I guess I have to let you in on a little secret now - I was a Girl Scout for over 12 years of my life. I started when I turned 5 and my mom made me stick with it all the way through college because it looked good on my college resume. Now that I am older and can reflect, I must say it was a great experience to gain independence, build friendships and conflict resolution (my mouth always got me in trouble), domestic skills, and it prepared me for life. I met Charrese when I was 5 as a Brownie. We lost touch as we got older (since she dropped out ), but thanks to facebook we reconnected. Charrese and I used to have the times of our little lives camping (YES I USED TO CAMP, you couldn't pay me to do it now though) and going on trips without our parents. Believe it or not, EVERY TIME we went away I would get home sick, cry, and sneak to call my parents (I suppose you can say I was kind of spoiled, attached, and fearful they would be having fun without me). However, with the help of the older scouts and Charrese always being by my side on those first few trips, I ended up enjoying myself after the first night. And you know what?! They never even teased me about it and for that I am grateful. Here are some of the lessons Charrese has learned her first 30 years of life. 

I turned 30 a few days ago and I must admit I feel great about it. I know most women have a nervous breakdown but I am excited to see where this year is going to take me. I have some of the best blessings a woman can ask for and have a feeling there are many more to come.

However, I have also learned some lessons that have hurt, but have helped shape me into a better person in the end. First, don't try to be everyone's everything all the time. It leaves no time for yourself and you are the only one feeling unfulfilled at the end of the process. Sometimes, you just have to say no. Secondly, cherish the relationships most important to you and learn the difference. I've spent the last few years reconnecting with awesome friends I lost touch with due to life itself and letting go of the ones that meant me no good. Some were life long friendships and it hurt but it made me happier in the end. Lastly to HELL with what everyone thinks is best for you. Everyone has their opinions of "well I would have" and "she could have", but it is none of their business. If it's not causing you or anyone around you any kind of harm tell them to mind their business. "DO YOU!!" As Sheryl Crow once said, "If it makes you happy, it cant be that bad!"

I would like to reintroduce you to my conscience and one of my dearest friends - Jeannette. What can I say about her?! To know her is to love her - and when she is around a good time is guaranteed. No matter what mood I am in, I know by the end of our conversation or hanging out, I will have gotten my tears out along with coming up with a solution or revenge, laughed, received a reality check if needed (side eye at her because I am always right, right?!), or talked to sternly about something I may or may not have said out my mouth (I sometimes get talked to about my thoughts - how the hell does she know what I am thinking?!). She has one of the most genuine hearts and I value her place in my life. Jeannette, thank you for always talking sense into me and dealing with my hollyisms (i.e. the botched Thanksgiving cake 5 years ago). I have no idea how you calm me, but you do a damn good job. Love ya! Happy 30th! And YES, you are 30 Already. 

I must admit Lauren submit her blog to me 11 days before Christmas and I never found time to write her introduction...then I realized her birthday was coming up so I decided to hold off on posting her entry. Lauren is one of my friends I have had around the longest. We met when I was 10 years old when I moved into my current home. I had just came back from the emergency room on moving day (long story) and I was outside being sad because my perfect life was ruined. (what can I say?! I have always been a tad bit dramatic.) Lauren walked up the street and introduced herself to me and just like that we were friends. She would make sure to include me when she did things with Jennifer and Merranda. Lauren always made sure I never felt like the new kid on the block or an outsider and for that I am grateful. It is also through Lauren I was introduced to the early ratchet songs. When we stopped hanging out so frequently, I became out of touch with music outside of my preferences. Today she turns 31, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY Lauren. I wish you the attainment of the deepest desires of your heart. And although you now live many miles away, I am always a phone call, email, skype or face time date away. XOXOXO
 
So I have been getting a a request from Holly to write this guest blog for about 11 months now. I really did have intentions of posting much sooner but I think the older you get, the busier you become. I always say "Sometimes, life just gets in the way", and I think everything possible tried to get in my way this year. I have been hit with many many life lessons, and an abundance of blessings. To make a long story short...the next time I go to church I'll definitely have a testimony to share!  

Ahhhhhhh Rands - what can I say about her?! You know how most people graduate from college and have lots of new friends they created memories with?! Well, that was not me. I strictly went to school and then went to work. I met Rands because we were both PR majors and we had lots of classes together. In fact, we didn't start hanging out until after I graduated. Since the day we met, she has never stopped making me laugh. When I am stressed, she always has a calming spirit which helps to bring me down. And I love her creativity. Whenever I want to get into a crafting zone, she is my girl. She always has wine and music playing - and she is always willing to help to bring more life to my creations. Not to mention she is ALWAYS up for a stealth mission - those used to be fun. Maranda recently turned 31 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY Rands! Here is how she handled her double trouble when she turned 30. 

So you're turning 30. Woopty doo. I never really understood why people had a hard time with the thought of turning 30. Until it was time to turn 30...with a double twist.

Two years ago: "Oh shit Maranda, we're about to be 30! Where's the game plan...? What!?!?! You lost it? Now what the hell are we gonna do? Have a baby...girl, you're nuts! Good luck cause I don't want no parts of that."

I swear I was just playing...well, sorta. I mean, I loooove kids, I really really enjoy them. A lot! But the thought of having my own kids, in this day in age, frightened the hell out of me.

But it was on my mind. And I had been toying with the idea with my boyfriend, family, and friends. And even though I was no longer madly in love with my boyfriend at the time, we had been together for 3 years and he was the best candidate for the job. I know...that was way harsh. Let me just say I've never ever...ever ever never...been interested in getting married so yea, best candidate.

I totally did not mean to get pregnant...well kinda. But I put it out there for the universe to construct. And poof, I'm preggers. I was initially very scared. I was in the middle of finishing my graduate degree, the budget cuts were threatening my scholarship and job, and I definitely had to move out of my rickety one bedroom apartment. And then I found out I was carrying twins. I really had to get things figured out fast.

I had been anticipating my 30th on 11-11-11 since 5th grade when I turned 11. But the babies came shortly before and changed everything...for the best. And even though that Friday night I was stuck on the couch with a sleeping infant to my left and a crying infant to my right simultaneously trying to make a midnight deadline for my thesis, I felt so...lucky. I stayed in my robe that day watching the news report of how people spent their 11-11-11 and I was 100% completely content with my choice in celebrating.

The twins are now 17 months and I feel guilty. I've been showered with so many great blessings since I've had them until I literally feel guilty. I NEVER have to worry. Things just fall into place. Opportunities I could have never imagined, both personally and professionally, have been granted to me since the birth of these living angels. I never knew a love this strong before...this real. I can't imagine my life without my daughters.


So they distracted me from moping over 30. I didn't have time to frump and grump about anything wrong in my life...no time to whine about my career not going in the direction I wanted it to travel, no time to feel sorry for myself for incompatible relationships, no time to worry about the future's unknown, and no time to reflect on regrets of the past. Cause with kids, shit gets real. My post 30 motto: "git er done." Because I have two lives that depend on me to do this mommy thing and to not only do it well, but do it the best! No excuses, just results.

My 31st celebration a few days ago was definitely worth my while.




I don't really get the chance to party hardy these days but when I do, I make the best of it. In fact every experience I have these days, no matter the circumstances...I make the best of. I have my girls to thank for that. They breathed a new life into me. They make everything I do have more...meaning.

Besides the mom thing, 30 is cool because I finally get to work on my roar and earn some cougar stripes. Ha!

THANK YOU to everyone who helped to celebrate my 30th bday with me - THANK YOU for all the well wishes, advice, and reassurance that life just gets better from here.

I had a pretty laid back day - went to breakfast with my dad & Pricey at Trolley Car and Jeannette took me to dinner at Max Brenner's. I had never been there before and it was rather yummy - I particularly enjoyed my sexy drink and dessert. I even managed to take a nap between the two. I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Look what Pricey gave me this am - my first card I ever received as an Auntie

Isn't this drink cute?!?!

I wish my diamond earring would stop hiding from me!!!

Smores with white chocolate, peanut butter & raspberry sauce - NOM NOM NOM

FIRE! Took me back to my Girl Scout Days

My cousin Adia posted this on my facebook wall, I absolutely loved it.

Since today is my 30th birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!), I decided to write my younger self a letter - this has been in the works for months. We always say hindsight is 20/20. These are some things I wish I would have acknowledged a LONG TIME ago - I may have avoided some growing pains (even though they helped to shape me into the woman I am). 

Dear Holly,

Know your worth and your power. Never do anything that doesn't feel right in your gut. There is nothing wrong with saying no. You earn more respect this way. Speaking of respect, do NOT tolerate any form or disrespect. Ever.

Never diminish what you have to offer to accommodate those not shining around you - help them to get to your level or release them if they are holding you back.

Never apologize for your situation or life experiences - people who talk down to you and call you spoiled are more than likely jealous. You don't need to surround yourself with the likes of them. Always be grateful and appreciative of opportunities presented to you - don't take the small things for granted, remain humbled and grounded - as quickly as it was given to you, it can be taken away. Swallow your pride, watch your mouth, control your temper, and don't be so fearful of the unknown. There will be no progression in life without taking chances, jump in head first sometimes and throw your caution to the wind.

Love is a fickle thing - don't lose yourself trying to make a relationship work. It's ok to let go - this does not mean you have failed. Simply learn from your mistakes and take accountability for your actions. You don't have to settle for the sake of being in a relationship - love yourself first and foremost so you can show a man how you deserve and should be loved and treated. When you love, you love fast and hard - make sure he deserves both your effort and affections. Take your time and really get to know him and what he stands for. Make sure it aligns and complements your own ambitions. If you love the wrong man, that too is ok - take time to get over the hurt and analyze what went wrong so you can move forward. But don't close yourself off and become scared to love again. You LOVE love, why deny yourself this simple pleasure of life?

Family and friends are vital in your life. Do not allow anyone to come between you and them. Your family is your backbone - they will always support you. No matter what - no questions asked - they will protect you at all costs. And your friends - they are some of your biggest cheerleaders always rooting for you to succeed. Make time for them and nurture these relationships. Even so know that your voice is what matters the most in your life - don't allow your opinion or drive to become skewed by someone else's vision for you.

Me time is important - bask in it, enjoy it. DON'T feel guilty for doing so.

Everything isn't for everybody - beware of snakes in the grass...especially when you provide them the ammunition needed to ambush you. People you thought were your friends will betray you - don't let them see you sweat and don't allow it to happen a second time.

Try not to be petty. Forgive and forget and then move on. Don't harbor on the situation and allow it to fester. There will always be disagreements in lives. It shows true maturity when you know how to work out issues by addressing both stances and sometimes agreeing to disagree. Everyone has an opinion. Just because you do not agree with someone else's does not mean your thoughts are superior. Do not belittle others and become hurtful with your words.

Ultimately I cannot give you the complete blueprint to life - enjoy the ride and do what's best for you. Know you are never alone, always Pray Until Something Happens and don't forget to give thanks. At the end of the day, keep smiling, hold your head high, and exude confidence. If you don't believe in yourself, no one else will. Strut your stuff lady in your fabulous shoes!!!


Love,
Me

My dinner date

Pink Velvet w/ White Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting

Today's weather was simply gorgeous!!! I think it is going to be the best for the weekend, so I had to take full advantage - all the windows were down, sunroof open, Neyo's Mirror Pandora radio blasting as I ventured out to get my birthday festivities off to a great start.