This thing called life . . .

one minute you're up, the next you're down. You see sunshine and blue skies when it's pouring rain and the skies are really gray. One week you're on cloud 9, the next week you feel as if you've slammed into a brick wall. Some days you can't stop smiling, other days you're trying your best not to frown. What is it with this thing called LIFE? Not to mention the mental, spiritual & emotional roller coaster ride that comes with it.

Don't get me wrong, I like amusement parks. There are even a few roller coaster rides that I don't mind getting on (more than once). But the one associated with daily living -- I can do without. I'm tired and I want this particular ride to end.

African-American Inventors

In recognition of Black History Month, my children's school is daily requesting each student to find out what African-American invented certain things. They write their name, grade, teacher and the answer on a sheet of paper and submit it. I believe there is a drawing each day with prizes given to the student(s) with the correct answer.

I'm starting to enjoy going on-line to find out who invented what. So far, we have learned of the following inventions:

Ironing Board (Improvement) - Sarah Boone (patented 4/26/1892)
Golf Tee - George Grant (patented in 1899); graduated from Harvard Dental School in 1870
Letter Drop Mail Box - Phillip Downing (patented 10/27/1891)

I think we should keep this up throughout the year.

My first REAL vacation

No lie. For the FIRST time in my 36 year old life I am about to go on a true vacation -- in Viva Las Vegas! I am so excited. What's even more exciting about this trip is the other people traveling with me. 2 of my sister's (I have 3), one of my closest friends, a cousin whose like a sister to me and a friend of the family. There is nooooo way that we won't have fun. I've read mixed reviews about the hotel (the Plaza Hotel in the downtown area). The original hotel that we were trying to get was booked (due to it being Spring Break and all). We're leaving on March 18th and returning on the 21st. My kids will be in Oklahoma and -- oh, my God, I almost forgot about my baby boy! I'll have to see if his daddy will check up on him and as a back-up I'll have two of my friends on stand-by. (One of my girlfriend's labeled my male friend as 'my baby's daddy'. This is because he is truly crazy about Diesel -- and Diesel is crazy about him. He goes wild when my friend comes over, it's as if everyone else in the house at that time does not exist. I love my dog but I don't kiss him on the face! His daddy does! It's hilarious. The expression on Diesel's face looks as if he is in dog heaven.)

Looks like I've got everything taken care of. I faxed the travel agency all necessary info they needed yesterday and I've requested two days of vacation at work. Now all I need is some decent luggage. Sounds like a trip to Sam Moon may be in order or maybe I need to do some searching on e-bay.