Walking Pays Off

When I was a young girl I spent most weekends and summers with my grandparents. Didn't have to go too far. I lived in Carson and they lived in Inglewood, but it still felt like I was a world away. Those were my best times.

During my visits, my Grammy and I developed the habit of going for walks, especially after her heart surgery when she was working to rebuild her strength.

On the days we walked we would compete to see who could find the most change along the way. Trash Day was always my favorite day of the week to walk because that was the day that the most change was typically. Not sure why that was, but it was.

Now, all these years later, I still look for loose change when I'm out walking. Pennies are most common (I once found a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL in the gutter), and a couple days ago I found this bunch of coins (pictured) huddled somewhat together.

First, I found the penny that's hangin' out over there by itself. I have this weird thing where I only pick up pennies that are facing UP, and then I mutter this little diddy:

 

"Find a penny, pick it up, and all the day you'll have good luck."

Corny, I know...but it's what I do.

So I picked up the penny and about thirty minutes later, in a separate location, I spotted the nickel...then the dime, then the penny, and finally...the quarter. I could tell by their rough feel that they'd been on the ground awhile, and had been run over a number of times. I scooped them all up, thanked God (as I do every time I find money), and gave them a new home in my pocket.

In addition to the health benefits that walking provides, every now and then...it gives a financial benefit as well. No amount is too small; I am thankful for it all.

How 'bout you?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: When was the last time you went for a walk? Did you find any money along the way?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

To Be Reviewed on January 1, 2018

On this day, January 1, 2017, we have been blessed to see the beginning of yet another NEW year.

As most people are doing on this day (or have been doing over the past few days), I have reflected on 2016, making note of those things that went well, along with those that went terribly wrong. In all of the reflection I have definitely identified areas that need IMMEDIATE improvement.

• The Dialogue Den didn't have as much success as I had hoped because I didn't write as often as I should have.

• My written BOOKS all went unfinished because I didn't write as often as I should have.

• My savings plans ended up at ZERO on December 31st because I failed to add to them as often as I should have.

• My weight loss (although I did lose 15 pounds over the past 3 months) was not as great as it could have been because I didn't eat well enough, nor exercise as often as I should have.

• My gratitude jar only ended up with about 40 slips of paper in it when it SHOULD have been OVERFLOWING.

• My job search efforts were not as successful as I needed them to be because "on paper" my work history appears to be "flaky" and no one has been willing to "take a chance" and allow me to PROVE that I really AM a stable, competent, hard-working employee. It's coming though. It HAS to.

• My One Year Bible has WEEKS that went unread, causing me to miss important instruction, and inspiration that I so desperately could have used.

The key component in the seven issues referenced above is LACK OF CONSISTENCY. Now that I have identified the problem, I can work toward resolving it. That resolution comes in the form of ONE word: CONSISTENCY

If I am CONSISTENT in:

• Blogging DAILY
• Working on my books DAILY
• Contributing to my savings plans DAILY
• Eating healthy and working out DAILY
• Adding at least ONE thing that I am thankful for to my gratitude jar DAILY
• Getting a job and sticking with it DAILY (regardless of what's going on in the rest of my life)
• Reading my One Year Bible DAILY...

Oh how much better of a position I will be this time next year. And that's what I want...BETTER. One year from today, January 1, 2018...I look forward to looking back on this post and comparing my life TODAY to what it will be THEN. I pray that it will be WHOLE LOT DIFFERENT with POSITIVE results based on the changes that will have been made.

But enough about me...what about you?

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Is there one word, or a phrase that you have chosen to guide you through 2017? If so, let's hear it.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Penny (or more) For Your Thoughts

Last Saturday I had a book club meeting to attend but didn't want to drive my car due to issues that I'll write about on another day.

In order to get to the meeting via public transportation I needed to take two buses, a train, and then one more bus. No biggie. With my TAP card, I can get anywhere...and I do.

As I exited the last bus and began walking to the park where the meeting was being held I happened to notice something shiny in the grass.

I focused in on the shiny thing and noticed that it was a dime. A dime. Cool. I actually found a dime earlier today as well. But...we're not talking about today...we're talking about last Saturday.

I bent down to pick up the dime, thanked God for "the find" as I always do, and noticed a quarter near the dime. Then I spotted two more dimes, two nickels and a penny. SIXTY SIX CENTS all together!

I was baffled by finding this much change so close together.

I walk often so I'm used to finding a nickel here or a dime there, but never have they all been TOGETHER before.

Finding all that change Saturday gave me a sweet memory of my Grammy. She and I took evening walks everyday during the summers of my childhood, especially after her heart surgeries when she walked to regain her strength. I loved those walks! We would talk, laugh, and have contests to see who could find the most change along the way. Some days I won. Some days Grammy won. Even on the days when Grammy won, I was still a winner because we were together and I loved every moment spent with her. My Grammy was my very first best friend.

Oh how I miss her...her laugh...and the beautiful music she played on her organ. I'd watch her fingers glide across the keys while her feet gracefully pressed on the floor pedals.

Hernando's Hideaway, If I Were a Rich Man, and Blessed Assurance were my favorite songs. She would play them for me any time I asked.

With that said...Let the DIALOGUE begin: What's the most amount of money you've ever found while out walking? I once found a ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL in a street gutter. It was a little muddy, it spent just the same as a clean one would've.

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Money...Don't Mention It!

Ok. So! There have been some MAJOR changes in my household over the past two days, and when I say MAJOR, I mean: ASTRONOMICAL, HUGE, LARGE-SCALE changes.

As a result, some things have had to go, namely Internet service and Cable. And if I can cut anything else loose, I will. We are now at the point where if we don't NEED it, we can't HAVE it. That pretty much means, roof over our heads, clothes on our backs (old...nothing new), and food in our bellies (meaning...whatever is in the fridge and cupboards RIGHT NOW...no buying anything new).

Yes folks, things are about to be EXTREMELY tight in my household for who knows how long. Nevertheless, I have FAITH. Faith in Jehovah Jireh (The LORD Will Provide).

Although I've been in tight situations before, I have NEVER EVER been in one THIS tight...EVER. But if I know anything, it is that there is NOTHING too hard for God...NOTHING. So this GARGANTUAN (and possibly life-changing) thing that I am going through right now is NOTHING for Him. He's got this, and He's got me...so I won't worry.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What is the tightest financial situation you've ever been in, and what was the end result?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Bacon and Burgers and Wings...Oh My!

Today is the first day of my one year "pescatarian journey."

Yesterday was my birthday and I decided to make a lifestyle change. For the next year, I will not eat Beef, Chicken, Pork or Turkey. I will only eat fish, crab, shrimp, and the occasional lobster.

Can I do it? Of course I can. I once gave up soda for a year, so I'm sure that I can give up eating ground-walking animals as well.

I only eat beef about 4 times a year, so I'm sure that I won't miss that.

I do love bacon, although I only have that about six times a year, so I won't miss it either.

I eat chicken and turkey...a LOT, so those, I'll miss...but it's only a year, so I'll be fine.

So that's it for now because I'm really tired. Gonna keep this one short and sweet.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever given up eating meat? If so, for how long?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

(Day 20/21)

The Inevitability of Change

A few weeks ago I saw George Benson perform at the Hollwyood Bowl for the Playboy Jazz Festival. I had never seen him "live" before. As he played and sang I realized that I was watching a living legend. His music it timeless.

He sang a few songs but I was really hoping that he'd sing my favorite: Everything Must Change

"Everything must change
Nothing stays the same
Everyone must change
No one stays the same..."

I love that song.

Unfortunately, he didn't sing it. Thankfully, I have it in "MyPod".

Today, that song has been playing in my head on repeat. As I think about my current job situation, my current housing situation, my current friendship situation...I realize that EVERYTHING is changing. None of which I seem to have any control over.

Nevertheless, when my world seems to be spinning, two constants remain: Change is inevitable, and...God is the ONLY constant.

It is in that second part that I find comfort. Even though I don't know where anything is headed, I know that God is already there. That's enough for me. I am sooo glad that God NEVER

changes.

How 'bout you? Let the DIALOGUE begin: Is YOUR world spinning upside down? If so, what do you do to stay calm?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

(Day 14/21)

I Whip My "hair" Back and Forth

So...where have I been? I've been in a rut. A major life rut. Can't seem to shake it but also couldn't go another day without writing. So, here I am.

Got a lot of heavy stuff going on so I thought I'd write about something light, like hair.

As a Black woman, hair is quite a struggle.

I like wearing my hair straight (also known as "pressed") but doing so limits my workout activities. One good workout and my straightened hair goes right back to Africa. Then I have to straighten it again, and that takes time.

Then I was wearing it "natural" for a while which means that there was no heat applied so it was "kinky-coily-nappy". Works for me but I get the "side-eye" at work, and sometimes even at church. What's a girl to do???

Well, I'll tell you what THIS girl did. I bought a wig! Yes siree-bob. I sure did. Last Wednesday I bought a wig...and I wore it to work Thursday. It got rave reviews and I really liked it except for the fact that the bangs are a little long and got in my eyes causing one eye to be completely blood shot by the end of the day. For those who know about my eye issues, you know that I couldn't have that sooo...Thursday after work I went right back to the wig store and bought ANOTHER WIG. This one was a short pixie style. I like that one too, actually makes me look younger (or at least I think it does).

What I like about the wigs are that I can have a nice straight style with my "natural" hair underneath. So when I want to work out, I can. And when I want my hair straight, I just throw on one of my new friends and voilà, instant straight hair.

It's all quite interesting.

I never thought I'd be a "wig-wearer", but there are so many other things about this life of mine that I also never thought would be, so wearing a wig is the least of my surprises. I used to think that wigs were for old ladies, or something to be embarrassed about. I mean, even if I were to wear a wig, certainly I shouldn't tell anyone that it's not my own hair. At least that's what I used to think. Pssht! Skip that. As soon as someone compliments me on "my hair", I instantly tell them that it's a wig. I have absolutely NO SHAME. I mean really...why hide behind a lie?

So there you have it. That's the fun I've been having in my life to break up some of the rut-monotony that I've got going on.

Still trying to find my place in the world. Still trying to get to a place, a CAREER, where I can help people and make a positive difference with this life that God has given me.

For now though, I'm still in a cubicle, chiseling away with a toothpick. Hoping and praying that one day soon I will make my way out and into my career of purpose. Hoping and praying.

So how 'bout you? Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever worn a wig? If not, would you? If not, why not?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Saying Yes to a DRESS

So...I just watched Fruitvale Station and I have a WHOLE LOT that I really wanna say. But right now, at this moment, I think I'm just a wee bit too emotional (as in...saddened and utterly PISSED OFF) so I'm gonna save that post for later.

Instead, I shall write about dresses.

I've never been much of a dress wearer. My attire of choice consists of jeans, t-shirt, sandals or tennis shoes. That's me. Plain, simple, comfortable.

But here recently I've pondered what it may be like to actually add a dress or two to my wardrobe. One thing's for sure...when I walk in to wherever I'm gonna go with a dress...heads WILL turn. That's how infrequently I wear dresses. The last time I wore one was in September at a dinner that I attended. I haven't worn THAT dress or ANY dress since. I'll admit, it wasn't much to write home about. It was just enough of a dress to say that I had one on.

This time though, I wanna go big. Go girly. Go sexy.

So...the pic that you see here is what I'm considering adding to my wardrobe. I like it and it's VERY me.

How 'bout you ladies out there? Let the DIALOGUE begin: Are YOU a dress wearer or are pants more your thing?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Monday Monday

So today is Monday, "Move Monday" from what I could tell based on my FB newsfeed. Unfortunately, I didn't move much. I moved a bit, but not enough to make up for all that I ate today.

Sometime SOON, I'm gonna have to find another way (besides food) to get over my "Monday Blues". I know, I know...most people have the "Monday Blues" and they don't eat their way through the day, so what makes me special. The answer...NOTHING.

Nothing makes me special. I just haven't found a way to overcome that which becomes worse and worse each week. I've said this a zillion times before, yet anytime I say anything that even remotely sounds like me complaining about my job, I make absolutely sure to say the following:

I appreciate my job.

I understand that THOUSANDS would love to have my job.

If I don't like my job, I should find another.

Yes, yes, and yes...I get all that. However, it doesn't negate what I feel. And so...today (as I do most days), I ate through my feelings of being ungratified, unfulfilled, and simply outside of my purpose. For me, it's a struggle. And although I am making efforts daily to change my situation, nothing has changed yet. So here we are.

Bottom line...if it wasn't tied down, I ate it. Yes, I feel awful because I know better, but I don't think about what I know at those moments. I just think about quelling the feeling. Chocolate (and lots of it) does that for me, at least until I find another method to cope.

Yes, there's prayer, and I pray often throughout the day. Most days, my prayer is simply, "Lord, please let me have ONE good day." I feel that if I can have just ONE good day with regard to food, then it's possible to have two, and then three, etc. Today though, wasn't that day.

So...back to "Move Monday". I moved some. I did 20 minutes of Zumba Express.
Yes, I understand that 20 minutes of Zumba can not out-do 23 hours and 40 minutes of bad eating.
Yes, I understand that weight loss is 80% what I eat and 20% excersice.
Yes, I understand that I can not out run my fork.
Yes, yes, yes...I get it. And until I "get my mind right" on Mondays, I fully understand that the cycle will simply continue.

So what's it gonna take for me to "get my mind right?" A new job...yes, please. Non-profit, Education, Social Service, Writing...YES, PLEASE!!! Are you listening out there? I sure hope so.

But until then...what?

At this moment, I really don't know. Prayer? Sure. Changing my attitude? Sure. Continuing to be grateful? Sure.

All of that sounds great until I pick up that phone and start telemarketing all over again. Then I'm right back where I started. So I guess as with all things...nothing will really change until I get sick and tired of what is. As much as I think I'm there, clearly, I'm not.

So...enough about me.

Let the DIALOGUE begin: What did you move today on "Move Monday"?

Talk to me!

Til next time...

Breaking up the Monotony

I am in a rut. Have been for a while. Too long actually.

I need something different. A change. Something more than the daily routine of: get up, go to work, count the hours until 4:00, go home, run out of time needed for gettin

g the things done that need to be done, go to bed…tired, wake up… tired, and start all over again. Yes folks, if that’s not called a RUT I don’t know what is.

Yesterday, I needed to do something…ANYTHING that would break up the monotony of my life. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. What do I do?

Not much…and THAT’S the problem.

So I went out and did something I’ve NEVER done before.

I bought a Powerball ticket. No biggie…I’ve done THAT before.

And…I BOUGHT ONE OF EACH SCRATCHER that was in the case. Yep. Sure did.

Don’t ask me how much I spent. That’s none of your business. And quite honestly, when I bought them I didn’t even care if I could afford them or not. It was all or nothing. I went with ALL.

The results?

Well…I checked the Powerball numbers this morning…didn’t win.

I played one of my scratchers…didn’t win. Many more to scratch.

Do I regret my decision? NOT ONE BIT.

Would I do it again? SURE

Will I? Probably not.

I am content with simply being able to say that I did something without thinking about it for days…without playing out all of the “what ifs” and then talking myself out of the decision.

Sometimes, you just have to throw caution to the wind and “JUST DO IT!”

Let the DIALOGUE begin: Have you ever had a “throw caution to the wind” moment? If so, what did you do?

Talk to me!

Til next time…

***NOTE*** Today is Saturday and I have since played 2 more Scratchers. Didn’t win on one and won a new ticket on other.

Bye Bye "Boob Tube"

Today is day 4 of no television in our home. The truth of the matter is that I simply can no longer afford cable, so it had to go. And since our television won't get any channels (not even the local ones) without cable, we've said goodbye to it all. Gotta tell ya...I've never experienced so much quiet in my life. For as long as I can remember there has always been a television in my home, and most of the time, it was on. Have I noticed any changes now that the television is gone (not the set itself, but the ability to view it)? Yes, I have. 1. It's super quiet now. 2. The communication has increased with me & my children, and amongst themselves. 3. I am more aware. Aware of birds chirping outside. Aware of cars driving by. Aware of my neighbors. Simply...aware. Do I find myself having more time. Oddly enough, I don't. Even without a job my days are completely filled. My daughter once said to me, "You don't act like a person without a job. You still get up early and you do stuff...all day. Most unemployed people sleep more

. You don't." She's right. I work just as hard and do just as much without a job as I do when I have one. Sometimes I joke and say, "how am I going to fit a REAL job into my schedule?" The answer is this: I look forward to the challenge. Bring it on! So anyway. That's the latest change in our home. Will I re-instate cable once I'm back to work and can afford it? Maybe. Maybe not. We'll jump that hurdle when we get to it. Let the DIALOGUE begin: How long would YOU be able to go without television? Talk to me! Til next time...