Christmas in October

I just found THE best way to get your kids a lot of "new toys" and spend practically nothing. Brace yourselves..... BY NEW BATTERIES! Chile! I just bought a 24 pack of AA batteries and a 10 pack of C batteries. (of course they weren't energizer but a decent, cheaper brand *wink*) You would've thought it was Christmas. My boys were all so excited to play with their old toys.

Have you ever noticed that once a toy runs out of batteries the child wants nothing to do with it anymore? Have you also noticed that adults hardly ever replace them? Even in daycares they have all these cool battery operated toys that flash and sing and dance, etc but basically NONE of them are in working order. Sure if the occasional toy runs out I might put new ones in. Now I've decided that I'm going to buy a big pack a few times a year and keep on top of making sure every toy has enough juice to run. I mean if they're just sitting there not only is that now a waste of money but it's cluttering up your home.

Try it. Your kids will thank me for it!

Back to School

It's been a while since school started. I just wanted to update you guys. I started school to obtain my Master's degree in August. I decided that I need the proper training if I'm going to switch career fields and do something I totally didn't go to college for. Plus a master degree will give me $4-6K extra each year. Every little bit helps. These children are expensive!

I love it! This term I'm doing online classes. There is so much to learn, I'm loving it. I'm such a nerd. I read, work, take the kids to doctor appointments, and take care of business and our home during them day. Then I have the evenings to have fun with the kids. I admit its hard to stay on top of the housework. I'm a bit overwhelmed with that, but I have a plan to eliminate my clutter and make money at the same time. Craigslist and Ebay are being good to me. This is a good place for us. If I had jumped into a new career with all these damn boys I'd loose my ever-lovin' mind!

Eye Candy 4 the Single Mom--Album Review

Finally Entertainers we grown and sexy women can lust after without robbing the cradle. Have you ever had that creepy feeling because you think an entertainer is cute and you have "thoughts" for a split second but they are a minor, or just barely legal? (Chris Brown a few years ago, LOL) Yea I said it...and what?!? I know y'all thinking the same thing! :op

I can't hide it anymore. I have been listening to the New Kids on The Block, reunion album The Block for a few weeks now. Before you clown me you should check it out. I guarantee that you will be nodding your head and/or singing along before song 4.

This album is basically a GOOD R&B album with hints of pop. The Block starts off with the Sexy 'Click Click'. There seems to be a grown and sexy theme to the album. There is even a song called 'Big Girl' and 'Grown Man' where they sing "I'ma give you some grown man" Ooooh they know just what to say, give it to me daddies. lol. Who knew 5 white guys knocking on middle age's door could be so sexy? Ok 3, Danny and Jonathon arne't quite there yet. Sorry guys. There are a few tracks 'Click Click', 'Stare at You', 'Don't Cry' that are worthy of bedroom rotation if u know what I mean. *wink wink*

So far the two singles released 'Summertime' an upbeat r&b/pop song and 'Single' featuring Neyo are doing very well on the charts despite not getting the radio and television play they deserve. So there are other closet fans besides me. *phew*

They have tried to reunite a few times before but couldn't get everyone on board at the same time. You can tell a lot of money went into this project. Producers include Polow da Don, Neyo, Teddy Riley. Featured artists include Pussy Cat Dolls, Neyo, Akon. Hey if one of the biggest boy bands of all time reunite you gotta do it right. Right? Well in my opinion they did.

Be Careful When You Pamper

Just because you're a single parent doesn't mean you don't need time out for yourself. Eventually you need a break and/or you crave doing something for yourself. I noticed that the easiest way many women pamper themselves, mom and non-moms, is going to the local salon and getting a mani-pedi. It's quick at about an hour or two per visit, reasonably priced for having someone rub on your achey feet and hands, and you can go with your girlfriends, chat, and not lift a finger.

This was my treat to myself yesterday. I got a pedicure. However after seeing a former helath inspector on a Rachel Ray segment I watched the workers more carefully. If you watch carefully they usually aren't very sanitary AT ALL.

I started watching becuase there was an older gentleman getting his pedicure right next to me. He kept groaning and "ouching" saying things like "don't touch that, that's painful, it's called a 'planter's wart'". Ummm ew! I didn't want to get infected with his "warts". lol I remember them saying most nail techs will reuse products that should be discarded after ONE use. Emory boards are not reusable in a nail salon. Think about it. They're sloughing off dead skin, cuticles, and people's nail shavings. Well another tech finished before the one doing Grandpa's nails but tried the same tricks. She reached for my foot out of the water and low and behold pulled out a still-wet-from-the-lady-she-finished-5 minutes ago emory board. I snatched my foot up and said "Mam that one is dirty can you use a new one". They know better they are trying to save money. She put the file down and started scraping my heels (with a tool that didn't come out of barbicide). I let that one slide becuase the tool was shiny and clean. When she finished she picked up the same emory board. I reminded her that I needed a new one. The look in her eyes was like she realized she wasn't going to get away with this one. My pedicure looks cute. I got the white tips. No time for the manicure, even though I wanted one SO BAD. I had to rush home to get my oldest son from the bus.

Here are a few things you should watch out for when at a nail salon:

1.BARBICIDE! All tools being used should be stored in this. Fully covered. This is a disinfectant. This includes metal objects AND brushes.

2.New items. Emory boards, pumice stones, toe separators, the sandals they give you while your feet dry, nails (of course), etc. These things should not be reused. Basic rule is if it didn't come out of the barbicide holder it shouldn't be reused.

3. Clean pedicure basin. All the dirt and dead skin that comes off I certainly don't want a strangers pedicure residue all over my own feet. Look to see if the workers clean the basin and chair right after they finish with a client. This should be done with hot water and a disinfectant. If they don't go to another nail salon.

4. Constant cleaning. Maybe the nail techs clean their equipment and basins at noon and after the store closes. Not good enough! These practices should be done after each and every client.

5. Face masks. I don't know if they are required by law. I think this is a nice touch and have seen some places use surgical masks when giving you a manicure. After all they are right up in your face, breathing on your face and hands. Then again, the masks take away from the spa-like peacful feeling.

Some of the dangers of letting poor hygenie slide at a nail salon: you can catch a fungus, athlete's food, staph infection, contact with fecal matter, E. Coli, various bacterias, contact with human blood (from the tools very common) and many other pathogens.

Who knew getting your main-pedi was this big of a deal? Well frankly it disgusts me and I'd like to see changes. They know better because they get inspected frequently. Next time watch your nail artist carefully. When you see unclean hygeine practices just ask for the appropriate practice politely. Usually they will fix it immediately. If they try to argue just leave, the above fungi and conditions aren't worth it! Pamper yourself safely.

Remember as a single mother you have to take extra care of yourself so in turn you can take care of your children!!

Smashing Mama

My friend won tickets to the Smashing Pumpkins concert for Friday that just passed. *Keyword won so free fun. :-D

Anyway. I just wanted to share that for only the second time in what I estimate to be around 14 months I went out...at night...without any children. So that fact alone made it tons of fun. It has also been at least 7 years since I went to a rock concert. The music was good and because they're a *ahem* more established band the crowd was mostly my age (mid-20s) and up. Which is good because I think I'd feel weird going out and partying with a bunch of 18 year olds at this point in my life. My friend wanted to go backstage and we could've gotten in but I was like, umm no. I had a drink too?!? WHAT! Y'all may have started something by getting me out of the house. :op Naw, but all in all I had a nice night with no worries looooved it.

Eating Creatviely

This summer I had all my kids home with me...everyday...all day... lol. It wasn't that bad. We had fun actually. I discovered that my biggest challenge was my creativity and motivation. If the boys got bored they'd fight or become needy and grumpy or they'd snack. The same goes for me. Luckily I kept extra pounds off and little by little chip away at the baby weight (baby born 6/27).

I remember an article I read a few years ago. It said parents, moms especially, eat numerous empty mindless calories a day thanks to their children. Think about it: we buy junk for them (poptarts, sugary cereal, chips, cookies) and temptation stares us in the face multiple times a day. We stop at fast food for happy meal toys. We finish their fries for them or finish their dinner plates. The little ones walk up to you and literally put food in your mouth and you take it because junior is sharing and it's cute.

So what do you to curb your mindless eating and their 85% sugar diets? First I've nearly stopped eating out. It's very costly, unhealthy and my oldest is not satisfied and hungry an hour later. Next I made food at home they liked but in a healthy way.

For breakfast we might have a protein shake. Plain for mommy added fruit for the boys. You can do wonders with a plain tortilla. Any sanwich can be made using this (pb&j, turkey). I've even stuffed them with stirfry veggies (yellow squash, onions, zuccini, celery, carrots) with slice of cheese for veg fajitas. I made a thin crust pizza using a tortilla, spaghetti sauce, mozarella cheese, broccoli, and artichoke. Ricotta cheese is a miracle worker too. Use it in dinner (lasagna, baked ziti, chicken--all with lots of veggies) or add a pinch of sugar for a yummy treat. Spread cheese on crackers with sugar or put in pita with green apples and cinnamon/sugar. Yes they've eaten and loved everything listed above!!

The point is get creative. Many times WE put limits on our children. Do you hear yourself saying "Oh Johnny won't eat that" or "I know she won't like this" or because YOU don't eat x your kids don't eat x? Only if there are food allergies should this be ok. Open your mind and let your family try new things! You'll have more energy and be healthier. For an added bonus, let your kids make some dishes with you. You're teaching them an important skill, having fun, and spending quality time. Good luck. Let me know how it works.

TGIF Mark the Calendar

Howdeee folks! I just wanted to let you know that my computer is back online and fixed...for the most part. Little Peanut's dad is helping me slowly get it back to full working order.

I've gotten used to having an infant in the house again. The house is kind of in order. So now I can devote more time to doing things I need to do.

As with anything consistency is key. You parents should know that by now. Every Friday morning you can find a new post. My goal is to post at least once weekly, if not more. So be sure to subscribe to my blog see side panel so you'll have some Single Mama Sunshine in your inbox every Friday.

Excuses, Excuses Mama

*hangs head in shame* Ok you guys... If you know me or as my blog might reveal I'm a little on the EXTRA "frugal" side. My apartment complex offers free wireless internet. I'm all about the good deals. This will save me $14-$25/month depending on the special the internet provider is running at the moment. So I went out and bought a wireless router at $49. Well my computer is still a mess and I refuse to pay to get it fixed. Bare with me. My computer is circulating around to people I know to see if someone can unlock the mystery and get it to work.

Good thing I haven't been building my readers and subscriptions up. Stay tuned, maybe subscribe via email so feedburner emails everytime I post something new. That way we won't lose touch.

I'm off this summer so once I'm up and running I will have all the time in the world to devote to you guys. Ok maybe not, but this blog will be a fantasical read. Thanks n God Bless.

PS- I had the baby! June 27, 2008. Absolute yummy cutie. I'm now a mama to three bouncing little boys. May God be with me and keep me strong, lol.

Mama on the Move

Sorry you haven't heard from me in a while. This mama got an awesome move-in deal and decided to pack up and move back to the O, Orlando.

Moving while 9 months pregnant may not have been the best idea. Everytime I bend over to unpack I get dizzy and the heavy belly makes me feel like a weeble wooble. Ha! Driving the Uhaul and getting folks to help...UG! That could be another post or an America's Funiest Home Video episode.

The place is lovely. Roomy bedrooms and huge closets. I like the area of town. Afforable for a single mom on a budget. Definitely proud of my find. All of us are more at peace. It's nice to have your own space to call home. The boys love their room and are so excited that they've been staying up late all week last week. I'm gona have to curb that asap.

My computer however has 9 toes in the grave. It's basically not usable right now. FYI: try not to put your pc in storage for an extended period of time. We're visiting grandma, my mom, and I'm on her computer. This week I will see if I can fix the computer, find someone who can, or get it done cheap. This was NOT in the summer budget. A new computer tower or laptop is definitely out until about September. *sigh* Just when the blog started coming together. But...we have a nice new place to live.

PS~11 days until my supposed Due Date! woo hoo!

Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share pt. 2

This is the second installment of Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share. Key words "Everybody Do Your Share". In part one of 'Clean Up' we decided that the children should also be responsible for some of the up keep of the home. After all don't they make most of the mess? Once a routine is established this will lighten our load as caregivers.

We also concluded that having kids clean the house teaches them responsibility, appreciation and care for their surroundings, and self-pride in a job well done. Having kids do chores is highly recommended by most experts. As with most things the earlier you start the better.

I know you're thinking "I have a ___ year old it's hard to get him/her to do anything let alone clean up". Step one is to decide what the chores will be. Let's go over some possible things different ages can do. Give them time to attempt their assigned chores and decide which are developmentally appropriate for your child. NOTE: I said developmentally, as in can their bodies and minds handle the task not if they feel like doing the chore!

Ages 2 and under: At this stage it's better to lead by example and narrate what you are doing. Encourage your child to help you. Praise them for doing so. Remind child to put away toys before getting out another. This is usually practiced at most nursery school so they should be used to these instructions.

Ages 3-5: Again at this stage chores are more of a helping and learning experience. Remember-ALLOW them to help and eventually do most of the work!
--Help pick things up in a room, Put toys away, Help make their bed, Bring items from one room to another, Gather trash or bring smaller trash cans for you to empty into a larger one, hold dustpan while you sweep, clear plate into garbage after eating, clear/help clear table after family meal

Ages 6-8: Straighten and pick up, Make their bed everyday, Vacuum, Sweep, Clear table after meals, Load/unload dishwasher, Fold and/or put away laundry, Dust, Windex glass and mirrors, Use comet and scrubber to clean the bathtub

Ages 9-12: Kids this age are ready for more responsibility and they can physically do more advanced tasks. They also are more independent. They've probably lost the child-like enthusiasm of helping clean up. This is where the character building begins. Include them on the schedule making.
--Rake leaves, Learn to wash dishes, Clean the bathroom (more detailed), Let them make age appropriate meals (scrambled eggs, toast, sandwiches, ramen noodles, macaroni & cheese, etc)

Ages 13-18+: Kids this age are developmentally and physicaly ready for almost any chore we can do. Now is the time to emphasize habits they will take with them when they leave the nest. Hopefully by now they are in the swing of doing chores.
--Straighten and pick up (more detailed), Load/Unload dishwasher and/or Wash dishes in sink, Prepare simple complete meals (spaghetti, baked chicken/roast/pork chops-almost anything baked, lasagna, breakfast, etc.), Clean entire bathroom more detailed using various cleaners (comet for tub, tilex for shower, lysol for toilet and mopping floor), Operate washer/dryer-do laundry, Put away groceries, Mow lawn, help with yard work, Sweep outside house (like driveway and patio)

There we have it! Hopefully you'll sit down with this post and think of what your children can be assigned to do. This info from the Clean Up series can be helpful for just parents in general. For the non-parents out there reading the post this can also apply to HUSBANDS possibly even roommates! LOL LOL Because this post ran longer than expected stay tuned for parts three and four of 'Clean Up' where we will discuss making chore charts and online chore chart resources (pt. 3) and rewards systems and follow through (pt.4)

-Side note: The chores listed in an age group lower than your child's age may also be applied. For example a 15 year old can make his or her bed everyday just like a 7 year old can! Again it's up to you and what's best for your family.

Now Take It

My kids are so hilarious at times! Thanks to the You Don't Mess with the Zohan commercials my 7 year old has been putting his foot in my 1 year old's face "Smell it, smell it. Now take it!" *whack* right in the cheeck he gets his brother with his foot. They both start giggling then the 1 year old tried to imitate. Hecan't quite get the words out or lift his foot in the air. It is the cutest thing.... Sorry guess you had to be here. I swear it's the little things that make each day special! Zohan, Kung-Fu Panda, Indiana Jones, Hancock. I am definitely going to have to work movie going into the summer budget. We can always wait until the movie gets to the dollar movies but who wants to see the summer blockbusters weeks-months after everyone else?

Check out the official movie site for synopsis and trailers.


PS- I'm not saying I do it but nowadays there are websites out there that have NEW QUALITY movies and tv shows available for downloading and streaming. Hmmmmmm.

Random Rant

This wouldn't be a proper single mom blog if I didn't rant about men every now and then. I've been trying hard to not have any negative thoughts or dwell on men but sometimes I get so sick of the "baby daddies", "sperm donors", "exes" or "so-called boyfriends".

My sister is just beginning a divorce from her crazy husband with a super male ego. Part of the problem she had was that she was always alone and always left to take care of all the big bills for the household. *Folks Kay Kay will NEVER take care of a man I promise!!* Now they are trying every-other weekend visits. Do you know that punk called here looking for my sister because the youngest two only had 2 pull-ups left and no juice?!? He wanted to know if she was home so he could pick some up. Um hello, Mr. I'm a Baller Super Dad GO BUY WHATEVER YOUR KIDS NEED! If you get the juice out of the refrigerator now you will just be sending them back to a house with no juice at the end of the weekend. Am I right? Did I mention that going to pick up the juice requires passing a CVS, Walgreens, Dollar General, and 2 gas stations? You think stopping at any of these places is an option? No. You know my sister allowed him to TAKE the juice. This is how some of us single moms always have drama and are miserable. Please ladies don't allow foolishness like this.

Rhetorical Question Time:
-Why is it that this "man" could afford to take all four kids to Applebee's and the movies but couldn't buy a pack of pullups?
-Why is it that a dad can buy himself a cool little gadget or go out with his friends but can't get a few sippy cups or a case of wipes?
-Why does he get the kid's clothes from Wal-mart but he shops at pricey department stores and hip-hop clothing stores for his clothes?
-Why do you still end up changing all the diapers, feeding the child(ren), basically taking care of the child(ren), etc. when the children are visiting HIM at HIS HOUSE?
-Why do they always seem to have a mom, sister, aunt, grandma around when its time for the children to visit? It's not really visiting time with Daddy. It's being in the presence of Daddy but Grandma/Aunt will take care of them.
-Why is it okay for him to throw his hands in the air and say "I can't make it to this event" or "I can't help out right now"? We Moms don't have an option to say I can't. We have to get it, find it and make it happend any way we can.
-Why do they want a pat on the head when they do something they're supposed to do? Don't they realize we do what he just did every single day? Then he won't do whatever it was again for another couple months.

I could go on and maybe my thinking is a little jumbled. I'm trying not to be too specific and hurt some one's feelings or be too mean. The point is I'm tired of giving 100% 24/7 then receive grief if I expect at least 25% from the other parent. I've noticed this is a trend in the broken homes situation. They can act so concerned about the children but they are extremely selfish and use the kids as a way to control and manipulate us, the baby mamas, the ex-woman.

He Can CUT If He Wants

Right now I'm 36 weeks pregnant or so they tell me. From the second I found out I was with child up until this morning I was adamant about having a vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC). I've been waiting and fighting and researching and asking questions and transferring doctors for the last 5 months. Now I've changed my mind and hope it's not too late. I'm just ready to have the baby anyway they want me to!

I totally disagree with how OB/Gyns and hospitals have been conspiring against women and pumping us full of their drugs which make us end up in the O.R. to make their jobs easier and put more money in their pockets. Did you know that the most performed surgery in the United States is the cesarean section? The hysterectomy comes in second. I think we should be disturbed by this fact and ask WHY. If I wasn't on such a critical time line this summer I'd still be fighting my fight to push my boo boo out. *ew that sounds nasty* :-p

This summer I have to plan a 50+ mile move, sign up for public benefits so I can get assistance paying daycare, have the new baby which hopefully will now be in the next 2-3 weeks, recover from the c-section surgery *OUCH*, allow my baby to grow--at least 6 weeks, travel to local public schools to secure a full time teaching position for next school year, or find a job somewhere else, prepare for work, and possibly start school. Going to school for my Master's degree will be my backup plan should I not find a job. I've already applied. With all of this on my plate I'm going to put my pride aside and schedule the birth. The labor is only one day, should be only a couple of hours. Waiting 3-4 weeks longer just so I can naturally deliver my baby will hurt me and the kids in the long run. It will set my time table back and give me less of a chance finding ANY job at ANY school or daycare. At the end of the day the baby is coming anyways. Holding him AND making sure I can feed, clothe and provide shelter to all my kids is the most important thing. I swear a single mama's job is never done. Most women schedule repeat c-sections because "the man" has them scared with statistics of possible death, some do it out of convience but I'm willing to go through a major surgery although COMPLETELY UNECESSARY in my mind, just for my kids.

So tomorrow when I go to my doctor I should ask him "Are we cuttin' tonight?" HA! I'm sure he won't get it. But I will beg him to just slice me open do his job and let me go on my marry little way. Wish me luck!

Clean Up, Everybody Do Your Share! pt. 1

You guys know you know the words to the Barney clean up song. If not, lucky you but you missed out on a wonderful way to get your 2 year old to pick up toys. :-p I find that as a single mom most of my weekday evenings are taken up by walking around the house constantly picking up things. Dinner time requires more time as a single mom: prepare the meal, fix the plates, feed the kids, then clean the kitchen. All while keeping the children entertained. Bath time takes time too: bath, getting dressed, settled, asleep then cleaning the bathroom.

If I don't clean clean clean and stay on top of everything the mess gets out of hand FAST. Who can relate? Show of hands. Yes we are fierce divas who can do anything but that doesn't necessarily mean we want to do everything. *Baby daddies did you hear that?!?* ...but I digress... Why do all the work? The kids make most of the mess. Now is a great time for us to explore creating a chores system. *Hold the applause now get your pads and pencils*

Creating a system not only will help us single moms stay relatively sane "Chores are beneficial for children - even very young ones" say Kristen Zolten, M.A. and Nicholas Long, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences writing for parenting-ed.org. "Being responsible for doing chores teaches children many important skills such as cooperation and responsibility. Chores also teach children about fairness and commitment. The skills and values learned by doing chores will benefit children throughout their lives." So if your older ones gripe about doing chores keep on them it is for their own good. I say in every situation there's an opportunity to teach our children something valuable.

When is a good time to start assigning chores? When the child can make a mess. Something as simple as putting away a toy after they are finished playing builds good cleaning habits. I've worked in schools and daycares with kids of all ages, trust me even your 2 year old is cleaning, and using good hygiene at school. Don't limit them by saying what they can't do at home. Here's a handy article on age appropriate chores. as proof that even our littlest ones can help.

What happens if we limit our kids duties or feel sorry and help them with their assigned chores? Parenting-ed.org says "Parents should not do their children's work for them. If parents get frustrated and give in and do their children's chores, children learn a number of things. First of all, children learn that their parents don't mean what they say and will not follow through. Secondly, children learn that if they hold out long enough someone will do their chores for them. Parents should simply apply consequences until their children comply." In laymans terms "we all know when our children are playing us for the fool, don't believe the helpless attitude."

So we've determined that our kids ages 2-22 definitely need to help out around the house. Later in "Clean Up...pt. 2" I'll get into the specifics on choosing the chores, different tracking and awards systems parents can use. {OhKay Kay-Kay}

Allow Me to Introduce Myself

You can call me Kay Kay. I was born and raised in Florida. If you live down here you know how rare it is to actually find a FL native. *Damn New Yorkers, lol* I'm 26. I have 2 boys ages 7 and 1.5 and a baby on the way. He's due in a couple weeks. YIKES! It still sounds crazy when I say it out loud. Totally didn't think I, Kay Kay, would be in this position. What can I say? No one plans on being a single parent it just happens.

I had my first child, umm I'll call him Baby Blue Eyes (BBE) my sophmore year in college. That made school a much less "fun" "normal" experience and more of a "goal oriented" "no hanging out in the student union becuase I have to work, study or get my BBE from daycare" experience. I'll admit that even now I'm a little stiff at times but I can still hang when I want to--and when I take a nap before hand LOL. Anyways my best friend got preggers too and then I had a single mama buddy to finish out my school years with. We roomed together, budgeted together, hustled together, raised our kids together, and WE BOTH FINISHED! YAY US!

I hit the ground running and worked for a few years in the legal field. Yuck! It just isn't my style. I'm more of a nurturer and helper. I got pregnant with my second child, umm we'll call him Lil Peanut (LP), and decided after my maternity leave was over not to go back. Eh, I somewhat regret the decision but you only live once why not find something that satisfies you. A year later after working a few jobs and getting certified for my new field, Education (now job searching *hint hint*) me and LP's dad are pregnant again. LP's dad doesn't live with us and we don't share responsibilites or bills so I still consider myself a single mom. *ug*

Hobbies: I like to spend time with my kids. We go to parks, take walks, play inside, watch tv, I like to cook *shut up some of you! I DO like to cook*, read books and magazines, I'm starting to get back into the vegetarian/whole foods thing, hang out with my friends, happy hours have been out for about 8 months but I do like toget my casual drink on, go to church and church activities *ha! right after I talked about drinking oops!* and whatever else floats my boat.

So here I am a fine did I say fine? Yes I did!--ok LOVELY, college educated, black--ok HALF black--loving, single mama who surely needs to get back on my grind. I think my father's sickness and passing in January of 2008 gave me a kick in the pants. My bestfriend Dimples as mentioned above has an awesome Personal Finance blog see link in side bar. There are so many good blogs out there on whatever you can think of. I figured I have something to say and I'm sure there's mom's out there like me so why not? I need some new ideas to keep my hustles fresh and a few in my pocket.

Single Mama Sunshine

Ok I'm waging war on all things that aren't quite in order in my life. Ok war's a bit dramatic but when you're raising 2, soon to be 3, boys basically on your own it sure feels like a constant WAR! I've been doing things by myself since 2001 and I did a pretty darn good job up until recently. But now I have more to take care of and more to loose. Honestly I've already started loosing a few things: dip in the credit score, good job (voluntarily believe it or not), confidence in my abilities, etc. I also want MORE for myself and my family. It's all about my babies! I've got to re-group and come at life with a new plan because right now I'm getting my butt WHOOPED.
If I don't get into the right mind-set I will loose all of theese battles. I will be attacking my career, my mental, spiritual and physical health, my relationships with others, my children (yes they ARE the enemy, LOL), my finances, and my living situation. The enemies have been identified, now a battle plan must be drawn. That is where this blog comes in to play. My chessboard, if you will. A few people I know don't like my blogs because I'm "airing all of my biz on the net". Well I'll try not to get too personal or at least too specific. I think of my blog as a way to document and be held accountable to my goals. It's also a place where I can vent and be straight silly--hey it's inevitable. I've seen some pretty helpful and interesting blogs, entertaining too. When I find something good I'll post it on the sidebar over there under friends or blog roll, keep checkin back.
Hopefully once I gather my thoughts and start making progress my blog will be inspiring for others not just single moms but er'body. If you have some good stuff please share and I'll try to do the same.