WAKE UP! It's time to throw back the covers, plant your feet on the floor, stand up, and look around. Sleeping too long can cause you to rush out of bed and overlook important signs. Are you the only one sleeping with your man? It may be time to blow the cover and see the situation in its bare nakedness; and either check your man or milk it for what it's worth.
While the interest in relationships seems to have disintegrated to hell, the belief and act of committed relationships and the adherence to marriage vows seem to disappearing along with it. It's 2011; technology is progressing, but people aren't socially or emotionally. People are still afraid to show, express, and stand up for who they really are. The DL (Down-Low) life is so old and stale, I just knew it wasn't relevant; but, it somehow morphed into a 'politically-correct-homosexual-all-encompassing' "men who sleep with men." Now, it seems to me, a majority of the men (and other men like them) who were sheepishly using that description are now describing themselves as "straight," but still engaging in not-even-close-to-straight (sexual) behavior and activities.
Ladies, I'm going to help you out...these are your boyfriends and your husbands; many of whom, I'm sure, if you're paying attention to them have some (remote) idea or inclination as a lot of these men aren't as concealed as they believe themselves to be. Ideas to ponder and look for: Is he hard to reach when you're out of town, randomly going places with "one of the boys" at odd times, have a new best male friend appear out of nowhere, or have a close male friend who's wife/girlfriend you've never met (or who's wife/girlfriend you end up spending more time with than you want because the men are always putting the two of you together)? It may be time to get rid of the cover. I see and hear about this stuff far too often; it's sickening and maddening. Many of these men are smart with their slickness but aren't smart enough to know the difference between "discreet" and "discrete." Discreet is now synonymous with deceit, dishonesty, and drama. Neither of which I do or tolerate.
So...COVER, or better yet: what's going on underneath [no punctuation mark]; I'm leaving it open so you can decide for yourself: 1) Is there something going on underneath? 2) Something is going on underneath. Which ever you decide, the "cover" has been on too long and the time has come to blow the top and see the situation in its bare nakedness; act now...before something hits home. It may not be your man keeping you warm at night; but, instead, something from your man..
Ladies, get your girls together; it's time for a movie night! Pop some corn and gather around the couch with a few bottles of wine. The movie to see if Bill Duke's "Cover." Marriage. Betrayal. Secrets...and Lies.

To those men who are hating on me and disliking what I've written about this craziness, I say screw you. If you're man enough to like dick, you should be man enough to live up to it and come out of the closet. No one's holding you back but yourself.
You know you want this...and everybody wants to be Oprah Winfrey; except me. Madam Winfrey is fab, great, grand...and beyond wonderful; I give her that. My hat off to her! However, I know I could never be her...I can only be me! I...we...can learn from her; from what she's done and everything she's accomplished. Don't worry, I'm going to spare you the "this is how to succeed," "this is how to get rich" spiel; I'm not even going to say my usual....DO BETTER.
Nope. No way. Not this time. I'm channeling another part of Ms. O --- quality and standards. Oprah has some out of this world taste and grand standards; which is why practically everything she references/recommends/mentions/thinks about and selects as a 'favorite' or 'pick' becomes an instant hit and a favorite of many of her fans and followers (can you say "powerful" and "highly influential"?). I have impeccable taste and standards too; go ahead, admit it...you know it's true. [smile]
So, I present to you, my inner Oprah and my recent (ok, first official) "O-So Fave Things" list. Now, I warn you...don't hurt yourself.
MY O-SO FAVES:
- Sharpie pen - A quintessential writing tool! Lightweight, smooth writing, and it doesn't bleed through your paper.
- Systane eye lubricant and ointment - Yes, I had my doubts...at first, but I absolutely LOVE the Systane Ultra Lubrican Eye Drops and the Systane Nighttime Ointment. They leave your eyes feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I've often used "moist" to describe these two products make my eyes feel, but you now...take that as you may.
- Bath & Body Works shower gels; for men (Twilight Woods and Noir) -- both subtle and clean fragrances that make you want to jump around and dance and sing after your shower, but still leaves you feeling sensual; unisex (Sea Island Cotton) -- yes, this one will have you smelling yourself! It's soft, clean, and crisp. Great for a night out on the town or a cozy, snuggle-heavy night inside.
- Red Jacket Orchards - Fuji Apple Juice; that's pretty much all that needs to be said. It's pressed; and is likely the best tasting apple juice you will ever have...minus the concentrates.
- Fage - Strained Greek yogurt. Who knew plain could be so extraordinary!? For those days when you want a little something extra...pour in the topping (honey, strawberry, and blueberry are my fave add-ins).
- Barbara's - has a few products that tickle my fancy, but their Original Wheatines Crackers are at the top of my list; also try their Peanut Butter Puffins cereal.
- Glutino - has the BEST pretzel sticks E-VER! Not to mention, they are gluten-free. Hush...don't knock it 'til you try it. You will never want another pretzel. (Look for the blue bag!)
- French Meadow - Splendid chocolate chip cookies and fudge brownies; gluten-free, as well. You won't want to miss out!!!
- Revolution tea - Talk about tasty...and cute (they come in individual serving sizes in adorable boxes). Not only did I had to call and tell my mother about these, but I also had some shipped to her as a gift. She loves them, as well!
So, yes, this is the "Oprah in me" that I'm sharing with you. None of my recommendations are paid endorsements or advertisements. I'm all about quality and taste. Each of the above I use and thoroughly enjoy (some I 'live by,' if you will) and use/consume frequently.
Step up to the plate...try them; I dare you! You know you want to.