So, I spotted Maria and Renee doing this, and they explained that momspotting is a whole journalism BlogHer thing, and has something to do with a group of moms tweeting 3 times a day on Twitter about the ways that technology is used in everyday life or something like that. I wouldn't know exactly because I don't do Twitter. I could NOT possibly add one more social media outlet to my day nor do I find Twitter interesting enough for me to drink the kool-aid, BUT, its pretty hard to pass up a good meme. Both Maria and Renee encouraged non-momspotters to join in on the meme fun, so here we go...

1. Which expensive electronic device do you most often let your older children abuse or your baby drool on?

Hmmm... I don't own many expensive electronic devices because poor people don't spend their money on such things, BUT, I do have a Macbook that my daughter likes to play computer games on. I allow her to visit her favorite kid appropriate websites to play the games whenever I am not hogging it all to myself.

2. How many take-out restaurant numbers do you have programmed into your phone?

I know you wouldn't exactly consider Dominos Pizza to be take-out, but its our source when I don't feel like cooking or driving.

3.How many hours of television do you so totally not let your kids watch a week?

I so totally don't keep track, especially on the weekends! I let her watch a couple of shows after school as a way of unwinding before we start on homework, and when it comes to the weekends, if we are staying in, it could easily be a movie day. Luckily, she isn't interested in only watching tv. She prefers movement and change, so she will alternate her movies for play or play while watching.

4.Do you think people who say “we don’t watch television” at playdates but really mean “we just watch DVDs” are lying liars from Liarville?

Whatever floats your boat. I know I couldn't survive a playdate without a tv show or a movie as an option. I guess it all depends on what time of day the playdate takes place; if its raining outside.

5.How many miles have you driven with your child and not one device of electronic entertainment in a single car trip?

About 734. We took a road trip to Arizona and she slept the entire way there, however, on the way back she did watch a movie on a portable dvd player that a friend told me was gonna be a must on the trip. She could have survived without it.

6.What’s your record for calls to the pediatrician or Ask-a-Nurse in a single day?

Probably just 1. I never did or currently do much calling. Now, if the question was "what's your record for calls to grandma in a single day" we'd have something to really talk about.

7.What’s the sexiest thing your husband/partner could text you after a hard day?

I'll help the baby with her homework, get her fed, put her to bed... every night for a month!

8.What’s your favorite iPad joke?

You know, I haven't heard any, but a friend of mine did have an Apple inspired joke the other day. Since her husband likes to play games on his iPhone during their quality time together, she said, " I just wanna tell him, if you don't put that phone down, I'm gonna shove it so far up your ass you're gonna iCrap!"

9.What’s the dumbest parenting tool, gear, gadget or device you ever bought?

I think all of my gadgets have been pretty needed. Well, maybe except for the baby monitor I bought. I didn't even get it for the monitoring, but because it projected an image on the wall while playing music. Great, right? Until Miss J reached over the side of the crib and slapped it off the dresser, breaking the bulb... no more lights, no more projection.

10.How many years will it take for your child to become more tech-savvy than you?

Her accurate use of the word Wi-Fi tells me that it probably wouldn't be too far into the future.

I was tagged by a new bloggy friend of mine, Angela, of Mom's Fortress of Solitude. I am suppose to:

1. Go to your photo files... Select the 6th photo folder
2. Select the 6th photo in the folder
3. Post that photo along with the story behind it
4. Then challenge 6 blog friends to do the same

Since I am always posting pictures, you have already seen the 6th photo in the 6th folder AND the 6th photo in the 5th folder AND the 6th photo in the 4th folder!! So, I'm gonna cheat a little and post the 4th photo in the 7th folder...


Just for all of you Cars fanatics out there. My friend's son LOVES the movie Cars. He has everything Cars. His slippers, his chair, his overnight bag just to name a few items in his little collection. So, naturally, his birthday party and cake would be Cars themed. I fell in love with the detail of this cake. I'm a sucker for wowing birthday party guests with "the cake". When Miss J's birthday rolls around I always run right up to Baskin Robbins and put my order in for an ice cream photo cake.



Birthday #2 is missing because we had a Dora the Explorer theme that year and went with a Dora ice cream cake instead. These cakes are great. The only down side is that you have to be on schedule with getting your cake out and put away because too much time out of the freezer and your pretty design might end up being a puddle of colors. Notice the streak down the side of the 1st birthday cake.

My friend's cousin made the Cars cake. And she even made little individual cup cakes for the kids too.



(Note: When I posted this earlier I completely forgot to tag 6 people to join in, so I'll just leave the invitation open to everyone with a love of photography. If you'd like to participate and share your photo then go right ahead. Let me know that you did in the comments and I'll stop by to check it out!)

I was over at Cheaper than Therapy and Jen had a meme that I just couldn't pass up. So, enjoy and feel free to play along if you dare.


A
• Are you available? We just had to start here didn't we. I appear to be available, but actually, there is a certain someone in the background.

• What is your age? In a Dave Chappelle voice: I just celebrated my 20-fiiiiiiiif!

• What annoys you? This damn stye that's in my eye right now.

B
• Do you know anyone named Billy? I know an extremely lovely Billy.

• When is your birthday? 4/20.

• Who is your best friend? Those who have so much information on me that if they weren't best friends then I'd have to kill them.

C
• What's your favorite candy? The big Sam's Club bucket of Laffy Taffy's sitting in my room wins hands down.

• Crush? Well, there was that one professor that I use to fantasize about, until he brought his adorable daughter to class one day and told us his WIFE had to work.

• When was the last time you cried? Last week when I finally saw pictures of my Ex's little girl.

D
• Do you daydream? I wouldn't make it through the day if I wasn't able to.

• What's your favorite kind of dog? The cutest kind.

• What day of the week is it? Its Monday and I really wouldn't mind if it was Friday.

E
• How do you like your eggs? They have to be scrambled. I don't play when it comes to my eggs!

• Have you ever been in the emergency room? Yep, when I thought Miss J was gonna scratch her itchy skin off... gotta love that initial first rash of eczema.

• Ever pet an elephant? Yep, a long time ago, when I was a wee little girl, at the circus with my aunt.

F
• Do you use fly swatters? No need to, I never open my doors so those little nasty suckers never get in.

• Have you ever used a foghorn? Can't say that I have, but if I had my way, I'd have one implanted in the head of Miss J's dad and keep my finger on the panic button!

• Is there a fan in your room? Oh yeah. Even when its not hot I still have to have a little cool air hitting my face and feet when I'm in bed.

G
• Do you chew gum? Periodically... especially when I am about to take a written test.

• Do you like gummy candies? Yes, I'm known to have quite the stash of worms in the summer time.

• Do you like gory movies? I love a little gore. Nothing like a little blood and guts to end the night.

H
• How are you? I'd be cool if I could get a good night's sleep for a change, finish these god-damned papers, and then get in my car and drive until I run outta money for gas. How are you?

• What's your height?. 5'1, which comes in very handy ::wink wink::

• What color is your hair? I'm a natural dark brown.

I
• What's your favorite ice cream? OMG, I just got chills. Ice cream is my ultimate drug of choice, in Cookies N Cream please.

• Have you ever ice skated? Unfortunately I can't roller skate, or roller blade, so ice skating has been out of the question.

• Ever been in an igloo? Not yet... hey, are the beds there made of ice?

J
• What's your favorite Jelly Bean? Anything sweet, I'm not that much of a Jelly Bean fiend. Although, the Jelly Bean Factor does happen to be very very cool.

• Have you ever heard a really hilarious joke? Every single day!

• Do you wear jewelry? I do when I am going out somewhere special. Other than that, a pair of earrings is all I need.

K
• Do you know Karate? Yes I do! Four belts away from my black belt thank you very much.

• Have you ever flown a kite? Not that I recall.

• Do you think kangaroos are cute? Yes, until they start a fight.

L
• Are you laidback? Hella laid back is more like it. I secretly can't stand people who have too much energy and always gotta be out somewhere being seen.

• Lions or Tigers? Both, as long as they don't try to eat me.

• Do you like black licorice? That would be a NO! That is the nastiest candy EVER!!

M
• Favorite movie as a kid? The Land Before Time. I remember it being hella sad, but for some reason I was always game to watch it.

• Ever shopped at Moosejaw? What's that??

• Favorite store at the mall? The Children's Place... I know, I'm sad.


N
• Do you have a nickname? A bunch of em'. Let's see, I've been BoBo, Nee Nee, Nee Nee Boo, Barb, Babs, Brenda (don't ask!), Chinese Chocolate (don't ask, again), Chief, Mami, and Bar B.

• Whats your favorite number? 20.

• Do you prefer night or day? I think I'm more of a day person.

O
• What's your one wish? To find happiness.

• Are you an only child? Yes I am... well, I have a sister that my dad told me about when I was TEN! But I haven't seen her in years so yeah, I still consider myself an only child.

• Do you like the color orange? As long as its not on my teeth.

P
• What are you most paranoid about? Failing as a human being.

• Piercings? I have my ears and belly button pierced. Before its all said and done, I can see myself with at least one nipple piercing.

• Do you know anyone named Penelope? Nope, you've got me there.

Q
• Are you quick to judge people? Uh huh, especially if I initially find them annoying.

• Do you like Quaker Oats? No, no, no. Since pregnancy, no more oats for me.

• Know anyone that makes quilts? I think my grandma use to make them.

• Do you think you're always right? Not at all. I have enough sense to know that nobody is always right.

R
• Do you watch reality TV? A very selected few. I can't really handle them. They make me wanna send anthrax in the mail addressed to the producers.

• Best Rock Band of all time? Aerosmith <----- ok, I'm gonna agree with Jen on this one.

S
• Do you prefer sun or rain? I prefer sun when there has been too much rain and I prefer rain when I don't have to be walking out in it.

• Do you like snow? Although I have only physically experienced snow once in my life, You can put me down as a snow lover.

• What's your favorite season? Fall. Beautiful leaves, minimal allergies, a cool breeze... bring it on.

T
• What time is it? 9:23PM

• What time did you wake up? 9:50AM

U
• Can you ride a unicycle? Never been interested in trying. I'm pretty sure with my unpredictable balance these days I wouldn't be much good at it.

• Do you know anyone with a unibrow? LOL, uh huh.

• Uncles do you have? Is it ok if I don't count one of the son's that my grandmother had??

V
• What’s the worst vegetable? I don't really know, I kinda stick to certain ones and those are the one's that I like, so...

• Did you ever watch Veggie Tales? No, but maybe Miss J has?

• Ever considered being vegan? I think I'd die.

W
• What's your worst habit? Raising my eyebrown like The Rock when someone has gotten on my last nerve.

• Do you like water rides? I would if I could swim.

• Ever been inside a windmill? You can get inside of a windmill??

X
• Have you ever had an x-ray? Only at the dentist.

• Ever used a Xerox machine? All the time at my last job.

Y
• Do you like the color yellow? As long as its not a neon yellow. Yellow happens to be the color of my favorite flower.

• What year were you born? I'm an 80's baby... let's party like its 1984!

• Do you yell when you're angry? Is there any other way to express yourself when you're angry?

Z
• Do you believe in the zodiac? The killer or the sign?

• What's your zodiac sign? I go both ways... Aries and Taurus

• What do you think of when you hear the word Zero? Free.

I received this award a few days ago from the lady of The Leaves of Tarkong, who is also a single mommy =). Blogging from the Philippines, she shares her life, as well as reviews of a variety of products and services.

I can't think of a better thing to be awarded for than honesty!

As with any award there are rules. I must tell you 10 honest things about myself, then share this award with 7 other wonderfully honest peeps.

Soooo, um....

1. I was an Xtra spoiled kid, or maybe it was just extra loved. I was the apple of my great-grandmother's eye... her baby... one of the favs, so she always went out of her way to make sure that I didn't have to focus on too much other than staying on the honor roll. I've been told that in her eyes I could do no wrong, but um... I've picked switches that would beg to differ. Anyhoo... I slept in the same bed with my great-grandma until I was 13 years old. A long time, I know, but hey, why give up all that grandmotherly warmth and comfort if you don't absolutely have to?

2. I may have told you this before, but I am a total introvert. I have no problem making my own party all by myself. I appreciate friendships and being social, but I have a bit of social anxiety... which could also be anti-social personality disorder, lol. New groups and big crowds send my anxiety into overdrive so you wont really catch me on the club scene with all of the other "normal" 24 year olds.

3. I am emotionally ready for another baby. I didn't anticipate Miss J rolling solo for this long. The plan was to have two children close enough in age to be able to grow up together, as opposed to having a situation where the "older" child is always in some kind of care taker role being responsible for the "younger" child. I swear, I'm gonna blink and she's gonna be 10, and then it'll be like, what's the point? Hopefully we will be blessed once I am financially ready for another baby.

4. My entire 5th grade year in elementary was spent performing. I honestly can't remember doing anything other than practicing for a performance or actually being on stage. Our teacher was big on the arts and he taught us tap dance and raps about kids staying away from drugs.

Sometimes, a good book can be a girl's best friend. I have been called on by Tameka to cure her itch, by revealing my favorite reads. This is a tough one since I don't get to peruse for pleasure as often as I'd like to. Sadly, indulging in theory and all things intellectual is "the job" and no longer brings me elation, so when I get the opportunity to just chill and submerge myself in a world of fantasy, that is the ultimate delight. Here are those that are currently in eyesight.

The Task:
(a) Fiction book
(b) Autobiography
(c) Non-fiction book
(d) A fourth book of your choice from any genre
Explain why the books are essential reads in no more than 30 words per book.

Fiction: Lola at the Library - Anna McQuinn and Rosalind Beardshaw

This one is obviously from Miss J's shelf, but I do enjoy experiencing Lola's excitement for books and love for reading as she takes a trip to the local library with her mommy. She stays for storytime and then picks out new books for her and mom to read at bedtime. It features a captivating happy nappy baby, what's not to love?








Autobiography: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale - Fantasia

Fantasia is an inspiration. Reading her story enlightened me to her struggles, survival and triumph. Although I have never rebelled against my education, I connected with many other aspects of her life because I have lived them.











Non-Fiction: The Rose That Grew From Concrete - Tupac Shakur

Poetry is one of my favorite forms of expression and this book was a must-have for me back in the day. 150 pages of Tupac's handwritten poetry from his youth. They provide a rare glimpse into the softer, more intimate side of a man who was born into a revolution and who died too young, but not before making his mark.









My Choice: On The Down Low - J.L. King

After a conversation with a friend about this "little secret" running wild within the black community, I decided to read King's confessions about his double life as a married man and adventurist on "the down low". From this one tale I became more aware of this secret society.

Diva Ma, over at Diva Ma-Mommy Fabulous thought it would be a great idea to pull me into her game of tag. Now she has me chasing my thoughts all over the place trying to find 7 random things about myself to share with you. Don't get to comfortable because you could be next, so you better start warming up just in case.

So...

1. I have been to over 20 children birthday parties this year! I don't know what happened in previous years, but for some reason, this year, each and every single child in Miss J.'s class had a birthday party where every single child was invited to celebrate. When they roll around I feel bad if I don't go because these are Miss J.'s friends, I want to show my support and of course we want folks to show up when her birthday rolls around. Guess what? I am so over that crap. I don't think I can attend another frickin' birthday party this year, although I have RSVP'd for 2 more this month. Help me Jesus!!

2. I have been in school for the majority of my life. Elementary, junior high, high school and then straight to collage with no real vacations in between. Not even a decent full time job in between. This has got to stop. Every time someone asks me about Grad school I feel like choking them to death. Grad school?? Right now?? You mean, right after I graduate?? Are you crazy?? I'll tell you just what I tell them... check with me in another two years and maybe I'll be ready to get started on those applications.

3. I am rapidly becoming addicted to blogging. I have been doing good with devoting blogging time for myself, but I have began to place it above more important obligations. Yes, I am an important obligation... taking the time to jot down my thoughts and happenings and sharing them with you, and that's not really what the problem is. My confession: I spend waaaayyy more time reading blogs than I do reading articles for my class or research material for my thesis. I gotta get it together. Perhaps set aside a time slot just for reading blogs, that happens to be much smaller than the one allotted for reading school assignments.

4. I am in love with the Food Network channel. I love trying new yummy recipes out on my family for the holidays. They have never walked away disappointed.

5. I am an experienced exterior painter. I painted houses for 3 summers as part of a youth summer employment program through Chevron Texaco. Their refinery had been polluting our neighborhood forever, so the least they could do is provide us kids with some jobs, right? It was the best paying job that the summer program offered too and I always got my spot. Even got the bff in on the action. Maybe due to the fact that my uncle works for Chevron or maybe not, I ain't telling. I made some life long friends through that experience all while doing a great service to my community.

6. I can't swim. I have tried to learn but I have a little problem with giving up control. Because of this, I can't even float. That is truly pathetic, but hey, I can't help it. I get scuuurd.

7. I am sooo not a people person. Surprised? Me too sometimes. Its not that I hate people. Well.... maybe I should say, its not that I'm not friendly and an overall great person, I just get annoyed easily... and I like comfort zones. In certain situations certain people just get on my damn nerves and I have to keep my distance. And then there are those moments when EVERYBODY gets on my damn nerves. Don't worry though, you guys never get on my damn nerves. Promise!

Whew! I'm tired from all of that chasing. I did it though and now its time for the following folks to report to the field and get your butts off the side lines. You should all be warmed up by now. Listen up for your name:

Tea N Honey Bread
What's It All About
Jewelry Rockstar
Zen Ventures
Renaissance Black Woman
Punky Monkey
Cheaper Than Therapy

You've made the team.

Yay! I am breaking blogger ground here. I've been tagged by Cutie Booty Cakes! Now, since I am a new blogger, I had no idea what exactly being tagged meant and what the heck a meme was. I emailed Renee asking her to put me up on game to the blogger lingo and she was so sweet in explaining to me what I should do and I promised her that I would "hop right to it", so here I am...

My mission: To tell you all "10 interesting/random/quirky/normal/silly things about [me] … things [I'm] looking forward to, things about [me] personally, whatever [I] want.” So here goes...


1. I absolutely LOVE to crochet. I'm like a little old lady when I am in the crochet zone: seated comfortably on my couch watching the soaps, Michael's Arts Crafts & More bag at my side overflowing with big fluffy balls of yarn, size "I" crochet hood in hand and a half completed baby blanket on my lap. No child will ever be cold when I'm around. Seriously, if there is a cold child that you know or a blanketless baby feel free to place your orders NOW!!



2. Dreyer's Vanilla Sandwich Flavored Ice Cream is my drug of choice. I am completely addicted and I have succeeded in getting Miss J. hooked as well. Being able to get a child who does not like chocolate hooked on something that has chocolate in it is a skill.



3. Miss J. and I were bored in the same city, same hospital, the same time of day and by the same method: C-section. We both figured that we should come into the world running so God made us breech.

4. I was named after my grandmother, who was named after her grandmother. Yes, I descend from a strong line of Ms. Bar Bs.

5. I have had the same best friends since grade school. We all live very different and separate lives but the love that we have for each other never ceases.

6. I use to be a martial artist. I guess once you learn you never completely forget, but I have not practiced for over 5 years. I really hope to be able to return to it one day. There is still a black belt at my old kajukenbo school waiting for me and besides that, there is this dude that owes me money and I have decided that I'd really like to beat the shit out of him. Having ripped abs again wouldn't hurt either.


7. I still haven't learned how to cornrow. Every single black girl from the inner city should know how to do some cornrows. Its in the code, its like one of the first things that you learn how to do as a preteen. You do your braids, your sister's and cousin's braids and your homegirl's braids. You might even do your little brother's too. Not me. Mine were always done by my aunt or another neighborhood braider. Now I have a little girl who I have to send off to her aunt to get all done up. Maybe one day I will be able to do this...

8. I am one of those people who HATE to be late for events or anything else for that matter. I will be the first one to arrive, up to 30 minutes early. The earliness doesn't matter to me, as long as I am not late its all good.

9. I am really bad at directions. Giving them, following them. I use to give directions like someone who lives out in the country, "you go down to the fork in the road, then make a half right and then go down a little bit, but not too far, and then back up and then pull forward". I swear, I need Mapquest to go places in my own neighborhood, it really does get THAT bad people. I am still amazed that Miss J. and I drove over 700 miles to Arizona last summer and didn't get lost... unless you count taking a wrong exit that put us off the freeway in LA, but whose counting??

10. I am one of the most loyal friends that you could ever have. I will always be there when you need me, with encouraging words, loving arms and a smack up side the head when you really need it.


And there ya go. 10 interesting/random/quirky/normal/silly things about me. Now I have to tag some other people that I know. Since I am only beginning to branch out and make new friends there are only a few that I can tag. I will begin with those who have been so nice to me by stopping by and leaving kind words on my most recent posts...THANKS =)

1. Zen Ventures
2. Weith Kick
3. Bottles, Barbies and Boys (who is currently taking a little vacation from her blog)

I would also like to tag an awesome lady who I have known for some time and who I admire for her survival skills, warm heart and cute rugrats.

4. Medicine and Mishaps

Happy blogging folks =)