No, it's not New Years but it is my birthday. So another has arrived and I welcome it with open arms. I had a pretty amazing year last year and I look forward to how awesome this year will be.
My motto this year is this: There is nothing God can't do and since I am a child of God I will have a Can Do attitude.
I will strive each and every day to live just like that. My latter will be greater than my former and it is already blessed.
What motto do you live by?
Tonette
Monday, November 5, 2012
Saturday, October 6, 2012
TeamFord stepping out for the ADA
I know it has been forever and a day since I updated this blog but let me tell you life has truly gotten in the way. I am breaking my blog silence to tell you all about this amazing event I was able to participate in.
For those who don't know I Tonette am HUGE fan of the WNBA and therefore I have a few players who over the years I have grown to love. So it is no surprise when I say Cheryl Ford is my favorite player (AKA Boss Lady). I was fortunate enough to go from simply a fan of this amazing ball player to a friend. Through various conversations I had with Cheryl I was able to find out that she is really passionate about giving back. Bonus, an athlete who understands the importance of giving back. I digress. So it was decided that Cheryl wanted to get involved with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), which was cool with me because I have many family members who are and were affected by the disease including my mother. So my mission was to find something that Cheryl could participate in while she was back in the states for summer 2012. Well as luck would have it I found the ADA 2012 Step Out Walk.
So when I told Cheryl about this 5k walk, she was immediately in and now we needed to put a team together. We set a goal of getting at least 10 walkers and to raise $1500. The journey about 3 months prior to the walk date which was Sept 29, 2012 in Atlanta, GA and within those 3 months I am happy to say we surpassed both goals.
*As a cool side note I had ordered me a shirt as seen the photo above however my shirt did not arrive on time. Boss Lady (Cheryl) was nice enough to give me one of the extra ones that she had purchased. See that's why I heart her. *
The walk was great and we all had kind of a bonding moment during it, even though a few of us shorter legged people got left behind a few times LOL.
And we are off 
And we are walking
As I said the walk was a 5k which means 3.2 miles and let me tell you when you factor in those hills I am sure it was more than that. At least it felt that way to me, I really need to work out more.
At this point the hill got to be too much for me but TEAMFORD was up there by that yellow sign walking their tails off. It took about 1 hour and 15 mins to complete the walk but it was enjoyable.
We even had cheerleaders encouraging us 
We finished and it felt good to say not only did we help raise money and awareness but we each got a little exercise in the process. This is something that all can do and I look forward to the next event as part of TEAMFORD.
One cool thing that happened was Cheryl Ford became a Champion, for raising over $1000 she was awarded a TShirt, Gold Medal and breakfast
4x Champ
Please now refer to her as ADA Gold Medalist Cheryl Ford
Special thanks to all the TeamFord walkers and those who supported us near and far. I hope we can do it again.
After it was over
Please visit www.diabetes.org to find out how you can help. Also visit the STEP OUT page to find out what event is in your area http://stepout.diabetes.org
Sunday, November 6, 2011
It's a new year new age
Yesterday I turned 31, and proud of it. I felt so loved and appreciated the whole day and even as I type this. My friends and family sure know how to make a girl feel special. I have friends at this moment that did not have last year and I have let go of some as well. I find myself truly thankful. I would like to share with you all the words that were on a card I received from my mother
Thank you for being a wonderful Daughter, for giving me so many reasons to smile. Thanks for our on-the-go fun times together, and times we just talk and relax for a while. Thank you for memories I'll keep with me always for being a part of my happiest days. Thanks for inspiring my heart with your dreams and making me proud in your own special ways. Thanks for your hugs, and your help, and your humor, for letting me know you appreciate me. Thank you for showing me all through the years. I'm the luckiest (blessed) parent there ever could be. Happy Birthday.
Thank you for being a wonderful Daughter, for giving me so many reasons to smile. Thanks for our on-the-go fun times together, and times we just talk and relax for a while. Thank you for memories I'll keep with me always for being a part of my happiest days. Thanks for inspiring my heart with your dreams and making me proud in your own special ways. Thanks for your hugs, and your help, and your humor, for letting me know you appreciate me. Thank you for showing me all through the years. I'm the luckiest (blessed) parent there ever could be. Happy Birthday.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Q&A Session with The Diva- Cheryl Ford part 1
After returning from a very successful season overseas, Cheryl Ford took some time to answer a few questions for her fans.
Q: You spent this past season playing for Frisca Siko, how was that experience?
A: The experience playing for Siko was a very good experience for me! Especially coming off my knee injury and getting back into the groove of things. I was off for a year and a half.
Q: What were you surprised by during that time?
A: I was surprised by how well I did after coming back. I was playing a lot and getting back out on the court felt great.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during your time with Siko?
A: I learned that I can still play! and I wasn't "done" playing despite all the rumors that are out there saying that I was.
Q: You lead the Euroleague in rebounds, how did that feel?
A: It felt great, definitely a blessing because I never imagined after going through the injuries I went through and everyone saying I would never be able to play again, it felt really really good :)
Q: What has life been like since you've gotten back? What have you been up to?
A: I haven't been up to much, just working out and enjoying my summer. I also got to spend time with my family and simply enjoy being in my house!
Q: You seem to have your share of haters or naysayers, is there anything you would like to set the record straight on?
A: I really don't care if you like me or not. Haters are my motivation.
Q: Will your supporters and fans be seeing you modeling soon? What about hosting parties?
A: On the modeling part you will have to wait and see. (Before this interview was published Cheryl had a photo shoot with Height Goddess- a clothing company designed for tall women) I hosted 1 party and it was a good experience.
Q: Some folks are saying that you've gotten to skinny, what do you think of that? And how has the new body changed your game, if any?
A: First off I would really like to know when did being fit become a problem? Now if I was sitting on my @$$ all summer getting fat and all out of shape people will have something to say about that. I can't make everyone happy and I 'm not trying to! I'm pleasing ME, making ME happy. I love being a few pounds lighter and it's really good for my knees. I believe that I am quicker on my feet now and I love it!
Q: You decided to sit out this 2011 WNBA session, was that a person choice?
A: Yes I was doing what was best for me!
Q: Was it difficult to make that decision considering how well you did overseas?
A: No it wasn't difficult at all because when I was down and couldn't play Siko was the only team that gave me a chance to show people that I could still play and for that I am truly thankful and grateful!
Q: During the summer what was your routine like?
A: I would workout in the mornings, run some errands (if I had any), hanging out in my house, entertaining my team(friends) and I cooked.
Q: What was your biggest challenge this summer?
A: Saving money, LOL.
Q: On a personal note, is the Diva in a relationship?
A: No, the Diva is #TeamSingle
Q: During the summer did you play pick up games? If so, do you prefer playing pick up games with males or females?
A: It doesn't matter to me who I play pick up games with, as long as they are willing to play. I would workout on the court against Katie Feenstra a lot.
Q: What is next for Cheryl Ford? Where can your fans/supporters find you at?
A: My fans and supporters will find me in Schio Italy where I will be playing the fall/winter season. ( Cheryl has arrived in Italy and will be playing with Janel McCarville)
As always it is a pleasure to have you to take time to update your fans. We all look forward to checking in on how your during in Italy.
Q: You spent this past season playing for Frisca Siko, how was that experience?
A: The experience playing for Siko was a very good experience for me! Especially coming off my knee injury and getting back into the groove of things. I was off for a year and a half.
Q: What were you surprised by during that time?
A: I was surprised by how well I did after coming back. I was playing a lot and getting back out on the court felt great.
Q: What did you learn about yourself during your time with Siko?
A: I learned that I can still play! and I wasn't "done" playing despite all the rumors that are out there saying that I was.
Q: You lead the Euroleague in rebounds, how did that feel?
A: It felt great, definitely a blessing because I never imagined after going through the injuries I went through and everyone saying I would never be able to play again, it felt really really good :)
Q: What has life been like since you've gotten back? What have you been up to?
A: I haven't been up to much, just working out and enjoying my summer. I also got to spend time with my family and simply enjoy being in my house!
Q: You seem to have your share of haters or naysayers, is there anything you would like to set the record straight on?
A: I really don't care if you like me or not. Haters are my motivation.
Q: Will your supporters and fans be seeing you modeling soon? What about hosting parties?
A: On the modeling part you will have to wait and see. (Before this interview was published Cheryl had a photo shoot with Height Goddess- a clothing company designed for tall women) I hosted 1 party and it was a good experience.
Q: Some folks are saying that you've gotten to skinny, what do you think of that? And how has the new body changed your game, if any?
A: First off I would really like to know when did being fit become a problem? Now if I was sitting on my @$$ all summer getting fat and all out of shape people will have something to say about that. I can't make everyone happy and I 'm not trying to! I'm pleasing ME, making ME happy. I love being a few pounds lighter and it's really good for my knees. I believe that I am quicker on my feet now and I love it!
Q: You decided to sit out this 2011 WNBA session, was that a person choice?
A: Yes I was doing what was best for me!
Q: Was it difficult to make that decision considering how well you did overseas?
A: No it wasn't difficult at all because when I was down and couldn't play Siko was the only team that gave me a chance to show people that I could still play and for that I am truly thankful and grateful!
Q: During the summer what was your routine like?
A: I would workout in the mornings, run some errands (if I had any), hanging out in my house, entertaining my team(friends) and I cooked.
Q: What was your biggest challenge this summer?
A: Saving money, LOL.
Q: On a personal note, is the Diva in a relationship?
A: No, the Diva is #TeamSingle
Q: During the summer did you play pick up games? If so, do you prefer playing pick up games with males or females?
A: It doesn't matter to me who I play pick up games with, as long as they are willing to play. I would workout on the court against Katie Feenstra a lot.
Q: What is next for Cheryl Ford? Where can your fans/supporters find you at?
A: My fans and supporters will find me in Schio Italy where I will be playing the fall/winter season. ( Cheryl has arrived in Italy and will be playing with Janel McCarville)
As always it is a pleasure to have you to take time to update your fans. We all look forward to checking in on how your during in Italy.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The Journey
August 10th 2007 I began a journey that taught me patience, long suffering, joy and self confidence.
To set the record straight I never began this journey because of some spiritual connection or the need to get back to my roots. I wanted to loc my hair simply because it was the one hair style I never tried. I had a jheri curl (didn't end well) when I was young. Then I had a perm which also didn't end well. So my mom decided to hip me to the press and curl. I kept that until my junior year of high school. Looking back on it I rocked the natural for a long time! Junior year I was tired of it and decided to give the perm another try (this time professionally). Lo and behold I was in hair heaven. No breakage. No getting my ear burned with a hot comb. The creamy crack had taken over. I maintained that for 8 years. Frying dying and blow drying. Yes I even colored my hair but don't get it twisted I was never pink, purple, orange or blue. *Ladies stop with the colored tracks. If you can not grow that color out of your scalp please don't put it in your head. The female rappers/singers you see with it get paid to look that way. You doing it for free and people may tell you its cute but let me say this. There is nothing cute about it. You look ghetto and if you want any semblance of a real job take that stuff OUT.* Okay back to me, I just had to get that out.
When I made the decision to loc my hair everyone thought I was crazy. I heard many reasons why I shouldn't get it done but generally if I want something I go get it. The day I began this journey I was slated to go to a birthday party that evening. So no one knew I was getting it done except 2 or 3 folks. Imagine the surprise when I showed up at home with these little coils in my hair when just a few weeks prior I had this long ponytail(fake) and Hollywood hump hair style that I rocked for my BFF's wedding.
I was super cute that day!
Once I made it home that day my new hair was received with mixed reviews but I had already committed to doing this so no one was going to change my mind. I'll save you all the long draw out details of my first year but I will highlight a few points. After about 2 months I was already having issues with the "ugly" phase which by the way lasted me 8-9 months in my opinion. I think that this where I learned the most about myself though. I was also thankful that the work environment I was in was very supportive of me having locs because that helped me out a lot. I know that for some folks especially those in the corporate world it might not have been so supportive. After I hit that year mark I was pretty happy with the process. There was something that did sneak up on me after that year and that was a life lesson. I had learn what it really means to go after what you want no matter how many people you have behind you. Around the year and a half mark I was riding high feeling good and loving my locs. I generally don't like to keep hairstyles for to long so it was around that 2 year mark I began thinking about cutting it. At this point I was doing my own hair which most folks know I don't like to do. Don't get me wrong I always hooked it up but it was not something I enjoyed doing. Year 2 was pretty good I was rocking a ponytail which was nice.
Another thing I remember in year 2 was my patience was increasing and not just with my hair but with people. I began looking at this loc process as more than just a hairstyle. My locs began to have meaning. I took more pride in being a Black woman. I paid more attention to the tresses of others. I was proud to be rocking locs and I didn't care who didn't like them. Year 3 I had a serious moment of letting them go because I felt I needed to change things up. I took a good 2 weeks to decide what I really wanted to do. Ultimately I decided to keep them. Year 3 was kind of rough and I had many days when I felt the scissors would win the hair battle. I began picturing myself without. I started getting use to the idea of a drastic change. Funny thing is I have tried everything I wanted with my hair and I didn't know what I would do with my hair once I cut them out. Rock a afro again? Rock the short cut? Rock a perm again? So many questions but no answers. I didn't know which direction to take. One day I took a long hard look at my life from the moment when I started locing my hair. What I realized was the person I was when I started no longer existed. So my decision for change was not hard. All I had to do now was make it to the year 4 mark. I'm sure most people wouldn't care to wait but I am big with numbers and I like to be very purposeful in the things I do. Once I made it to year 4 I knew I would make the change. My mind is made up despite the sudden pain in stomach when I think about it. I know it is just nerves and not second thoughts. The Tonette that I have now become is much more confident, mature and self assured. I embrace this change and I look forward to the next journey that I begin with my hair.
It is 8-20-11 9:42am and I am sitting in the car about to go into the hair salon. My stomach is in knots and I am afraid if she asks me if I am sure I want it cut I will chicken out. I don't know why I am feeling like this considering I have rocked short hair before. I guess it is simply just the fact that this time I am going from LONG HAIR to super SHORT HAIR. Well I am walking in now and this is how long my hair is.
The Big Chop happened. It is 10:36am and I have no hair. Well I have hair but it is a very small amount.
She asked me if I was sure I simply replied "let's not talk about it, just cut it." And when she took that first cut I felt a twinge of pain. I have been growing those locs for 4 years not including the 3 years prior to getting them. Now it is all wiped away. I didn't cry unlike what I thought I would and that pain that was in my stomach is gone. Sitting under the dryer my head feels lighter and my body is more relaxed. Wow I really just got my hair cut. You should have seen it. Locs were falling all around me as she feverishly cut about 80-90 locs from my head. At this point I am okay with my decision.
11:20am I walked out the shop newly bald and I must say, I don't hate it. As I drove away I realized something. I can't put my hair in a ponytail no more.
Let me be the first to say hello to the new Tonette.
When I made the decision to loc my hair everyone thought I was crazy. I heard many reasons why I shouldn't get it done but generally if I want something I go get it. The day I began this journey I was slated to go to a birthday party that evening. So no one knew I was getting it done except 2 or 3 folks. Imagine the surprise when I showed up at home with these little coils in my hair when just a few weeks prior I had this long ponytail(fake) and Hollywood hump hair style that I rocked for my BFF's wedding.
I was super cute that day!
It is 8-20-11 9:42am and I am sitting in the car about to go into the hair salon. My stomach is in knots and I am afraid if she asks me if I am sure I want it cut I will chicken out. I don't know why I am feeling like this considering I have rocked short hair before. I guess it is simply just the fact that this time I am going from LONG HAIR to super SHORT HAIR. Well I am walking in now and this is how long my hair is.
The Big Chop happened. It is 10:36am and I have no hair. Well I have hair but it is a very small amount.
11:20am I walked out the shop newly bald and I must say, I don't hate it. As I drove away I realized something. I can't put my hair in a ponytail no more.
Let me be the first to say hello to the new Tonette.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Look at me NOW
This blog is really inspired by one person in particular. The name isn't as important as the message.
In life we are placed in different circumstances and situations that may cause us not to always perform at our best ability. The good thing about that is, we can learn and grow. The more you live the more you grow and growing should happen for everyone. A lot of times we pray for things whether it's material, emotional, spiritual or whatever and we find ourselves waiting on those things that we have asked for. I am of the belief that sometimes God gives us things that we haven't prayed for so that He can see how we would handle those things. Sometimes He just even wants to see how we do with our patience.
What I think is important of us to remember is, no matter what you are given you have to treat it like it is yours. Treat that used car like you would a brand new one. Treat that apartment that you renting like that house you will eventually own. If we can't handle the smaller things that He gives us why would He give us something big.
Okay I said this was inspired by someone so let me explain. Life has a funny way of working itself out and most of the time we may be on the wrong end of that joke. Believe it or not there are people out there who want to see us fail. The person that has inspired this blog post has looked eye to eye and stood toe to toe with just those very people and said enough is enough. Truthfully I'm not sure those were the exact words but just my interpretation of it. This person decided that they were no longer going settle for just barely. This person took the negative energy people were throwing and turned it into motivation to be more than anyone thought. The world is full of people who believe just the opposite of you and nothing you do can change that. People will always be waiting on you to fail. But having the courage to stand up tall with your head held high is what will help you overcome.
We get bombarded with negative messages daily but see I like to think of it as the old school cassette tapes. Remember how we would record our favorite songs on the radio and then be able to put a piece of tape or something over it to record again. Well that is what those negative messages are. You can fill up my tape with them if you want to but I will just record right over it with positive ones.
Having the right support system is also key and I know that the person who inspired me to write this has a very good support system. A combination of self will, hard work, support and faith is the reason you are still standing.
Your greatness isn't determined by others. Your greatness is determined by you.
Thank you for inspiring me and inspiring others.
In life we are placed in different circumstances and situations that may cause us not to always perform at our best ability. The good thing about that is, we can learn and grow. The more you live the more you grow and growing should happen for everyone. A lot of times we pray for things whether it's material, emotional, spiritual or whatever and we find ourselves waiting on those things that we have asked for. I am of the belief that sometimes God gives us things that we haven't prayed for so that He can see how we would handle those things. Sometimes He just even wants to see how we do with our patience.
What I think is important of us to remember is, no matter what you are given you have to treat it like it is yours. Treat that used car like you would a brand new one. Treat that apartment that you renting like that house you will eventually own. If we can't handle the smaller things that He gives us why would He give us something big.
Okay I said this was inspired by someone so let me explain. Life has a funny way of working itself out and most of the time we may be on the wrong end of that joke. Believe it or not there are people out there who want to see us fail. The person that has inspired this blog post has looked eye to eye and stood toe to toe with just those very people and said enough is enough. Truthfully I'm not sure those were the exact words but just my interpretation of it. This person decided that they were no longer going settle for just barely. This person took the negative energy people were throwing and turned it into motivation to be more than anyone thought. The world is full of people who believe just the opposite of you and nothing you do can change that. People will always be waiting on you to fail. But having the courage to stand up tall with your head held high is what will help you overcome.
We get bombarded with negative messages daily but see I like to think of it as the old school cassette tapes. Remember how we would record our favorite songs on the radio and then be able to put a piece of tape or something over it to record again. Well that is what those negative messages are. You can fill up my tape with them if you want to but I will just record right over it with positive ones.
Having the right support system is also key and I know that the person who inspired me to write this has a very good support system. A combination of self will, hard work, support and faith is the reason you are still standing.
Your greatness isn't determined by others. Your greatness is determined by you.
Thank you for inspiring me and inspiring others.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
I almost did it
Today I almost did it. Subconsciously naw scratch that consciously I wanted to do it. One scroll through the contact list one push of a button. I almost did it. It's funny how something so simple breeds complications. What would have been the opening line? Heck knowing you there wouldn't have been one. See I almost did it. I'm not sure if it was fate or common sense that stopped me. Well I guess a combination of both. I honestly almost did it. What did I want? What did I need? How do I feel? All questions that I've yet to answer. Some where out of the blue appears you and not in a physical form. I wonder if you are thinking what I'm thinking and if what we're thinking is true. I was so close and I almost did it. Space and time has made us somewhat enemies but neither of us will admit it. Do I apologize or do you simply pretend that what was never existed. Today was much stronger than those previous days and honestly I almost did it. Things might be awkward for reasons we both know to be true. Suppressed feelings only stay suppressed so long then what! Eventually you lose grip of what you were holding on to. Traveling down the path that is oh so familiar to you. I hate to admit it but I almost did it. Just one look at your name and I knew a second longer would have been too long. You would have traveled space and time to appear in this thing called reality. See my thoughts are powerful and believe it or not so are yours. Today was the day that I almost did it. From here on out I have to relinquish the thoughts that drive me to think about you. The thoughts that convinces me it will be fine if I hear from you. The thoughts that lead my actions to find your name in my contact list. Those same thoughts that got me writing this. You see I almost did it. Truth is I almost called you, text you and emailed you. But I'm glad..... I didn't.
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