Tight Teeth

I have a gap between my two front teeth.  Years ago, I chipped one of them and had to see a specialist about getting it repaired.  The doctor suggested veneers to cover the tooth.  He also told me he could close the gap between my teeth as part of the procedure.  I told him he could narrow the gap.  I explained the gap was a part of me because I have had it since before I was school age.  Fast forward to today.  I was at the dentist getting my teeth cleaned.  The nurse was trying to floss in between a pair of my back teeth and she encountered a problem.   She commented that I had tight teeth.  Considering I have a gap between my two front teeth, for someone to say my teeth are tight seemed like a joke.

Test Results

The nurse called me from the doctor's office today with the results of my cholesterol test.  Everything checked out fine.  No signs of any problems.  She actually commented that one of my cholesterol levels was the best she has ever seen.  I'm happy to hear that.  It's good to know at least one aspect of my life is in order.

Having These Thoughts of You

Any one that truly knows me will tell you I am an avid fan of R&B music, particularly 80s and 90s.  Often times I find myself spending hours on youtube listening to classics by artists such as Keith Sweat, New Edition, Jodeci, SWV, Blackstreet, Troop and many more.  For some reason today, I got the song "Thoughts of You" by Changing Faces stuck in my head.  No matter what I did, I couldn't shake the song.  The song was on repeat all day in my head and I kept thinking about one person.  The lyrics to the song rang true to my heart.  For those of you who don't know or don't remember the song: 

I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you

I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you

I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you

I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you

I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you
And I don't know what to do
I'm having these thoughts of you
I'm having these thoughts of you

Thoughts of you going through my mind again
Makes me feel the way I do for you
Thoughts of you going through my heart again
Makes me feel the way I do for you

I try hard to relax when I try to get right through it
My mind says no but my heart says do it
And I really don't know why, why I feel this way
Heart is pounding in and out, up and down
There I go having thoughts of you

Thoughts of you going through my mind again
Makes me feel the way I do for you
Thoughts of you going through my heart again
Makes me feel the way I do for you

Don't get me wrong I really like what I'm feeling
You soothe me inside your love I can't deny
I'm just not used to love coming this way
The way you walk, you move and talk
There I go having thoughts of you

Thoughts of you going through my mind again
Makes me feel the way I do for you
Thoughts of you going through my heart again
Makes me feel the way I do for you

Thoughts of you going through my mind again
Makes me feel the way I do for you
Thoughts of you going through my heart again
Makes me feel the way I do for you

You're always on my mind all the time
You're always on my mind, oh yeah
You're always on my mind all the time

Thoughts of you going through my mind again
Makes me feel the way I do for you
Thoughts of you going through my heart again
Makes me feel the way I do for you

Thoughts of you going through my mind again
Makes me feel the way I do for you

Post #300

I was looking at the number of posts I have made to this blog on yesterday.  This marks #300.  I have actually sat down and posted 300 different thoughts about my life and my world in just over a year.  I have shared triumph and defeat.  I've shared the good and the bad.  Post #300 marks another milestone in this journey of my life.  Now the question is:  when will I reach post #400?  Only time and the events of my life will tell. 

Oxymoron

I needed to have one of my prescriptions refilled. It required doctor's authorization so the pharmacy called my general practitioner.  The medication is for my cholesterol.  I have not had a cholesterol test run since the beginning of the year so the doctor wanted to see me.  My appointment was for this morning.  I was instructed to fast last night in preparation for the test.  No food after midnight.  That was a challenge because I am usually up snacking at the time of night.  I made it to the appointment and went thru the motions.  Weight, blood pressure and breathing were fine according to the nurse.  The doctor came in and we talked about the reason for my visit.  He looked at my vitals and his exact words were "You are a very healthy diabetic."  Healthy diabetic?  Now that has got to be one of the best oxymorons I have ever heard.

Battling My Disease

This past weekend was kind of rough in regards to dealing with my condition.  In hindsight, I think things could have gone better if I had been a little more proactive.  My blood sugars ran high almost the entire weekend.  The scary part was that at one point when I thought it was low, a quick meter test showed quite the opposite.  That meant my sugar had been high for so long, I was unable to distinguish hyperglycemia from hypoglycemia.  I kept taking medicine and nothing seemed to work.  It was not until yesterday when I changed my insulin that I started to get relief.  Looking at the previous injection site, the skin around it seem bruised.  I guess I bumped or rubbed the site and caused my insulin to gather there rather than properly entering my bloodstream.  I consider that a lesson learned.  Battling my disease can be difficult.  I have to make smart decisions to make sure I am always the one who wins.

Little Things Mean a Lot

A friend sent me an email a couple of days ago.  The contents of the email really touched my heart.  I opened the email and my heart started racing.  I was so happy and excited by what was sent.  I thanked her repeatedly that night.  The thing about the email is that she did not have to send it.  She chose to do so.  The email was nothing extravagant and I made no monetary gains from it.  It was the fact that she shared a piece of herself with me in that email that made it special.  She reminded me that it's not the size of the gift or how much it costs that is important.  The most important part of a gift is the amount of thought you put into the gift and how much of your heart is into the actual act of giving.

Toilet Paper

My wife sent me a text message a couple of days ago stating we needed toilet paper for the house.  I did not respond to the message.  I simply stopped by the store on the way home.  I stored the toilet paper in the hallway closet as normal.  The next night, my nephew comes to me with a huge roll of toilet paper, the kind used in restaurants and office buildings.  I looked at him puzzled.  He explained he knew we were out of tissue and brought some home from work.  I applaud his attempt to help; however, I refuse to wipe my posterior with that sandpaper like material.  He can use that toilet paper if he wants.  I'll stick to the soft stuff.

Possible Win-Win Situation

I was chatting with a co-worker of mine this past weekend about bills and struggling to make ends meet.  She mentioned to me that she is paying over $700 per month in daycare fees for her 2 small children.  While we were talking, a light bulb went off.  I asked her if she would be willing to consider letting my wife watch her kids for about $500 per month.  This would save her $200 to put towards other things and also provide a source of income for my wife.  I explained my wife used to run a daycare and she is also a certified teacher so the kids would still be learning if she took my offer.  She told me she would talk it over with her husband and get back to me.  Saving a friend money and generating income for my wife - sounds like a win-win to me.

Looking Forward to 2013

I usually don't get excited about future events because things are always subject to change.  This time, however, I am crossing my fingers and my toes that nothing interferes with a couple of events I have lined up for January and February of 2013.  January will provide an opportunity to experience a cultural event with someone I truly enjoy being around.  February brings a chance to take a trip with some peers of mine who share similar ideals.  I am looking forward to enjoying myself both times.  I am hoping the events set the trend for 2013 and the year will bring many new and exciting chances in my life.

The Art of Gift Giving

There is an art to gift giving.  It's not about how much something costs or where it comes from.  You have to know the receiver's likes/dislikes.  You have to get he/she something they want or will use.  You have to have a very personal relationship with the person.  That way, when you come across the correct gift, you will be certain. The gift will call out to you.  The receiver will be excited you put forth so much thought and effort into getting something for them.  With all the birthdays celebrated in the past week, I think it is safe to say, I am pretty ok at the art of gift giving.

The 5th Birthday in Two Weeks

I have been trying to wrap my head around the idea that I have worked with this woman for several years and not known when her birthday is celebrated.  I was speaking to one of the crew members at my part time job about the birthday gifts I got for someone at my full time.  As we chatted she mentioned having to work on her birthday and waiting til New Year's to celebrate.  I realized her birthday occurred this weekend.  Luckily I was able to get her a gift on short notice she could enjoy.  I am still dumbfounded.  Five birthdays within two weeks on each other.

Thanksgiving 2012

This year's Thanksgiving was the tamest I have had in the last 3 years.  I went to work as usual.  I spent about 7 hours in the office and came home.  The wife and kids had prepared dinner the night before.  By the time I got home yesterday, they had already eaten.  I fixed my plate and devoured my food.  The kids went outside to play and I raked a few leaves out of the flower bed.  After that, I spent time on the computer checking email and killing time.  I had to make a alcohol run for the wife.  We had a few drinks and called it a night.  All in all, not a bad day.  No major calamities.  I'll take that. 

Financial Hole Continues to Grow

The financial hole I currently find myself in continues to increase in size.  Some days it is a minor increase - barely noticeable.  Other days, the hole increases on an exponential scale.  Every time I think I have finally gotten a grip on things, something else pops up or happens.  Some of it is my own fault.  There have been a few situations where a good opportunity was presented to me and I invested in it rather than think of the long term consequences.  For example, knowing we are behind on the mortgage payments, I still purchased $300 worth of chicken and seafood from a friend of the family. The meat retails for about $400.  So even though I saved money and now have food to put on the table, I still have to worry about having a house to put the table in.  My sister in law has loaned us more money to help get caught up.  We now owe her $2100 with no idea of when we can start to repay her.  I never thought I would find myself in this type of situation.  I never thought I would find myself in financial hell.  I guess that's what happens when you depend on others to help get  you through life.  I just hope I can start filling this financial crater before it consumes me and my girls.

Four Birthdays in 10 days

Late November has suddenly become a busy birthday time in my life.  I have four different females ranging from 16 to 34 whom I need to shop for.  Each lady is unique in her tastes.  Each one holds a place in my heart or my life.  Each one will receive something I hope they cherish.

Pay Close Attention

Monday at work, I was reminded of how even when you think people are not watching you, they pay close attention to what you do.  I approached the desk of a female colleague to ask about a report.  She looked at me and asked if I had shaved that morning.  I gave her an unsure stare and replied no.  I explained I had shaved the day before.  My thinking was she noticed a cut or something on my face.  She explained that my complexion looked really good.  Really?  My complexion?  You pay that much attention to my skin?  Just goes to show - you never know who is watching you and why.  Pay close attention to your surroundings at all times.

Am I Jealous?

I was talking with one of my peers yesterday at work.  I have been doing assisting her a lot to help get her acclimated to the way the business runs.  She made the comment that she had been approached by one of the upper managers and complimented on her work.  She was told people had their eyes on her.  When my peer shared the news with me, I told her congrats.  I hinted she may be about to move up in the world.  Then for a brief second, I was upset.  It didn't last long - just long enough for me to recognize the emotion.  For the blink of an eye, I was pissed that she was being recognized for her work yet I was the one showing her what to do and how.  The moment passes as quickly as it came.  I reminded myself that I am a black sheep and don't always fit into the cookie cutter design of our organization.  I realized I shouldn't be and couldn't be jealous of my peer.  I wish her all the best and will do anything I can to help her succeed.

Set Up for Failure

There are times in life when we are set up for failure.  Sometimes it is our own doing because we did not properly plan.  Other times, it is the result of someone else's actions.  I was set up for failure this past weekend at my part time job.  I don't think it was intentional.  I think decisions were made in haste and as a result my team members were the ones who had to suffer.  My staffing was cut by 30% because business had been slow all week.  Normally, a slow week leads to a busy weekend.  This theory held true.  We were swamped.  My team did the best they could and considering the circumstances I feel we succeeded.  When it comes to being set up for failure, you can either accept it and get beat down or you can accept it and fight back.

Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

I was lucky enough to go to school and graduate with a high school diploma.  I was also lucky enough to attend college and earn a BS degree.  Even if I had not achieved the second goal, I feel I am smart enough to handle most of what life throws at me.  I learned tonite, everyone does not share that same mindset.  I literally watched a grown woman not be able to add 2 numbers multiple times to reach an answer.  At first I thought she was joking.  When I realized she was serious, I offered my help.  

Air Freshener Vs. Disinfectant

I was talking to my nephew today on the phone about trying to get rid of a burnt popcorn smell which was lingering in the house.  I told him to get the can of air freshener off of my desk and spray a little as well as lighting a newly purchased candle.  He asked which can I was referring to.  Although I was not at the house, I was pretty sure I knew what was on my desk.  I asked him for the colors of the cans.  His response let me know that he saw one can of air freshener and one can of disinfectant.  He asked if they were the same.  I had to stop and think before the wrong words left my mouth.  I told him the purpose of disinfectant was to kill germs and air freshener helped get rid of odors.  He chimed in stating he had been told they are the same thing.  I hated to burst his bubble.  I had to explain the proper use of each item before things got out of hand.