Kimsterism of the Day (3/31)

'Open yourself up to someone who wants to move in the same direction as you in life, or your heart will get lost along the way.'

K.G.

Gas Station Phobia

Gas stations and I have a love / hate relationship. I love using my Kroger points to instantly knock off ten cents of the much too expensive gas price, but I hate the amount of times I’ve been approached or hit on by random men. There are too many horror stories of young women being harassed or abducted for me to be Friendly McFrienderson while at the pump. Therefore, aside from a few emergency occasions, I always get my gas during the day.

On Tuesday, I was on the last few gallons of filling my car when I (the hawk eye that I am, always aware of my surroundings) noticed a man pull off to the side away from the pumps, get out of his van, and start looking around. I made brief eye contact a few times to see that he was often looking in my vicinity. When I noticed that he was walking in my direction, I immediately hopped into my car. I figure, I can talk and hear you just fine through a crack in my window, but, really, what is there to talk about Mr. Stranger Danger? Anyway, he relayed to me that he was trying to find $4.00 so that he could get a gallon of gas and get home to his wife. The man, who was Caucasian, told me where he worked, that he wasn’t a weirdo, and that his wife was African American – twice.

........

Okayyyy

I had some money on me and I gave it to him through the crack in my window though I did not appreciate him choosing to approach me, a young woman on her own. In addition, I wondered if there was something about me that made him think that I would only be willing to help him if I knew that factoid about his wife, or if he thought that he presented less of a threat to me having chosen to marry a woman who, for all intents and purposes, “looked” like me. No matter the answers, I think that act of kindness at the gas station will most likely be my first…and last. Safety first my friends.

Kimsterism of the Day (3/30)

'Never just settle to be someone else's option. Be your own priority.'

'The heart is the only part of the body that can break, heal, and make you undeniably stronger. '

K.G.

Kimsterism of the Day (3/29)

Your heart is like a gift. Not everyone deserves to open it.

K.G.

Song of the Season: A Woman's Worth

Song of the Season: Alicia Keys' A Woman's Worth

Alicia Keys' A Woman's Worth speaks volumes to me, and I'm sure countless others. Aside from the song being beautiful and a true depiction of the range and richness of Keys' voice, the meaning of the song is so deep and empowering in the aspects of both love and self worth. True love is based on an appreciation of both partners for one another. I've come into a point in my life where I truly know my worth and won't settle for anyone who doesn't realize its depth, or who takes me for granted.

A Woman's Worth

You could buy me diamonds
You could buy me pearls
Take me on a cruise around the world
Baby, you know I'm worth it

Dinner lit by candles
Run my bubble bath
Make love tenderly to last and last
Baby, you know I'm worth it

Wanna please
Wanna keep
Wanna treat your woman right

Not just told
But it's showed
That you know she is worth your time

You will lose
If you choose
To refuse
To put her first

She will
and she can
Find a man who knows her worth
mmmmmmmmmm hmm
Cuz a real man knows a real woman when he sees her
And a real woman knows a real man ain't 'fraid to please her(yer yer)
And a real woman knows a real man always comes first(comes first)
And a real man just can't deny
A woman's worth
hmm mmm hmmm mmm hmmm mmm hmmm hmm mmm hmm
hmmm hmmm mhmmmmmmmm

If you treat me fairly
I'll give you all my goods
Treat you like a real woman should
Baby, I know you're worth it

If you never play me
Promise not to bluff
I'll hold you down when shit gets rough
Cuz baby, I know you're worth it

She walks the mile
Makes you smile
All the while
Bein' true

Don't take for granted
The passions that she has for you

You will lose
If you choose
To refuse
To put her first

She will
and she can
Find a man who knows her worth

Oooooh

Cuz a real man knows a real woman when he sees her
And a real woman knows a real man ain't 'fraid to please her
And a real woman knows a real man always comes first(first baby)
And a real man just can't deny
A woman's worth

No need to read between the lines spelled out for you(spelled out for you)
Just hear this song cuz you can't go wrong when you value(you value)
A woman's (woman's, woman's, woman's) worth

Cuz a real man knows a real woman when he sees her
And a real woman knows a real man ain't fraid to please her
And a real woman knows a real man always comes first
And a real man just can't deny
A woman's worth

Kimsterism of the Day (3/28)

'You should never be with someone who you have to give a manual on how to treat you right.'

K.G.

Texting is for the Birds

“The way to a woman’s heart is not through a text message.” 

That is my facebook status today and I have gotten a lot of feedback, so I thought I’d expound. In an age with texting, social media, and interactive games with instant messaging features, it’s no wonder landline phones are the dinosaurs of communication. It used to be that, in the realm of dating and courtship, a first date was often preceded by an initial, preliminary phone call to establish interest and typically set up plans for a first date. A successful first date was followed up by another call, more dates and so forth. These days, text messaging has become front and center making dating, in my opinion, less classy. Do I look like a court stenographer? If I wanted to spend my days and nights typing, I’d get another job for it and date a nice lawyer.

~P.S. If anyone knows any nice, single lawyers out there, send him my way...

I digress. Honestly, how many times have you met someone and the next contact is a bland text message? It’s even more aggravating when s/he initiates with a vague and short message of “Hey” and you have to go through a couple extra texts just to find out who is the mystery texter. I make it a point to tell a potential suitor that continual texting is not how I roll. I didn’t take public speaking courses and get a degree in English to not “use my words.” Texting can be impersonal, unemotional, and misleading. Texting between friends is one thing, but when you’re trying to establish a deeper connection with someone, texting is not the way to go. Though I’ve made my dislike of texting clear in the beginning, most recently, guys I’ve dated started off strong with the calling and “wanting to hear my voice” to dropping into an inability to press “call” rather than “send message.” (Destiny Child’s song “Say My Name” comes to mind at this point even more so.) When texts start to be more frequent than time spent with your partner and addressing it doesn’t seem to phase him or change anything, it’s time to get out. Now, I am a huge fan of sweet, random, affectionate text messages, especially during work hours. However, I and many others are not fans of texting becoming someone’s sole means of communicating with a partner.

The point where you know our society has an unhealthy obsession with texting is when people have no qualms about breaking up with someone via a text message. That is the lowest form of disrespect, cowardice, and heartlessness. (Especially when it’s a break up because of that person’s cheating and / or lies.)

Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal

Sometimes I forget that Oprah "retired" or whatever when I flip by her network and see other shows she's hosting. However, one show on the network that has me constantly tuning in is Unfaithful: Stories of Betrayal. I typically have little to no respect to those who commit adultery and cheat, fully aware that they are hurting someone else and tearing a relationship(s) apart. Although I haven't been married yet, I have been in relationship situations with cheating and betrayal and it never ceases to disturb me the lengths people go to cheat.

In one episode, David, a minister, and Laura had been married for 10 years with two kids. David goes on a mission to India and begins a relationship with Samantha, a married woman with her own family. David stopped calling home during the trip. He genuinely had no interest in talking to them. Before returning to America David wanted to progress in the relationship with Samantha but she wanted to return to her family and end contact. Upon arriving back home, David told Laura he was done with the ministry and their marriage; she was crushed. Soon Samantha called David and wanted to renew their contact. They consummated their affair, moved into an apartment together, proposed to each other with David giving her a $6,000 ring, and David proceeding forward with a divorce from Laura. Laura lost a dramatic amount of weight and needed medicine to sleep, but she got up and pushed through everyday for her children's well-being; David had removed himself from their lives. After a week or so, Samantha abruptly broke off the affair with a letter, a return of the ring and return to her husband and children. David began to lament and become angry that he gave up his marriage, family and ministry for an affair with a woman who turned around and betrayed him the way he betrayed his family. He spiraled into depression and contemplated suicide with sleeping pills. Despite the way he treated her, and not having feelings for David any longer, Laura respected David as the father of her children and felt bad for what he was going through. David apologized to Laura and pursued her again. After 2 months of therapy Laura invited him back home. She forgave him, loved him and believed in second chances.

After seeing numerous episodes of this show, this case upset me the most. It demonstrated that people are just people and it doesn't matter what kind of title they may have in front of their name when it comes to the choices they make. All of David's actions were his own and they were selfish, mean and weak. However, I truly respected Laura and her desire to be there for her children and not let her pain and the betrayal harden her heart. Her decisions were also based on what was in the best interest for her family.

A Country Divided: The Tragedy of Trayvon Martin

First off, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Martin family and friends during this time of tragedy.

In a case many have compared to the horrific lynching of Emmett Till in 1955, Trayvon Martin’s killing at the hands of presently uncharged Zimmerman in Florida is spreading throughout the country and social media sites. While I realize that the public does not receive all of the facts from the news in any case without being a key and present witness, 4 essential facts were released to the public:

1. Martin's body was found unarmed with only tea and Skittles on his person.
2. Martin was referred to as only looking "suspicious" by Zimmerman via released audio of Zimmerman's 911 call.
3. Zimmerman is also heard saying "These a**holes; they always get away" during his 911 call according to the Chicago Tribune. 
4. The 911 dispatcher audibly instructs Zimmerman to not continue following Martin when he responds to Zimmerman's admission of pursuit with, "Okay, we don't need you to do that."

Any story where a teenager is shot by another civilian, no matter what race or color merely yards away from his home and no investigation or proper protocol is sought despite of mounting evidence, is a tragedy. Currently Zimmerman walks free with no charges filed amid his immediate verbal claim at the crime scene of self defense. According to an article by USA Today, the Martin lawyer "Crump has questioned Sanford police actions after the shooting, noting that police did not run a blood-alcohol test or a background check on Zimmerman, but they ran both on Martin after he died. He said police took Zimmerman's word without conducting a thorough investigation."

I use the word “divided” in this post title to highlight not only a divide now between races and ethnicities in this country, but a divide between media outlet coverage, and law enforcement and civilians. Despite the country divide and growing anger and evidence over the killing of Trayvon Martin, many major news outlets have not mentioned or covered the story. Prominent media figures like Nancy Grace who covered stories like Casey Anthony for a time period of almost a year have not talked at length about this case. When I read the hatred, anger, and racial tension throughout the comment sections in news article threads and forums, it brings to mind a time, only a few decades ago, when the country was physically divided because of race with the and the utilization of segregation.

 

The "Stand Your Ground" law has become a point of defense and contention in this case and with Zimmerman's claim of self defense. The Florida Statute for the law is below.

Florida Statute XLVI Chapter 776: Justifiable Use of Force

776.012 Use of force in defense of person.—A person is justified in using force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other’s imminent use of unlawful force. However, a person is justified in the use of deadly force and does not have a duty to retreat if:

(1) He or she reasonably believes that such force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to himself or herself or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a forcible felony; or

(2) Under those circumstances permitted pursuant to s. 776.013.

There was, however, no investigation from police into whether Zimmerman was telling the truth. Even police officers are suspended pending investigations of discharging their weapons when it results in the death of someone, so I think a lot of family and national anger stems from the question of why a civilian shooting and killing another civilian would not be held accountable until all evidence, witness reports and crime scene facts are collected.

Looking for Love

"I am someone who is looking for LOVE. Real love. Ridiculous, inconvenient, consuming, can't live without each other love" :)

~Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City

Kimbo's Day Out

Lovely weather, a French bistro, yummy cuisine, and a great book make for a perfect day off. :) Plus, I got two big items on my "To Do List" knocked out. Nice!

Dancing With The Stars Season 14

Season 14 of Dancing with the Stars premiered last night and I must say, it looks like it's going to be my favorite season. Not only am I familiar with almost all of the celebrities this season, but they all did a dynamite job last night.

(Oh yeah, and the Chmerkovskiy brothers are super sexy!)

My favorites are Gavin Degraw and Karina Smirnoff, Gladys Knight and Tristan MacManus, Sherri Shepherd and Val Chmerkovskiy, and Jaleel White and Kym Johnson. I have always had a huge crush on Jaleel White since his days on Family matters and he is looking smoking these days. And he's got some smooth moves to boot. Gladys Knight has always been a legendary diva behind the microphone, but now we see she's one sassy dancer that could give the Pips a run for their money. Sherri Shepherd is so cute and her bubbly personality is contagious along with her since of humor. I love all things Gavin DeGraw. He's cute as a button and I want him to be my BF! Haha. But seriously, this season is going to be great!

Happy Spring!

Happy First Day of Spring!!! 

Though I'm not a fan of the pollen and mosquitoes this time of year, I am super happy about the colors, brightness, fun, and the crisp, cool smell in the air -- the smell of sunshine! The rainbow in the sky this morning after the thunderstorm was a colorful treat from God. :)


(Did I mention my birthday is at the end of next month?! Yay, spring! ;-) 
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Carrabba's Italian Grill Review

After two great visits, Carrabba's has become one of my favorite Italian dining spots. I still have a few Italian restaurant dining adventures to embark on, though. Both visits I had a waitress who was friendly, knowledgeable of the menu, and came back and checked on our table needs often. During my first visit I chose the Chicken Bryan which was yummy along with a glass of Sangria, one of my favorite drinks. I ordered Chicken Parmesan my second trip but was disappointed because my potatoes were a bit cool. The night was saved, however, upon tasting the Sogno Di Cioccolata, "Chocolate Dream". The rich fudge brownie brushed with Kahlua had yummy chocolate mousse and was topped with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. Delicious! During my net visit I will probably try the Lobster Mac & Cheese.

'Missing' is Definitely Hitting the Mark

The premiere of Missing on ABC last Thursday was action packed from start to finish. Despite the fact that I've been a huge Ashley Judd fan for years, as former CIA agent Rebecca Winstone, Judd blends intelligence, toughness, fighting skills, and emotionality into a nice package that isn't over the top. The series opens with a mysterious car bomb killing her husband while he and her son, Michael, were in Europe. Ten years later we find a loving and protective bond between Rebecca and Michael truly tested when Michael is accepted into an architectural program in Rome. After not hearing from Michael for days Rebecca learns that he has not been to class in a week and she sets out in search of her missing son. The episode and season will delve into Rebecca's search for her son with plenty of twists and turns to keep viewers on the edge of their seats every Thursday. Sean Bean, who plays murdered husband Paul Winstone is cast as a series regular so it will be very interesting to see how his storyline plays out.

Ashley Judd proves that she is one mama bear you do not want to mess with. I say this because during the first fight scene (of which there were four in the pilot episode), Judd appears to be on the losing side of the match-up until she glances down at a smashed photo of her and her kidnapped son and kicks it into maximum overdrive, taking out her enemy with a cord. Did I mention the action? Judd dishes out lots of it. I don't know what her workout regiment is, but I want in. She looks fabulous! I love everything from her outfits to her haircut. Very fitting for the amount of butt kicking she's dishing out and running she's doing.


Photo courtesy of abc.go.com/shows/missing

Looking Good!

So as you may have noticed, I updated the look of this here blog! Earlier, Blogger was acting quite wonky, awkwardly arranging my blog background and display. I hated the thought that readers were seeing the posts and colors running together. Clearly, it was time for a change! I hope you all enjoy the new look!

Felicity: The Love Bug

I've only ever seen one episode of Felicity. Remember the episode where Felicity has started dating David and things are tense at first because of their individual past relationships, and then Felicity catches mono but she wishes she could kiss David to demonstrate her feelings for him and he says, "So, give me mono" and it made you wish more guys were like that?!?

Yeahhhh....that.
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Sookie Stackhouse Series Poll

What are your favorite "Sookie Stackhouse" series novels?

Thank you for voting! :)
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Mimi's Cafe Review

I've only been to Mimi's Cafe twice, with the most recent visit most likely being my last (at least for a while). Before my first visit I read a few reviews stating that while the food was pleasing, the service was subpar; reviewers said that they were ignored and/or treated rudely. I chose to go and was very pleased with my first visit. My chicken cordon bleu was delicious and my waitress was fast, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu and various serving times and dishes for breakfast meals. I was satisfied with my first visit, so you can understand why with a 2 for 1 entree coupon, I assumed my second visit would be stellar. 

Not exactly. 

When I arrived, me and the person I was with were seated at the bar while waiting for a table. We got our drinks and after 5 minutes or so we were seated at a table. After about 10 minutes of waiting I started getting agitated. I had my coupon on the table to remember to present it to the server. Maybe coupon carriers get the short end of the stick because the tip is going to be significantly less?? Anyway, I resigned in myself that if the couple that got seated 10 minutes or so into our wait was served quickly I was going to let everyone know I was not happy. Well, that most certainly happened and within 2 minutes they were greeted. I stopped the first passing waiter I saw and asked to speak to a manager. He looked like a deer caught in headlights and made a bee-line right out of my line of laser beam sight. Lo and behold the bartender came over looking surprised at my frustration but apologized because she was apparently on extra duty. We placed our order and in hindsight I probably should have left, (I've seen Waiting) but I stayed. Come on, I had a sweet coupon! I probably won't be going back to Mimi's for a while. 

Karma, BEE-OTCH

• Dining alone : $25.00
• Numerous boxes of tissues : $10.00
• Movie rental of The Notebook : $7.00
• Cover charge for a night of Foreigner and Bonnie Tyler themed Karaoke : $5.00
• Finding out weeks/months/years later that your ex's life stinks like old, dirty gym socks : Priceless

"There are some things money can't buy. For everything else, there's Karma"

Dos Taquitos Centro Review

I was very excited about my first visit to Dos Taquitos Centro with my friend Amy, owner of Amy's Creative Corner. The place was quaint and upon entering the restaurant I was instantly entranced by the warm colors within the low light setting of festive lights and ceiling decoration. The artwork along the walls was pleasing to the eye as we enjoyed our meal and conversation. Our waiter was friendly, knowledgeable, and provided us with super fast service. He went over any item on the menu that I was unfamiliar with, which was very helpful since it was my first trip to an authentic Mexican restaurant. Dos Taquitos Centro uses weekly, fresh fish and fresh ingredients.

Our appetizer consisted of some of the best queso dip I've ever had, and I've had my fair share of queso. Love it. The Queso Dip con Epazote was an absolutely yummy way to kick-start our meal. The Mojito Tulita was my first grapefruit mojito and it was delightful and zesty. With the right amount of Bacardi and one half of the grapefruit to enjoy with a spoon, this was one drink I am glad I did not pass up!  

Enchiladas de Puebla consisted of steak, chicken, and black bean enchiladas. I wasn't a fan of the black bean enchilada but the steak and chicken were very delicious. We finished off our meal with a plate of Capirotada, a warm bread pudding with raisins served with cajeta ice cream. And by "we" I unfortunately mean "I" because I scoffed down that delicious dessert with the speed of a Tazmanian Devil before it even had time to cool off. I look forward to my next trip to Dos Taquitos Centro and I recommend it to anyone who is in the downtown area craving a Mexican meal.

 

Happy 100th Birthday Oreo!

Tuesday was Oreo's 100th birthday!! The company was founded on March 6, 1912 in Chelsea, New York City. The cookie sandwich, formerly known as "America's Favorite Cookie" and now known as "Milk's Favorite Cookie", was a highlight of my early 90's childhood. Oh yeah, Oreo and I go all the way back to the days of Tang. The chocolate cookie with vanilla cream in the middle was a delightful treat morning, noon, or night. I enjoyed mine while reading comic books.

wikipedia.org

Then there was that awkward moment my mom called me downstairs to reprimand me for my sporadic theft of a cookie or two...or three from her stash. Apparently I hadn't thought that she would notice the dwindling amount in her container.

Over the years, Oreo has gone through many variations, flavors, and sizes including holiday varieties and festive colors. A century of a delicious cookie. Yum. I can't wait to
see what the next 100 years hold! 

Dr. Seuss Weekend

wikipedia.org

In honor of Dr. Seuss' The Lorax coming out in theaters this weekend, I thought it would be a great opportunity to post some of my (and I'm sure your ;) favorite Dr. Seuss quotes (in no particular order). Dr. Seuss is the author of many beloved children's book classics like The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Oh, The Places You'll Go! and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Enjoy, and feel free to add any of your faves I may have left off.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

"It's a troublesome world. All the people who're in it are troubled with troubles almost every minute. You ought to be thankful, a whole heaping lot, for the places and people you're lucky you're not."

"If things start happening, don't worry, don't stew, just go right along and you'll start happening too."

"You are you. Now, isn't that pleasant?"

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

"I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!"

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple."

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."

"You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."

Rabbit Rabbit

Rabbit Rabbit,

Blogosphere! 

I hope you find 

your pot of gold. 

:-)