No Theme. For April.

I'm returning back to my randomness effective now. Part of me wants to abandon ship here... Again. My other parts say keep moving forward without any unnecessary pressure, but don't leave "this" precious blog to just sit unattended to. When I log into my blog sometimes I wonder how I allowed an entire year to pass without posting one single entry during the year of 2013.

I mean, for me to go from posting daily on weekdays, to writing absolutely nothing for a consistent 365 days doesn't really make clear sense. Of course, the bottom line is I just didn't want to, but how much do I have on my agenda daily, "that" I just don't want to do, yet "it" still has to get done? Let's just say "it" is much.

So, "I can" push beyond the lack of motivation I'm feeling today. "It" is simply, just a moment in time. One little moment which will pass. If I'm blessed to return here tomorrow, I'll be glad "that" I did "this." I know myself and tonight I'm encouraging myself to proceed further with "this" blog of mine.

The Best Cousin. Quon.

The best cousin I've ever known. Wouldn't trade her for any other.

I love this little petite, chocolate, real-life china doll so much!!! She has a warrior's spirit and is the most self-encouraging person I know. When she's ready to share her own personal story she will. I can't rob her of the opportunity so I'll only share what she means to me. 

We met when we were in junior high school. She and her sister were pretty popular there. Quon embraced me immediately and we soon became inseparable. "This" woman has had my back since day one. Although, most of my upbringing has been in the hood, I was still quite naive in some areas, which made me very susceptible to becoming victimized by nonsense.

I had already experienced being bullied heavily and fights were waiting on me at "this" school. Quon inspired a great amount of bravery in my being. To stand tough on my own wasn't really my issue. Standing up against the negativity of the masses is where I faced some challenges and here, is where my cousin demonstrated a high level of concern for my well-being. 

As small as she was then, she had a mouth "that" spit fire like a dragon and no one would persistently bother her. I can't fail to mention how quickly her sister, my cousin Missy was to fight to defend her big-tiny sister. Kids from their neighborhood knew better than to mess with these two sisters and when they took me in, folks knew who I was related to so they didn't bother me either. Much of my own street-cred I owe to my big brother and cousins, Quon and Missy.

To date, she is still "something" like a warrior. She commands respect and gets "it." I recall a time when we were roommates and I couldn't get her to do what I wanted so we had a heated arguement. "It" escalated to the point where I felt we were better off going our separate ways and we did; for many years. Her forgiving heart led her to reach out to me by visiting my mother when she was alive. I was so stubborn, that I didn't acknowledge her efforts for a few more unnecessary years. 

I need my cousin in my life. I know "this" now more than ever. She is a rock. My rock solid family member. She accepts me with all of my flaws and doesn't mind sharing her opinion even if it makes me steaming mad. Laughing within. Through our relationship I've learned how to let go much better. I recover from being upset much quicker these days thanks to my beautiful cousin. I've seen how she does "it" and how much happier "it" makes her to move forward beyond offenses without holding a grudge against those "that" matter to her. She really is a real person. Like it or not, Quon is true to her person and does not live life as a phony made up character.

The LORD blessed me with "this" walking miracle to remain present in my life. Through her I see a whole lot of myself. We have matured into independent women together and I'm glad "that" Quon still remains relevant in my life.  

Two Days. Two More!!

To share about to complete this month's theme highlighting the VIPs in my life. 

Maysha & Quon are last, but far from least. Power Personalities to be described.

My Black History: Day 21.

Well, look at "this." I'm blogging for my 201st time on day 21 of my Black History series and it's leap year. I have a couple of "things" to mention within today's post so here I go...

As the very last day of my own Black history month of recognition, I'm reminded about the significance of numbers. Seven as being very Holy to me. So, capping my series at 21 feels like I'm in the right place at the right time. My family consists of 3 members and by my personal calculations I've done a good "thing" here with "this."

Remember the white board, that I brought into our house which ultimately became our inspiration board? Well, it's still making good use. My youngest daughter drew a picture commemorating Black History. I'm so touched by her creativity/artistry. Black History month keeps us informed and teaches the younger generations about all the challenges we've overcome and those, which we still face as Black people in America.

"No More Segregation!!!" That's what my little girl meant.

I agree. Diversity over division. 

So, last leap year I wrote a letter to my future husband with hopes that by this leap year I'd be married. Well, I'm no one's wife, not engaged and can not honestly say, "that" I'm in a serious relationship. Still not time for me and I'm ok with "it." All in GODs timing so I'll just continue to hold onto my faith and wait for the lifemate, that He is purposely readying for only me.

My momentum for blogging is at an all time high. I look forward to these moments when I force myself to stop whatever "it" is I'm doing to turn inward and to concentrate on my own thoughts, while also, creating "this" digital journal, that I can refer to at my leisure. "It" is indeed, a very good "thing." 

"Won't stop. Can't stop. Not now."

Handle That! Phone Call.

I was frustrated earlier today when I was told by my daughter's new health care provider, that she couldn't be seen. As a new patient, she's required to have a physical and they don't take walk-ins. I'm sure they could tell, that I didn't have any interest in formal procedures. A doctor somewhere, was going to see my daughter today. Period.

She's been home ill for 2-days now. I just took my youngest daughter to the doctor as a walk-in yesterday evening. My children have always had the same doctor until just recently. We received my eldest daughter's new health insurance card in the mail last week.

It did surprise me to receive the new card with a new primary physician and location. I did not make this request and I know that we have the right to select/change our HMO provider at anytime. Something told me to call the health insurance company at that very moment when I opened the envelope, but did I? No.

My eldest daughter will be spending the Christmas and New Year holidays with her dad and she leaves this coming Monday. I thought best as a precaution, to just take her to the doctor today to make sure her symptoms are only cold/flu symptoms and nothing more serious.

After being turned away by the new provider, I asked if they could refer us to somewhere that I could take her where she'd be seen today. I wanted to be sure that wherever we went would be covered under the health plan that was selected for her.

In the past, I wouldn't have thought beyond just getting her to a doctor. As I think about how I'll get out of debt, I'm conscious enough to do what I can and not accrue any new unnecessary debt. If I had taken my daughter just anywhere, it's likely that I would've gotten a medical bill in the future (even though we have health insurance).

"I should've made that call that day" is what I was saying out loud to my daughter as we exited the medical building. Reality set in before we walked to the vehicle. I decided to call the 1-800 number on her insurance card before going to urgent care so at the very least, on her next doctor's visit we could see her usual physician.

The insurance representative was so helpful. At the top of the call, I expressed how unhappy I was about the situation. I needed to make sure that my daughter would have verifiable medical coverage today, if I initiated any changes to her health plan within the call. The representative understood my concern and made the necessary changes. All in about 10-minutes!

Off to her regular doctor's office we went. Everything went smoothly and I found out, had I just gone to them first, they had the ability to change her health plan there in their office. Learning never ends.

Thankfully, all she has is a stomach virus that no medication can be prescribed for. Light diet and lots of rest were the doctor's orders. She's all clear to vacation with her dad.

-I will work harder at being more diligent and responsible with my family's needs!