"Sometimes, Chilling is what the body needs"

Yesterday, I returned to work from a very long holiday weekend. I was in class for 2 days last week and the remainder of the time, I was off. I must say that the long weekend was just what I needed. My man and I had planned to do a variety of things, which included going out of town but that never happened. We had been discussing just getting away for the last month or more, but once the weekend got here, we end up just chilling the whole weekend-except for Monday). The both of us are on our grind right now so any free time we can get is always welcomed.
Friday-Sunday was just TV, eating, sleeping....we did a few things around the house but overall, just chilling. I started getting crazy by Sunday evening and I was getting cabin fever so...Monday, we decided to get out and do something. That day started with a trip to Wiconsin Avenue(Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Banana Republic....) and then we went to Georgetown(I'm so bored with this place right now) and then to Alexandria, VA(reminds me alot of downtown Annapolis). We had dinner at the Chart House and just did the boyfriend/girlfriend thing-lol. The evening ws summed up with a trip to Cold Stone Creamery and bed. I was
T-I-R-E-D.
Tuesday was another chill day. Just some cleaning up and chilling. I realized that I hadn't gone to not one cookout or for that matter, I didn't even have one so, I decided to put some food ont he grill on Tuesday.
I returned to work yesterday with a pile of work on my desk. I sat and thought about how I was appreciative of the chill time I had over the weekend because I was well rested. Everyone returned to work with all the stories of what they did over the holiday. All I could really say was, I chilled...but that's ok with me, because I realize now that I really needed it.

"Another Reason to Smile"

Anyone who knows me know that smiling to me is ne of the greatest gifts. Smiling makes me feel good and a laugh behind that smile is always a plus. SO I say that to say, I'm always finding reasons to smile about something, its so important.
Last weekend, the girls and I gathered together at my house for some food, laughs & most of all, just playing "catch up." Its always good to be with them girls because its never a dull moment. We've been trying to get together for awhile now but with everyone so busy with kids, school, work, relationships, etc....we just haven't been able to come together. Although all of us weren't there, we had a grand time. The menu wasn't planned, everyone just bought some drinks, chips...and me & Tarita prepared the food. I must admit, my girl Tarita came through with the infamous beans and her macaroni salad(requested by Tiny) and I hooked up my famous turkey burgers and put some hotdogs & sausage on the grill. Nothing fancy, just something to put on our stomachs. Of course the fellas couldn't resist being in the building for a minute, but they immediately exited to the basment to watch the game. I was informed that our laughs & screams could be heard overtop of the surround sound...but so what, that's what we do.
Our entertainment for the evening was our good friend & #1fan "Leephis" he loves the girls...he always wants to be in our company. The conversation went from relationships, sex, celebrities, TV shows(Run's House)....but as always, he dominated the conversations and got on everyone's nerves. We love him.
The rain stopped us from chilling on the deck so the kitchen was the place to be. We laughed so much....I don't know what I would do without these girls(even the ones that were absent). Its always so refreshing to be in their company. We just put our cares aside and we open up and just do us. That's what friendship is all about.
Our plan is to try and get together at least once a month for a girls night out or in. I think we all need that, I know I do. Getting together with them is always an extra boost in my life...these girls are like my second family(yes, I'm being mushy). But it is what it is....the sistahood is what makes all of our lives so complete. We all are maturing, growing spirtually, financially...just making moves in all areas. I know that if we all didn't have the support of one another, this journey of life wouldn't be so easy.
So...I say to my girls....thanks for that impromptu get-together....I have one more reason to continue smiling.

Marriage???? Wedding???? Is it for Everybody????

A few weekends ago (April 28), one of my girlfriends got married. Smiley and I have been friends for about 15 years and I was honored to be her maid of honor. Out of all her friends and her 2 sisters, she asked me to be her right hand chick for the day and I was honored. Now, anyone who knows my girl Smiley aka Smoot knows her personality...and how we became & remained friends all these years(15+) is a mystery but that's what's so unique about us. Anyway..when my girl Smoot announced that she was getting married, I had 30 days to not only get myself together, but I had to assist her with getting this affair together. My question to her first was, "what's the rush" and my second question was, "are you sure you're ready" when she answered, I knew she was ready to make the transition from "single to...as Ms. Celie put it, I's married now."

Needless to say, we managed to get her dress, shoes, alterations, etc...in 4 hours. Smiley knows I love her to death because on my day off, I sat the whole day aside just for her...and everyone knows how I feel about sharing my time on my RDO. Next, it was a number of small things that had to take place to ensure that her wedding day was perfect, and I must agree, it was. I watched as my girl & her finace put a beautiful affair together on a small budget and little time. And I must admit, it was one of the best weddings I've been to. So...now it leads me to believe that some weddings are really overated and they're for show. I know of people who paid thousands of dollars for weddings and are in debt the day after. Not that I have a problem with huge weddings because if you can afford it, than go for it. But I realized that a wedding is not about who's in it, how many people you invite, the menu, the venue....if two people truly love one another and want to be joined in holy matrimony, it really doesn't matter the formalities involved, all that matters is that they become one.

During the ceremony, the preacher that officated the wedding was truly a blessing. I've never experienced a wedding put together the way he did. Not only was I blessed by what he shared but I was schooled. The man broke down the institution of marriage in God's eyes and related it to the way the world sees it. He broke down the roles of the wife and the husband and it was awesome. Everyone at the wedding couldn't stop talking about how much they were inspired.

So, what I took from my girl Smoots wedding was, when 2 people are ready to become one, it doesn't matter who, what, when or where....they need to make it happen. If you don't have the support from the people you thought would be there, rest assure that God will direct you to that person who will be right by your side(I was so honored Smoot). Seek counseling prior to the marriage because it will help you get a clearer picture of what God expects. Don't get caught up in the pressure of "people pleasing" have the wedding that you want & can afford. And most of all.....get your marriage license in enough time for the ink to dry before the ceremony(inside joke....Smoot & David, I love u guys).