"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare & beautiful of all"

"You can't afford to let people or circumstances drive you crazy. Instead, be driven to stay in peace instead of falling to pieces. Stay in your own lane of purpose, dreams and hope. Carry your own map and allow the Lord to be your navigator.


A wise African saying teaches that around every flower are insects. It's good to remember that you are like a flower and as you grow, the insects (haters and critics) will find you and try to make their home - you can't avoid it.

Our souls and goals flourish and bloom when planted in good soil enjoying lots of sunshine, water, fertilizer and care. Continue growing strong. Bloom where you are planted and constantly weed out the negative habits and negative people in your life."

An excerpt taken from Jewel Diamond Taylor www.donotgiveup.net

Bounce Back

The Webster's Dictionary definition of "resilient" is...
1. springing back; rebounding,
2. returning to the original form or position after being bent, compressed, or stretched, or
3. recovering readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like; buoyant.

At some time in our lives we have all been stretched, stressed, and bent. During these times we may find it difficult to bounce back especially after divorce, unemployment, loss of a loved one, business slump, family drama, illness, or addiction. Do not succumb to these stressful times - DO NOT allow people or circumstances to steal your joy, health, faith, blessings, peace of mind or resiliency.

"I pray that God's great power will make you strong and that you will have joy as you wait and do not give up." ~ Colossians 1:11

Bounce Back - Juvenile

Such a Slacker

I have been such a slacker when it comes to sharing the good word with my girls. Since my last post in April - I was offered a part-time job (which I love!), had to let go of my baby (Madison goes to daycare 1x/week), joined a weekly mommy & me playtime, stopped-started-stopped my get right eating and exercise plan and most importantly have not made time to blog for my favorite girls. This weekend I'm lucky to have a quick getaway from my everyday life and I've vowed to get back on track! So when your inundated with blogs from yours truly - deal with it! Holla and see ya'll lovely's in June !!!

Don't Be An April Fool !

April Fool's Day is an obscure day filled with hoaxes and other practical jokes of varying sophitication, the aim of which is to embarrass the gullible.

The defintion of gullible is one easily duped or cheated. How often are we gullible to people, events or moments in our lives? How many of us find ourselves in situtations we know we shouldn't be involved with? Better yet, how many of us are gullible to the words of those we believe care about us and have our best interests at heart?

I know I have been guilty at some time or another of all these gullibilities (I think I just made-up a word) LOL! But there is no shame in my game; because I feel I have learned from many of my mishaps and work my hardest to make better choices from here on out.

Below is a message from my favorite motivational speaker, Jewel Diamond Taylor. The message below is about getting rid of negative (or gullible) things or people in your life. Please read it and think about the message. The time is definitely NOW for us to JUST DO IT and not be April Fool's!

"If you never emptied the trash in your home, there would soon be a fowl smell.

It's the same with your mind. If you don't release old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin' and emotional clutter.
Empty your mental trash can of any stressful or painful thoughts.
Don't allow the irritations and challenges of this day or your past to steal your joy.
Your success will come as you grow in courage, faith, discipline,
a sense of humor and a sense of purpose and strength.
Don't sweat the small stuff. I agree with Oprah's statement...
“Doing the best you can at this moment

puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

Don't spend too much time with people who drain your energy.
Whenever you are ready ...you have the choice and power

within to let go and grow in peace.

Count your blessings. Change your point view.

Each moment is a gift to you.

Listen and enjoy the song "Count It All Joy" by BeBe and CeCe Winans.
Focus on your priority for this day.

Do the best you can right now where you are and with what you have.

It's only a matter of time before your change comes.
Start giving thanks right now for the

wonderful breakthrough about to happen in your life.

That's right ...smile...sit up straight...

shake off the heavy stress, speak and walk with courage,

faith, peace, love and joy.
Until further notice...God is in control."

~ Jewel Diamond Taylor~

www.donotgiveup.net

Getting Out of a Downward Spiral

Have you ever been caught in a downward spiral? One of those spirals you have no idea where it came from, what it is or better yet how the heck your going to get yourself out of it! A spiral can be any combination of drama in your life, love, work, family, etc., I recently found myself caught in one of those sexy spirals and it was so crazy because it was filled with so many levels of "stuff."
I found myself getting in one of those sad girl desperado modes - nothing made sense and nothing was working out "the way it was supposed to." All I wanted to do was crawl home to my mommy's house (with Madison in tow), get in my full-size bed and call it a day. My thoughts drifted back to times of old when life was easy and simple. The days when all I had to worry about what was - NOTHING!
As I found myself playing "I'm Goin Down" by Mary J. Blige and really getting into it - I instantly caught myself and turned my ipod off. What was I doing - helping myself into a downward spiral? I couldn't believe I was allowing "stuff" to get to me - "stuff" which in the big scheme of life isn't really that bad.
So how did I get out of my downward spiral - I turned my attention to Madison and decided we needed to get out of the house and take a walk. A walk in the fresh air and only allow myself to focus on positive thoughts. So we did - I thought positive thoughts and talked to Madison about all of the blessings we have in our life. While I was walking I received an inspirational email and talk about perfect timing...

"Get Rid of It"

from Jewel Diamond Taylor www.donotgiveup.net

"If you never emptied the trash in your home, there would
soon be a fowl smell. It's the same with your mind. If you don't release
old thoughts, your life becomes bitter with stinkin' thinkin' and emotional clutter.
Empty your mental trash can of any stressful or painful thoughts.
Don't allow the irritations and challenges of this day or your past to steal your joy.
Your success will come as you grow in courage, faith, discipline,
a sense of humor and a sense of purpose and strength.
Don't sweat the small stuff. I agree with Oprah's statement...
“Doing the best you can at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”
Don't spend too much time with people who drain your energy.
Whenever you are ready ...you have the choice and power within to let go and grow in peace. Count your blessings. Change your point view. Each moment is a gift to you.

Listen and enjoy the song "Count It All Joy" by BeBe and CeCe Winans.
Focus on your priority for this day.

Do the best you can right now where are and with what you have.

It's only a matter of time before your change comes.
Start giving thanks right now for the wonderful breakthrough about to happen in your life.
That's right ...smile...sit up straight...shake off the heavy stress, speak

and walk with courage, faith, peace, love and joy.
Until further notice...God is in control."

Love Yourself & Love Life

Girl, just look at you, with your pretty self. You are so beautiful! Not only are you beautiful, but you have the nerve to be talented and gifted by God. Hold your head up Girl and know that you are loved and appreciated. Don't give the enemy any place to cause you to have low self-esteem or doubt. You are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made. This is your year to decree it and speak to it!

This is the year of new beginnings. So get your step on Girl, because God is faithful to perform all that He has promised to you! Be confident in Him and His word. The words you speak from your mouth determine your outcome. Why not speak good and positive things over your life Girl?

You are not defeated but rather you are more than a conqueror. You have been through a lot in your life and look at you now, just as pretty and as strong as ever! Oh, how blessed you are. Look what God has done and look where He has brought you from.

Begin to bless God and praise Him for all that He has done, and for making you so beautiful! He had you in His precious hands all this time. Your life is orchestrated by Him. He knows you and what is best for you. Believe that He has even greater things in store for you and your family.

Girl, get over the silly stuff and grab hold of faith. Seek God as never before. Sure, times are hard, but God if Good! Learn to love who He has made you to be. There is no one like YOU.

-Author Unknown

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Nat'l Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

As I was going about my Saturday I became engrossed in listening to a local radio station regarding a conversation about the HIV/AIDS “epidemic” in the black community. What 1st caught my attention was this statement, “Among women living with AIDS 64% are African American.” I immediately turned up the volume because I knew I had misunderstood what I heard. How could this statement be true? How could black women be the leading number of HIV/AIDS cases in the entire United States? This statement was hard for me to comprehend until I heard this, “HIV is no longer a gay disease, but a Black disease.” Where were they getting this information from? And was it true? As I continued to listen to the interview I learned Saturday, February 7, 2009 was National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day "Black Life is Worth Saving!". I remembered during my social work program hearing talk about increasing numbers of HIV/AIDS cases in the black community, but today I felt like I was so out of touch with the severity of the situation. African Americans account for nearly ½ of the AIDS cases in America (49%). The reality is similar for children: HIV/AIDS affects African American children the most. In 2005, 104 of the 166 children (63%) diagnosed with HIV/AIDS were African American. As statistic after statistic was read the information became more disheartening and I became afraid for myself, Madison, my friends and family. At the close of the segment they encouraged listeners to do their part and make a difference! I thought what could I do? So hear goes...

#1 - Since I was a hot thang back in the day...I started requesting an HIV/AIDS test during my yearly pap smear.

#2 - Encourage my friends to get tested NOW! Let’s all become part of the “Test 1 Million” movement and be counted as 1 million African Americans tested for HIV by June 27, 2010. Find a local testing site at http://www.blackaids.org/and enter your zip code. “Knowing your HIV status can save your life, and every one of us has a responsibility to ourselves and our communities to know our status and to talk with our family members and loved ones about their status. AIDS in America today is a Black disease. Nobody wants to talk about that, and nobody wants to own that. That silence is killing us.” -Black AIDS Institute Executive Director & Founder Phill Wilson

#3 - During our juicy conversations I will now be the official “HI HATER!” on having unprotected sex with anyone before you see their current HIV/AIDS test results.

#4 - Pray that my closest peeps continue to be smart and safe during their “Sexy Can I” moments and don’t let any man talk you into doing something you already know “…you’d get talked about for…” ;-)

So let's all do our part and care enough to share with others!

Morning Walks with Madi

Every morning I begrudgingly drag myself out of bed, awake Madison out of her deep sleep and head to a local park for our morning walk. During our walk I do my best to introduce her to new things: squirrels, trees, tennis courts, birds, grass, runners (of course not her mommy) and all the other good stuff at parks. Once Madison falls asleep on me - I'm left to my thoughts. Thoughts of why, what, how and when? Why life is the way it is? What my purpose is? How am I going to do this mommy thing? And when is all my hard work going to pay off? Questions I ask myself not only during my morning walks, but throughout the day. These questions have become a constant in my everyday world. These are thoughts and questions you can't get out of your head no matter how hard you try or how many ways you attempt to divert your attention.

As these questions pop in & out of my head I reflect on a book I'm re-reading by Jack Canfield (author of Chicken Soup for the Soul books) "The Success Principles - How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be." I say re-read because this is the 4th time I've picked up this book to assist me on my life's journey. During my morning walks I remember the things I've read the previous night and make my best attempt to apply it to all those questions I have floating in my head. My readings recently focused on life's PURPOSE (I'd like to share a few excerpts from my readings)...Without a purpose in life, it’s easy to get sidetracked on your life’s journey. It’s easy to wander and drift, accomplishing little. To be “on purpose” means you’re doing what you love to do, doing what you’re good at and accomplishing what’s important to you. Without purpose as your compass, your goals and plans may not fulfill you. You don’t want to get to the top of the ladder only to find out you had it leaning up against the wrong wall. Like most of our cars have a navigation system - we're born with an Inner GPS (global positioning system). For our Inner GPS system to work, it simply needs to know where you are and where you want to go. When you know what you want and stay focused; your Inner GPS will continue to unfold the turns to reach your destination.
“Decide upon your major definite purpose in life and then organize all your activities around it.” -Brian Tracy (One of America's leading authorities on the development of human potential & personal effectiveness)

Our Superbowl I...Wifey vs. JumpOff

In honor of this weekend’s Super Bowl I thought we’d have our own game - Wifey vs. JumpOff…
Growing up every girl has dreams of being “Wifey” and quickly looks down on the mere thought of being a “JumpOff.” Have you ever sat down and thought about what’s right for you - the life of a “Wifey” or that of a “JumpOff”? Living in a world of quick, fast and in a hurry – how do you steer clear from being labeled a “JumpOff”? Better yet - does living your life as a potential “Wifey” pay off in the end?
During my journey there were times and moments I could have easily chosen the “JumpOff” route. Of course everyone wants to be loved or be the center of attention, but at what price? There were times I could have went home with a dude who bought me drinks, grooved with me at the club, or showed some interest in me, but again at what cost? According to the Urban Dictionary the definition of a “JumpOff” is a female who is available anytime, anyplace and for anytype of sexual encounter. I’m sure we all know a jump-off, may have one in the crew or ourselves have dabbled in the world of jump-off-ness. Whatever your case maybe – it’s about that time to ix-nay the jump-off-ness in our lives! In order to stay clear of jump-off-ness it’s important to know what you want in life and how to get what you want in life without losing yourself in the process. Any female can sleep their way into someone’s life, but how are you honestly treated after the fact? Do you spend holidays with their families? Are you the one he spends his late nights talking you to sleep? Even worse are you the one he calls after he puts his potential “wifey” to sleep? Of course no one wants to admit teasing the world of a “JumpOff” but I had to sit down and really think about times I was on the brink of jump-off-ness and remind myself to stay far away from that world!
“Wifey” a woman you treat right, respect and feel good having her as your girl. A girl you care a lot about, a real lady and sexy in every way possible. My personal new definition of “wifey” is the “…if you like it then you shoulda’ put a ring on it…” girl in your life. And of course the ultimate post “wifey” is the one with the rock on her finger! For the most part I’ve always considered myself “Wifey” material. In the majority of my relationships – I’m always working an angle to be a post “Wifey.” Maybe why I’ve ran so many boys away HA HA! I was so frustrated with boys; there was even a point in my life where I thought marriage was unnecessary. I figured everyone cheats and why go through all that trouble just to flash on a negro cause he's acting stupid? Having Madison gave me a new outlook on the whole marriage thingy. I don’t think I’ll beat it in her brain or stress it too much, but I do want her to have healthy dating experiences and have the whole fairy tale romance when it’s her time. So in order to be a “wifey” I think it becomes imperative to steer clear of any “JumpOff” tendencies. Of course it can be exciting to gallivant around the world with random dudes, but you gotta ask yourself – what am I truly paying for this moment? I can’t say for sure, but my hypothesis would be the only thing your doing is making a name for yourself and a not-so-nice one at that for example: the cali- jumpoff, the down ass jumpoff or worse the down for whatever jumpoff. Is being associated as a “JumpOff” really worth the pipe, the 5-minutes of fame or the rush you get kicking it with these dudes? Is it worth losing yourself and waking up one day exposed to a sexually transmitted disease?
And of course our good ole’ Men do not make it any better – they say one thing and do the complete opposite! Men say they want to date a female with potential “Wifey” material and will only bring a potential “Wifey” home to meet their momma. Men talk bad about “JumpOffs,” disrespect them, treat them like a step-child and keep them at arm’s length when it comes to the important moments in their lives. So what is it? What do men really want? Is the “JumpOff” sex so good they can’t leave it alone? Do men hope their future “Wifey” will wait patiently while they poke every broad walking? How long is too long – when your waiting for a man to decide if your post “wifey” material? Of course no one has the answers to these questions so let the games continue…but what’s a girl to do?
So who’s your pick? “Wifey” vs. “JumpOff”????

The 5th C

I was introduced to the 4 C’s (cut, carat, clarity, color) of diamonds in high school (thanks to my bff - Sasha). Since then I have known exactly what I want in my 4 C’s. My 4 C’s were so important to me I carried a picture of MY diamond in my wallet and anyone, who asked – not only caught a glimpse of my diamond, but were told I would accept nothing less!

My first time away from home I was introduced to a 5th C. When I met the 5th C - I didn't feel it was a priority, didn't take it seriously and didn't realize its potential impact on my future. Can you guess what the 5th C is? Here’s some hints: everyone has it, it may be good, bad or fair, it makes a big difference when making major purchases, it’s like your virginity (once it’s gone it’s gone forever), it can be hard to get back and it follows you wherever you go.

Do you have any ideas?
It’s your CREDIT our new 5th C!
CREDIT! Yes – I said CREDIT!

It's the one thing I have - I wish I could trade it in or upgrade it; better yet if I would’ve listened to Rondada. Before leaving for college she sat me down and had a talk with me, “Remember who you are, make good choices, stay focused and DO NOT - DO NOT come home with a baby or CREDIT CARDS.” I did great with the baby part, but everything else she told me went in one ear and out the other.

Credit is who you are, what you have and what you could have or have access to. Credit can define your lifestyle and the lifestyle of our future families. AS for me my credit needs to be buried in the depths of hell-ion! All the credit counseling agencies, waiting 7 years for items to fall off and paying the hustle man to get items removed are all – boloney!
In recent years I’ve finally realized (even though I didn’t want to) how my choices or non-choices have affected my credit. I treated my credit like a step-child or better yet like a person I saw every day, but had NO feelings for! And now it’s time to make amends - as a matter of fact I’m making credit my new FDBD (freak daddy baby daddy). I’m going to treat my credit better than any man who’s crossed my love land. I’m going to love, cherish, make good memories, give rub-down/massages and do whatever I need to keep my CREDIT happy!

For all you responsible SESSY’s out there YOU GO GIRLS! I am so envious of your responsibility in paying bills on time, learning to juggle payments in just the right way, saying “no” (to whatever your vice may be i.e. shoes, clothes, trips, more clothes, paying other bills, etc.,). You are the official credit queens of the crew!

“Lovely face, nice thick thighs. Plus she got drive that matches my
drive. Sexy thang. She’s McFly. All the while payin’ her bills on time.” –Neyo
“She’ll buy her own I don’t think she’ll never
look In a man’s face standing waiting for him to take care of her. She’ll rather
go to work and pay the bills on schedule.” –Webbie

I have a new man, a secret lover, a FDBD, a ride or die boo - my CREDIT!

I love you CREDIT! I will take care of you CREDIT! I will do my best to make our relationship what it was CREDIT!
Watch out world – COCO and CREDIT are the hottest new couple of 2009!

Weight waits for No One

The beginning of each year we can usually find ourselves setting goals, pumping ourselves up to start working on those goals & eventually achieving our goals or falling short. Every year my personal favorite goal is going on a DIET & EXERCISING! Of course 2009 is no different my #1 goal is to wake up one morning and catch a glimpse of my Beyonce-J.Lo mix'd body in the mirror & smile (and for my Nicki a lil piece of Mariah too)!

My 1st step toward my goal was joining Weight Watchers, attending a weekly meeting, watching what I eat & get some type of exercise in at least 3x/week. This time around I am SO motivated to lose weight: 1) especially after my lil bundle of joy (aka Madison) helped me pack on some extra pounds last year, 2) since turning 30 I've realized my body isn't snapping back like it used to, 3) i can't eat taco bell everyday like I used to & still be cute and 4) I want to be a SESSY MOMMY!

With any goal it's always nice to have a support system, but especially when your on a serious weight loss movement. So if you want to get healthy, eat better, sqeeze in some exercise and bring your SESSY back - let's do it together!

If I Lost 1lb each week in 2009

By Valentine's Day I'd be 6lbs lighter!
I'm telling you - I'm loving it!

By St. Patrick's Day I'd be 11lbs lighter

With the luck-o-the Irish I'll make my goal!

By Easter I'd be 14lbs lighter!

I'd be a cuter bunny!

By Memorial Day I'd be 21lbs lighter!

Boy, could I wave my flag then!

By Independence Day I'd be 25lbs lighter!

That's a neat declaration of independence from overeating!

By Labor Day I'd be 34lbs lighter!

What a wonderful reward for all my hard work!

By Columbus Day I'd be 40lbs lighter!

What a joy to discover what I can do!

By Halloween I'd be 43lbs lighter!

I didn't think I'd have a ghost of a chance!

By Thanksgiving I'd be 47lbs lighter!

I'd have so much to be thankful for!

By Christmas Eve I'd be 51lbs lighter!

Talk about being merry!

By New Year's Eve I'd be 52lbs lighter!

It's not just a new year, it's a NEW ME!!!

A Part of History

Today January 20, 2009 we are all living a moment of history - a part of our history we can share with our children (or soon-to-be kiddies for my SESSY single ladies). It gives me such a warm feeling that later today a wonderful man will do his best to run our country. In no way do I think an easy task lies ahead of our new president, but I feel he has the tools to do what needs to be done. I love to see the eyes of young African American boys light up as they see a man like themselves, their brothers and their fathers in the greatest leadership role of our country!

Like Obama believed in HOPE and CHANGE we too need to believe in HOPE and CHANGE for our personal lives. As women we need to HOPE for all those things we daydream about or want for our lives. "Hope – Hope in the face of difficulty. Hope in the face of uncertainty. The audacity of hope! In the end, that is God’s greatest gift to us, the bedrock of this nation. A belief in things not seen. A belief that there are better days ahead." -Barack Obama

Once we get the HOPE part down - it's time for CHANGE. CHANGE will come in different forms for each of us -- we may need to change the way we live, the people we spend our time with, the decisions we make, the food we eat, a love interest, or the time we do or do not spend with our higher power. "Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek." -Barack Obama

A few more quotes from Barack Obama which require us to think about life & how to live your best life..

• We need to internalize this idea of excellence. Not many folks spend a lot of time trying to be excellent.


• If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress.


• We need to steer clear of this poverty of ambition, where people want to drive fancy cars and wear nice clothes and live in nice apartments but don't want to work hard to accomplish these things. Everyone should try to realize their full potential.


• It's not just enough to change the players. We've gotta change the game
  

Of course our lives will not miraculously evolve over night, but with a little hard work, focus & determination - the CHANGE we HOPE for is possible!

*sidenote*

I just had to share how excited I am about this blog! Not only does it give me something to do late night when I can't go to sleep, but it helps me get all my crazy thoughts together and do something productive with them. So once again I hope you enjoy this as much as I do, but if you don't -- then a big whatever to you cause now your a certified hoochie ;-}.

While watching my favorite MTV Jams this video came on & it took me way back so of course I wanted to share with my SESSY's!


Jodeci - Come & Talk To Me (Remix) - Jodeci

I Need an Eraser!

The Gift of an Eraser

A New Year is upon us,
fresh goals are being set;
But doubts and fears still linger
From past ones we haven’t met.

Erase away those doubts and fears
That you will not succeed.
Commitment and a positive attitude
are really all you need.

You have it in you to reach your goal
Of that I have no fear.
So “erase” those mistakes and look ahead
to a new beginning for a new year.

Please take an eraser
To help you create a clean slate.
Wipe away doubts, fears & failures,

In 2009 you’re going to do GREAT!

Come on girls - start looking for that one yellow pencil you have laying around with that red eraser and cut it off. And NOOOO we're not using the eraser to replace the earring back you lost (don't even think about acting like u don't know what I'm talking about - i know some of you got some east-side running deep in u)

Let's grab our erasers and start 2009 fresh (we're all good its only 19 days in)!

Here we go...

Saturday night (actually early Sunday morning) as Madison was fast asleep and I was watching a bad copy of the "Notorious" boot leg I had the brilliant idea to start a blog for US ;-)

And US means all of US -- you, me and the rest of you hoochies! I know your thinking "...great Ally not one more thing to read while at work or home, but too bad -- YES IT IS -- one more thing to read!"

My hope for Live Your Best Life is a place where we can share our opinions, successes, hurts and all the juicy/non-juicy lives we live everyday. Though, most importantly in the end support one another as we each continue to LIVE OUR BEST LIFE.

2009 is our year...its our turn to do big things with our lives (indivudally, collectively and spiritually focusing on career, relationships, etc., )...

• Put God (or your higher being) 1st
• Demand more
• Think BIG
• Too Blessed Too be Stressed
• Decisions Determine Destiny
• Our money has got to grow up
• Keep Hustlin'
• Don't Just be the Best - be the Best Ever
• Hate it or Love it - if you Hate it; Change it - if you Love it; Keep going
• Drive, Determination, Perseverance & Focus
• See you at the top
• Take life seriously
• Pride, Determination & Resilience

And if your asking yourself, "Where do I come up with all this?" I just write down all the cool things I hear everywhere I go. Not only do I read them to myself when I need a jump-start -- I love sharing such simple thoughts with my closest friends of course - YOU HOOCHIES!! Or my new word in 2009 SESSY (which I stole word from our very own Myss Moxie aka Yasmine)

Defintion of SESSY - mix between Sexy & Classy HOLLA ;-)

So prepare yourself to check out Live Your Best Life (especially you daily bossip readers)! I hope it can be the change to get us going in the right direction and continue doing what we do best- SHINE!

I am inviting everyone I can think of to join us in our journey, but if you know other SESSY women in your life give me their info and I'll invite them into our world of FABULOSITY!!

Love you guys and can't wait to begin another year being the best!!

P.S. I'm new at this blogging thing so forgive me if things are a lil crazy in the beginning -- I'm gonna have to ask Yasmine how this bloggin thing works ;-)