This girl wears a mean belt. Sometimes that happens when you are out saving the world.

I can't stop saying how excited I am to get on out there and hit the streets with the youngins. Miss J was so happy to be in costume today during her school's parade. They trekked through our neighborhood, showing off their threads.

I took a bunch of pictures and joined them for a party after.

Then, we met up with a friend and carved our pumpkin!

Pretty darn good for a first. On to tomorrow, where we will boogie down and snag as many treats as the night will allow.

1. It was a dark and stormy night, the tea was steeping and I sat wide-eyed staring into the televison.

2. I didn't want her to have anymore close encounters, so I offered to take the books myself.

3. Rushing out, she didn't notice that she was being followed.

4. Ah shit...I think I heard a howl!

5. Shhhh... before it hears you.

6. Unless you wanna die, give me something good to eat!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to carving our pumpkin and having dinner with a good friend, tomorrow my plans include attending a birthday party, a Halloween party, going trick or treating, and then getting my grown and sexy on at an adult costume party and Sunday, I want to sleep in!

To participate in Friday Fill-Ins click here.

I ran all over town today. My town and neighboring ones to get last minute Halloween stuff. This year we are doing a lot of firsts. I have NEVER carved a pumpkin in my life, but I will this year, because Miss J really really wants to. In 6 years, we have NEVER handed out candy, waits for backlash, but this year we will, because Miss J really really wants to. And this will be my 3rd year dressing up, because Miss J really really wants me to. Needless to say, I just can't say no to the girl. Not when I get hugs and kisses and big smiles and bright eyes in return for giving in.

I got bags of candy, a bowl to hold it all, and managed to get myself a costume. All before having to head off to campus for class. I'm looking forward to getting all dolled up. I was surprised to find so many choices still in the local Halloween store. Probably because parking is so horrible in downtown Berkeley. I had to do a few laps around blocks before I found a spot within walking distance. Well worth the gas though, since I was able to get everything that I needed, and in my size! I can't wait to break out the camera and capture all of the fun. With 2 parties and trick or treating, there is a lot to be had.

At the very least, I have been a very naughty girl. In August I talked about shaping up; about putting myself and my health back on the priority list. And then came life, as it always does. Followed by procrastination, as it sometimes does. I just can't get started if I am not doing exactly what "I" wanna do as far as workout activities and plans. What I really have a desire to do is go back to Curves, which just isn't an option right now. So I have chosen to not take up any activities at all. Part of me is totally fine with this, but then there is the other part of me that really does want to get back to being "me". To shed this here body and reclaim the one that I work better in. Sadly, that is NOT enough motivation for me to get out of my own way when it comes to fitness. I am far from being sedentary, but still, not as active as I could be.

So, what now? Stay in the fight, that's what! I'll set new goals and try once more. At the end of the day, when I am truly ready to get fit, I will.

Earlier in the week, I received this Lovely Blog Award from Nadirah over at Nad and Zara Take on the World. It was a sweet surprise in my day, and an even sweeter gesture from Nadirah because this was her very first blog award!! It always feels good to be appreciated, and I appreciate each and every one of you, so please feel free to accept this award and know that you too, are lovely.

1. The crickets sing, chirp chirp chirp... or something like that.

2. Make a lasting impression wherever you are.

3. I want to get far away from the routine, but retain a bit of sameness.

4. My baby came home during the week and requested to do her homework; this was a dream.

5. But as for me, I'm going to keep looking ahead and moving forward.

6. I can't wait to be able to give back to the community that I come from.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with a little Smallville, tomorrow my plans include doing some reading and possibly working on Miss J's blanket and Sunday, I want to see what all the day will have in store for me!

To participate in Friday Fill-Ins, click here.

Join me over at Moms of Hue, where I talk about the beautiful contribution that my friend, and fellow student single mother, Koko Mulder, has made to student families at the University of California, Berkeley.

Is it almost that time of the year again? The time permitting chills and thrills, tricks and treats, and freedom to use our creative licenses to be anything that we want to be? I think so. Seems like just yesterday I was sporting a mask and whip, fighting crime with my favorite little super shero. This year, she will fight crime alone, but she will be just as super.

What adventures do you have in store for the 31st?

Such an intimate, hilarious experience. Thank you Traci for sharing your win with me!! I had not expected to be smiling at all this weekend, yet, I smiled, danced, laughed and sang along for 3 hours.

We were just two, of hundreds, who came out to show their love and support for the multi-talented Mr. Foxx. He definitely didn't disappoint, giving us a night of comedy, theatrics and sexy vocals. He kept the attention of every lady in the building, and by the end of the night, the fellas were smiling from ear to ear in contemplation of that good lovin' they were sure to get when they got their ladies home.

As I grooved and swayed and thought about Jamie in ways that I probably shouldn't have, I started to appreciate him in ways that I hadn't before. I mean, I've been a fan of his for years, but for some reason, on this particular night, I felt him on a whole new level. Perhaps its because he is on a whole new level now with his acting and music. The man just has pure talent, and I'm glad that he is able to express it across the board. Not many are hitting big in film and in music, and at the same time. Jamie is doing double duty on the road these days as he is on the Blame It tour and on late night promoting his new movie Law Abiding Citizen, which I am hoping to see.

If he comes to a city near you, and you are a true fan of his work, I'd encourage you to check him out in concert. Now if I could only get to see Maxwell in concert!!

I feel like I keep telling myself what it is that I really need, yet, I still find myself in the same place. Funny how that happens. Onlookers stay armed with the perfect piece of advice and workable solutions, but none of it reaches me. For the advice and the solutions can't fix things over here. I'm working as an individual with an individual experience.

I know what needs to happen, but not where to begin. I know where I should turn, but afraid of the implications of making that particular decision. You're probably trying to figure out what the hell I'm talking about, but just roll with it. I'm not specifically talking to you, just talking to space today.

Deep down I know that everything will work out. However, that doesn't make current times any less trying.

Like many, I too, have gotten sucked into the drama that is The Real Housewives of Atlanta. This is the only reality show on my guilty pleasures list. As much as the ladies leave me scratching my head most of the time, they also humor me, so I've been hooked since the first season. I was disappointed to learn that DeShawn Snow wouldn't be returning for the second season. Her mellow lifestyle was a breath of fresh air as far as reality tv goes. If only all viewers felt the same way.

Enter: Ms. Kandi Burruss, the newest addition to the bunch. Because of her short tolerance for hot mess, she is the woman that I most admire on the show. I'm just a fan. What's not to love about her? She's an accomplished singer, songwriter, and overall business woman. Not to mention, she has been a single mother for most of her daughter's life. She puts it down in a real way, taking care of business for herself and her family. She's quite the execumama if you ask me.

During this season, she has been trying to "fly above all the haters", while doing what she does best. But where there is perseverance, there will also lie challenges. Kandi has been dealing with her mother's contempt of her fiance, the transitioning into the Housewives pack, the loss of her fiance's nephew, and now she is in the mists of dealing with an even greater challenge. The unexpected and untimely death of her fiance, A.J.

My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her daughter, because this is also a great loss for her, as she will have to face not having a father for a second time. I was shocked and speechless as I first learned of this tragedy on Facebook and read the report. It made me revisit my own fears of introducing someone into my daughter's life, then losing them tragically. As I mentioned in another post, my Kipenzi has a dangerous occupation, which has dangerous consequences for himself and those who love him. As with all who work in law enforcement, he puts his life on the line everytime he reports to work. I used to find myself thinking about this constantly. The worry of him being harmed does not consume my thoughts like it used to, but its still a very clear and present realization.

I do hope that Kandi has a strong network of support at this time, and that this loss does not scar her daughter in a way that can't be repaired.