Day 30 - What is Changing in Your Life

Wow! I can't believe that today is the last day of my 30 day challenge. Woohoo! So today's challenge is to describe what is changing in my life.

If you follow my blog with any regularity you kinda already know. I am in the process of making my big move from Baltimore to Atlanta. In four weeks to be exact! This is the biggest thing I've ever done and I'm excited, nervous and overwhelmed at the same time. Although I have all of these emotions I am still pushing through because I know in my heart this needs to happen. I can not let nervousness and fear stop me from moving on to the next chapter in my life. I think that is where many people get stuck and block their blessings. They are too afraid to move on to something new and different because they are unsure of the future or the outcome and that is uncomfortable. My thing is God lets us know all the time what we should and shouldn't do, it's those unexplained feelings in the pit of your stomach or that little voice in your head. He is moving you to position you for the blessings he's ready to bestow upon you but you are too afraid of the unknown of the change to make that move and your blessings are blocked at that point because you are not where you need to be.

I am not one to let fear and discomfort stop me from doing what I know I need to do. It's very fearful and uncomfortable leaving your home that you've built your entire life, giving up your surroundings and family and friends and strike out on your own hundreds of miles away from everything you've ever known.

Now don't get me wrong, I haven't always been this actualized. There were times in my life when I let the fear over take me and I didn't make necessary changes but as I grew I came to realize I was blocking my own blessings and to trust that little voice in my head, my intuition because that is God's way of communicating to me what he wants from me. So now I listen.

I don't know what my employment situation will be once I land in Atlanta. I will tell my boss on Monday what my plans are and let the chips fall where they may but I am confident that whatever happens it will all work out. I am open and receptive to whatever is to come.

I am excited about this new chapter in my life and I am looking forward to all of it.

So what's changing in my life? Everything and I can't wait.

Day 28 - When You See a Homeless Person, Do You Give Them Money?

We've all seen them. Homeless people milling around, often times begging for a little change for food. You look at the person in front of you and assess the situation. You try to determine if this person is legit or not.

When presented with this scenario, do you give the person a little change or do you keep walking?

For me, it really depends on the person, the situation we are in and the mood I'm in. There is no other way to explain it. There are times I am compelled to give to the cause then there are times when I just brush them off with a simple wave of the hand. Why do I do that? Why are there some I give to and others I don't? I guess, as I said, it boils down to the person, the situation we are in and the mood I'm in.

I remember one time when I was dating The Analyst and we went to a carry out restaurant. He went in to get us something to eat while I waited in the car. A homeless man approached The Analyst and asked for money for food. Since we were in front of a restaurant he decided to go in and get the gentleman food instead of giving him money. This dude took the food, walked around to the side of the building, dropped the bag on the sidewalk and walked back around to the front to beg for more money. Clearly this guy wanted money for drugs or alcohol and not food. I would never support any one's drug habit. Hell, I don't buy cigarettes for people. How do you know though? How do you know that this person wants the money legitimately or simply to fuel a drug habit?

Do you give to the homeless man or woman that you see in front of you?

Day 27 - Does Honesty Really Pay?

So most of us believe that being honest with someone is usually the best policy. We should be able to be as tactfully honest as possible when confronted with giving our opinion but when is it the best policy to not be so honest?

Most of the time I am honest with people because I want them to be honest with me but when it comes to possibly hurting someones feelings I tend to be a little less honest then usual. There are times though, when I could care less about hurting feelings. Those tend to be times when a little tough love is in order. I'm good at dolling out tough love.

If someone asks be if I like a particular outfit I'll give them my very honest opinion with a healthy dose of tact of course.

I don't think that being honest in every situation is necessarily the best policy. Take for instance you are on a date with someone you like. This is maybe the 3rd or 4th date and they decided to cook for you. You taste this absolutely awful mess and instantly want to puke. What do you do? You really, really, really like this person and want to get to know them. In this case, I would grin and bear it and keep my trap shut about how bad the food really is. I'd wait until we were a little more solid and comfortable with each other and very casually and tactfully let them know they no longer need to ever prepare food for me again.

Day 26 - A Little out of It

Wow...only 3 more days in this 30 day blog challenge. These challenges do go by really quickly.

Today is just a lazy Sunday afternoon. I feel my engergy level is at Zero. I feel like a sloth today.

I tried calling the rental office of the apartment I found in Lithonia GA. I wanted a floor plan of the 2 bedroom with loft that I rented but they are closed. I accidently gave the one they gave me back to them when I turned in my application.

Hopefully I can get them to fax it over tomorrow.

Have a great sunday everyone.

Day 25 - A Whole New year

I trust everyone had a wonderful and safe new year. Did anybody get shit faced drunk? I totally slept through the new year as I knew I would. I was totally wiped out from my 2 day travel extravaganza. I was rudely awaken by the loud sounds of "POP" "POP" "POP".

I am looking forward to a new year of many changes to come.

I am going to a New Years brunch at a friends house this afternoon. I just have to muster up the energy.

Have a great day everyone.

Day 24 - Prepping For The Change

This week has been really crazy for me. I flew into Atlanta on Sunday to search for an apartment to live in. Each night I compiled a list of places to visit, the next day I visited those places then come back to the hotel and compile a new list and go out the next day and repeat the cycle until yesterday.

This trip started of really rocky and had me questioning whether this was the right move. A coworker offered to drive me to the airport on Sunday and pick me up on Thursday night. I felt uneasy about that but I relented and agreed to let her take me. She called me the morning of and told me she was on her way. I was like cool, I still had about 15 mins. Why did this heifer call me back in 6 mins and said "I'm out front." What! I was not quite ready so I RUSHED to finish and run outside and forgot my cellphone! I don't think you heard me..I FORGOT MY CELLPHONE!!! I had a mini melt down. That phone had all the numbers and addresses and reminders that I needed. I don't know anyone's number by heart. How was I going to manage not being able to communicate with people for a week? Then I realized I had my spare phone that I use for my Atlanta job search. It had most of the numbers of the people I would need so I'd be able to function at least. Cool. I still felt out of sorts but it was at least bearable. I get to the hotel and reached in my bag to pull out my charger because I specifically put it on the bed at home so that I could pack it so I knew it was in the bag. Uh, no. I pulled out everything in my bag and there was no charger. I had the car and house charger for my blackberry...that I left home...but not for the palm...that I had with me. I was also in a panic at the airport because I was supposed to use my blackberry's GPS to get around while I was in Atlanta. How the hell was I supposed to get to all the apartments I was supposed to visit? When I got to the rental car counter I asked the woman for a car with a GPS. At first she said she didn't have one. I panicked. How was I going to get to the hotel much less all my apartments. I almost had a melt down right there but she finally found a car. This cost me an extra $110. Shear joy. The next day I find a mall to purchase a charger for my phone and they didn't have one because this spare phone is so old. Again, I almost had a melt down as I had no charge left on my phone and I still had 4 days in Atlanta. The store clerk told me of another mall that might have one. I get there and that store didn't have one either. OK I was really started to freak out. Like what was the universe trying to tell me about this trip, more importantly, this move? I walked out of the store and walk a few feet and BAM! I spotted a cell phone accessory kiosk! OK, They have got to have a charger. I go up to the clerk and lo and behold, she had a charger!! Yes! I make my purchase and head to the car to begin my apartment search.

The trip got better and I ultimately did settle on an apartment in Lithonia. I was debating between Lithonia and Duluth. I applied and the leasing agent just texted me that the app was approved so that is a done deal.

I head to the airport last night to make it home, sat in the airport for 4 hours due to delays then they finally canceled the flight at 11:30pm. UGH! They herded us to the customer service desk to rebook us for this morning and give us hotel vouchers. I get to the hotel at 12:30 and had to get up at 4:30am to make it the airport in time for my flight to Newark NJ then a four hour layover before reaching home 2:13 this afternoon. This has become the trip from hell!!!!

I had planned on sleeping in late this morning then shopping later, instead I am stuck in the airport, again, today. Damn!

Day 23 - Busy, Busy Busy

Hey guys, today's post will be very short and sweet. I have ALOT on my plate today so I don't have time to do a regular post.

I am off work tomorrow so I will do a nice post explaining all that has been going on this week. Whew.

I trust everyone is doing well.

Day 22 - Something Is Wrong With You

Hello Bloghearts,

I hope those in the Northeast are digging out of their blizzard and able to move around. I feel so neglectful because I haven't had a chance to stop by your spots recently but trust me I will within the next couple of days.

I was visiting with family the other day and found out something very interesting. I think my cousin maybe be a little socially "off". This dude is 40 years old, lives with his parents, works at Baby's R Us as a sales associate and does not own a car. His parents gave him a car and took it away when he was caught "abusing" his driving privileges by having others drive his car so now his mom has to pick him up from work. Did I mention he is a 40 year old man!? Wow!

I am at a lost for words. I don't know any 40 year old man that lives with his parents and have them controlling his driving. Clearly there is something seriously wrong with dude.

Take care all and I will be by and visit your blogs as soon as I can. I've been on a mission the last few days that I will explain it all to you on Friday.

Smooches!!

Day 21 - Expiration Dates

How much attention do you pay to expiration dates on your food? I ran across people that really don't pay much attention. They are very loose when it comes to those dates and they ink out several more days before they dispose of the food in question.

Me? I am ANAL about expiration dates. I stalk my eggs and milk relentlessly making sure I don't ingest those items after that all important date inked on the carton. I'm no fool. If any item is in my refrigerator past its date I act like I am with the CDC coming in contact with hazardous materials. I put on my mask, my goggles, my hazmat suite and gloves to dispose of the offending item.

Yeah, I'm a freak like that.

Day 20 - What Should I Call You?

When I was young and dating we gave titles to our position in the relationship as we grew closer. We were either girlfriend or boyfriend. We were all proud to be called someones girlfriend or boyfriend. That let the world know we were together and off the market.

As I've gotten older though, I've had a change of heart regarding that term "boyfriend" or "girlfriend". I feel that I am a little too old to refer to a grown ass man as my boyfriend. But with this revelation comes a new dilemma, what DO I call the new guy in my life? Once I get one that is. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

When I was dating The Analyst I once referred to him as "my friend" to someone I was speaking to and he hit the roof. "I'm NOT your friend! I'm your boyfriend!" I knew that but it kinda sounds juvenile coming from a grown ass woman.

If "friend" is not appropriate and "boyfriend" doesn't feel right then what in the clam bake am I supposed to say? "Manfriend" doesn't sound right either. I mean it's cute and quirky in familiar company but if you are at a social event, say for work perhaps, then introducing him as "This is Jim, my manfriend" is a no no.

What do you call your significant other? What do you say to let others know you two are an item without sounding as if you are on your way to your locker to get your Chemistry book before the class bell rings? This is actually a slight issue for a few folks.

Day 19 - It's a Wrap

Hey all,

I trust that everyone had a great Christmas. Mine was pretty good actually. I'm just glad it's over.

I'm on travel at the moment and guess what? I left my damn cell phone at home. I feel so lost. I will be away from home for 5 days without my cell phone. I do have a cell phone with me that I use in my GA job search but it doesn't have all my "stuff" that I need so I feel lost. I'm not sure how I'm gonna make it this week people.

Pray for me.

Day 18 -Merry Christmas

Hello all,

Since everyone is busy with family and friends I will keep this post simple and just wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

I hope Santa brings you exactly what you want this year.

Day 17 - Ask Tee

Hi Everyone,

I know it's been like forever since I've done an Ask Tee segment so I thought it was about time. Here goes:

Dear Tee,

I am a mother of a very strong willed 13 year old. He doesn't listen to me at all. I'll tell him to do something like take out the trash or clean his room or turn off the TV and he just ignores me as if I am not even standing there.

I try handing down punishments because I know that's what I need to do but I feel so bad that I give in to him and rescind the punishment.

What can I do to get this kid to listen to me?

Signed,
Terry

Dear Terry,

This is not an unusual complaint from parents. The problem here is that you don't follow through when doling out the punishment so he sees you as a push over. He doesn't see any consequence so he will not change his behavior.

What you need to do is grow a pair and hand out stiff punishments and stick with it. Let him know there are severe consequences if he defies you. If a child realizes that there are no consequences to his bad behavior he has no reason to stop. Be strict and follow through. He'll get the message. It's called tough love for a reason.

Good luck!

Tee

If you have any questions you'd like the blogging family to give their opinion on just send me an email to asktee@hotmail.com.

Day 16 - My New Favorite Thing Ever!

You guys might think I'm a freak for revealing this but I've wanted a pink fuzzy pen for months! I went to like 3 or 4 stores looking for one but to no avail.

This weekend I went into Walgreens to pick up some crap when I noticed by the check out counter....


Yes!!! Exactly the type of pen I was looking for! So you know I had to get one. Then I decided I needed two so I picked up another and purchased two pens. I love them. I have one for my desk at work and one for my purse. SCORE! When I got in the car I noticed that the clerk actually put another one in my bag so I ended up with 3 of these little babies!!! I would have taken the third one back but it was only $2 so I said screw it.

When I got home, upon further inspection I noticed two things. One, this pen is in support of breast cancer. See the plastic ribbon on the top? Secondly, the ribbon lights up!



SCORE!!

Yeah I'm a geek, whatevs.

Day 15 - What Do You Want Your Legacy To Be?

Whew! We are half way through. This month long blogging sure does go by fast. Today I am supposed to determine what I want my legacy to be.

I never actually thought of it before and this challenge has forced me to face this and I am grateful for that actually so that I can sort of check myself.

I would love to leave a legacy of goodness and generosity. I try to treat others as I would like to be treated and I try to help people as best I can without putting myself or family in jeopardy or feel as if I am being used.

I want to be viewed as being the best friend as I can be. I'm sure some would disagree but I never said I was perfect. I try my best to be the best me I can at all times.

I would love to develop a children's charity at some point to help these kids be their very best. I want to work on that in the next year or two.

I just want there to be something between my dash besides dates.

Day 14 - Do You Have Any Regrets

So here we are on Day 14 and I am supposed to detail any regrets that I have. I can't imagine anyone who has lived, and I mean really lived, that doesn't have a regret or two at some point in their life. I do have a few and here they are:

Greg, James, James, James, Van, Maurice, Martin, Marcus, Neal, Jerel, Mark, Johnny, Stanley, Rob and Robert.

The end.

Day 13 - Dear Me

Dear Me,

I am you in several decades and I am writing to you from the future. I know you are only 16 years old right now but when you read this know that I am writing this to field off alot of mistakes you are going to make as you grow up.

You crush alot on really cute boys. When you get 18 you are going to start having sex with some of them. Take it from me, hold off. There is no need to have sex so soon. You will like Prince 2.0 when you meet him in a couple of years but he is not worth you giving him your virginity. Hold off. Also, there are a bunch of guys that you will meet that you will want to sleep with...DON'T. You'll thank me later. You will appreciate the ones you do have sex with when you are older alot more.

Make sure you love your parents more and show them more respect then you do because, trust me, when you grow up to be me they are not around and you will miss them with every fiber of your being and wish you had more time with them to show them you loved them more so please be a better daughter.

Spend as much time with your grandparents as you can and really appreciate them. Soak up their knowledge because when you are me you will regret and be sad that all that wisdom is now gone.

Make sure you get involved with extra curricular activities so that you can develop some really serious interests in things. When you get to be me if you don't you will regret it because you'll find that you don't have a real interest in any one thing in particular.

When you meet Morris next year do not, and I repeat, do not write him that letter you will be tempted to write. Trust me on that.

When you meet your future husband, The Douche, please walk right past him. Do not marry this idiot. You'll be glad you didn't.

When you meet Mr. NC, hold on to him for dear life.

You are going to take a liking to fashion and makeup, pursue this in the next couple of years. Seriously.

I hope I help you be a better you when you are me. Take care of yourself now so that I don't suffer later.

Love you.

Day 12 - 10 Things I'd Like To Learn

Hello Bloghearts. Today's blog challenge has me listing 10 things I'd like to learn. So, in no specific order, here are the things I'd like to learn before too long:

1. I'd like to learn to speak Spanish fluently. I took a spanish class but haven't used it in ages so I need a serious refresher.

2. I'd like to learn to swim.

3. I'd like to learn to be a makeup artist. That is actually on my short list of things to do immediately once I move to Atlanta in February.

4. I'd like to learn to sew.

5. I'd like to learn the in's and out's of being a fashion stylist.

6. I'd like to learn to style hair really well.

7. I'd like to learn to apply false eyelashes.

8. I'd like to learn to be a financial analyst.

9. I'd like to learn graphic design.

10. I'd like to learn movie editing.

So there you have my list. Feel free to add your own in the comments section.

Tootles!! Love you long time.

Day 11 - What Would I Do?

Today I was asked what I would do if I saw a spider in my bedroom......

Run like hell. The end.

Day 10 - Describe Something You Lost That You Want Back.

In this post I am supposed to describe something I lost that I want back.....

my virginity.

Nuff said.