My Imaginary Bff,

The one goal on my list of things to do before I turn 30 that I was most doubtful about was getting tickets to the Oprah show.  I already had it made up in my mind that it wouldn't happen because it was her last season and I'm sure they are getting an overwhelming submission of fans trying to sit in her fabulous audience.  I had already planned on doing  my photo shoot downtown with intentions of stopping by Harpo studios for a lovely shot outside (Never Settle).  After I created my post, I set a reminder in my calendar to visit Oprah.com every day to submit a request for tickets to the show.  Well persistence does pay off.  On Friday, January 21 I received an email from Oprah Show Reservations with the subject Oprah Show UPDATE!!! PLEASE READ AND RESPOND!!!! My heart nearly hit the floor.  I read the email and it asked me to confirm that me and 3 of my friends will be able to attend the taping on January 26th and that it was on a first come first serve basis.  I needed to respond ASAP with the names of my guest and confirm that I am available for the A taping.  I noticed that the email was sent that morning at 10:30 am and by the time I responded it was 11:00 am.  I was sure they had already filled up the audience by then.  At 1:30pm I received my confirmation that me and my 3 guest were confirmed for the taping.  Hallelujah... I was all smiles and had to stop working for a minute.  I printed off the confirmation and took it around the office gloating to my colleagues.  I was soooooooooooo happy. My mine started racing, what am I going to wear, I need to get their early, I'm so excited!!

Today I got up and went to the mall looking for my outfit.  The instructions asked us to refrain from wearing white and all beige because it does something funky to the cameras, and also to wear bright colors.  A few people who went told me that they seat you according to the way you are dressed.  So I was on a mission to find my Oprah outfit. I was in the mall trying on countless skirts, tops and sweaters.  I already knew I wanted a nice pencil skirt, knee boots, a button up blouse with a sweater over it and a thin belt around my waist.  Yes, I already saw me at the show, I just had to find that outfit. I found the perfect coordinating bright bold colors, it was classy yet sexy and a bit trendy.  I was sure to be seated in the front row with this get up!  I purchased my outfit and I was on cloud 10,  my next stop was Mac, because I needed some more of my favorite lip glass "Love Nectar".  The moment I stepped out of the store I grabbed my phone to check my emails.  I had an email from Oprah Show Reservations and my heart began palpating.  When I opened it the first word I saw was "Unfortunately" my palms began to perspire and after I read the rest of the email I had to sit down.  My reservation for our scheduled taping had been canceled due to production changes and they had to remove me and my party from this show ( Heart sank...Crushed), however, the email went on to say that they will do their best to accommodate me in a future show and provided me with a list of the February dates with instructions on selecting my first and second choice dates.  Okay, we still have hope but the email also said to respond ASAP so that they can give me my first choice and the seats are filling up quickly.  I looked over the dates and sent back my 1st and second choice. Called my girlfriend to tell her what happen and we were both feeling down.  Oprah how could you do this ..you were my ace boon,, my bff, my imaginary mentor noooooooooooo.  So I snapped out of my funk got off the phone with my girlfriend and checked my email and yes!! I got the confirmation of my show date for Friday, Feb 11th.  I quickly called my friend back and told her operation Oprah was back on!  Mind you all of this time I am still sitting in the mall looking crazy with all of these emotions, it went from excitement to disappointment and back  to excitement in a matter of minutes.

After speaking to everyone in my party I was informed that one of my girls wouldn't be able to make it bummer.  So when I got home I sent an email to Oprah Show Reservations  and apologized and told them that I had responded too soon and if the Wednesday, Feb 9th B taping was available I love to have that date (Check me out...negotiating with Oprah studios) I told them that if it wasn't available to keep us confirmed for Friday, Feb 11 however 1 of my guest will not be able to attend.  By the time I clicked refresh they responded with my confirmation for Wednesday, Feb 9th.  Needless to say Oprah is back to being my imaginary Bff, ace boon and mentor.  I will be sure to let you know all about the taping and when it is supposed to air.

P.S.  I took back that outfit, because now I have more time to find the perfect O-outfit.  Besides with the way my diet is going I probably won't be able to fit it in 3 weeks.  I'm already down 10 pounds!!

The Inevitable

There is no turning back now! The inevitable is sneaking up on me and approaching at what appears to be an accelerated speed. In approximately 106 days yours truly will turn the big 30! Nothing like the New Year to help you re-evaluate your life, however this New Year, 2011, the year that I turn 30 really made me take a look at the things I've already accomplished and the goals that I am still pursuing. I can honestly say that this lackluster milestone does not intimidate me one bit. For one, it is inevitable therefore I've embraced it and I realize that every single thing I've gone through in life thus far has help lead me to where I am today; blessed.

Instead of having a pity party or being depressed about my newly acquired wisdom I plan to celebrate this birthday in style, pausing to appreciate both the fun in my 20's and the new experiences to come in my future. As a tribute to my 20's I along with my friends and bloggers, Nicole and Sharina , were able to come up with a list of 10 things to do before I turn 30.

1. Lose 30 pounds

You look good, you feel good, point blank!! This is a must and something that I have already begun working on. The gym is my new BFF! I know this is going to take some work but I am definitely up for the challenge.

2. Complete Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred

I've had this DVD for quite sometime now and I always get to about day 14 and quit! If you are not familiar with this workout it is an intense 20 minute workout that uses aerobic and anaerobic intervals which helps you burn fat faster. Well this go round I plan on completing the entire 30 days!

3. Be A Diva for a Night / Karaoke

I would love to put on a sexy sequin dress, a nice wig and sing R E S P E C T! I've always been nervous about this because if you ever go to a Karaoke bar those folks take this serious! I didn't want them to boo me or get upset because I was fooling around. But like I said this is a new year and a new me, who cares if I get booed!

4. Race Car Driving

For some reason I've wanted to do this for quite some time now but never had the guts to do it. After watching Real Housewives of Atlanta and seeing Sheree and Candy go at it, it was quickly added to my list of things to do!

5. Weekend Road Trip with the Girls

No explanation needed just FUN!

6. Pole Dancing Class

Those flirty girl fitness classes look like tons of fun. I think I may have to work on shedding a few pounds first before I hoist my voluptuous self up on somebody’s pole! I am really looking forward to this class.

7. Win tickets to the Oprah Show

I heart Oprah and have tried to get tickets to her show for years now. I remember working for a customer service call center while in undergrad and instead of taking calls I would be calling the Oprah hotline to win tickets. I would have at least 5 phone lines dialing in but as you can see I never got through! It breaks my heart that this is her last season and I possibly will never get to be apart of her fabulous audience. I am going to keep trying!! SN: OWN is my new default channel!

8. Make-Over

When the weight is off and all is said and done, I want a make-over. Out with the old and in with the new

9. Have a Photo shoot Session

A nice photo shoot to show off my new look and to capture me while I can still mumble a 20 something girly girl.

10. Couples massage with Mr.

Nine times out of ten he will think this is "Fruity" but I think this will be a really nice experience for both of us. I would like for us to go to a place of solace, where we will be able to connect spiritually and tune into each others thoughts. We both have unspoken frustrations due to our conception obstacles but I have adopted the notion that God's delays are not God's denials, thanks to some of my wonderful followers!

I did this list because 30 is the start of a new chapter in my life and I wanted to seal my 20's on a high note. I had to look inward to really assess the highs and lows of my 20's and I realized when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change and regardless of my current station in life, I have a spiritual contract to make joy my constant companion and that I don't have to live a life filled with less-than-joyful activities.

Happy New Year!

Peace and Blessings..........