Wednesday Wow: Quit already! (and update)

I know you’ve seen it before. You go into your local pizza shop to place an order and POW’ you get slapped with a grumpy employee. Well, that’s what happened today and boy did I surprise myself. I tell you, if more people would listen to that Kenny Roger’s song, life wouldn’t suck so much for them.

So here’s what happened. I sat in the car while my daughters went in to order, it seemed like forever. Then one of them walk out and jumped in the car. “Mom, you need to go in there, that lady is abusing Cassie.” Now what do ya think I did?

Yup, I quickly walked in and asked what’s going on. Cassie didn’t say anything. The cashier/Shonda didn’t either. Instead she went on to filli the order. I’ve always been told to be mindful of pissing off people that make your food, so I stood in-view of everything. She wasted so much inventory throwing it on pizzas and the waste tray. Then the phone began to rang. She thought it was children playing. The calls kept coming and she said “They keep calling and I;m gonna curse their “A”  out. I knew at that time she had been there too darn long. Still I stood, watched and listened. Seems as though a few other employees called out as well. I still don’t know what was said to my daughter, but it must’ve been raw. “Shonda” had a man in there and her two minor kids. The man came over to me as he walked out the door and said, “That’s my wife and she was suppose to get off an hour ago. Her hand is hurting and…….. ” I stopped him right there and asked if it was his children, how would he feel? He was shocked and replied, “Oh, I understand, I just wanted to apologize because she’s really nice. She’s just in pain right now.” At that point I wanted him out of my face. I told him that I thought he was very loyal and that is commendable.

 

Moments later, Shonda and family left.  It didn’t seem like a manager was there but I knew from my mystery shopping days, that the sticker on the box and the customer service poster on the wall was all we needed to complain. And that I did.

I called as soon as I got home. When I came out to eat, these kids had pork on their plate. YES, PORK! We don’t eat that mess! So now I’m waiting to hear from “Ryan.” When he calls me back I have something else to add to the list of “The Shonda Report.”

My message to “Shonda” and all others like her:

When it’s time to go, it’s time to go. Everyone needs money, and have to determine their level of contentment. The problem is being “content” can easily lead to complacency—and that’s the danger zone. Complacency tends to generate excuses Worst of all, complacency will eventually lead to fear. And fear holds us back or lead us to other’s that will not accept lame excuses. I.E. ME!!!!! Quitting can be good for individual workers as well as for the economy as a whole. As it it creates an opportunity for someone else to fit in.

Boy, I can’t wait to chat with “Ryan” tomorrow. If this doesn’t get cleared up satisfactory, not only will I stop supporting them, I’ll also fill in the questions you guys maybe wondering right now.How did i surprise myself? I didn’t snap back at her. I thank the creator for growth and wisdom.

When to quit your job

10 Reasons You Have to Quit Your Job in 2014

The power is in your purse,

QC Supermom

Dominoes Pizza fixed it

Dominos fixed it!!!!! Yay!  Not only did they replace all 3 pizzas, he threw in drinks and desserts. (totally not something we would buy- a nutrition splurge was in order) My conflict resolution skills worked! GO support them!!! 🙂

Here’s their menu. order away!

Thanks Jeff and btw, guys they are hiring! Here’s the address:

4510 Sunset Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

Phone:(704) 392-7850

Moms mechanics…. yes it could work!

What if you could save your car from becoming a swing to soon?

Hey lady, I know you can put together a mean dinner, decorate a small space like no ones business, and even create the fliest outfit from the 2nd hand store, but can you change a tire? Let’s face it, being stranded by the side of the road with a dead vehicle will hit you like a block of bricks. Heaven forbid you have the children with you.The importance of a good auto repair mechanic takes on even  greater meaning. Without a doubt, finding a good auto repair mechanic should rank second in importance only to finding a good doctor.

“You’re never going to feel good about spending money on your car because it sucks,” Gilbank, owner of Ms Lube says. “But you can feel better.”

Research says:

• Women are quoted higher sums for the same service than men, says new research
• Price disparity due to the assumption that women don’t know how much repairs cost
• By bluffing your way through prices or showing some idea of costs, women are more likely to get a fair quote
• women don’t jump from auto brand to brand. Women are more likely to be loyal to a brand than men,
• They found that when women knew nothing about car repairs, it can be taken advantage of by opportunistic mechanics but when men knew nothing, mechanics often thought they were being tricked.

I have been fortunate to have my own mechanic for over 16 years. Since I met my mechanic, I have extended my salvaged title vehicle and saved good money. When I hear other women in distress, I really feel for them. I wish everyone cold have a peace of mind and not worry about extreme car expenses and greedy unethical mechanics.

Women should be envious for what counts. We need to outdo each other in fundamental life skills.-Lakesiha Perkins

 

Although an ASE report shows that the number of female auto technicians has increased over the past 12 years, some women find it hard to break down gender barriers in the workplace.

POW! I just love this image.

I have been talking to my mechanic for the longest on offering classes to women this summer. He’s an introvert, so it’s a hard sell, but I’m gonna stay on him.That way, he can help more women prioritize services and maintenance needs. He may even be essential in auction car buying and how to communicate with a mechanic to protect yourself.
As no one needs to feel that they are getting ripped off all the time.

Developing more confidence and knowledge about cars is easier than ever, thanks in part to the internet. “You can’t become a professional through Google, but you can better educate yourself,” Gilbank says.

Personally, I can’t think of any women that wants to change a tire but there is a pride that comes with knowing that if the need arises, she can do it. From checking oil levels to belts, changing air filters or cabin filters- all moms should have a working knowledge before needing one..

I’ll let ya’ll know how that goes. Till then, read your car manual, You Tube some videos and check out some books from your local library.Bottom line ladies, find a good auto repair mechanic before you need one!

Fix something,

QC Supermom

Friday Four: How to deter your daughters from dating too young

My daughters are often the envy of some of the other moms in our local mom support group for one reason–they both have sworn off dating until they’re 18. Although one of them is a total nerd, neither of them are ugly. They’ve both been asked out many times, but they both give the same answer. We don’t date. Dating at this age, they say, is pathetic .

I wanted to include my husband in this discussion. So I asked him for his insight. He said “It’s normal for them to want to desire the opposite sex.” He said to have them watch medical tapings of vanerial diseases, dress them in chastity belts and send them to Saudi Arabia.

As unorthodox as that sounds, it may work. One of their friends just became a dad, so I can see where the drastic ideas come from. In short kids need a lot of communication, guidance, and information about these issues, even if they sometimes don’t appear to be interested in what you have to say.

Here are my 4 strategies to keep your daughter date envy free .

1. Have a conversation about sex, ideal boyfriends and the duty(s) of a relationship. You are responsible for setting sexual limits in a relationship. Girls need to be “certified!” They want to know that they are “acceptable” in todays society.

2. Take them everywhere you go: Friends have a strong influence on each other, so help your children become friends with kids whose families share your values. Expose them to the good, bad, and “Omg, I want this in my life!” This minimizes them hanging with the wrong influences and encourages them to see the perks of a positively productive life .

3. Sit on your husband’s lap and hug up in front of them. This works every time. My 15 year old says that we are too old for all of that. I makes us giggle but know she likes the fact that we still like each other as spouses(most times) some 16 years later. 

4. Show them how to make money: I can’t stress this enough. I think too many girls are looking for the wrong thing. If they make just $50 a week, or learn a new skill. it will work. They can buy their own  goods. Take her own self out to lunch with friends.

Cassie loves to sew and bake

And parents, have regular conversations, you won’t worry so much about making a mistake or saying something not quite right, because you’ll always be able to talk again.

These are the strategies we used for our girls. Hope they work for you as well. What are some that have worked for you?

Let’s talk,

QC Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Walking 5 Mile

Mission 50lbs Down- PROGRESS 

I was thinking last night, as I wrote this, that it just doesn’t seem possible. 50 lbs is a big number and I’m much older than the time I lost 80 lbs years ago. What was I thinking? Maybe I should have said 30 for starters. You know, play a mind game with myself. After that 30 then focus on the 20.

Star, our dog name changed to 5 Mile.

I’m not even going to lie here. I think it’s time to bring in back up. (My tablets and powders miss me. Every morning that I open my tea cabinet, the say “Hello.  looking for me?” They have always been there for me. Why dump them now?

My supplements are my friends

I have not weighed myself, but those skorts I purchased last summer from Lane Bryant  as an incentive are feeling better around the thighs and waist. Talk about profiling. I wanted to take a selfie, but digressed. Is it just me, but some outfits I put on I feel  on point’. Then when I walk out the door, instantly, it’s like, “Okay girl, let your personality lead you tonight girl.”  Seriously what do you do then? 

Needless to say, sticking with my fitness plan seems a bit more challenging now that my son has left for college.

Here’s what I know about myself: Too much sun is kryponite for me, I gotta get me an affordable  gym membership -that includes a sauna and shower, and lavender lemonade tea is “heaven!”

(I had to share it It was really good – try it yourself)

This is becoming hard work-but yes, I’m worth it (and so is my family) . One thing I know for certain is this, as much as I love my family and know they love me, I have to be fit to love them the est that I can.

So, I’m scaling back to scale down. It should work. No worries friends. I got this.

Don’t Count Me Out Just Yet,

Kelle

Juneteenth in the QC

My son Jervon and Pape Ndiaye, the President of Juneteenth Charlotte

Juneteenth has come and gone. This year  had some features that we loved and of course others that we would rather pass with blinders on.

Each year we know to expect beautiful spirits,  diverse food square, an exciting Drumming Village, family friendly- live entertainment and of course specialty vendors.  They have the most beautiful, practical, intriguing, handmade, one of a kind items of all sorts there. There were dancers there. Oneaka Mack, of Oneaka Collective, this other wonderful young dancer and Shouting John.

He did a grand job Friday night & will be there for the rest of the weekend.

The following video is an example of what took place. 

Oneaka Mack, Power Of 1 and Sai was there too!

Learning about our history

 

Although shopping has never been the top interest for us. We do give the children an age appropriate budget, grab 2 bean pies and call it a day. My husband loves the information. I love the connecting and the children adore the playground, attractions and activities.

What I want my children to take from this weekend is this: 

• Africans were incredible people before they were slaves. They were people JUST like us. Within hours, they were taken from their family, home, environment,stripped of their dignity  and forced to work till the day they died.
• There is no need for the “Crab Apple” mentality as success is in all of us. The universe provides for you based on what you put out.
• and three although families come in all dynamics, the father plays a very essential role and we must encourage our men to be the man that builds his family strong foundation. 

 

In these crazy days you just can’t keep enough positive influences in your children. For that reason alone I am grateful for this much needed celebration. Can’t wait for next year.

Know Thy Self,

QC Supermom

Friday Four: Friday the 13th

Today is the only Friday the 13th we’ll have this year and it’s paired with a full moon to boot. Some call it spooky, I say hogwash. We had a great day in the QC. Along with this Father’s Day weekend, we are celebrating June-teenth.

Happy Father’s Day hunny!

First, a Father’s Day note: Children who live absent their biological fathers are, on average, at least two to three times more likely to be poor, to use drugs, to experience educational, health, emotional and behavioral problems, to be victims of child abuse, and to engage in criminal behavior than their peers who live with their married, biological (or adoptive) parents. (Hmmm. That came from these folks ) I didn’t say it, I don’t even agree with it, but let’s sat it true. For those who aren’t in your child life- start today. They need you.

What type of dad will you be?

What’s your New-Father IQ?

15 Dad Facts you didn’t know.

He did a grand job Friday night & will be there for the rest of the weekend.

Now Juneteenth-

General Order Number 3

One of General Granger’s first orders of business was to read to the people of Texas, General Order Number 3 which began most significantly with:

“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and free laborer.”

17th ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLINAS

Look what I found online. I love this celebration. It’s on point and is the epitome of Juneteenth.

Juneteeth- On June 19, 1865, the Union General Gordon Granger rode into Galveston, Tex., to inform inhabitants of the Civil War’s end two months earlier. Two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, Granger’s General Order Number 3 finally freed the last 250,000 slaves whose bondage, due to the minimal Union presence in the region, had been essentially unaffected by Lincoln’s efforts. June 19th—which was quickly shortened to “Juneteenth” among celebrants—has become the African-American addendum to national Independence Day, for, as Juneteenth jubilees remind us, the Emancipation Proclamation did not bring about emancipation, and the prevailing portrayal of Independence Day ignores the ignominious incidence of slavery entirely.

 

Friday The 13th- is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. … There is also a superstition, thought by some to derive from the Last Supper or a Norsemyth, that having thirteen people seated at a table …. Western Folklore: 62–63.

Here’s just two of the many gatherings this weekend. Feel free to share your towns news.

Saturday, June 14, 2014, 12 noon–5 pm

Watkins Regional Park
301 Watkins Park Drive,
Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774

17th ANNUAL JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL OF THE CAROLINAS. Contact the HOUSE OF AFRICA at 704-376-6160 or 980-613-5304. This year is going to be SPECTACULAR !!!!! Don’t miss the chance to be a part of an important piece of American history !! Come witness the SPECTACULAR ENACTMENT of QUEEN CHARLOTTE OF MECKLENBURG (the live telling of the history of Charlotte).

More controversy about June 19th 1865

Here’s 4 things to do this weekend:

1. Hug your dad

2. Call your dad

3. Learn more about Juneteenth.

4. Take the family to a Juneteenth gathering

 

Wednesday Wow: Father’s Day message

 

Father’s Day is THIS Sunday. This is going to be short and sweet.  I have 3 special men in my life and this year I figured, I would write them a letter.  Here, I’ll let you read it. But first, let me say Happy Father’s Day to all of the dads in your life (you too if you’re a dad)

I was raise by a loving, dad. I matted  with a bank account dad. I married a old school dad. What I’ve learned is just like motherhood, fathers do not become dads instantly. I remember how timid Raj was when our 1st child was born. He didn’t know what to do, so he did very little until  she got bigger or I coaxed him into helping.

To my oldest son,

Jervon, you are something else. I have read the messages, heard the chants and seen the actions of theses females out here today. Your dating, nutrition, economic days are very different then the ones I grew up in. (sure, we’re only 17 years apart)  There’s so much more challenges to overcome. Ya’ll normalcy is our OMG! You have seen so much growing up. Good, bad, ugly and the straight up strange.I won’t talk about your visits with me to the midwife. I’m happy that you are comfortable enough to come to me and say what’s on your mind. Now that your 21, I know my role is now your consultant. I love the way you care for your siblings. I still think of you as a very little boy asking God for a brother and look at you, you have 4! I’m not rushing you in No Way, but I know that when you do have a child, that will be one incredible blessed child and mother. With that being said PLEASE DON”T BRING HOME no cougar, gold-digging, 2 faced hoochie. (Okay baby* 🙂 )

Love you always & forever,

Mom

“Buying season tickets and attending every game doesn’t mean you’re on the team. You’re still a spectator.”-A. Kelly

 

To my husband,

You get on my nerves so darn much. What was I thinking when I married you? You challenge me on every corner and love to call me out when you think I’m wrong.

Omg! Just thinking about those 5 sons and 3 daughters we have watching you is just scary. But guess what, I  wouldn’t have it any other way. Sure, our relationship isn’t for the weaker of hearts, but it works for us. I know you have my back. When you push it does one of two things.  It makes me evaluate what you said and  1. I’ll do better or I’ll ignore you and wait for an apology/ dinner/”Me Time” from you later. (either will work)

I taunt you and say that Pharell got away one night I fell asleep, but the truth is, there aren’t many men that would put up with all of my crazy adventures. You were made for me.Lucky us.

Love you always,

Mrs. P

 

Dad, thank you for always being there. I know for a fact that I was and still can be a handful at any given moment. But thank you for never turning your back on me, and always believing that I can do so much more than I ever imagined.Now look at you, you’re doing the same for my children. Because of your unconditional love I know I could never repay you, but I hope that by raising your grand children with the support. love you gave me and supplying you with sorrel makes you somewhat happy. If I can, I want to ask one more thing of you. Would you now enjoy life more? I would love to see you on  a curse or 3 star resort. (I think a 5 star would bore you) I have put money aside for you to do just that. It’s not much, but with all the price shopping tools on the market, you should pack for at least 6 days. Just bring me back a t-shirt ok.

Love you always, Kelle Keisha

Psst, need a few last minutes ideas? What better place than my cheat sheet.

How To Train A Dragon 2: The Supermom version

TeHun, my lil dragon

Last week, we went to see “How To Train A Dragon” at the Mint Museum in Charlotte. We were so excited because watching it on the lawn made it a special treat. To me it was important to see part one before seeing part two this week.

Training my 5 sons proved that it is possible. So I wanted to know if they could do the same. Could my 5 sons train dragons?  A quick trip to Hunnington Beach was selected as the training ground. Here’s what happened.

1. Make a game plan

The kids decided which dragons to tackle. Since it’s summertime. They chose Swanee and Swainee. Two bright friendly dragons.

First, the boys laid down the rules. No biting, No hitting. No breaking stuff. No unapproved snacks. No pushing. No bullying and under no circumstances, will there be any food waste.

2. Show your dragon around

We chose a day that rewarded us with loads of sun and smiles. My husband jumped on the grill and made everyone lunch.

The dragons loved it.  After we played in the water, enjoyed a great dinner, we were ready to call it a day. The mission was successful!

I was so proud of the boys. They put a lot of time and effort in getting these big dragons under control. We even made a new friend. 

Time to go!

 

 

We are so excited to watch it “How To Train Your Dragon 2” tonight at NorthLake Mall with our fellow Queen City Stay At Home Mom Team.  Here’s the trailor.

Watch a trailor here:

Enjoy your day, QC Supermom

Friday Four: Family Friendly Hotels Rates

Time for a vacation.

I do not want to stay in a low budget, domestic battling, loud music banging, no breakfast or no wi-fi having motel. But with my husband in the planning seat, something tells me I need to search long and hard for the our quick trip to the beach.

 

Mission impossible maybe, but I’m gonna give it a shot! OPERATION: ‘Family Friendly Hotels Rate’ is in action!

 

Gone are the days when I could run into my Human Resource Department and come out with a employee hotel rate voucher of Family and Friend voucher, to secure my getaway to a beautiful 4,5 star hotel. Oh, how I miss those days. Time to grab the classifieds. If you ever worked at a hotel, or enjoyed heavily discounted room rates you know how painful it is to listen to quotes three and four times higher. People, the struggle is real.

There are few travel agents in the business who talk    glowingly about their best customers being educated customers. The industry credo is something more along the lines of, ‘ignorance is bliss.'” Be a savvy consumer and use a few smart tips when reserving, staying in or checking out of your next hotel.-Travel Tips, USA Today

We want to celebrate Noah’s 2nd year of life on the beach and scamming to find a descent rate for one night. Since we no longer have a co-op timeshare, this cost sensitive, six person, birthday, one night getaway is considered by many mission impossible. BUT LOOK AT THIS FACE…….

Noah’s turning 2

he’s so worth it.  So here’s my plan: Find a location with an in & outdoor pool.  (Good thing none of us want to be on Myrtle Beach. So, Pawley’s Island is it)

“I recently stayed in a four-star hotel in downtown Seattle on a weekend night for $69 through Priceline.com,” she says. “Had I booked directly through the hotel, a similar room would have cost me about $150.”

http://goo.gl/jRu8x9

Since our van is not available, we gotta secure a rental for the ride there and back. Thank goodness for Crown Rental on Orr Rd. They offer great rates to us because we have patronized them quite a bit lately.

Thank goodness that we do have a charge card, and certain group memberships, we have access to deals and other online booking incentives. Including U.S. Veteran, and USAA membership.

‘I’d really like to stay here, but $80 a night is a bit higher than my budget allows. Would you consider dropping that by 15 percent?’ @Bankrate on Twitter | Bankrate on Facebook

My husband chilllaxing.

I don’t expect to find a $29-$49 room rate, but I wont find any sitting here typing for you. Gotta go now! I found these awesome travel links to a treasure of crazy money saving strategies.:Enjoy!

Independent Traveler 

How to Get the Lowest Rate on Your Hotel Room

WIKI How Tips

Hotel Lingo

Conversations of a general manager

Go outside this weekend and have some fun!

QC Supermom

Wednesday Wow: Homeschooling

Creating well balanced meals are important.

I have 6 student’s in our home school setting. Ironically, we have been homeschooling for the same number of years.

One reason is because we wanted to give them a foundation that would set them up for success beyond working years. This would include concentrations in health, social skills, diversity, money management, time management,  skill development and science.

Community based events are learning opportunity.

Thinking about home schooling? Good move. We became interested in it because one of ou daughters was getting board in her class. Then we lost a daughter in the middle of a school ear, AND because we loved going places all through-out the year.  So did it can easily said that yes, homeschooling chose us.  

 

We couldn’t afford private school, or a private tutor for 8 children.I liked the idea that our day could start at 7 am or 7 pm. The world is the classroom and find it fascinating how the simplest  experiences can be learning opportunities. Another benefit of homeschooling is the affordability of it.  Teaching your children at home is very affordable if done strategically.

Like anything else you maybe interested in, you must organize,plan and prepare for it. Otherwise you will find yourself overwhelmed and scatterbrained. The end of that would be worse than putting them in a under achieving public school.

The babies love manipulatives.

 

My teen girls (14-15) have community internships and computer based instruction along with writing assignments. They have interviewed politicians and toured breweries. My 15 year old hates the Home Economics. My 14 year old hates our communication course but  they must complete all assignments to get any type of reward.Which is usually money, time to hang out with friends, and keeping the things they already have.

My big boys:(6-8) they have computer based training, box learning systems  (flash cards,workbooks and manipulates) and special TV programming.

My baby boys  (2-4) play with manipulatives and watch TV. They do. When I say that, most people eyebrows are raised but today’s public stations provide a very robust menu of high quality educational shows.

Everyone loves science week. After the girls have done the research the smaller boys help facilitate the actual experiment.

NC Department of Non Public Education:

Free and affordable resources surround you. Grab them.

Parents/guardians residing in North Carolina and desiring, in lieu of conventional school attendance, to home school their children who are at least age 7 but not yet age 16 must:

• Hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent;
• Send to DNPE a Notice of Intent to Operate a Home School. The notice must include the name and address of the school along with the name of the school’s owner and chief administrator;
• Elect to operate under either Part 1 or Part 2 of Article 39 of the North Carolina General Statutes as a religious or as a non-religious school;
• Operate the school “on a regular schedule, excluding reasonable holidays and vacations, during at least nine calendar months of the year”;
• Maintain at the school disease immunization and annual attendance records for each student;
• Have a nationally standardized achievement test administered annually to each student. The test must involve the subject areas of English grammar, reading, spelling, and mathematics. Records of the test results must be retained at the home school for at least one year and made available to DNPE when requested. Also, see testing FAQS;
• Notify DNPE when the school is no longer in operation.

Resources: You can get incredible free and affordable lesson plans, worksheets, group gathering all over the internet.  Get a binder. Log everything and get creative.

Primary science exploration

Here are a few of my 3 great resources:

• This is a smart mom’s resource book.
• Queen City Stay At Home Moms
• Khan Academy

What makes it worth it? Hearing my soon to be two year old singing the ABC song, my teens sitting with me discuss politics, her new business and taking them on awesome field trips that I loved as a child.

I recommend homeschooling to almost anyone. I know a few families that actually contract and co op classes. There are so many ways to do do it. In Charlotte, there are group classes for just about everything. The trend is growing and the affordable resources are plentiful.

My husband is much better in math than I am. You don’t have to be a genius to home school.