A Lot of Explaining

Today was a historical day! Jeremiah was so excited. We are watching the recording of the day on our DVR. I had to do some explaining though. Jeremiah was asking questions about racism. He associated Obama's position as President of the United States to the end of racism. I had to explain to him that racism still exists. The profound innocence of a child just makes you wonder where we, as adults, go wrong. His response was "Mama, I would wish all a shooting that that people like ALL brown people." I just looked at him in amazement. Tears in my eyes, all I could say was, "Jeremiah, I know."

Which Female Icon Are You? Marilyn Monroe

Here is the results to the quiz it took. Thanks, Nicole.

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear
• * Listen to me carefully
• * Don't judge me for my anxiety
• * Work things through with me
• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us
• * Laugh and make jokes with me
• * Gently push me toward new experiences
• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends
• * being responsible and hardworking
• * being compassionate toward others
• * having intellect and wit
• * being a nonconformist
• * confronting danger bravely
• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind
• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself
• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of
• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger
• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right
• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn
• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger
• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent
• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel
• * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty
• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence
• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt
• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at No comments:

War In Israel

I don't watch the news often, but as I was folding the laundry, I turned the TV to Comcast. CNN was covering the ongoing war in Israel. Jeremiah walked in just as CNN was showing the air strikes, the flames, and the smoke. He asked what was that. I told him a war was going on. He asked with concern in his voice, "Mama! Where!?" I told him in another country. His reply, "Yeah!" He went back to playing.

Interviews of civilians being reflected didn't help my immediate concern about his reply and what was going on abroad. A mother described the morning of the air strikes. She described how she dressed both herself and her son, reminding me quickly of my morning routine. She sent her two boys walking to go to school. After the boys had walked less than one meter to school, the strikes began occurring. She was able to save the youngest son, but the oldest one was not to be found. CNN showed her saying over and over again, "God Bless His Soul."

All I could think about is my family and our life here in America. America isn't perfect especially now with the economy and the prevailing presence of racism, but we do feel safe. I had to explain to my son the inappropriateness of his response. Subsequently, it made me think. How many more Americans responded to the dire situation of Israel near Gaza?

Having compassion towards those we don't know is so important. The strong message of caring for others in other countries must be taught to our students.

Wilson Family Barbershop/Beautyshop

Thanks to Sandi. The children have been playing with their new family career - barber and cosmetologist. Here are pictures from the Wilson Family Barbershop/Beautyshop.

Starting The Year Off Right

Today, I was able to see my good friend, Sandi. We met at Mazzio's for lunch and went to her home afterward - thanks to my begging. Jasmine immediately feel in love with "her new friend." I was able to see the phenomenal job the Chef did as well. Her freezer looked so inviting and organized. The house smelled like my favorite restaurant. I am so jealous. I am working on finding out how I can get him here. I might need to sell some Mary Kay Cosmetics asap! :)

She was so kind to have me and the crew over to her house unannounced. Jeremiah can't stop talking about making potholders. He called my sister and my mother to tell about his new accomplishment. He was so proud. He wants a potholder loom for his birthday and a camera, like "his new friend." Sandi also taught me to knit. I am so proud to say that I know how to use a knitting loom. Sandi is the greatest! She is so sweet! It was so great to be around her and her daughter.

Jasmine begged her way into getting a hairstyler's chair. When we got home, she refused to leave it at the house. She took it in the car with her to Sams Club. When we came back, she wouldn't let "her chair" out of her site. At one point, Jeremiah had a sheet around her neck and a comb. I felt like I was in the Wilson's Barbershop. Next time, I will get photos.

Today was confirmation that things are going to get better. It motivated me to clean up my house to be able to have my friends and family over. As soon as I came from Sams Club - I bought a new heavy duty mop - , I started cleaning. I cleaned the main bathroom door, cabinets, and even the baseboard. Each day I will clean and decorate a room. Stay tuned for an invite. I plan on doing a lot of entertaining and facials at my home. 2009 is my time to shine.