tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58471770374792954612024-02-21T12:39:55.963-05:00Are You Kidding Me?!Rantings of a Southern DivaSouthern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-39686799402924412712008-12-31T19:19:00.002-05:002008-12-31T19:31:00.233-05:00The End...On January 1st of this year, I started this blog. The intent was to get me writing on a regular basis. <div><br /></div><div>Mission accomplished. Not only am I now writing regularly, I actually have a website for my stories, and I am a weekly blogger at<a href="http://www.apooobooks.com"> APOOO</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's time that I turn more of my attention to my fiction writing. Which means that I will have less time to play here at Are You Kidding Me.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, you can still find me every Friday at <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/category/musings-of-a-mid-life-diva/">APOOO</a> for my take on mid-life stuff.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course, you can find me at <a href="http://www.divafictionbytes.com">Diva Fiction Bytes</a>, if you are interested in fiction, my thoughts on the writing life, books, movies, or whatever else comes to mind. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for checking me out, and helping me immerse myself into the writing world. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have a great 2009. See ya' around the web. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-56920748453628973542008-12-16T09:55:00.005-05:002008-12-16T10:04:11.978-05:00Oh Happy Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KyiAnC7rkShBE89h33cvgQZeGW8Y2rf5NaSGAZfhebfohD8KEvecn7YllOPJNuwH0yN6kC3IJEDUtImdpTZ26Qc4mHf6PVtdzxn2BJ3FEm5nvMx5yURnbqkQDIoEnkkfrnOxFLdHcWHE/s1600-h/583_47.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 66px; height: 123px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KyiAnC7rkShBE89h33cvgQZeGW8Y2rf5NaSGAZfhebfohD8KEvecn7YllOPJNuwH0yN6kC3IJEDUtImdpTZ26Qc4mHf6PVtdzxn2BJ3FEm5nvMx5yURnbqkQDIoEnkkfrnOxFLdHcWHE/s400/583_47.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280402667686347458" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">plus</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeZXMDkuM9gv9GMFcONpNtvnb8yAXuq2WjQlH0uwJPlkUxlfaMnKg2n1mfciiHC6cPBy2G1q7GFxtkF_IO53DquxwW76qyzNVdhI59T7WnJSlCHGPd0R9HEtYJ7LpXhYmAmv6bf7831gV/s1600-h/7684018_sm.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 100px; height: 100px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeZXMDkuM9gv9GMFcONpNtvnb8yAXuq2WjQlH0uwJPlkUxlfaMnKg2n1mfciiHC6cPBy2G1q7GFxtkF_IO53DquxwW76qyzNVdhI59T7WnJSlCHGPd0R9HEtYJ7LpXhYmAmv6bf7831gV/s400/7684018_sm.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280402094643278338" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">equals</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>HAPPY ME!!!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">My MacBook and my Blackberry are now friends. I can sync my music, calendars, contacts, etc!!!! Yay me. Thank you to Apple for the latest updates that allowed this wonderful union! </span><br /></span><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-20702984465346989852008-12-15T07:57:00.002-05:002008-12-15T08:03:58.286-05:00Creativity<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkHmF9GtGfwT_XVno-UcLVq0bcQ9Kn4SUQfCkR60hZpFD3YYXvOLkmBSelehoEwVTc_JMfGR8D1wwsS1wRUn8Mr2zj8fz68JqdAXdEgHBrJOdMJ6yuHNzEHq0z00IbhAWXP38HksEF5d6/s1600-h/562620_crashed_paper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEkHmF9GtGfwT_XVno-UcLVq0bcQ9Kn4SUQfCkR60hZpFD3YYXvOLkmBSelehoEwVTc_JMfGR8D1wwsS1wRUn8Mr2zj8fz68JqdAXdEgHBrJOdMJ6yuHNzEHq0z00IbhAWXP38HksEF5d6/s400/562620_crashed_paper.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280001790510388162" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Don't seem to have any creative juices flowing this morning. May take my notebook and go people watch at Starbucks or Panera's until my muse decides to come back home. Sigh. Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-72282387669321060142008-12-13T11:46:00.002-05:002008-12-13T12:04:55.380-05:00Setting My IntentionsI don't do resolutions. I mentioned that waaayyyy back in January when I started this blog. I simply don't need another thing on my To Do list.<div><br /></div><div>I do set intentions for the new year. And no, in my book, this is not the same as goal setting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Intention setting is what I want to "be about" for the coming year. </div><div><br /></div><div>In 2009, I intend to be consistent. </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Being consistent in my relationships will ensure that my family knows that even though I am spending a lot of time pursuing my entrepreneurial endeavors, they are still my top priority. <br /></li><li>Being consistent with exercise will help me drop a few pounds, find my waistline, and a live a healthier life.<br /></li><li>Being consistent professionally will allow me to establish my reputation as a business owner and grow my business. <br /></li></ul><div>If you want to know more about intention setting, check out <a href="http://christinekane.com/blog/">Christine Kane's blog</a>. </div></div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-37179885692017783562008-12-12T20:28:00.003-05:002008-12-12T20:32:04.794-05:00Soulful ChristmasIf you are in the Christmas spirit, check out <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/soulful-christmas-djuanna-brockington/">my post</a> over at <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com">APOOO</a> today.Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-64357607602192489492008-12-09T18:30:00.004-05:002008-12-09T18:42:03.774-05:00Man Shopping...I wrote this piece today to post on <a href="http://www.divafictionbytes.com/">my website</a>. And then I got a message from Charmaine wanting new material. Well, here it is. <div><br /></div><div>The setup: a woman has a best friend who is always on the look out for relationship material for her single friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>The backstory: my BFF Adrienne used to do shit like this to me all the time. Now that I have been "happily committed" for the last two years, she is now on a mission to get me hitched. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy. Tell me if your friends are as nuts as mine. </div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, Adrienne did indeed call me at home one Saturday to tell me about some guy she was checking out in the grocery store for me. And she did indeed get his card. Sigh. I can't make this shit up. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>I present: Man Shopping.</div><div><br /></div><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal">I have always wanted a BFF.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like Oprah and Gail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Batman and Robin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ethel and Lucy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What I got instead, was Adrienne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The woman who had decided that it was her mission in life to get me dating, married, and mommied before all of my eggs dried up.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne was a “by the book” kind of person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Meet the love of your life while still in high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Attend state university and get that degree in business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Get married to high school sweetheart one year after college graduation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Buy the house with the white picket fence (I’m not kidding).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Have twins within a year of moving into Picket Fence House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Check.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hound your BFF every year for not keeping up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Check.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am more of a free spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Enough with the rules and the sheep mentality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I did the business degree, and the MBA, and spent a few years working for The Man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I decided working for me was a lot more fun.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Here are a few things that I believe:</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:41.6pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>That it is perfectly ok to live in a condo (no repair issues or yard work to contend with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s what you pay all that money in association fees for.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:41.6pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Never getting married and not having kids (or even pets for that matter) is ok.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:41.6pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Marriage is all about the subjugation of women (but that’s just me).</p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:41.6pt;mso-add-space:auto; text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-font-family:Symbol;mso-bidi-font-family:Symbol;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">·<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span>Best friends are the biggest meddlers on the planet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Still, with all of these differences, Adrienne and I have been friends for a long time. She’s the youngest of seven; I’m the oldest of five.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were born nine months apart (she’s older) so befriending and bossing me was a way to throw her weight around, since she was always being told what to do by six older sisters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We “get” one another in a very real way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I get that she will never stop trying to make my life a cookie cutter version of her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She gets that it is in my nature to go against the establishment for no apparent reason (her words, not mine).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Which means that I am always being subjected to set-ups, blind dates, and “look who I ran into” situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I mean really, I know you guys remember the The Date I had just a couple of weeks ago with the Urban Narcissus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">And I am no longer surprised at what Adrienne does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She actually believes that the right man will change my mind about marriage and parenting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Whatever. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">That’s why it came as no surprise to have this conversation at 9:30 on a Saturday morning:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hey Girl, what are you doing?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Drinking some tea and trying to figure out what I am going to do with my day.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Umm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m at Publix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why don’t you run over here and help me pick out a cake for dinner tomorrow?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Help you pick out a cake for Sunday dinner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What’s up?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Is the President coming to dinner?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hold on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I hear lots of mumbling with a few words coming in, then fading out:</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">on the phone with … trying to… stubborn…</i></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Adrienne!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What the hell is going on?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who are you talking to?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hold on- just give me a minute. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">(To the person at the store:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Finish your shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It should take her about ten minutes.)</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Adrienne- who are you talking to?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What is going on?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Look.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I need you to put on something cute, but casual, and meet me in the parking lot at Publix in about ten minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve got someone I want you to meet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Someone you want me to meet?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This morning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At Publix?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What the hell?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Look, he’s really cute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I met him in the juice aisle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He was trying to decide on the V-8 or the cranberry juice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We started talking, and I told him about you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I told him that I could get you here in a few minutes so he could check you out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Girl, he runs his own business- I knew you would like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s an accountant, so he should be good with money.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s got a nice body, and….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh shoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wait.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s getting in line with his cart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now you have five minutes.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Goodbye Adrienne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m not coming down to the grocery store to meet some dude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You have really lost your mind.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Girl, he is FIONE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I am going to give him your business card.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I got his already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You need to come see him.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Me:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bye Adrienne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Finish your shopping and then go back to the nuthouse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can’t believe they let you out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Adrienne:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I can’t believe you are going to miss this opportunity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How are you ever going to get a man if you…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Click.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Really.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is only so much a person can take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I’m not even mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After all, she is my best friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-12629096308357926902008-12-06T11:36:00.004-05:002008-12-06T11:45:13.063-05:00Another Saturday...I just can't seem to get my butt in gear today. I've been up for hours. Had plans to read, run, and do a little writing. Instead, I wasted an obscene amount of time surfing the net. As if I don't already do that all week long. Now I'm doing on the weekends? Sheesh.<div><br /></div><div>Going to shower and the girl and I are heading over to The Man's for an afternoon of the following:</div><div><br /></div><div>movie matinee</div><div>the library</div><div>the Apple store (as in Macs and iPods)</div><div>dinner- probably Mexican or wings</div><div>ice cream while watching DVDs on The Man's HUGE 50something inch flat screen in his man cave. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sounds like a good time will be had by all. </div><div><br /></div><div>And if you are on the net all day, pop over to APOOO and check out my post <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/gifting-djuanna-brockington">Gifting Yourself</a>. Let me know what you think.</div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-60476281197980254972008-12-02T09:02:00.003-05:002008-12-02T09:12:27.211-05:00Can't We All Just Get Along?My two favorite things don't like each other. Yes, my <a href="http://www.blackberry.com">Blackberry Curve</a> and my <a href="http://www.apple.com">MacBook</a> are not the best of friends. They are not even associates. The don't speak to each other at all right now, and I am so upset about it. <div><br /></div><div>I downloaded software from the Blackberry website to facilitate communication in this relationship. No dice. My newer MacBook just isn't trying to hear what the Blackberry is saying. </div><div><br /></div><div>I went outside the family and sought assistance from a professional (i.e, bought the <a href="http://www.markspace.com/products/blackberry/blackberry-sync-mac-software.html">Missing Sync</a>). Again, they refuse to play with one another. They guys are just currently not compatible, and they may not be for a long time. And that makes me sad.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I'm not giving up. I'll continue to try to make this relationship work. It must. For my professional and personal sanity- it will. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-14410955770990997212008-11-28T23:16:00.003-05:002008-11-28T23:25:54.095-05:00Diva Fiction Bytes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NEdnUjdSsYIRgtyMT3kYhezDmNrRbv2NbfBaH6pnuiG8GYM6R3n6luWMUzVtcgze2g05D75_3O2hm4_tLY-3StAHeN1HuKNqJJQR6n5P0FY-ZrMQj7JZqPYPPkEvYFweOgP6EU-xQcKL/s1600-h/DFBCGLogo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NEdnUjdSsYIRgtyMT3kYhezDmNrRbv2NbfBaH6pnuiG8GYM6R3n6luWMUzVtcgze2g05D75_3O2hm4_tLY-3StAHeN1HuKNqJJQR6n5P0FY-ZrMQj7JZqPYPPkEvYFweOgP6EU-xQcKL/s400/DFBCGLogo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5273928850527433698" /></a><br />I am very happy to announce the launch of my new website <a href="http://www.divafictionbytes.com">DivaFictionBytes</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Stop by and check things out when you get a chance. Read the Freebies, leave a comment, tell a friend!</div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-82413911210713568172008-11-28T09:47:00.004-05:002008-11-28T10:02:22.115-05:00Blog Pimpin...It's Friday after Thanksgiving. I'm having a leisurely morning in the bed with the computer- just checking out the blogs and places I haven't had a chance to visit in a while. And I have noticed something very interesting... <div><br /></div><div>It appears that there is a new way to have ads on your blogs- between the posts. Now, I don't know how long this has been happening, but since it's new to me- I'll call it new. How annoying. Is everyone now blogging just to make money? What happened to blogging because it was fun and you could say what you want, about your favorite topic (or your navel lint), and because it was fun (I know. I said that already.)</div><div> </div><div>But, what do I know? I complained when PDAs and cell phones copulated and produced "smart phones". And now I'm hooked on the Crackberry. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-90662644886138316632008-11-24T07:31:00.002-05:002008-11-24T07:54:29.611-05:00Commuter Woes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2UTSkFtixTXyUaHlH2J2cbrKTlBCmNvsRJpqPaKcp7xwo25IMXKoXW7cAurk5JdMNiGzfdI4htAsRgAgQPuO8z9Glfz-qU5avNZ7tFw5RHAsGWLiODwmO35OXA3-1C4JPb7UulGTu-j7/s1600-h/889156_dirty_laundry.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju2UTSkFtixTXyUaHlH2J2cbrKTlBCmNvsRJpqPaKcp7xwo25IMXKoXW7cAurk5JdMNiGzfdI4htAsRgAgQPuO8z9Glfz-qU5avNZ7tFw5RHAsGWLiODwmO35OXA3-1C4JPb7UulGTu-j7/s400/889156_dirty_laundry.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272206517693612354" /></a><br />This morning I got up and tripped over the laundry on my way across the hall to my office. <div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-53994713651756942802008-11-21T07:25:00.003-05:002008-11-21T07:41:16.623-05:00The Holidays are Coming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcwwpZoxPOgLMmMcVI9-1kSerFG8G-KtkogNEC3hCxMGFhV5cYbQLDNIUFZpmCjm4LVG2q3MRjFPlTh23e-4Khd_LydwtW4AcpQcddIU4oNQOS202AdgQ8f6gaOZVBcbBkHFoI9IGkoKI/s1600-h/1105011_candles.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcwwpZoxPOgLMmMcVI9-1kSerFG8G-KtkogNEC3hCxMGFhV5cYbQLDNIUFZpmCjm4LVG2q3MRjFPlTh23e-4Khd_LydwtW4AcpQcddIU4oNQOS202AdgQ8f6gaOZVBcbBkHFoI9IGkoKI/s400/1105011_candles.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5271089813051278738" /></a><br />That means that I can eat, sleep, read, and watch television all I want. Yep. That's what I do during the holidays. I don't shop (until the absolute end so that I can catch the sales). My decorations are few (a 4 foot tree- so I don't have to do much trimming. Stockings hanging from the mantle and I'm done. No outside lights and all that jazz). My parties are few and far between. <div><br /><div>DIT and I play board games, The Man and I curl up on the sofa with movies and the remote, and the dog wanders up and down the hall from one favorite sleep spot to the next. What more could you ask for?</div></div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-46603902961185671922008-11-14T07:22:00.001-05:002008-11-14T07:24:17.492-05:00Energizer Bunnies...is the title of my post over at <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/energizer-bunnies-djuanna-brockington/">APOOO</a> today. <div><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>H-O-L-L-A!!!</div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-67699753744087849762008-11-13T16:09:00.003-05:002008-11-13T16:34:48.822-05:00Permission to read Fiction...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5hV6SlNpdQGNl5AX84faBg4hbsJnk16jHMPY_01xolLMuYapuqVag3XFQcLz0kvTRpgfmxNXMhwI68HdnUGCfCx0Cqf2zx5APNXolg0kTDhmTZc6dwlvulDf7GdGQjpH-USn2hX9butN/s1600-h/1007635_so_many_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH5hV6SlNpdQGNl5AX84faBg4hbsJnk16jHMPY_01xolLMuYapuqVag3XFQcLz0kvTRpgfmxNXMhwI68HdnUGCfCx0Cqf2zx5APNXolg0kTDhmTZc6dwlvulDf7GdGQjpH-USn2hX9butN/s320/1007635_so_many_3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268258699566696978" /></a><br />Late last night, I had a phone call from my online buddy Laurel. We talked about work, politics, reading and much more. And during that conversation Laurel suggested that I write a blog giving folks permission to read fiction.<div><br /></div><div>Now, this may sound odd, when you hear it, but I instantly got where she is coming from. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am an avid fiction reader, but lately, with my journey into self-employment, I have been reading more business blogs, and even went to the library last weekend to get books marketing, startups, and branding. And let's not forget all of the news that I get from online newspapers. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a writer of fiction, I want to hear that folks are out there reading it. I mean really, I'm not writing this stuff for myself. OK, well maybe I am. But I still want others to read it. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, here are a few reasons you should get your hands on fiction of your choice:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Fiction allows you to escape from your present situation. You can go to England or Spain or Russia, or where ever.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. You can learn about just about any subject and you won't feel like you are in a classroom. Many writers spend untold amounts of time researching topics just so they can get it right in their stories. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. It's a great way to spend "me time". Folks generally tend to leave you alone when you have a book in your hands.</div><div><br /></div><div>4. If you see yourself in one of the characters, you don't have to admit it to anyone (unless you want to).</div><div><br /></div><div>5. Fiction is a great way to cure boredom. If you're lucky, you can lose track of time, and wish that the book would never end.</div><div><br /></div><div>6. You will make some writer very happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are other reasons to read fiction, but I think you should pick up a good book and begin your own list. You'll be glad you did. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-63507235815910604762008-11-12T20:22:00.003-05:002008-11-12T20:33:04.198-05:00Git 'er done!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy96TAhQa3ofN9gOHgiDrAyKOaq_dnd60po5Empi1UqV-PGylqJIdRjV8HWixc0FTaUU-vkWYUL6HLCWgDhmMHfVyvgcal1cnEbpJFUzAfjcBRGiuHHEiZfkV4g8oM30NdfY871FKLWGQK/s1600-h/1033014_silhouettes_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy96TAhQa3ofN9gOHgiDrAyKOaq_dnd60po5Empi1UqV-PGylqJIdRjV8HWixc0FTaUU-vkWYUL6HLCWgDhmMHfVyvgcal1cnEbpJFUzAfjcBRGiuHHEiZfkV4g8oM30NdfY871FKLWGQK/s320/1033014_silhouettes_1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267948491537998178" /></a><br />That is the mindset that I am in. I am ready to get my website stuff done so that I can begin concentrating on the launch of my business. Which means that I will be focusing on marketing, on top of writing the best stories that I can. And I have to say- I'm feeling really good about things.<div><br /></div><div>I'm sure reality will rear it's ugly head and try to kick my ass. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, back to work for me. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, yes, I know my pic is one of celebration. I'm just acting as if I'm already where I want to be. This is counselor stuff. Sheesh!</div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-89007817169929052932008-11-10T11:42:00.002-05:002008-11-10T11:53:01.026-05:00Being Your Own Boss...means saying no to things that are not helping you move your business forward.<div><br /></div><div>No- I'm not going to the fair. </div><div>No- I'm not going to watch tv. I'll DVR everything for the weekend.</div><div>No- I'm not going to surf the net today- unless it's work related ( :-) )</div><div>No- I'm not having lunch with the Divas today- I'll catch up with them next week.</div><div>No- I'm not going to kick up the leaves in the yard 'cause it's so much fun. Besides, there will be more if I wait a few days.</div><div><br /></div><div>When my To Do list is shorter, they I will say yes to the things listed above (except the fair, 'cause I really hate the fair, and it's gone now anyway), and much more.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that's how it goes when you are running your own business. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-48330330875716428962008-11-08T06:55:00.000-05:002008-11-08T06:55:01.699-05:00Mac DaddyThe Man did it. He went ahead and bought a Mac. <div><br /></div><div>He loves it. I know he does.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now we have to figure out how to use video chat. You know, for the times when one of us is traveling. I'm just saying.</div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-70828744403325513272008-11-07T18:08:00.001-05:002008-11-07T18:10:51.557-05:00APOOO FridayToday's post at <a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/presidentelect-obama-djuanna-brockington/">APOOO</a>. Enjoy.Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-90210587111193619402008-11-05T08:57:00.002-05:002008-11-05T09:51:06.431-05:00Lessons LearnedFirst, I want to commend John McCain on a most gracious speech last night conceding the race. I suspect that this is the man that folks have seen in the past. I wish we had seen more of him during the presidential campaign. His angry, disconnected representative was not cool.<div><br /></div><div>Having said that, I hope that the nation (and especially the Republicans) has learned a few things. Like:</div><div><br /></div><div>- every vote does indeed count</div><div>-this country is diverse. You can't ignore millions of people (consider them on the "fringes") and think that you will get elected</div><div>-you cannot ignore the needs of the people. Pretending that the economy is good doesn't make it so</div><div>-even if your team doesn't win, you have to remain part of the process. Lasting change is internal, not external</div><div><br /></div><div>The people have spoken. Now we have to get our asses to work.</div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-25515909374628736482008-11-04T23:26:00.001-05:002008-11-04T23:28:17.244-05:00Barack Obama...is the 44th president of the United States of America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And I am here to see it, my mother is here to see it, and my daughter has watched the entire process from the very beginning. It is truly a beautiful thing. Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-3433452778188997942008-11-04T20:24:00.002-05:002008-11-04T20:34:22.189-05:00Election Day (and night)...Total time to vote: 3 hours and 40 minutes. In the chilly, misty air. It has never taken me longer than an hour to vote. But, I would do it again if need be.<div><br /></div><div>I want to thank the following musicians for seeing me through the first two and a half hours:</div><div><br /></div><div>Prince</div><div>Alicia Keys</div><div>Funkadelic</div><div>Eminem </div><div>Elton John</div><div>Kenny Loggins</div><div>Sade</div><div>Corrine Bailey Rae</div><div><br /></div><div>I listened to inflammatory remarks made by McCain supporters (self-identified) and did not blow my top. And once I voiced that one of the things I love about being American is free speech, even for stupid people, that conversation took a drastic turn for the quiet. LOL</div><div><br /></div><div>And now, I am switching between ABC and CNN as I follow the election results. And my heart is racing. It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings. And I will be closely watching until she does. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-64809908924134826452008-11-02T20:38:00.004-05:002008-11-02T20:59:23.023-05:00MacMama<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPMw_A5jRCGiCHsREHIm5H0VMhgIjZu46IUQ-ZlEVUBuVvsGmwa8j5_jaCKtwmMkOy4g7NLMa3ZtAXUi4iixjr4GRvht-Mm5jF3qpfnVk49BvU6aU4I-IkIJ1NSTIhYVYbuFV1d9yeZ61/s1600-h/macbook20081014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikPMw_A5jRCGiCHsREHIm5H0VMhgIjZu46IUQ-ZlEVUBuVvsGmwa8j5_jaCKtwmMkOy4g7NLMa3ZtAXUi4iixjr4GRvht-Mm5jF3qpfnVk49BvU6aU4I-IkIJ1NSTIhYVYbuFV1d9yeZ61/s320/macbook20081014.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264244636114473602" /></a><br />So, I did it again. Bought another gadget. Actually, this time I traded up. Well, I didn't really trade anything, but I moved from PC to Mac. Yep, I bought me that shiny new silver uni-body laptop. 13 inches. Cute and portable. All that I need and more.<div><br /></div><div>The Gadget Ho in me is very happy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've had MacBaby for about two weeks, and I am really starting to get the hang of all things Mac (ok, many things Mac). Like how to close the browser, change stuff around, etc. It seemed harder at first, but now it just is what it is. And I love the feel of the keyboard. Really, it's like soft. I don't know how else to explain it. </div><div><br /></div><div>And this morning, The Man and I were enjoying our extra hour with a leisurely conversation in bed when he got on MacBaby to check his fantasy basketball. And I was like "Oh, check out GarageBand" ('cause he writes and records his own music). And he fell in love instantly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hey- it's not my fault that Apple makes stuff that people love. And, I didn't know that GarageBand could replace half a room of music equipment. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think that Mac may be having a new convert soon. </div><div><br /></div><div>Looks like MacMama may be creating a MacFamily. LOL. I just crack myself up. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-36616583187302358912008-11-01T19:34:00.002-04:002008-11-01T19:37:54.233-04:00Skin Deep...was my post yesterday at<a href="http://www.apooobooks.com/skin-deep-djuanna-brockington/"> APOOO</a>.<div><br /></div><div>Check it out, and leave a comment.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm trippin' on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-85129279557861333542008-11-01T11:13:00.002-04:002008-11-01T11:20:47.206-04:00Business NewsMy website is moving along. In fact, the slowest cog in the whole thing is me. That's because I now have to produce. My business is my image is my words. All morning, I have been mulling over the "About" page in my head. This is where one would think things would be really simple. Tell the folks who you are and what you do. But for me, it is so much more than that. This is where I will tell folks why I do what I do. Just makes me more vulnerable on a whole 'nother level. There is no earth shattering tale to tell, but it gives people a glimpse of my inner workings. And that can be scary- for me at least.<div><br /></div><div>So, me and my writer angst are gonna go get back to work. I've got a business to start. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5847177037479295461.post-33421510173709636212008-10-29T10:52:00.002-04:002008-10-29T11:01:41.264-04:00Michael Jackson's ThrillerOK, so I'm back from my work travels and decided to spend the morning cleaning out the inbox. After that, I did a little surfing, and lock and behold, what do I find on iTunes?<div><br /></div><div>Michael Jackson's Thriller (cd/album/whatever) and the extended version video for 4.99. OHMIGOODNESS! I screamed like a 13 year old seeing Chris Brown in person. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, now I've got to get my iTunes up and running on my new Mac so that I can download the MJ classic before it goes off sale. LOL.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have had all kinds of high school flashbacks since seeing that ad. Come on, ya'll know you were all doing that little dance with your leather jacket (red or black, of course) and your one white glove. And let's not forget the high water pants with penny loafers and white socks. Sigh. I wasn't on the Jheri-Curl bandwagaon, but I did have my hair set on rods so that it could be really curly and "look like" MJ's. </div><div><br /></div><div>OK. Gonna go sit down now. </div>Southern Divahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17120427539208106032noreply@blogger.com2