That totally rocks my world!! So I'll be sending that out this week for sure. Anyways, can't wait for Jeff to get the CD and play that thing!! Too cool huh? My goal is to go back to Boston (maybe this summer) as a featured poet at Lizard Lounge. So I can be bi-coastal baby!!

CD Release Party--March 17th-19th
I've contacted another venue in DC for my release party: Ellington's On The Eighth. It's a very groovy jazz lounge that hosts an open mic for poetry once a month. They've got two private rooms for special events and even have 'CD release party' as an event listing. I went onto their website and I really liked the look and style of the restaurant and the set up of their website. They've got pictures of the food they provide and a menu and much more. I emailed them on Friday and already received a response. Good news: they're available on March 18th (perfect!). She asked for more details so I emailed back with more info. Hopefully the cost to rent it out isn't outrageous. We shall see...

No workin' out :-(
I did go to the gym on Friday but not over the weekend. I know, I know. But I cleaned our house ALL day on Sat. Literally all day. Soooo many loads of laundry, and dishes and vacuuming etc...it was way overdue. My back was bothering me quite a bit so I opted out of the gym. Sunday Michael and I were LAZZZZY. We slept ALL day. I know, I know. But we needed the relaxation. It was awesome. And I was really pleased that he had a day to just chill (he worked on Sat). Poor guy. He's busting his ass trying to make this company work. And it IS working. He's so freakin' smart. He and Brian are the perfect business match. if things go according to his plans we'll be good-to-go in 6 months. I believe him too-the man knows what he's doing. He's started a third company with Brian-just he and Brian. It's amazing what Michael has accomplished in the short time that we've been here. I'm so proud of him.

7 months!
The love of my life and I are now 7 months married :-) One year will be here before we know it. My how time flies!

Birthday Wishes!
My good friend Alice will be celebrating her 20-something special day tomorrow! Happy Birthday girlie!!

X-MAS PRESENTS:
So sorry East Coasters for sending out so late. Next year I'll be on time. For those of you that got an email on Friday -you know who you are: I will be sending out your gifts on Wednesday
:-)

E-BAY BABY!
December 26th "On Her Own" will be for sale. MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Awright...That's enough.

til next time...

CRAFTY ABBY

2005-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

If you like things that are handmade with love and totally crafty then you MUST check out www.etsy.com My super talented sister-in-law Abby makes her own stamps and cards and tags and knits too! She sells them on etsy and I had to share :-) So what are you waiting for??? Go! Check it out and buy something crafty! www.abbytrysagain.etsy.com

P.S. I'm gonna sell my lovely knitted scarfs on etsy in 2006 :-)

Work It Out!

2005-12-16T11:21:00.000-08:00

So I totally went to the gym and worked it out last night!! That's, count 'em, TWO nights in a row! You Go! My free membership went through (since I'll be teaching there in January) and I was all over it. I worked out for an hour or so then stretched (ouch!!!) for 20 min including crunches of course (gots to rid of this belly). I felt so good, so worn out and so ready to claim my dancers body back! I'm determined to lose the 20 lbs I've put on since getting hitched so's I can fit into the clothes and size the good lord intended me for--ha. My goal is to go everyday--yup that's 7 days a week-. But I really think I can do it. I was disciplined as a dancer back home: rehearsals 3 -4 days a week, teaching everyday but Saturday =total 30 hours a week of exercise. So I should have NO problem taking my behind to the gym everyday--right??? RIGHT! So I got my name tag last night and Patty (my manager) offered Tuesday's & Thursday's as my teaching days, which is perfecto! NO Friday or Saturday and twice a week for maximum pay and maximum fun :-) Can't wait.

***Mark yo calendar's for Dec. 26th. That's when you will be able to buy my CD "On Her Own" on ebay!! $9.99 plus shipping. So tell EVERYONE YOU KNOW!! The CD will be up for purchase for 7 days. After the new year we'll do it again. *And hopefully have a website up also.

****Maryland Bound!
March 17th-19th I will be in DC to promote my CD! Dave and I have contacted several venues and are awaiting for responses. I should know more details by the end of the month :-)

All in all things are really good. Projects lined up, goals are set and I'm super excited about what's to come in 2006.

til next time...

The latest-

2005-12-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to fog season!
Yikes! I've NEVER seen fog this thick ever in my life. And when I say it's thick I mean you can't see passed 10 feet in front of you. So it's important to drive with serious caution round these parts. I drove SOOOOOO slow to work this morning. It was so weird. Kinda eerie....Like a haunted forest of roadway....spooooky. Well, I guess instead of snow, I get fog...at least their both white so it's the "illusion" of snow. HA.

Good News For People Who Need To Hear Good News: (this title is only funny if you know Modest Mouse). Anyways....
I TALKED TO MY MOMMY YESTERDAY!! I made the call round 4pm EST hoping she would be home and she was :-) She sounded really happy to hear my voice and she sounded so goooood :-) I got to say hi to Clyde too who informed me of their love for Tiny Cat (Cali- my calico cat that I left behind with my mom). We talked for about 20 min or so exchanged I love you's and said goodbye. YEAH!! It was such a good talk and I didn't realize just how much I missed her til I heard her voice. I love her so much...so glad I called. :-)

Poetry stuff:
Dave emailed Utopia last Thursday. Utopia is a really cool restaurant/bar that rents out part f its' lounge area. We're hoping (please cross all fingers and toes NOW) that they're NOT booked for March 18th so that I can have my Release Party there :-) :-) :-) If so then away we go......

Ho! ho! ho!
Finished packing all my x-mas boxes for friends and family-phew! I'm a little late getting them out -oops. I'm so excited. It feels so good to make things for others. I loved making the scarfs special for each special person. I like that :-) So now all I gotta do is send 'em out!

Dissed

2005-12-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

So Ani DiFranco's camp emailed me back letting me know that "they're not ready for a profesional relationship at this time" :

Hello Tiffani,

Thank you for writing and for submitting your spoken word poetry to us. While we greatly appreciate that you thought so highly of Righteous Babe as to share your art with us, I regret to inform you that I do not feel this is the right time for us to pursue a business relationship.

Nonetheless, I wish you only the best with your poetry and your career.

Peace,
Peter Burakowski
Righteous Babe Records

Oh well.... :-( At least I tried right?

Next up?

December already???

2005-12-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Happy December folks!

Here's the update on moi...

Looks like I won't start teaching at In Shape unitl January. Which is cool. Registration will be packed I'm sure with folks eager to beign their New Year's resolutions. I was talking to my co-workers yesterday about the gym and that I'd be teaching a hip-hop class there. One was like no hip-hop for me but what I really want to take is a Salsa class. I was like hey no problem!! I'll be teaching Salsa in January at Sierra Studios. Both of them were totally excited. Apparently, they've both been wanting to Salsa lessons with ther significant's but didn't know where to go. Well honey, here I am! So I already have four students-sweet! Speaking of Sierra Studios, I have a meeting this afternoon with the director to discuss the particulars about the class. Yippy!!

Rain rain go away!
It's been raining for two days straight now which is not the norm for central valley this time of year. I like it. Even though it's gloomy and sad outside I missed the rain smell and feel. I checked the weather and it's supposed to clear up by tomorrow, I hope so because I got plans...

Up up and away!
Michael and I are flying to Corona, California tomorrow!! He and Brian are going down to take a looksy at the tub grinder that they're buying and I was invited :-) I'll be the only chick accompanied by three lovely gentlemen (Mike, Brian and Harley). We'll be taking one of those tiny-ass puddle jumpers sounds scary but I'm excited for the trip. Should be fun. I'll learn about tub grinders and knit at the same time--ha!

Happy Birthday!
Clyde's ( my step dad) birthday was yesterday :-)

Happy Anniversary!
Ali and John celebrated their 17 year wedding anniversary yesterday too. You go head and make it last. You guys are such an inspiration :-)

The J.O.B.
Lovin' my job by the way. The new office is awesome. I even sweet talked by boss into letting me take the company credit card to go shopping. Oh yeah!! I went to Pier 1 Imports on Wednesday and bought all this great stuff for our bathrooms. Yummy smelling candles, cool rugs, and vases and knick knacks...my co-workers love it. And Brian, my manager, was especially impressed. I scented the men's bathroom with Asian Spice and Brian was like hey I have that same scent at home. Go Tiff! Points all over the place :-)

the scoopy scoop

2005-11-30T11:10:00.000-08:00

In Shape City baby!

So I got the job at In Shape--woohoo! I had an interview with the head boss lady and she loved me of course :-) IAnd you know I wowed them with my extra fierce dance moves!! I performed/danced a short combo maybe 4 counts of 8 and they were so excited. Darlene was like hold on let me go get so and so , so they can witness this. I know crazy right? But just think, they aint never had no DC dancer up in here (and black?? shooot) Watch out! So they totally hired me. I got my FREE membership starting in December and Michael gets a wicked discount--sweet! I'll be teaching hip-hop classes two nights a week Thursday and Friday starting next week (I think). I'm super psyched that I get to teach again. It feels like it's been so long. I'm ready to put the teach hat on though. Get moving, get sweating, get in friggin shape (my goal is to lose 20 lbs). Can't wait to get started!

My G-ma
Talked to my grama yesterday in Florida :-) I simply adore that lady. My mom emailed the fam Monday that Grama wasn't feeling well on Saturday...poor thing. So I thought I'd call in and check on her. She was so surprised that I called. I could hear her in the background before she even picked up the phone, Tiffie? My Tiffie? She was so happy. Well I'm happy to report that she's doing A-OKAY. She said she was really dizzy on Saturday night but felt much better on Sunday (she even went to church). She's having a good time back in her old stomping grounds- kickin' it with her big sister Lizzy. It was so good to hear her voice...she is too too sweet. I think I'll call her again this weekend.

Snoopy, Paddington and more!
Mom gave me a bin of something very special last night. She gave me a collection of Michael's stuffed animals!!!!! Apparently, she wanted to give them to me for x-mas (but as she said, she can't keep a secret) but she couldn't hold out. So I am the proud owner of my hubby's special animals!! I got Snoopy (all dirty/stained, tattered and torn, doned in a jacket with no undies! HA!) Paddington Bear, Bull Winkle, his coon-skinned hat and a couple of other cute little critters. I was so flattered and honored that she intrusted me with her only boy's childhood memories. And the funny thing is that I had a Snoopy doll too! And I loved Paddington Bear and I would watch Rocky and Bull Winkle every morning. I actually have a very vivid memory of me in a booster seat, drinking grape juice and eating breakfast watching Bull Winkle. Crazy huh? Ahhh...you see it was meant to be! Dad came in and was like, you kept all of these??? he picked up the Snoopy and said this brings back some memories. BIG SMILE :-) How sweet is that? Enough said.

Spaghetti-yum
I made spaghetti last night and brought it over to The Powell Homestead. I liked feeding the fam :-) And they liked my eats :-)

Highway Driver
Maci is back from her trip to San Clemente. You go Mai-Mai and drive yo' self by yo' self!! We're so proud of you for taking the plunge into adulthood and moving out and doing your own thang! I'm gonna miss you somethin' terrible but now I get to visit my cool ass sis in cool ass San Clemente! :-) So glad you had such a GREAT time with your BFF :-)

Well I believe I've rambled enough.

...til next time

Turkey and more...

2005-11-29T11:32:00.000-08:00

A happy thanksgiving to all! Hope yours was deeeelicious and full of thanks :-) I spent my day of thanks with the: Powells, Sweets, Knudson's, Kalamas, newly married Powells, Smiths and I think that's everyone...PHEW! There were 24 of us happliy seated at three tables, stuffing our faces and laughing and loving. Thanks to Lindee for spearheading the Day of Thanks Committee! You da bomb!

We presented mom and dad with their quilt of love :-) We had to present something special for their 40 years of wedded bliss so we gave them a quilt of each of our faces. From Melissa to Maci with kids and husbands in between. They looooved the quilt and were so surprised. Cassie "VP of Entertainment" delighted us with her presentation of The Powell Family as a business model. Tooo funny! Here's some examples: The CEO is mom (duh!) and dad is the CFO. Juli is VP of Inter-ratial Affairs (michael is the commisioner--ha!), Michael is the VP of Lineage (only boy to carry on the Powell name--the pressure!!!), Jana is VP of Transpotation (how many cars have you had???)... Cassie did a really great job capturing everyone's traits and perfectly placing them in the correct job description. She had charts and diagrams and everything! It was pretty funny. GOOD JOB CASSIEOPIA!

I did my part by writing a poem about The Powell family. They really liked it and it got some laughs :-) Made me feel good to contribute even though I'm not technically a Powell Child--I'm honarary.

Dinner and Dancing??
Entertainment: The Sweet's get moving!!
The Sweet boyz brought their dance game with them. It's all computerized and high-tech. You follow the arrows on the screen try and keep up. I struggled. But Justin was awesome!

T'was a great Thanksgiving. Good eats, good company.

til next time...

Pass the tissue please....aaachoooo!

2005-11-21T12:45:00.000-08:00

Sorry I didn't write much last week...I was sick with a nasty nasty cold. Came home early on Thursday and didn't go to work on Friday because of that stupid cold. My poor nose is all torn up. It's all red, sore and scratched up from blowing it so many times---OUCH! And let's not talk about how bad my sinuses are--YUCK! But I'm no longer attached to a toilet tissue roll or sleeping with my mouth open or shooting up DayQuil so I'd say I'm doing MUCH better :-) I actually went outside yesterday!! Ohhh Ahhhh. And I'm back at work. Gosh you simply forget all the small things when you're consumed by sickness. I mean to feel the sun on my face felt SO good. Funny. Last year this time I had the stomach flu--GROOOOOSS! And then right after Thanksgiving Michael got the stomach flu--GROOOOOSS Squared. So I guess we're right on schedule.

Anyways, feeling better and looking forward to a fun-filled Thanksgiving with the Powell Clan!

Old friends

2005-11-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

Lizard Lounge~

I came into my own a the Lizard Lounge in Boston. I found my poetic voice there every Sunday night. And SHAME ON ME for not including them in the jacket of my CD! I heard about the Lizard Lounge from a poet that Kate Digby worked with ( I danced with Kate's company in Boston 1999-2001). So one night I went and I was hooked. I went religiously every Sunday night after rehearsal and soaked up all the artistry. So many kick ass poets! And the love and support there for new artists--so comforting. It was another family for me. My place away from eveything else. I loved my nights there. I miss it...

Well, I've sent out emails alerting Jeff that I'm back in the game with my 1st CD. Jeff Robinson is the Daddy of poetry over at Lizard Lounge. He is a poet, a musicain, an actor....He's got a band called The Jeff Robinson Trio (Jr3) and they are too good. Comprised of the Jeff on Sax, then you got Bass and Drums -and trust me that's ALL you need. Before I moved back home to MD in 2002 he said that he wanted me to come back as a featured poet but I was focused on my dancing. Well, now that I'm dance free and totally into getting this CD out, I'm hoping that the offer still stands. We shall see.

I'm feeling good folks. Feelin' like something special is right around the corner...

COOL SITES:

The Lizard Lounge www.lizardloungeclub.com

BOWERY POETRY
www.bowerypoetry.com *Michael whisked me away to New York City last August and we went to the Bowery Poetry Club. It's another poetry jam local that is too cool. I read one of my poems that night and got some serious inspiration.

DIGBY DANCE -the awesome company I danced with back in Boston.
www.digbydance.org

Snip snip here snip snip there...

2005-11-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

You know me. Gotta change it up, gotta keep it fresh. I did it AGAIN.

I cut off ALL my hair :-) :-) And it feels SOOOOOOOOOOO GOOOOOOOOD! I figured why not? I felt that urge for change so Thursday night I did it. Snip snip gone! I missed the whole no hair, no fuss thing. Gosh, it's been two years since I got happy with the scissors. Michael is very cool about it too :-) i love my hubby...

Not only am I hairless but I took out my nose ring last month. I know, I know....I thought I was attached too but it was just time to say goodbye. Four years was long enough. And who knows maybe I'll want it back. But for now I'm fine without. So now all you see is face. Now all I have to do is work this tum tum tummy off :-)

we are family!

2005-11-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

I got all my sisters with me!

What an awesome weekend. I met sister-in-law # 8! It was SO good to finally meet Abby and James :-) We hit it off of course and bonded immediately. James is very cool and we're both only children so we totally understand each other. Abby is too cute. Love her style, love her sense of humor! And we can not forget Cassieopia!!! Mmmm I love me some Cassie (you rock!). Yes, we had us a great time. We talked and laughed and laughed some more.

They arrived on Friday afternoon to a lovely Visalia day (the weather has been really crappy the past couple of days) and the party continued until Sunday evening. Saturday night Maci, Worms (Alan), Cassieopia, Abby, James, Michael and I hung out at our place. It was so much fun to entertain. We had a blast.

On Sunday The Kalamas, The Sweets, The Browns, The Smith's, The The Knudson's, James' parents and grandparents and of course The Powells were ALL together at The Powell homestead. We ate, we commisirated, we loved on baby Sean, who is getting to be so big and is SOOOOOOO doo doo!!!! Some watched football, some of us knitted, some played with their PSP, some delighted in watching Ryan tool around the house with his new vacuum cleaner. That kid loves himself a vacum cleaner! HA! I told Ali not to be upset if Ryan wants to be a custodian when he grows up. PaHA!

It was just a fun-filled weekend :-)

Ahhh, family...

East Coast Fam Update:
I got a GREAT email from my mom! She and my step-dad Clyde will be with his family in North Carolina for Thanksgiving this year. I miss my mom...

Poetry Stuff:
So I mailed my CD, headshot and five new poems to Ani on Friday!! AHHHH!! Crazy. I'll follow up on Friday to see if they received it.

Trabajo:
My new job is just peachy! I'm learning something new everyday and get along very well with my co-workers. Brian, my boss, is the BEST BOSS EVER! Really he is. An all around nice guy. I got my1st paycheck last week so it is official :-) I also got my insurnace card in the mail--PRAISE DA LAWD!! We're actually moving into a new office space over Thanksgiving weekend so we'll be in fresh new digs :-)

Dance Alert:
I finally got a call back from the coordinator over at InShape City (a local gym that Juli works at). I went in for an interview over a month ago to teach hip-hop classes. The interview went VERY well. She loved me and said that the next step was for me to meet with the District Manager and teach a "mock" class. That was in late September. Well, she called me on Saturday and wants me to come in on Thursday, meet the D.M. and teach a 20 min class to them. YES!! So, basically, I'm in :-) The last time we spoke she said that Tues./Thurs. @ 7:30pm was the time slot. So wish me luck! Cuz if I get the gig then that means Miguel and I will have FREE membership to the gym and we can get rid of this extra poundage. Good Stuff huh?

til next time...

new poem

2005-11-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

Check Your Watch

Loosen up those buttons; give way to that lie you stole.
Thick molasses my cup runneth over 70 degrees without snow.
Do you know where you’re going to? Mahogany dreams for a penny, drop wishin’! Don’t nobody know what war we’re fightin’ or whose side is on empty.
A buck eighty-nine will no longer fill your tank/stomach when it comes down to peanut butter & jelly for dinner adding to the statistic aptitude test. Wait! This is a life no grade please my guardian is deaf.
The administrator boasts the clock is ticking but are you competent casting out demons from above, below and inside with intent?
Roll it, pack it, smoke up, and ingest yourself to purge that nasty complexity that once was the name slash identity.
Profound in my findings I find me incapable to relinquish what you gave me.
Money is not time well spent to this 90 minute session of digression twenty years may be overdue, take a peak, close your mouth, listen.
Now I know you’re dressed to the 9’s high on what you think is reality. Dripping, drowning a mess can’t nuthin’ cover up that frailty.
That’s why I move at the speed of light before it’s too late to climb out of rock-a-bye, rock that lie, keep on, keepin’ on that front.
Cuz before the winner is announced; intermissions over and you’re still out to lunch.
I don’t know what else to tell you.
The sun rises in the East, so check the time zone for a complete listing of-get to know me.

Tiffani C. Powell
Copyright October 2005

i am that i am

2005-11-10T10:56:00.000-08:00

So I'm doing it!! I'm sending my poetry CD to Ani DiFranco today!!! I've emailed two people over at her label, Righteous Babe Records, informing them that I've mailed the CD. I'm super super pumped about this. If you have time you should check out her website www.righteousbabe.com and see the type of artists she supports (I totally fit in!!). She's got some poets, some violin players, some singers some of this and some of that. I just know in my heart that if she listens to my CD that she will love it--she can't turn me down. So PLEASE PLEASE CROSS YOUR FINGERS!! Ani is my number # 1 musician. I dig her music and poetry so much and to be on her label would be a dream come true for me! I'm also sending my CD to VIBE magazine. Can't hurt right? I'm also trying to find out how and where to send the CD to Russell Simmons. You know he's the guy who created Def Poetry Jam. Now talk about another dream come to life?! Yeah, put ME on Def Poetry Jam...I'm all over it.

Other poetry news: I spoke to John, the owner, at Visalia Coffee Company, and he will sell my CD for only 20% cost to him. SWEET! So my job these next few days is to come up with a cool poster to display. WOOOHOOO!! I'm getting it out there ya'll it's just a matter of time.

Talked to Dave, my producer/friend, and we're gonna be locking down a date for me to come home and do the "release party". I'm thinking March. But as soon as the date is locked Dave will start looking for a hot spot to rent out and get this party started.

Meanwhile, I'll be entering my poems and manuscript (for a poetry book) to various publishing company's.

I am so ready to get this poetry thing going.

This is ONLY the beginning.

My Hero

2005-11-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Sweet On Feet
for my grama...

Here comes a force to be reckoned with.
A walking monument of grace. A committed pack-rat collecting baskets of family treasures and history.
Lady G the matriarch of self-less giving.
Too lovely for words, too quick on her feet and cheeks that would make cherubs blush.
The quintesstential grandlady.
"Chile did I tell you this?" And "don't you know that?". Dancing' the electric slide all night long.
She is coolest of the cool for someone whose tree was planted in 1920 something or somewhere you'll find her Caddy that zigs and zags sporting a smile for the strangers and a yoowho! for the neighbors.
She is a keepsake of sweetness volunteering her prayers and good word for anyone in need.
And with her front porch open for business make sure you stop by to hug the creature whose heart is soft and hands that tell tales.
Floating on air she does not walk, she simply appears.
With a status and staure so high you'd think she was the Mayor.
Educating, contemplating and elevating the youth in the park of lincoln.
And don't take it personal cuz she will tell you if you're out of line, not on time, pants saggingg, don't you be bragging and did you put on deoderent today?
Lady G is upfront, in your face, tell it like it is. And when all is lost...give it to God.
What more could yo uask for? One should be so lucky to connect wityh such a soul.
My GrandLady, sweetness in motion.

Tiffani C. Frost
9/04

good things

2005-11-08T10:35:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES!!!

**Jared turned 13 on Nov. 4th A bunch of us went to Olive Garden to celebrate and on Sunday we went over to the Sweets for cake and ice cream :-) Happy b-day buddy!

**Jana's birthday is today!!! Happy b-day to you too sis!!!

**My mom and step-dad, Clyde, will be celebrating their three year wedding anniversary tomorrow, Nov. 9th!!

**And Michael and I will be making the 6 month mark of wedded bliss on Saturday Nov. 12th :-)

The Original Sweet On Feet: (I wrote a poem called "Sweet On Feet" about my fantastic Grama, Lady G. My cousin Dylan gave her that name because she is so sweet. She's like sweet walking. He said she's sweet on feet! So I decided to honor her by writing a poem about how sweet I think she is.) Anyways...

My Grama sent me an awesome email last week. She'll be heading South for the Winter. She likes to hide away in those warm places when Winter rolls around. She's going to Florida to visit with her sister for Thanksgiving. She'll be gone for a month. Lucky Lady!! Sometimes she goes to the Bahamas to hang out with her sister Neila (who is 90 something by the way and too cool for school). Yeah, my grama don't sit around. She's a traveling lady. This summer she went on a cruise to Alaska with her best friend Mary Bruce. She visited my Aunt Donna (she lives in Anchorage with her boyfriend Marc and their two beautiful Akita dogs, Maks and Kyri). I love my Grama she gets out and gets going!! :-)

Sadly, Michael and I didn't make it to Lake Tahoe---we had to take a raincheck :-(

Poetic News:
I wrote a poem last week. It's really different. Check it out:

Empty Pockets

Delicate is the shape it takes only constructed for the eyes not for the touch of things is different somehow lagging behind, ticked on and on the meter strikes empty.
Do you need change? A luggage rack? Some type of carrying device, handicap, what’s your drive? Sink or plummet that is the question to pose, prose and impress upon those that don’t know any better. Lambs out to slaughter designed to feel, shave no harm no foul or sound. It does come undone sometimes don’t it? Unraveling before you, frayed beginnings is not off to a good start, on your mark, get set, fly into yourself and those of which we do not speak of. The good, the bad and the ugliest thing ever seen or presented to the country divided for your safety. Do you need change? Homeless, undertaken, under the thumb of your own self- no riches on these streets no handout even for folks who do tricks. Hat in hand, would you like a floatation device, possibly some of the bubbly to aide in the after effects of the charm less wonder called the psyche. Yes, assistance is needed and warranted in this matter of the heart, mindless mind empty and ready for new words. Cliché as it is that which does not kill us makes us stronger day by day and Pete says to take heed to the one above. Karma has no vendetta just an agenda like you. No point wasting life to satisfy that craving. Fresh out. Pockets are empty.

Tiffani C. Powell
Copyright November 2005

* I will be entering into some poetry contests in the next coming weeks. And I connected with an old poetry friend from DC, Kwame Alexander (he is so talented!!).

Got Jelly?
Me and mama Karen made us some Jelly yesterday!!! Yes! I will be domestic in no time. We made Pomegranite Jelly from SCRATCH!! It was so fun!! We made Jelly all afternoon and enojyed it with our dinner. Um Yum! Who knew that Pomegranite Jelly tasted so oooo good?! Well, I'm a fan and I can't wait to make more :-) I'm SUCH a country girl...YEEEHAW!

I got off, do you?
So I have Friday off thank you very much!! Which is great cuz Cassie, Abby and James will here :-) And the Kalama's are coming up on Sunday....ahh family. I love it.

Well, that's all for now.

til next time...

life's plan...

2005-11-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some of my poems the other day and something struck me. A number of the poems I wrote last year this time have hints of where I am today....wild huh? So I broke some of them down.

Michael and I had just fallen in love and he sent me to poetry places unknown. He inspired me to write. This poem Come What May has so many clues and hints to being here. HERE. Life is a funny thing. There is a plan for all of us. I never would've thought I'd be where I am right now but sometimes you get what you need when you don't even think you want it...Enjoy.

Come What May
9/04

With limbs stretched wide, head back to the sun, and body in motion, she is spinning and spinning.
The buzz is dizzying, mystifying, trek, trek, treking along the road less traveled for her 2nd, 3rd, 6th change at the luck of life.
The angel which rests upon her shoulder has kissed her with fearless wonder offering mountains of what can be if only you invite it in.
And after all this time of chasing rainbows, what dreams may come?
What possibilities from hand to heart create an endless valley in which to plunge into?
Valleys of what will be hers because she has the power to make things happen.
Mile marker sixty and still she has just begun. Taking leaps and bounds of boundless uncertainty along for the ride. And tucked away in her pocket are the pleasantries and memories that have yet be made.
And that is the meaning of life!
The beginning from the end to middle and back to the start again.
Full circle with stumbles there and here with trips and traps to contiune learning from.
Blessed be this birth of light that shines down on her like heavans had opened up.
Blessed be the gift of time for it was time that allowed her to recognize that she is worth it.
And like a snake that sheds it's skin it is her season for change.
Winds have shifted and she is ready to soar.
New skin, fresh eyes and drive unrelenting.
Quantifying all she ever needed and wanted to be.
She is spinning, she is spinning, she is endless posiibilities.

Tiffani C. Frost
Copyright 9/04

this n that

2005-11-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

I love getting emails from people I like.
My friend, Aysha, from DC emailed me today and shared with me her experience in Africa! Aysha is this super cool, super talented hip-hop and tap dancer. We danced together in CityDance Ensemble's outreach program. We were the only sista's so we had a special connection. You know how we do. Gosh so many inside jokes....ha! Anyways, Miss Aysha just got back from Africa and she told me all about her time there. Welcome back girl! And thank you sooooooo much for sharing--you rock!

What about me?
I realized that with all this knitting for friends and family that I completly neglected moi. Duh! So last weekend I started a scarf for myself, thank you very much. It's black and all mines. I did 12 stiches with a 15 inch needle with this super soft yarn. It's really long and I love it! So now I can sport my talent and keep my neck warm!

#8
I finally get to meet Abby!!!! Child #8 of the Powell Clan is coming for a visit with her husband James next weekend :-) All this talk about the girl yet where is she? For a while we thought each other was a figment of the imagination. Can't wait to meet her and her hubby! Abby's a knittn' fool too :-)

Wanna Help?
So last night I volunteered to help out the dance studio I take class at. They were doing this fundraiser at Gottchalks (a retail store, like JC Penny's) to raise money for The Visalia Children's Museum. So I sat at a table by the entrance asking folks to give to the cause. It was fun (I brought my knittings). I'm not gonna lie. I was lonely. Well, thank goodness I had my knittings in the car cuz if not I would have been staring at the door...sad. So I met some interesting people. Some women asked my opinion about clothes, "Do you think the green or the red is better?" One woman was fascinated with my kintting and we chatted about that. Not too many cute black girls in V-town sittin' at a table asking for money and knitting. It's a rareity to say the least. Pretty funny. So right when I'm in the middle of telling this random woman how my mother-in-law taught me how to knit, that I look up and there's mom, Michael, Maci and her "friend" Alan (go Mai-mai, go Mai-mai go go!). How sweet are they to come and see me??!! It was really neat :-) Wait. Did I just say neat? Wow. I guess I am 30. Anyways, they came to check me out and say hello. I love those guys :-)

Road Trip:
Lake Tahoe here we come! Ahh can't wait to kick it with Bendee & Foster Freeze :-)

~alrighty then. that's all for now....