(Notes from Gen X)
When you expect to receive something in return for exchange of your services, you have just put yourself up for sale, and you will undoubtedly be disappointed because your purchase price will not be as high as you expected. Then, you will become resentful and bitter, left feeling the need to remind everyone of what you have done, or how much you have given up.

Most of today’s selections are from some of my favorite designers, Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta, Stuart Weitzman, and Valentino. Evening bags are from the 2012 Louis Vuitton collection. I have to say that while the shoes are elegantly styled, the heel heights aren’t very realistic for all of us. On behalf of Boomacious women everywhere, I’m urging designers to make gorgeous shoes, just like these, in a height that we can wear all night.

At this tender age of 31, I have finally come to a place of love and acceptance of myself. I have learned that I am going to be stuck with me for a long doggone time so I no longer need anyone but myself to validate me. I’m a single mother now and that raises a lot of questions in my head. Am I a good example to my daughter? Did I try hard enough with her father? Do I give her what she needs? Depending on the time I ask these questions, I may give myself a different answer. All I know is that at any given moment, I am giving my child, myself, and the world the best that I have to give.

Evidently, women are not alone. Male baby boomers, according to stats, are getting more plastic surgery, too. Statistics reveal that male facelifts went up 14 percent in 2010. Facelifts are now the fastest growing male cosmetic procedure. Other surgeries that baby boomer men are requesting include ear surgery, liposuction, breast reduction, eyelid surgery, dermabrasion, and laser hair removal. These statistics are from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Gone are the days when only male movie stars sought plastic surgery. Dr, Stephen Baker, a plastic surgeon in Washington, D.C. says “it’s the average guy who wants to look as good as he feels.” Dr, Tenley Lawton sees the trend of baby boomers seeking plastic surgery as the fuel that continues to grow her practice.

Wake up! Get that coffee or tea and listen to this! I’ve just had my Big Brother wake up call. You will not receive tweets, emails, linkedin’s or facebook posts from me dissing rich, famous people with big, big staffs anymore. Then again….. I’m referring to the poor high school senior from Kansas, Emma Sullivan, who was spotlighted in the news this week due to her politically conscious attempt to tweet about something grownup instead of Justin Bieber and Breaking Dawn. The child’s tweet was censored by the office of the Governor of Kansas and she was called into the principal’s office for discipline.

Pentatonix won my heart during the Rhythm and Blues competition, Nov. 14. This multitalented 5 member group from Arlington, Texas had the nerve to sing Marvin Gaye. I never… I …never would have thought a white boy could ever, ever do Marvin justice. Well shut my mouth!

Kirk Franklin gathered an ensemble of gospel superstars to perform his original composition, “Are You Listening”. Yolanda Adams, Jeremy Camp, Shirley Caesar, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Natalie Grant, Fred Hammond, Tamela Mann, David Mann, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Paul S. Morton, J. Moss, Smokie Norful, Marvin Sapp…