Growing

School time is approaching.  My baby boy enters Jr High or Middle School this year.  This is a bitter sweet moment for me because I so miss him being a baby but I am very proud of the young man he is becoming. 

I think about all the firsts I enjoyed with him.  Like the first time I tickled his little baby feet.  The way he curled his toes into a tight tiny ball. The first time I blew into his belly button and he threw out his arms and legs into a star formation.  The way his eyes got big as saucers.  The first time he rolled over, crawled, walked, talked.  His very first day of school.  All of these very special moments that I hope I never ever forget. 



He is now a big 11 year old.  Five feet tall and over 100 pounds.  He is able to do a lot of things on his own and does not need me as much anymore...which is sometimes a great thing.  Other times it is sad to me though.

 He runs track and plays the viola.  When he enters 6th grade he is talking about moving to a brass instrument so he can participate band.  He is thinking of playing the French Horn.  Sadly, there is no orchestra at his new school so he has to change and adjust.



As he grows, I just hope he is able to be a caring young man just as he has always been a caring little boy.  He is my heart and I love him so much.  Some days I just wish I could still cuddle my little baby in my arms but now my baby takes up my entire lap.  He is nearly as big as I am. 



I know all things are meant to grow but he will always be my baby!

Not My Problem

One of the hardest things in life, for me personally, is realizing I have put my faith into the wrong person.  This is going to be one of my more personal blogs.  The kind I typically try not to write but I have to get this off my chest before it turns ugly and ruins this relationship.  This is the easiest and fastest way for me to purge it and avoid hurting the feeling of someone I love.

Long story short, someone I love struggles with weight.  I have been so supportive.  I even sat down and designed a well balanced diet plan featuring calorie burning foods.  And not crappy foods but yummy healthy foods like celery and other fresh fruits and vegetables.  I made all of this person's meals.  Diligently prepared them to be fresh, tasty, and full of variety.  I did this each and every day.  Not only that, but I did it with love and care; getting up at 5am to make the breakfast and lunch fresh.  I did not make it the night before because I did wanted it to be fresh and tasty.  I wanted the veggies to still be crisp. 

Anyway, as time passed I could not figure out why this person was either remaining the same weight or gaining weight.  I was so frustrated but I never let this person know how frustrated I was.  I assumed this person was doing everything they could to ensure the needed weight loss.  I certainly did not want to do anything to discourage this person's efforts.  I would honestly sit alone and cry because I could not figure out what else could be done.

Well today I found out why this person was not losing weight.  As I cleaned out the vehicle of this person, I found enough junk food wrappers that is the products had still been in said wrappers, I could open my own convenience store.  I am, at this moment, so very angry.

All my effort and energy was for naught because the person I love and attempted to help was not being responsible.  This person would rather I feel guilty than do what needed to be done.  I am so over it all.  I will no longer help this person.  It is all the responsibility of said person.  I will no longer accept it as my issue to help correct.  I have done all I can do and I now wash my hands of the entire situation.  I already have a son to tend to; I do not need anyone else I have to reprimand for irresponsible behavior.  

Hair

So Gabby Douglas wins a prestigious Olympic medal, making history.  This should be a proud moment for the black community.  Sadly, I keep hearing and reading black people complaining about the fact this athlete did not have her hair fixed. 

I seriously do not understand what is the big deal about how her hair looked.  Like I stated, she made history.  Also, her hair was fixed just like every other competitor on her team.  Being active in some sports I can attest, coaches like for hair to be uniform.  They say it makes the team look more concise. 

With that being said, I am about to go off on my rant.  I know MANY black females who spend many hours and tons of money on their hair.  These women have gorgeous hair, I must admit.  Beautiful natural curls or expensive weaves.  It makes no difference.  Their hair is really pretty and fashionable.  However, these women do not go to the gym.  They do not work out.  They do not swim.

I once asked one of my black friends why it was this way.  She sincerely replied, "What do you think happens when we sweat and our hair gets damp or wet?  It starts to get kinky.  All the time and money spent on the style is worthless once it gets wet!"  I could certainly understand why these women would avoid situations that would ruin their hair.  It made perfect sense.

However, this stuff about Gabby Douglas annoys me for one reason.  Growing up and living in the South for years, I did see many black women with gorgeous expensive hair but there was also another trend with these women.  Many (not all but most) were somewhat overweight, had high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, etc.  All of these conditions are associated with inactivity.  They may be in poor health but their hair is ON POINT! 

I know we all have different priorities but obviously Gabby Douglas was more concerned with being the best gymnast in the world.  She has certainly proven to be this.  She should not be judged by her hair.  She could be bald and no one should care; especially when you look at her team mates and they all have the same exact hair style.  It is highly possible she had no choice whatsoever in the style her hair would be pinned.  Give the kid a break and just be proud of her accomplishment.  WAY TO GO OUR MILITARY CHILD!  Way to go!!! 
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/08/03/gabby-douglas-proud-father-watches-her-win-gold-from-afghanistan/