Day 26: Accept a Compliment

Accepting a compliment has always been hard for me.  Its not  that I don't belive the actual comment as much as I don't belive I deserve it.  kinda wierd huh? I wouldnt peg myself as one with low self esteem, but I honestly don't know why I deem myself unworthy of compliments...

If someone compliments my hair, I point out the massive amounts of grey , and make a mental note to dye again.  If someone compliments my jeans, I'll remind them of how much MORE weight I have to loose, to fit into a smaller pair of jeans I have at home... I ALMOST NEVER SAY THANK YOU!

So, today when in the market and several men complimeneted my on my looks.. I said thankyou!  I smiled, I said thank you, and I actually stood there just a little longer than usual so that they could marvel in my beauty just a while longer... it felt good. 

Day 25: I Binged!

Alright, I Know Big.com has been around for like a hunnit years (lol) but I have never used it.  I've always thought that the whole idea of having a bunch of options thrown at me (like Bing says Google does) was kinda cool.  I have a very hard time focusing, and I find it kinda fun to look for "poetry cafe in Philadelphia" and find "wine tasting near Philadelphia".. the way I look at it is like "wow! I didn't know there were wineries nearby - its almost lik ethey were reading my mind, I like wine", yeah I'm real special in that area. 

I'm trying to get better, but when I look for ways to focus, too many options are thrown at me lol...

Anyways, today (Sunday April 24,th) I used bing.com for the very first time.  I saw a commercial and was like "lemme give it a try".  I DON'T LIKE IT! its like talking to someone who only wants to talk about one thing.  I like conversations that start with "what did you eat for lunch" and end with "and that's why I don't say the Pledge of Allegiance" I personally like wondering how we got on this subject, so when I Binged ( that doesn't even sound right) ""poetry cafe in Philadelphia" - because I would really like to go to a spoken word thingy, I got frustrated... I don't know why, but I don't like bing.

As you can probably tell, I've spent the past three days in front of the computer.  Etsy.com, ebay.com bing.com plus a whole bunch that I'm too ashamed/embarrassed to admit.

Day 24: Selling my car on Ebay

I love my red Ford Taurus Station wagon.  I really do.  It was the first car I've gotten from a dealership - my previous cars (and cars since then) have been purchased from private sellers, or auctions.  That car never gave me any problems, but latley its been going through some issues that cost more than I can afford to shell out to fix at this time.  The power steering is gone, the cooling system needs to be flushed, it needs a tune up, and it needs brakes.  As much as I'd love to keep it and continue driving it off into the sunset, my finances won't allow me to do that, so today, after much consideration, and haggling I decided to post it for sale on ebay.com.  A small part of me is hoping that it gets sold so that the future owner can invest the money and time into giving my baby a second chance, but then there's another psrt of me - a much bigger part - that secretly hopes that the listing expires with no bids.  I WANNA KEEP MY CAR! 

I guess only time will tell . 

Day 23: Created an Etsy.com account

I missed a few days, as I was dealing with some issues, but I'm back.

Okay, let's see, today (actually Saturday) I created an etsy.com account and listed a few of my fine art prints for sale.  The whole registration process was very simple, anbd I was set up and ready for sales in a matter of minutes.  Etsy.com is different than ebay.com because yuo're allowed to set a fixed price, and all items must be handmade and original.  A friend of mine sells some handmade items on etsy, but I'd never given any thought to the idea of listing and selling my own art work.  So I listed a few items, and I eagerly await my first sale.  If you'd like, take a moment or two to check out my shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/devynedesigns.

Day 22: Ran (ok, ok, we walked at a fast pace) at 5am

I am actually writing this post a day after, because for the first time in a very long time I allowed myself to be sick.  Its not that I don't get sick - well, I really don't - but when I do get sick I normally force myself better, by working through whatever ails me.  But yesterday I was sick.  I laid down and went to sleep. 

But anyways, Yesterday I Ran at 5am.  Which was a first for me.  I decided that I wanted to pick up running again, so I called out to a few of my friends, and was lucky when one called back.  So I woke up, got myself ready and went walking.  By 6am, we had walked a mile, talked about everything, and we were done.  By 7am I was energized, and ready for more.. of course that whole excitement ran out by noon, when I began feeling sick... buy 5PM, I was down for the count.

Day 21: Ask for Help

I have Pride issues.  I'm not afraid to admit it.  Sometimes my issues of pride get in the way of me actually accomplishing what I need to do.  There has been numerous occasions where I went without, simply because I was too prideful to ask for help.  I assumed (and kinda still do) that to ask for help is a sign of weakness.  In my mind, I should be able to handle anything thrown at me.  My mother was on drugs, my dad was a womanizer, I practically had to raise myself...what's the big deal if I need help paying a bill or need a ride somewhere?  I mean, that's small stuff compared to some of the things I've overcome. 

I guess I need to grow up...

Anyways, today I asked for help.  I almost started to cry when doing so, but I maintained all composure.  I had been hitting a wall on a problem for the past year, and things started to get out of control.  I was loosing too much!  I asked for help.  I thought I would be belittled or ridiculed for needing help, but I wasn't.  I need to do that more often.

Day 20: Listen to a Friend - Without interjecting

Day 19: Research it a bit further

Okay, I have a confession. 

My name is Trish and - oh, this is hard to say...

My Name is Trish and I rarely do any research.

I don't comparison shop.

I don't read instructions or directions...

I don't know why I don't, but I don't.  I never have.  If I have an idea, I run with it - full speed, arms wailing, screaming "watch out, here I come!"... I've been this way for as long as I can remember. 

Take for instance my last car purchase.  I saw it online, went into the dealership, and was prepared to pay full price for it.  t never dawned on me, not even once to maybe take the car for a spin, or negotiate the price.  Thank goodness my husband was there to provide some kind of reason.  When I bought my camera, I walked into Bestbuy and paid the ticketed price for the camera..I knew nothing about it, just knew I had to have it - no,  I have yet to read the 20$ guidebook I purchased which was supposed to tell me how to use it. 

Just the other day while cleaning up, I stumbled upon the operation manual for the Wii.  I thumbed through the pages, and found out that the Wii could take a SD card and act as a picture viewer as well as a media player for music.... I felt kinda dumb not knowing this very simple bit of information about a system that I've owned for almost 2 years.

So, today while looking for a Photoshop class/workshop, instead of jumping on the first program that was local, I decided to do a lil research.  I must admit that doing research is a tad bit boring.  It's tedious, and very time consuming.  There were many times that I felt like unplugging the computer altogether and taking a walk to get a candy apple.  But, I persevered.  I held on to my sanity, and I found a workshop that was 1) closer, 2) more affordable, and 3) worked with my schedule.  I guess it kinda paid off. 

Day 18: Wear Colored Eyeliner

Yes, I am thirty years old, but this year is the first year that I've actually explored the whole make up thing seriously.  In the past I may have messed around in foundation (and when I say messed around, I mean made a mess of my face...I looked like a porcelain doll once), fooled around in blush (are black women even supposed to wear blush?) and dabbled in a little eyeshadow here and there..  But when I turned 30 something was awakened in me, and all of the sudden I wanted to wear make up all the time.  I didn't need it to feel pretty, but to feel sexy.  I started with the eyeshadow,spending countless dollars trying to get just the right match.. and then I stumbled upon concealer - that took some getting used to, as I wasn't quite sure where it should go.. I mean what was I trying to conceal? A friend told me about base which, I am still not too sure how it works, or what it works for.. but it works - I think...

Throughout out my adventures, I noticed or should I say learned how to properly apply eyeliner, mostly by watching YouTube videos, but also by quietly watching and borderline stalking other's eye make up applications... I learned the smokey eye effect - not too sure if I like it though, I learned how to make my eyes look softer or more dramatic, and then the other day I learned that if used properly a little color could make my eyes an accessory.  Now, before you go running around telling everybody that Trish is some kinda fashionista STOP!  Let me remind you that this year (just a few days ago) was the first time that I wore those long dangly necklaces that girls wear.  Very seldom do I wear nail polish...but I'm learning, and the saying is those who know better do better.. trust me I'm trying. 

I watched a few YouTube tutorials on colored eyeliner and today I played around a bit and found my color.  Okay, I take that back... I found A color. Without thinking I grabbed and paid for a Blue and a Violet stick.. I got home ran in the bathroom ( much like a boy with a playboy magazine) closed the door, and started messing around... I'm surprised that the Blue looked nice.  Quite honestly, I only thought that White girls (and maybe Asians) looked nice in colored makeup.  I just assumed that women of color would look best in earth tones -  golds, bronzes, browns - stuff like that.  Most of my experience with black girls who wore colored make up was bad.. I'd seen smokers (crackheads) with icky sticky red lips, and purple blush, blue eyeshadow,  and a blonde weave... yeah, you're picturing it correctly.. a damn clown!   I was afraid, but I am no longer!  Not sure what color I'll wear tomorrow!  but It will be fabulous!

Day 17: Absolutley Nothing!

Today I pulled a "Husband".. not necessarily my husband, or your husband, just a husband.  I slept in until 1:40pm, I didn't shower, I didn't eat, I only drank a few sips of the bottle water that sat on my night stand from last night, I didn't clean, didn't dust didn't do anything.  As a matter of fact, I am wearing the same clothes I slept in (with the exception of the bra I put on when I got up to go potty).  This is actually the first time in a very long time that I have done absolutely nothing... I guess I just got tired of doing everything.  I'm so tired of being the one expected to do the dishes, cook the diner, tend to the children - yes, I said tend to the children, i wanna drill home just how archaic this whole "woman's work" crap is to me.  I did nothing.  Everyone was concerned.  My children thought maybe I was sick, the husband gave me an attitude - possibly the same one I give him when he sits and watches as I do it all... it felt good.  I walked over two huge piles of soiled clothes, trekked straight on through a pile of papers, looked at but dare not touched the apple core staining thorough my linen table clothe..i ignored it all.  Today, I did nothing!

Day 16: Take a Big Bite!

I don't usually mind trying new foods, but I often do so cautiously - that was not the case today. Today while at dinner I decided to try something new. What I thought was some kind of steamed dumpling turned out to be some kind of chineese sweet potato filled crepe. 

I grabbed this doughy ball and took a bite that divided the crepe in half. I had mo idea it had a creame filled center until I looked at the remaining half. Slowly, I began eating it and it was awesome.  I immediatley started asking the waitress what I was eating, this simple question made me a star, as not too many "non asains" ever attempted to try let alone try this delight. Next thing I know someone ix coming from the kitchen with a tray of these tasty treats all for me... I was in cake like food heaven. Wait staff, cashiers, cook and other employees were watching me as I devoured one tasty treat after another, even trying fig filled ones.

I was a beast, and everyone was happy to see me enjoying their delicacies.    

Day 15: Publish a freaking Book!

No, I can't believe it either, but today I became a published author!  Its actually something that I've always wanted to do, and I feel AMAZING.  My book (just saying that makes me smile),A Day In the Life of Trish,  is a collection of short stories, poems and random thought, that offer a small glimpse into my life as a Mother, Wife, Entrepreneur and Photographer.  Look out for the book at Amazon.com! 

Day 14: Visit the Observation Deck at City Hall

In my 30.10 years of life, I have lived in Philadelphia for 28 of them, yet I have never visited the Observation Deck at City Hall.  That all changed today.  I actually decided yesterday, after hearing how beautiful the weather would be (66 degrees in October), to hop on the train and pay Billy Penn a visit - and that's exactly what I did! 

After a short ride on the local, I waltzed into the Visitor's center at City Hall, and paid my five dollar admission.  I was told where to go and I happily skipped to my destination - YES!  I really skipped all the way.  I got there, and waited patiently for my tour guide to arrive.  I must admit I was a bit nervous, as I was the only person for the 10AM tour, alone with a man that could snap me in half if he wanted... ***side note whenever I'm in a situation like that I go with my gut (which is pretty big thanks to my snack habits..lol) he didn't strike me as a killer*** anyways, we rode in an elevator big enough to maybe fit 4 people to the observation deck, where I received a private tour.. the views were breath taking..  the buildings looked like little cardboard boxes all sitting upon one another.. the city (which I never believed to be that big to begin with ) looked tiny, as if it could snugly fit into another city without being noticed... I kinda felt ashamed for not visiting earlier.. maybe at year 18.10 of my life...

I would definitely go again, maybe with the kids in tow...perhaps we'll all play hooky one day and go pay Old Man Penn a visit.. who knows, maybe I'll go alone :)

Day 13: Write a Wiki page

Today I decided to fool around a bit, and get a little creative.  I signed up for a wikipedia.com account and I authored a short bio about myself.  I thought it would be an easy task, but once I got started I realized just how complicated writing about yourself could be.  I didn't want to include information that would get me stalked (one day I'll be famous) or have my children's safety compromised, but overall I think I did a pretty good time, and most importantly it was fun!

If you wanna waste a little time and see what I've written, please feel free to visit MY WIKIPEDIA page - yes, I kinda yelled that - at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patricia_D._Fleming

Enjoy Life!

Day 12: Dance with My Husband

Now that I actually think about it, I have NEVER danced with my husband, not even on our Wedding day.  Back then I didn't know my left foot from my right and my emotions were all over the place.  Fast forward 8 years and our lives became so complicated with children, jobs, house maintenance, bills, business and so much more that we never danced.  WOW!  that's kinda messed up, in a scary way.  when I think of it, we hadn't event really gone on that many dates...I mean we've been together for 14 years and married for 8 and I can honestly count the number of times we've spend intimate time with one another outside of the bedroom...

Anyways, tonight my husband and I danced.  If you recall, last week I attended my first ever ballroom dancing lesson, it was phenomenal.  So phenomenal that I wanted to share the experience with my husband.  I looked at this opportunity as a chance for us to kinda get to know each other again, spend some time AWAY from the children, and have some fun.  We managed to accomplish all three!  Somehow, as soon as I stepped onto the dance floor, all of my worries were gone, all of my insecurities vanished, it was just my husband and I dancing... It was wonderful!  Of course my toes got stepped on (literally), but overall we enjoyed ourselves.

Looking forward to our next adventure

Day 11: Take my son to see the Dinosaurs

I honestly don't know why it's taken nearly 4 years for me to take Miles to see the dinos at the Academy of Natural Sciences... I guess I kinda forgot about them.

Anyways, today we took the kids to the museum to see the dinosaurs, which happened to so be the debut of the "shell" exhibit. After a good hour of oohing and aahing we made some shell art (see photo) and make some jewerly...I had no idea people were that deep into shell collecting, we ate our lunch and we enjoyed a stroll down the parkway, visited the LOVE park (first time as a family). 

We had a fun time. 

Day 10: Cook rice in a Rice Cooker

Last Christmas my MIL gave me a rice cooker, today (10 months later) I used it. It was no big deal, nothing like I imagined - there were no fancy smells, sounds or sights, just boiling water in a pot that was plugged into the wall.. whoo hoo 

Day 9: Avoid Conflict

Day 9: Avoid Conflict

If you know me, you know that conflict seems to follow me wherever I go. I don't think that I'm a confrontational person, i just have high expectations of people, and when they fail to meet those expectations, I sound off letting them know exactly what I feel, how I was wronged, or just how stupid they sound or are acting... 

I guess I get that trait from my parents.

Anyways, after a day of snapping om almost everyone (Thursday 10/7) I decided to play it cool, and keep my mouth shut by all means necessary. Let me tell you, this was a difficult task, and I honestly don't know how passive people make it through life ( I guess they're ghf ones ghat eventually go "postal" at their jobs) without cussing at least one person out a day...call me mean if you want, I don't care. 

By the end of the night I felt exhausted. I felt like I didn't speak my mind or get my point across,I actually felt violated in some strange ways... not sure if I'll ever let that "meek shall inherit the earth" part of me out again, I don't know....

Day 8: Purple Bra?

Okay, this is a really silly one, but today was the first time I've ever worn a bra that was NOT white, Black or tan/brown. 

You see, My mom wasn't around much when I was growing up, so the bulk of my "act like a lady" training came from my grandmother - who was insanely old school.  According to her wisdom, ladies did NOT wear colored bras for the fear that their "womanhood" would be exposed through their blouses.  When wearing a white or light colored shirt, I was taught to wear a Black bra, I could only wear a white bra if the shirt was a dark color or if I had a camisole underneath.    Tan or brown bras were only to be worn with special care to ensure the color/design (lace) would not show through.  It makes complete sense. 

Growing up I would fantasize about wearing fancy red and pink bras, but every time I put a "colored" bra in my cart, I would hear my grandmother's voice saying "ladies don't wear colored bras".  Last week, I went bra shopping, and the diverse colors and designs were dizzying, I couldn't decide on stripe or polka dot or words, or rhinestones... I went into a colored bra coma, and when I came out I had a simple purple bra in my hand.  I walked to the cashier (an older black woman) and felt the guilt once again - was she my grandmother's look out? was she spying on me and reporting back to her cohort all of the horrid details of my un "ladylike " behavior?  I lowered my gaze, and tried to avoid all conversation whatsoever, but she spoke to me, and said "ooohh chile, this is a nice purple" 

Maybe this was a sign ?  maybe I could still be a lady and wear a colored bra?

Day 7: You probably think that you're cooler than me! also known as Go to a Concert

Today I accomplished a few firsts. 

I finally spoke my mind on a topic that has been burning though me for the past few months.. can you say "Trish has had enough"?  I'm tired of being pushed around, I'm tired of not having my opinions validated (no, I'm not saying that you have to agree, but at least acknowledge them) and most importantly I'm tired of being pushed around.  For far too long I've allowed people (friends, in-laws, bosses,etc.) tell me how I should live MY life.  what started out as constructive criticism turned into berating.. ENOUGH IS DEFINITELY ENOUGH!  But that's not what I'm blogging about today! 

Today (well, actually in a few hours) I am going to my first ever concert!  I am so excited.  I cant believe that I lived for almost 31 years and never had the opportunity to see or experience an artist perform in concert.  I had so many questions, like what should I wear, will there be seats, what's the "concert etiquette", but just decided to throw caution into the wind, and experience it first hand.   I'll be going to see Mike Posner at the Theater for Living Arts in Old City, Philadelphia.  I decided to go with a pair of jeans, a blouse, my blazer and some brand new dangly necklaces I brought today (yes, this is also the first time I've worn those long dangly necklaces girls wear - this should be AWESOME).  Sadly, I'll only have my point and shoot (as my DSLR is broken) but I'm confident I'll be able to capture the moments of this experience. 

btw, I'm writing this now because there is a full bar (of which I plan to utilize fully) and I am not sure what time I'll get back in, or if I'll be of sober mind to put my experience into words...yes, I drink.

In any event, I'll post pictures tomorrow :)

Enjoy Life!

UPDATE: 10/8

Okay, so it took me a few days to digest this whole Mike Posner thing..

I guess the simple fact that I'm calling it a "thing" should indicate my attitude towards the whole experience.  Let me start by saying that for a first time concert goer, the experience was overall great.  I am happy that I experienced it but would not by any means attend another "standing room only" event. 

I went with the expectation that Mike Posner would actually sing one of the songs he's known for Cooler Than Me (Single Mix) and after standing for 5 (YES FIVE) hours I was severely disappointed.

I must admit Mike Posner, put on an amazing show (except for that whole standing still for like five minute thing, which pissed me off tremendously), I thought he interacted with the crowd well, got everybody hyped up and did his thing, but for such a small venue I really thought that maybe he would 1) Maybe take a request (I was hoping that someone would request "cooler Than Me" and 2) Maybe bring someone on stage (that someone did not have to be me, because God knows I would've crapped my pants anyhow). 

What I've gathered is that if you're going to spend money on a concert (or even attend a free one) you should probably be familiar with the songs the artist sings...not just the one they play on the radio.  Would I go to another Mike Posner Concert?  Yes, Indeed! But I would definitely do my research first.

Day 6: Poach an Egg

Well, you can't say I didn't try.

First, I must admit that I am not a huge egg fan. I don't like the way they smell, and most times I don't care for the taste. I used to love eggs, and then I got pregnant with my first child, and our love affair came to a halt.

Anyways, Today I tried to poach an egg (lemme just say the smell of boiling egg water still lingers greatly) without much success. I followed Alton Brown's directions very closely (or at least I thought I did), but the only thing I got was a pot full of egg stuff... looked like bad semen (not that I know what bad semen looks like, oh never mind).

I dare not taste it, NOPE! I will just assume it's yummy, or not.

as a matter of fact, I think the tag for this post should be yucky egg..lol

Day 5: Ballrom Dancing

Lemme start off by saying that I am so freaking happy that I've
decided to open my mind and try new things. these past few days have
been so effin' rewarding and today's event makes it all worthwhile.

Today I took an I introductory ball room dance class. I had so much
fun! with the assistance of Jessie I learned the basic steps to the
foxtrot and merengue! Awesome!

I went alone, but did not hesitate in signing Kyle and I up for a few
lessons :) just think, maybe you'll see me on dancing with the stars :D

Day 4: Make a pie from scratch

Hot damn, pots and pans, Trisha can bake a cake, a lil bit of flour, a
lil bit of sugar, and patience is all it takes...

Alright, alright, I didn't bake a cake, but I did bake an apple pie from scratch!! as in peel and cut apples scratch. Thanks to our visit to styer's orchard yesterday we had ALOT of apples.

I'm amazed that it only took a good 30 minutes of prep time and
another 40 minutes to actually cook it. It smells AMAZING , I can't
wait to eat it.

Enjoy life - Trisha

Day 3: Pick an Apple

Today was pretty awesome!

I had the opportunity to try three new things today, taste an avacado,
visit the Eastern State Pennitentary, and pick a. apple.

Of the three, picking apples was the most exciting. I planned a trip
to styer farm in langhorne pa where we picked pumpkins and apples.
It was Miles' first time to an orchard and my first time picking an
apple. I felt like a real live country gal, all I needed was some
overalls and a straw hat (just kidding).

We ended up picking 10lbs of apples and 3 huge pumpkins. I promised
the kids apple and pumpkin pie (which I DON'T know how to make)...I
guess that will end up on being one of the things I try.

Day 2: Make a Radiator Cover

Day 2: Make a Radiator Cover

Allow me to start by telling you that this was no easy task. I had it
all planned out, I would go to home depot, purchase the supplies and
build a radiator cover- why? cause I'm just that awesome, atleast
that's what I assumed...

I started by embarrasing myself by asking a very handsome associate at
home depot where I can get screwed at - I meant to ask him where I
could get the screws from- once I hot my screws I picked out my lumber
and had if cut to size, drove home (catching each and EVERY light from
rooselbely boulevard to 5th street) and started hammering away like my
life depended on it...

I finished the frame- which was my plan, I'll get the mesh in the
morning... right after I take a long soak.

October 4, 2010 Update: The darn thing fell apart..lol