Beauty is only skin deep... or is it?

The other day, I had a conversation with some co-workers about plastic surgery. One of my co-workers is obsessed with her looks. Everyday she asks our opinion or makes some kind of comment about her nose, her eyes, wrinkles, blah blah blah. She's had a face lift, at least two chemical peels, botox and some kind of roseacea procedure. How much is enough and, will it ever be enough?? Quite frankly, I don't see that much of a difference after her procedures. It's like she's chasing an eternal fountain of youth. I ran across an article about the Top 5 reasons women have plastic surgery. Men, Career, Beauty, Coveting the neighbor's looks, and to look like a movie star. I could easily see which categories she falls into... #'s 3,4, and 5!! I feel bad because I believe she is already a beautiful woman inside and out and it's sad to see her and millions of women go through so much to seek beauty they will be comfortable with. Heck, the industry is even seeing a rise in the number of women having Vaginal Plastic Surgery That's a bit too much for me too handle!

Why do we let others define our beauty and then put what God has given us in the hands of another human being to shape according to their creativity? I'm guilty. I had a breast reduction in 2005. I like to think that my reasons were more medical than anything... You know~ hurt back, grooves in the shoulders from the heavy duty support needed to keep the girls still while at work and in the gym. It was a medically approved surgery but I know deep in my heart, I was simply not comfortable with the abundance I'd been blessed with. It was a chore to shop for clothes, two piece bathing suits were totally out and I could never wear cute tops to the club... It wasn't a hard decision to go under the knife...

I was a different woman as soon as I woke up from the surgery and I had a renewed confidence in the difference I was going to make in the world now that I'd altered my looks. Or... was I a new woman?? Did it change any of my inner beauty or the light that shines from within me? As I reflect, I'm still the same person. I still have a bleeding heart for injustice to any living thing. I still live life, love hard and give everyday my all. In the end, the woman in the mirror is still the same. I'm convinced I won't be like my co-worker and chase that eternal fountain of youth. Especially at today's plastic surgery prices! Gotta pay for gas ya know! Anyway, I'm at peace with me and my beauty. I'm satisfied with how I look whether someone else finds me attractive or not...In the end, that's what's most important... I gotta say, I LOVE ME!!

Memorial Day Shout Outs...

"Memorial Day is a United States Federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who perished while in military service to their country. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War, it was expanded after World War I to include casualties of any war or military action."

Memorial Day is a special time for families and friends that are serving in any Military capacity. When I was in high school, I was well on my way to a career in the Armed Services myself. I was an Officer and Platoon Leader in my high school Navy Junior ROTC and I had two years of Army ROTC in college. I KNOW the day to day sacrifices our military as well as their families make to serve and protect our country. I have family and friends in various branches of armed services and I would like to say to each of them, I Love You and I appreciate all you do. Words can never truly express the gratitude I have in my heart for your sacrifice. To my cousin Gene AND his wife Nikki, my best friend Trese, Monica, Jared, Anthony F., Uncle Dave and my high school sweetheart Maceo, THANK YOU for a selfless job! I dedicate this song, "In Harm's Way" by Bebe Winans to you today because it is a beautiful song with a POWERFUL message. Enjoy your day!

If you have friends or family of the armed services that you'd like to acknowledge, the floor is open...

Stuff that bothers me...

By now you know I spend a considerable amount of time watching people. Since I'm over 30, I have several YEARS of images in my head of stuff that just a'int right. Why do people go to such extremes or better yet, how can they NOT know betta?? Here's a list (not necessarily my top five or in any particular order) of Stuff That bothers me...

1. Sagging pants

Why?? What is the purpose for the saggy pants?? Where I teach has a dress code that requires a collared shirt and belt for all pants with loops. The guys look ready for success while at school but as soon as the 3pm bell rings, all I see as I drive home from work is underwear! Young fellas, this look is NOT Sexy and really does nothing for my faith in you as my gangsta savior...

2. Thinking just cause you have a chest, it's OK to "promote" them

What the heck is this?? When you can fully support a paperback book underneath your breast, without assistance, this type of shirt is off limits for you!! This, is also not sexy to me. When I think of what I want to wear to the club, it is nowhere remotely related to this! My family always taught me to carry myself in a lady like manner in public at ALL times. Save sumthin for my man's imagination. Let the freak out once you get home. It'll be well worth it for you AND him...

3. Tight pants

Over the years, I have gained weight. Lost it. Gained it again. Lost it again. U get da picture. (BTW, I'm the recent winner of The Biggest Loser on my job!) Anyway, one thing I've never forced was my huge azz in a pair of tight pants... with or without the weight. I've always been blessed back there:-) Come on! Be comfortable. Be ladylike tight, not "Beware she's gonna explode tight" and spare the rest of us the agony of seeing you struggle around the office or in the streets trying to keep air in your nether regions and the sound of your pants rubbing together like stockings as you walk past. Do u and us a favor, go the next size (or two) up...

4. Ghetto Prom pictures that circulate every Spring

Uhhhh... WTF?? Call me old fashioned but I believe children hit intimacy waaayyy to early these days. Heck, can they even identify how LOVE feels?? I'm not knockin nobody's mama that had them at an early age, fought the struggle and came out smelling like a rose... what does bother me is the fact that children these days glorify pregnancy just because they wanna have a "baby daddy". I've heard it many many times in my line of work. Young chics watching the guys go past and declaring to their friends "that one is gonna be my baby daddy..." I teach in a middle school and there are several mama's in our midst. Several. Missing school erry other day because they don't have a babysitter or money for diapers. Perpetuating the cycle instead of uplifting our legacy... then someone had the unmitigated gall to go to the prom with their young pregnant belly out like this!! Get mad at me if you want. Pregnancy and Prom dresses with the belly out do not go together. If you don't have respect for yourself, at least have respect for the dignity and miracle of an unborn child...

5. The Hell of Hillary...

Where can I begin and end on this one?? I'm guilty, just as many other people were of being an early Hillary supporter because Bill was our "brother from another mother" while he was in the White House. I mean he played the saxophone, lied about gettin it from the white girl, sported nappy hair... The Clintons may as well have been The Smiths, Jackson, Jeffersons,_______ *insert any other black family name*
How could I not think Hillary would be there for us? As this election has unfolded, I have not only withdrawn my support for her as a qualified candidate, but I've grown to dislike her more and more as a person. I've watched her lie about supporting the war, then deny she was ever involved, she lied and said her online campaign was collecting millions of dollars a day (where?? From your bank account to your campaign's?), she childishly attacked Senator Barack Obama when the nation (and Super Delegates) have given their support and money to the better candidate, and the clincher for me for that UGLY scowl she had at one of the televised debates! I'm getting off on a Hillary rampage so I betta leave well enough alone; for now...

Obviously, I have lots of stuff that bothers me but I'll leave it at five for now. What about you?? Give me the rundown of stuff that drives you insane...