A Mile a Minute: The World of Mrs. Saditty

Full Circle: What it Means to Me

Nobody loves music like your girl Mrs. S. Throw on some good jazz or classic R&B (or anything really) and I am good. Today, while driving, I really didn't feel like listening to anything though. I just wanted to drive and think because I'd come to a really important realization.

When I was younger, I would always hear older ladies speak about coming full circle. It sounded odd...like some type of rite of passage but I really didn't understand the meaning. I would ask them about the meaning and they would wave me off, telling me "You'll know what it means when you actually get there." So, I managed not to obsess over it but always wondered about the meaning. Christmas Eve, I was asleep after a night of entertaining and woke up for no reason. It wasn't the normal "middle of the night" awakening because I was feeling quite peaceful and felt a strange delight in my heart. So while my husband snored away, I just lay there thinking.

I realized that I was there.Where is there, you ask? Full circle. Yep, at that very moment, I finally knew what those wise older chicks from my youth were talking about. Being able to look into your own eyes in a mirror and recognize an inner smile. Being able to happy to be happy for others without cattiness or ill feelings. Loving who I am, the life that I am living, and the people that I choose to surround myself with. Loving others for what's in their hearts. Being able to forgive and love from a distance. Being able to say "No" without guilt or an explanation. Being able to sidestep drama, personal attacks, and just plain mess in general. Being able to spot a toxic person from miles away and keep my distance. Being married to my best friend and having each day be better than the one before. Loving ALL of our kids and being able to parent with a loving heart and a firm backhand. Being able to accept family for who they are and not letting their opinions and wishes intefere with the way I feel or live my life. Smiling all the time for no apparent reason. Smiling because I caught myself smiling for no reason. Recognizing that the past is the past and although it is part of who I am, it does not define me nor does it define my future. Embracing the future with hope and happiness. That's full circle and boy am I glad that I finally reached it!

Love ya'll! Mrs. S

Natural Hair Update

I recently dawned on me that I had not discussed my hair on my blog! Well, it's been a little over three months since my big chop. This is my second go-round as a natural and this time, it's for keeps! Sure, I miss mine (and other people's) long, luxurious locks flowing from my head but this? It just feels...well natural?

Before chopping off the relaxed portion of my hair, I was under the impression that I had alopecia because my temple areas were literally BALD under my weaves, etc. and would not grow. Well, a few weeks ago, I noticed some fuzziness on the bald portions and now----there is hair! It's growing! As a matter of fact, the whole head has become really thick and is growing like a bush.

Now, I was a PJ (product junkie) and have a bathroom full of expensive crap that might've made my hair look good but they definitely didn't feel good nor do anything to promote growth. Thanks to fellow bloggers Adrienne (I am loving the coconut oil!) and Val (keep sending all the links to the natural hair sites!) and a ton of people on Youtube, I have learned that cheaper is sometimes better. Instead of shampooing, I co-wash with V05 Conditioner ($1.19 per bottle) mixed with Baking Soda ($.49 per box). Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and Pure Shea butter from the African store have become my go-to conditioning and styling products. All in all, they have my hair growing like wildfire!!I am moving past TWA (teeny-weeny afro) stage and now have enough for an afro-puff....check me out....

Believe it or not, I am happy to be nappy! I do envy many of my permed sisters but I guess it just wasn't for me! I'll keep you guys updated on my hair's progress. See ya'll!

Overjoyed!

What is this, you ask? Why it is the President's Award for Educational Excellence and it was presented to Biggest Saditty at his schools awards program on Friday night.  Now, those of you who know me know that bragging is not in my thing but this is an exception. Why? Remember, this is the same child that was incorrectly labled as "ADD/ADHD", "mildly autistic", "learning disabled", "slow" and a myriad of other crap . On top of this award being totally unexpected, I was also blown away by both his test scrores and his final grades for the year. It seems like this son of mine took the Iowa test and blew it completely out of the water. Speech and language therapy along with modifications, patience, and prayer have taken us to this point. I can kick myself for wanting to give up in the past! On top of his superb test scores, he finished the year with an overall 97 avereage. Yes, my baby. To ANYONE out there who is frustrated with your child and/or the school system, keep pushing on and praying--any situation can change. OK....on to more pictures...

Biggest getting his Presidential Award from the Principal.

The First Grade Teacher presenting my baby with awards for Math, Science, Social Studies, and Spelling. Gotta work on that reading....

In other school news, we also had the best kind of birthday party (the school party, with no mess at home, no passing out invitations and minimal cleanup)for Itty Bitty who turned 3.

I can't believe this girl refused to stand on the chair....making her poor, pregnant mama bend.....

The birthday girl and her brothers....wow! I finally got them to look all in the same direction at once!

Well, tommorow Middle Saditty (on the right) graduates from pre-K. He asked me if its okay for him to quit school after tommorow because he is tired...says he can just try to find a job....NO WORDS! LOL  Pray for me as these graduations are so wonderful and I am usually the parent that just sits and cries thru the whole thing!

As always, there is a message in me for someone out there...not sure who but its for someone. If you occassionally get down on yourself and think that you fail at being a parent--lighten up. Parenting (especially single parenting, remember I have been there) can be a struggle and sometimes, we cme close to throwing in the towel. We feel as though we have no help and that everything in the world is against us and although the struggle continues, joy always begins. When you look at the product of your hard work (yes, your beautiful children), you won't think about money problems, divorce, lonliness, or bad relationships, depression, or any of that stuff. You'll simply see them and how far you've come. If you've had some type of failure in the past or feel inadequate in any way, looking at your kids will make you see that you actually are a winner. Love ya'll! Mrs. S

On top of the world!

Don't adjust your computer's settings because you are seeing correctly! And I am sitting on top of the world. Sure, its time to look for a bigger house, a bigger Mommie Mobile, buy baby things all over again but those things are simply taking a back seat to my bliss! My whole world is about to change again and although it is unexpected, I am ready for the challenge!!

Jamaica? No Problem!

Hey ya'll! It's been a few days but your girl has been distracted. I have the most WONDERFUL news in the world to share with ya'll but I'll wait another day or so.Needless to say, I am back in effect! I wanted to share a few pics of our trip with you guys...

A shot from the airport shuttle en route from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios.

 The view of Ocho Rios from our little porch.

 

 

  Jerk baby, jerk baby, jerk jerk jerk!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A picture of a natural waterfall at The Ruins. I kept hearing running water while in our room or on the porch and could not figure it out where it was coming from(it helped me to sleep like a BABY!). We became hungry and wandered off and discovered this right next door!

An alternate view of the Falls at the Ruins.

 

The famous and fabulous Dunn's River Falls. It took Mr. S and I nearly an hour to climb from beach level to the top of the falls. Not bad? Wrong! A group of eightysomething year old Austrian and German tourists beat us up there by about twenty minutes. I couldn't take my camera on the actual climb BUT I wish you guys could see them standing at the summit in their Speedos and micro-kinis...a-m-a-z-i-n-g!

 

Mr. S is going to HELL. Why, you ask? Well meet Carlton. Carlton works at Evitas, a restaurant in the Blue Mountains with an AMAZING view. It was booked solid every single night....until Mr. S got the bright idea ofcalling and saying that I was a food critic attempting to write a review. Instantly, we had a table on a balcony overlooking Jamaica. Carlton wasted no time telling us how he was an aspiring actor and planned to come to America and put Idris Elba out of work. He insisted on posing and slipped Mr. S a headshot, asking him to give it to his "producer friend"....WTF?????? The closest my husband has ever been to a producer was in a concession line at a Star Trek convention. Carlton honey, don't hold your breath. Since everyone thought I was a food critic, the service was OFF THE HOOK. The food? Imagine licking motor oil off your car's axle. Got it? Good. I guess that was our punishment!

 

A view of the Carribean from Reggae Beach.

Peep this cute little wagon. Vendors push them up and down the street, selling fresh steam roasted peanuts. Mr. S insisted on buying me a bag. I was hesitant but when I bit into the warm creamy goodness called a steam roasted peanut, I was in sheer heaven. Imagine how fast I came crashing down when I stood on the sidewalk chewing as the vendor fetched more water to make steam----OUT OF THE FRIGGING DITCH!!!!!

Mr. S and his 746,288th Rum Punch.

In all, we had a wonderful time with lots of laughs. and great memories were made. It was super affordable.  After talking to a few islanders, we learned how bad the recession/near Depression is hurting the tourism industry. As always, visits to the Carribean and other parts of the world are beautiful yet eye opening. In the United States, we are TRULY blessed. The people of Jamaica are becautiful, humble, and so happy. Makes you think....in the US, we have everything but are not happy with anything. The people of Jamaica and other nations have nothing but still manage to be happy. How can they be happy with nothing but we are miserable with everything? Counting blessings is definitely something that I need to work on!

Love ya'll! Mrs. S

If you're looking for me (revised)

No sooner than I could click SAVE and PUBLISH on the previous post, I received a text message that said, "call me." yes, I got chewed out. Some of you keep me in line. As promised, here is my revised post:

Hey guys. Mr. S and I are going to Jamaica in order to celebrate our upcoming anniversary. I have a ft job, do endless hours of labor relations, and am in school. I am raising five children. I am exhausted, running on empty, and must pause before I collapse. My kids are in great hands with my parents who successfully raised me. I will not worry, feel guilty, or sit here crying like a fool. I will not make anyone call me or text me to end my pity party. I will see y'all when we return. Love y'all!

Are you happy now?!?!?!

My Funny (and belated) Valentine

I know that I am nearly a week late but here we go! Valentines is my favorite holiday so of course me and the kiddies go all out. This year, Mr. S FINALLY decided to join in the fun...this is pic heavy and may take a bit to load but enjoy!

 They looooved the idea of ditching uniforms for the day. Because V-tines fell on a Saturday, the school celebrated on Friday.

 Middle Saditty's class did a presentation that was priceless! (PEEP that "come hug me" look in his eyes)

 Mr S brought home two new additions to the family. This is Itty Bitty's baby Saudia Saditty. Now keep in mind that is what we were going to name our next (and final) child so I guess this is his way of telling me that we are done????

 Okay. I am sooo addicted to watching A&E's "The First 48" that Mr. S named my baby bear Caroline Mason Saditty...lol

 This year, he remembered to peel off the Albertson's sticker! LOL

We ate here. If you have not been and have one within a seventy-five mile radius, make a bee-line! Here is a shot of us after a few pineapple mojitos.

   

Well I hope that your Valentines was as happy as ours. Much love! Mrs S

Happy Birthday Mr. S

35 years ago, God blessed the world with you. Husband, father, best friend... You are everything to us. Without a doubt, today will be one of the best days of your life...it's the least we can do. I love you!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Saditty!

35 years ago, you made your grand entrance into this world. you're a wonderful Dad, husband, and best friend. Today, without a doubt, will be one of the best days of your life! So sit back, relax, and enjoy what the kids and I have planned. We love you!

Home Improvement Phase I --Roof Complete!

The roof at 2146 is completed! Big ups to my girl TIH who encouraged me to seek the expertise of the brown brothers from South of the Border. I had doubts about them but choose to ignore the hems and haws of negativity and am I happy I did! they brought their own dumpster (meaning no disposal fee for old tiles and materials) and finished 3 days ahead of schedule and nearly a grand under their original estimate (yes, they were honest and charged me even less than originally agreed upon). My insurance inspector came by to view before releasing depreciated costs orignally held and was amazed at the quality job in such a short time. The brother who we originally wanted to use (we support Black business, or at least attempt to) called two days ago to ask if we still needed a new roof. WTF? Oh, did I mention that the brown brothers also hung two doors and gave me an awesome estimate for my new addition? Ole'! Icy cold Budweisers all around!