Tis the season...

...Or is it? I started off December wrapped in the spirit of Christmas and somehow just fell off. With a lot of people around me full of drama and hatred, its hard to keep a smile on your face. When the closest people to you begin to separate themselves from you, you start to wonder what could've caused such animosity in the first place. I've always been a friendly person, yet it seems others can't stand to see you happy.
You get many well wishes when things start going well, then its the down-talk and what was initially well wishes becomes "spite". With so many different attitudes and so-called friends and relatives weighing you down how can you truly have a Merry Christmas. We all have our problems and issues yet we take them out on others that have nothing to do with those issues. It seems one day you have yourself surrounded with the greatest people and the next they're all gone. How can it be a season of love, hope, and giving yet no one is around to participate.
No one wants to isolate themselves from others completely yet everyone isolates themselves from you. Some say you came here alone and you will leave alone so enjoy yourself. I say why not surround yourself with loving people and great friendships to make the days better. I pray for myself, my friends, my relatives, and others to build better and lasting relationships and enjoy this holiday season...HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!
Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Music Monday

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

Wordless Wednesday

This is the light of my life. He really is a joy to be around and brings light into any dark day.

Thierrys entry

I recently entered my son into the casting call for BabyGap. He needs fan votes in order to become a finalist. Be sure to go to the website and vote so that he may win. Also if you have an infant, toddler, and young one be sure to enter him or her as well (up to age 10). All votes are needed...AND you can vote once a day until November 17th so lets goooo!!!

Sorry for the delay!!!

Times are so hectic right now!!! I am a sahm and recently enrolled in school...why did I do that?!?! lol I love the fact that im an at home mom but I so miss the working womans life. I love being around the house and tending to my studies but I love to have my own income or at least something parttime myself. I may not need much on my plate to juggle consdering I have to study for 2 classes and the nursing exam coming up in a few weeks. I will be posting new blogs soon though....Be on the lookout and thanks for following

Time for yourself

Whats the deal with everyone thinking at home moms (or any mom or woman for that matter) dont need a break...We as 24/7/365 mothers need a place where we can all get out, meet up, vent, tell stories, etc. We also need to learn how to take time that we set aside for ourselves and adhere to it. No one knows what we need to fulfill our desires except us. The ones around us will never know unless we voice how we feel and be firm about OUR OWN space and time. We as women have been and will be some of the strongest beings known to man and can withstand test and trials but will "blow a vein" if something isnt done when we want, the way we want, and where we want it. Think of things that interest you and take part in them when the kids are asleep or away at school or even with the other parent or family members.

I take a chance to get a breath of fresh air when my son is asleep or his dad is off work. I also get on CafeMom ( www.cafemom.com) and other websites for at home moms just to chat with those in the same situation or something similar. I absolutely adore going on walks and sitting by the lake but sometimes getting away from "everything" is needed. Take a weekend trip or have a girls night out, or even a date would be a nice, sweet, and simple getaway if there is a sitter of some sort. Not sure if you all have a sitter thats available at anytime needed but it can be quite helpful. Getting away from it all is needed as far as I can see because if the baby crys or coos or sounds like there is some want or need you will be there. There wouldnt be any chance of the spouse, sitter, or family member to calm or soothe your baby because you have adjusted to each cry and longing sound.

Make sure you take the time out for yourself so you may keep your sanity. Try not to refuse any help be it with the kids, help around the house, etc. Be yourself at all times because of the release of added stress from outside sources. Share how you get that "ME' time?!?!?!

A misunderstood woman!!!

Women are misunderstood when it comes to all aspects of life. Whos to say we dont know what we want or dont care about anyone other than ourselves. Women are the most caring creatures and often misunderstood because of a change in attitude or way of thinking. A woman shows love and kindness to any and all who crosses her path. There are times when she may be in need but have something that may help or encourage others, and gives it. Any woman, married, single, straight, gay, or bi, all have that one thing in common. It is a woman who shows the most unconditional love, a woman who heals cuts and wounds, a woman who lends an ear to those who want to talk or express feelings, a woman who will give you her last, a woman that can feed and nourish her young or anyone for that matter and a woman who gives birth to man and woman.
Like myself and other misunderstood women, we can withstand the test and trials of life and keep on stepping, we can travel along lifes journey and live on with others holding close and trailing right behind. No one fully understands how and why a woman would love and care for those that dont even reciprocate the same actions.
We as women have come a long way. From not being able to vote, to straightening our hair, moving into the workplace and even running our own businesses, woman have become an evolved being. So much progress has taken place and so much is still left to be conquered. A misunderstood woman sat on a bus in the wrong area in 1955, a misunderstood woman who invented the windshield wiper, a misunderstood woman who helped slaves to freedom, a misunderstood woman who became an astronaut, and a misunderstood woman who wants to work from home and be with her family and others more than not. How can we as women get men, other women and children to UNDERSTAND us? This journey will be long and hard even if we never live to see it take place. WHAT MAKES YOU A MISUNDERSTOOD WOMAN?!?!?!?

A contest that I entered

So I saw a contest on the website for Body by Victoria and decided to apply. I just decided I would go for the gold and try to win the contest. Nothing to lose right?!?! Well my ad had to be reviewed and it was actually selected. All I have to do is get the most votes on my response as to why I love my body. What does this have to do with anything??? I need you guys to go vote for me of course:) I could use this trip as a getaway to clear my head of all the rants, raves, and vents that I have been blogging about lol. It is something I feel I deserve as a fulltime mom and loving and caring person. Wow this would be such a relief. I do thank each of you that do vote for me though regardless of whether or not I win!!! It is still greatly appreciated.

OMG

So Ive had to end my at home biz. I was really motivated and wanted it to succeed but it seems as if everyone that requested information either backed out or fell off the face of the earth. I am truly upset but I know each and every business has to start somewhere but with the limited funds and time because of my 4 month old and school about to start I just cant seem to get it up and running as needed. I am down to my last as far as money goes and cant invest anything anymore. This is so difficult especially when I need money and cant seem to progress my business nor can I even get a job. Ive applied to fast food, dine in restaurants, data entry, etc and no one has called back. I still have faith in God and know that it will start to come together in due time but I know I really need money NOW!!! I know its only a test and im focusing on the matter at hand and attempting to better myself because of it. I dont know if you all are feeling the wrath of such a time as this but I know I serve an awesome God and I will come out on top. I am trying my hardest to be patient (although this is so hard to do) and I know I have a major support system but this has brought on some serious discipline and has enhanced and shorten the amount of patience (if you understand what i mean). Wow guys and dolls I dont wish this on my worst enemy. I do appreciate you listening to me vent at this time. This is the only time I can without having to worry about if the person is listening or not lol. Well goodnight fellow bloggers and followers ttys!!!:)

Just a thought!!

So im sitting here with my son enjoying some time until daddy gets home. I really get a little time to think before the house starts jumping lol. I really am grateful to have such a wonderful family. Sometimes we may not agree but when it all boils down to it we are a team. When it comes to family its all taken seriously as far as decision go. Not to say we dont have fun and enjoy each others company but how do you really get a break from baby and each other on your schedule. It is so hard to take time out for myself or even share love with one another without the constant interruption of hunger, discomfort or some type of other need the other person has. Also how is a plann worked to who gets the most break (lol). We are first time parents and are now fully feeling the difficulties 4 months in. Having a peaceful and happy baby makes it a little easier but when it comes to work I dont think he understands how much of a job it is to watch a child. Although he is easily entertained with toys and other stimulating things the care and being able to get things done is a little more difficult. Maybe my SO doesnt think I know his feeling because im a sahm and he works full time. We are both in school but he may not feel I do as much but taking care of baby, keeping the house in order, running errands and more take a lot more than 8 hrs a day to complete. I need some input from other women in my situation. Feel free to comment without bashing please and thank you:)

Why is it so hard to find a job?

UGH!!! With all these people crying "Hiring Now!!" why isnt there any hiring going on. Ive been without a job since April, when my son was born, and boy its hard out here. I know its going to take time for me to search and apply and actually be considered but where is the money that I really and truly need. Ive redone my resume, called and emailed, etc but no luck so far. Ive always been the one with so much patience but now that I have a son and not just myself to care for its so hard. I want a stable environment for my son to be taken care of in. I saved so much before my job decided to lay me off but those savings only last so long with the cost of diapers, medicines, healthcare, etc for my son and they have long ago ended. Im not too concerned about where I work right now as long as I make enough for my son and I and it doesnt degrade me or go against my morals. It has come to a time where settling for slightly less than youre worth is the norm. I do still have faith and believe that God will meet my every need and am trying to remain sane its just so difficult to understand why at such a time as this. I do appreciate you for "listening" to me rant and rave!!! I really needed to vent...WOW!!! Anybody hiring for legitimate jobs in the Atlanta area or telework:)

Business for me?!?!

I am thinking of going into business for myself. I currently have no idea of the neccessary documentation and classes needed to start an in home childcare. I am very passionate about this and am researching and thinking of starting this soon. I totally understand that I need CPR and First Aid courses but beyond that I have no idea what to do. I know that I love kids and can work with those from different backgrounds because of previous experience with kids. The only "problem" I have is with my location in Roswell, Ga. This is a business venture running through my head right now. Keep in mind I do have a child of my own so I probably wont be able to take on no more than 3-5 children. Anyone with any advice or ideas or even things I should know from previous experiences PLEASE COMMENT!!!!

Working at Home

I was interested in working from home when I gave birth to my son 3 months ago today...At first I was all for leaving him with a caregiver aka grandma or dad or even aunts and uncles :) but after a week or so I couldnt stand to be away from my bundle of joy. It was hard to even go to the store or out to dinner without wondering what he was doing. I just knew I wouldnt be able to take going back to work when the time came so I began my search for work at home jobs and business.
My search was a little challenging because of all the spams and scams that people have set up to take your money. Seeing a special on tv about scams made me even more skeptical about working from home. Now im not a person quick to give out personal information such as credit cards and ssn (thank God) so it was very hard for me to fall into those scams. Luckily I didnt but what I did find was a team of people dedicated to what they do and how they do it. I am really fortunate to find them and hope to assist you with joining us as well. They are really passionate about their work and strive to be the best.
Let me tell you a little about what I do and who I work for. I am an independent marketing executive with an ecosense company. I refer clients and set appointments for the company. This is a "green" company that is promoting a healthier lifestyle for the total person including home and environment.
The training I have received since joining this team is by far the greatest. I didnt receive this much training at my 9-5 honestly.
The start up fee is almost nothing (its actually $1 until July 13th and then $29 after), there is no inventory nor reason to have a home party(unless you actually want to), Free Website, Free Training...what more could I have asked for with no income coming in and the chance to make residual income. I just want to assist you as they have done and continue to do for me. This is the opportunity of a lifetime. I dont regret it at all....just comment here, check the website at www.workathomeunited.com/aerbennett or email me the questions below to arandolphbennett@yahoo.com I do hope that you take the opportunity to learn more and take advantage of this. Just set an appointment to get more indepth information!!! What is there to lose in receiving additional information???!!!???!!!


First Name:

Last Name:

Telephone:

Email:

Country:

State:

City:

Time zone:

What Would Be The Best Time To Call?

Monthly Income Goal

How much would you be willing to invest in your future?

How did you hear about Work at Home United?

If you were referred by a Work At Home United Team Member please list their first and last name:

Tell us why you want to work from home?

History if the 4th of July

Although we as a people celebrate July 4 as independence day, "we" as African Americans were still not truly free. Now this blog is not used to cause any controversy nor shame. It is just an informative blog that just tells how I feel and the actual truth. I , myself still "celebrate" the 4th by spending time with family and enjoying food, fun, and festivities. Since it is a holiday and all companies are closed to observe, I choose to spend that time with my family and close friends. Although we do spend time together and "celebrate" I still know the REAL history of my ancestors true freedom. I do know that it took almost another 100 years before "we" were considered a whole person. Although our "value" has changed no one is truly free.
I do know that July 4 marks the day the Declaration of Independence was adopted declaring the independence of the US from Great Britain. As an African American I do have to take into consideration that slaves werent "set free" until 1863 and not fully set free until 1865. Many of my ancestors still do not know the difference and will continue to be ignorant to the fact that there were still slaves after this declaration was adopted. Each one of us should research and truly understand the things set in place, who they protected, and what "we" had to endure even after these documents were set in place. I just ask us all to do our research and know our history!!!!I myself have been advised and do plan to read Frederick Douglass' speech "What to the slave is the 4th of July?"

The growth of my son (hes 3 months as of July 7, 2009)

I could not have asked God for a greater gift. I love my son so much. Theres is no greater feeling than to see him grow, smile, laugh, talk(well coo), etc. I sometimes sit back and say WOW look at the awesome little life that will be apart of me forever. My number 1 fan no matter what.

This economy that we are apart of

Its so crazy that a job has the right or wherewithall to just let a person go. It seems like the layoff or termination comes at the most inconvenient times in our lives. Theres always a bill or rent due, some unexpected expense, or finance demanding event that comes along at the same time. This blog comes from a real life experience that I, Ashley Randolph-Bennett have had to endure and only God has made survival possible. August of 08 I started an excellent paying job with excellent benefits that helped me obtain a lifestyle fit to my likings. I didnt always like the workings and ways of the company but sometimes we have to endure through things we dont like to get where we are trying to go. A few weeks later I found out I was pregnant. WOW!! This news was so unexpected that we took 3 pregnancy test (2 at home and 1 at the doctors office). All of which confirmed that our suspicions were true. In 9 months we were going to be parents. Of course there were doubts and things running through our minds (finances, readiness, etc) but we both had jobs that would help support the needs of our lives and the life of our soon to be child. Well each day I worked came with more rewards. I was making incentives and bonuses within my first month or two and OT was around the clock. In November, we learned that a baby boy would be our gift from God. Of course daddy was excited but as time went on and we were trying as hard as we could to prepare we both picked up parttime jobs. Talk about something so overbearing. I was hardly ever home and sometimes even felt sick so I started using leave and taking it easy although I had 2 sit down jobs that didnt put to much strain on my body. I may have seen my home 3-4hrs of the day and that was to sleep. Our baby boy was due April 6, 2009 so March 21, 2009 I left work on maternity leave. Well my son came 8 days late. Everything was in place rent was paid up until July and bills were down to 0. May 18th I was contacted by HR. This conversation was one that has really changed my life totally. I was told if I couldnt "claim" my job that day I had to voluntarily resign. I tried everything I could to get more time because of my choice to nurse my son as well as childcare for him if I was to return to work. Well of course I lost my job and have yet to find once since. I am totally dependent on God at this point in time. I do know that he will work it all out for our good. I have no doubt in my mind that all things will work out. This has been a real trying time for my family. I wouldnt wish this situation on anyone. It has really been a test but I know He will never put more on me than I can bear. I just continue to pray and ask that all who have been praying for me continue to. I know I will come out on top!!!

Why does this happen so often?!?

So I sit up some nights thinking, praying, crying, etc and feel like there is no progress. I know my God is up to something and I am open to receive these blessings in any way, shape or form. It just seems so much happens before you reap the benefits of giving God praise in good and bad times. I know that you reap what you sow which is why I focus on sowing "good seed". Sometimes I may go astray or put work into things not of Him but moreso of man but he never leaves nor faults me for these things. I do know I am built in his image and I see myself growing each day on a path to being more like him. He knows each and everything I am going to do even before I do or when I do it. I am steadfast and waiting on Him to show himself strong because I know this test is just my storm and it surely wont be long. Theres a better life in store for me, my son, and his father. I am not worried that all will fail because I have a great family, a great man by my side, a new business venture, and an even greater God who is always with me regardless of my circumstances. Have you tried him? Have you ever had the desire to even get to know him? If youre in the Atlanta area comment and we can get more insight together if not we could pray and intercede on each others behalf. Just think of the great things that can happen once you get to know a God so awesome!!!

What is your love story????

Have you ever wondered when you will find that one true love? What does it take to find the one for you? When will he/she show themselves to you? What does it take to keep them?
We all focus on goals of our life and things we want to accomplish before we leave this earth. We finish school, get our careers going, take trips and spend so much money we cant count but can never seem to find the one for us. Is it really as hard as we make it seem to find the one that God has made for us or are we too blind to realize when that person has already come. I myself have had a few good men that I realize werent for me. I saw early on that they werent the one that God chose to place in my life although they werent abusive nor caused any hurt or pain. They were there for their season and whatever reason but have come and gone.
There is this one guy whom I truly love and care for although I may have made past mistakes and caused him heartache and pain but I feel he was put in my life for a reason.Yes it was I who caused many problems and almost cause a true friendship to end on bad terms. I know he loves me not just because he has said so but because he has really shown it as years go by. I have really learned many life lessons throughout this relationship and saw that endurance through trials and tribulations shows how strong this bond really is. God blessed us with a child as of April 14, 2009 and I never regret the fact that he came along although neither of us was "ready". I took our gift as a sign that our bond should never be broken and that our relationship was meant to be. We are working on our friendship first and the success of our relationship and the bond we share with our child as well. I feel God has truly blessed me with 2 wonderful men in my life that will love and cherish me forever.
What is your love story?!?!

Whats your opinion on "Going Green"?

Whats the deal with this "going green" fad. Is it something thats just the "it" thing to do for now? Where did this idea even originate?
Its a complicated yet environmentally safe thing to do. It promotes a healthy lifestyle while helping save the environment. Ive decided to try it out myself. I change a lot of the products I use as far as cosmetics, bath and body, and even foods.
When I first decided to take on this new lifestyle I saw how pricey it was to live healthy. I mean a health bar could be $2-3/bar or some drinks could be $2/bottle. Those new products telling you to reuse the bottle or box it came in would cost $5 and $3 per refill which is very costly in the long run. With current layoffs and economical challenges that face us today who could really afford that.
I did find some places with reasonable products but the food would have no taste or need "seasoning" which would cause the caloric intake, etc to go up as if eating "regular" food. I see no purpose in doing this so I decided to go with a new company. Ask me for details or go to the website at www.livetotalwellness.com/aerbennett. I hope you take advantage of the same cost effective products that I did.