A Little Greeting

I have not been feeling like myself for a week now. I am not sure what the problem is but I have bonded way too much with my bathroom. I am assuming it is the fallout from a well needed vacation to Mexico. I am worried about being dehydrated and my appetite is way down. My head ached for almost a week. UGH!

In addition to that, I feel discombobulated and out of sorts. Having issues getting into my regular routine and motivated in general. I am not the only one. I have several friends in the same boat. What a strange summer! Anyhoo, this weekend, we are off to Philly to see some very close friends and spend a day at Hershey Park. Can you say chocolate? YUM! Despite my issues, there has to be a cheeseteak and hoagie with my name on them. What else is a girl to do since Chelsea failed to send me an invite to her highly publicized but trying to be kept on the down low nuptials.

Several quick random thoughts.......I loved my Pres on The View yesterday. He still is cool and has a swagger that is all his own. Babs made a return visit for the event despite recovering from heart surgery. Did you see him? What did you think? Credit Card reform all begins in August. Have you read enough to see if things really work in your favor as a consumer? Make sure you do! Today is National Cheesecake Day. YUM! Go to Cheesecake Factory and get those half-priced slices of your favorite flavor. Wow! Ellen DeGeneres is leaving American Idol after only one season. She would like to encourage the contestants a little more. Hmm, even they want more drama. Two shows that are excellent but probably little known(or watched) are Unsung and Life After. The are really good and quite informative. Oh, and finally, after reading the entire Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7), we bought LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 for DJ and we are all addicted to figuring out the game. Ahh the joy of summer!

I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you. I hope God has been smiling richly upon you this summer. My friends in the south will be returning to school in the next week or so. Don't miss that. All children should return to school the last week of August. Just my opinion. I also hope that you have caught up with and enjoyed family and friends. I hope you made one positive change in your life or your community too. Till next time, be safe and be a blessing. Stay hydrated! Ciao!

Copyright July 30, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Diva Dialogue VIII

So I have not quite gotten back into reality mode despite the fact that I've been home for a week now. I have a few things on my mind that I need to just put out there until I can get back into writing mode and feeling normal. I have been sick since Wednesday evening. I am going to assume that it is the Mexican food working its way through. I felt like my system was sluggish there so now t is wreaking havoc on a sista. UGH!


I haven't worked out in over 3 weeks. That is not a good thing. I miss it but I don't feel like I've gained any weight. Of course I have not had a date with my scale to confirm or deny that. I will let you know. Got get movin and get back on the grind.


While we were vacationing, several folks passed on. Walter Hawkins, one of my favorite gospel artist died of pancreatic cancer. His musical talent will be a serious loss for the gospel community. I am still trying to catch a viewing of his tribute which based on Twitter was absolutely a blessing to his honor and glorifying to God. He has so many good songs to revive your spirit that I don't know which album to refer you to to get a sampling.  George Steinbrenner, the abrasive owner of the New York Yankees for 37 years also died of a heart attack. He is best known for rebuilding that team into a dynasty. The acting world lost one of its blaxpliotation icons too. Vonetta McGee died, also of a heart attack. Some of her works include, Faustina, Melinda, and Blacula.


Things in the news. Hmm. Are you happy that the leak has been sealed by BP? Do you care? Have you been personally affected? Is Lindsay Lohan the queen of drama or what. Take your crazy a$$ to jail and quit trippin already! Damn! Chelsea Clinton is getting hitched. It is rumored to be the wedding of the year. Her undisclosed guests are supposedly Oprah, Barbara Streisand and a bunch of dignitaries. Should be interesting. Girlfriend has come a long way from those geekish glasses of her White House stay. Yea, Chelsea, you've come into your own. Speaking of weddings, how about Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston's engagement? Seriously? They were bashing each other in the media a few months ago. Are you buying it or not? Mel Gibson is an idiot, That's all!


WOW! Summer is half over! Can you believe it? How will you spend the remainder of it? Have you accomplished what you set out to? Have you seen any good movies? Do you prefer Venus or Serena? What do you think of Tiger's golfing abilities now?


This past weekend, several friends of mine from my old church and I gave a celebratory party for our girls who all have/will become teenagers at some point in this year. It was such a poignant time sent. The girls were surprised at the thought and care we put into the party.  There were some touching moments that both they and we, the moms, will not forget. The best moments came when each mom got up and spoke specifically to her own daughter but the messages were to encourage all the girls. The prevalent message was that God is constant as was a mother's love. We gave sound sage advice that I hope they will remember for years to come. Respect yourself and your reputation, follow your dreams, don't let anyone hold you back and on and on. Despite feeling ill for most of the weekend I had a ball and I think we all thoroughly enjoyed everything about the time spent. I have a deep appreciation for each of the women and their girls. I believe that feeling is mutual. I am hoping Chante will write a blog from her perspective on the weekend.


I have read several great books so far this summer. I still need to get the book review site complete. Don't forget to check it out once it is up and running. http://www.divasonbooks.blogspot.com/. So if yo need a good read for now, I am recommending Perfect Peace by Daniel Black,  The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacksby Rebecca Skloot, and  Her Mother's Hope (Marta's Legacy)  by Francine Rivers. All are excellent reads and would make interesting discussion for a book club. I am now learning how to play LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 on Wii, after embarking on journey through Hogwarts with Chante last year.


I just need to vent about flying for a moment. Flying is a freaking rip-off. You must now pay a fee to check your baggage which must weigh under 50 pounds in order for you not to incur an additional fee for overweight baggage. If you check in at home you can save $2 per bag. Note that you can carry n a bag up to 40 pounds though for free. Gone are the days where the airline gives you any food for free. I thought they just nixed the nuts on short flights. On our flight to Mexico, we were offered food on the flight for a fee. For about $7, you can get a snack box consisting of hummus, pita chips, nuts and something, I can't remember or a sandwich(1 kind only) with chips and cookie, or a fruit and cheese platter. Make sure you take your credit or debit card, they don't take cash. Who thought that all of these decisions were okay?


Okay, I have vented enough for now. I missed y'all but I am really enjoying the summer. I hope you are too. I am going to focus on my relationship with Christ and having fun with my family and friends. Till I chat again, be a blessing!

Copyright July 26, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

We had a fantastic vacation! Nuevo Vallarta is a beautiful place about twenty minutes from Puerta Vallarta with beautiful people. They are laid back and quite friendly. The city is extremely big on keeping the area very eco friendly. It is a majestic place with a laid back vibe. The city is not a rich one but the people seem happy nonetheless.

We stayed at a Dreams Resort which was all inclusive. If you are looking for a nice hotel to relax and have a chill vacation, check out Dreams Villamagna. You will enjoy the experience.  The best way to describe the trip would be as a cruise that never left the port. There were daily activities, a daily drink, and nightly live performances. The hotel prided itself on customer service and I must say that they did a wonderful job meeting our expectations. We celebrated DJ's 9th birthday while there and they were gracious enough to accommodate our request to have a birthday cake in his honor. What they did was set up a small birthday party at the Explorer's Club, the hotel's kid place where adults were not allowed, complete with a pinata. Too say he was pleased would be an understatement.

And pleased he should've been. We started that day with a family dolphin encounter. The dolphin encounter was an phenomenal experience. We got into the water with another family and then we each had an opportunity to feed, kiss, pet, and dance with a dolphin. Now how cool is that?  If you are in Nuevo or Puerto Vallarta, I strongly recommend that you check out Vallarta Adventures to book your excursions or adventures. That company is absolutely fantastic! Not only do they provide the dolphin encounter but for more money you can swim with or train the dolphins for a day.
We also did two other activities with Vallarta Adventures. On Monday, after being served breakfast, we took a catamaran to a private island called Las Caletas. It was beautiful and situated on and around a mountain. While there, one could scuba or snorkel. I got a really good massage. I also learned how to make paella. YUM! We had an opportunity to encounter both a monkey and parrot with photo ops for both. DJ also got experience a series of zip lines. They served a fantastic lunch. We were entertained by a great staff on the boat. On Friday, we did a tour of a small fishing village called Yelapa(pictured above). Yelapa is just now getting electricity. The kids took a horse back ride up the mountains to the waterfall. The waterfall was really a trickle because it has not been a productive rainy season in Mexico so far this year. We did some kayaking and snorkeling there too. The jellyfish were very prevalent that day so the touring company was extremely cautious scouting out where the snorkeling would happen. Of all the activities we did with Vallarta Adventures, I would have to say that the crew we went out with on Friday was the best in terms of interacting with the guests and making the whole catamaran ride the best. I have to give a shout out to Giovanni and his crew.  They were so much fun and extremely personable. Not a person on the boat had a complaint in the world.

We took a taxi to Busceria on Thursday and spent a couple hours at a Mexican flea market. We made sure we did this on a day that the cruise lines were not in port because prices tend to be higher then. Chante learned the fine art of haggling. Both she and DJ got to see first hand life in a Mexican village. They were constantly reminded that they live blessed lives. In both Yelapa and Busceria(on the beach too), they saw first hand how young children are out trying to help to support their families. The children sell small souvenirs, pies, and even meat on a stick to aid their families survival. We talked to various staff members too. While the cost of living is very cheap in comparison to our own, the people there struggle to maintain their daily necessities and they live a much simpler life than we do.

As for the food, it was good. Some things worked better than others. There were several restaurants on the resort to choose from, offering a range of things to eat.  There was a Mexican place, an Italian place which was more upscale, and a seafood restaurant. There was a daily buffet and a casual grill like place. Of course there was 24 hour room service. There was also a roof top sky bar which had a sushi bar to boot. We could eat as much as we wanted, pretty much whenever we wanted. The nightly shows were also nice. They were colorful and entertaining. I give it to the performers because they were enthusiastic whether the show was well attended or not, and you could tell they gave their all for the audiences enjoyment.

In all, we had a great time as a family. My kids would complain that we made them get up early to attend the excursions but seriously, they had a ball. We felt safe and met some wonderful people. Vacations are for memories and we have plenty of those. We are already thinking about our next trip. Wherever we go, we know we will make the most of meeting the people and immersing ourselves in the culture. Whether you travel far or near, a vacation also gives you a new focus ad renews your spirits. If a vacation is in your plan, check out www.dreamydestinations.net there are some superb deals out there. Till next time, God bless!


Copyright July 26, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Happy Birthday, Dmitri II!!

Nine years ago, I was blessed with a beautiful baby boy! Time definitely flies. Dmitri Jean Anthony Thorpe II, whom we call "DJ," was born at 2:13 PM on a warm summer day.  He weighed in at 7 pounds 11 ounces. The whole time I was pregnant Chante kept telling people her brother was coming on July13th despite the fact that my due date was July 17th. Needless to say that child jinxed me (SN: I did not want him to be born on Friday the 13th because it would be just wrong, not superstitious, I just didn't like it).


On the 13th, I had a doctor's appointment at 10. I went happily out of my house with a croissant in hand and a fresh hair do. Hubby was going to be 90 miles away at one of his satellite offices and I cautioned him that there would be no cause for alarm. DJ was content and no dilation had occurred and I feared he would be very late. It was mid July and I was in a wedding exactly six weeks later for one of my best friends, Dana. Anyhoo, I digress. The nurse went to track his heartbeat and I remember telling her that I felt really sleepy and cold. She was a new nurse and was looking on his chart telling me that "Your baby is never in the same place when we try to get heartbeat." I laughed. I thought I dozed off. I opened my eyes to an alarmed nurse and a doctor who had not been standing there before. The doctor says, "Mrs. Thorpe, looks like you are going to have that baby today(DAMN CHANTE!), an ambulance is on its way to transport you to the hospital." Ugh excuse me, my hubby is 90 miles away and why? I had a seizure and I was 39 weeks. So off I was going to the hospital for tests and then to be safe to induce labor and bring DJ into the world. UMM yeah, not quite the day I had in mind.


Long story, short...I am whisked off to the hospital where I am given an EKG. There went my cute hair because what? I had an updo! I also had an MRI. Not fun when you are 9 months pregnant. Let's note that I never had a seizure before(and haven't had one since). Dmitri drove like a maniac and made it to the hospital in God you were blessed not have gotten a ticket time. My girlfriend, Rose beat the ambulance there. I was worried about leaving my car at the doctor's and about getting some food. Late that evening I was finally induced. DJ wasn't trying to leave the womb and my physician was going to stop the induction and send me home. After a "come to Jesus" discussion with Dmitri, induction was stepped up. I spent the night in the hospital with my friend, Jeanine(my only friend to miss Chante's birth) at my side. Let's just say that I never peed so much in my life. A sista could have no food and I was evil. I had an IV and I could have apple juice flavored ice chips. WTF? Pitocin induced labor is not fun. They stepped that up on the morning of the 14th and I requested an epidural. At that point, I was dilated only 6 cm. I got the best anesthesiologist ever and she hooked me up.As soon as she shot me and gave me more because I still felt pain, I felt DJ drop, told the doctor it was time to push and she thought I was wrong. After I told her that "if my baby hit the floor I would kill everybody in the room," she took me more seriously, warned me not to push but still looked like I knew not what I was talking about, and advised another doc in the room to check me. He told her, "Yep the baby's head is right there." Everyone went into hyper mode but me because I could only think of Pepsi and good food. Three pushes and he was here. Yea me! He was healthy, Yea me again! Get me some damn food now!


DJ is such a sweet kid. He has a really caring and concerned spirit and very laid back nature. He really is an old man trapped in a nine year old body. He does not like controversy and he wants everyone to be friends. He is a peacemaker. He loves everything Star Wars. He is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan and he's recently become very much into the Military Channel and World War II.  He likes to read and he is wrestling fan. I love that he is sensitive and has a great sense of humor. When he's confident, you can't tell him anything. His love language is unequivocally words of affirmation.

I have high hopes and expectations for Dmitri. At this age, he wants to be many things...a teacher, a firefighter, a soldier, an illustrator. I constantly tell him that he can be whatever his little heart desires. I know that one day, he will be a kind, sensitive husband and an engaged father. He will be diplomatic and passionate about making his dreams come true. He will make his mark in his characteristic, quiet and determined way. He will always make me smile. He is not afraid to be affectionate and his charm will open doors for him. I could go on and on but I'll end here for now! So today, with a grateful heart, I say, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Dmitri!!! My sweet and handsome son. May God bless you today and always, and May He smile richly upon your future!"

A Quickie

Got a few random thoughts I wanted to share before I take a much needed fast from Facebook, Twitter(you can follow me at prettyeyedpam), Internet, even the cell phone and the like. It is vacation time! Whoo-hoo! My family unit needs time to regroup and refresh without the distraction that all these things do to keep us connected to everyone, but each other, that is. ;)

I am hoping we have a simply lovely time at the resort. It has reviews that are all over the place on TripAdvisor (www.tripadvisor.com). I will definitely share my experience when I return. We have scheduled several excursions to see more of Mexico. The tour company we used for this had no bad reviews whatsoever. Tat makes me excited! I feel confident we are in for a good time. We will celebrate DJ's 9th birthday there. Let's see if I was successful in setting up a future post. In other words, I wrote the blog and want it to post, not sure if I did it right but I did try. We'll see! Can't have my son thinking I dissed him on his birthday!

Hopefully, all the discussion surrounding Lebron James will be OVER! He made a decision to go to the Miami Heat in order to win a Championship Ring. I hope it happens for him. He dutifully served the Cleveland Cavaliers well. He is young and let's face it, everyone changes jobs sometimes. Plus it isn't always about the almighty dollar! I pray neither he, Bosh or Wade get injured. I see retirement for Shaq. I personally think Dan Gilbert handled himself like a complete @$$. His ranting letter was dramatic and unprofessional. While I certainly think Lebron could have chosen not to handle the decision in his chosen format, he didn't have to give notice before-hand because his contract ended. Not all will agree, but he did what he felt had to do. I for one wish him the best. I hope Cleveland will find some talent and maintain the fan love for the Cavs. I know their economy will suffer and that hurts me because Cleveland is always going to be home and so many of my friends and family remain there.

On a final note, I am starting another blog. This one is with my friend Dorna. You already know about her from her guest blog posts. We are doing a joint blog where we both read a book and review it. One book, two opinions. We both love, love, love to read but we don't always share the same impression of what we read. I hope you will check it out. No posts yet, but they are coming soon. You will find us at www.divasonbooks.blogspot.com. The blog is actually called Same Kind of Different As Me, which we feel is the most accurate description of our friendship. It is also the title of one of our absolute favorite books. I will solicit your thoughts later!

For now, I gotta go! We've got a very early pick up. We are all packed and ret ta go! Pray for our traveling mercy! I hope to return feeling refreshed, a tad browner, and more in love with my family than ever. Making memories is important. We only have our children for a little while so these moments are precious. Take time to let your family know that you love them and be a blessing to someone too! Ciao!

Copyright July 10, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe

Happy 4th of July

Tis the weekend we celebrate our independence. Be happy and most of all be safe. Enjoy the fireworks. I don't have much to say this post but I thought I'd reach out and tell you all how much I appreciate your support, comments, and encouragement. It means a lot to me. Really. Plus, I know I will be able to count on you when I move on to bigger things. SN: Bigger things are coming because God has already ordained it. 

Currently, I am counting down the days till our family vacation. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery to put things in perspective. I am looking forward to a peaceful yet extremely relaxing time. If you need to book a vacation, let www.dreamydestinations.net handle your travel business. We are going to Mexico, and we are staying at a Dreams Resort(www.dreamsresorts.com). It is all-inclusive. I will post a review after we travel.

I have been enjoying my children so far and slowly but surely purging my basement. I have also spent a lot of time thinking about how I am gong to re-invent myself and re-join the work force. It is time y'all. Don't get me wrong, I love being a SAHM. It is rewarding in ways I couldn't begin to imagine. It is also harder than any day I spent at the IRS assisting taxpayers. Those checks from working the Census made me realize how much I miss checks with MY name on them. So I am brushing up my resume and perusing jobs on the internet in hopes of being employed by September 15th. My internal debate is whether I want to be a full time employee or a part time employee. Do I want a "real" job or do I want an easy close to home, BS type job. The possibilities are endless, so pray God places me exactly where I need to be. Last but certainly not least, I have a book idea which I plan to co-write with my little sis, JaiCynthia. It is relevant and will be interesting. Start the prayer chain for us now because we plan to write ourselves to fame. Yep, claiming that one!

Till next time, be you, be free, be giving, but most importantly, be a blessing! Smooches!!!

Copyright July 3, 2010 by Pamela Cole Thorpe