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5 Things I Learned From Momma
**Check out my guest post over at www.awesomelyluvvie.com. I’m all over these internets!**
As I mentioned in one of my Eff ‘Ems this past Friday and a few times on Twitter, Momma Slim was in town. It’s the second year in a row that she’s made a trip out to Boston to hang out for a week for what she calls a vacation. I was debatin’ with Moms about the definition of a vacation and of course there was no way that I was gonna win. The more that I tried to debate, the less likely it was that she would cook some of her magical meals. It didn’t take a high IQ for me to realize that I just needed to shut up and say “Yes Mom”. Coincidentally, this doesn’t sound much different than a situation that I’d run into with a serious girlfriend or a wife in the very very very distant future. Hmm, this scares me just a tad. Gotta change the subject…
In the week that Moms was here, we didn’t do a whole a lot. This isn’t because I’m a bad or lazy son. It’s because that’s what she wanted. While I was out at work, she was content to go for the occasional walk around my yuppie neighborhood, watch some of her favorite tv shows, clean what I thought was a decently clean crib, and cook a few meals. From her actions this week and our night time discussions, I was able to learn or be reminded of a lot of basic things about life. So for today, I present to you my list of 5 Things I Learned From Momma:
1. It doesn’t take much to relax and be happy.
Like I mentioned above, Moms didn’t wanna do anything glamorous or touristy. I tried to tell her she was on vacation, and she told me she was happy just to be away from Albany and to not have any responsibilities for a few days—even though she made a mission to see my place sparkle. Moms is a very simple woman. All she needs is her morning cup of homemade coffee, a remote control, food in the fridge, and a cozy chair. Eh, I’ll throw in cleaning supplies since she seems to enjoy doing it. Speaking of which…
2. I just can’t clean good.
Moms idea of clean and my idea of clean are about the same as living in Africa vs. Antarctica. I’d gotten use to not seeing my closet floor because…well, it’s the closet. I thought that the Swiffer was a superior cleaning device for kitchen, living room, and bathroom floors. I thought that being organized was just having stuff thrown in general areas where I figured I’d be able to find it within 5 minutes. Wrong. All wrong. She made me cop a mop and bucket. Each floor of the house made the bucket of clear water turn into a bucket of black coffee. Basic cleaning supplies got the oven, microwave, and everything glass sparkling. I can actually walk into my walk-in closet. My conclusion? I suck at cleaning.
3. I could live off a lot less money than I think.
I know what I make each year and I know what Momma makes each year. I know how much cash she brought with her to Boston for the week and how much I’d bring to any other city for a week. She has just as many bills as I do and yet she’s able to be more comfortable than her spend happy son. The recession hasn’t affected her, but it damn sure has affected me. I needs to get better. Yes, needs.
4. I really don’t make the best use of my time.
Whenever I got home this past week, the first thing I didn’t was flip open my Mac. Mom noticed and we’d usually have dialogue that went something like this:
Mom: Don’t you get tired of being on that machine?
Me: Not really. I have stuff to do on here.
Mom: Is it for work?
Me: No…
Mom: Then it isn’t that important. You wouldn’t be rushin’ in the morning and you’d be able to keep this place clean if you didn’t spend so much time on that machine.
Very good point Mother Dear. Very good point. My time management skills are still booty bunz.
5. An honest living is an honest living.
My mom has been doin’ the same job for 30+ years. She’s not a lawyer, doctor, high level exec, or anything prestigious. I’ve been able to shock people into shutting their mouths when they talk about jobs they wouldn’t do and ask around about what my parents do/did for work. My mom has been in janitorial services for most of her adult life. As a matter of fact, she’s retiring this year. She’s worked harder in her life than most of us ever will. My father was actually in the same line of work, just at the supervisory level. When she told me about her plans, I was a little bit Emo simply for the fact that she’s getting a much deserved break. It also made me reflect again on where I am in my life and what role she has played in me getting here. When it comes time for me to retire, I want to look back and be just as proud as she is now of her career. This is perhaps the greatest lesson learned from her visit.
I also just learned she doesn’t have a birth certificate because she was born through a midwife and she couldn’t leave the country as a result. So much for that vacation I had planned. I got time to work on that though. Nonetheless, what are some of the lessons you’ve learned from parents or the people that raised you? Ain’t no excuse not to contribute, cuz we all done learned something. Word.
I ain’t no Momma’s Boy but I love my Momma,
62 Responses to “5 Things I Learned From Momma”
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She is so right about the computer, sadly Three ways has simple added to that problem and I don’t see a solution in the near future. I have to hit-up Facebook, twitter, Gossip blogs and youtube and before I know it its morning.
Cleaning is a real disconnect between this generation and my parents generation, we’re use to cleanliness in a bottle, but growing up my Mom and Aunts cleaned on all fours and I remember how proud they would be when they were finish and the house was spotless, I try but I’m definitely not the cleanest person in the world, but when the need arise, I definitely know how to do it right thanks to my Mom. Actually the one thing I cannot deal with is a dirty kitchen and that pet peeve derives directly from my mother. And swipers are garbage, you are literally just pushing the dirt around…sorry.
The money thing is sooo on the Money (pun intended). I still shudder at the thought of having to provide for a family on my salary and my Mom did it with waaaaaayyyy less.
Honestly the biggest lesson I have learned from my Mom is based on her favorite phrase “God will provide”. She worked as a Home health aide for years until her main patient passed away, yet she just had an immovable faith that God would provide, she was never angry or frustrated. Also she always stood up for herself and would walk away from a job if she felt there was a problem with how she was being treated, but some how she always kept her faith and before you know it, she would have another better job. This actually help me a lot during the market downturn, I never stressed when my Job started making cuts, I just figured another better job would come along if it came to that.
Another is being a great cook, everyone loves my Mom’s cooking, she is freaking amazing in the Kitchen. Bringing boyfriends to have dinner at my Mom’s is probably my best game, they get all excited thinking I could possible be as good a cook as her in the future and its never going to happen. My sis and I have totally given up on trying to imitate her, its impossible…
On dating advice, my Mom’s exact words are “If you can bring $1 to the table a man should be able to bring $2. I don’t think she has taken her own advice and It’s something I ponder about sometimes, its definitely controversial but I think it’s the kind of thing Mothers tell their daughters, I think money has been a major issue in her life because she always worked so hard to make ends meet. I generally don’t judge men on money, but I think she figures it would make my life easier. I haven’t put that one into practice yet.
Funny that your Mom lives in Albany, I’m actually here for a few days on business.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:33 am
Whenever you start increasing your computer time efficiency, make sure 3 Ways is the last thing to go from your list. Eff a Bossip.lol.
The disconnect in cleaning from generation to generation is a good point. I hadn’t even thought about it at that level.
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The following “Mom-isms” sum up a droplet of what I’ve learned from Mom:
1) Baby, don’t worry about things you have no control over… put it on the altar
2) Your house should be your “haven in a heartless world” and shouldn’t your haven sparkle?
3) Time is the one thing you can’t buy more of
4) A man is gonna do what a man is gonna do. You decide what you’re gonna do and be about it.
5) Remember how your father and I raised you
She also has a thing about a lady never leaving the house without a $20 bill and lipstick on. Gotta love her.
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Nicki Sunshine Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 8:46 am
” A man is gonna do what a man is gonna do. You decide what you’re gonna do and be about it”
AMEN
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and1grad Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
“5) Remember how your father and I raised you”
This is one that I carry with me always.
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I like this post!!! Its important every once in awhile to realize eventhough you are your own person the people who raised you will always be teaching you something.
And one lesson that’s always been hard to get no matter what generation is the “I’ve been there” lesson. Everyone has heard this from their parents about something. They told u what to do cause they had done it, or knew what would happen just from their life experience and sure enough we did it anyway and of course they were right…only admitting that now of course.
Funnier is trying to pass that same thing off to your younger siblings. My 15 year old sister won’t listen to me to save my life, and the whole time I am talking I’m thinkin I’m saying it more”real”, more on her level…. she’s looking @ me like moms. What can I say I tried. And like me and our other sister…she will learn.
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Those are wonderful life lessons! Congrats to your mom!
My mom taught me:
1) That I have my whole life to work. That is why she never let me have a job while I was in school. I could work in the summertime, but once school started, I focused on schoolwork and extra curricular activities.
2) Have kids when I’m ready. Even if I was in a relationship and marriage, to wait until I wanted kids. So that way doing stuff for them isn’t so much a chore, but a pleasure.
3) To make it a habit to go to church on a regular basis. Too often I’ve made excuses about not going because of the weather, or being too tired from hanging out the night before. If I had to go to work, I’d get up and go in rain/snow/cold, and I’d have to get up and go if I partied on a work night. That thinking has changed my habits.
Of course there is a LOT more she’s taught me, but I’ll leave it at that for now. My mom was a single mother to me and my sister and I think she did a wonderful job.
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1) Keep God first and go to church. (my granny)
2) Be strong and independent. (my granny)
3) Kids aren’t so bad… my mama is one of those neighborhood moms… all the kids love her… some of them will call on her before they call their own parents. (my mama)
4) Don’t get mad at people when they aren’t perfect. (my aunt).
5) Do what YOU want to do. (my aunt)
6) True love does exist (my aunt).
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I’ve learned from my parents that it doesn’t take much to make a happy home so pay attention to what you bring into it.
The simple things are the greatest joy. Every good time doesn’t require bells and whistles…how many times do you give a kid the number one toy being advertised and they turn around and play with the box or wrapping paper and that toy is gathering dust in the corner.
Learn how to do things simplistically like:
Cooking…you don’t need all those gadgets
Cleaning…you’d be surprised what baking soda and vinegar can do.
Sometimes you have to Make do. If you keep chasing things, you will never appreciate what you already have.
Listen and love honestly.
Your home is your sanctuary no matter how big or small…you control what you allow into your space.
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Some thangs my people have taught me:
God’s grace is real. And His blessings are always on time.
Take pride in your appearance, and that of your home.
Don’t date a man with leaned over shoes.
Sometimes you have to treat yourself. Take a break, buy something you want, or just do what you want once in a while.
Progress is possible, but not without some blood, sweat, and tears.
Try not to take life so seriously.
And thanks to my fam, I know what good food tastes like. Yes!!
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A few things my mom taught me:
Keep my credit in excellent standing
Never co sign for anyone not even for a spouse LOL
Handle my business
Give in the right spirit
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Amen SBM bredren.. you know everynow and then I like to come by and leave a comment. Although I read daily.
1) Be a man of your word.
2) Know thyself and thy worth.
3) Mama ain’t raise no fool, don’t let anyone call you stupid.
4) Get a hold of your finances and make good decisions.
5) COME GET YOUR MAIL!
Happy Hump Day.
The Doc.
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2 I actually learned from both my grandmothers (Granny and Grandma). Ma Duke’s isn’t domesticated enough. If Granny came over, the house would get a thorough cleaning, even if it was already clean. And Grandma will tell you just what you need to do to clean your car. Speaking of cars, Grandma doesn’t have license the first but she will tell you how to drive.
My mom once told me don’t be like peanut butter, quick to open and easy to spread. Then she added if you’re going to get your beans grinded to make coffee, make sure to use a filter. Yeah that kind of grossed me out.
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I commented but somehow its not there.. sigh. I did love the post … dont feel like repeating the rest
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Slim Jackson Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:50 am
Sigh for me as well. I’ll look in the comment archives and see if it disappeared into e-space. I’m willing to bet you didn’t put in an email address and the site spazzed out in a rage for not obeying the laws.
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jolie fatale Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:51 am
I decided to come back and re-write what I wrote.
1. I’m glad you were able to spend time with your mom in your own space.. that for me is always nice.
2. I can’t believe you aren’t an excellent cleaner since your parents were in the industry.
_______
what i learned:
I learned how to cook, bake and clean from my mother and I’m very grateful for all her lessons. I also appreciate how she passed on her optimistic nature to me which makes me believe that even in the storm everything will be ok. I thank my dad for teaching me what it feels like to truly forgive. It may be a lesson that I was not expecting to learn an that hurt along the way but I am grateful nonetheless.
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My most favorite saying from my mother, she got from her father: “I can sho ’nuff show you better than I can tell you…” (translation for those in a certain age range: “Watch my footwork…”)
The most important lesson, though, I think has been “Do what you love and take advantage of every opportunity.”
My mom decided to go back to school after working at the same job for almost 30 years and with a child who had just started a private school and would be entering her first year in high school, to back to school. That was not easy. She sold the house and we downsized in a MAJOR way. But the lesson I finally got was, she had to do it for herself. She wasn’t happy and she wanted to be doing something that mattered.
So now, even though people are giving me crazy ::side eyes:: for my decision to go back to school (and moreso for the degree I’m pursuing) I know it’s what I’ll be good at and I know it’s going to matter.
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Smiley Face Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Amen! My mama went went back to school at 40 and learned a new language. Don’t let anybody tell you, you can’t!
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I learned a lot from my mama, being that our personalities are so similar…
1. Be nice to everyone and compliment people whenever you can. It doesn’t take much to brighten up someone’s day, and as a bonus (but not as motivation), people will remember the time you were nice and pay you back with their own kindness (like free stuff, which I always get).
2. Relax and don’t take life too seriously. Part of hard work is ample rest. And life is more fun when you don’t care what ppl think, so just lay back and enjoy the ride (and don’t censor yourself for nobody).
3. Always give back. The only reason we have anything in this world is by God’s grace, so we should pay Him back for His blessings by blessing others. A life of service (sigh… Pause) is a life well-lived.
And last but not least (but I can’t make #4 for OCD reasons), wait for Love. Never settle. It will come when you least expect it. Everything happens for a reason, and everything that happened, you will one day look back and see it was all to bring you to love.
I still believe that.
Love my Mommy (even tho she’s crazy)!!! =)
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This is such a nice post. My mommykins always told me to do something that I’m good as far as a career and that eventually I’ll learn to love it. She also taught me how to clean a house, prepare a fitting meal for a family, sew and crochet. Her best advice to me was probably how to use my words to make my point without starting a fight.
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My mom has said a lot to me about hard work, dedication, being the bigger man, understanding and loving; however her actions speak louder than any of those could have.
My mother has Multiple Sclerosis and her bout with this horrible disease over the past 15 or so years has taught me a lot. There were many times she fought back from being on the brink of death just so she could raise me. After that, she would battle to escape from the captivities of a wheelchair every time she left the hospital.
Why? Well, Mom told me that she wanted to walk to see me at my college graduation. She accomplished that. The next thing is my wedding. Mom dukes has awhile for that. And she’s in training…
My mom’s constant triumphs, tenacity and positive attitude have taught me a lot about pushing forward and enjoying every moment. The former is incorporated into my life and I’m still working on doing the latter. As you can tell, seeing her do all this affected me to no degree.
Moms is the paradigm of womanhood to me.
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Smiley Face Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:41 am
That’s what I’m talking about! Go Mama!!
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I can’t say I have learned anything from my mother or anyone that was around me growing up. I’ve pretty much had to find my own way.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 10:32 am
Is it possible that you may have learned anything by not having fam give you life lessons? I’m curious.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Co-Sign.
Today’s post almost made me cry b/c I don’t have these kind of relationships with my mom. I was never feeling any of lessons they tried to teach me. Thought they were all self motivating and pointlessly restrictive. I always thought I was the smartest member of my family, so why should I listen to these morons. I have been the man of my house since I was 8. Yet I still had to obey people that I felt I had a better grip on life from just b/c they provided for my welfare.
“Is it possible that you may have learned anything by not having fam give you life lessons? I’m curious.”
Yeah sure Slim.
1)Don’t trust anyone.
2)Rules are made to be broken.
3)The momment someone points a finger at you they are a hypocrite.
4)@$$holes will never be happy
5) Just B/C #4 doesn’t mean, you shouldn’t be able to outsmart said asses.
6) If you know what you are doing is right, do not feel bad about lying, stealing, or any other sin you may commit… it was done in an effort to protect those with a fragile mindframe.
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CHeeKZ Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Just like to add…
I still Love My Mother, she did do an excellent job of providing for my welfare.
Just don’t respect her opinion.
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, Pass di Kushempeng Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Sounds like a typical West Indian mother/child relationship. This is a snippet of the convo I had w/ my mom on Sunday:
Mama Steele: Lex, I don’t think you should do that.
RCLS: Woman…you told me not to get my ears pierced and I got 3. You told me not to get tatted up and I did six times. You told me not to get brands and I have 9. Are you starting to notice a pattern?
Mama Steele: Clearly you were switched at birth.
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ASmith Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Lawd Jeebus… 9 brands?!
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N.I.A. N.I.A. bo-bia, banana-fana fo-fia, fee-fi-mo-mia. N.I.A. Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:18 pm
3 ear piercings? and 6 tats and 9 brands? wow…
I still want a tattoo. Am I too old for a butterfly tat?
And I love that your mom said you were switched at birth. Sounds like something I would say to my siblings.
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, Pass di Kushempeng Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Never too old for a tat. Just don’t get it on your face like Game.
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I was just talking to my mommy on the phone yesterday. My mommy is a great woman and I thank her for all that she has taught and done for me. One thing she told me a couple of years ago and she actually told me again last night and I will probably never forget is: “Remember the mother of whom you came from.” WORDS OF WISDOM. She dropped knowledge in 8 words. 8 WORDS!
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Slimmie, you get an “Aww!” for this post. Aw. *pinches your cheeks*
Ok. You spoke the truth in this post. Especially this:
“2. I just can’t clean good. ”
I’d like to think of myself as someone who can clean their house, but I’ve come to the satisfied conclusion that my house will NEVER live up to my mother’s standards. And it makes sense because as clean as she is, my grandma (her mother) was even CLEANER if that’s possible. I have learned to adapt her old-fashioned cleaning habits though. I don’t fool with that Swiffer sh*t. I’ve been
brainwashedtaught that the ol’ mop and bucket will do it the best. I even whip out the rubber gloves and wring that sucka manually. Though, I am thinking about getting one where you can wring from the stick. Yeah, it may require more work and whatnot, but I like to think it’s the only true way. lolThings I’ve Learned From The Dalai Mama (I call her this because she’s a wise somethin’):
1. How to go Cold Turkey on a Man When You Know It’s Over. When she’s through, she is THROUGH. She even has a ninja who dumped HER still
stalkingcalling her today because of her “100% quit ‘em” approach. She is the queen of moving the eff on.2. Spirituality. I’ve learned more from her in regards to a relationship with God than any church can teach me. I don’t belong to an organized religion, but my spiritual connection with God is VERY satisfying. It’s probably mainly linked to the fact that I don’t fear Him as much as know I’m a part of Him.
3. Settling for nothing but the best. This woman has pushed me like a Beyonce stan eager to get close to the stage. Because of her, I’ve graduated college in four years, bought a condo at the age of 24, and many more things I have yet to accomplish but am positive I will because she will be there. She taught me that when I put my mind to it, I “already have it”.
I can list many more, but I’d probably shut ThreeWays down. Not a good thing. lol
I can sum it all up in four words, “I love my mama”.
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ASmith Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:36 am
I can sum it all up in four words, “I love my mama”.
And that’s all that needs to be said.
It took a lot for me to really grasp that I won’t ever grasp all that my mama means to my life, but whoo… what I do grasp… ::sigh::
2Pac said it best, “There’s no way I can pay you back, but the plan is to show you that I understand…”
I love my mama. That’s all.
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Cheekie Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:40 am
“2Pac said it best, “There’s no way I can pay you back, but the plan is to show you that I understand…””
YES!
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Smiley Face Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
“2. Spirituality. I’ve learned more from her in regards to a relationship with God than any church can teach me. I don’t belong to an organized religion, but my spiritual connection with God is VERY satisfying. It’s probably mainly linked to the fact that I don’t fear Him as much as know I’m a part of Him.”
GIRL!!! Me and you are >here< bout this. My mama is my best example of spirituality.
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my mom has taught me a lot, many things by example and others by our wonderful discussions about her own life and how to NOT make the mistakes she made. outside of the taking care of home here are a few:
-always be nice to people; when you leave them they will remember how you made them feel
-you can’t change people
-stop talking so loud, the whole world doesn’t need to hear you (haven’t mastered that one yet, lol)
-dont sweat the small stuff–another one I have to work on, but she’s truly the most easy going person I know.
-keep somethings to yourself. if there is something you don’t want spread, tell the Creator and no one else.
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aw this post couldn’t come at a better time! my mom’s on a cruise so i haven’t been able to talk to her since sunday and i miss our convos (she did get to call me this morning and even though it was brief it’s what i needed to start a good day) i truly love my mom, and it took me until i moved out to really appreciate her for all she’s worth. the strength she’s showed me as she’s lived her life, a life i don’t know if i could have survived so gracefully, i cherish. so here are the things sheila’s taught me:
1. look out for the less fortunate/ underdogs. being that my mother has gone through many struggles to get where she’s at, she’s a firm believer in mentorship and helping others to get where they need to be. this applies to both the professional and social world. you made it, so why not help someone else make it too. pay it forward.
2. people need to know their loved. my mother has a strong tendency to adopt people. maybe it’s because she only had one child, but she’s constantly adopting my friends/kids from church as her “other” children. it’s not all my friends, but the ones she feels need love/ more nurturing the most. she gets really excited to take care of them/ feed them (and not me)/ give them gifts/ etc. sometimes my friends even call her/ email her without my knowledge just to get her advice on situations. the only child in my wants to say back off, but i know it’s for the best and some people can really use her.
3. always go for what you want, even when the odds are against you. (never give up on what God has for you) i know most parents probably say that but it’s one of the things i love about my mom. there’s been many times where i want to change my route or give up but i can always count on my mom and her faith to reassure me that if i really want something, nothing can stop me on achieving it. her persistence and drive have finally started to rub off on me.
4. have a sense of humor. life’s rough, you gotta be able to laugh about some things. my mother can come off as a very serious person, however she has an incredibly goofy side to her. sometimes i find myself telling her to settle down, but then i just end up joining in the fun anyways. i need to learn how to relax more anyways…i’m too young to be more stressed than her.
5. finally, be good at saving money, never know when the ish will hit the fan.
i think that’s enough. talking about how wonderful my mom is always makes me a little emo.
ps- she also hates when i’m on the computer and lectures me about it every time she visits.
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Slim you’re Emo.
lol
seriously, I learned some lessons from both parents
Dad:
1) Dont let stress consume you. All will be well if you think it out and have a plan
2) Always be aware of your surroundings
3) Enjoy life to the fullest
4) His life taught me to take care of myself as best that I can. I want to be around for a long time and health is important
MOM
1) Always perform domestic tasks well for self (make bed, iron clothes, etc) because people will talk about you and say your mom didnt teach you anything, plus women will give you the side eye lol
2) Family comes first! Friends come and go but family lasts forever
3) There are a million women in this world, never stress or beat yourself up or kill yourself over any woman! I still remember when I was going through a breakup my mom would check on me every day. She works in the Psyche Unit of a hospital and sees people killing themselve over bfs/gfs daily. So she makes it a point to check on me if “my mood or attitude” changes from what she’s used to.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:41 am
Don’t call me emo unless you wanna see me turn into the Omega on the T-shirt…
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Streetztalk Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
Which one? You know yall been makin para since 1911 n shyt! I never saw the same Q psi Phi shirt twice! Yall founders were all artists. Keep it real. lol
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ASmith Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
If it’s complete with shirt ripping and dramatic (emo-esque) music I’m game to see that, actually.
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, Pass di Kushempeng Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:27 pm
The one that says “Don’t make me get nasty, you wouldn’t like me when I’m nasty”…it’s has a huge Hulk Dog holding a chimp, a dove and a nupe in his hand. I think that’s the one.
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Streetztalk Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:26 pm
LOLOLOL
Yall dudes are the GOAT in hand me down para though… i remember one of my que ppls got fresh fatigues as a gift and sd it was too fresh and washed it until it faded.
Now THATS Gangsta, lol
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, Pass di Kushempeng Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 3:45 pm
LOL…must be a ballin chapter…when I crossed my dean let me BORROW his shirt, and was adamant about having it back for Founders. Aint THAT a bitch?
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Streetztalk Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
wow. *DEAD* *Respawning in 3…2…1*
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I love this post! Go moms!
Before I ever heard a teacher say it my mom taught me that the only the dumb question is the one that goes unasked.
She taught me that family is forever and always, but you have to live for you.
Along the same lines, work hard but enjoy yourself. A few years back she took herself on a European cruise and I know that was a life highlight. We’re hoping to do Italy together someday.
She taught me to do it all on my own if I had to but always leave room for a good partner in life.
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my mom taught me:
focus on getting all your ducks in order before you try to worry about a potential mate. get your ish together and all that other stuff will fall in place.
life doesn’t always go the way we plan but it doesn’t mean its not what God has in store for us.
sometimes its ok to put others ahead of yourself. just make sure that they are worth it.
sometimes its good to keep things to yourself.
oh she also taught me the basics of cooking, cleaning, ironing, etc. (she was like june cleaver).
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Excuse me as I write down this idea. My Mom’s bday is coming up in October and I’m dedicating a post to her.
And AAAWWWWW!!! The love of Momma just warmed my heart. I feel like buying my mama something today. Hnn… *strokes chin*
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I like this post mucho!
My mom is a hard worker and knows what she’s talking about! Took me becoming a mother to finally see that my momma knew what was best (hindsight).
I learned from my mother not to give up and to give myself credit (hell sometimes I know what I’m talking about too)
I also learned from my mom that certain items around the house can have more then one use; like a pillow case can double as a overnight bag and plastic garbage bags can double as a garment bag (that tip came in handy when I moved over the summer).
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my mommy…who i liek to call miss lady
-always pray…one day she told me the prayer she says every night for my brother and myself and i cried
-if you need something you have to get it…dont walk around in need, sad because you’re lacking, do something about it or ask for help
-worry only about what matters…material things are nice, and we all like them, but at the end of the day, they matter very little
my daddy…cuz deep down im a daddy’s girl all day
-work hard, you will always reap the rewards and be able to share them with the people close to you
-give back..you’ve been afforded certain opportunities because someone helped you, now it’s time to help others
–get good grades…my dad used to stay you start of with a perfect grade in every class, there’s no reason to end with anything less than that
oh, and abut the money thing..i feel ya, one day i was complaining and my mom was like “ummm, we got by with a family of four on your salary alone” made me rethink my entire lifestyle
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After reading academic jargon for the past 72 hours, it’s nice to read something written clearly and concisely, well done Slim.
My mom, aw my mom. I’m definitely a daddy’s girl, but my mom and I talk everyday even if it’s just for 23 seconds.
Part of me feels like her kindness was taken for granted throughout her life, with people always asking her for help and her efforts to go to crazy extremes to help people out (she once drove 4 hours to pick up her friend’s son and then drove back.) As a housewife there’s nothing she hasn’t done personally for my dad: ironing, whatever he wants for dinner every night, taking care of his family for extended periods of time, and coming out on her supermodel shit whenever he needs her by his side. AND, gentlemen of ThreeWays, he has always remembered to show her how much he appreciates that. Although I don’t always agree with her ways, her life has taught me a lot:
-Choosing a family over a career (if you absolutely have to, in her case, she did) is the biggest sacrifice of love you can make.
-Always be nice to people, and God will always be nice to you.
-Help everybody out, and when it looks like they have forgotten about it, something will show you that they haven’t.
-When I become a mom, she’s exactly who I want to be.
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Fabulous post, Slim.
I love both of my parents, but I absolutely admire my mother. Just watching her life has taught me that it is possible to raise children, put them all through college, run a household, be a loving wife and have a professional career. And my father, well he is just the man, and he taught me exactly how far a dollar can go. And I make more than both of my parents combined, I am struggling. My parents have no synpathy for me, and laugh at me for complaining about being broke. LOL! Yeah, I love those 2 old people.
And, my parents have taught me that you are only as old as you feel, and laughter keeps you young.
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Slim….I heart you for this post:)! I could feel the love oozing through the screen as you descibed your time with your Mom…God bless you and Moms too.
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Mama said:
Make sure you always got on clean drawers, cuz you never know when you have to go the emergency room (I guess if I’m not then dirty ones are fine)
Don’t depend on a woman to do something you can very much do for yourself
Pray, pray, pray,pray.
Treat the women folk the way you’d want them to treat me.
Nobody likes a broke man, so get money young man.
Papa:
Your mother is crazy.
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Slim Jackson Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:19 pm
I laughed heartily at what Pops said.
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Thanks to all those who contributed today and felt the post. The depth of people’s comments are impressive. As I say everything night before I kiss my Blackberry and go to sleep:
I love 3 Ways. Oh yes. Oh yes I do.
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, Pass di Kushempeng Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Nucca, you makin blackberry money out here?
::THREEWAYS STAFF MEETING ASAP!!::
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Sorry I’m tardy for the party
oooh oh oooh! Here’s a few memorable things my momma said to me that stuck:“Pray without ceasing.”
“All your life, you’ll have to work twice as hard, because 1) you’re Black, and 2) you’re a female.”
One of the first things she made me memorize was “Excuses are tools of incompetence, used to build monuments of nothingness.”
At about 5 years old, after my teacher told me I wasn’t gonna have any friends if I continued being so selfish, my mom said “All you need is me and God.” lol
Pointing to my special place, when I was about 6 or 7, she said to me “That right there, that’s your treasure. A lot of fools are gon try you for it, so don’t give no nicca the key, you understand me? Protect your gold.”
“What’s done in the dark will come to light.” <– I hated when she said that mess. I always felt like a phantom light was always shinin on me. Twas true tho…
"What's done/said in this house, stays in this house."
"Don't ever let a man define who you are. You betta know yourself, before you let a man try to get to know you."
And of course "I brought you into this world, and I can take you out." I actually still believe this…lol
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The Award Winning RightCoastLexSteele, Pass di Kushempeng Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Mad @ the tardy for the party reference and even madder that I know where that’s from.
::Going home to remove Bravo from my cable lineup::
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CHeeKZ Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Co-sign.
that show is killing your brain cells.
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This is a very nice post.
Two of the best lessons I have learned from my mother are:
1. be content with my life, and
2. never get caught up worrying about achievements because, in the end, I will have what I am meant to have and no one can change that.
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Great post!
As frustrating as parents can get sometimes, it’s good to take a step back once in a while and appreciate the lessons they have taught you.
There’s a million and one things I can probably list but the two that pop into my head right now are as follows:
1) Do what you WANT/LOVE to do (career/studies etc)…nothing worse than sitting back years later regretting choices because you thought you HAD to make them.
2) Whenever you leave the house, dress to impress because you’ll never know who you’ll meet or run into
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