Halle: comfortable is sexy

Sexiness is a state of mind - a comfortable state of being.  It's about loving yourself in your most unlovable moments.  ~Halle Berry (b. August 14, 1966)

That's right, sexy is back and it's not just about what is on the outside it's about what's on the inside too.  Are you comfortable enough to love yourself even when no one else will?  I know I've struggled with this in the past but I've come to terms with it...this is it.  Love me or leave me.  I kinda like me a lot!  Even if things are not going as I have planned for my life (to date) I'm going to love my faults, failures, weight gains (I had to add that), disappointments, and heartaches and strut it like my mama told me. 

 

Be sexy this weekend!  See you Monday.  

Vichy: Still Dry

It's test time again!  A few weeks ago I was in CVS and since I can't walk past a sale bin I looked to see what was interesting.  Low and behold there was a beauty product for a steal.  Vichy Laboratories: Masque Thermal Rehydratant, sounds highfalutin enough for me...I'll take it!

Vichy promised to sooth my parched skin with thermal spa water and moisturize those ever so fine lines such that my skin was like morning dew.  Okay, maybe it didn't say all of that but I read between the lines (pun intended).  In the end, after two weeks, Vichy did nada, nilch, zip, zero, not a thing!  My skin is still just as dry as the Sahara Desert and after each use I find myself rushing towards the nearest bottle of serum and moisturizer.  It's a good thing my French product was on sale for $1.99 US and not the normal $15-$20 in Euros or I would have had a very tight face.  

Bottom Line:  Skip Vichy Masque Thermal Rehydratant, there was a reason it was in the sale bin... :-(

Tell me, what do you use to provide extra moisture to your skin in the winter months?  

My Luck Has Finally Turned

If you hadn’t heard, Monday was the beginning of the Chinese New Year.  And for me I’m officially starting my New Year over!  With an upcoming year like this why not:

Get ready for an outstanding year. Aside from the Snake, the Rooster has the best prospects in the year of the Ox. This is the kind of year you have been waiting for, as everything seems to go your way.

Last year the Chinese Astrology Gods determined it was the year of doom and gloom for me (I didn’t find out about this until ¾ of the way through...at least this is what a friend said, maybe she was just trying to mess up my Karma).  But have no fear fellow Roosters (those born in 1969…there are other years also but right now it’s all about me) this is our year!  So, watch out now!  I’m getting out of this slump I've been in and moving on up.  

Why don’t you check out your 2009 Chinese Horoscope and let me know what kind of year it is predicted to be for you.

Peace out…I’m going to play the lotto now!

Dating Younger is...Just Man

Girl meets boy on online dating site.

Boy is 6 years younger than girl, with average looks, nice body though.

Boy is stationed in Iraq (as a contractor) so they get to know each other virtually.

Girl determines boy is uninteresting, not that bright and a whole host of other words which translate to she isn’t interested.  

Communication stops.

Boy comes home for a vacation and Obama inauguration.

Boy asks to take girl to dinner for old time sake, she hesitates but gives in.

They agree to meet after Girl has a business meeting at the Boy’s favorite “restaurant.” At this first meeting Girl has on very nice business casual dress (remember coming from meeting). Boy had on…jeans, Timberland hiking boots (I can’t remember the last time I dated someone who wore Timberlands), and a blue sweatshirt you workout in, and a blue nylon bomber jacket. WTH? Was he still at war or on a date?  Oh, the restaurant was a dive, but the food was pretty good…not the place for a first date!  Girl left with a sighhh and NO interest of other dates. 

Two weeks later Boy continues to ask Girl for a final date before he goes back to Iraq, she gives in and agrees to a movie. Girl mentions she was hungry and boy says “we have to do something about that”…sushi at 8:30, movie at 9:50…”great, I’ll meet you there.”

Sushi was great. Conversation was fine. The bill came and boy said, “Oh, I’ll guess we’ll just split the bill.” Girl continued to eat her food, she had to be sure of her response before she told him off, and then she said…

“Excuse me, what did you just say about the bill?” Boy said, “We should split it.” Girl said “no, I won’t be splitting this bill with you this is your date.” Boy thought that since he chose the place girl should pay for the meal? WTH? Girl again said “NOOO! I don’t pay for my own dates. You mean to tell me just because I suggested sushi you expect me to pay?” He said “Yes, I only pay if we go where I want to go and to a place I suggest."  Huhhh…nooooo LOL A few other words were said…mostly by me (I mean Girl) and if you know anything about me (oops again, girl) yet, you know they were an earful, but they amounted to, in the words of Whitney and Bobby “hell to the naw!”

Boy looked at girl.

Girl looked at boy.

Boy paid bill.

Girl told boy she was going home and to kiss her arse.

Boy got humble and still wanted girl to go to the movies so she went, she wanted to see Slumdog Millionaire (great movie by the way).  

Boy continued to try to make nice by buying girl a drink afterwards but too late…he was an idiot.  

Boy walked girl to car…tried to get a kiss…NO WAY!  YUCK!

Grow up little BOY!  

And the dating saga continues…WHOMP WHOMP!

The AARP Envelope

Today I was feeling pretty good about life until I opened up the mail and guess what I saw?  A welcome letter from AARP!  I'm pretty sure they were looking for my mother.  We do have the same last name and all since I'm still single.  She also has in the past used my address but for the life of me I wasn't sure why they had my name on HER AARP envelope.  Mom, if you are reading this, I'm forwarding your mail to you tomorrow.  This one I don't want to keep in my house.  Kisses!

New Hair Wonders???

Question:

Why when we get older does hair start to grow from places where there never where any before?

Yes, I'm asking from personal experience and I must say...$%&@, it is bothering!  Waxing, plucking and shaving places that I didn't think women had to do so.  

What a Weekend!!!!!

Every blog has written something about our wonderful President and First Family so I won't bore you with my rendition of what his presidency means to me.  Needless to say, I shed some tears (again) this weekend though.

I know many of you came to DC to enjoy the festivities (I housed a couple) and braved the cold for hours on Sunday and Tuesday...hhhmmm...not I.  I just couldn't do it, I had memories of my childhood crying in the cold.  However, I did go to a Finance Committee (the big money people) reception and a couple of Happy Hours.  Other than that, I'll be in the same city with Mr. President for 4-8 years so, hopefully, I'll have the chance to see him at another event (and I pray it doesn't require me to sit outside for hours in blistering cold).  

It's How Demi Keeps Ashton...She Owns Hers

"I realized that women who lack self-esteem are lost.
 I was determined never to relinquish my power again. 
My sexuality and my sensuality are part of that
 power..."

~ Demi Moore (born November 11, 1962)

Think about it. Are you lost? Do you lack self-esteem? Do you give away your power? Are you afraid or ashamed to own your sexuality or sensuality?

DON'T BE!  OWN IT! (How do you think Demi got and keeps Ashton?  I'm just saying...)

Say it loud and be proud!  It's funny how finding little parts of yourself can amount to big changes.  So, go ahead girl, Demi and I give you permission to find yourself.  Get a little sexy.  Buy yourself a little something special and you can even buy it online. :-)  Just, whatever you do, don't relinquish your power, don't relinquish you...   

A Man...By Any Means Necessary

Most of you reading this blog are of a Rageous age or at least mindset. How many of you are single? How many of you have tried online dating, church single’s groups, hook-ups, blind dates, grocery store meeting, single’s nights at the local sporting event, 5 minute dating, volunteering, a new sport or hobby? OY VEY! All of this to result in nada! Okay, maybe a few dates but you still haven’t found the one. What’s left? Most of us just start the same tired cycle again. Some say the heck with it and quit. While others, like Neenah come up with a new way.

Find 52Weeks2findhim.com. At 42 Neenah decided she wanted more from her life. She wanted companionship, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. Who knows if it will work, but I for one am not mad at her. My friend and I contemplated a few weeks ago doing something similar. I’m thinking, maybe we could write a treatment for a Bachelorette show for women over 40…hey we need love too. No, really I’m serious! I have a friend who works in LaLa Land as a film executive and reads my blog…HEY…DID YOU GET THAT? WHAT ABOUT US? I’ll even sacrifice myself for the goodness of the Rageous group to be your test dummy…just make sure my men are…sane, cute, and financially stable! I know that’s a lot to ask, but can you work on that? Neenah started a blog but I have friends in high places so…what do you think?

Ladies? What do you think about 52weeks2findhim.com? Spill. BTW…I’m working on my show idea also, let me know if you want to be on after me! ☺

Also, thanks Product Junkie Diva for letting me know about Neenah.  You rock!  

It's Gone!!!

Dr. Pepper and magic medication...fantabulous.  

Regular post tomorrow.

Miss me yet?

Kill Me NOW!!!!!!

I've been getting migraines since I was 12.  I take medicine daily and go to the neurologist a few times a year to make sure my head is not about to explode.  For the past year my new regimen has been pretty good, but yesterday it stopped working.  I may have had something to do with it, I've been trying to ween myself off of the medicine.  BAD IDEA!  I'm on day 2 of the worse migraine I have had in at least 2 years.  If I still have this tomorrow, I must go to the doctor for the Granddaddy shot.  Right now, I sit in darkness, drinking Dr. Pepper, rubbing my head, with bags of frozen veggies on my neck, thinking of ways to cut my head off.  OMG...this is torture.  

Own Your Age Just Not The Shirt

Have you been discriminated against because of your age?  I haven't.  Yet.  Unless you count the guys who won't date me because they prefer 25 year olds.   I guess that's no different than me not dating men who are 50.  Ok, that's a whole different conversation. 

As I'm sure you know (or heard) age discrimination is another big -isim.  So much so, MORE magazine has started a campaign against ageism called Own Your Age.  To support the campaign you of course have to give money, BUT with a $25 donation you get this lovely t-shirt.  

Yes, that is the plainest t-shirt of them all.  You won't catch me in one.  It kind of looks like an unfinished sample waiting for something else to happen to it.  Can I get some bling?  Different colors?  How about a deep v-neck?  Ohhhh, wait a minute.  You have to order the t-shirt through Talbots.  No wonder!  Who shops at Talbots?  My grandmother wouldn't even shop there.   I mean seriously, none of my rageous readers shop there right?  If you do, oooppps!  I'm proud of my age and all, but I can do without the shirt.  I think, if I give, I'll just support the cause without wearing the t-shirt.  Sorry MORE...you know I love you, just not the t-shirt.  

Have a great weekend!  

40 Golden Tips for a Better Life in 2009

I received these tips via email a couple of times in the past few days.  Each time I read them I reflect on my life and think what can I do, just a little more, just a little better.  While most of us know the basic principles to a better life, we tend to get caught up into the daily grind and sadly we follow few, if any, of the principles.  It is my hope that after you read this list that some of the principles, which you are not currently practicing, will finally become a part of your life and possibly assist in making 2009 your best year yet!  

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.

4. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement,

'My purpose is to __________ today.'

5. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.

6. Play more games and read more books than you did in 2008.

7. Make time to practice meditation and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.

8. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.  Appreciate their genuine nature, strength, and innocence. 

9. Dream more while you are awake.

10. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

11. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan Salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

12. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

13. Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.

14. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

15. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

16. Eat breakfast like a queen, lunch like a princess and dinner like a college kid.

17. Smile and laugh more. It will keep the energy vampires away.

18. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

20. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

21. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

22. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

23. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

24. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

25. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

26. Forgive everyone for everything.

27. What other people think of you is none of your business.

28. Nature heals everything.

29. However good or bad a situation is it will change.

30. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

31. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

32. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

33. The best is yet to come.

34. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

35. Do the right thing!

36. Call your family often. (Or email them to death!!!)

37. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished _________.

38. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

39. Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

40. Pay it forward.  You didn't get here by yourself...just remember that.  We all need a helping hand from time to time.  

May your troubles be less, May your blessings be more, May nothing but HAPPINESS come through your door!

Go Green, Go SuperFoods

Ah…a new year!  Gotta love that.  I don’t know what it is with the psyche that makes us believe it is better to start a new program in January versus June, but I buy into that also.  Maybe it’s the fact that all of those other programs we started in June or September and didn’t work we can brush them under the rug and say okay I can always start anew in January.   I try not to get all caught up into resolutions anymore in lieu of trying to live my best life everyday.  But I must admit, I’m still struggling with my best life though. 

I haven’t made it to the gym at 6am yet, too cold and rainy.   I haven’t started eating my raw foods, I have to go to the grocery store first.  So, how about this...more nourishment.

Dr. Shultz SuperFood Plus: $36.00 14 ounces, 1 month supply

Even if you take a multi-vitamin you still can benefit from a scoop of SuperFood daily.   I can’t express how much I love this stuff.  Just mix it up with some juice or in a smoothie and it's great.  Ok, in all fairness I'm used to the way (as my family says) "funny foods taste" so it may take a minute to get used to, it is green, but most importantly it is full of good for yous.  About 4 years ago I was extremely ill and should have died.  The doctors said my body and immune system were so strong that I was able to fight illness better than a person of normal health would have. Why was I so healthy? I was taking vitamins, eating right, exercising and drinking SuperFood 2x a day.

Read up on it, I wouldn't steer you wrong.  SuperFood Plus helps with energy, provides protection against free radical damage, and when I was consistent I was never sick.  Never had a cold and was full of energy.  After being sick already this season and thinking about the free radical support (remember, we love that) and looking at my dark circles (not a pretty sight), I decided I’m back in!  So...

Drink up!  Be healthy!  Be Happy!

My recommendation for your health is… Dr. Shultz SuperFood Plus

Do you have any health recommendations?

I Crushed His Head!!!

First, he said he liked independent women, so I played it cool...

Then, he said he liked romantic women, so I played it hot...

Then, he said he liked passive women, so I played it weak...

Then, he said he liked strong women, so I crushed his head!!!!! 

Yes, I'm 39 and single.  I would like to find a husband but just not any 'ole man just for the sake of it.  I'm tired of men telling me that if I do A then B (the husband) won't happen.  I've played those games for years now and I'm still single.  So, guess what?  I'm no longer that woman.  

A few days ago I was introduced to a 44 year old man I'll call Ray.  Professional, attractive and a tad obnoxious was Ray.  During our telephone conversation he mentioned I needed to find a husband.  Ok, I said.  "I need a wife, you need a husband...great match."  Hmmmm, I thought.  As the conversation continued somehow we got on the subject of single parent families and adoption.  Oh, boy, Ray really began to show his true colors.  Ray said the following verbatim (I wrote it down): "...the only thing a single parent adoption shows is you can't keep a companion or a man.  It shows your instability to keep a man...single people should not be allowed to adopt as it leads to a dysfunctional situation in the house..." SERIOUSLY!  WTF!  

Needless to say I was beside myself since I am in the process of adopting.  I let Ray continue.  Open mouth, insert foot.  Finally, I said "by the way...I am adopting."  He was a little confused until I cleared it up for him.  "Yes.  Adopting.  Now.  I'm waiting for my daughter to come home now, although I do have a little wait."  Ohhhh weeee.   I wish I were a fly on a wall last night.  He tried to back peddle, but I wouldn't let him.  I then went off on him sister-gurl style.  No, it wasn't a pretty sight or sound at all.  

Ray then suggested to me that I get married first because having a child will limit my dating and husband options.  Oh, really?  "Let's see", I said.  "I'm 39 and never married.  I tried to wait and find the man for me and it didn't work out, so I think I'll be just fine!  Any man that I marry will love me and my daughter.  He'll be fine with us both!"  Oh, I was a pissed off woman!  But that is not even the end of it.  He had the nerve to ask me, after all of that, "what do I think about the two of us?"  WHATTTTTTT?????  He wanted to know if we had a chance.  If I wanted to get to know him.   "Hey, maybe I could be your husband", he said HUH NOOO!   

Ladies, I don't know about you, but I can only be who I am.  I've done much and lost more all for the sake of getting and keeping a man.  Those days are over!  Yes, I do want the relationship, but I'm no longer sacrificing me for anyone anymore!  So, if you've been sacrificing yourself for anyone...take yourself back in 2009!  

Open Your Own Door

Every now and then a quote comes along, not by a rageous woman, that has to be shared.  This quote is from Nancy, a rageous reader's father.  I loved it so I wanted to share.  

"You can pray that a door opens or you can get off your a$$ and open it yourself." (prayerfully of course)

Thanks Nancy! Tell your father I'm getting off of my azz and opening my own doors in 2009!  Actually, I think I'm going to start kicking them down if they don't open up fast enough!  LOL  

BTW...apologies for not posting yesterday, but I was enjoying the warmth of Miami (imagine it being said with a Latin accent though...ME-AH-ME).  I'll be back in cold DC tomorrow.  Boo!  Gym 6am Monday!  

So ladies, get off your a$$ in 2009.  Open some doors.  Kick some butt!  Let's do this!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2009!  It's a new year and time for new beginnings.  No more I can't, don't have time, or a lack of faith.  Just do it and watch what happens!  

So...guess what I did?  My friend called me and said let's drive to Miami so we don't have to spend NYE in the cold!  I was hesitant, that's a 16-18 drive, yet I did it anyway.  Yes, it was a long drive but 3 of us split it (ok, I only drove 5 hours but that's not the point).  We had a few very interesting conversations and even visited Wal-Mart outside of Savannah, Georgia around 1 am...we were hungry and needed a break.  Other than that and the few traffic jams on hellish I-95, it was all good.  I figured now was the time to start making changes and getting out of my boring comfort zone.  I'm glad I did it.  I'm in warmth and watched fireworks on the beach instead of freezing my tush off in DC.  I've spent NYE on a beach (in Guatemala) once before and I loved it.  I think I will try to make warmth a part of my yearly NYE plans.  Finally, I'll post a few pictures when I get back home on Monday, where my I left my camera cord. 

Goal #2:  Spend NYE someplace warm.  DONE

How was your NYE?  Did you do anything exciting?