Whew chile, trying to date in 2019 is an experience. Some of the guys are “interesting”. ???? I think that is the best word to describe my dating experiences lately. Lol. ⠀

Here is my list of growing questions to ask on dates.⠀

Storytime: I went on ONE date with a guy and afterward the date, the guy assumed we were dating. ? No, sir, this isn’t how this works. ?⠀I realize the dating world has changed drastically in the last couple of years. I guess I’m old school, texting is cool, but I want a guy to call me “if” I’m interested in them. Now days, a follow on social media and liking a few of someone’s picture is considered someone showing interest. ? Interest is cool, but where is your effort boo? Lol. ??‍♀️⠀Even in the short amount of time I have dated, I think the key thing to dating: is to treat someone with the same respect you would want someone to give you and to ask the right questions. #communication⠀

1. Are you married?⠀

2. Are u legally still married? ⠀(2 different questions) Lol.

4. Are you dating?⠀

5. Are you in a relationship?

6. Is there anyone who believes you are in a relationship with them?⠀
7. Do you have kids?
8. How old are your kids?⠀
9. Did you sign your name on any birth certificate(s)?⠀
10. Are you engaged? ⠀
11. So you have a situationship?⠀I know some of these questions may seem comical, but guys have an “interesting” way of responding to them. As I continue to date, I’m still focusing on myself. I don’t feel pressed to jump into anything. I’m taking suggestions at additional questions.⠀⠀
What are some questions you ask on a first date? ⠀⠀

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”⠀‭‭James‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬⠀⠀

When I look at my core friends, I can think of two friends that I never thought would be my friends. Lol.

Storytime: So, several of my friends and I used to work together and our friendship blossomed through the workplace.  However,  that isn’t the case for all my friendships. Lol. One friendship, in particular, started from work and I didn’t like this person.  Like they got on my last nerves every day. If anyone has worked with me, you know I take pride in everything I do and I like to shine at work and get awards. #showmetheraise

I was tasked with the assignment of training this person and they were not interested in learning the job. I would ask them, “Hey you want to try this by yourself to make sure you know what you are doing?”

They responded and said, “No.” I was livid. I didn’t want to be blamed for their failure since I was their trainer at work.  Of course, when this person finished training,  they were clueless regarding how they should work their desk.

As upset as they made me from not paying attention in my initial training, I re-trained them on the job and our friendship grew from there. To this day, we even have “inside” jokes about the training.  Lol.

Thankfully, this friend is one of my close friends now. They give awesome advice by lending a listening ear.

Question of the Day: What are some of your friendship stories? How did yall meet?

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/pro.27.17.KJV

I recently had a conversation with someone and I assumed they were calling to check on me, but they quickly proved my assumptions to be incorrect. I’ll paraphrase the conversation for you.They basically assumed if you are unmarried, then you are lonely. #wrong I quickly let him know that is not true in every situation.  Loneliness is a feeling that can be felt by anyone despite their marital status. Heck, you can be married and lonely.

If you are married: That’s awesome. ?If you are engaged: I can’t wait to see your wedding pics. ?If you are dating: Y’all are cute. ❤If you are single: Bruh, book the trip! ✈

Well, let’s just say that conversation didn’t go as planned; however, I let them know I can’t answer for anyone else but I’m content with where I am in life. God has me exactly where I’m supposed to be in this season of my life. If he gives me something before I am ready, it could destroy me, but that’s a completely different blog. When God is ready for me to have a boo, I’ll let yall know after I tell my sisters. (Gotta tell them first) Lol. Until then, I’ll keep fulfilling my purpose and passions that God has given me.

Everyone goes through life at their own pace. I can only speak for myself in my current season and singleness is not loneliness and it should not bring you any fear or embarrassment. “Singleness is actually very sacred and God wants you to honor this time by giving it completely to Him. God cares about your love life. He gave us the greatest love story ever, by giving us, Jesus. Make a declaration that you will not allow the voices within you or the voices around you to lead you astray from God’s plan for your life. ” – David and Ella

How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Psalms 139:17 KJV https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.139.17.KJV

My mom has pots, skillets, and pans that are older than me, heck they are probably about 40 years old or older.I have a set of pots and pans which is 5 to 10 years old, and it’s already falling apart.

Correction, one is broke!

Storytime: I was washing dishes a few weeks ago, and as I picked up my favorite skillet, the handle broke. I stood in my kitchen for a few minutes in disbelief trying to process what in the heck happened to my skillet. I had so many questions, such as:

1. I’m trying to be a great steward of my resources; why do I have to buy more skillets?

2. Is there any way I can “borrow” a skillet from my mom for a long time (meaning at least a year or two). Lol. Clearly, they don’t make things with the same quality they used to.

3. Why is my skillet broken anyway? Ain’t nobody got time for this. Lol.

4. How am I going to meal prep?  While I’m pondering these questions, I decided to go ahead and replace my cookware. I recently replaced and upgraded my pots and skillets. Let me tell y’all, it was worth every penny; it took my food prepping skills from basic to excellent! #wonthedoit

New motto: When something breaks, replace it and upgrade it! Everyone needs an upgrade every now and then!

P.S. If you read my holiday blog last year you will know I had to run to the store on Thanksgiving to purchase milk. Thankfully, I have all my ingredients this year, but I forgot to purchase aluminum foil. I can’t make this stuff up, I’m still a rookie, which is why I’m not hosting.

P.S.S. Thank you 7-11 for always being open and saving the day.

Happy Thanksgiving!

1 Chronicles 16:34: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” 

Storytime:
I was watching my friend’s daughters the other day and they were riding in the car with me while I ran errands. One of the sisters told the other one while we were riding, scoot over I need some space. I immediately reminisced back to my childhood days in a home with 6 sisters and remembered several conversations in which I asked a sister to scoot over because I needed space. Lol.
This reminded me of the need for boundaries.
I’ve learned in every relationship there is an opportunity to establish healthy boundaries. Boundaries first start with how you treat yourself and then are reflected in how you treat others. It is okay to establish boundaries in all types of relationships.
How do you know if you need boundaries?
That’s a great question, I’m glad you ask, but first, let’s talk about a few types of boundaries.
There are emotional, personal and relational boundaries to name a few.
How do I know if I need boundaries?
1. Do I feel a situation goes against anything that makes me feel violated?
2. Do I say “OK” or say nothing when I would rather not do something for someone, because I don’t want a confrontation?
3. Do I let other people define what my behavior means? (Ex:
“You don’t really love me if you won’t…)
These are a few questions that can help you explore the topic of boundaries. The discussion of boundaries is such an in-depth topic. The main thing about boundaries is that it all starts with you and your identity. Of course, the responses will vary from person to person; however, it is okay to ask does this situation or relationship serves me? Some relationships will require tighter boundaries, while other boundaries can be loosely defined. It all starts with you and what you need to make you feel safe and what’s an acceptable way or behavior that you want someone to treat you.
I’ve done personal inner work to establish boundaries recently and I will say it allows you to feel free with the people you interact with while also serving ourselves and others in a healthy manner.

Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.
Proverbs 19:19 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/pro.19.19.NLT