The Wonder of a Woman....

Mother's Day has come and gone... Back to hustle and bustle of motherhood... I must admit, I marveled in how great Mother's Day was this year. It was all of the small things that mattered most this year. As I've grown, I realized it's not always about the gifts. They are just an added bonus to the Thank You's and appreciation received on that day. 

 It's so ironic how everything falls into place though. 

I was told by a sister friend that I have amazing super powers. I mean, to raise my kids and to help nurture other people's kids, there must be a few unknown powers I carry within. And I think I have figured them out. I carry: Love, Peace, Joy and Understanding!!! And the greatest of them all is I Love Jesus and he loves me!! 

His Love makes way for my Peace. Yes, I run around on empty some days but I'm not a ticking time bomb. I have my right mind even when I feel the world is not working in my favor... 

The wonder in a woman.. We're full of amazement, humor, love, energy, gifts and tons of other things that gives us strength to keep on moving.. 

Some days I wake up with the S on my crown and the S on my chest. You wonder how I do it?!! It's the God given ability given to the strongest women. You want strength? Ask him, it's Yours!! 

So when you think you can't do it, You want to give in? Remember, you carry a strength that only God gives to his strongest.. You are indeed, Wonder( of A) Woman!! 

This year, my family and friends finally acknowledged my strength and power and made me WonderWoman!! 

I'm forever grateful.... Motherhood definitely is not for the weak!! #iWin 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka... Aka Wonder Mom 

Patience

Well, today is Monday! If you follow my personal IG account ( neka_th), I tested your patience and sent you to my Blog IG!! Well, here goes!! 

Yesterday, after a much needed nap, I was ready to enjoy the rest of our Sunday afternoon. My son goes to an amazing PreSchool. Very community and family oriented. They have a partnership with our local Publix( supermarket) and they deliver baked goods twice a week. Matthew enjoys taking the bread but we rarely eat it. Sighhh 

So, I came up with the grand idea to feed the ducks. He was extremely excited.  Our first attempt was Roswell Recreational Park. He walked the trail, even saw water but no ducks. He played for a little while then we left. He kept saying, "Mommy we have bread in the car but we haven't fed any ducks". I responded, "I promise son, I'm going to find the ducks". 

We then drove to Riverside Park. I knew there would be ducks there. We parked and began the search for ducks. We walked the entire park and along the trail of the Chattahoochee River. We FOUND the ducks but they were on the opposite side of the River. A guy passed us and heard us talking. He told us the path to take to reach the other side. We hit the path. In the process, we stumbled upon a sacred garden. We walked thru the garden and I felt God's presence. We read the names on the different statues and my daughter said, "Mommy I feel like we shouldn't be walking on this ground because it's Holy". 

We were soon saddened. Once we reached the bank we could no longer see the ducks. By this time, the kids were over it and they just wanted to play at the park. I told them it was ok and to enjoy the park. However, I just couldn't shake not finding the ducks. So I began walking AGAIN! I was determined to feed the ducks!! I walked along the wooden path and as I reached the end, I looked down and the ducks were there!! Right there!! Finally! I tired calling my daughter's phone but she didn't answer. In solace, peace and quiet I fed the ducks ALONE!! It was in that moment I heard God's voice. "It's ok to go after ME alone", "it's okay to have patience", "I got you and you're going to have everything I promised you"... Trust ME!! 

Wow, God hasn't forgotten me!! 

As of late, everywhere I look I see God. I see/ hear him clearer than I ever have in all of my 37 years of life. I'm understanding what it is to trust him and believe him. 

My Lovies, I challenge you to continue having patience. Continue to seek what you know to be true and watch God make a way.. Patience is key!! 

As I returned to my children, I showed them the pics. Boy was son upset. He wanted to run back to the river and see them but they were already gone!! Don't miss your opportunity by being to fast. The best things in life take time.. And as always, I will patiently WAIT!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka... ~ they that wait, shall inherit the desires of their heart~ CTH 

The Promise STILL stands..

Today my Lovies, remember whatever you've   been promised will come to pass.. 

Do you believe that the right music can change your mood and even your outlook on certain situations? This am as I drove my son to school "Better" by Hezekiah Walker played. While I drove my daughter to her doctor's appointment, it played again. After I dropped her to school, ole school Winans brothers and Anita Baker blessed me with, "Ain't no Need to Worry".. 

Just listening to those songs, my entire life was encouraged. 

The funny thing about Promises, they may not happen right when we want them or expect them. They will happen in perfect timing. As I reflected on some of the Promises promised to me, my heart smiled and I was reminded just as Rome wasn't built in a day, neither were promises made to happen in a day. 

Gosh, my soul is encouraged today. My pity has turned into a praise because my promises are enroute! 

I challenge you to reflect on your promises and remember the ground in which it was built on. It may seem a little shaky now but as you( we) become strengthened as will the ground!! I'm excited.. The Promises are on their way. Let's get ready!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka

God is Good, RIGHT?!!!

Growing up, I've always known God to be good. Old saints would say, " he kept my mind, kept me alive etc....". I didn't understand the trueness in that until I became an adult and developed my own relationship with God. 

I truly understand who and what God is TO Me... I'm sane, I'm alive, I'm safe, my kids are safe, we have a home, we have food, our basics are provided. While with the natural eye it may look like I'm making it happen but in all honesty, "God is Good" and he truly looks out for me. 

But as of lately, I hear God is good all the time. Pastors say it, R&B artists say it,  Rappers say it, politicians say it, drug dealers say, kids say it! Everyone

 says it!! Has it become a cliche' or has everyone truly caught the belief that he's absolutely GOOD? 

I know we all experience different moments with God and we all live different lifestyles but it's a good feeling to hear "God is good"... 

My Loves, I challenge you to truly allow, "God is Good" to be more than a cliche'. I dare you to truly sit and reflect on all that he does and is to you. He's good even when the odds are stacked against you. Trust me I know he's already working it out. He's good when your pockets are full of money, he's even good when your pockets are full of lint. You know why? He's already working it out. 

Today, allow God to be God and in the process watch he'll be good to you!! 

Signed, 

Cheneka simply trusts God!! 🙌🏾🙌🏾

The Southern Belle 🍑

It's Spring break 2016!!!! I've enjoyed this time with my family so much. Being with my mother for an extended period of time made me realize how much I miss having her closer( yes Alabama is about 3 hours but I'm used to us being a little closer, let's try 1.5hours lol). 

When I go to visit my parents, I try to make the stay quick as possible because I've programmed my mind to think Huntsville is boring. Maybe it's because I have a million and one things on my mind pertaining to my business, the drive back home etc... But this time I had no excuses, it was spring break, family was here from up North and I was scheduled to be off until Wednesday. 

I can honestly say, my relocation to the south( November will be 7 years), has been one of the best decisions ever. The first 2 years were hard as I became adjusted but now it feels like this is where I'm supposed to be. Last week I realized, the North is no longer for me. Life in the South is calm, peaceful, less stressful and carefree. 

I dated a true Sourtherner a while back and I never ever understood why he was so laid back. Now I truly get it. The lifestyle is different. While turnUp still has a place in me, it's now on reserve for when it's truly needed. (It reared its head slightly Monday morning but a little prayer a lots of wooooosahs made it better). 

Spring break 2016, helped me to clear my mind just a little, enjoy time with family and reflect on all that was, is and soon to come. 

And although the hustle commenced as soon as we returned to Georgia with a trip to 6 Flags and a staff meeting lastnight; the peace and serenity that Huntsville provided will always make me smile. Not to mention, we stopped over in Tennessee for a while and I also felt in my element there. Beautiful sights, beautiful people, nice weather. 

I've truly embraced my Southern Belle lifestyle and it feels so good. I no longer have run from this place to that place to appease people. I can stay in the comfort of my four little walls, go for mile long walks, go to the park, take long scenic rides and be at Peace. 

My Lovies, life is definitely what we make it. Who we spend our time with is a reflection of our truest being. Today, I chose to always be surrounded by truth, love, honesty and the ones who truly bring me peace. My son always reminds me that we're rich. He'll soon be 5 so I always "ASS"umed he meant financially until he said, "Mommy we're rich with family and Love".. Out of the mouths of babes I tell ya. 

I challenge you, to embrace Peace and Love. This Southern Belle finally gets it and I'm in my happy place.. 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka the 🍑

It's a Celebrate...

Guess who has a birthday coming up?! Yup, I do!! I'll turn 30 for the 7th time on February 16th. 

I tend to make a big deal out of my birthday. It's the one day designed just for ME! I try to do something amazing each year but with moving and purchasing a new vehicle it may not go down the way I envisioned(but I'm not worried, I'll still celebrate MY way). 

If you know me, you'd know I have an obsession with handbags and socks. This year, I've decided to purchase/ collect 37 pairs of socks and randomly give them out to the less fortunate in the downtown Atl area. 

My Peace/ reward is always found in doing something for others. I whole heartedly agree, the good measure we give unto others always come back to us full circle. 

To some, a pair of socks is nothing but to me: gosh I love them. They keep me warm, they make me happy and they are inexpensive. I will have more info on my Birthday Socks Campaign( may even have a catchy name in a few weeks). If you feel inclined to help me reach my goal, leave a comment below... I'm excited to share my love for socks with others!! 

My Lovies, one kind gesture can make the difference in the life of someone who feels forgotten. A smile, kind word and even a small conversation means more than we'll ever know to a person who has no 1.  This year, I will spend part of my 37th bday giving a piece of me and I'm excited! I plan to do it Big and sprinkle "pretty socks" throughout Atlanta. It's my charge plus, as good as I look the world should feel the same!! GOOD!! 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

For The Win...

This morning, I wasted no time waking up. Got up, prayed and prepared myself for the day. I HAPPILY flicked on every single light in the house and woke my children up. "Rise and Shine my little pretties"... Lol

My son got up first and walked into my bedroom. This kid says, " Only my sister going to school right"? Ummm no sir, you're BOTH going. Come on and let's brush your teeth( my stomach cannot handle HIS morning breathe, yuck).. 

While they both handled their business, I finished preparing their breakfast, found sneakers, put hats, scarves and jackets on the hook by the front door. Everyone out!! 

My daughter finished preparing her lunch, I served warm grits, fruit and milk and by 7:50 everyone was out the door! Like magic!! 

Listen, I've been on both sides of the fence. I've taught and I'm a parent. I understand the importance of everyone needing a break, I just wasn't prepared for 2.5weeks with an inquisitive 4.5 year old( if you know him you know that 1/2 means everything to his little life). Just this morning he said, "Mommy I can reach your cabinet, does that mean I'm 5"? No son, you're still 4, ( him) "No, I'm 4.5". Whatever works kid, whatever works. 

Today my Lovies, sit and enjoy a small piece of heaven. Peace & Quiet!! Who knew how crucial it is to just sit in silence. I've been moving so much that I've missed my moments of peace. Make time to enjoy time today.. It's for the Win and your Sanity... Lol

Signed, 

Neka T. Speaks 

You'll know it's Real...

I've learned that it's not LOVE that has hurt us, it's people who have pretended to love us that have hurt us. 

Love is an action word that carries a lot of emotions. What makes love so real is that it allows us to genuinely look past our hurts, flaws, heartaches and failures and share an intimate piece of our heart. 

I must admit, I haven't always been in a place where I've wanted to LOVE. But as I've grown and matured, I realize the Love I've shared has been deposited into some people who have never experienced true love. 

While we find it easy to hide behind hurt, build walls and ignore what our hearts speak, when it's your time to be on the receiving end of the Love you deserve, there's nothing or no 1 that can hinder it. 

Today Lovies, be thankful/ appreciative  for the ones who love you with no pretense. Accept that their love comes from a place of honestly. It's time for us to stop running from Cupid and allow the arrow to get us. One of my favorite artists sang, " when you love someone sometimes you gotta let them go and if they come back it means so much more"~ Vivian Green

Live and be in Love. 

Signed, 

Simply Cheneka 

 

Everyday Happy.. Just because...

My 5days of Happy Challenge has been a blessing to my life. Every single day I woke up with a grateful heart. I prayed and promised not to let anyone or anything disturb my happy place. 

It's been amazing to appreciate every minute of the day knowing the next isn't promised. I've accomplished so many things this week all because I decided I just want to be happy and accomplished. Now that I know and understand I control my happy, it has given me the confidence to speak into every area of my life that I need to change. 

There are so many things on the horizon for 2016 and they all include my Happy... 

What's your happy? What did the challenge do for you on this week? 

I know for sure I've looked at every area of my life through happy lens on this week. Don't get me wrong, everyday won't be peachy and some days may seem harder than others but I'm determined to see the happy. I'm no longer have  interest in being around Debbie Downers, I refuse to let your miserable life dictate my happy life. 

Today my Lovies, push yourself to continue seeing the happy in each and everyday. Thank God for your OWN life. Thank him for all he's doing and all he's going to do. You have the power within to achieve all that you've set out to accomplish. I dare you to do it with a smile 2, I certainly plan too!! 

Signed, 

Forever Happy!!! 

That's Her.....

I'm such an Apple Girl.. Yesterday my BF sent me a few things that required me to pull up my laptop.. It's felt so foreign to me, not to mention that it's so big. None the less, I have about a gazillion pictures downloaded into my computer. Yesterday as I sat there, pictures went across the screen and this one in particular popped up. I don't know why I screen shot it but I'm glad I did... 

As I continue on my 30 day journey( on day 6), I've been praying that I truly find out who's for me, who's against me and that I embrace the true Me. 

As I looked at that picture, I remember exactly where I was and what I was thinking. Today, I didn't like the woman who was in that picture. I was in a situation that wasnt ideal. I was just settling and going thru the motions. I was hurting but smiling on the outside... 

As I prayed and evaluated where I am, yup I like me today.. Lol I'm learning to be my own girl.. If I can be my own girl, I know eventually I can be someone else's girl and in time his wife.. No more situations just to be in a situation.. No more going with the flow just because.. As my eyes are opened daily and the realCheneka  emerge, I'm

Quite please with who I am.. I'm still shedding and I'm far from perfect but I'm not who I once was!! Yup, I like me but I have 24 days left to completely LOVE me!! 

Signed, 

She's Aightttt.. 

Peace Justified....

There's so much beauty in Art. I've been able to appreciate the sights with different eyes this week. Yup, you've guessed it, Non Mommy eyes. When I'm with my children, most times I'm quickly glancing because my son is so busy and I have to keep up with him. But for the last 3 weeks, exploring has become my best friend. While most of my pics are that of an amateur, I find beauty in them. 

Today I share the Peace & Justice Statues. I'm not sure if those are the correct names but those were the words inscribed. I immediately thought of niece who is in law school and the countless men and women she will represent. I also thought of the many mothers I know. I know moms who have lost children, moms who have children who are incarcerated and moms who fight for their children daily. Some way shape or form, we're all in this fight for justice and peace. 

I remember being a Youth Worker for the City of Boston. If you know any of Boston's History; the two areas I worked in both had battles within. I worked in South Boston for 2 years and Jamaica Plain for close to 5. South Boston, was filled with racism and hate that stemmed from segregation and JP( as we called It) filled with violence. And here this black woman was put in the middle to make a difference. ( Google me, lol) 

During that time, I witnessed my teens bury parents, bury siblings/ friends, fight for justice and fight to be heard. My heart is filled with sadness and happiness at the same time because if Justice and Peace were for all, the battle would have ended after we buried so many innocent young people. My trauma team and I provided support to so many families that I soon became immune to the job and my face became a regular at the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. 

In this life, all I've ever wanted to do was make a difference. All I've ever wanted to do was be the difference in the lives of the young people I encounter. Now that I'm raising a little black boy and a little black girl, I fully understand and feel that I've been prepped for this job all of my life. 

There's no feeling in the world greater than Parenthood. It's filled with a lot of ups and downs but it's also very rewarding. If you stay the course, stay involved, teach your children right from wrong, how to voice their opinions and to live as model citizens, you'll reap positive benefits. Don't get me wrong, you'll fight opposition but if you have it in you to fight, you'll win. 

Today my loves, I challenge you to be a carrier of justice and peace. Carry it with you everywhere you go. Be an ambassador for what's right. That IS what we're teaching our children, Right?!! 

Signed, 

Mother Justice , Mother Peace 

Just breathe...

"Life will consume us if we let it". CTH™

I'm learning little by little the importance of just being me and stealing moments away for myself. I find it hard but this year, I promised to make me time a priority. Why not? I make my children and their needs a priority, my service to church, my business( single mom clients) and the needs of my close circle a priority, so why is it so hard to take a moment or two just for ME? 

I like long walks

I like to laugh

I like to read

I like to shop( window shopping is cool) 

I Like the quiet 

I like Art

I like listening to music 

I like long car rides

Even talking about anything other than parenthood is a plus.. 

When I began to find the time and just focus on me, I've found out that it gives me strength. And just a little bit of strength goes a long way. 

Today lovies, I challenge you step out of your 4 walls of home life or work life and find you. Take a moment to breathe, go have coffee, get a manicure, go for a walk, meet a S/O or friend at the library or movies, cook a meal. Find a moment for you. And in doing so, you'll find it easy to Just Breathe.... 

Signed, 

I'm Living and it feels good!! 

Just for Today

A few years ago, a Sistergirl back home was undergoing hand surgery. Ahhh, hand surgery. If know one else understood I did. I've endured more hand surgeries than a little bit. 

I knew exactly what she was feeling. The fear, anxiety, the uncertainty and the end result of a nasty permanent scar. 

I promised her, "Love Muffin"( my name for her) I'll be praying for you. Because I was already in Atlanta; physically I could not be there but I knew my prayers could. That morning I texted her a prayer and Love & Peace will surround you today where the words I sent to her.

Today, I share those same words with each of you. We are responsible for declaring these things in our lives. We give no room to anything to take them away. We are responsible for our Peace, we are responsible for who we Love. We must work at keeping all negative Love from flowing in our lives. 

Peace is just what it is, Peace. And if it ever feels compromised we must fix it by all means. When you take authority over these areas, it's in that moment you are in full control. 

Today, I will allow love and Peace to not only surround me but flow from the core being of who and what I am. 

Signed,

iWin

imPeace

iLove

I must Continue....

 "The process of closing out one door can be hard if it's not properly closed"....

I can't move, I just can't move! I just need to see her face, I don't know why I vividly remember that line from The color Purple but I do( Random, I know)... After hearing Sunday's message it made sense. That was Miss Celie's way of shutting the door. Sometimes it can be a physical door and sometimes the "door" represents whatever closure we need.

And it hit me, I need to close out a few of my own doors. We all tend to get caught up in feeling like we're past something or we're totally healed until that situation faces us again. It can be something as simple as a bad relationship, or even a good relationship we let turn sour. Sometimes we have to close the door on family, friends, jobs and relationships( just to name a few) that mean us NO GOOD( a door I've walked thru more than once but NEVER properly closed)

I'm learning, it's not that life is all hard, it's just we go thru it carrying so many scars that it makes us hard.Saturday I feel and scrapped both of my knees something serious.. I was walking to the car, holding my son. He made a slight movement I lost MY Balance and down I went... Hmmmmm, such is life. We carry so much un necessary weight until it soon weighs us down and we fall. Saturday, when I lost my balance it happened so quickly that I didn't give myself time to physically lay out in the middle of the parking lot and wail( extra I know), I caught myself, got my strength and got backup. And trust there was an audience ( go figure, a group of teenagers LAWD)... I heard one of the teens say, "ya'll seen that lady fall just now", someone else yelled out and asked if I was ok, me: YES and another asked if the baby was okay( who by the way is 1 and can walk but of course I was rushing so I picked him up) which he was. A mother knows to shield her baby!! As I finished that sentence it hit me, so many of our problems come from carrying grown people... Shoot, we have to let them walk ya'll!!

It's funny but in life we have that same type of meddling audience. However, they ask questions not out of concern but out of being nosey and making sure we're down for the count. Everyone is NOT a cheerleader. and out of 10, 7 will slightly wish the WORST for us anyway.

My Pastor, Dee Murphy said it best on Sunday," we cannot go into tomorrow because previous doors have not been SHUT... and when we SHUT the door we are shutting out ALL of the doubters"...  The worst types of doors the leave open and un attended are the doors that lead to mess.

Today, I'm closing a few doors. What we consider memories are sometimes clouded with thinking we need to keep the person within reach. While I walked this morning, I played my iTunes. I had to go through a number or artist of which I don't listen to, to get to who I was initially looking for. Guess, I need to close the door to some of that music too. Then I thought of my contact list, yeah over 1,000 numbers and 1/2 of those numbers are of no real use to me,I must go on a deleting spree too.

Shutting doors and leaving them SHUT is the only way we properly heal and boldly walk into our tomorrow. Today can only be as strong as the mess we left in our yesterday....

I must continue to be of good courage and strong. I must continue to go where no 1 has gone before( and not space, the Final frontier).. there's a mission with my name on it.. There are people I must help. It's a job that was created for me before Me... and I must continue BUT first let me SHUT these doors....

Take it Awayyyy......

I LOVE the beach. I LOVE writing in the sand. I can write just about anything I want and as the tide rolls in, it's washed away.

 Hmmmmm, life is as such. We go through some thing and when the time is right God just washes it all way. Don't get me wrong, Oh we're here to go through but in the end, if the charges we're wrong, we're VINDICATED( Thanks Shauna).. And who would'nt like to be forgiven for charges that are outlandish and false accusations??

We have to take the bitter with the sweet, spit out the seeds and enjoy what is good and meant for us.

There's always a bit of Peace& Serenity set aside for us, we just have to be in the place to embrace it and let it embrace us..

So today my fellow bloggers, take a moment out of your day to get somethings off your chest.. Write them down( paper will work as your sand) and let the water remove them( well throw them away). They say the water helps us to grow, in this case, let it fresh you with a new start...

Ahhhhhh, the drawing is in the sand, now Water take it away...

Don't Count ME out, Just yet.....

The rule in my house is, no animals on legs that will require me to do more cleaning on top of what I already have. My daughter had a hermet crab named Sebe, but he died within 3 weeks of moving in with us. So, NOW we keep it simple and go with Beta fish. Extremely low maintenance and can go days without being feed( I'm sorry, don't call PETA).. Well, I cleaned Kandi's( ok, so we have a cousin named Cookie, so my daughter said well since Cookie is my cousin, can Kandi( from RHOA) be my Aunt.. I know, xtra) little humble living quarters on Sunday. Since, cleaning it out, she's been swimming towards the top and looking real deathly. I mean, her body was doing that death bend and she just looked lethargic( weird talk for a BETA but it's true). Lastnite I told Mooda, "looks like Kandi is on her way out", she said " I know mommy. Let's just flush her now". I said, "no, let's see what happens. Behold, Kandi is swimming like she now has a new breath of fresh air, a NEW take on life. ( True Story)

I started to think about life and how we count people out. I know people who were drug addicts. When I'm able to sit and listen to them tell their stories I'm amazed at their resiliency to survive. Family members walk out on them, society turns their noses and consider them low lives and the down trodden. Once you realize you've had enough, you find a piece of you that you lost and you FIGHT against ALL odds and come out on top.

No, I'm NOT a recovering drug addict but I've lived through and unhealthy relationship. Your eyes cannot see the negative effects until you're finally fed up and YOU're ready to make that change. If you have children, they become the voice and power you use to do better. It's a good place to find YOU and leave the mess where it is. My downfall during that unhappy place was to eat. I've never openly admitted this but I was at an all time FAT HIGH. I was wearing a 16/18 and tipping the scale at 200lbs. I was MISERABLE. One day, a light went off and I fought for ME and my daughter.

I takes alot to find your voice especially when you're fighting against the hurt, pain and people talking about your situation vs helping you. A smile can mean alot, especially when you've learned to fake it and make it.

5 years later, I'm Kandi this morning. I've fought and now I know I have the strength to fight through it. Losing it all to gain a new insight on life and BETTER relationship with GOD is a reward worth gaining all over again.

So, as Kandi lives to see a new day: As do I and all the people who have been counted out. We're down but only for a while. We carry the strength to SURVIVE against all odds!!!

" I Shall Swim to see a New Day"

Imposter..Fake!!! Security, Security

We've all been guilty of it( especially women)wearing girdles and spanx to define a shape that's not ours.. But, see what had happened was(LOL), I gave birth to a little boy 7 months ago... Before giving birth, I definitely had my sexy BACK. I was fitting in a 10/12 perfectly. To me, it was an accomplishment because I hadn't been this size since high school. And that's over 10+ years ago! I was walking daily, drinking water and just being cautious. It wasn't because I was ordered to loose weight by my Dr, but because I just wanted to feel better about myself!!

Society has consumed our self image with pictures of all the celebrities looking anorexic.. They're in bathing suits that are barely on, they are buying size zeros and everyone is talking about cutting back in the meat department. A conversation was held with a few sister girls and we all ranged from size 8-18. Are we healthy? Yes we are! We like just FOOD.I'm not going to front, as I'm typing this blog I'm enjoying a slice of pie and ice cream. Does that make me fat? To some YES but to me naw!!! I can out walk a skinny chic any day. I don't have diabetes nor heart disease. I can race my daughter and not be out of breath. This summer, I was cheer mom for my daughter's squad. She was quick to say, " My mommy was a cheerleader and she can still do a split".. And, I'm not going to lie, it made my heart smile every time I was able to do a split.. It took a while to hop right back up, but your girl Did It!!

The average American woman's size is not in the single digits, its a 16!! POW! So, just like we put emphasis on age( she does NOT look a day over 25, you're right because I'm 32)the emphasis is put on size too! Go figure, numbers are just not safe in these parts!!

In the end, we all have to be happy and content with the skin we are in. Just lastnite, I noticed this long strand of gray hair. I mean it's long. I'm tempted to pull it out but its apart of my make-up. Plus, if I get rid of it, who knows how many more will grow in it's place!!

So, let us enjoy our spanx and girdles.. Pizza, burgers and Coke too. There's nothing FAKE or PHONY about using a little support to help enjoy the skin you're in!! So, tonite when you have dinner, sip on that soda! And it better not be diet either!! And if you dare call security, let it be on those fake women who know good and well they want more than those rice cakes!!!! Chew on that!!!