Are You Anti-RSVP?

Why is this such a hard thing to do? I have hosted a few events for my class/alumni reunions and RSVP-ing is not important to many folks. I have even had some folks to ask me what it meant!

RSVP has a French origin that means “Répondez s'il vous plaît", a French phrase that means "Please, answer". When you, as a guest answer, this ensures that there is more than enough food, drinks, gifts, etc. for everyone. It’s also very rude to overlook the date in which you need to RSVP by. This process usually takes 5 minutes, whether it’s a call or putting the response card in the mail. In the end, the numbers will be accurate and the event will go off without any issues. So, next time you get an invite and you need to RSVP, "Please answer!"

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This 7-letter word is often misused and abused. So many people demand it, but rarely do anything worthy to deserve it. I bring up this word because it is often overlooked by wedding guests. My biggest pet peeve is when I attend a wedding where the invitation clearly states an ADULT ONLY reception. However, when you get there it looks like a Romper Room! I have heard such excuses as, “I didn’t have a babysitter,” or “I’m a cousin, so it doesn’t apply to me,” or my favorite, “The bride’s and groom’s kid(s) are here.”

Are you kidding me?!?!?!?! This is the ultimate act of disrespect for one of the most important days of a person’s life and it’s very selfish. To ensure that this will not happen at our event, we will speak to guests who have children. I’m a firm believer that if you find a responsible person and pay them, they will keep your child for a few hours. If you cannot find a sitter, you may want to opt out of the event. Besides, this event will go on if you're not there. So, to keep this day as memorable as possible, respect the wishes of the couple and if you need a reminder, look up the Golden Rule.

Oh, Happy Valentine's Day!

Today is a day women everywhere expect dinner, roses, balloons, stuffed animals and undivided attention. My question is, "Why wait for ONE day out of the year to be treated like a queen?" I went to Publix today to pick up medicine. Folks were mob deep around the Valentine's Day section. Keep in mind it was about 2:15pm. My first thought is if you're buying something for someone at this time of day, it was an after thought. SIDEBAR: I don't want to be anyone's afterthought and they knew Valentine's Day was coming when it left last year. Secondly, the same roses that are priced at $40 today were $10 last week. Finally, you couldn't get into a restaurant! The lines were literally out the door and it was very cold today!!! And aren't these places open everyday? My Valentine's Day consisted of preparing my home for Open House. SIDEBAR: I actually had an interested buyer!

I'm the type of person who prefers to be treated well everyday and allow the 14th of February for those who need to show other women or the other woman that they've "got it like that." My Valentine's Day was last week when Nelson sent a check to the catering hall.

In the words of my mom, "I said all of that to say this", Don't come second to anything or anyone. If he puts work, his friends, his car, his dog and so on, before you, you need not waste one second more of your time. Move on and move quickly!!! Happy Valentine's Day!

Is It Love

The saddest part of modern day marriages is that most folks go in with the attitude, "If it doesn't work, I can always get a divorce." If that's how you're starting off your marriage, is it something you should be doing in the first place? We have all attended a wedding knowing that it was a just a matter of time before things became a disaster. These days, most folks focus on the wedding and not the marriage. The pastor clearly states, "till death do us part." I think folks ignore that part and daze into how the reception hall's decorations will look. The reason for the high divorce rates are because folks get married for all the wrong reasons and the little things that are a problem prior to the marriage become massive after the wedding. We need to address these issues prior and deal with them becuase if a person doesn't know what drives you crazy, why would they stop? To keep as much peace in my marriage as possible, I have come up with a few rules of my own...

1. I don't have to fight every battle. Pick them and pick them carefully.

2. If we are in battle, I don't always have to win.

3. Communicate the issue and try to resolve as quickly and civil as possible.

4. Selective hearing will get me very far. Sometimes ignoring is the best resolution.

5. Live by the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I know that everyday isn't going to be flowerbeds of ease and I'm praying that our road won't be too long and/or too hard. Our plan is to keep God in the forefront and pray without ceasing. The problem is two completely different people are coming together to create a life together, which is a major issue within itself. Say a prayer for us!

It Wasn't Easy Getting Here

This picture was taken last year at a friend's wedding. Most folks thought we had ran away and got married (highly unlikely). I think we look great together. If someone were to ask me why we are getting married, my answer would go like this. We have a deep bond due to our son, who's 8 years old. I know him inside and out and vice versa. We are a prime example of "If you love something, set it free." We were engaged before, but I wasn't going to get married knowing there were some issues that would just make us miserable. My son and I eventually moved to Atlanta (we had been separated for over 5 years) and after he visited a few times (over an 18 month period), we decided to try again. At one time, we really didn't like each other, but I believe in showing a person how to treat you. When you point out a person's actions in a constructive way, folks have a tendency to look at themselves and if they are wise, they will change for the better. That also goes both ways. Anywho, after 9 years, our friends are besides themselves with excitement. He has caught 2 garters at past weddings, I guess the second one actually worked.

All About The Hair

Invitations I LOVE!

I'm a realist and realize that my beautiful invitation will eventually end up in the garbage, so I've decided to show you what I LOVE, but in the end get something economical and beautiful!