Personal Development classes At Millsaps College

Call 601-974-1130 to receive a complete brochure and to sign up for the following courses! Transform your image today!
Looking Great on a Budget: Makeover Your Closet
Many of us are not equipped with a set of instructions to help us look our best on a budget. This exciting class will help you discover how to look amazing, regardless of your size or shape, while on a budget. You will find out great fashion secrets on choosing the right styles, colors, fabrics, and accessories. Discover how to make the right choices on color and quality when shopping for clothes. If you need an instruction manual to shopping for your body, this is the class for you.Cost: $25; Sat., April 18, 1:00-3:00 p.m.; 1 class meeting.
Enhance Your Professional Image
Learn to be at ease during an interview or when selecting your business attire. In this class you will learn about: dressing for an interview, body language at an interview, dressing for the job you have, and/or dressing for the job you want. The instructor will offer many other tips to help you acquire the image of a well-polished and successful person. Have all of your questions answered!Cost: $25; Sat., April 18, 10:00 a.m.-Noon; 1 class meeting.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR, VISIT WWW.SENSATIONALIMAGECONSULTING.COM.

Birds and the Bees

Okay, my oldest child is only six years old and in the first grade. I don't know how much longer we can resist explaining the "Birds and the Bees" from him. Today, he said that a boy in his class tried to kiss him on the lips. What the HELL?!! I am teacher, so I understood when he said the teacher didn't have time to address it because the school day was almost over. However, I hope that she deals with it on tomorrow, but now I am dealing with when is it appropriate to explain about sex. Any suggestions. Looking forward to hearing comments on this one.

Feeling Refreshed

I am HAPPY to report that this weekend was fantastic! Maybe it was the weather or just being away from the hustle and bustle of life.

I started off with an early morning trip to my parents, so that they could babysit for me while I attended the 4Ws Writing Institute in Clarksdale, MS. We had such a great time discussing Tennessee Williams's work. Since I drove myself, I was able to go to the Delta Blues Museum. That was fabulous as well.

Once I got home (my parents' house) the children were worn out from all the playing with their favorite aunt (my thirteen year old sister) and their favorite little cousin. We all just passed out. I always get the best sleep at my parents' house. I don't have to worry about monitoring the kids and their sleeping habits or checking the house to make sure we are still safe.

On today, I spent the morning saying it was time to go. However, I never quite made it out. The weather kept me there even longer, not that I am complaining. My gifted father fixed my horn. All my horn needed was to replace the fuse. I could do that and I did do it. He also helped me do some much need maintenance work on my car. I have to watch my tires. I am so bad about jumping in the car and driving without checking it out. Of course, my dad used this opportunity to give me a lecture on the importance of maintaining my own car. (I really needed that)

Later, my little sister and I had a little fun in Oxford. We did a little shopping and had a great time. Now I am back home. I don't feel as mentally exhausted and do believe I will get some things done since I am so refreshed. There is nothing like going to the country and slowing down. I appreciate my upbringing so much.

Being a Victim

I have to really stop coming home so late. Tonight, I had errands to do and didn't get home until seven. Pulling up in the F-150, I had to park in the driveway instead of the garage. Then, I had to get the crew out leave, leave the truck on, and get everyone into the house safely because the front porch light was off. Talking about trying to get everything organized. What I did was really kind of dangerous. It just so happened that I read an article in Parenting Magazine about being a victim of crime. What have you done to prevent being a victim? What are some things you can do to lessen the change of you being a victim?

Long Overdue

Okay, it's been about 5 weeks since my last post. Boy, do I miss blogging. Anyway, I will try to update you on the happenings around the house. Well, Jasmine turned three on February 6. We celebrated at her daycare. I bought cupcakes from Sam's Club and Capri Suns all for $20. She had a ball. She didn't get all the gifts, but no cleaning up, no party favors, and all of her friends were there. That definitely made up for the shortcomings on gifts. Then on February 12, I turned the big 2-7! I celebrated with some friends at Elixir! We had a ball.

In other news, Jacob had pneumonia last week. Then, he had the stomach virus. Next, I had the stomach virus, and I spent Friday in the emergency room because I was so dehydrated. No complaints though. I was able to get some rest. LOL! Anyway, on the way from daycare Kwandis experienced what I had - throw up in the truck. Jasmine got it. So poor Jasmine and I cuddled and comforted each other in our darkest hour. We recovered together as well. How about that for Mother and Daughter Bonding.

Yesterday was a sluggish day. We stayed around the house. Watched some television and tried to rest. When Kwandis got off work, we turned the television off and read stories. I was so impressed with Jeremiah. I read Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-tale Heart" and "The Oval Portrait." Through all the "big words" and extensive descriptions, Jeremiah understood the plot. I am so proud of little man. The other two listened in until they were asleep. It was nice to see the children so happy.

Today was even more amazing, if you will. We woke up to snow. It wasn't much, but just enough to take pictures of. Thinking it was too cold to take my little man out, we didn't make it to church. However, about 12 noon, I started feeling really good. I mean REALLY good and feeling really impulsive. I had the urge to build bookcases. Can you believe it?

The urge was so strong that I switched vehicles with Kwandis and bundled up my crew. Off to Home Depot we went. Talking to my mom the entire time, I was able to pick out the right wood, have it cut, and pick the right nails. The children, Jasmine, Jacob, and Jeremiah, all helped me unload the wood off the truck. Poor children. They are learning too early how to be great helpers and do things for themselves.

After a few frustrating moments, I realized that the nails were too big and that they needed to be replaced. So, once again, I packed my crew up. This time we hit up Lowe's in Dogwood, which should have been off limits. At Lowe's, I really was in the "building mood." Instead of just getting the nails, like I was suppose to, I picked up more wood to make another bookcase. I also picked up a tube of liquid nails, just in case. As I loaded up everything in the truck, I could just hear ROSS retail store calling my name, beckoning me to come.

I succombed to the beckoning, but I did have a predetermine list in mind. I was only to get picture frames for Jasmine and Jacob's pictures from daycare. Amazingly, I did manage to get the picture frames, along with a sheet set for my bed, two King size pillows, standard pillowcases for the children, and a pillow for Jasmine. I resisted the urge to check out the scrapbooks. I will do that on my next trip.

After our shopping adventure, I returned and finished two out of the three bookcases, changed the sheets, feed the crew, read a Junie B. book, and put them all to bed. Now, I am starting to feel the pain in my back. Evidently, I am not as young as I once were. Who would have thought?
I am excited to be back in the groove of blogging, but now I have to catch up on my list of 77 things in 77 days. I have really been slipping.

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.

Pen Pal

I have been working on teaching my son the importance of helping others, being compassionate (which by the way he can spell and will happily do it for you), and loving people despite their differences. I am looking to find him a pen pal. I had one when I was in secondary school. I read the address in a children's magazine, which I don't believe is published any more. Anyway, I don't remember the name of it. Does your child have a pen pal? How did you find your child's pen pal?

Fire Drill 101

Okay, I am in the living room, listening to my children playing. They are playing with a wind-up clock that I won about two years ago. Since I have lost the instructions, I don't know how to work it. It is a great expensive toy for them to eventually destroy. Apparently, the children have found a better use for the clock other than telling time.

Jeremiah is instructing them on how to act in a fire drill. The funny thing is he actually has it ringing like the fire drill at school. At least I know my son has been paying attention to their instructions. He is teaching it to the other two, who are so eager to learn from big brother. Ha!

The Women

I just finished watching the movie, The Women. This movie was really great. There were so many lessons to learn from it. However, what really grabbed my attention was the question, "What do I want." Mary Haynes used it as her storyboard to create her awesome fashion collection. That question is forever embedded in my brain. I have been so worried about my children, my marriage, my family, and my students. Having myself in the equation somehow wasn't important. There are so many things I want to accomplish, but somehow I fall short of doing them. Partly from fear of failure and partly because I put others first. When someone asks me, "What makes you happy?" I stare at them confused. In my mind, being married with children has always be associated with happiness. Well, now I am clear that that doesn't make you happy. I am on a new journey, just in time for the new year. I am working on me. I am going to find my happiness and hopefully everything else will fall into place. I have always wished for a best friend, but I dare to allow anyone close enough. I am so afraid of people not liking who I am. I worry about the wrong things. I am determined to work on me for me. If you like me, then that's fine. If I don't fit with you, then that's fine too. These are two things that I will be working on. I am working to understand, believe, and practice...True happiness lies within and not with someone else. Apparently, the movie was my confirmation.

The Beginning

Immediately, after I woke up and put my Mary Kay face on, I happily walked out the door. I knew I would finally get the coveted time to myself. Even though it wasn't much of a break from my reality. It felt great to be able to hear my own thoughts, without crying, arguing, and begging in the background. Since the beginning of my break, I haven't had any time to myself. I enjoyed the 57 minutes I had to myself. Although I was running errands and didn't have long, I soaked up every minute of solidarity. As I walked through my door, I almost took for granted that peace I had experienced. Unfortunately, it was short lived. Jacob has a fever and had to have a breathing treatment. To add salt on a womb, Jasmine is starting to have a fever and is begging to be held like Jacob. What a great way to start the beginning of my last week off.

Eating Right

I have noticed that my children are always wanting to snack and complaining about being hungry. After doing a little research, I have found that feeding them foods from the list below helps to curb their hunger.

Here are a list of foods that can help you battle the hunger, while eating right.
1. broccoli
2. carrots
3. avocado
4. apples
5. berries
6. beans
7. steel - cut oatmeal
8. hummus
9. nuts
10. unsweetened peanut butter
11. plain yogurt
12. milk
13. cheese

How many of these do you eat on a daily basis?

77 Days Weekly Accomplishment

I will put my accomplishments in larger bold text, so I can share with you my success.
1. Finish writing my thesis.
2. Defend my thesis.
3. Clean up office.
4. Organize office.
5. Purchase a new laptop.
6. Plan a trip to Washington DC this summer.
7. Have two Mary Kay team members.
8. Get two new clients for my image consulting business.
9. Take the children to Jackson’s African American museum.
10. Complete first chapter of my book.
11. Redecorate bedroom.
12. Pay off two credit cards.
13. Have a weekend retreat for myself.
14. Determine what my next step will be in May, regarding teaching.
15. Meet once a month with friends for dinner or an outing (a min. of two times).
16. Manage emotions in a positive manner.
17. Have three fashion articles published.
18. Grow my hair out to shoulder length (NO MORE CUTTING)!
19. Potty train Jacob.
20. Teach Jasmine to read.
21. Work on phonics sound with Jeremiah.
22. Enroll Jeremiah in karate classes.
23. Sign Jasmine up for dance lessons.
24. Pay off five medical bills.
25. Save $400 dollars towards braces!
26. Sell $1000 in Mary Kay products.
27. Purchase Adobe Photoshop software.
28. Participate in two ministries at New Hope Church.
29. Purchase living room furniture.
30. Paint the main bathroom.
31. Paint the master bedroom.
32. Build two large bookcases.
33. Use my datebook as a proactive way to manage time.
34. Meditate daily before beginning my day.
35. Clean out refrigerator.
36. Clean out kitchen cabinets.
37. Clean out children’s toys for donation.
38. Build a clothing hamper for laundry room.
39. Hire a personal assistant.
40. Do Jasmine’s hair on a regular basis.
41. Keep in contact with a minimum of five friends a week. Call just to say hello.
42. Send a postcard once a month to customers.
43. Complete tax information.
44. Lose 10 pounds.
45. Walk 30 minutes every day.
46. Take vitamin supplements on a daily basis.
47. Teach Jasmine to tie her shoes.
48. Work on teaching children Spanish.
49. Refresh memory of French.
50. Take the children to Natchez.
51. Stay in a bed and breakfast.
52. Have a birthday party for myself.
53. Plan Jasmine’s birthday party.
54. Plan Jeremiah’s birthday party.
55. Meet once a month with professional women’s network.
56. Plan a fashion show.
57. Blog on family blog once a week.
58. Blog on fashion blog every other day.
59. Blog on MS 4Ws blog twice a week.
60. Plant flowers in front yard.
61. Create a floor plan to transform garage to family room.
62. Purchase a Nintendo DS for myself.
63. Purchase a rice cooker.
64. Create a recipe book.
65. Create a new fashion scrapbook.
66. Read four self- help books.
67. Read two classics.
68. Read one philosophy book.
69. Read three chapters from the bible daily.
70. Put flowers on Zaquan’s grave.
71. Put flowers on my grandmother’s grave.
72. Sew Jasmine three dresses.
73. Make Jasmine ten hair bows.
74. Finish three scrapbooks.
75. Have one dinner party at my house.
76. Join one social club.
77. Stock up deep freezer.

I have concluded...

Since the death of my sister's boyfriend, the suicidal death of my student, an anxiety attack, and the everlasting happenings of life, I have pursued a stronger relationship with God. I have been starting my day with mediation and devotion. My goal is to maintain a positive attitude in 2009. My desire is to continue to grow and mature into the woman I know I am capable of. I hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season. May you all have a prosperous year in 2009!

MS 4Ws Blog

Hey, everyone!

When you get a chance, check out the MS 4Ws Blog. I am attending a writing institute once a month! It has been the greatest experience ever! Read our blog and follow along with us! We have a lot of helpful and inspiriing information available!

77 Things in 77 Days!

I will put my accomplishments in larger bold text, so I can share with you my success. 1. Finish writing my thesis.
2. Defend my thesis.
3. Clean up office.
4. Organize office.
5. Purchase a new laptop.
6. Plan a trip to Washington DC this summer.
7. Have two Mary Kay team members.
8. Get two new clients for my image consulting business.
9. Take the children to Jackson’s African American museum.
10. Complete first chapter of my book.
11. Redecorate bedroom.
12. Pay off two credit cards.
13. Have a weekend retreat for myself.
14. Determine what my next step will be in May, regarding teaching.
15. Meet once a month with friends for dinner or an outing (a min. of two times).
16. Manage emotions in a positive manner.
17. Have three fashion articles published.
18. Grow my hair out to shoulder length (NO MORE CUTTING)!
19. Potty train Jacob.
20. Teach Jasmine to read.
21. Work on phonics sound with Jeremiah.
22. Enroll Jeremiah in karate classes.
23. Sign Jasmine up for dance lessons.
24. Pay off five medical bills.
25. Save $400 dollars towards braces!
26. Sell $1000 in Mary Kay products.
27. Purchase Adobe Photoshop software.
28. Participate in two ministries at New Hope Church.
29. Purchase living room furniture.
30. Paint the main bathroom.
31. Paint the master bedroom.
32. Build two large bookcases.
33. Use my datebook as a proactive way to manage time.
34. Meditate daily before beginning my day.
35. Clean out refrigerator.
36. Clean out kitchen cabinets.
37. Clean out children’s toys for donation.
38. Build a clothing hamper for laundry room.
39. Hire a personal assistant.
40. Do Jasmine’s hair on a regular basis.
41. Keep in contact with a minimum of five friends a week. Call just to say hello.
42. Send a postcard once a month to customers.
43. Complete tax information.
44. Lose 10 pounds.
45. Walk 30 minutes every day.
46. Take vitamin supplements on a daily basis.
47. Teach Jasmine to tie her shoes.
48. Work on teaching children Spanish.
49. Refresh memory of French.
50. Take the children to Natchez.
51. Stay in a bed and breakfast.
52. Have a birthday party for myself.
53. Plan Jasmine’s birthday party.
54. Plan Jeremiah’s birthday party.
55. Meet once a month with professional women’s network.
56. Plan a fashion show.
57. Blog on family blog once a week.
58. Blog on fashion blog every other day.
59. Blog on MS 4Ws blog twice a week.
60. Plant flowers in front yard.
61. Create a floor plan to transform garage to family room.
62. Purchase a Nintendo DS for myself.
63. Purchase a rice cooker.
64. Create a recipe book.
65. Create a new fashion scrapbook.
66. Read four self- help books.
67. Read two classics.
68. Read one philosophy book.
69. Read three chapters from the bible daily.
70. Put flowers on Zaquan’s grave.
71. Put flowers on my grandmother’s grave.
72. Sew Jasmine three dresses.
73. Make Jasmine ten hair bows.
74. Finish three scrapbooks.
75. Have one dinner party at my house.
76. Join one social club.
77. Stock up deep freezer.

The Saga of MeMe

Never actually seeing a child in action with an imaginary friend, I couldn't believe one of my children has an imaginary friend. Today, Jasmine introduced me to "MeMe."

Here is the dialogue I watched and participated in today with Jasmine and "MeMe."

Jasmine: Mama, MeMe in the bathroom. She won't come out.
Mama: Tell MeMe to hurry up.
Jasmine: MeMe hurry up. You finish MeMe?

MeMe comes out the bathroom.

Jasmine: MeMe sit down.

MeMe sits down in a green children's chair.

Jasmine: Be quiet MeMe.

MeMe is quiet.

Jeremiah: Mama, who is Jasmine talking to?

Mama: Leave Jasmine alone.

Jasmine: You okay, MeMe? Mama, can I throw this away? MeMe throw up.

Mama: Yes, Jasmine. What happened to MeMe?

Jasmine: She throwed up MeMe. She in the bafroom. told her to spit it out. Won't spit out nowhere. (raising hands in an exasperated manner)


Now, I need to look at the research for children with imaginary friends.