Of course it was another great weekend with my boyfriend except this one was extra special because his birthday is next week, but I won’t be able to be with him… So, we celebrated this weekend (when his boyz wouldn’t be able to take him away).  Friday night when I arrived, I gave him a golf-inspired greeting card and a golf glove (and popcorn, he just loves popcorn).  We then went to Hooters (delishis wings) and the movies to see Inception.  The movie was fantastic.  I’m really into learning about the human mind and how people put mind over matter, especially in ways that are perceived as negative or giving them a disorder.  Other movies that do this is are Shutter Island (also staring Leo) and Identity.

Saturday morning, I gave him a baseball-inspired card where the punchline was “chalk up another one” as the guy on the front of the card was chalking the baseball diamond.  Attached to the card were 2 baseball tickets to see the Detroit Tigers that night.  He had been talking about going to a game all season (and even made it his facebook status, lol).  The Tigers ended up losing the game, but it was really worth staying through the end.  That was my first time in Comerica Park.  It was quite different from the Indianapolis Indians’.  It was huge and a lot more people.  Earlier in the day we made a random stop at Pizza Kitchen while on our way to Hood-Mart (the rat-tastic WalMart).  He later made me a Salmon feast before the game! 

Sunday, we were going to go golfing at 8am, but it was still raining/wet, so we just went to breakfast.  Before church, I gave him a third card with fortune cookies on it.  It’s an inside joke and I wanted to throw him off the scent for the big gift.  I got him a watch to replace his that got “mysteriously lost” in the mail.  [After he left it in Indy, I mailed it to him and our thought is that it was stolen along the route, O_o.]  He loved it!  We then trotted happily to church.  We visited Second Ebenezer Church at the 10am service.  We didn’t get there until 10:45ish, just in time for the A&B selections.  The sermon was really good by Bishop Vann (although more drawn out than it should have been) and he was finished by noon!  Oh, until… he did the call to worship and wouldn’t stop calling, nor singing until 25 people (and counted them) came to the alter to give their lives to Christ.  I’m not sure if he ever made 25, but it was 17 when I stopped listening.  He then had 3 people in particular tell their stories, at about 10 minutes each.  We were ready to leave as the clock neared 1pm.  He kind of guilt-tripped people into staying saying that this was a test of “spiritual endurance”.  False!!  Right before offering, I left my donation and we dipped!  As the dip was occurring, he also felt the need to shout out “Where yall goin?” in front of a church of at least 1,000 and many more at home or online.  LMAO!!  If we ever go back, it will be for a conference like I had been to previously, but I would recommend to stream that faith so you can leave as you please.

Random Link of the day: http://www.thedirtyartist.com/dirtywomen.html

I googled “Secret Shopper” and popped up a bunch of sites asking me to do it, and 1 that stood out with “Secret-Shopping Scam” by MSNBC.  That article talks about one secret shopper’s experience that led to a scam.  Basically, 1. The Company sends him a check for $2,500.  2. He cashes the check at his bank.  3. He keeps $250 and sends back $2,250 to secret shop and evaluate the local MoneyGram.  4. After the check has been sent to The Company, the check to your bank account bounces.  5. The Company has your money and you must repay your bank from your own pockets!  Sucks right?!

After seeing that stuff, there was a link on the page talking about Working From Home using your computer.  I went to their page where there is a great story by a beautiful woman holding a baby with a caption about her losing her job (with which of us can relate).  There is a big banner of their “accreditations” about being seen on NBC, Reader’s Digest, Good Morning America, and The New York Times.  Their site connects to their main web page with even more references.  Of course, being a good blogger, I wanted to do a little research so you guys don’t have to   I found these 2 failed searches on The New York Times and MSNBC before I got to a very good news report on the work at home scam.  The embedded video shows the same “mom” in a Buffalo news report.  There still is nothing that tells the actual detail of the scam, but that was enough for me.

I have actually been scammed before with Primerica, an insurance company.  Don’t feel bad or embarrassed if you’ve been hustled.  I ended up getting all of my money back, but it wasn’t without hassle.  I thought because I went to high school with the guy that invited me, and it is approved by the Better Business Bureau, I was golden.  It was indeed a pyramid scheme from which I would get little to no profit.

In conclusion, there’s no job bandwagon that you can just jump onto.  If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.  I think the only companies that you can really guarantee won’t scam you are ones that you start on you own in a highly desired field!

Aja believed it was okay for the Iron Pigs to get one free run, but then they just took off and I continued to blame her, lol.  After singing <wonderfully>, we weren’t budging.  After the 8th inning the score was 7-8.  The two supertall (6’5″ and 6’6″) brothas Domonic Brown and John Mayberry get on base.   Bases are loaded after “we” intentionally walk.  2 outs, 2 balls, and 2 strikes later Brian Bocock hits a triple bringing 3 guys in!  Everybody was sooooo outdone!  We still had the bottom of the 9th for us, which led to nothing…  Folks were just standing in the bleachers with the straight face like when Michigan lost ::reserves mean words::.  The girls and I were pretty unfazed (a real word) and left our graveyard of hot dogs, pops, peanuts, popcorn, and an elephant ear with full bellies and smiles on our faces.

This past weekend, I enjoyed Corbin’s family reunion.  I had already met his parents, brothers,  neices and nephews, and some cousins, but this time I got to meet even more of his cousins.  Everybody was really nice and it was kind of refreshing to see them all enjoying each others’ company.

Friday, we went bowling and back to his parents’ house for convo, fish and shrimp (fantastic), and bones (dominoes).  Saturday morning, I had breakfast and went shopping with his aunt and cousin in Frankenmuth while the boys went golfing.  Then, we went to the cookout where all of the little kids LOVED Cooli and kept picking him up, but he never nipped at anyone.  He just gave me the sad face like “mom, help”.  Then, we drove back to Detroit and rode on the Detroit Princess with his cousins and brother.  There are 3 levels of seating and dance floors.  It was nice, but the music was just not doing it for me.  I had more fun just out on the deck talking with Corbin.  Then, all of us flocked to MGM Grand Casino to “make some money back”.  We had some success and just went home.

Sunday, we didn’t wake up until about 2pm, smh.  We ran to Corbin’s Favorite restaurant, The Clique before his review session.  I caught up a little with my brother and he told me about his sky diving experience, and the movie Jesus Camp and recommended a few others.  I then drove back home and stopped by Steak ‘n Shake where I was so into the fantasticity of the Banana Split Milkshake and all of its 435 Calories that I missed my exit on the freeway!!  That was a great way to finish off the great weekend I had with the new fam?.

My “nappiversary” is today July 12, 2010!!  One year prior, I had finally did the big chop and my main inspiration Monique cut off all my damaged, permed-straight ends when I visited her for the Philly Greek Picnic.  I had been growing out my hair (as promised) the entire time I was in Hong Kong–2 months in a sew-in weave, and 2 months in braids.  When I got back to the States in June, I re-braided my hair one last time (and it looked really bad).  I then finally saw my hair  and did a curly wet set for my trip to Philly.  The first day was cute, then it began to fade especially during my delicious slumber on the airplane.  I was already frustrated with the look and it was only day 1 of a 4 day trip.  I had decided at that point, the BC was going down that weekend.  Mo had the idea of giving me a frohawk with my curls.  It came out good for going out that first night, but it wasn’t going to work for normal daytime.  So it was back to my favorite, and only, wig at the time Brandi, who is always a crowd-pleaser.  The day before I left Philly, Mo reluctantly cut it piece by piece until I was done!!  I washed it again and slapped a little Kinky Curly Curling Custard that Mo had lying around and this is how it came out…

At first, I wasn’t so sure that I made the best aesthetic decision, but I knew it was best for my hair and me.  Now, my hair is full, and healthy and already to the bottom of my neck (in the back).  In a year, my hair is already longer than my hair has ever been during the 12 years that I was relaxed.  At times, I wish my hair had looser curls, but I realized people with that hair texture wish they had tight coils like mine.  So, I’ve just learned to be satisfied and happy with what I have and embrace my diversity of styles.  I have learned how to care for my hair and do all of the styles with mostly the help of youtube.com (Keyword: Natural Hair Journey).  A few of them are shown below…

We arrived Saturday and went straight to get some BBQ!  I had a delish pulled pork sandwich and Corbin being on his anti-swine tip got the “Beer Can chicken”= Bizzomb!  Then we went to a little cookout hosted by Playdate Charlotte at Marshall Park.  There’s also a chapter in Detroit that I went to last year.  It’s usually a lot of fun with board games and musical chairs or hula hooping.  After that, we had fun at Wet Willie’s and walked the streets of downtown until we found a fabulous Polish Sausage to accompany our walk back to the car.

Sunday morning, we drove 4 hours to Myrtle Beach.  By the time we got there we spent about 30 minutes on the beach, and then 30 minutes on food before going back to the hotel to change clothes.  Next, we drove another 30 minutes to “The Boat“.  I spent most of my time hanging out and watching the boys play blackjack.  I spent none of my money on that foolywang.  The ship sails for an hour to get to international waters and we sit for about 3 hours to gamble before and hour trip back.

Monday, we ate at the worst IHOP ever then after the 4 hour trip back, I needed to take a dip in the pool to satisfy my water/sun intake for the weekend.  We then went to the FAB Cheesecake Factory before bidding adieu and checking into the BEST HOTEL I’VE EVER BEEN TO, Aloft Hotels.  Of course my romantic bf got us a corner room on the 12th floor because he knows I love views!!  It was really amazing!!  {let’s just say happy tears were involved}

Tuesday, we just took a cute stroll around downtown and stopped for a bite to eat where the tuna salad sandwich was really good.  [Okay, I love food, geez]  The boys spent some time at the driving range, and I was enhancing my tan and reading… until we all broke out in a full sweat because it was over 90 degrees!  We then got cleaned up before heading to the airport.  In summary, Charlotte is great with some really good eats.  I’m still partial to San Diego, “America’s Finest City”, but it’s definitely on my Top Ten so far.

A few have asked when I’m going to start back.  I don’t really plan to start back, but certain vacations I may get a glass or two of wine.  This probably will include my cruise that I’m taking later this year.  Other than that, I haven’t really wanted to drink and remember how gross it made me feel when I would get sick.  This has just been a personal choice.  I don’t look down upon those that drink, and I actually like being the designated driver so I can be more certain that I will get home safely.  All in all, it’s been going pretty well and keeping those extra calories off the tummy, isn’t so bad either.

I think I know music pretty well and honestly, I wasn’t that impressed with the lead singer Bashiri… It was good to see the sets live, but his voice was a little to monotone for my taste.  I was telling my friend, that his voice definitely has a market for something, ie. waiting rooms, elevators, studying or a social mixer.  But when it comes to me listening to a cd or popping it in the car for a long drive, it’s not gonna happen.

As far as the food, I had the crab cakes last time I was there, delish, but of course never filling.  My friend had the bbq chicken pizza this time, good if that’s your thing.  I’m way too much a tomato sauce fan for that.  The brownie dessert is BOMB and enough to share with 4 people.  I got the White Chocolate Blueberry Bread Pudding this time.  #stayaway.  I kept crunching and getting little strawberry seeds in my teeth.  Who knows where those came from.  The outside was pretty firm and the inside wasn’t soft and delish.  Just stay away from it!

I really like music, mainly R&B/Soul vibe.  Favs are John Legend, Musiq Soulchild, Dwele, and can’t forget Jamie Foxx.  I guess I really like that culture kind of stuff.  I plan to go to the art museum around here, and the DIA when I’m at home.  I love plays and musicals, and love ballets and just dancing concerts (duh).  Challenge: Try to do 1 artsy-fartsy thing this month!

Depression has concluded and everything is great again.  One factor was the relationship, which has been resolved!  As promised I did start reading The 5 Love Languages and boy o’ boy was it on point!  Before I did that, I took the online assessment to truly know what my language was [Words of Affirmation, Quality Time (close second)] and I had Corbin do the same [Quality Time].  I bought the book and a cheap journal so that I could keep notes on key quotes and definitions that may be helpful later.  Following that, I discussed a few key points with him.  We ended up having a great conversation on what I read.  It made us understand each other and our needs a lot better.  Our time on the phone (since long distance) is important to him, and our time together is exponentially more important.  The words that he says (or doesn’t say) are important to me and should be chosen carefully (especially in an argument).  Things seem so much clearer, but time will tell.

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Some of the notes were:

It is okay for a couple to have different native love languages, but as long as you know what your mate’s languages is and can speak it, things will be okay.

Different love languages require different needs.  When Christmas comes around, you can’t give a Words of Affirmation person the same gift that you would give a Receiving Gifts person.  RG may only want the biggest and best gift because that is how they value their worth and your relationship, while WoA may be okay with a card that has a hand-written letter.  Personally, I’m great with a hand-written letter (WoA) and a date at a restaurant or the movies (QT).

You have to fill up their love tank with their currency.  The same currency won’t work for everyone.  When both of your tanks are filled, things will be much easier and much happier.

There is a “Love Obsession” phase which all couples go through that is approximately 2 years.  During this time, everything is great and you are both floating on air.  This is the time when most people get engaged, or married, or move in together.  After that phase is over, you have to really start speaking the correct love language or one or both of your love tanks will be on E.  This is the time when most couples divorce!

{The other two languages are: Physical Touch-physical presence and accessibility, hugs, holding hands, etc.;  Acts of Service-ease the burden of responsibilities, cleaning the house, etc.}

All that aside, I just haven’t been feeling the best.  My boyfriend and I keep going through crazy good<–>bad cycles and it would be great if we just went back to the constant good we had.  Being at work for 9 hours gets me a little bummed at different times.  There has also been some drama there (on more than one occasion) where people just don’t have the ability to have personal conversations with others.  If I’m doing something out of the ordinary, tell me, not others.   I’ve been feeling the need for a good cry, but just haven’t given myself the opportunity.  The up-swing of things happened when I just talked to my girls on the phone or hung out with them.  They make me laugh and they are very motivational to themselves and with me.

Something has got to change.  I plan to start reading a lot more!  I have to read one book for work.  My friend has referred The Five Love Languages.  I also plan to read my bible or have a good old-fashioned on the knee prayer time.  I think I might actually unplug my TV so I can just focus and think about me.  I’ll give updates, wish me luck!