Well, Well 2018

I told folks on my social media accounts on how I treated my timeline like a social experiment this year. In 2016 & 2017 I saw many posts that caused me to wholeheartedly believe in the popular saying, "If It's Not Direct, Don't Respect". And that resulted in how I interacted on social media in 2018. In 2019, my behavior will tell the results. I started to discuss that here, but that seemed overkill. Plus, nobody cares about what I do on social media aka SoMe. So in this blog, let's talk about some of the various "interesting" things I experienced in 2018.

I finally found a "crazy bride" whose actions I agreed within 2018. Here you will read about a Bride kicking guests out of her wedding for not following one rule. Extreme Bridezilla behavior took an L this year. I was one of those handing out those Loses here on this blog. But these guests were wrong and should not have attended. I only gave her 95% of my agreement. Had to dock her for documenting her actions on Reddit. "We" didn't need to know about it.

I had to end a quick dating rapport in the latter part of the spring. I really wasn't that broke up about it. And as I was bopping to my favorite trendy song, "Nice for What" by Drake, my favorite 2018 song came into my life via a web show soundtrack.

I love "Almost Cried" because nobody is angry, begging, or crying. One of the best lyrics said, "I just can't lose no sleep, I got sh*t to do today". They gave it that good college effort, but they together didn't work and it was ok. A breakup song, I could relate to. And the singer, Rob Milton gave me an ❤ on Twitter when I said his song was my jam.

Oh, and I guess I sinned against the dating gods, somewhere. My old behind got a "Merry Christmas" text this year during Christmas dinner. I had been blessed over the years not to get those. Glad that dude said who he was.

#sirwhydoyoustillhavemynumber

Honorable music mention my favorite member of Dru Hill, Jazz. He had a nice love single that came out this summer called All Your Love. It's so good, I've seen a few line dance videos to it. Check out the song HERE and enjoy the melodic goodness.

I mentioned web shows and I thought about my fandom of some web show networks, blogs, podcasts & celebrities had to decrease. A few of them showed themselves to be quite problematic. By the time Fan, Con failed & the Non-existent community(that I am still a part of) was "blamed", I was tired.

By then I found out some of my faves were involved fraud, lying, deception, backbiting, rape, sexual harassment, & domestic violence in their personal lives. And I not just talking about Hollywood, but indie creatives also. There were all these web series, blogs, & publications that weren't paying their staff & guest columnists. Weirdly, enough none of that was exposed until the explosions happened. I questioned my fandom to the point of tears that flowed like the tea that was steady being spilled. Some confessed, took time away, and came back. Some are still hiding. I pulled my interactions back from a few & some I flat out walked away.

Speaking of tears, if in 2018 and you my dear didn't take any "Me Time", "Mental Health Days", "Self Care Moments" or whatever the trendy people call it, Bless Your Heart!!! And don't mean that in the snarky Southern way. I want God to wrap his arms around you and have you rest for a moment. I had to do some serious work to diffuse from the toxic ways of this world. It was warranted and I'm glad I got what I needed.

And yet through it all, I got to check something off my Bucket List. I got to do some Casual Cosplay at a con. I did a blog post about it. Read it HERE, if you haven't. I am so proud that I did it. I can't explain the feeling I felt when people recognize me as Penny Proud. I felt like I did it something right. Every time I see the photos, I see that young Black, fat, nerdy, awkward girl with little money that didn't see her in mainstream media's coverage of cosplaying. I hope one day a future me-like young one sees my pictures and be inspired to do cosplay too.

2018 wasn't the best, but it could have been so much worse. I limped into it achieving a decent mood. I'll leave it with minimal scarring but still pressing toward the goal of being a better person than I was the previous year. The only goal I know I can constantly work on daily, monthly, & yearly.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

How to Bust Your Lover

This probably should've been titled "A Lady-like Influence". But that didn't sound as interesting. Oh well, listen & read anyway.

My favorite in the jazz music genre, Nancy Wilson passed away recently. I grew up listening to her music. As I got older, her music gave me a blueprint on how to handle love like a lady. Because face it I grew up being a good girl not always successfully relating to the dating world. And for 75% of my love life, I've acted like a lady. No matter how the dating rules change, I handle romantic rapports with as much regal decorum as possible.

But it's that 25% where life's stories get interesting. I've only had to do the breaking up in one of my committed relationships. Most of them mutually ended or somebody was ghosted. So, I just knew I would handle it like the song featured, "Guess Who I Saw Today" by Ms. Nancy Wilson. It's one of the songs she gained her notoriety with and it's one of my favorites. I "studied" the lyrics as a teenager. Well one morning in my mid-20s, my then boyfriend's infidelity evidence was in my possession. If you know me or a long time reader, I've never snooped on a lover yet the needed reasons to break up are always provided to me. I called him and he didn't answer. When he did, I started out mild.

Him: Hey Baby Girl.

Me: Baby Girl is Dead.

Him: Do What?

Me: I have something for you to hear.

The rest of the straight to the point story is obvious. My sister said briefly she heard me say, "It's over you bastard" from two aisles over. *sigh* I was not supposed to get loud on the phone in the grocery store. But I had to end his foolishness right then. Hey, it was not my fault. He should have answered the phone when I was calm.

Don't Confront Your Lover Like Outspoken_Diva. Bust Your Lover Like Nancy Wilson.

Maybe the next time a situation that calls for some Nancy Wilson wisdom, I will remember my studies. Like if I ever have to fight another woman for a man. I want to remember the lyrics to "You Can Have Him" and not fight. Or if somebody asks to quantify my love for my man, I need to say,

"My love has no beginning, my love has no end

No front or back and my love won't bend"

from her song, "How Glad I Am".

I have to hold onto my studies because Ms. Nancy Wilson, "There Will Never Be Another You". You were the song stylist we needed to keep balance to life and love. Rest Well, Lady.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

I'm Sorry Your Granddaddy Had Two Families, But...

This post should have been made a long time ago. If you know me personally, you know the statement "Your Granddaddy Cheated on Your Grandma and They Stayed Together", grates my nerves. It is the cheater's motto if ask me. One day I'm going to do the research and find out the percentage of the granddaddies that actually committed adultery. My grandfather didn't cheat on my grandmother. First of all, no extra aunts and uncles came up at PauPau's funeral. Second, many men testify to/tease about his faithfulness to Granny. Third, after a stay-at-home wife, five kids & bills were taken care of, his ability to financially afford to cheat was low. That woman would've had very low standards. But I know/ have known quite a few grandfathers & grandmothers that did cheat. Some of the spouses stayed, some didn't.

But what grates my nerves is the fact this phenomenon is flounced around like it is a righteous act. Your granddaddy cheated and your grandmother stayed and kept the marriage & family together. *deep sigh* I want those of you who have bought into that belief to look at your family. Do you know if you can freely date anyone and not worry if that is your sibling, cousin, aunt, or uncle? Have you ever wondered why your great aunts & uncles talk to your granddaddy like he ain't crap?

Ever wonder why your grandparents don't sleep in the same bedroom. Have you ever seen your grandfather grocery shop and have to separate the groceries at the counter by household. Oh, I knew a man who had to do that. Wife was in the hospital, his other woman was working, and the shopping had to be done.

And what do you think that did to that man's bank account? Oh but all you knew was Maudea stayed. Grandmother may have had to have a hysterectomy. Do you know some of those surgeries are because of STDs brought to wives by a philandering husband? Have you ever considered your grandmother's feelings? Do you know if she ever wanted to leave PopPop? Go ask your beloved Meemaws, if you can. I Dare You!!!

There was also a time people got married at 14 years old. And women had to go to a Red tent during their menstrual cycle. And men were the only ones in the family that worked. And fathers gave up their meals for their children not to starve.

Face it! All of you that believe that statement just want to justify cheating! And that's the best B.S. you can come up with. Where is your grandmother with a switch to tan your tails?

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

The Christmas Faker

I'm going to revisit a topic I talk about years ago. I Was ____ Years Old when I Stopped Believing in Santa. A reader emailed me the question and I decided to talk about it again. Well, copy, paste and edit the original post. *wink* Oh, I'll give you new pictures.

I can't even figure out how I believed in Santa Claus as long as I did. Muh Diva admits that she had no plans of teaching us about Santa. But since she had active grandparents like ours beating her to the punch on that lesson, she just rolled with it. Even then that should've just explained why my sister and older cousins believed in Santa. There is a 7 year age distance between my sister, A and me, but I guess she was taught not to ruin it for me. There were so many signs that he didn't exist in my home. Every year my mother would call me in to pick out 5 things out of the JC Penney or Sears Christmas catalogs, so she could call Santa with her order. Common sense said she was calling the store. I also grew up in in a home with gas heaters. So, when I asked how did Santa get in our home, I was told by Muh Diva that he had a special doorbell that only adults could hear. Gosh, I was impressionable.

8 Years Old
Christmas Night

But leave it to "Foundation" church to haphazardly disprove my belief in Santa. We had Santa Claus appearances at our programs. I think even in a few plays, he was the "narrator" of the plays that taught us about the true meaning of Christmas. Our usual Sunday School teacher, my mother's buddy, we will call in this blog post, Aunt Erika was absent one Sunday. Well, Sister Kevin, the youth program playwright (RIP) (Yes, a blog post name) was our substitute. Sis. Kevin decided to have question & answer time. Somebody asked was Santa real. And she said Jesus was Santa Claus. He was responsible for giving us all our gifts, Now, as an adult, I understand what she was trying to say. But I was not an adult then. I knew then something was up. I came home and told my mother and she asked who told me that and shook her head. So, I started paying attention and all the signs became clear. There Was No Santa. I was eight years old.

I kept my mouth closed for a year. But when I did reveal my disbelief, I smarted off. The truth about Santa got "very real" that Christmas morning. After everyone else finished opening gifts, my mother brought out a large gift bag saying Santa said he almost forgot since I didn't believe. I have a feeling my mother conspired with Pau-Pau Santa & Granny Claus in hiding All my gifts. LoL After that when I was called in and asked what I wanted out of the catalog, Muh Diva placed the order in front of me.

That my Santa disbelief story. I do wholeheartedly believe the true message of a baby that was born to save me from my sins. I don't remember ever disbelieving in that story. No matter what is not received on Christmas or in life, even, If one has Jesus that will always be enough.

Alrighty!!! You guys have a great holiday. Oh and share your "I Was ___ Years Old When I Stopped Believing In Santa" stories below in the comments.

Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Holidays!!!

As Always, Talking to You in Adult Terms

Holidays of a Problematic Past!!!

Boy, there is nothing like being "Woke" or "Waking Up" during the holidays. And I am so happy to watch this stuff unfold. I needed the laughs.

Everyone wants to find issues with some of the "Classics" now. Well, this was some of the ways I thought in high school and caused my peers to look and talk about me crazy. If you ever pay attention, not one classic is ever on my list of favorites.

Franklin at Thanksgiving: I like Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. Just to see Peppermint Patty's boisterous & ungrateful butt get told off by Marcie is heart-warming. She really thought a child & some animals could make a turkey. But recently, pop culture finally saw the character, Franklin was separated from the group at the table.

First of all, this was made in 1973. All you needed was to see one non-white face and that call inclusion. But I knew when I saw Franklin walk in and give Charlie Brown and a cool handshake that the black experience was shown subtly. In 1973, parts of black life & its experience were still separate. And his placement at the table was one of those small images. Oh and shout out to the website, The Root for getting an interview with Mr. Franklin Armstrong. Read the tea & his advice, HERE.

Baby, It's Cold Outside: Well, Me Too! I never understood why this song shows up during the holidays. It's not even a Holiday song. Listen to the words and then delete your argumentive comments or emails. Speaking of the lyrics, they could be understood as rape-like. So the listeners of the radio station that voiced their opinion as told in THIS article, won't get a major finger shake from me. The song is a little outdated. It is not timeless.

It also came out when women were still thought of as demure and innocent. Only floozies stayed out late with a man. Also, it was a time when men could rape women and girls and the victims could be at fault. And with all his begging and he gives her a questionable drink, the male character would seem sketchy. The song could get the boot everywhere and I wouldn't miss it. And yes, you can call me cold.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer: When I was in high school, somebody trying to be funny asked me if I thought Rudolph's nose was red because he snorted cocaine. It was the popular joke of thought at the time, but it bored me. So, my sarcastic mouth said, "No, Rudolph just needed better self-esteem and he should've told Santa to kiss his ass". I messed up that kid's joke and was then called an effed-up weirdo. The amazing 90s, where drug use is humorous & bullying quietly ruled the day.

I still stand by my theory and now the "It Gets Better" movement feels somewhat the same way. Nobody was nice to Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer until they needed him. And I am sorry, but Santa was aware of how the other reindeer treated him. He was just as complicit. But Rudolph had a softer heart than I and flew through the night with his bullies. I wonder if I could write some fan fiction about Rudolph's negotiations after flying on Christmas in fog. Then maybe it can become a holiday special for all to watch.

If you think about it, all of our childhood has problematic spots in them. But the wise poet-laureate Maya Angelou said, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better". The holidays of the past have their own traditions and now it's time to rewrite them and make new ones if we so wish. And that's that. Now, I'll just wait for someone to call Ella Fitzgerald and Nancy Wilson female empowerment icons for asking a guy out for New Year's Eve. And if you write the article after reading this, consider the topic a gift.

Happy Holidays!!!

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

$22 a Plate

This is why my family usually have a themed potluck buffet. Because we've been there and done that. And this type of topic comes up every year during the holiday in so many places. A mother charges €17 ($22 in American) for Christmas lunch. Don't take my word for it, read about it HERE.

Have you seen the prices to have a holiday meal brought in? If you don't, go Google the pricing at some of your favorite restaurants who offer that service. €17 is about right.

I don't know what it is about the dynamic of having the holiday catered. It always brings about the person(s) who have a problem with paying money.

Many of them have never been required to contribute to the meal or bring the bare minimum. Nothing like the "I brought the sodas" people complaining about the cost of anything. Some you will find out what they were contributing was actually free to them. I know some people who didn't mind bring the turkey or ham for years. But when the event was catered, it came out that the meat they were bringing was from places that gave away turkeys or hams.

And many who complain don't understand and maybe don't care about why the meal is being catered. Who says that the host's oven is not broke? That's happened in my home a few times. Maybe the host just wanted not to be tired this year.

Either way, this is her decision. Pay the €17 or don't visit. Convenience Cost! And soon as everyone learns that, maybe this topic won't light up the Internet every year.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

The Proof is in the...(OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

I was reminded of a nursery rhyme a few days ago.

Pease pudding hot, pease porridge cold,

Pease pudding in the pot, nine days old;

Some like it hot, some like it cold,

Some like it in the pot, nine days old

Many cultures around the globe eat pudding. Pudding can be either a dessert or a savory dish. And yes, some like pudding hot or cold. But unlike in the 1700s, nothing tastes that grand to eat safely after 9 days. I would call that CDC Warning Pudding. In America, pudding is usually a rich creamy dessert similar to custard or mousse. And we eat it warm or cool.

If you love Banana Pudding and came here because you just knew I was going to have a kick-butt recipe, yeah that's not going happen. I'm not a fan of banana or anything that taste like it. Over a decade ago at an event for my friend, Pink Red, her mom served Cookie Pudding and I liked it. I never knew anyone care so much about the people who don't like bananas. Well, because most people only serve it with bananas. Recently, I wanted to make some so I went on a search and found a nice recipe.

Cookie Pudding

Ingredients

• 2-3/4 cups cold milk
• 1 package (5.1 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 3 cups crushed vanilla wafers
• 15 whole vanilla wafers

Directions

1. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes
2. Fold in condensed milk. 
3. Set aside 1 tablespoon whipped topping. Fold remaining whipped topping into pudding.
4. In a 3-qt. serving bowl, layer wafer crumbs and pudding mixture. 
5. Repeat layers twice. 
6. Top with whole wafers. 
7. Refrigerate until serving.

The first time I had ever heard of Rice Pudding was while watching the movie, Heartburn as a child. In the movie Heartburn, Meryl Streep’s character was in the hospital and someone smuggled in a bowl and she swooned at the sight of it. I understand the swooning. It is delicious, but the calories in it are high. 142 Kcals are in a half of cup of the dessert. So over the years, I've learned to lighten it with Brown Rice Pudding recipe with only 59 Kcals in a 1/2 cup.

Brown Rice Pudding

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups long grain brown rice
• 1 ½ cups almond milk
• ¼ cup honey
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup raisins
  

Directions

1. Bring water to boil and add rice. Cover pot and reduce heat to simmer. Stir occasionally and allow all of the water to be absorbed roughly 25 minutes.
2. Stir in milk and other ingredients. Simmer for another 5 minutes and stir continuously. The rice pudding should become thick.
3. Serve the pudding warm or cold depending on your preference. 
4. Add cinnamon, nuts, etc. right before you eat it!
5. Store remaining contents in the fridge.

Like the proverb, the only way to find out if these puddings please your palate is to taste them. Let me know in the comments.

Oh before you ask, Pease Pudding is made with yellow peas and served with ham. If you like that dish, leave your "proof" in the comment also. Now, I want some rice pudding. Might make one.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

I Will be Calling Them Recycles

I'll be quick. My annoyance started when I saw Love Don't Cost a Thing on cable and instantly knew it was a black & trendier version of Can't Buy Me Love from the 80s. Reboots, remakes, revivals are things I am "overly-woke" about. I'm only 85% against them. I really The Wiz, but The Wizard of Oz gets on my nerves. (I can't wait for Wicked to come to the big screen. Because I've always known Wizard of Oz was a lie.) And the most beloved Imitation of Life that has Mahalia Jackson singing at the funeral is the 2nd version of the Fannie Hurst novel. But it is like every old movie or TV show needs a makeover these days. That is irritating. Do we not deserve original content?

I know my problem is because I watch so many great original independent films & web shows that need funding. I am a fan of many content creatives that just need the right eye to see their vision.

Some have been seen and their dreams are coming into fruition. Some are still working within the indie realm. And they can't be seen because Hollywood would rather literally tell the same story over & over. That is unfortunate.

So until Hollywood stops with the remakes, reboots, and revivals, I'll just deeply sigh alone when another one is announced and released. I don't want to, but my little matinee money, Neilson ratings, and name changes on Twitter to "No More Reboots" haven't swayed opinions of those in charge. I'll just save my dollars & viewership for the new original stuff I want to see.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

The Right Manchild Podcast

Yes, I know boringnest is not a word. But I use it a lot in life. And yes, I know UTA is not in Dallas. Heck, I was a student there at one time. It is in Arlington.

Why am I telling y'all this?

Because I was on The Right Manchild Podcast having fun with my sweet friend and host DeeDee Sweets. And I said those goofs. *blushing* DeeDee is wrapping up their solo show(has two other great shows with co-hosts) soon and I was one of the guests on episode 159, Reboots Are Still Unnecessary.

The Right Manchild is one of my favorite podcasts. The host gives their listeners an honest view of life through their unapologetically non-binary, fat, black, pansexual eyes. They're a cool writer, photographer, and a U.S. veteran.

And on episode 159, we talk about how I found their show, reboot culture, music, a little politics and more. Also on the show is Frankie from the What About Your Friends Podcast. Frankie has been on 3 times before & DeeDee & he catch up on life, current & future photography projects, and more.

It is a very fun episode! Listen to it on either(click on your preferred site)
Spotify
Apple Podcast
Anchor.
Oh, it is for Mature Audiences Only. I mean if your little one starts using the term 45 like me, stay out my inbox. You were warned!

And you if want to follow DeeDee Sweets on social media and/or listen to their other shows, Casually Sarcastic with Keisha & DeeDee & Keep It Mad Simple along with other episodes of The Right Manchild, the info is below.
Twitter / IG: HeyDeeDeeSweets
Snapchat: DeeDee-Sweets
Show IG / Twitter: 2people2pods

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms

So Much...

How often do you complain? Seems we've done it a lot all our lives. Interesting enough, I don't think anyone is first taught about being thankful as an older person. We're taught over and over about gratitude, yet life & its issues somehow make us forget.

I don't remember not knowing this song. It's like I have heard it all my life. And actually, it has been around most of my life.

It came out the same year I started school. And kindergarten is my earliest memory of learning about Thanksgiving. I was even in the school's PTA play as a pilgrim.

And I lie here thinking about all many sacred and secular songs about being thankful & grateful I have been exposed to. I keep going back to that five-year-old and that song. All that is going on we STILL have So Much to be appreciative.

Ever have a bout with insomnia. I see the social media timelines, I'm not alone. I know sleep is the objective, but have ever thought you could be suffering in a coma? We avoid the emails in our junk mail folders because our uncles didn't leave us a castle and many riches. Yet, we should be thankful scammers didn't fool us and steal what money we do have. And no matter the political climate, the USA still has the 1st Amendment in the constitution. There are many countries that never had those freedoms.

Dear Me in Kindergarten,
There is always an opportunity to be grateful. It is never a reason to complain your life away. That would be a waste.

One day before you form a gripe, take a breath and think about the flip side. I bet you could find a blessing (big, minut, and every size in between) in every event in life.

I just realize I used some very big vocabulary words for very young Me. LoL I won't fret. Muh Diva back then will explain that to me. After asking what I was reading, but she'll break it down.

I just want that little one and all of the younger us to remember the lessons about being thankful we learned. Truly listen to all the songs of appreciation we've been introduced to and learned from them. Because sometimes finding something to be grateful for may be the joyful feel your soul may need to make everything feel alright.

As Always Talking to You in Adult Terms!

I Like It Slow! (OUTSPOKEN_DIVA's Favorite Recipes)

Shout out to the 90's group, H-Town for inspiring this post's title. I might even body roll while typing this one about my favorite recipe made in a slow cooker.

I'm a novice in the world of slow cooking. It is not shocking because my grandmother dislikes them & my mother is a casserole maker. But in the summer, I don't use the oven. And after a diet of fried, grill, and pan-seared proteins one summer 3 years ago, I decided to make the investment and learn how to use a slow cooker. I think anything I have put in an oven except baked goods, I have made in the slow cooker. But beans are my favorite things to make in it.

I didn't like beans until I lived in Beaumont. Growing up(before they became over-priced delicacies) beans, neck bones, pig feet, & oxtails were made on Tuesdays. I thought of them as heavy meals. But once I learned different cooking techniques at Lamar, I started lightening up beans to please my palate. And well, the bean soup that I throw lots of love in is White Bean-Turkey.

Slow Cooker White Bean-Turkey Soup

Ingredients

• 16 oz bag of Great Nothern beans
• 6 cups vegetable stock or water
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1 Tblsp poultry seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 smoked turkey wing**
• 1 large onion chopped
• 2 large carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Directions

1. Soak the beans for 4-6 hours in water covering the beans by 1 inch.
2. Drain the water from the beans and rinse 
3. Add the stock or water and dry herbs & seasonings to beans in a slow cooker.
4. Add the turkey, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours in a slow cooker or until beans are soft, but not mushy.
6. Let Stand for 15 minutes. Serve Hot!

**Noted Suggestion: Can be made meat-less by adding one more teaspoon of smoked paprika

This recipe is protein-rich. Good for anyone who wants to increase their protein intake, like bodybuilders & those going through chemo. It's also good for cold & chilly days.

Well, my body is saying to stop all the gyrating. I hope you can't wait to make this low and slow dish. And like any recipe shared, let me know if you make it.

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!

Settling These Halloween Candy Debates

I like October 31st to be fun. And I think all Halloween buzzkills should be locked up. An article ranking Halloween candy by nutritional values came down one of my social media feeds and I wanted to scream!!! All Candy is Unhealthy! Want to only eat Healthy food, Do Not Eat Candy. But that article got the brain wheels a turning and thoughts said to make a post about my top 5 likes & dislikes in Halloween candy.

Likes

5. Skittles

4. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
3. Heath Bars

2. Laffy Taffy(Except Banana)
1. Pixy Stix: I have no, zero self-control with this candy. Those tangy straw are very delicious to me. Years ago for Lent, I sacrificed candy and I haven't had them since. But even through memories, I know they are still the best.

Dislikes

5. Milky Way/Three Musketeers

4. Almond Joy/Mounds

3. Tootsie Pops

2. Black Licorice

1. Candy Corn Not a fan. My sister, A was the beneficiary of my candy corn when we were younger. 🎶Give them to my sister🎶

So, what are your likes & dislikes in Halloween candy? Tell me in the comments. Remember moderation is key when enjoying those treats & be safe out there.

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!!!

Gotta Keep Fighting (October Awareness)

I almost typed I won't be doing these type of posts anymore. While last year's post was being posted (automatic timer), I was finding out my brother had left this world. We were leaving the private family viewing & I learned a young woman I know had just left an emotionally abusive relationship. I was in a purple top and I was floored. But I then chucked the emotions over to grief. And also I always notice that Domestic Violence awareness is only talked about by the mainstream media the last few days of the month. Like it's an "Oh Yeah".

Then this year, I found out the required ages for a mammogram changed yet again. You prepare your mind to start having to have these screenings

Women ages 40 to 44 should have the choice to start annual breast cancer screening with mammograms if they wish to do so. Women age 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Women 55 and older should switch to mammograms every 2 years or can continue yearly screening.

and then you find out you're in an "If They Wish To Do So" group. Who wishes to get their boobs smashed? And health insurance doesn't cover wishes. That reminded me of my loved one who came to "nutritional professional" me for help with a diet plan when she was diagnosed. A small chart with suggestions on a plate was all they gave her. And my thought is still the same, "Medical Science can be the biggest jerks at times". Oh and if you know about male breast cancer, consider yourself in a small population. It's not talk about much, either.

But at the beginning of this October Awareness, I saw myself changing my profile pictures all over social media. I was sharing an event to bring about awareness and the song "I Need You to Survive" Bishop Hezekiah Walker & the Love Alive Choir came on the Mind Radio. The tears ran down my face. That's why I still wear the colors pink & purple in October and beyond. I stay in the fight because my heart wants victims to be survivors. I stay in the fight because of every victim turn survivor I know & don't know. I stay in the fight for victims that didn't get the chance to be a survivor.

Oh, the breast cancer & domestic abuse systems in place need all the work & workers they can get. Because well, "No System" kills us all. Until there are no victims to become survivors, Stay in the Fight!

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!

Dear Little Me

You are a weird one. Not that everyone isn't weird, also. You're weird because you finally accept the term one day and decided to maneuver accordingly. Heck, taking the time to write this post is proof. And well, here are some pointers on living this way.

Go Back and Study That Again. When You're Done, Go Study It Once More. You won't be partying enough that studying will get in the way. Your social life won't be that grand that you can't stand to be a little smarter. Plus, it might cause you to save some energy, money & time on things you will know won't enhance you.

Dial It Back Some, because he, that, them, those and any other nouns & pronouns are Not the End All to Be All. This won't block heartbreak, but it will cushion the blows. Trust me, you'll live. Actually, the pains could be worse. It will All be replaced for something or someone better. It All will have a Silver lining. And it All, trust me it All is in God's hands. Oh, and none of it will hurt so bad that you will ever consider jumping out of His hands.

Cry it All out and Don't Cry about Anymore. If you don't know you are a crybaby... Let the tears fall and wash it all away. When it's all gone, don't jump back in and splash your face with the same hurt & issues. Let it all go, when it is gone.

One more Cup of Water & a little more Exercise won't kill you. Our body will thank you very much.

That's all I have. Older me is not stopping me from typing this, so maybe I am advising you correctly. Plus if she needs to add anything, I have a feeling she'll tell us. *wink*

As Always Talking to You In Adult Terms!