Potty trained

Oh Em Gee

So here I was on twitter minding my business tweeting as usual. I tweeted about how I had a dream last night about Vince Carter. No it wasn't a naughty dream. LOL Anyone who knows me, knows I am a HUGE fan. I've been one for over 12 years. So in my dream, I met him and presented him with a platter of cupcakes. His favorite was the key lime one. I tweeted about all of this and just kind of kept on going. In the meantime, I decided to check my yahoo email. All of a sudden I got an email from twitter. It said, "Vince Carter is now following you on twitter." My heart skipped a beat for a minute. I look at the name and it looked like the one I was already following. But I clicked back over to twitter just to make sure and it was true.

I screamed out loud scaring the dog and the Supremes. I ran in the room and tackled Thomas telling him. Tears welled up in my as I tweeted and posted the good news on FB. I am just shocked and amazed. I am not moved by a lot of celebrities but he is one that I just have sooo much respect for. As you guys know, I finally saw him play awhile back in a game. I plan on seeing him 3 more times this season in AZ again, CO, and TN. I want to get closer so he can hear me yell, lol. My next and final goal is to meet him. Even though I know I would darn near pass out!!!! I will keep you posted. For right now, I am just super happy. This is a great belated b-day gift!!! Q

Happy Sweet 16 to me!!!!

Yes I am celebrating my sweet 16, again. I know a lot of people have said they don't want to be 16 again but neither do I. LOL But I celebrate it because 16 was a major turning point in my life. It was a little over 16 years ago today when I made the decision to skip the 11th grade and graduate a year early. I believe that decision completely changed my life and brought me to where I am now. If I would have waited, would I have gone to the college I went to? That experience was horrible and made me decide to get away and join the military. It was in the military that I met my wonderful husband. Here we are, happily married with 3 beautiful kids. Who knows who or what I would have become. Either way, I am thankful for the path I eventually took. It wasn't always easy but nothing worth having is. So I say thank you to that 16 year old who made that decision all those years ago. Happy Birthday to me!!!! Q

Surprise Puppy

We decided to get the Supremes a puppy. It's something we've thought about for awhile and a friend of mine had one for sale. He is a Cockapoo named Romeo. Of course we had to surprise them with him. Check out the video.

Love all around me

I know it's been a minute but I've been super busy, in a good way. Tomorrow is my birthday. I turn 16.... again. I am so excited. I have a party planned next Saturday at the bowling alley with me and a bunch of my girls. We are going to have some good clean fun. I've already received a bunch of cards, gifts and well wishes. I can truly say, I am very blessed. I have an amazing husband, 3 wonderful little girls, a great dog, and loving friends and family. I pray everyone has the love that I have in my life. Everywhere I look, I see not only the love of man, but the love of God. I thank Him for His many, many blessings. My name is Queneesha and I am loved!!!! Q

12 years and counting...

T and I are celebrating 12 years today. I can't believe it. In those 12 years, we have had some ups and downs. But I can honestly say I am still very much in love with him. He has never cursed me out, cheated on me, hit me, or verbally abused me. And although I am not the size I was when we met, he has never made me feel bad. He still finds me sexy and he tells me and shows it. And he always treats me like the Queen I am. He is a great father and provider. But most importantly, he is a man after God's own heart. He is the kind of man I pray the Supremes find. Happy Anniversary my love. Let's make it 12 more years!!!! Q

Yes my ish does stink, but not all the time

I just started a new job a few weeks ago and I love it. One of the things I love most is the bathroom. It is super clean, has a several stalls, and it's super clean. My previous place of employment had a decent ladies bathroom. It was clean but was just a room with one stall so yes we had to wait for someone to finish in order to go in.

After working there for 3 years, I forgot all about the female bathroom dance. You know what that is right? That's what women do when they want to poop but instead they hold it in and try to wait until the bathroom is clear. Yeah that one. Working at a place with only one bathroom stall made that dance non existent. I mean heck if someone is going in while you are coming out, they will know you did it. Unless of course someone was there before you. Either way, I really didn't care then and I don't now.

Honestly, I don't bother with the dance. Yes I take precautions to make sure I don't leave a super unpleasant scent but other than that, I do what I need to do and leave. Why should I be ashamed of doing something pretty much everyone has done including Jesus? Why should I be ashamed of a bodily function that lets me know I am regular and allows me to drop a pound or two at the same time? So I'm not. I don't have time for the dance. I won't wait until the room is clear to drop some kids off at the pool.

My name is Queeny and yes my ish does stink. Not all the time because I eat healthy and it's reflected by my output but if I had some curry chicken the night before.... If someone looks at me funny, then oh well as if they don't do it. What folks need to worry about is the ones who don't wash their hands or only sprinkle some water quickly on it. Now that is nasty!!!! As for me, I'm good. Good and regular too. LOL Q

Girl's night out

I took my girl Candice out to dinner because she will be moving soon. I am soo going to miss her. So I decided to take a couple of flicks while getting ready. Here you go. Q

Some hair pics

It's been a minute since I've done anything interesting with my hair so I figured now would be a good time. I decided to wear it out for my graduation. I washed it with some Herbal Essence Hello Hydration, used Jasmine's Reconstructor and then my Pantene Relaxed and natural hair mask (RIP). I used Hask's Straight solution and Seyani Hair Butter in Coconut Mango and blowdried. Next, I braided my hair in sections.


This is how it looked after taking the braids out. See the look of shock on my face, lol?


I decided to pin some of it back so I could wear my cap.

My graduation was Friday and today I decided to go ahead and get my 6 month press and trim. This may be the last one for awhile because I'm thinking about seeing if I can go a year next time.


I didn't get curls or anything. I lost about a 1/2 inch.


I will be rocking a ponytail this week.


I am still MBL so I'm happy. I'm considering trying to see if I can make it to full waist length. Q

I graduated

After 15 years. I finally received my B.S. Degree. It was a long road but I am blessed and so very proud of myself. Q

Uh oh there goes that word again..

"I can't believe my very eyes, right to my face you lied. I thought you were a friend."

Some of what I am about to say has probably been said before but oh well. One of the things I am most proud of, is how good of a friend I am. No, seriously. I'm not perfect but I pride myself in being the type of friend God can be proud of and one I would want for myself. One of my greatest quality as a friend is the way I support those I call friends. I mean when something good happens to them, I celebrate like it happened to me. I pray for my friends. I love my friends. I want the best for my friends. I want them to find love and be loved. I want them to get married and have beautiful children. I want them to prosper and live out their dreams. That's the kind of friend I am.

So you can only imagine how I felt watching Oprah today. There were two ladies on there who were not only friends but cousins. Over the years they have been off and on as friends because of their weight. When one is skinny, the other is mad. If the other gained weight again, they are happy. I scratched my head because I just didn't get it. Now don't get me wrong, I am human. There has been a time or two where the green eyed monster hit me. But I never let it consume me, and it was never to the point where I still couldn't celebrate my friend or loved one. If I was like these women, my two best friends Mel and Tee wouldn't have seen or heard from me in a long time. It is no secret that I've gained weight. It is something I struggle with and I work on. But I never let my dissatisfaction with my size affect the love I have for others who are smaller than me.

You see I know what those women were doing was projecting. They envied each other but instead of doing something about it, it was easier to avoid that person or try to make them feel bad for accomplishing something. But see if they would simply flip it and draw closer to that person, they will have someone to support them and help them too get to where they want to be. Too many people have been led to believe that lightening only strikes once. But the bible says in Acts 10:34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: You see God doesn't just bless someone and not others. We need to understand we all have different paths and journeys to our destination. A lot of people who see folks being blessed don't see the work that person does. They are not there when they have sacrificed, prayed, and fasted. They only see the results.

Many people want results without work but understand the only place success comes before work is in the dictionary. Ecl 9:11 "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." You see even the word says your time will come. There is no need to be jealous of someone else. Put God first, work hard, stay focused and your time will come.

The bottom line is, a good friend is a gift. If you have one, treasure them, love them, encourage them. Life is full of ups and downs. There will be times when you are down and they will lift you up. There will be times when they are down and you will help them. They may be stronger in one thing, and you may be stronger in another. Embrace your strength, respect theirs and help each other. Why would you want someone to be down like you? Luke 6:39 And he spake a parable unto them," Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" If you are both down, you can't go anywhere. Appreciate them when they are strong. Allow them to impart in you and you in them. Together you can be even better, wiser, and stronger. Love them through it all, the good and the bad. If you have someone in your life that will only be your friend when you are down, they are not your friend!!! Q

RIP Lena Horne

We lost another great one. The world is a better place because you were in it Ms. Horne. Q

20 minute meal week Recipe 2

Chicken and Mushrooms in Garlic Broth (was white wine) Sauce I got this recipe from Cooking Light's website and can be found here.

I made some changes but here is the original recipe:

Ingredients

* 4 ounces uncooked medium egg noodles
* 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
* 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 tablespoon bottled minced garlic
* 1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
* 1 (8-ounce) package presliced mushrooms
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (I toke out the wine and used more broth)
* 1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation

Cook noodles according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain and keep warm.

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Place chicken breast halves in a shallow dish. Combine 1 tablespoon flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper, stirring well with a whisk. Sprinkle flour mixture over chicken; toss to coat.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken to pan; sauté 4 minutes or until browned. Remove chicken from pan. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan. Add garlic, tarragon, and mushrooms to pan; sauté for 3 minutes or until liquid evaporates and mushrooms darken. Add white wine (broth) to pan; cook 1 minute. Stir in remaining 1 tablespoon flour; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in remaining broth, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper; cook 1 minute or until slightly thick, stirring frequently.

Return chicken to the pan. Cover and simmer 2 minutes. Uncover; cook 1 minute or until chicken is done. Stir in noodles; cook 1 minute or until thoroughly heated. Place about 1 1/2 cups chicken mixture on each of 4 plates; top each serving with 1 tablespoon cheese.

I doubled this recipe. I used about 12 oz of a whole grain noodle, 3 pounds of chicken, all chicken broth instead of which wine, I sliced my own mushrooms, and used a reduced fat Parmesan cheese. This was a hit!!! Q

Only at our house

Shortly after arriving home, B asked if she could get on the computer in the family room. As we were walking into the room, we heard a thud. B asked what was it and I said I don't know. Then she said she thought maybe it was a bird that flew into the window. We have a bay window in the room that looks out into the backyard. Low and behold, there was a bird lying on the ground barely moving. I thought maybe it was just stunned but after about an hour or so, we realized it was dead. The things that take place at this house from the mice invasion, to the killer cat, the roaming cat, and now this. We really need a reality tv show. Q

20 minute meal week Recipe 1

My goal is to do at least 3 20 minute meals every week this month. Most of them will prep and cook during that time and a few will require some advanced planning.

Today's recipe is Honey Ginger Soy Glazed Salmon. I found this is a magazine I was reading so I don't remember the exact name.

2.5 pounds of salmon
6 T of low sodium soy sauce
4 T of honey
1/4 tsp ground ginger

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine all ingredients except salmon in a bowl. Arrange salmon in pan and pour sauce over it. Let it sit in fridge for a few minutes and turn to coat. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes.

Side items- I'm serving this with brown rice and steamed broccoli. Q

It's been a minute

My honey is back and we have been super busy with the house. We are almost done with the remodeling, I have some new spiritual revelations to share, and the Supremes blog will be up this month. I will notify the winner this week. Here is a little funny for you until I am back posting regularly:
I was in the kitchen decorating a cake and K was in the way.
Me: K please go to the playroom so I can finish.

As she was leaving she said, "I'm leaving with my dignity."

LOL I wish I could make this stuff up. Have a blessed week!!!! Q

Relationships and Money

I was compelled to blog about this after hearing about 2 sisters fighting over a lottery ticket. Well the bible says, the love of money is the root of all evil. I myself have been in sticky situations regarding money. It is even tougher when it involves folks you love or you considered friends. But I've learned a lot along the way especially when it comes to giving money to others. I don't believe money should ruin a relationship, but unfortunately it is a catalyst. Money itself is not evil. It is the power people give to it in their lives and in their relationsips that causes problems. So here are some things I've learned along the way when it comes to giving, loaning and receiving money:

1)If you give or loan money and the person promises to pay you back, expect you won't get it back. Yes I don't care how much they beg, plead and promise, chances are, they won't come through. So never give what you can't afford to lose, PERIOD.

2)If you promise to pay it back, do it. Even if you have to give little by little, be a man or woman of your word. Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Even if they are millionaires, keep your word. Don't buy any more make up, hair products, cut back on the starbucks but do what you can to pay them back.

3)Never ask or remind the person they owe you. When someone owes me money, I never bring it up. Why? Because they know they owe me. It's not up to me to remind them that they owe me.

4)Don't insult the person who helped you out. I don't know how many times I've heard of folks borrowing money from someone, promise to pay them back but then they got out and buy other stuff and tells the other person about it. Or they come up with 50-11 sob stories as to why they can't pay you back. The cat died, the dog died, the house caught on fire, but yet their hair and nails are always done. I mean really?!!! That is a slap in the face.

5)Evaluate the friendship. This can go both ways. Sometimes the person who gave the money holds it over the other's head or brags to others about how they gave so and so money. Or if you are the lender/giver and you realize the person won't keep their promise to pay you back. For me, it speaks volumes. Not because of the money itself because it says a lot about how the person values our relationship. Like I said before, they aren't keeping their word. So if they can't keep their word when it comes to this, what else are they not being truthful about?

6)If it goes sour and you repair the relationship, never do it again. Yup I have a couple of people in my life that I love but they will never get another dime from me. I don't care how desperate they are, all I can offer is prayer. They have shown you who they are when it comes to this matter so believe them.

Now I know some people will be up in arms but whatever. All the hit dogs can holler. Money is not worth losing a friend over. Money is not worth losing a sister over. You can always get more money, but you can't get back a person or the time you could have spent with them. So think before you give and receive. Q

Sometimes...

Life is just sad. You wake up not knowing what to expect and then boom you are hit with something that knocks you off of your feet. No matter how many times you go through something, it may never get easier for you. My cousin married a wonderful man in October of 2009. A few short weeks later, he was rushed to the hospital and placed in intensive care. He had several surgeries and procedures during that time. A few weeks ago, she hit me up on FB. I called her to talk and to encourage her. It was during that time that she told me she was also expecting. This past Wednesday, her husband lost his battle and passed away. I won't even pretend to imagine the pain and hurt she is going through. I sit her typing with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart for someone I love so very much.

Sometimes, I just don't have the words to say. Sometimes I just don't understand why things happen. But through it all, I trust God. I trust Him more and more and that's all I can do. Q

Family First

I know I haven't blogged in a minute. I have been super, super busy. Many of you know I started my cupcake and cake business and about 2 weeks ago, I began moving it to a commercial space. It has taken a lot of time and attention to get this done. There is a lot of paperwork, and permits, and on and on. In the midst of that, I am still a wife, a mother, a daughter, an aunt, a minister and I work another job. I still need to get the Supremes blog up and going, contact the winner, supervise the work being done at the house, help my mom plan her wedding and a host of other things. So something had to suffer and so it was this blog.

If you follow me on twitter, you know a few days ago I went on a rant about some stuff. I had read an article about President Obama that rubbed me the wrong way. Folks were complaining about how much time he spent with his family. No really they did. Then some chick on twitter was going on about wondering if he thought about the homeless people while he was out eating with his wife. The double standard stuff amazes me. People's thinking is so backwards!!!! Bottom line, the President is the leader of his family FIRST PERIOD. Long after he has left office, he will still be Michelle's husband, and Sasha and Malia's dad. He can't put them on the back burner just to appease people. If more parents spent more time with their kids instead of out shopping, watching tv, surfing the net or working, a lot of things in this world would be better.

I take breaks from different things in my life to make time for my family. Even with all I have going on, I make sure T and the Supremes come first, after God of course. I look at Princess B and I can't believe how fast time has flown by. I can't imagine putting her or her sisters to the side just so I can do me. It doesn't work like that. They didn't ask to be here and I didn't have to marry T. But since they are, and I did, I need to take care of them. A lot of this makes me wonder about preacher's kids. Why do they have such bad reputations? Are their parents too strict and don't show enough compassion? Or are they too busy taking care of God's people while forgetting about the family God has placed in their lives? Either way, I don't want that for my daughters. All you have to do is look in the bible and see how things went south for King David when he didn't handle his family business. The entire kingdom suffered. So I applaud our President for taking care of home first. I bet you won't hear about his daughters out at clubs involved in underage drinking. *blink*

This week while away from my blog, I decided to write in a journal instead. I started this idea awhile ago but what I initially had was all over the place. So I went to Ross and found a nice neat one. This journal will be my love letter to my daughters. I will tell them about everything from love, to sex, religion, relationships, friendships etc. But most importantly, I want them to know how much I love them. I don't just want to tell them, I am showing them. I talk with them, I spend time with them, and I am there for them. It's really time for us to stop focusing on silly stuff and focus on what matters most. So many people think the answer to their prayers is more money. But I believe if you take care of God's business which includes your family, He will take care of yours. So if you don't see me on here posting or on twitter tweeting, know that I am okay and I am making sure, my family comes first. I can always catch up and blog, but I can't get back the time I have to spend with my family. Q

The contest is over

Thank you so much to everyone who retweeted, posted, and passed along the link. I received a lot of really great titles. I wasn't expecting so many. Yall made this really hard. I had some friends help me narrow down to 3 favorites and the Supremes and I will make our selection from there. The new blog will be up and ready to go on Wednesday. Stay tuned!!!! Q