natural.evolution–

it’s been a really long weekend
had family in town
shopped
went to a masquerade ball
went to church
went to meetings
and had sushi with friends
I’m drained
and I’m going to sleep

Cracked open one of the many bottles of wine that I brought back from SouthAfrica last night after reading about another South African wine on Rantings of a Creole Princess. This particular brand I tried in DC a few years ago and fell in love with it. I’m not a fan of Chardonnay but this was soo wonderful and refreshing and I wrote the name down…. not knowing some three years later I’d drive by the vineyard while in South Africa. So when I was there I made sure to get a bottle (or a 3). Along with a case from the vineyard I visited and a couple other bottles. I digress.

But when I opened that bottle last night and had it with seckel pear and gorgonzola salad I made (that was soo good). It seriously took me back to the evening three years ago when I had it for the first time. Remembered where I was sitting in the restaurant, who I was sitting with, time of day, what I had on, etc. I was sitting there like dag that was a good evening lol. That wine took me there. Then I started thinking about the person I was with and why was I even there with him and how much of jerk he was and how much of a fool I was even messing with him. The wine took me there. I then thought that I like him much better now as a person then I did then lol because I was so wrapped up in emotion and foolishness and thinking I was much more mature then what I really was. The wine took me there. Also made me think how much effort I put into making that evening great from the hair to the dress to the fragrance I wore. The wine took me there.

I was surprised at how the flavor, the scent and the memories associated with that wine transported me to another place in my mind. I love that wine but now I have to create some new memories with it, especially since I have 3 more bottles to go…

It’s been a busy Monday. Half of my office is out in various conferences and of course today would be the day when media calls are 3 times the usual. The weekend was also exhausting with the kidlets over for the weekend and then a birthday party and a brunch with friends Saturday night and Sunday morning. I can’t wait to get home and take a bath in a great bath soak I got when I went in for my acupuncture and dive under the covers.

Can I also share about this new discovery I made over the weekend. A pomegranate liqueur that was simply fabulous. It was served with champagne and called a “champama” but I’m also imagining it in martini’s and mojito’s at well. For those coming to the holiday party expect to see it there.

Speaking of parties I need to find a dress and a mask by Saturday. I ordered a dress for a masquerade ball and the company called me today (I ordered it a while back) to say oh it’s on back order. BOOOOOOOOO. Now I need to scramble and find something last minute which I hate doing. I think I’m about to just splurge and get the david.meister number I’ve been looking at for months anyway. I have several things I can use it for so that will make it worth the cost right lol.

Well back to the grind. Have a meeting in a few.

I am grateful for life
God’s mercy and favor
the little things that keep me smiling
doors closing and windows opening
my mom
my kidlets
my grandma
my family
friends that inspire me
all the blessings I have
reality checks
and the ability to feel free

You have such a pure heart. That made me feel like wow. When this guy said this to me the other day in the midst of our conversation that made me feel so great. I think that is one of the best compliments I have ever received. It also made me think. Like wow what am I doing or how am I walking on my path that he saw that in me. So I asked. He pretty much told me that everything I do I seem to try and do it in good intention and that my generosity is crazy (he’s seen me help certain people out in a crunch whether it be with money, time or advice). He also said something that I REALLY didn’t know that he knew lol. He was like it’s a lot of temptation out here and you are trying to stay on path and wait it out which can be tough (No it is hard as heck ESPECIALLY when you’ve done “it” before lol). I totally appreciated what he said and took it to heart. He helped me out just with a minor statement. It’s really the little things.

Ahhh… It’s spa week in DC and I went to this new spot in maryland to partake in some of their services. When I go to a spa although I do love to get pampered and have frou frou amenities I lean more towards a spa that I can go to and feel like I’m at peace, a place with warmth and makes you feel comfprtable. So anyway I went to get two treatments monday and can I just say WONDERFUL. I started with acupuncture. This lady was so fabulous. I didn’t feel the needles at all except for one that was in a trigger area where I am having some pain and I felt it when I turned my head and forgot I had a needle in my ear lol. The only word I can use to describe the experience was freeing. Like I was really in there in another state of mind just talking to God when she left me in the room. I just felt so calm and relaxed and at ease. Totally free. Then when she was done I went into their foot lounge and had the best foot treatment ever. The guy was amazing. he served me tea and gave me a neck wrap and an eye cover and I just relaxed. I haven’t had the chance to just put my mind at ease in weeks. Work is stressing me and in there it disappeared. I’m usually all edgy and looking around and trying to figure out what someone is doing to me. But I don’t know why I trusted this dude. In a room. Alone. Him all on my feet and legs lol. But I did and I was so relaxed. I think I almost drooled lol.

Have you ever found out some information that totally threw you for a loop. That happened to me me today, Found out that a friend of mine is secretly talking to a guy that another friend of mine is talking to. Not like they are random friends, we all hang tough. How do you just listen to someone talk about their relationship issues, give them advice and then mess with the same dude. I’m blown… totally by the foolishness.

I went out to dinner with some friends last night in dc. We had a really great time with each other chatting and reminiscing on our high school years. But sometimes I wonder if a lot of times we stay in friendships because it’s convenient and easy. We relate in a lot of different areas but other areas there are vast differences…. to the point of me saying if we had met now as opposed to when we were 14 would we actually be friends. It’s really interesting. I love them to death but I really wonder.

My calves hurt. I have a headache. I’m drinking some nasty ass tea (I love tea but this particular detox tea is nasty). And tracking points. The things we do for our health. It is worth it in the end and I feel wonderful the more and more I do it. But the process is killer.

Jill Scott. This chicks cd is crazy (I’m listening in my office). It’s another side of Jill that I like, really erotic and sensual in a lot of ways. And that joint celibacy blues…geez. Can I relate lol.

Ban.anaRe.public I do believe is trying to get me. Seriously. I think 60percent of my current wardrobe is from them and they keep sending me coupons and ish where I can get triple reward points for shopping. I also believe Nordstrom is in cahoots with them as well. I’m going need yall to stop sending me handwritten thank you notes in the mail (which I’m sure yall probably know I’m all about traditional correspondence lol) saying you appreciate me as a customer. That just makes me want to come back and give you more commission.

Have you ever heard someone speak and they kind of just took your breath away and overwhelmed you and made you glad that you could be in their presence? It’s happened to me a few times but yesterday I had one of those moments when I went to a rally to hear someone speak. It was kind of one of those moments that had me like this is so refreshing and now I see why I do what I do and why I’m involved in what I’m involved in. Made me ready to go out and take over the world

Lentil soup. Is what I’m currently eating. Made it from scratch and it is sooooooooooo freaking good. I’m glad this cool weather is back in effect. I didn’t want to be near the kitchen when it was blazing out. Salad and grilling all the way. I love being in the kitchen, washing and cutting vegetables, cleaning beans, having stuff simmering in the le creuset, getting my hands into stuff. Fall is such a great time a year for cooking and the farmers market.

Speaking of fall.. Thank you for finally arriving. You are my favorite season and my sweaters and dresses and boots were wondering if you were going to arrive. Although I love a warm day, I appreciate the coolness, and the leaves turning, and the changing of the season. So in spite of being late thanks for finally showing up.

I am sooo exhausted. My workload here has seriously gone from like a level 5 to a 15 in a span of two weeks. Before I used to complain about being bored and having nothing to do and now I am just overwhelmed at times. It’s a blessing but it’s also STRESSFUL. I feel like pulling my hair out. eek. I’m going to have to talk to my company about some extra money going into my paycheck because this is wild. But anyway. I’m taking a break… heading downstairs to st*rbucks for some tea and maybe I’ll walk a lap around target (that’s the best thing about this job… a target in the basement). Anyway a friend sent this meme to another blog I never use so I thought I’d do it here…

Apple or PC?
Apple all the way… mac.book and about to get the i.mac

Banking… online or in person, and if in person, drive thru or inside the bank?
Online I rarely go in a bank

Coffee and Chocolate!
neither

Dogs
I had sseveral dogs growiing up. I’m fine without one.

Elvis.Favorite song
Are you lonesome tonight

Flowers
I love Alstroemeria

Grandparents
I love mine. My granny is at my house right now

Handy or call for help?
I am actually pretty handy! I can put anything together (as long as there are instructions)

IOU’s any out there to a person, a friend or family?
I owe my friend $20 but I haven’t seen her in forever to give it to her!

Jello.
It’s cool, better with rum in it

Kiss. Do you remember your first real kiss?
Yes I do…lol

Language.
a little French. Learning Italian

Milkshake
I’m plain I like vanilla

Neighbors. Do you know their names? Occupations? Phone numbers? Or not?
I know 8 out of the 10 well. The other 2 have only moved in the cul de sac in recent years

Olympics. Do you watch?
Occasionally it depends on the sport

Perfume
Flowerbomb Viktor & Rolfe

Quiche.
I love quiche! Especially with spinach and artichoke or broccoli

Refrigerator.three things in your fridge that are unusual.
1. Face mask
2. natural hair product (that can go bad if it’s left out)
3. Amarula Cream from South Africa (I like it cold lol)

Safari.
did a mini one in August in S. Africa

Telephone
tMobile MDA

Umbrella.
the main one I carry is blue black and white and its really tiny and fits in my purse

Vintage.favorite wine to share
I’m not a fan of Chardonnay but I have one from South Africa that I’m in love with

Willies. What gives you the willies
those big ole rats in DC

X-ray.
last one was at the dentist

Yolk. How do you like your eggs?
egg white omelette’s, frittata’s or quiche

Zodiac.
Cancer

I’m so tired.

It was a long weekend and it’s looking to be an even longer week. I had a blast at all the CBC events this past weekend. I got to meet some really cool folks and had a good time in general with my girls and all the politicians. Since I’ve gotten back from South Africa I’ve been partying like it’s 1999 every weekend. It’s taking it’s toll on me. But I’m enjoying it so much. Been enjoying life and taking pictures and smiling and being happy. That is something that has taken me a while to fall back into.

I get in my moods, funks, pity parties and why me periods occasionally. But I’m actually back at semi peaceful state and it feels great. Someone told me I had “that glow” and asked was I in love or getting some (unfortunately the answer is neither). But I’m pretty much happy with me.

The job I hated is getting better and I’m getting more responsibility and things to stack on that resume. More travel opportunities are arizing. My freelance site is FINALLY done. Lost 25 pounds and am still losing. I’ve finally fallen out of love with someone completely and totally (amen lol). I have some friends that I’ve only known for a short period but they have really just helped me take my life to another level.

Things are really looking up and steadily rising and I’m happy and smiling about that.