Recently, my daughter started school. Well, at least that's what I call it. For some reason, the word school sounds better than daycare. It makes me feel good when I kiss her goodbye and put her in the arms of another woman. And although she's only 15-months-old, she's learning a lot. She even knows sign language! One of the first words she signed was thank you. She can even … [Read more...]
The Single Life: The Vegan & The Carnivore – What I learned about Compromise
There once lived a boy (who will remain nameless) and a girl (that would be me) who fell madly in like. They connected on several subjects and shared common characteristics. They even had the same birthday. The two spent hours on the telephone, telling stories that dated back to their childhoods. Then..... they discussed diets. And that’s when they realized … [Read more...]
Stuff Single Moms Say
When I became a single mother, someone laughed and told me that I now had a baby daddy. The old school song, "That's Just My Baby Daddy" played in my head. I pictured a man wearing a "wife beater" undershirt, drinking a 40 ounce bottle of beer, and yelling, "I ain't paying some chick child support for her to get her hur and nails did, pay her utility bills, and have some other … [Read more...]
Stay-at-Home Dad: I’m Still the Man
When I decided to stay at home with my daughter, I was excited. Excited that I would witness her first words, first steps and first foods. I was envied. Envied because several of my friends returned to work six to 12 weeks postpartum and wished they could spend extra time bonding with their babies. I was optimistic. Optimistic about being able to finish all the projects I … [Read more...]
The Single Life: The Model Man
As I continue my adventures in dating, I met a male model. Not the "I'm really a waiter by day" model, but the "I'm signed to an international agency and gracing billboards" model. I was blown away by his sparkling smile, smooth skin, piercing eyes and overall goodness. It took a second to concentrate on the words coming out of his mouth. He, too, focused on outer appearances … [Read more...]
5 Reasons Why I Love Lance Gross
Over the weekend, I attended St. Jude's Radio Cares Seminar, an event that brings together radio professionals from more than 30 markets representing formats from urban gospel to classic rock. The on-air personalities visit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and witness the impact that they're having on the lives of patients when they raise money and raise awareness with … [Read more...]
Interview: Inside the Mind of a Married Man with Kids
Haywood Batchelor, whose name is the only thing single about him, doesn't mind falling into traditional gender roles. He also doesn't mind redefining his idea of fun. Yo Gabba Gabba is now recorded over NBA games and his date nights with his wife are few and far between. As a working father of a toddler and newborn twins, Haywood is learning that quality is much better than … [Read more...]
Interview With a Single Dad: Budgets, Child Support and Doing Hair
In a society where being average is applauded, I'm careful not to pat single fathers on their backs for doing what they are supposed to. Men should love and care for their children, provide emotional and financial support, and give guidance and instruction. Many men do. We just hear about the ones with 15 children by ten different women, or the ones behind bars for … [Read more...]
Everyone You Meet is Not Your Husband
Last week, I traveled to Washington, D.C. on business. After a long day of meetings, I met up with my favorite cousin at a trendy happy hour. As soon as we walked through the door, someone offered to buy a round of drinks, and while I was still sipping on my Mojito, a Darrin Henson lookalike asked to get me a refill. I smiled and turned down the offer, remembering my early … [Read more...]
Very Smart Brotha Gives Very Smart Dating Advice to a Very Single Mom (Part II)
Last week we gave you part one of an interview with relationship Guru, Damon "The Champ" Young, Editor at Ebony.com and one half of the talented team at Very Smart Brothas. I reached out to him for blogging advice but it quickly turned into me getting free words of wisdom on the guys I'm meeting as a new mommy. It was a long talk and so I broke it into two … [Read more...]
Very Smart Brotha Gives Very Smart Dating Advice to a Very Single Mom (Part I)
When I moved to the Cayman Islands, I told my father I wanted to run a marathon. He laughed. Not because he thought I couldn't reach such a goal, but because he knew what it would take to cross the finish line. In the past, he ran a half-marathon and clocked six or seven-minute miles during training. Once he put a marathon into perspective for someone who never … [Read more...]
Superheroes vs. Supermoms
When I became a mother, I became a super hero. I received special powers long before my baby was born. Super strength and super courage enabled me to carry another human being inside my stomach for nine plus months. I don't recall any comic book characters possessing this amazing ability. After giving birth, I transformed into a more gentle, kindhearted and selfless person; … [Read more...]
Divorced Dad Speaks About Sharing and Sacrificing as a Single Parent
As a single mother, you make countless sacrifices. I can't remember the last time I went out on a date, got a manicure"”let alone a massage"”drank more than one alcoholic beverage or took a vacation that didn't involve staying at a kiddie themed resort. I do recall bouncing checks, draining snot and getting peed on in a new outfit. One sacrifice really hit hard. It decreased … [Read more...]
First Came Love, Then Came the Carriage: What Happens When Things Don’t Work Out as Planned
What About Marriage? My entire life I was told to get married and then have children. I assumed that's how my future would unfold, especially since I focused more on my education and my career than men. Don't get me wrong. I did date. A lot. I just didn't settle down and perhaps hit the snooze button on my biological clock. I also focused on my faith and … [Read more...]