"From Bored to Brazen"

YOUR BEST FRIEND....

This is the first in a series of blog posts focusing on friendship, specifically your relationship with your best friend.  These posts are meant to be an opportunity for readers to interact and share, MEANING I WILL NEED YALL TO COMMENT ON THE POST AND NOT SEND ME A TEXT, LOL!!!  The point is to share your story, OK?! 


WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND AND HOW AND WHEN DID YOU MEET?
Ok so this is a hard one for me because you guys know that I have a circle of the very best friends a girl can ask for.  To ask me to pick just one is a very difficult thing for me to do. Recently I had a conversation with a friend/coworker, I mentioned that one friend's status was changing and that she was moving really close to the best friend position, lol.  It was very funny when I thought about it because she's probably my newest friend.  


I used to think that your best friend should be the friend you've known the longest, to me that just made sense.  If your friendship lasted the test of time then that person ought to be you best friend right?!  Well that isn't the case with me.  Although my oldest friend (we've been friends since I was 10 and she was 14) still has a very special place in my heart, we are not a close as we once were.  Life happens and people grow apart, you know.


Back to the question, my very best friend is Camel! We met 20 years ago while at DU, I answered an ad in the school's newspaper to share an apartment with two women.  I met the other roommate first and if memory serves me right, I didn't meet Camel until after I moved into the apartment.  We clicked instantly.    


Share your story about your best friend and how you met.  Post your reply below this message.

MY AWFUL COMMUTE!

A 25 minute communte turned into 2.5 hrs, it was a scary, slippery mess

On my street

Accident on bridge

 Bumper to bumper traffic

More traffic

How was your commute?  Did it snow this a.m. where you live?

MARTHA inspires me!

Candy and Tulips

I will use a version of this on the mantel or as a centerpiece

MAKING PLANS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY 2011

If you've known me and BTho for a day, you know we've had a very intense love-hate relationship for over 20 years now.  I love dude but he makes me sick.  For example, as of this morning, I still had the xmas tree and decorations up around the house, this was working his last nerve.  I don't know why cuz normally he couldn't careaf**k bout stuff like that.  Well I was awakened to the sound of one of my ornaments hitting the floor.  I sat up thinking OH ITS ON, cuz I know this mofo ain't touching my tree.  When I got to the living room dude had removed most my ornaments and they were rolling around on the table and he says, "I'm getting rid of this tree today!".  Needless to say, I launched a verbal assault on dude and what did he do, he laughed in my face, ugh I hate him!  So the tree is gone, no remnants of christmas left in the house and the mantel is naked.  It looks so bare.  So I feel like doing some decorating for Valentine's Day.  I have a special menu planned for Dinner on VDay so there will be a lil tablescaping but I'm thinking about some sort of decorations for my mantel in a red and silver color scheme.   I don't want hearts everywhere but just a few accents, any suggestions?

What are your plans for Valentine's Day.

THIS FOOL IS A FOOL!

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

Let me tell y'all this morning's walk was brutal.  I usually linger in the park on the weekend but not this a.m.   It's cold as hell, I'm talking like 17!  Is it frigid where you are?  I had on a few layers but damn its still biting out there and the wind!

MY FAVORITE ONLINE BOUTIQUES

www.oohboutique.com

www.luvnaturals.com

http://beanie4meplusurban.bigcartel.com/

LIVING NO LYE EPISODE 8

EPISODE 8

LIVING NO LYE EPISODE 7

Great show, I'll try to post episodes weekly!
www.livingnolye.com

WTF!!!

Ridic!  Just so y'all know this was sent in from TK!

BEYOND SCARED STRAIGHT

Every bad a** kind in America needs to watch this show on A&E.  I'm scared as hell just watching it.

WHATEVER TK..

Just cuz I like to look at them!

H2O

There's been a lot of talk lately about the increasing the recommended daily intake of water.

Do you drink enuff water daily?  Do you feel differently if you do or don't?

I have the best friends!!

My girls (D Buffet, lpL and Dani) are the most thoughtful people I know.  All it takes is for one of the girls to call indicating that someone's going through a difficult life moment and these chicks find some way to spread their love and make things a lil better.

Today my mother was on the receiving end of this love!  The arrangement was lovely ladies, my family thanks you all!!!

RIP Aunt Lucy!

iPad or Kindle?

I'm considering getting an iPad, but I'm not sure if I should invest the $$$.  I have an iPhone and can't live without it, but the screen for reading is not working for my 40 yr old eyes.  I'm also considering a Kindle.

Do you have an iPad or Kindle, which do you prefer?

I'm feeling so exhausted!

I took a nap yesterday and couldn't sleep well last night and now I'm feeling extremely exhausted.  Tired as hell! Busted!

What's your energy level today?

WTF!!!

A Hot Mess!!

MAYA ANGELOU is my absolute favorite person in the whole wide world

My favorite picture of MAYA

OPRAH Presents Master Class is featuring Maya Angelou this week, its a must see!  She is my most favorite human being.  I've never wanted to be like anyone else but myself, but if I were to emulate someone, it would be her.  Our paths did cross once as she was leaving Barnes and Noble in Baltimore Harbor and my nephewson and I were entering, I could not speak.  All I could do was hold the door open for her as she walked through.  She thanked me and I nodded in her direction as she smiled in mine.  I was awestruck and I regret it to this day.

I tried KINKY CURLY KNOT TODAY & CURLING CUSTARD again....

I like the curls but the shrinkage was serious!

I SHOOK SOME POTS YESTERDAY!

I made a Lemon Pound Cake 

Corn and Crab Bisque 

and Turkey Noodle Soup

I'm going to dinner tonight with some friends, so I will not be making Sunday dinner.  I think BTho will find these leftovers suitable for his Sunday meal, if not oh well!

FAV THING OF THE DAY!!!

These make things touchable, especially when traveling.  I wish they would actually put bleach in them!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MLK!

Still gives me chills! 

Happy Birthday!

VIDEO OF THE DAY - "THE DILEMMA" QUEEN LATIFAH

Video of the day - The Queen's new movie

Will you be checking this out this weekend?

NATURAL HAIR SPOTLIGHT

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH IN TUCSON

 "To the families of those we've lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants gathered tonight, and the people of Tucson and Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today, and will stand by you tomorrow.

There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts. But know this: the hopes of a nation are here tonight. We mourn with you for the fallen. We join you in your grief. And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy pull through.

As Scripture tells us:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;

God will help her at break of day.

On Saturday morning, Gabby, her staff, and many of her constituents gathered outside a supermarket to exercise their right to peaceful assembly and free speech. They were fulfilling a central tenet of the democracy envisioned by our founders - representatives of the people answering to their constituents, so as to carry their concerns to our nation's capital. Gabby called it "Congress on Your Corner" - just an updated version of government of and by and for the people.

That is the quintessentially American scene that was shattered by a gunman's bullets. And the six people who lost their lives on Saturday - they too represented what is best in America.

Judge John Roll served our legal system for nearly 40 years. A graduate of this university and its law school, Judge Roll was recommended for the federal bench by John McCain twenty years ago, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, and rose to become Arizona's chief federal judge. His colleagues described him as the hardest-working judge within the Ninth Circuit. He was on his way back from attending Mass, as he did every day, when he decided to stop by and say hi to his Representative. John is survived by his loving wife, Maureen, his three sons, and his five grandchildren.

George and Dorothy Morris - "Dot" to her friends - were high school sweethearts who got married and had two daughters. They did everything together, traveling the open road in their RV, enjoying what their friends called a 50-year honeymoon. Saturday morning, they went by the Safeway to hear what their Congresswoman had to say. When gunfire rang out, George, a former Marine, instinctively tried to shield his wife. Both were shot. Dot passed away.

A New Jersey native, Phyllis Schneck retired to Tucson to beat the snow. But in the summer, she would return East, where her world revolved around her 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 year-old great-granddaughter. A gifted quilter, she'd often work under her favorite tree, or sometimes sew aprons with the logos of the Jets and the Giants to give out at the church where she volunteered. A Republican, she took a liking to Gabby, and wanted to get to know her better.

Dorwan and Mavy Stoddard grew up in Tucson together - about seventy years ago. They moved apart and started their own respective families, but after both were widowed they found their way back here, to, as one of Mavy's daughters put it, "be boyfriend and girlfriend again." When they weren't out on the road in their motor home, you could find them just up the road, helping folks in need at the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ. A retired construction worker, Dorwan spent his spare time fixing up the church along with their dog, Tux. His final act of selflessness was to dive on top of his wife, sacrificing his life for hers.

Everything Gabe Zimmerman did, he did with passion - but his true passion was people. As Gabby's outreach director, he made the cares of thousands of her constituents his own, seeing to it that seniors got the Medicare benefits they had earned, that veterans got the medals and care they deserved, that government was working for ordinary folks. He died doing what he loved - talking with people and seeing how he could help. Gabe is survived by his parents, Ross and Emily, his brother, Ben, and his fiancée, Kelly, who he planned to marry next year.

And then there is nine year-old Christina Taylor Green. Christina was an A student, a dancer, a gymnast, and a swimmer. She often proclaimed that she wanted to be the first woman to play in the major leagues, and as the only girl on her Little League team, no one put it past her. She showed an appreciation for life uncommon for a girl her age, and would remind her mother, "We are so blessed. We have the best life." And she'd pay those blessings back by participating in a charity that helped children who were less fortunate.

Our hearts are broken by their sudden passing. Our hearts are broken - and yet, our hearts also have reason for fullness.

Our hearts are full of hope and thanks for the 13 Americans who survived the shooting, including the congresswoman many of them went to see on Saturday. I have just come from the University Medical Center, just a mile from here, where our friend Gabby courageously fights to recover even as we speak. And I can tell you this - she knows we're here and she knows we love her and she knows that we will be rooting for her throughout what will be a difficult journey.

And our hearts are full of gratitude for those who saved others. We are grateful for Daniel Hernandez, a volunteer in Gabby's office who ran through the chaos to minister to his boss, tending to her wounds to keep her alive. We are grateful for the men who tackled the gunman as he stopped to reload. We are grateful for a petite 61 year-old, Patricia Maisch, who wrestled away the killer's ammunition, undoubtedly saving some lives. And we are grateful for the doctors and nurses and emergency medics who worked wonders to heal those who'd been hurt.

These men and women remind us that heroism is found not only on the fields of battle. They remind us that heroism does not require special training or physical strength. Heroism is here, all around us, in the hearts of so many of our fellow citizens, just waiting to be summoned - as it was on Saturday morning.

Their actions, their selflessness, also pose a challenge to each of us. It raises the question of what, beyond the prayers and expressions of concern, is required of us going forward. How can we honor the fallen? How can we be true to their memory?

You see, when a tragedy like this strikes, it is part of our nature to demand explanations - to try to impose some order on the chaos, and make sense out of that which seems senseless. Already we've seen a national conversation commence, not only about the motivations behind these killings, but about everything from the merits of gun safety laws to the adequacy of our mental health systems. Much of this process, of debating what might be done to prevent such tragedies in the future, is an essential ingredient in our exercise of self-government.

But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized - at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who think differently than we do - it's important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we are talking with each other in a way that heals, not a way that wounds.

Scripture tells us that there is evil in the world, and that terrible things happen for reasons that defy human understanding. In the words of Job, "when I looked for light, then came darkness." Bad things happen, and we must guard against simple explanations in the aftermath.

For the truth is that none of us can know exactly what triggered this vicious attack. None of us can know with any certainty what might have stopped those shots from being fired, or what thoughts lurked in the inner recesses of a violent man's mind.

So yes, we must examine all the facts behind this tragedy. We cannot and will not be passive in the face of such violence. We should be willing to challenge old assumptions in order to lessen the prospects of violence in the future.

But what we can't do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on one another. As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let us use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy, and remind ourselves of all the ways our hopes and dreams are bound together.

After all, that's what most of us do when we lose someone in our family - especially if the loss is unexpected. We're shaken from our routines, and forced to look inward. We reflect on the past. Did we spend enough time with an aging parent, we wonder. Did we express our gratitude for all the sacrifices they made for us? Did we tell a spouse just how desperately we loved them, not just once in awhile but every single day?

So sudden loss causes us to look backward - but it also forces us to look forward, to reflect on the present and the future, on the manner in which we live our lives and nurture our relationships with those who are still with us. We may ask ourselves if we've shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to the people in our lives. Perhaps we question whether we are doing right by our children, or our community, and whether our priorities are in order. We recognize our own mortality, and are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame - but rather, how well we have loved, and what small part we have played in bettering the lives of others.

That process of reflection, of making sure we align our values with our actions - that, I believe, is what a tragedy like this requires. For those who were harmed, those who were killed - they are part of our family, an American family 300 million strong. We may not have known them personally, but we surely see ourselves in them. In George and Dot, in Dorwan and Mavy, we sense the abiding love we have for our own husbands, our own wives, our own life partners. Phyllis - she's our mom or grandma; Gabe our brother or son. In Judge Roll, we recognize not only a man who prized his family and doing his job well, but also a man who embodied America's fidelity to the law. In Gabby, we see a reflection of our public spiritedness, that desire to participate in that sometimes frustrating, sometimes contentious, but always necessary and never-ending process to form a more perfect union.

And in Christina...in Christina we see all of our children. So curious, so trusting, so energetic and full of magic.

So deserving of our love.

And so deserving of our good example. If this tragedy prompts reflection and debate, as it should, let's make sure it's worthy of those we have lost. Let's make sure it's not on the usual plane of politics and point scoring and pettiness that drifts away with the next news cycle.

The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives - to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents. And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse, let's remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy, but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud. It should be because we want to live up to the example of public servants like John Roll and Gabby Giffords, who knew first and foremost that we are all Americans, and that we can question each other's ideas without questioning each other's love of country, and that our task, working together, is to constantly widen the circle of our concern so that we bequeath the American dream to future generations.

I believe we can be better. Those who died here, those who saved lives here - they help me believe. We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us. I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us.

That's what I believe, in part because that's what a child like Christina Taylor Green believed. Imagine: here was a young girl who was just becoming aware of our democracy; just beginning to understand the obligations of citizenship; just starting to glimpse the fact that someday she too might play a part in shaping her nation's future. She had been elected to her student council; she saw public service as something exciting, something hopeful. She was off to meet her congresswoman, someone she was sure was good and important and might be a role model. She saw all this through the eyes of a child, undimmed by the cynicism or vitriol that we adults all too often just take for granted.

I want us to live up to her expectations. I want our democracy to be as good as she imagined it. All of us - we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children's expectations.

Christina was given to us on September 11th, 2001, one of 50 babies born that day to be pictured in a book called "Faces of Hope." On either side of her photo in that book were simple wishes for a child's life. "I hope you help those in need," read one. "I hope you know all of the words to the National Anthem and sing it with your hand over your heart. I hope you jump in rain puddles."

If there are rain puddles in heaven, Christina is jumping in them today. And here on Earth, we place our hands over our hearts, and commit ourselves as Americans to forging a country that is forever worthy of her gentle, happy spirit.

May God bless and keep those we've lost in restful and eternal peace. May He love and watch over the survivors. And may He bless the United States of America."

TV IN THE BEDROOM

I love television as a form of entertainment, along with the background noise and lighting it provides the bedroom room at night.  I have a hard time sleeping in a dark quiet room.  But lately I've noticed that I get less sleep when my TV is on.  Especially if I'm watching a show right before I go to bed.  It takes a while before my mind quiets and I'm able to fall asleep.  Today, I came across this article and wondered if I could actually live without a TV in the bedroom.  I know BTho could, he hates that I sleep with the TV on for most of the reasons that I like it, the sound and the light.

Not sure I can do it, how bout u?

NO SNOW DAY, LATE START THO

Well, the powers that be didn't see fit to call a snow day, we have a two delayed start.  Honestly it wasn't that bad, once I got out of the hood all roads were clear.  Save for a few idiots speeding, my drive in was uneventful.  Now I have to muster up the energy to make it through the day after the delicious breakfast I made before coming into work.  I feel like I shoulda went back to bed.

BARKING BROWN....

Is a cute lil boutique in Brooklyn that I visited on my trip last week.  I scored these two rings, on a BOGO sale:

I love the colors and I had a hard time deciding which one to get until I found out they were buy one get one free!  If you are ever in Brooklyn, stop by and check out their stuff, the accessories and clothing are beautiful.

PRAYING FOR A SNOW DAY!

The forecast is calling for 4-8 inches, a snow day would be nice. I luv the snow but I hate driving in it.

VACATION PLANNING, 2011?

Have you begun to make vacation plans for this year?  I've pretty much planned all that I'll be doing, three trips, that's it. No running throughout the country like last year!

COTECHINO????

Never heard of it? Exactly, but its going in my next pot of lentils, cuz its looks delish!  Btw, Chef John is awesome check out his YouTube Channel - Foodwishes.

LOVE THIS VID!

REVIEW OF KAREN'S BODY BEAUTIFUL - SWEET AMBROSIA

During my recent trip to Brooklyn, I visited KBB, 436 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY and picked up the Sweet Ambrosia (formerly known as Hair Milk) $16.00

Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba and Avocado Oils, Vegetable Wax, Panthenol, Arnica, Calendula, Echinacea, Nettle & Horsetail Extracts, Vegetable Glycerin, Wheat Germ Oil, Essential and/or Fragrance Oil, Natural Enzymes & Vitamin E Product description and Directions: You're only a few dabs away from lush, radiant, soft hair. Sweet Ambrosia moisturizes, detangles and defines your tresses.  Dry, super thick hair needs this bestselling leave-in conditioner! Apply a generous amount to hair when damp or dry to refresh and moisturize. Can be used several times a week or daily. Use before you apply heat (flat ironing, blow drying, etc.)

Texture: Creamy
Scent: Sweet and flowery

Yesterday I shampooed, deep conditioned, applied my leave-in conditioner and twisted my hair.  I allowed my hair to air dry overnight.  This morning I applied a nickel size amount to each section as a refresher and styled my hair.  Its a good moisturizer and helps to define your curls but does not leave your hair hard or crunchy.  I would like to try it as a leave-in to see if I have similar results.

Overall, I like it comparable to Carols Daughter Hair Milk and Shea Moisture's Curl Enhancing Smoothie without the crunch that both of these products give my hair!

FAV THING OF THE DAY!!!

This is a great moisturizer and the smell is great.  One problem, I purchased this from TJ Maxx for $3.99.  I haven't been able to find it, I just checked Amazon and its selling for $22.00 for a two pack!  Not gonna happen, they will have to give me at least 4.  If you happen to see this product at your local TJ Maxx or Marshalls, pick it up for me, I got u! 

JUDITH'S CUFFS, OMG!

I can't resist this one!

GOOD MORNING!

I hope this new day finds you all well.  I'm off to the kitchen to get breakfast together, Shrimp and grits with biscuits.  Then I'll get my dinner started, Pot Roast over here today.  After dinner's on, I'll be doing laundry and organizing my wadrobe for the week, planning the week's menus and making my grocery and to do lists for the week.  There's also a few movies I want to watch and the Queen of Jewelry, Judith Ripka will be on the Q today for two shows so I gotta carve out time to tune in and get into a lil trouble, just a lil.  I also have a few things I need to do for work.  Oh and the Eagles game, I almost forgot about that, lol! So yes I have a very busy day ahead of me so I better get going.

Oh shit! How did I forget that I gots to wash my hair too!  Damn I'm overbooked today.

BTho just yelled up to me that the water for the grits is boiling, ok dude it's only water.  He's got a lot of nerve!

What's on your plate for today?  Do you do a lot of prep for the upcoming week or do you just go with the flow?

RANTING AND RAMBLING!

Some mother's son or daughter scraped my f**king bumper and I don't play that ish!  We gone find you!  Lol

I woke up and it was snowing like hell! Had lots to do today, don't get me wrong, I luv snow but not when I got plans. Sliding all over the damn place!

Great Customer Service:

There's a lot to be said about patronizing a business where they know you by name.

We went to Dalessandro's (Philly's best cheesesteak shop) last night and although they were very busy, when I got to the counter I was greeted with the usual, "Hello Leslie!" from the owner. "Happy New Year!".  As if there weren't another 20 customers in line behind me, she recited my order, I confirmed and I took a seat.  Minutes later she called my name again, I paid and I was off to enjoy the most delish steak in Philly.  It always baffles me how she addresses me by name every time and she remembers our complicated order!  Could it be because of the one time I had a problem with my order and "Honey" (The Grandmother) took over me and I've received this treatment every since.

More on great Customer Service:

My car dealer's service department is so awesome, here I am also addressed as Ms. Gardner immediately on the phone (is my voice that memorable?) and also in person.  I always request the first appointment especially on Saturdays.  When we arrived this a.m. at 7:30, we were greeted by Walt, my favorite CSR and when I mentioned that I had a coupon he immediately told me about a better deal!  We discussed tires for my vehicle, which I plan to purchase on www.tirerack.com, he suggested that I have them delivered to the dealership and they would put them on at a discounted rate!  OMG, that made my day cuz although I didn't want to pay the dealership prices to the actual tires, I wanted to ensure that they were installed properly.  No offense BTho!

And then the worst Customer Service:

After the dealer we decided to go the our local diner for breakfast!  Our waitress, Denise, took forever to come over to the table.  We proceeded to give her our drink order and she f**cked that up royally, it took her forever to return with Splenda and lemon.  Our food arrived and was delish as usual.  After we finished eating we waited 15 minutes for her to check on us and deliver our check.  An example of poor customer service which under normal circumstances I wouldn't deal with but the food is good and there aren't many other choices locally.

Then, we went to Pep Boys to get a windshield wiper for the back window of my wagon.  I had no idea of the size needed and apparently neither did BTho.  Needless to say, we purchased and returned three before we got the correct wiper blade because he refused to give the technician the vehicle make and model and have her suggest the correct one.  She patiently returned each one and then on the third attempt she asked what the vehichle make and model was.  Now this was all on us!  We were the type of customers you hate to see coming.

What kind of customer service have you received lately, have you been a good customer?  Comment below!  I hope your day has not been as eventful as ours!

52 WEEK FINANCIAL CHALLENGE, 2011!!!

Ok, so I'm not perfect after all!  It's always been a challenge for me to save money thats easily accessible.  The temptation to dip into it overwhelms me and I "steal" from myself ALL THE TIME!  Although, I have several saving accounts that are funded automatically, I don't have immediate access to the funds in case of an extreme emergency where a sizable amount of cash is needed!  I'm talking about something like KATRINA where evacuation is needed, backs are closed, etc.  Yea, a lil dramatical but you know what I mean, crazy ish has been going down lately.  So I've challenged myself to exhibit the self control (that every woman that's almost 41 years old should have) to have a stash right at my finger tips and not touch it.  If you have similar issues with saving or if you just want to save for a future purchase, then please join me on this 52 week financial challenge for the year 2011.  Our goal is to save $1.00 a week,  increasing our savings every week by $1.

For example:                                                                      
Week 1 -$1
Week 2- $2
Week 3- $3........
Week 52 - $52

Our total savings for 52 weeks will be $1378.

I've got to 2 of my peeps on board already!  They will be using their savings accounts because they aren't flawed like me.  What can I say, I get it from my mama, lol!  I need to conquer this issue once and for all, so I will be keeping my stash in a secure yet accessible place.

Comment below and let me know what you think.  I'll need your encouragement along the way, this is really gonna be a challenge for me and will require major restraint.