One of THE greatest people I know...





THEE Birthday Girl! <3

Let me tell you all about this wonderful soul that has been brought into my life. 28 years ago today, this beauty would be born. I had the pleasure of meeting her for the first time four years ago. After going through a rough time in my life, a former friend (we'll call her Farrah) had told me all about this Naomi girl. I can remember her saying "she has two girls and you will just love her!"  Not being one who trusts many females and because of their dislike for me for some unknown reason, I was reluctant but nonetheless I met up with her, Alicia, and Farrah at Red Lobster for a few margaritas! mmmmm.... margaritas...   


On this night... I realized not all girls were... ummm.... beeotches. :)  And after this... I realized that I had met a friend... a woman that I would be able to laugh with and grow with as friends. I will always thank Farrah for giving me this chance to meet one of the greatest ladies I know.

Over the years, I have watched her grow into an incredible mother. One of thee most loving mothers to her children I have ever seen before. She makes me want to be a better mom to my children. And her girls... I have watched them grow and become spitting images of their mama. They are simply gorgeous and all three combined couldn't match the girliness in a hundred women. You want proof?


Told ya!

Naomi has one of the most contagious smiles and laughter. To just be near her gives you the giggles because she is so full of fun. She always looks great! She recently went red and her firery hair is as firery as her personality. She makes the best out of everything she's given. She is infectious to be around and anyone and everyone that is near her is always smiling. What? You want MORE proof?

See what I mean?!?

She has found the love of her life....


And they compliment each other so well.

 And she loves anything chocolate hence the reason I made her cake pops for her surprise party.

This wonderful woman and friend that God has blessed me with, I will be so thankful for. I am so happy that I was able to celebrate her birthday with her. I am so blessed beyond measure to know such a beautiful person, inside and out. I love you, Nomz!! Happy Birthday!! <3
"Though miles may lie between us, we are never far apart. For friendship doesn't count miles because it's measured by the heart."

Love, Sylba

It is NOT Acceptable: The "R" Word

Seriously... get another word!

Before I begin this blog, please note that I am not bashing anyone and I do not think any differently of others.  I am beyond guilty of this and I am nowhere near perfect.  I’m all over the 1st Amendment. Good stuff, that right to free speech and assembly.

Retard:  1. to make slow; delay the development or progress of (an action, process, etc.); hinder or impede.  2.  To be delayed  3. a person who is stupid, obtuse, or ineffective in some way: a hopeless social retard.

About three years ago, when I was living with my friend Tracy, I would always say “that’s retarded,” or “how gay!”  I never meant anything by it. I was never intentionally or consciously saying that being “retarded” is stupid or that being “gay” is dumb. However, because of today’s society using it freely, it became a part of my everyday language.  My other favorite phrase was "What the crap?!"  LOL Although my "What the crap?" phrase still lingers, I have made myself very aware how offensive those other phrases were.  

I began to realize that I was not the only one who was saying it. All over, from children to teens to adults, use these terms. Without a doubt, many say it not realizing who they hurt and why they say it.  What many do not understand is that mentally retarded is a common diagnosis when referring to someone who has an intellectual disability. People who have intellectual disabilities are people who have dreams, families, jobs, lives and in some cases - spouses and children. They are not any less of a human being than someone who has a genius level IQ.

So why am I on this rant? Last Wednesday, I picked up Cally from school and was approached by the teacher. The teacher proceeded to explain that there is this little boy in Cally’s class that is mentally challenged and how none of the other kids like him. He is always being picked on by the students because he isn’t like them and they always call him a retard.

To my delight, she said “I am so pleased with Cally!  She helps him, she’s the first one to play with him, and she’s always so nice to him!  If the other kids start picking on him, she immediately stands up for him and defends him.  We are so proud of her!”  And oh my gosh! I just wanted to hug her and squeeze her and tell her how proud of her I was!! At that point, I realized that I was doing a damn good job of raising her and showing her what was right and wrong.

My point is this…. We need to be more self aware. I’m against laws censoring language (hate speech is an important exception), but I think as individuals we could do more self-regulating — whether or not we’re in front of kids.  The next time you call someone a retard or use it in a derogatory manner, ask yourself why you chose that word.  Is it because even though you’re neuro-typical you’re just not that smart? If spic and fag are racist slurs, why isn’t retard?  Just something to think about.