Looking for a job

Cousin Lamont is on the hunt for a new job.  He has over 15 years of experience working in the county/government sector.  He is a skilled grant writer and an advocate for HIV awareness and education in our community.  Lamont resides in the greater LA area and will commute for the right opportunity.  If you know of a position that maybe of interest let us know.  Oh and I can assure you that he does "not" drink on the job.  That's ice tea.....

Pepperchild

Give Thanks

When I was in elementary school I was in a Thanksgiving play.  My speaking part was probably 4 lines.  Unfortunately I don't remember what I said. We all sang little songs and generally had no idea what we were really celebrating.  I remember my pilgrim costume...I was so cute.   I don't know where she found the time but my Mom sewed my costume and I was so happy.  It was blue with long sleeves and a full length skirt.  The dress had a white apron that I wore on top of the dress with a big white bow in the back.  I even had the little Pilgrim cap which was also blue with white trim.  

Why am I telling this story?  No real reason except to share a happy childhood memory.

I give thanks for knowing and loving all of you.
I pray that you find today and everyday as an opportunity to Give Thanks!

I'm still alive and kicking

I took a brief pause for the cause. I'm working on secret that I will hopefully announce within the next couple of weeks. Uh no - not pregnant and uh no - didn't hit the lottery. I don't play anyway, I think it's a plan by man to keep poor people broke. Until next time....

The light in me - salutes the light in you.  Namaste

NACA Save The Home Event

"A Life Changing Experience"
Shared by a member of our blog community

We learned on Wednesday night from someone who had just returned from the Las Vegas event that NACA was having a “Save the Home Event” in Oakland in two days starting Friday the 16th. This was actually in Daly City, California at the Cow Palace. I gathered a couple of family members and friends, rented a 6-passenger van and headed out. We drove from LA Thursday at 11 am the 15th, arriving at 6pm, spent the night in the parking lot camped out in a line that started from the front door that quickly grew around the squared parking lot. We were number 326, 327, and 328 when we entered the line. It quickly grew to 1,000, 1500, 5,000 and on. People continued to arrive all night long. I have no idea how many people were there but it showed that people from all walks of life and race were in search of relief. People had lawn chairs, folding chairs, tents, and ice chests.

The doors were scheduled to open at 9am Friday morning. When the event began, it was like something I had never before experienced. The long line of people were directed through the door, down a long wide corridor that had workers at booths on both sides of the corridor with clipboards that we were to register/sign-in by writing our name, address, phone number and email. As soon as you finished signing in, you were to proceed down the corridor to the orientation rooms that were filled with folding chairs. There were many of these makeshift rooms that held 500 to a room. The dividers to these rooms were huge black curtains. You should have been seated according to your number; we were still 326, 327, & 328. But because some people wrote faster than others and walked faster than others after they registered/signed-in, there were a few people with number 340 and 400 about 3 rows ahead of us and we all said oh well, let it go because we were still in a position to be seen soon because we arrived early enough to be amongst the first. The 45-minute orientation that was presented in our orientation room provided some of the most useful information about cutting everyday expenses. I assume each room was presented with similar information.

At the end of the orientation, we left the rooms in single file headed to the bleachers filling them section by section still keeping your place in line. They called this the holding area. While in the holding area, you had time to write your hardship letter and your budget if you had not already done so, along with filling out a couple of other forms that are inside your booklet that was given to us during the orientation. On the floor of the stadium was the counseling area. We went one by one to fill a desk with a counselor that had two chairs in front of their desk and a computer on each desk. There were numerous desks. The first section went down one by one to fill the seat in front of a counselor. If you had a joint mortgage, you and your co-borrower went to a desk together. If you were the only person on your mortgage, you sat in front of a counselor alone.

In the counseling area, we presented our budget, our hardship letter, and all the documents we brought with us as outlined on the website. Your credit report is pulled up on the computer right in front of you at the counselor’s desk. This will verify your payments to your lender, for your car (s), student loan, and other creditors. In this counseling session is where you will receive the reduced monthly payment that NACA will be negotiating for with your lender. As one person left a counselor’s desk, another person was directed to refill that seat. This continued until everyone was seen.

Then, you will leave the counseling area and go out into another area across the hall where all the lenders were. In this room were many sections labels by hanging signs with the names of the lender printed on the signs. This is where you get your offer which is either going to be exactly what NACA asked for or another renegotiated amount. At any rate, it will be lower than what you were presently paying – that is, if you have shown them that you can pay an affordable monthly mortgage payment. People were getting $600, $700, $1,000 a month reduction in their monthly mortgage payments – to an amount that was affordable and no longer a hardship. The hardship for most was created by the strained economy, high gas prices, layoffs, injuries that caused disabilities; be it temporary or permanent disabilities. Then there were the adjustable loans that many possessed – these created hardships.

The weather was nice. I understand we had just missed the big rain that had ended on Wednesday the 14. It took us 6 hours to drive in and 6 hours to drive home and it was all well worth it. The outcome quickly erased the inconvenience of camping out and sleeping in the parking lot the night before. The event was to last from the 16th to the 20th. Many were helped beyond what we all expected to achieve. At the end of the day, we that were helped can now keep our homes, make our mortgage payments without robbing from peter to pay paul (which is what I personally was doing), we learned many expense reduction methods, and learned that we were not alone.

I walked away with a desire to want to give back, spread the word, and assist in any way I can. I will also be service as a volunteer for NACA.

To find additional information on NACA visit their website at:  https://www.naca.com/index_main.jsp#

If you would like to speak with the author, contact me or leave your email address on comment section below.

"Each One....Teach One"

What can be higher than this?

Nothing more to say. This photo says it all......

Today's My Birthday!

I've been celebrating since this past Saturday. I don't bother counting anymore - I just want to keep on having Birthday's for as long as I can.

Love - Smooches - and  a Great Big ((((((Hug)))))))

In Our Prayers

Contributing Columnist - Mom

Lord we pray for your blessings on those who have lost so much.

We pray for strength and hope for your people. We know that our God is able to work in the midst of the worst situations. We pray that you will release blessings and power to bring comfort. We thank you for your love, grace and help. We thank you for those who provide aid in the worst of times and bring light and hope in times of trouble. Lord we know that you show yourself strong regardless of the circumstances. We pray that broken hearts will be mended and that wounds will be healed and that light will shine and turn darkness into light in Jesus name.

For Marcus

Lord we lift Marcus up to you and pray that you will protect him and keep him from harm and danger. We pray that he will be strong and of good courage; that he is not afraid for the Lord God is with him, where ever he goes. We pray Psalms 3:1-8

To our friends in the Philippines, Samoa, Indonesia, and cancer survivor Ms. MK.

We love you,

the family

Pepperchildfirstborn Milestone

First I'd like to give thanks to the Lord, through him "all things" are possible.  Next, I'd like to thank my Mom, Chef, Nessa, Darryn, and Bondit.  My children Ebbie, Marcus and Kamina.   I don't want to forget my producers and those of you who believed in me.  My wardrobe stylist, makeup artist, photographer, personal chef, fitness coach and personal assistant.  Oh and my constant companions, furbabies Riley Doo and Willie Johnson.  It takes a village to manage SuperStar!!!!!

I have a loyal group of secret followers.  I love the emails and phone calls I get about my crazy posts.  I've been blogging for 3 months and can't see myself stopping anytime soon.  I absolutely love it! 

As of today, I've had almost 400 visits to the site.  It may not seem like a lot but for me it's major milestone.  Once I hit 500 visits I have to move up to another site counter.  Hooray.....

So thank you all for returning regularly to see what's up and to all the new visitors thanks for stopping by come back anytime.

Sign up as followers and subscribe to the blog. Leave a comment if you see something that makes you smile.   I'm trying to wean a few of you off the email blasts....you know who you are.

Peace - Love  and...

Pepperchild

New Sisterlocks

I thought I would show everyone what I looked like when I first started my Sisterlocks.  I started my journey September 2003.  I can tell you that the beginning was brutal but I kept my eye on the prize. My family was so supportative. Ebbie looked at me and said, wow that's different. Chef looked at me and said...we're going to get you some hats! I didn't go to work my first week of being locked, I just stayed home and kept looking at myself in the mirror. When I finally ventured out much to my surprise it was no big deal.

From Collages

The pictures at the bottom of the collage are within days of having my sisterlocks installed. It took my consultant 18 hours and when she finished all you could see was my scalp. I don't have hair on the sides but then again I never really did. The pictures at the top of the collage is what my hair looked like after my first wash. Actually the condensing or shrinkage is part of the locking process. The picture in the middle was taken in Phuket Thailand and I had on a bit of makeup. It took about about 2 months before I started loving my hair.

Happy Birthday September Babies!!!!

Fontana's Most Wanted

Alert     Alert    Alert    Alert   Alert   Alert   Alert   Alert  

This is a public service announcement.  Your safety is at risk.  If you see any of the individuals in picture, contact parental authorities and take the follow precautions.  Do not let the smiles fool you.

Lock doors and windows - stay inside
Secure BBQ pit and sauce in a safe location
Hide all beverages...especially the "juice"
From a safe location - listen for music - especially Al Green and Bobby Womack early in the afternoon
By late evening if you see movement - it's probably dancing and it will be Old School Pop Lockin

Kids please have your parents sit down before we're all embarassed for life.  I saw this with my own eyes use extreme caution during the viewing of this clip.

Very Funny or Very Smart

I have to admit that I was LMAO when I first saw this picture. Of course I got it from Auntie Nessa.  After I stopped laughing I thought...hmmmm this is actually pretty smart. I am sure that the person was making the most of what was available but you have to sit back and say....WOW!  


Do you watch Bizarre Food or No Reserverations on the Travel Channel?  If you do, then you know that Anthony and Tony get paid a lot of money to explore exotic locations and expose indigenous people to the American audience. We sit in amazement and watch people forage for food and eat things that cause us to simply scratch our heads in amazement. So back to the shopping cart. People cook food on rocks, sticks, bricks, dirt, by smoke, fermentation or dehydration you name it.

So why not a shopping cart? This might be the next nouveau approach in cooking showcased on the Food Network.  I can see Paula Dean taking about grilling some pork chops ya'll. 

As a side note, I am glad that the cook was not in the photo.  You know what I mean.... you hold your breath and say to yourself...I hope it's not .....I'll let you  fill in the blank.

Pepperchild

Happy Birthday Mom

Moms birthday was this past Saturday, September 5th and she is 76 years young.  When I first started blogging, I posted my favorite pic of Mom and the girls. I promised to post the companion from 25 years ago.  Ebbie scanned it for me. Aren't they the cutest things you ever saw?

You know what they say?  It just gets better with time.  I know you guys thought I was going to say something like "Black Don't Crack".  Well here's proof!

Thank God "all" of the Fisher girls inhereited those genes.  We Love You Mom!!!!!

Venita, Vanessa, Darryn, Laronda
Erin, Marcus, Kamina, Danielle, Ryan, Bobby, Melissa, and Darryn

Ms. Ebbie

Enjoy the smooth mellow sounds of Maxwell's "Pretty Wings" as Ebbie does her thing. Oh and she adores Mickey Mouse. Enjoy...Love you Ebbie!

Update 9/7/09 The video is no longer on auto play but you can still enjoy Maxwell

What Have You Done For Your Career Lately?

In addition to being newbie blogger, I am also a certified Senior Human Resource Professional. I thoroughly enjoy entertaining everyone but I also think it's important that we take the time to nuture and manage our careers. Let's face it....we all have to work and if that is the case, you must take the initiative to chart your career path. It doesn't matter if you are a manager, individual contributor or student. Everyone is a leader and as such "you"....and "only you" have the ultimate responsibility for managing your career.

This is the first in a series of topics on Career Development. Let me say that I provided a tiny bit of consultation to Ms. Mimi on her website which was a school project.  She is working on a certificate in Organizational Effectiveness at San Diego State College.  She posted on facebook that her grade on this project was 98%.  Good Job! 

Check out the site and take the Resume Readiness quiz.

http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/~kamina/final_project/index.htm


Pepperchild

Last of the three Kennedy brothers

Statement from The Kennedy Family:

“Edward M. Kennedy – the husband, father, grandfather, brother and
uncle we loved so deeply – died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis
Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous
light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and
perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone
who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who
stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress
toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this
country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that
our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them
without him.”

Now it's time to fill the vacant Senate seat. When Kennedy learned about his illness he lobbied the governor and legislative leaders to change the succession law to guarantee that Massachusetts will not lack a Senate vote when his seat became vacant.

Essentially, he wanted his seat to be filled temporiarily before the voters could choose a new Senator in a special election. In Massachusetts a special election is required within 5 months of the vacancy. There is no provision for an interim replacement. This means that Massachusetts would be without a Senate vote.

There is a lot at stake here and Kennedy was a huge supporter of Obama and his aggressive reform agenda. If an interim successor is named it would be a Democrate. If the vote goes to a special election, it could go either way.

Isn't ironic that when faced with our own mortality....we worry about those we leave behind.

Ms. Mimi

I've outdone myself this time. Mimi loves her some Ledisi. If ya'll don't know who she is...shame on you. The girl is amazing. Enjoy Mimi...Love you.

Update 9/1/09
Since this is last week's post I took the video off auto-play. You can still watch Ledisi do her thing by opening the video.

Styling My Sisterlocks w/ Lock Loops

You know I am a brave soul to show what I look like in the mornings. I took these pics with my iPhone on Tuesday then went to work. I love my Sisterlocks. And for those of you with iPhones - you won't be able to see the slides unless you log into email the old fashioned way. Peace Out!

Guess who got a job!

My girl Sonia is back to work. Hallelujah!!!! Sonia and I go way back. I think we've been friends for over twenty years. Oh my goodness time sure does fly. Well I'm glad to see her back in paycheck land. Sonia was the one who asked about my nickname, so if you didn't read the post - check the archives under nicknames.

I'm Rich #@%*!

Well here's proof that Chef met Dave Chappell. I think he was forced to take the picture. Chef can be pretty intimating and Dave looks awful scared.

Ryan

My little sweetie beetie came to see me last month and brought his friends along. My little guy took his very first steps at his Auntee Honey's house. Back then is was all head and eyes. Now he's a young man and I'm incredibly proud of him. He's sooooooooo adorable and a sophomore at Fresno State. Chef and I are looking forward to having the Ry-man and his friends spend a weekend with us.



Gooooo Bulldogs!

Lil Bobby

From Collages

This is my little bitty baby nephew Bubbalicious. I have 2 more little bitty baby boys but you'll see them next time. Isn't he just adorable.... He's also a gifted athlete. Chef and I joined the proud parents at the Cal football camp a few months ago.

If you want to see him in action. Click the link below and look for #4.

http://www.rivals.com/uploads/1103/763963.wmv

Easter Sunday

I know that a lot of these posts are not in sequence in terms of dates. I am trying to get caught up on a lot of backlog so hang in there with me. I keep finding pictures that I want to share. This picture constitutes "Four" generations of family. Mom, Niece/Cousin, Daughter, Grandson. Enjoy.....

July 4th 2009

Celebrating at Casa De La Ratliff - Sorry but I don't have pictures of the "Insane and Unsafe" (Safe & Sane) fireworks show. I was too busy trying to protect my hair from catching on fire. If anyone has them please send them to me.

Sonia asks..How did you get that nickname?

Looking back on when I was a little nappy headed girl..unh ..unh..unh… (that’s a lyric from a Steve Wonder song ) sorry I digress. Seriously, when I was maybe 8 years old my mother gave us 2 chicks and 2 ducklings for Easter. I kept them until they were too big to stay in the house plus I grew tired of picking up bird poop. My mother arranged for my little darlings to stay with my grandparents, Momma Nita and Daddy James. I am named after my grandmother in case I need to state the obvious. So we loaded everybody into the car for a visit to see the grandparents. When we arrived I was surprised to see that my grandfather had built a chicken coop for my feathered friends. Each and every trip to my grandparents meant that I got to see my birdies. I fed them and gave them water and let them out from time to time. Their favorite treat, at least I thought so, was dried corn kernels. I would pick them off the cob and feed them until they could eat no more. My grandfather stumbled upon one of my feeding sessions and said….”baby….don’t feed them that there corn…they’ll choke to death.” I innocently replied…”but they ate it all up, they must like it”. He patiently responded…”baby, they’re chickens…they’ll eat anything.” Oh…my bad. I’m not stupid and I surely don’t want to kill my little friends. I fed them the next best thing…..RED CHILI PEPPERS. I simply picked them off the bush and shoved them through the cage and they ate.. and ate…and ate. So here comes Daddy James and he says, “baby…. what are you doing and what are you feeding those chickens.” I said I’m giving them peppers and they like it. That’s when he said “Lawd have mercy Jesus, what am I going to do with you….you’re my little Pepperchild.” So there you have it. He would tell me the story over and over and I’ve never forgotten it. Yeah, I know this sounds like a sweet story but there was a climatic ending. They tried to feed me fried chicken for dinner the following weekend. WTF…I’m still messed up over that but I love me some chicken.




Sonia - your're going to be a star - so get ready for your debut. There is a new question on the blog...let's see who is the next person to find it.

Deployed to Iraq

Marcus is on his way to Iraq in September. He casually dropped this on me while texting that he had just landed in SF. I know what you're thinking, Obama is slowly withdrawing the troops and one day we'll be out of that country and maybe taking care of our own. In the meantime one of our family members will be on the other side of the world. So I'm calling on our prayer warrior to post a prayer of peace and protection to look over Marcus and his family until he returns.

Easter Sunday

I surprised everyone and flew into L.A. to spend Easter with the family. We had a great time and I got to see my niece Melissa. She's all grown up now. Who knew we would have a AfricanAmerican - Hawiian with an Alabama accent in the family. Melissa of course is in the middle. Bobby and Darryn the nephews are showing her some luv.

Mom and the girls

This is my all time favorite photo taken at Mom's 73rd birthday party. I have another photo that was taken over twenty years ago that I will post as soon as I find it.

July 4th 2009

Lawdy Lawdy - guess what I did on the 4th of July?

1. Got a mani - pedi..
2. Stayed in bed because it was a holiday..

3. Went shopping for a cute outfit..

4. Got my hair did..

5. You guessed right. We went to a baseball game ..

Here we are in all our patriotic glory. The backdrop is real. We were in the luxury suite and the San Diego Padres game. We were sipping wine and eating hagen daz. What a life.

Remodel Madness

Most of you know there was a plan to remodel when we purchased our home. It's been a long journey with many dead con-artists, excuse me contractors along the way. Here is a view of our progress. We expect to have all of the infrastructure done by mid-August. When everything this is finished will have a tri-level. The first floor is the main living area. The second floor will have the master suite and workout room. The third level will be the media room. Can't wait to have everyone over for the PARTEH! Yeah Baby!