Friday, December 30, 2011

Peace and Accountabilty Partners

Good (last of 2011) Friday! I don't think I've ever posted on the weekends... so after today, next time I see you guys it'll be 2012! Unless you plan on stopping through my impromptu party tomorrow night, that I am (as always) unprepared for. But I am certain I'll get it together (as usual)


So, I did my 45 minutes on the treadmill yesterday evening... yay me! Currently: my legs feel like spaghetti! I am so sore and unstable, I need J's "balance" bracelet (he claims it works, I am not a believer.. yet!) But I did it and I feel good! So good, I'm going to do it again today! And the day after that, and the day after that...
I am telling you all this because I need you to hold me accountable. If I only place these desires in my head, then leave them there... that is exactly where they will stay. I need to know I told you I was going to do something, and now I definitely have to do it! You guys are my accountability partners! So feel free (I encourage you) to ask me about my progress... "Tamika, did you work out today?" Please ask me, then either congratulate me if I did and scold me if I didn't. I need that! I am not that great at being my own self motivator, but maybe after I make it a habit I will be in business.


I am feeling good about all the changes in store. I know alot of people don't believe in New Year's Resolutions... I am one of them admittedly! But it's always a good time to make positive changes toward your future, and since this is the New Year, why NOT today?
I love and appreciate all of my followers/readers... I pray that you all have a prosperous and wonderful New Year. Til next year...


I wish you PEACE and blessings in 2012,


 Tamika (that's my last 2011 peace!!!)


Thursday, December 29, 2011

Baby Steps, Bushy Hair and Banana Clips!

I feel some kinda away about my repurchased favorite jeans not fitting in the size I usually buy them in! Some kinda horrible... is this the motivation I needed to get my hindpots into gear?
One of my New Year's Resolutions was to take better care of me! And that means this weight has got to go, no more excuses!
If you can remember, one of my main reasons for not working out avidly is this natural hair (that I'm tryna wear straight). So in the spirit of no longer caring about who thinks what about my natural hair, I washed it last night and did NOT straighten it. I didn't do a dag on thing to it after I got out the shower, except brush it into a ponytail. I had no idea what I was going to make happen this morning, knowing I had to go to work, but....



I stuck a banana clip in that joint sideways and made it work! Now I have no excuse to not get my behind on the treadmill when I get home. And I will be in my new workout clothes (compliments of Santa Gigi) running (maybe walking) like the (slow) wind. :)

Wish me luck!!!

That's my (starting the NEW YEAR'S Resolution off on a good foot) peace!!!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

On with the New Year!

Happy Wednesday!!! It's been a while, I shouldn't of left you... without a dope beat to step to, step to! LOL!!!
Hey Everyone, I hope you all had a super Merry Christmas! "Was Santa good to you?" (That's what one of my coworkers said to me today, figured I'd pass it on.) I have to be honest with you guys... I LOVE the holidays, but I am SO glad it's over! SO GLAD! Christmas, as wonderful as it is, is super stressful. I resolve not to be Christmas stressed next year. Aside from the tom foolery of the holidays, I enjoyed mine. The gifts, the time with my family, celebrating my birthday... all good times! Hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas as well. On with the NEW YEAR!
2012 will be here in just a few days. And the end of the year always brings yearly reflection for me... like what was I doing this time last year? and the year before that? Thankful that every year brought some growth and progress. Thankful that I am not where I was just two years before, praise God!!! Hoping that 2012 continues to be a year of moving forward, making positive changes, and living a life pleasing to God. I am excited about 2012! I've got a feeling it's going to be the awesomeness! I get to be a bride this year... that sounds fun, right? Remember the post... Wedding? I'm not that girl... (viewer discretion advised)? Disregard the (viewer discretion advised) portion... but in the 1st paragraph I talk about how I have no visions of a wedding.

"I haven't ever "dreamed" about the kind of wedding I want. I don't have a color scheme picked out, cake flavors, ideal dress, flowers, bridesmaids... nothing!"

Well I think it's about time I start dreaming! (Or better yet planning) I always thought I just wanted to go to the Justice of the Peace, no hoopla, no foolishness... just us making it official. But my J always wanted something more than that, and now so do I. I still don't have a color scheme picked out, but I have been looking at wedding and bridesmaid dresses. And now I am officially excited! I still only want something simple, small and intimate... but there is a vision of something with my very special someone. I swear he brings a different side out of me. The perfect guy for me found me (after much stalking), and now I can focus on the details of a wedding. I've got the most important part all handled... the groom is hot! :) Oh yea, 2012 is about to be AWESOME!!!

On with the NEW YEAR!


You want to know what else I'm looking forward to in 2012? (don't laugh or judge me!) The Hunger Games MOVIE, March 23, 2012... If you didn't know, the current BYOB (book club) read is The Hunger Games, and I thought it was an amazing book. I never wanted to put it down. I loved it so much, I went on ahead and finished reading the whole series. I loved every minute of it and I highly recommend this book to all ages! Our book club meeting for The Hunger Games will be held on either January 14th or 21st, so you still have time to start reading and join us. Then look forward to the movie coming out in March. I highly recommend you read the book before you see the movie. Movies always ruin it for the book, they are never as good. I cant think of one instance where the movie prevailed in content over the book. Not The Help, not The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo... and on and on! Those are just the most recent disappointments I could think of.


I so wanted to post the trailer for the movie, but I know I didn't want to look at it until i finished reading the series. I'd hate to ruin that for anyone else! But if you don't care and want to watch the trailer (click here)

So many wonderful things to look forward to in 2012... ON WITH THE NEW YEAR!!! :)

A Happy New Year to everyone! If I don't talk to you again before New Year's Eve, enjoy your New Year but please drive, drink and think responsibly.

That's my peace!!




Wednesday, December 21, 2011

I Resolve to...

Happy Wednesday All! With the New Year right around the corner, I think now is a good time to make some resolutions! *cue Aaliyah song here* "We need a resolution...." Anywhoozle, I'm not usually one to make New Year's Resolutions. I think if something needs to be altered, why wait until January 1st to start the change? But seeing as how New Year's is right around the corner, I think I could think of a few things that I could work on myself...

1. Procrastination- I am a serious procrastinator. I seriously feel I work better under the pressure, but I also feel I'd be more efficient if I gave myself ample time to get things completed. I've been trying to be a "Jules like" list maker for a minute now, to no avail. Maybe she hogged that portion of the gene pool and there was nothing left for me.... dang it Jules! Still I am going to resolve to not be a procrastinator

2. Take better care of myself- Maybe this needs to be broken down into subtexts...
  • Eat better- it's more than just losing weight... it's about my health, my skin, my energy level. I want to be healthier and thinner (of course). I canNOT with the extra 30 lbs anymore! I deserve better for myself
  • Workout- this black woman, black hair thing is really holding me back. But in the long run, the grander scheme of things, I have to do what's best for my body... not my hair! (*cue*) "I am NOT my hair" (but I SO am though!) I love my hair :(   *sighs*
  • Get more Tam Time- How often do I make time for me?! I must admit, I've gotten better with this in the last few months. I cant let those kids make me feel so obligated to wait on them hand and foot. I will fix dinner and your plates, but you pour your own drink, get your own ketchup as I sit and eat... yea, its that bad! They are all grown enough to handle those things. I do not have toddlers running around the house, so why am I doing all the work? It had to start small for me in that way, now on to bigger things like leaving them home as I go out to enjoy my day ALONE sometimes. They do NOT own me or all of my time. I am allowed Tam Time! And I resolve to take more of it.
3. Choose my words more carefully- This is big for me. I am a "no nonsense" kinda girl. I mean what I say and I say what I mean, usually pretty unapologetic. But sometimes it is not the nicest possible way to get things done. Sometimes I just don't have time for pleasantries. "You know I love you, so don't take what I say so personally" is my stance on things. But I have to remember we are human (sensitive) and if I love you, I would choose a better way to communicate so that it doesn't possibly hurt you. And I do! So I will! I resolve to be a little nicer (now, don't go expecting me to turn into a complete wuss, but... I will soften my tone some). I feel I have already taken the intention out of this resolution with my own doubt, but work with me now people! I will resolve to try and choose my words more carefully. LOL

I think this is enough resolve for one New Year. I don't want to overwhelm myself with too much work, only to set myself up for failure. I am going to get these few things under control and see how I turn out at the end of 2012... I hope we all can take a look at ourselves and see what could be worked on, not just for the New Year but for everyday of every year.

What are some of your resolutions?

That's my peace!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Happy Tamika Day! (Part I)













Vows to Jerry (Unedited)

You are amazing. When we first met, I wrestled with my feelings for you because I was hurting and scared. Instead of  pressuring me, you took your time showing me what life with you is like and convincing me just how much I needed you. You, ever so patient and loving, allowed me to take my time in falling in love with you. I know it wasn't easy, but you held my hand and loved me the whole way. One day, I just knew there was no one else in the world like you and I couldn't risk losing you, so I jumped in with both feet. I haven't regretted a moment with you since. Everyday I spend with you, I love you more. You are so kind and generous, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world just because you love me. You have become my very best friend and I can not imagine life without you. I look forward to becoming your wife and I promise to honor and respect you, laugh with you, and love you faithfully through good times and bad regardless of the obstacles we face together. I give you my hand, my heart and my love from this day forward for the rest of my life.  I do not deserve the love that you give, but I thank God for not always giving us what we deserve... you are my blessing. I love you and I pray for the patience and kindness to be the wife you need until death do us part.  


"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."


I know this was a bit personal of a post, but that's how it's going today... AND WHAT?


That's my (I'm in love with Jerry) peace!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Happy Thurs-Friday (to me anyway)!!!

Happy Thurs-Friday to me! And just Happy Thursday to those of you that will be at work tomorrow... haha! I really need to figure out how I can only work 2 days a week regularly. This week has been relaxingly awesome! I have been so refreshed, that the days I have been at work, I've been more than pleasant. I'm sure my coworkers have appreciated my pleasant demeanor, but it'll all be back to normal next week when I get back to the regularly scheduled program (sadly). But I am going to enjoy these last few vacation days while I can!
The weekend is almost here, and the celebration of Tamika Day begins tomorrow... I can't wait! Actually, I can wait since I am less than prepared, but I trust it will all come together as it should. I don't "New Year's resolute" (whenever changed is needed, it should happen ASAP). But since we are coming up on the New Year, I resolve to procrastinate less... I think for the purposes of "A Peace of Tam", I am going to have a resolution list. Maybe before it posts I can get some feedback on what some others think I may need to work on for next year and going forward. (Let's not get J started, lol. He doesn't complain about anything hardly ever... but when he does, he tends to have a whole list of things that can be fixed "since we're on the subject" haha. Gotta love him!)

I wanted to talk about giving and receiving advice today, but I'm not really in the mood to be all knowledgeable and philosophical, so we're going to skip that one until I'm feeling it. But a friend recently told me that I give the best advice and it had me thinking... but, all that for another day! I think I am going to take this time to skip out to VS, Filene's and CVS. If you know the location of these stores, feel free to meet me there or find me for a Tamika Day lunch another day (on you).
I will be semi enjoying my day off tomorrow butt loads of errands and trying to prep myself and my home for guests... so if I don't see you again before then, enjoy your weekend!

10 more days until the OFFICIAL Tamika Day!!! Happy Tamikadays to you all!!!


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

R.A.P.

Happy Monday-Tuesday! I enjoyed my day off yesterday, R.A.P. to me! After taking Kai to school, I came back home and SLEPT the whole morning away... it was awesome! I eventually got up and ran a few errands, but no rushing, no hurrying. I actually especially left out to get the sequel to the BYOB book The Hunger Games. I enjoyed that book thoroughly, so I went to pick up Catching Fire and I (believe it or not) sat down on a bench in the mall and read it. ( I was waiting for J's watch to get fixed), but nonetheless, I did NOT fill the time with foolishness, just R.A.P. (Rest and peace!), chilling on the bench reading! It was deliciously wonderful. I eventually went back home and chilled out... did a little cleaning, lounged with the fam, good relaxing day. And now, here I am at work, rested and refreshed. Today is looking to be a good Monday-Tuesday! I wish I could take every Monday off, but I know my office would THINK they were falling apart. I always come back to so much work when I take days off, that's why I usually (unless necessary) never take more than one day off in a row. They can always tell themselves "Tamika will be in tomorrow, no worries!" I actually pride myself in being needed (not to this extent sometimes), but I'd much rather be needed than dispensable. Not everyone can do what I do!
So I'm here today, and off again tomorrow! Woohoo! I have so many things to get done, and I can really only knock one thing off the list... Tamika Day outfit has been confirmed! Everything else is only a distant thought. I should make a list or something, keep myself focused and on track. I need to Finish/start my Christmas shopping, (can I *Chandler Bing* BE any later on this?) But I'll have it together... hopefully. I need to make this reservation... (hold please, gonna do that now actually). I didn't like the outcome of that, I need a Plan B :(. See, this is why you should NOT procrastinate.. lesson learned!
Update: the stockings have been hung (by the chimney with care...lol). But no really, J hung the stockings this weekend. My sweet Kai is taking a picture for me right now and sending it, so it'll be posted shortly... 



The day has slipped away from me and I have to go now, but I'll chat with you again on Thursday when I'm back at work!

Thanks for the pic Kai... that's my peace!

Friday, December 9, 2011

"Stockings were (not yet) hung..."

It's Friday!!!! oh yea! I don't know what the weekend holds, but I know who holds the weekend... Do you guys know that song from The Sounds of Blackness? (only "weekend" was substituted for "future"). Anywhoozle, I don't really have a topic today. I just felt like I should say hello, check up on you guys. Maybe share some updates...


I am midway through The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and I must say, I like it alot. It's not typical of most (really any) books I read. Not really into futuristic/ sci-fi/ fantasy, but nevertheless I am thoroughly enjoying this read. I hope everyone is joining me in reading this book and Ilook forward to seeing you all at the next BYOB meeting. There are sequels to this book, (although BYOB doesn't usually go through sequels, for the sake of newcomers) but I intend to read the others in my spare time.
Yes! it is that good so far.


I don't have a set plans for the weekend. I am intending to go on the hunt for the Tamika Day outfit... I'll let you all know how that works out. I have something in mind, but I don't want to spoil it just yet. Especially since when I visualize the outfit in my mind, I am tall and thin. In reality, I am neither (kinda working on one). But I am still creating a positive vision of myself in this certain outfit. Cross your fingers I can even find it, let alone look stunning in it. Maybe I should take an (HONEST) friend with me...
Regardless, I am sure there will be pics (if I can get it together and remember to photo the moments), and I will make sure to post them so you all can ooh and ahh! That's just how I do!


Last night, while J was at band practice, I took that time to decorate our family Christmas stockings (compliments of J). He's so special... And I do actually have a picture of the nicely, if I say so myself, personalized stockings. We only accidentally left Kirk out, but we'll get him one before it TOO LATE! lol... (dramatic) Only thing left is to have "the stockings hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that St. Nicholas soon will be here". But that's J's job, I did my "artistic" part!


I gave myself a heart to match Kai's heart and cause I LOVE all of them...
Jerry was at band practice, so he had nothing.
I guess he can tell me later :)




























Ikaia asked for a heart by her name
Nae asked for a music note
  
Jaz wanted a star by her name, I did my best!
*singing* It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas... at the Brawner house! Our tree has been up since the weekend after Thanksgiving, I shoulda taken a picture of that! Kai did an excellent job working with what she had, but in my opinion our 7 1/2 foot tree could use more ornaments!
It's still very pretty and Christmas will be here before you know it! Which is scary because I have been Queen Procrastinator when it comes to Christmas shopping. I've gotten a very minuscule amount done and I only have 15 full days left! But I am certain that I will be productive soon, I work best under pressure... so NOT! But it is what it is...


Jada and Jalynn were in bed when the stockings were done, they can tell me what they want by theirs later...
  Happy Tamika Days everyone!


That's my (Christmas stocking) peace!

Monday, December 5, 2011

The Goose is Getting Fat (headed)!

Happy December 5th everyone! There is no relevance to December 5th (sorry if I caused you any confusion)... but this is the day that the Lord has made, REJOICE REJOICE! :) Happy Monday! And I am legitimately happy today. Not the "I am choosing to be happy but I'm really in the pits" kinda happy either. I had a good weekend that involved quality time with my girls, my family and my J... it was just full and wonderful. And I am well rested to have a wonderful Monday. I hope you all are doing the same. Or maybe some of my JOY can rub off on you, here's hoping!

But it really is December already, and that means Tamika Day is coming! I will be 29 in 20 days and... wow! Having a Christmas Birthday is not easy. I really truly believe I am scarred for life. But after overcoming my "so what it's my birthday" blues, I decided that I am going to celebrate it. I have never been happier in my life, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate my day while I am this happy. Next year may not be this happy (although I am ALMOST positive it will be better)... I am usually pretty bah humbug about my birthday, with it being on Christmas and all and I try to overcompensate for the celebration. But this year, I decided to keep it as simple as possible and not try to overload it with "things" just to attempt to make it wonderful. Although I haven't ironed out all the details yet, I've decided on dinner and a house party! I wanna get dressed up and go out to eat somewhere with a few of my friends and then (possibly a whole other day) be at home, cozy and have everyone I know and love celebrate Tamika Day just having a good time together. Sounds simple enough, right? Well I am expecting it to be a good old fashion simple fun time! Now all I need to do is figure out where I'm having this wonderful, "I'm all dressed up" dinner and what the theme of this "house party" is going to be (games?). I'm excited! And you BETTER be too! (that is an order). I refuse to allow Christmas (said with disdain) and now the NBA to overshadow Tamika Day! I am special!!! lol (and crazy apparently) Now, I hope to see you all at my house party, ok? And please feel free to bring a gift. If you read my blog regularly, I'm pretty certain you have an idea of the kinds of things I like... but just in case you feel lost, I'll help you out (haha, humor me)...

I like:
scarves
earrings
lip gloss
books
hats
eye makeup
socks
you can never fail w/ a gift card
otherwise, I'm sure you'll think of something! lol

Anywhoozle, aside from my birthday... Christmas is coming! "the goose is getting fat!" (and so is my head apparently). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas! I love the season, I love the jolly, the family time... I just wish it wasn't on the same day as my birthday! But who better to share the recognition of a birthday with than Jesus. So after I get Tamika Day out my system, I will delight in the joy of the holidays with everyone else. Christmas is at my Aunt Lisa's house, so no meal planning and confusion for me! Yay me! I hope everyone takes some time from the hoopla of presents and lights and Santa and remember to share that Jesus is the REAL reason for the season. In the spirit of the holidays, be kinder. Celebrate Jesus' Birthday by sharing his love, mercy and grace to those around you.

I hope the season treats you all well!

Ok, back to it being about me (teeheehee). I am going to think long and hard on Tamika Day plans and if you have any ideas on a nice (yet reasonable) restaurant, please feel free to share. For one day (ok, maybe a week), I'm gonna make it all about me. Follow suit...




Although not completely related,  today's blogging took my mind to this song... enjoy!

Happy Tamikadays!

That's my (big headed) piece!!!!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Almost!

Almost! It's almost Friday, I almost thought I was out of my slump (maybe "almost" I was). I almost missed the bus this morning, I almost burnt my toast, it's almost my birthday, I almost didn't let him love me, almost!

What is this word "almost"? If you say it and see it enough times in a row, it's a strange word. almost, almost, almost!
What if these "almost" incidents actually really happened? What if we were never even close? I just feel like I say "almost" a lot. Thank God it is almost Friday though!
I have been feeling some kind of way lately. I've got a lot going on, I'm having a moment of sadness, I've just been feeling kinda low... I am in this SLUMP. I thought I was almost out of the slump, but I had a minor set back. What if I was already completely out of the slump? That'd be nice. But what if I was never even close to being out? What if I was so far gone, that I couldn't even see the light at the end? What if I never even found a moment of peace? Yes, I wish I was completely healed and restored back to a clear mind, but what if I wasn't even close? What if I was still curled up, in bed, crying, feeling like dying depressed. I thank God for "almost"!
I almost missed the bus... and that sucked having to put that extra pep in my step to make sure I didn't, but what if I had missed it completely? I thank God for almost! So what about the toast! (it wasn't that delightful) lol. but bigger (much bigger) than that...

I almost didn't let J love me. I almost was too scared to be vulnerable and let my guards down, I almost walked away more times than I want to recollect and maybe, just maybe he almost let me. Thank God for almost! I realize everyday we "almost" a lot of things. Some of them good, some bad... but what if we weren't even almost? I have to cross this CRAZY busy street everyday in the dark. And everytime I just "almost" get to the other side and almost get hit, yea I'm a little peeved that I almost got hit. It isn't a good feeling, but what if it wasn't almost? I could have really gotten hit, but I didn't. Thank God for almost!
Then again, sometimes the almost feels like a disappointment. I almost passed that test, or I almost got an A, or I almost got the job... but didn't. That sucks! But what if you were never in the running? What if you completely failed, or never even got the call back? Yea, the almost sucks... but not even being "almost' would suck even worse. At least we were "almost". So, let's work on thanking God for the almost even when it doesn't work in our favor. God knows what he's doing. That "almost" wasn't in his plan for you. Maybe He's showing you the almost so you know He's capable. Maybe He's showing you the almost because He needs you to see your own heart's desires and do better, try harder, pray more. Yes, He could make it all just happen, but where's the lesson in that? Thank God for the almost!
I almost gave up, but I didn't.
I almost didn't survive it, but I did!


I wanted to post a song the last couple of days... but yesterday, I forgot my song choice and today... well, Brandy didn't know what she was talking about in her "Almost Doesn't Count" song. It counts!



I ALMOST left my marshmallows at home today... TGFA!!! (Thank GOD for ALMOST!)
 
that's my (almost) peace!