Mackgurl's Musings

It seems that every day there's a new something invented, engineered or designed with the sole purpose of making life more CONVENIENT. I mean sheesh, there are even (wait for it) CONVENIENCE STORES! Entire stores dedicated to making it easy to buy snacks, drinks, cigarettes, ahem personal items- pretty much whenever you want. These stores are placed CONVENIENTLY in spots that see high traffic and they even have hot food and COFFEE at some of the nicer ones. Some of them never close. CONVENIENT, right? There are larger stores, some that are open until midnight or later, that sell household supplies, clothes, shoes, groceries, beer, wine, TVs, computers, cell phones...all in one store. There are tech items that you can connect to your house the will control all sorts of things for you. Turn lights on and off, control the temp in your house, turn on the television...all by just saying a few voice commands. CONVENIENT, right? The other day I was at the grocery store (Do you sa

I know you've seen many different TOP TEN lists ( TOP TEN THINGS MEN WISH WOMEN WOULD STOP ASKING THEM, TOP TEN THINGS WOMEN WISH MEN KNEW BUT DON'T... ) Well this isn't one of those lists...heck it isn't even an actual list of TEN . And even though it's not exactly TEN, sometimes you come across things that resonate with you...things that are worthy of a list. Whether these things are from an experience you had first hand or something that's told to you...no matter how you get the knowledge, it's worthy of remembering.  So as with most things that I think might be helpful to others, I feel like I shouldn't keep them to myself. Yes, I know how to keep a secret but in this case, I'm telling... TOP EIGHT LIST OF THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND Don't settle for anything less than what you deserve. Know your worth. No one is worth compromising your self worth, morals or feelings. If someone wants to spend time with you or  talk to you - they wi

Pregnant midnight clouds...full and ripe... Rupture at the seam...spilling forth its bounty Its life giving seed drenching all of me Arms outstretched...spinning and bathing in its cleansing outburst Making me shiver... The first captured on wet, parted lips...bloated drops dance on my tongue Cascading rivulets trace serpentine patterns down my upturned face Hiding tears...raising tides...lowering inhibitions Winds gust...thunder rolls...building...growing A fevered crescendo... Moisture gathers on leaves, on petals... Bottled lightning threatens to escape... Join me and  embrace the fall... Dance with me a nd revel in the power Of the rain

Every once and awhile, someone will tell me a joke or funny story that I just have to share. This is one of those times... A woman was sitting at a bar enjoying an after work cocktail with her girlfriends when Steven, a tall, exceptionally handsome, extremely sexy, middle-aged man entered. He was so striking that the woman could not take her eyes off him. This seasoned yet playful heartthrob noticed her overly attentive stare and walked directly toward her. Before she could offer her apologies for staring so rudely, he leaned over and whispered to her, "I'll do anything, absolutely anything, that you want me to do, no matter how kinky, for $20.00... on one condition..." Flabbergasted but intrigued, the woman asked what the condition was. The man replied, "You have to tell me what you want me to do in just three words."  Hmm... The woman considered his proposition for a moment, and then slowly removed $20 bill from her purse, which she presse

It begins with a single action a  touch...a  movement measured in time Searching for A final destination Searching for Acceptance…l ove…belonging You stop to look into deep reflecting pools Seeing yourself the way you really are Knowing you have miles to go You tear yourself away a nd press on Crossing mountains and valleys of wildflowers Stopping long enough to admire their beauty You cross a sea o f smooth rich honey A gentle breeze blows  causing ripples al ong the caramel-colored surface Quickening your pace Almost there...almost home     And it ends...the same way it began With a single action...a touch... a movement measured in time Ends the J ourney

There are certain things that you are, well certain of - yellow and blue make green, the sun rises and sets, basketballs are round, coffee is awesome - but other things -  less tangible things - are a bit harder to determine. Let's say you and a friend go out to dinner. Now even though you guys are going to dinner together it was their idea to go. So, you're planning to split the bill/pay for your own meal, right? Well you get there and order a porterhouse, lobster, 2 mixed drinks and a sweet tea (did I mention it was pay day?). The check comes and you say "hey, we're paying for our own meals, right?" And your friend says "Heck ya, Big Spender. I have to pay my phone bill by midnight...can't pay for your food, too" So you both laugh it off until you realize you can't find your wallet! OMG how could this happen?? No wallet means no cash, no cards and no way to pay for dinner. You tell your friend and rather than let you be embarrassed and have t

Most who know me know that I love technology. iPods (hmm dating myself with that one huh?), tablets, PC's, Macs - I have been and still am on both sides of the Android/iPhone debate. Recently - well a little bit ago - I jumped over to the Apple world as far as phones. I had been rocking in the "Galaxy" for years...but suddenly things began changing. No, not with "Galaxy" but in my life (address, job...) so I figured this would be as good a time as any to make some more changes - changes that I implemented. So I switched to the iPhone. Took some getting used to but I'm pretty happy with my choice. Plus, now I could get my hands (ears) on the earpods. Now this was right at Black Friday so I'm like "SWEET"! New tech for me ANNNNDDDD holiday discounts!  Well apparently everybody - NO LITERALLY EVERYBODY - had the exact same idea. Black Friday came and went and I was still rocking the same wired headphones that came with my phone. Why? Because

Pineapples! Gotcha, lol! Ok so I'm told this has become code for something...could be funny, could be dirty or just mildly inappropriate. But meh, maybe it depends on the inflection...hmm. Any who, pineapples - flesh, so juicy and sweet - MMMM. Wow, maybe PINEAPPLES are kinda naughty. Either way, I enjoy them so much. Probably enjoy them too much (my tongue has suffered on more than one occasion). When I lived in Hawaii, pineapples were practically everywhere! I took great joy in eating the ripe, sweet golden fruit....juices running down my chin...sticky, sweet, delicious (Whoa...) Moving on...of course it's not just pineapples that I enjoy. Peaches, pears, nectarines, plums, guavas, honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon, cherries, blue berries, strawberries, oranges, pomegranates (not the easiest to prepare to eat but so worth it), bananas, grapes, apples...Yes, I REALLY like fruit - but not all of them (tomatoes, for example. Yes, a tomato is technically a fruit) But most of th

So there I was in the cafeteria at work today, enjoying the sweet, salty, pancakey goodness of my sausage and griddle cake sandwich (yeah, that one) and per usual I am eating and writing (at the same time). As I pause to have a sip of coffee, I take a look around and notice a man walking towards me. Now, he doesn't sit at my table but he does go over to the table directly across from me. And no I wasn't checking him out but what he did made me take notice. He walked over to the table and didn't sit down and start eating. Instead, he sat this container near the table and walked away. Just abandoned it! Maybe it's my interest in criminal justice and emergency management or maybe I've just watched too many movies. Whatever it was made my senses immediately hone in on this container. My mind is running questions in a loop. What's in the container? Why did he leave it? Why did he come all the way into the cafeteria just to drop off this container? Who is he?

It was a regular night. Yeah, yeah I know I know...this is EXACTLY how most of these stories start. Well, this one is no different. Some of you won't believe this story. You will think I made this up or was under the sway of one too many whiskey sours. But that was not the case at all. Alright so where was I? Oh yes, I remember... It was a regular night. Nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, I   got off work, let myself into my apartment  - no problem. Went around doing all of the things you might do when you get home...locked my door...took a shower...got food ready for dinner...watched some tv...checked the locks again...grabbed a book planning to read a little. For some reason, I just could not fall asleep...book didn't hold my attention so I ended up laying in bed curled on my side waiting for sleep to claim me. I'm laying on my side facing window, my back to the bedroom door. Suddenly, I felt movement on the bed behind me. Now I'm alone so "who t

Okay so this is a repost. No, I'm not going to flake and NOT make a new post today. But I was reading through my blog and had to post this one more time... No matter where you work, you will come into contact with all different sorts of people and personalities. This is also true of schools and civic organizations. Take a look at this list...recognize anyone from your own personal interactions?   Pleaser – This type is always ready with a smile to do whatever is asked...no matter how big or small or demoralizing the task. They are always bubbly, never a cross word for anyone. Beware of this type - they are usually up to something or have a secret agenda. I mean really - no one is THAT nice all the time. Goody Two Shoes – This type never gets in trouble. I mean never! Not that they don’t do plenty that would qualify as trouble. No, they will do whatever they have to do to ensure their name remains free and clear of all work place detritus. They are not above stretching the

Getting by Making do Feeling my way along In the dark tunnels Scraping my knees As I stumble in the darkness Grasping at the walls that threaten to close around me Reaching for something…for someone To guide me Finding the wrong guide But following, following just the same Leading me further into night I fall Opening old wounds not yet healed It’s dark again… Feeling my way along in the dark Making deals with the powers that be If you’ll only Please Let me Find that one to cherish And then came you Bathing me in your glow and your warmth Showing me the way Loving me Leading me   Guiding me Reminding me That it’s always darkest Before the d awn  

Hello hello hello! That's right, blogosphere, your girl Mackgurl is here! And guess what? I have a guest! Yes I found another willing participant for the WHO ARE YOU? series.  Mr. Teddy Masters has agreed to let me pull back the curtain of his life...just a little. Mackgurl:  My guest today is Mr. Teddy Masters. Mr. Masters, how are you this evening? Mr. Masters: Teddy, please. I'm doing quite well thanks. Mackgurl: Hmm, Teddy? Is that short for Theodore or is your name actually Teddy? Teddy: Neither, lol. It's a nickname I was given - actually, folks say I'm like a living breathing Teddy Bear, lol. So the name kinda stuck. Mackgurl: Ahhhh, nice. Ok cool.  So Teddy (trying so hard not to say Teddy Bear, hehehe), what is that you do?  Teddy: I work in home remodeling and demolition. Mackgurl: Ooooh really? So you gut, tear down and rebuild houses - making them even better than they were before? Like the shows on TV? The ones that follow designers who do ho

Chivalry. ..what does that look like to you? Are you a fan of this mindset? Hey guys - do you still perform chivalrous acts or...? Huh? You're not sure what chivalry is??!! Alright, no worries. Without getting to webster-pedia-ish, chivalry is basically the acts, traits, characteristics that make a man a gentleman. Sure there's more to it historically (think knights, damsels, laying coats over puddles so ladies don't mess up their shoes...I'm not kidding. Men used to do that). But in a nutshell, it's the whole idea of what makes a man a gentleman. No not your shoes or your clothes, but how you act around a lady...how you treat a lady. Hmm, you're still not sure what I mean?   Ok, fellas, well when you go out on a date, do you open doors for her (car doors, restaurant doors)? When you go to dinner, do you pull out her chair and seat her first before taking your seat? Being chivalrous also entails performing acts of courage (getting between her and a speeding c

Thinking of you makes me smile. Not just a slight grin but a toothy grin that I fight to hide behind my swollen lips.   It's because I'm thinking of you kissing and nibbling passionately on my lips. Thinking of your lips fills me with need. Not just a little desire but full blown wantonness that I try and fail to endure.   It’s because your lips remind me of your passionate kisses and where they lead. Thinking of your arms fills me with joy.   Not just a little happy but full blown ecstasy that I try and fail to contain within me.   It’s because I’m thinking of your arms, holding me tightly against your chest like you’d never let me go. Thinking of you is all that I CAN do because I’ve never met you.   Don’t even know who you are.   But I can see you…in the depths of my imaginative soul, I can see you.   In my dreams...I see you, seeing me and that let’s me know... I’m real.

I have been having some decidedly dirty thoughts lately...  Dirty Thought #1: Think about the last time you went to the movies. You couldn't wait to see that new Sci-Fi/Thriller...you know the one with the guy with like a cajilion personalities and the twist at the end? (Excellent by the way...) Yeah but as any movie-goer knows, you have to have movie snacks. Popcorn and candy and drinks (bye bye $30 bucks). Anywho...you pay for your snacks and rush to the theater to get that prime seat (mid way to the top on the far right). The whole time the previews are playing, you and your date (if you're lucky) are playing handsies...digging your hands into that bountiful bucket of buttery popcorn goodness. Shoveling handfuls of the puffery into your mouths...licking your fingers...sliding straws into drink cups...eating and waiting for the feature film to start. But guess what? You forgot something? No you got the candy. You forgot to wash your hands!! GASP! Which begs the question: w

Hi there, blogoverse. The foray into the lives of others - what they do, what they like (hmm, kinda nosey huh? nah, just curious as always, lol) - basically what makes them, well THEM - continues. Tonight's guest in the WHO ARE YOU? series is Elizabeth Fiorentino Williams. She's agreed to give us a peek into her life. Mackgurl: Good evening, Mrs. Fiorentino Williams. Mrs. Williams: Hahaha! Good evening, Mackgurl. I've known you too long for all that so please, call me Elizabeth. Mackgurl: LOL You're right! Thanks, Elizabeth. My series interviewees have been decidedly male until now, lol. Thanks for shaking things up a bit. Elizabeth: My pleasure. Mackgurl: So, Elizabeth, what do you do? Elizabeth: I help others. I created Naturally Complete of NC (#NCofNC) so I could offer hands-on support to individuals and families looking to make transitions in their life with their health, wellness, weight loss, and/or other areas. I teach classes, workshops, demos, and s

You ever watch those futuristic movies? The ones that have all the people - well the working class folks, anyway - wearing uniforms? They are usually the same style but would have one thing to denote rank (importance level). Like that show that had the captain that was a player...basic requirement was sexy, female (species not important)? No I'm serious...recall one episode where he was gettin' it on with a "woman" that was green. This show also had this guy with really pointy ears... Yeah so on that show the characters all wore the same spandex-like uniforms but they were different colors. Easy to see at a glance the rank/group of an individual crew member from a distance. Once you got closer you could see their insignia. I say all this to say I noticed this same sort of "grouping" structure in today's world. And like most things, it got me to thinking about it, doing some observational research about it and then to writing about it... Health System

Valentine's Day is tomorrow. Are you ready? For what, you ask? Well for all of the faces of the hopeful...those waiting at their work place. For whom? For what? Well duh, for the most sought after, looked for, hoped for person of the day - THE FLORAL DELIVERY PERSON!! Every single time the door opens tomorrow, the masses will wait and hope with baited breath...eyes will widen and swing to and fro and then zero in on the door...all waiting to see who will receive the first/next/best/biggest/ delivery. Roses, tulips, orchids, lilies and that's not all. Stuffed animals, boxes of chocolates and balloons of various colors/sizes/shapes will be arriving en masse. Oh and it's not just the workplace that will have this influx of floral bouquets. High Schools will be even worse, I mean will see even more deliveries. Flowers, baskets, balloons, banners and posters! And the various school organizations gets in on this heavy. Cue the PA...  "FOR $3.00 YOU CAN HAVE A ROSE DE