Someone I have regular contact with made this statement to me earlier this week. Just before we went to lunch. I was stunned. I know she's white, and has made some questionable comments, but I don't automatically assume anything about people's political stances. My first reaction was to say to myself, "Really? How can you have friendly relations with me when you're a conservative?" I don't understand. Because when I think conservative, I think, "You don't like black people." At the very least, you're removed from reality, Clarence Thomas.
Conservatives believe in the bootstrap theory, i.e. I did it, my parents did it, so anyone else can bring themselves up from abject poverty on their own. Nice thought, but illogical. Do you understand that there are people who wouldn't know a good role model if he or she slapped them in the face? Do you understand there are children who have never been told they could do anything? Who attend subpar schools where rare is the teacher who has been there more than 2 years? What do you understand about poverty and some people's reality? If you're a conservative, I'd say not much. And considering you care far more about dog abuse than human abuse, I don't know what to say to you.
Do you get along with me because you see me as an exception, not the rule? Because I've met those people too. The ones who think they're being benevolent when saying, "You're not like the others." The others? But you thought I was until you had a conversation with me and realized I'm a third generation collegian, a second generation Hamptonian, grew up in the suburbs, and have never lived in a ghetto. But guess what, because you and people like you will always see Black skin and first think negative, I will never be separated from other Black people. And that's okay. Because the more you include me with all Black people, the more likely it is you will be able to stop thinking of me as an exception and see the many varied faces of Black America.
It's life as a Black person. I can understand that. It becomes a problem when your prejudices and stereotypes make the lives of others miserable and you preclude you from learning from other people. When you no longer even attempt to have a unique, unbiased thought.
Another person, who holds many conservative ideals close to his heart, I speak to regularly says he would never hate all cops, even if he was stopped every single day.
Pause. Take a minute to let that statement sink in.
"Even if I was stopped by a police officer every SINGLE day, I would NEVER hate all cops."
Perhaps you can say that as a white male who, though you never graduated from college, was able to move up through the ranks. That's excellent, but not a reality for most Americans, and even more unlikely for a Black American. Let's attack this you would never hate all cops statement. First, never say never. Second, have you EVER been stopped by a police officer for no reason? Has your child ever been accused of being a gang member for walking with a group of his friends? Has anyone ever locked their doors when you walked by the car? or clutched their purse? or crossed the street? or passed you when you were trying to hail a taxicab? regardless of your educational background or socioeconomic status?
I can almost guarantee the answer is no. If you haven't experienced that, then you should stop talking. You don't know what your reaction would be to consistent mistreatment, not only from ordinary Americans, but also from the people who have pledged to serve and protect, police officers. When you have that kind of daily reaction to something you have no control over, the color of your skin, it tends to color your actions and beliefs.
None of the aformentioned examples are to say I'm a liberal. I'm not. I'm a southerner. You will be hard pressed to find many liberals in the south. Its just not realistic. Liberals are looked at as tree-huggers. People overly concerned with the environment and animals, against gun ownership. Many people in the south own guns. I don't have one, but I'd like to. Most of my family members own guns and several of my uncles hunt.
With the hotly-contested mid-term elections approaching, I'm using the same logic I use with every election. I want the candidate who will most uphold the values I hold true, whether Republican or Democrat. I have no blind allegiance to either party. I know each party has its strengths and weaknesses. Republicans use the foolish "Party of Lincoln" statement in an attmept to attract the Black vote. I know history; and this is not the same Republican party of Lincoln. I also know Lincoln is not the Black savior he's made out to be.
I believe Democrats take the Black vote for granted. Your grandparents and parents have voted Democrat since they were allowed to vote without poll taxes and other Jim Crow methods, since the Civil Rights Movement. Don't buck the system. You need us. And most follow this blindly. What has either party done for me lately? I don't recall either party making the Voting Rights Act a law, instead of merely renewing it for another 25 years. I do recall the Southern Republican congressmen who did not vote in favor of renewal because it was supposedly unduly harsh on Southern states. So create something better with more even-handed justice. It would not behoove either party to shoot down such a law. Though Hispanics are now the largest minority, outside of the Southwest, life is overwhelmingly Black and White. Especially when at this point everyone is angling. The Republicans to retain control of the House and Senate, the Democrats to regain it. Regardless, I need to see some real changes from both political party before either will get my consistent vote. Even then, I will keep my eyes open and be aware of the platforms of each candidate. I will be voting for the best candidate for the job, and I suggest you do the same.
Unfamiliar with the State of Black America posts?
Part VI: Education
Part V: Names
Part IV: Rapists and Child Molesters
Part III: Hair
Part II: Katrina
Part I: The Athlete
10.11.2006
CT Trip October Edition Pt.II
We fell asleep at 1130 that night. Again... ELDERLY! So sad. But he had to go to work the next day. We watched the aforementioned movies Thursday morning. He bought my favorite cereal, Cinnamon Toast Crunch. So sweet. I dropped him off at work, then came back and watched the Food Network (of course). The bf told me I'm gonna be the best cook in the world one day w/all the food network I watch. Then rolled his eyes. Brat. Just because I don't wanna watch ESPN ALLLLLL DAY. Don't get mad. Hater. You'll be real happy when you're filling your belly on my food goodness!!
Took a nap, then got dressed to meet Ashli and her sister at Wood and Tap. I had a bacon bleu cheese burger. It was soooo yummy. I love a good burger. Had a bad waitress again. Tipped her accordingly. So wack. When we have to say something to the hostess TWICE about your service, there's a problem.
After dinner, I went back to the bf's, watched the end of Grey's Anatomy, then fell asleep. Went to pick the bf up, went back to sleep, woke up at the crack of dawn to go catch my plane. So what was the shocking conclusion? I was being sarcastic about my mental state. The longer I'm away from him, the harder it gets to leave. Particularly because I never know when I'll see him again. Could be 3 weeks, could be 6. Its the most frustrating thing ever. I feel the need to make every moment count. Then I'm despondent for days afterward. Will this last forever??? Because that's what it feels like. I miss him. We've been together 10 months.
Took a nap, then got dressed to meet Ashli and her sister at Wood and Tap. I had a bacon bleu cheese burger. It was soooo yummy. I love a good burger. Had a bad waitress again. Tipped her accordingly. So wack. When we have to say something to the hostess TWICE about your service, there's a problem.
After dinner, I went back to the bf's, watched the end of Grey's Anatomy, then fell asleep. Went to pick the bf up, went back to sleep, woke up at the crack of dawn to go catch my plane. So what was the shocking conclusion? I was being sarcastic about my mental state. The longer I'm away from him, the harder it gets to leave. Particularly because I never know when I'll see him again. Could be 3 weeks, could be 6. Its the most frustrating thing ever. I feel the need to make every moment count. Then I'm despondent for days afterward. Will this last forever??? Because that's what it feels like. I miss him. We've been together 10 months.
10.07.2006
CT Trip October Edition Pt. I
I'm back from Connecticut. On my way there, I was reading Essence magazine's annual power issue. It was fabulous. The did an interview with Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice that I can't wait to review soon and very soon. She set off some fire inside me with that one. Essence did an excellent job. Kudos to the editor, my fellow Hamptonian, Angela Burt-Murray. The magazine is on a roll.
The flight was fine. No screaming children. Thank God. I'm not the most patient when it comes to other people's unruly children. Scratch that. I'm evil when it comes to people's unruly children. All I'm saying is grab it when it starts running around throwing things, screaming its head off disturbing/pissing off other people.
I get to the airport in Hartford/Springfield and the bf is actually already there. Amazing. Ok he this is the 2nd time he was already there but the one time I had to wait for him, I was not a happy camper. Y'all know I'm spoiled. We got my bag and made plans for dinner. We hung out at his apartment, watching tv, etc. I had been up since 11 the previous night so by 5 I was exhausted. Fell asleep at 6. He was supposed to wake me up at 7 so I could shower and get ready to go to First and Last Tavern in West Hartford as suggested by Ashli. He let me sleep. Sweet but not in the plan. I like adventure but sometimes I can be a little rigid. I woke up at 8 and we decided to eat a candlelight lasagna dinner at his house (his suggestion). I agreed... but neither of us smoke so we had no matches and no lighter... that meant no candles. So we just ended up eating the lasagna and falling asleep by 1130. SO SAD!! WE ARE ELDERLY!! This is the at least the 3rd trip where there was one or more days we didn't make it to midnight! Sigh... I blame the station. If I'm anywhere near something soft (couch, bed, chair, pillow, non-crusty loaf of bread), my body clock kicks in and I'm knocked out.
The next day we're up at 830, I go to McD's to get us some breakfast, then laid around reading until it was time to go watch his ESPN basketball team play. I got to sit in the bleachers (yes at espn they have bball teams, a court, bleachers, REFEREES, a score keeper and a scoreboard. OUT OF CONTROL right? and hilarious). So people were watching the game on their lunch breaks. I'm of course the ever so fly Jameil. Cream tank with silver sequin detailing along the sweetheart neckline, short cuffed sleeve black angora cardigan, jeans, adorable black and white polka dot satin flats from Nine West that I bought at the airport before heading to CT. Met one of the bf's homegirls from VA. Very nice. Saw a girl I can't stand because she always calls me sweetie and felt the need to name drop seconds after we met. So lame. She looked at me literally 6xs before speaking and then only b/c the nice VA girl said, "Have you met the bf's gf?" She said, "Oh yeah... we met... hey." Hater. Don't be mad b/c I'm fly and you are (obviously) not. Btw... next time the bf is having a party for my bday or any other occasion and think about coming, do everyone a favor and stay at home. Thanks.
After the game (the bf's team won), we stayed to watch part of the next game. Since its the playoffs, his team would play the winner of that game. Elaborate right? Whatever happened to pick up games? We didn't stay long b/c seriously, why would I want to stay forever? I wouldn't. Went back to the apartment, hung out some more, then got dressed to go to dinner. I had on a beige button down shirt with sequins and beading, a fitted tan blazer, jeans, and my other pair of new Nine West shoes, tan tweed peep toe, sling back pumps with gold trim and a wooden heel. Too cute. We went to his friend Courtney's house for his haircut... 45 minutes later I went upstairs to call for an end to the cut. I mean seriously folks. That's ridiculous. I know you guys are talking and all but wrap it up. He did come down looking adorable though. Courtney'd suggested a place downtown called Blue-eyed Sally I think. It was a Cajun-Southern-style place. (I'm always weary of these types north of NC/TN). They had an open mic night and a band performing. Too loud for my particular taste that night so we went to Hot Tomato. Not bad, but not great. I'll be reviewing it on The Record Dish later.
After Hot Tomato, we headed to Blockbuster, picked up Lucky # Slevin b/c its quite popular with the bloggers and Akeelah and the Bee. LOVED Akeelah again. So fabulous. Lucky # Slevin was good too. What did we do for the rest of the night and the next day?? Stay tuned. You don't want to miss the stunning conclusion.
The flight was fine. No screaming children. Thank God. I'm not the most patient when it comes to other people's unruly children. Scratch that. I'm evil when it comes to people's unruly children. All I'm saying is grab it when it starts running around throwing things, screaming its head off disturbing/pissing off other people.
I get to the airport in Hartford/Springfield and the bf is actually already there. Amazing. Ok he this is the 2nd time he was already there but the one time I had to wait for him, I was not a happy camper. Y'all know I'm spoiled. We got my bag and made plans for dinner. We hung out at his apartment, watching tv, etc. I had been up since 11 the previous night so by 5 I was exhausted. Fell asleep at 6. He was supposed to wake me up at 7 so I could shower and get ready to go to First and Last Tavern in West Hartford as suggested by Ashli. He let me sleep. Sweet but not in the plan. I like adventure but sometimes I can be a little rigid. I woke up at 8 and we decided to eat a candlelight lasagna dinner at his house (his suggestion). I agreed... but neither of us smoke so we had no matches and no lighter... that meant no candles. So we just ended up eating the lasagna and falling asleep by 1130. SO SAD!! WE ARE ELDERLY!! This is the at least the 3rd trip where there was one or more days we didn't make it to midnight! Sigh... I blame the station. If I'm anywhere near something soft (couch, bed, chair, pillow, non-crusty loaf of bread), my body clock kicks in and I'm knocked out.
The next day we're up at 830, I go to McD's to get us some breakfast, then laid around reading until it was time to go watch his ESPN basketball team play. I got to sit in the bleachers (yes at espn they have bball teams, a court, bleachers, REFEREES, a score keeper and a scoreboard. OUT OF CONTROL right? and hilarious). So people were watching the game on their lunch breaks. I'm of course the ever so fly Jameil. Cream tank with silver sequin detailing along the sweetheart neckline, short cuffed sleeve black angora cardigan, jeans, adorable black and white polka dot satin flats from Nine West that I bought at the airport before heading to CT. Met one of the bf's homegirls from VA. Very nice. Saw a girl I can't stand because she always calls me sweetie and felt the need to name drop seconds after we met. So lame. She looked at me literally 6xs before speaking and then only b/c the nice VA girl said, "Have you met the bf's gf?" She said, "Oh yeah... we met... hey." Hater. Don't be mad b/c I'm fly and you are (obviously) not. Btw... next time the bf is having a party for my bday or any other occasion and think about coming, do everyone a favor and stay at home. Thanks.
After the game (the bf's team won), we stayed to watch part of the next game. Since its the playoffs, his team would play the winner of that game. Elaborate right? Whatever happened to pick up games? We didn't stay long b/c seriously, why would I want to stay forever? I wouldn't. Went back to the apartment, hung out some more, then got dressed to go to dinner. I had on a beige button down shirt with sequins and beading, a fitted tan blazer, jeans, and my other pair of new Nine West shoes, tan tweed peep toe, sling back pumps with gold trim and a wooden heel. Too cute. We went to his friend Courtney's house for his haircut... 45 minutes later I went upstairs to call for an end to the cut. I mean seriously folks. That's ridiculous. I know you guys are talking and all but wrap it up. He did come down looking adorable though. Courtney'd suggested a place downtown called Blue-eyed Sally I think. It was a Cajun-Southern-style place. (I'm always weary of these types north of NC/TN). They had an open mic night and a band performing. Too loud for my particular taste that night so we went to Hot Tomato. Not bad, but not great. I'll be reviewing it on The Record Dish later.
After Hot Tomato, we headed to Blockbuster, picked up Lucky # Slevin b/c its quite popular with the bloggers and Akeelah and the Bee. LOVED Akeelah again. So fabulous. Lucky # Slevin was good too. What did we do for the rest of the night and the next day?? Stay tuned. You don't want to miss the stunning conclusion.
10.01.2006
The Record Dish
Someone has a new blog... IT'S ME! I'm not going to be one of those people who abandons her old blog. The new blog is a joint one with me, Ashli and Stace. About food and music, hence the title....
THE RECORD DISH
aaaaaaaaaaaaand.... guess who's going to Connecticut??
MEEEEE!!
Going to see the bf again FINALLY!
Are you in CT? See me!
:D
THE RECORD DISH
aaaaaaaaaaaaand.... guess who's going to Connecticut??
MEEEEE!!
Going to see the bf again FINALLY!
Are you in CT? See me!
:D
9.27.2006
Feelin Kinda Warm
No, it is not that warm here. Its not that cold either, but I feel like whining because I know what's coming. Y'all know how I feel about winter and ugly winter clothes. Feelin kinda warm is a line from a Luda song. Miguel/Peabo, whatever he's calling himself now said I needed to listen to it. I haven't been too impressed w/Luda's last two cds. Matter of fact, I liked the first one. The 2nd was ok. Chicken and Beer I was lukewarm about. Red Light District and whatever the name of the last one was, I didn't even buy. Or maybe I bought Red Light District. Damn maybe that was the last one. Anyway I think I bought one after Chicken and Beer and was less than impressed and bought the next one, then said you know what, I'm not going to keep spending money on his less than stellar products. He's gonna have to wow me before I drop them dollas.
That being said... wait a minute. It just struck me the different tone this blog is taking on. It's becoming a food/music review and randomness that is I blog. Which is ok. I just realized it. Its kind of fun. I'm becoming quite addicted to blogging. I just like to write endlessly and get some feedback, commiseration, what have you. And I love that reading other people's stuff inspires me to write some myself. Quite fun.
Anyway back to what I was saying, Peabo said he didn't really like the previous albums, so I thought hmm.. maybe. But first, AOL Music. I'm tryna toldya. AOL Music is that jump off. First of all you can listen to the newest cds IN THEIR ENTIRETY for free. Then AOL Radio keeps me connected to the south when I need it and also has WPGC which isn't as fun to listen to not in DC and when you can listen to commercial free radio stations. But on Saturdays, WPGC has the perfect clean the house crunk music.
I've decided I will never listen to another cd w/o first previewing it on AOL. For what? AOL saved me from Beyonce. Hahahahaha. And made me buy Justin which I can't stop listening to. Then Lupe Fiasco. Of course people told me about Lupe. The bf has been going on and on non-stop b/c one of his boys had a preview copy for months. He's been stalking me about buying this cd and he usually only does that with people from VA. (vomit)
Luda has this hilarious song called "Slap" that's gonna make me buy this just so I can listen to it on my daddy's bangin surround sound w/4 speakers and a 10. Oh yeah! Excerpt, "I feel like slappin somebody today (slap slap!)" See why I need the surround? The slap slap would reverberate off the walls. "Girls Gone Wild" (despite its title) and "Ultimate" are OFF the chain. And not just those disgustingly hot beats. Take back ya crown.
Hey! Guess what guys! Tomorrow's my one-year bloggiversary! :D Aren't you excited?! I would like to thank E.Hill and Jamar for inspiring me to blog though neither of them bother to anymore. Your purpose was to get me to bloggin! And by off shoot, my l.s., sister, and four friends including Ashli and Stace! :D
Today is day one of my three-day weekend. Yay! Its 9:42 and I've been up since 430a. Can't help it. Went to bed at 7 last night after being up forever (and a day). So today I am preparing myself for my MOMMY AND MY SISTER COMING TO VISIT!!!! I'm soooo excited. I've seen my mommy ONCE in the nearly 15 months I've been here and that was in April. Momm-eeeeee!! Can't wait. But when I say that, my sister gets jealous and asks, what about me?? Sigh. Yes little girl I'm excited about seeing you too. Its different with mommies. Duh. But she's never gone more than a month, if that w/o seeing mommy.
I'm supposed to go out with work homies again tonight but I don't think I want to. Daddy's out of town which means I have the crib to myself. I'd like to enjoy it. And OH YEAH!!! A new episode of Project Runway!!!! I can't wait! GO MICHAEL KNIGHT!! Isaac doesn't start with the new shows until Dec 5th! Hurry up!!!!!!
Finished Luda, now on to Janet's 20 y.o. So sad this has no hype at all. I've heard no one say, I just HAVE to have Janet's latest when it drops. That being said, I WILL want to watch her on the Today Show Friday in hopes she'll do some of her old stuff. So far, I like this first song, "So Excited." Let's hope its not the only one I like. 16 tracks including intro and outro, and only 50 minutes. Sigh. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR ARTISTS TO PRODUCE AN ALBUM AN HOUR LONG?!! WHY IS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK?!!! I DON'T WANT TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO YOUR ENTIRE ALBUM ON MY DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK!! This cd is very pop-y. I don't think that's really what I want from her. I don't know what I want from her other than for her to evolve. This cd actually isn't bad, though, despite my reservations. Sigh. Damn you AOL. But I don't HAVE to have this cd. I think mostly b/c I'm tired of buying cds. Its like every week I'm in Target and Best Buy fighting with the teeny boppers.
Sidenote: WHO on my buddy list has an icon that screams 50 cent's Magic Stick? Because I don't like you right now. It keeps yelling, which is distracting number one, and number 2 pisses me off b/c I can't stand that over-swelled bullet head.
Guess who cooked before she went to work yesterday? Oh yeah! Its me! I made the Black Bean Stoup with corn cakes courtesy of Rachael Ray (of course) I told you about. I took some to work and my co-workers were raving over the deliciousnessocity! Yay!! I couldn't make my chicken cacciatore stoup b/c of the spinach scare!!! Y'all know how I feel about my spinach!! I love baby spinach leaves!! **TEARS!! SCREAMING WHYYYYYY!! PULLING HAIR!!** And they're saying you can substitute w/arugula!!! ARUGULA?!! Every foodie worth her salt knows arugula looks like A WEED and has a peppery bite. NOT THE SAME. And I don't want to use canned or frozen spinach because I like fresh ingredients. I don't care what you say Best Week Ever!!! Come back to me spinach!! I love you!!!
That being said... wait a minute. It just struck me the different tone this blog is taking on. It's becoming a food/music review and randomness that is I blog. Which is ok. I just realized it. Its kind of fun. I'm becoming quite addicted to blogging. I just like to write endlessly and get some feedback, commiseration, what have you. And I love that reading other people's stuff inspires me to write some myself. Quite fun.
Anyway back to what I was saying, Peabo said he didn't really like the previous albums, so I thought hmm.. maybe. But first, AOL Music. I'm tryna toldya. AOL Music is that jump off. First of all you can listen to the newest cds IN THEIR ENTIRETY for free. Then AOL Radio keeps me connected to the south when I need it and also has WPGC which isn't as fun to listen to not in DC and when you can listen to commercial free radio stations. But on Saturdays, WPGC has the perfect clean the house crunk music.
I've decided I will never listen to another cd w/o first previewing it on AOL. For what? AOL saved me from Beyonce. Hahahahaha. And made me buy Justin which I can't stop listening to. Then Lupe Fiasco. Of course people told me about Lupe. The bf has been going on and on non-stop b/c one of his boys had a preview copy for months. He's been stalking me about buying this cd and he usually only does that with people from VA. (vomit)
Luda has this hilarious song called "Slap" that's gonna make me buy this just so I can listen to it on my daddy's bangin surround sound w/4 speakers and a 10. Oh yeah! Excerpt, "I feel like slappin somebody today (slap slap!)" See why I need the surround? The slap slap would reverberate off the walls. "Girls Gone Wild" (despite its title) and "Ultimate" are OFF the chain. And not just those disgustingly hot beats. Take back ya crown.
Hey! Guess what guys! Tomorrow's my one-year bloggiversary! :D Aren't you excited?! I would like to thank E.Hill and Jamar for inspiring me to blog though neither of them bother to anymore. Your purpose was to get me to bloggin! And by off shoot, my l.s., sister, and four friends including Ashli and Stace! :D
Today is day one of my three-day weekend. Yay! Its 9:42 and I've been up since 430a. Can't help it. Went to bed at 7 last night after being up forever (and a day). So today I am preparing myself for my MOMMY AND MY SISTER COMING TO VISIT!!!! I'm soooo excited. I've seen my mommy ONCE in the nearly 15 months I've been here and that was in April. Momm-eeeeee!! Can't wait. But when I say that, my sister gets jealous and asks, what about me?? Sigh. Yes little girl I'm excited about seeing you too. Its different with mommies. Duh. But she's never gone more than a month, if that w/o seeing mommy.
I'm supposed to go out with work homies again tonight but I don't think I want to. Daddy's out of town which means I have the crib to myself. I'd like to enjoy it. And OH YEAH!!! A new episode of Project Runway!!!! I can't wait! GO MICHAEL KNIGHT!! Isaac doesn't start with the new shows until Dec 5th! Hurry up!!!!!!
Finished Luda, now on to Janet's 20 y.o. So sad this has no hype at all. I've heard no one say, I just HAVE to have Janet's latest when it drops. That being said, I WILL want to watch her on the Today Show Friday in hopes she'll do some of her old stuff. So far, I like this first song, "So Excited." Let's hope its not the only one I like. 16 tracks including intro and outro, and only 50 minutes. Sigh. WHY IS IT SO HARD FOR ARTISTS TO PRODUCE AN ALBUM AN HOUR LONG?!! WHY IS THAT SO MUCH TO ASK?!!! I DON'T WANT TO BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO YOUR ENTIRE ALBUM ON MY DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK!! This cd is very pop-y. I don't think that's really what I want from her. I don't know what I want from her other than for her to evolve. This cd actually isn't bad, though, despite my reservations. Sigh. Damn you AOL. But I don't HAVE to have this cd. I think mostly b/c I'm tired of buying cds. Its like every week I'm in Target and Best Buy fighting with the teeny boppers.
Sidenote: WHO on my buddy list has an icon that screams 50 cent's Magic Stick? Because I don't like you right now. It keeps yelling, which is distracting number one, and number 2 pisses me off b/c I can't stand that over-swelled bullet head.
Guess who cooked before she went to work yesterday? Oh yeah! Its me! I made the Black Bean Stoup with corn cakes courtesy of Rachael Ray (of course) I told you about. I took some to work and my co-workers were raving over the deliciousnessocity! Yay!! I couldn't make my chicken cacciatore stoup b/c of the spinach scare!!! Y'all know how I feel about my spinach!! I love baby spinach leaves!! **TEARS!! SCREAMING WHYYYYYY!! PULLING HAIR!!** And they're saying you can substitute w/arugula!!! ARUGULA?!! Every foodie worth her salt knows arugula looks like A WEED and has a peppery bite. NOT THE SAME. And I don't want to use canned or frozen spinach because I like fresh ingredients. I don't care what you say Best Week Ever!!! Come back to me spinach!! I love you!!!
9.25.2006
More Mindspace Wandering! Yay!
I've been hanging with the work homies. Wednesday we went to this place called the Locker Room owned by Super Bowl LX MVP Hines Ward. Its ok. There wasn't really anyone there. Some dudes were trying to get with L so they bought us shots of SoCo and lime. (That's Southern Comfort for those of you who don't drink). I'd never had one until April's grand good-bye two months ago.
Then of COURSE b/c they bought us shots WE DIDN'T ASK FOR (but drank), they felt the need to act stalkerish. So we bounced. Walked down the South Side less than a block to Town Tavern. Went inside. There weren't a whole lot of people inside but the music was decent, ESPN was on a million screens and we were just chillin actin up. Some dude came up as the ice breaker for his two shy friends (so lame). So they were standing off to the side, then slid up when they felt the ice was sufficiently broken and we weren't evil.
K said she wanted to have a dance competition. I did one moderately low dip and she backed off. Hilarious. You don't challenge Jameil to a dance! Know ya place! Last time I went out w/my co-workers, one of them asked me why I wasn't a Wild 'N Out girl. Um... because I have a college degree and I hate Nick Cannon. He's the worst.
So when the two dudes walked up they asked my name. I had forgotten my fake name for the night was Tanika for just a second because "My Love" by Justin Timberlake was on. I told the first dude my name was Tanika. 2 seconds later, the other dude asked me my name and what did I say? Jameil. STOP DISTRACTING ME JUSTIN!! The first dude looked at me crazy but I was like oh well I don't care. I'll never see you again anyway and even if I did. I'd tell you a third name. I had to walk the one dude through getting at L. He bought her a drink, then stood on the other side of the table. I was like, "WRONG SIDE OF TABLE." (in his ear) Silly man. So he moved.
But I know most of all you want to know... WHAT WERE YOU WEARING?!!! i was wearing a light weight cream sweater, a navy blue velvet blazer, big gold and green circle earrings (the green looked blue next to the blazer), skinny jeans, and tan cowboy boots. i know what you're thinking. why are you wearing all these CLOTHES?!! but it was 42 degrees. 42!!! in SEPTEMBER! i'm leaving. *throws down the mic* (malik b, get on the mic, get on the mic)
Anyway me, K and KK are going to Houlihan's for lunch tomorrow. Then Wednesday, me and L are supposed to go out again. Look at me getting a life! Ooh la la! My Panthers finally won a game after an 0-2 start. Biotches!! Act right! Ain't nobody payin all that money for you to lose games!!!
How about I talked to the bf for 18 minutes last night, well at 130am, and he fell out. Just sleepy. Can someone give me and the bf the same off days again please? We had the same ones at least once a month for the last 9 months. Now there's a conspiracy and IT MUST END!! If you watched any of the ESPN coverage of the Bills game yesterday, then you saw the bf's work and why he was not able to stay on the phone longer. So sad. We're turning into the elderly.
Also... I just saw two of my fave episodes of Cosby Show back to back. The one where Rudy's taking tap lessons and Cliff goes in w/the old dude and they're cutting up and saying, "Challleeeenge!" So hilarious. Then the one where Cliff, Elvin and Martin are all competing to be the most romantic for $25 or less and they say they won't but then they all love their gifts. Fab.
Also the folk at work still look concerned when I talk about haters or people hating... How do I explain this term to the melanin deprived??? I thought everyone knew what it was... but I've been at this conundrum for months now... So odd.
Then of COURSE b/c they bought us shots WE DIDN'T ASK FOR (but drank), they felt the need to act stalkerish. So we bounced. Walked down the South Side less than a block to Town Tavern. Went inside. There weren't a whole lot of people inside but the music was decent, ESPN was on a million screens and we were just chillin actin up. Some dude came up as the ice breaker for his two shy friends (so lame). So they were standing off to the side, then slid up when they felt the ice was sufficiently broken and we weren't evil.
K said she wanted to have a dance competition. I did one moderately low dip and she backed off. Hilarious. You don't challenge Jameil to a dance! Know ya place! Last time I went out w/my co-workers, one of them asked me why I wasn't a Wild 'N Out girl. Um... because I have a college degree and I hate Nick Cannon. He's the worst.
So when the two dudes walked up they asked my name. I had forgotten my fake name for the night was Tanika for just a second because "My Love" by Justin Timberlake was on. I told the first dude my name was Tanika. 2 seconds later, the other dude asked me my name and what did I say? Jameil. STOP DISTRACTING ME JUSTIN!! The first dude looked at me crazy but I was like oh well I don't care. I'll never see you again anyway and even if I did. I'd tell you a third name. I had to walk the one dude through getting at L. He bought her a drink, then stood on the other side of the table. I was like, "WRONG SIDE OF TABLE." (in his ear) Silly man. So he moved.
But I know most of all you want to know... WHAT WERE YOU WEARING?!!! i was wearing a light weight cream sweater, a navy blue velvet blazer, big gold and green circle earrings (the green looked blue next to the blazer), skinny jeans, and tan cowboy boots. i know what you're thinking. why are you wearing all these CLOTHES?!! but it was 42 degrees. 42!!! in SEPTEMBER! i'm leaving. *throws down the mic* (malik b, get on the mic, get on the mic)
Anyway me, K and KK are going to Houlihan's for lunch tomorrow. Then Wednesday, me and L are supposed to go out again. Look at me getting a life! Ooh la la! My Panthers finally won a game after an 0-2 start. Biotches!! Act right! Ain't nobody payin all that money for you to lose games!!!
How about I talked to the bf for 18 minutes last night, well at 130am, and he fell out. Just sleepy. Can someone give me and the bf the same off days again please? We had the same ones at least once a month for the last 9 months. Now there's a conspiracy and IT MUST END!! If you watched any of the ESPN coverage of the Bills game yesterday, then you saw the bf's work and why he was not able to stay on the phone longer. So sad. We're turning into the elderly.
Also... I just saw two of my fave episodes of Cosby Show back to back. The one where Rudy's taking tap lessons and Cliff goes in w/the old dude and they're cutting up and saying, "Challleeeenge!" So hilarious. Then the one where Cliff, Elvin and Martin are all competing to be the most romantic for $25 or less and they say they won't but then they all love their gifts. Fab.
Also the folk at work still look concerned when I talk about haters or people hating... How do I explain this term to the melanin deprived??? I thought everyone knew what it was... but I've been at this conundrum for months now... So odd.
9.18.2006
Moving On
There comes a time in our lives where we have to grow up. And sometimes that means leaving behind people you've outgrown or who have outgrown you.
From a very young age, I've had to let go of friends at different stages in my life. In first grade, my next door neighbor Adrienne was also my closest friend. Her father did not approve of our friendship (they were white), or her family's kindness toward us, so they moved away. Though I didn't realize it at the time, I was being prepared for the rest of my life.
When transitioning from elementary to middle school, I lost several people I considered friends. Transitioning to high school from middle school, more people fell to the wayside. I wasn't as upset, though because I had created my core. Some of the friends I made in middle school are still my closest friends from home. I'm friends with nearly no one from high school. Again, not really a problem.
People leave our lives for a reason. But the WAY they leave is key. My best friend in middle and high school just stopped talking to me. For a month I would call her and get nothing. A solid month. This after we were used to speaking daily or every other day. Who does that? Then she didn't understand why when she finally called me and there was no normal explanation I didn't really have anything to say to her. So that was a wrap.
Then there was my high school sweetheart. We started dating the end of our senior year in high school, but we had been friends throughout. We were in the band together. We went to Europe together the summer after senior year with American Music Abroad. We stayed together through freshman year in college even though he was at NC A&T and I was at Hampton. The end of that year was kind of rocky but we fixed it over the summer. Or so I thought. When we got back to our respective schools, suddenly e-mails and phone calls weren't being answered. And I knew he was getting my messages because his roommate was in the band with us in high school too and he sounded mortified to talk to me. We were all friends. The last straw was when he missed our two year anniversary.
Wouldn't you call that the last straw? Yeah... then about two weeks later he called me making some excuse about not having a computer or a phone card to call me. Phone card, doubtful. Computer? Liar. He was a computer science major. There are computers all up in and through your academic building. I told him not to contact me anymore. We didn't speak again until his brother and my sister (who were friends) graduated from high school. And that was only because I'm ridiculously friendly. I had already spoken to him kindly because I recognized him before my brain kicked in and said, "WAIT!! You don't like him!! He's a (insert inappropriate language)!!!!" But it was too late. CURSES!! But it lasted that day. We haven't spoken since. That was June 2002.
The next person was my closest friend in college. We were inseparable. People always asked about the other one when one of us wasn't around. We met at Honors College Orientation freshman year. But we didn't really become friends then. Sophomore year we lived next door to each other. I knocked on K's door to see if she wanted to go to church with me and my friend C and she said sure. So we all went to church, then breakfast. Then me and K went to our first class, saw each other. Went to our second class... saw each other. Exchanged schedules and found out we had 6 out of 7 classes together. So that was pretty much it.
She became my drinking partner (scuze me, drankin pahtah! hahahaha) and librarian. Best combo ever. We had our knock down, drag out fights. Then less than a year after graduation, the talking stopped completely. Of course I was hurt but in the last month or so (yes it took almost 2 years) I've gotten over it. We were growing in different directions. Better we just stop talking than kill each other.
I've had to cut some people off myself. Its a necessary evil. We have to be willing to grow up and move on. If a relationship is not working for you, dragging you down mentally, infusing your life with negativity, let it go. Move on.
From a very young age, I've had to let go of friends at different stages in my life. In first grade, my next door neighbor Adrienne was also my closest friend. Her father did not approve of our friendship (they were white), or her family's kindness toward us, so they moved away. Though I didn't realize it at the time, I was being prepared for the rest of my life.
When transitioning from elementary to middle school, I lost several people I considered friends. Transitioning to high school from middle school, more people fell to the wayside. I wasn't as upset, though because I had created my core. Some of the friends I made in middle school are still my closest friends from home. I'm friends with nearly no one from high school. Again, not really a problem.
People leave our lives for a reason. But the WAY they leave is key. My best friend in middle and high school just stopped talking to me. For a month I would call her and get nothing. A solid month. This after we were used to speaking daily or every other day. Who does that? Then she didn't understand why when she finally called me and there was no normal explanation I didn't really have anything to say to her. So that was a wrap.
Then there was my high school sweetheart. We started dating the end of our senior year in high school, but we had been friends throughout. We were in the band together. We went to Europe together the summer after senior year with American Music Abroad. We stayed together through freshman year in college even though he was at NC A&T and I was at Hampton. The end of that year was kind of rocky but we fixed it over the summer. Or so I thought. When we got back to our respective schools, suddenly e-mails and phone calls weren't being answered. And I knew he was getting my messages because his roommate was in the band with us in high school too and he sounded mortified to talk to me. We were all friends. The last straw was when he missed our two year anniversary.
Wouldn't you call that the last straw? Yeah... then about two weeks later he called me making some excuse about not having a computer or a phone card to call me. Phone card, doubtful. Computer? Liar. He was a computer science major. There are computers all up in and through your academic building. I told him not to contact me anymore. We didn't speak again until his brother and my sister (who were friends) graduated from high school. And that was only because I'm ridiculously friendly. I had already spoken to him kindly because I recognized him before my brain kicked in and said, "WAIT!! You don't like him!! He's a (insert inappropriate language)!!!!" But it was too late. CURSES!! But it lasted that day. We haven't spoken since. That was June 2002.
The next person was my closest friend in college. We were inseparable. People always asked about the other one when one of us wasn't around. We met at Honors College Orientation freshman year. But we didn't really become friends then. Sophomore year we lived next door to each other. I knocked on K's door to see if she wanted to go to church with me and my friend C and she said sure. So we all went to church, then breakfast. Then me and K went to our first class, saw each other. Went to our second class... saw each other. Exchanged schedules and found out we had 6 out of 7 classes together. So that was pretty much it.
She became my drinking partner (scuze me, drankin pahtah! hahahaha) and librarian. Best combo ever. We had our knock down, drag out fights. Then less than a year after graduation, the talking stopped completely. Of course I was hurt but in the last month or so (yes it took almost 2 years) I've gotten over it. We were growing in different directions. Better we just stop talking than kill each other.
I've had to cut some people off myself. Its a necessary evil. We have to be willing to grow up and move on. If a relationship is not working for you, dragging you down mentally, infusing your life with negativity, let it go. Move on.
9.15.2006
Feed Me Seymour
I don't know anyone named Seymour, and despite what you may think, no I'm not writing solely about food again.
I love facebook's mini feed. It cracks me up. I be all UP in people's business. My fave people to torment? My sister and my line sister. Its hilarious. I'm like, "You're going speed dating? What is a "Blue Light Special" event? Why are you being invited to something called "Summer Secrets, Fall Fantasies" ya nasty?" Oh its hilarious. I also found out this guy we went to Hampton with became single at 5:41 pm. Of course the main reason it doesn't bother me is because DUH I don't have it. Hahahaha. My homie lets me use her page so I can view the madness. Its great. My l.s. says, "I'm going to have to change my privacy status. You not gon be questionin me about my whereabouts!" HILARIOUS I SAY!! HILARIOUS!! HAHAHAHAHA!
I neeeed some fashion food. I bought this fabulous black skirt at Arden B the other day. Originally $98, it was on sale for $35. Its a little longer than knee length, tight, then flares out at mid-thigh with alternating ruched panels. FABULOUS. Then I got home and thought I didn't have anything to wear with it to Daddy/Daughter night. But I pulled out my Guess mohair cardigan with the ruffled collar and ruffled three-quarter length sleeve. Under that I wore a black tank with lime green lace trim and varying shades of green flowers all over it. In my ears, my diamond earrings and green leaf earrings. On my feet, black patent leather thong sandals. And bright red toenails.
First we watched Celebrity Fit Club and drank some wine. Then we went to Mad Mex. Yumm. I had a California Wrap w/grilled chicken, sour cream, lettuce and avacado and a glass of sangria. Went to Target so I could buy Justin Timberlake and replace the Raheem DeVaughn cd someone stole from me. I put in the JT. You should've seen my dad JAMMIN to Sexy Back. HILARIOUS!!! The highlight of the night. No doubt. Came back to the house, watched Grey's Anatomy and drank some more wine. OMG!! Next week I'm cooking because I am NOT missing the season premiere! How am I just discovering this show?! Because I always ignore the hype unless forced. Plus it came on when I'm always asleep.
Krispy Kreme. OMG! I see a hot doughnuts now sign and lose my mind. I will break traffic laws to get there. But the other day my doughnuts were lukewarm and I was pissed. I was born and raised an hour and 1/2 from the FIRST Krispy Kreme. Don't play with me. I know hot doughnuts. How do I always get the horrid food service? Do I have a disrespect me sign on my forehead? The girl at Mad Mex last night got a bad tip b/c she was inattentive and took too long to take our orders and THE MONEY?! Someone explain to me how you take your time getting someone's money. And I took the comment card to fill out. Don't try me HEATHER!
Also... unrelated but is Tracy Morgan borderline retarded? I really think he has to be. Either that or on drugs. He was on Conan the other night ni his usual interview mode. He's not much different from his mentally impaired characters. No eye contact, blank stare, shaking, the odd voice. And Conan was encouraging his behavior, of course. It was hilarious but only further convinced me Tracy Morgan is mildly retarded.
I love facebook's mini feed. It cracks me up. I be all UP in people's business. My fave people to torment? My sister and my line sister. Its hilarious. I'm like, "You're going speed dating? What is a "Blue Light Special" event? Why are you being invited to something called "Summer Secrets, Fall Fantasies" ya nasty?" Oh its hilarious. I also found out this guy we went to Hampton with became single at 5:41 pm. Of course the main reason it doesn't bother me is because DUH I don't have it. Hahahaha. My homie lets me use her page so I can view the madness. Its great. My l.s. says, "I'm going to have to change my privacy status. You not gon be questionin me about my whereabouts!" HILARIOUS I SAY!! HILARIOUS!! HAHAHAHAHA!
I neeeed some fashion food. I bought this fabulous black skirt at Arden B the other day. Originally $98, it was on sale for $35. Its a little longer than knee length, tight, then flares out at mid-thigh with alternating ruched panels. FABULOUS. Then I got home and thought I didn't have anything to wear with it to Daddy/Daughter night. But I pulled out my Guess mohair cardigan with the ruffled collar and ruffled three-quarter length sleeve. Under that I wore a black tank with lime green lace trim and varying shades of green flowers all over it. In my ears, my diamond earrings and green leaf earrings. On my feet, black patent leather thong sandals. And bright red toenails.
First we watched Celebrity Fit Club and drank some wine. Then we went to Mad Mex. Yumm. I had a California Wrap w/grilled chicken, sour cream, lettuce and avacado and a glass of sangria. Went to Target so I could buy Justin Timberlake and replace the Raheem DeVaughn cd someone stole from me. I put in the JT. You should've seen my dad JAMMIN to Sexy Back. HILARIOUS!!! The highlight of the night. No doubt. Came back to the house, watched Grey's Anatomy and drank some more wine. OMG!! Next week I'm cooking because I am NOT missing the season premiere! How am I just discovering this show?! Because I always ignore the hype unless forced. Plus it came on when I'm always asleep.
Krispy Kreme. OMG! I see a hot doughnuts now sign and lose my mind. I will break traffic laws to get there. But the other day my doughnuts were lukewarm and I was pissed. I was born and raised an hour and 1/2 from the FIRST Krispy Kreme. Don't play with me. I know hot doughnuts. How do I always get the horrid food service? Do I have a disrespect me sign on my forehead? The girl at Mad Mex last night got a bad tip b/c she was inattentive and took too long to take our orders and THE MONEY?! Someone explain to me how you take your time getting someone's money. And I took the comment card to fill out. Don't try me HEATHER!
Also... unrelated but is Tracy Morgan borderline retarded? I really think he has to be. Either that or on drugs. He was on Conan the other night ni his usual interview mode. He's not much different from his mentally impaired characters. No eye contact, blank stare, shaking, the odd voice. And Conan was encouraging his behavior, of course. It was hilarious but only further convinced me Tracy Morgan is mildly retarded.
9.14.2006
Justin Timberlake... and a tangent
Not a fan of the guy. I think he tries too hard to prove his Black influences. We get it. You think black people are "awesome." Stop tryin so hard.
I also did not like the way he threw Janet under the bus after the wardrobe malfunction fiasco. I know he apologized about that like 2 weeks ago but its too little too late.
That being said... had my bloggers not stalked my comments section into submission, I would never have given that cd a chance. Ever. I went to my usual source, AOL Music to shut you guys up.
And fell in love. DAAAAAAAAAYUM! Wow. The cd is really good. Its a solid, quality album. I can see why he apologized to Janet. He knew Black people could and would love his album, but first he had to go try to right a wrong because we don't forget stuff like that. We still haven't forgotten. But my bloggers (damn you) made me open my eyes. So now I have to go buy the cd because it only has 12 songs (you know that's one of my pet peeves), but its 66 minutes... whoa. Five minutes per song? That's what I'm talkin about. And 5 minutes well spent.
Take note Beyonce! Ooh low blow. I'm gettin death threats after that one, right X and La? The cd is horrid. Ok maybe horrid is too strong but absolutely not one of her best releases. She should've waited. Throwing that cd together in 3 weeks, then telling everyone like you're proud of that... should've kept that to yourself. Because your dirty draws are showin (southernism for you yankees). That means you put your business on the street and its not too cute. Beyonce is talented, there is no doubt about that. We heard Dangerously in Love.
So let me give you the B-day review I'll give anyone who will listen (also heard this one on AOL Music in its entirety. The difference: it made me keep my money instead of spend it). I actually like "Ring the Alarm" a lot better w/o the visual of that psychotic video that makes everyone think she would kill Jay-Z if he ever tried to leave her. Upgrade U is a great club banger. Deja Vu... not so much. Irreplaceable is replaceable. Green Light... ehhh. Sugar Mama.. pass. Resentment... DING DING DING! Best song of the cd. Too bad its the last song. I'll pass on this one B. Let me know when you get back to singing. *yawn* Anyway this post is dedicated to Clay Cane who does a wonderful job on Beyonce for the sake of comedy. I LOVE CLAY CANE!! :D And ladies and gentlemen, his latest, which garnered an amazing 15k hits and some aaaaaaangry beyonceans. Is that what B fans call themsevles? That woman has some true Stans (thanks dp :D lolol).
I also did not like the way he threw Janet under the bus after the wardrobe malfunction fiasco. I know he apologized about that like 2 weeks ago but its too little too late.
That being said... had my bloggers not stalked my comments section into submission, I would never have given that cd a chance. Ever. I went to my usual source, AOL Music to shut you guys up.
And fell in love. DAAAAAAAAAYUM! Wow. The cd is really good. Its a solid, quality album. I can see why he apologized to Janet. He knew Black people could and would love his album, but first he had to go try to right a wrong because we don't forget stuff like that. We still haven't forgotten. But my bloggers (damn you) made me open my eyes. So now I have to go buy the cd because it only has 12 songs (you know that's one of my pet peeves), but its 66 minutes... whoa. Five minutes per song? That's what I'm talkin about. And 5 minutes well spent.
Take note Beyonce! Ooh low blow. I'm gettin death threats after that one, right X and La? The cd is horrid. Ok maybe horrid is too strong but absolutely not one of her best releases. She should've waited. Throwing that cd together in 3 weeks, then telling everyone like you're proud of that... should've kept that to yourself. Because your dirty draws are showin (southernism for you yankees). That means you put your business on the street and its not too cute. Beyonce is talented, there is no doubt about that. We heard Dangerously in Love.
So let me give you the B-day review I'll give anyone who will listen (also heard this one on AOL Music in its entirety. The difference: it made me keep my money instead of spend it). I actually like "Ring the Alarm" a lot better w/o the visual of that psychotic video that makes everyone think she would kill Jay-Z if he ever tried to leave her. Upgrade U is a great club banger. Deja Vu... not so much. Irreplaceable is replaceable. Green Light... ehhh. Sugar Mama.. pass. Resentment... DING DING DING! Best song of the cd. Too bad its the last song. I'll pass on this one B. Let me know when you get back to singing. *yawn* Anyway this post is dedicated to Clay Cane who does a wonderful job on Beyonce for the sake of comedy. I LOVE CLAY CANE!! :D And ladies and gentlemen, his latest, which garnered an amazing 15k hits and some aaaaaaangry beyonceans. Is that what B fans call themsevles? That woman has some true Stans (thanks dp :D lolol).
9.13.2006
Thursdays w/D
So I've decided now that every Thursday is me and Dad's day. We will hang out or go out or cook or eat. This week we're going to see Godfrey (the 7up guy) at the Improv. Now that I have Thursdays and Fridays off I can make these kinds of weekly arrangements. Ahhhhhhh yeah. Also I will be posting more now. I've put my myspace blog to bed b/c it was boring me. I need some stimulation! Not enough comments. Y'all know I'm spoiled. Shoot. I NEED ATTENTION!
Also... may I just say I love the Block Party soundtrack. Because I bought Danity Kane, Gnarls Barkley, The Roots and Outkast after Block Party, its been a while since I've listened. But yesterday.... wow! Put it back in and its FAB! Love. I also like Danity Kane. Gnarls Barkley has too few songs. The Roots is ok. Its growing on me. I like Outkast. Very blues/jazz rap. I love that they continue to evolve w/every cd. Now THAT'S stimulation. I can't stand a 30 yo still talking about standing on the corner, dealing drugs, his whips and hoes. So wack. Viva Outkast! Yous outkasted meaning now you have a choice like that! (takin it back.. recognize).
Also... may I just say I love the Block Party soundtrack. Because I bought Danity Kane, Gnarls Barkley, The Roots and Outkast after Block Party, its been a while since I've listened. But yesterday.... wow! Put it back in and its FAB! Love. I also like Danity Kane. Gnarls Barkley has too few songs. The Roots is ok. Its growing on me. I like Outkast. Very blues/jazz rap. I love that they continue to evolve w/every cd. Now THAT'S stimulation. I can't stand a 30 yo still talking about standing on the corner, dealing drugs, his whips and hoes. So wack. Viva Outkast! Yous outkasted meaning now you have a choice like that! (takin it back.. recognize).
9.10.2006
Ahem.. Take Note
ROCK THE BLUE AND WHITE, ROCK THE BLUE AND WHITE, ROCK THE BLUE AND WHITE! STOP! AND LET ALUMNI DO IT!
Hampton 46, Howard 7
Enough said.
Hampton 46, Howard 7
Enough said.
9.08.2006
Foodie Alert!
So after this Olive Garden waitress tried my face, I felt the need to cook. Actually buy groceries. My homie Stace does it all the time. She gets bored and heads to the kitchen. I got bored and felt the need to spend some money. I bought a myriad of ingredients. The first day I made a turkey, ham and swiss sandwich on a whole wheat kaiser roll (shut up ashli and stace). The second day I made these delicious gourmet burgers. Ground turkey, spinach, mushrooms, fresh garlic, grill seasoning. Soooooooooo yummy. Of course on a whole wheat kaiser roll with a slice of swiss cheese. You know I love burgers! One of my fave foods. I have to eat one at least once a week. But usally turns out to be more than that.
Today I wrapped sliced turkey and ham, fresh baby spinach leaves, ranch dressing, swiss cheese in a sun-dried tomato tortilla. Soooooooooo yummy and surprisingly filling. I think tomorrow I'll make either my chicken cacciatore stoup or black bean stoup with corn cakes and maybe chicken quesadillas. No broccoli soup for me! How gross does that sound? Sorry Stace! Lmao! Remember my chili recipe? My dad's still asking about it. How adorable is that? The first 50 degree day I'm making it for him. I also bought some artichoke hearts. What should I do with them? Hurry up before my inner Rachael Ray goes back in. I do have 365: No Repeats but I want to give you guys a chance. Don't let me down! (You probably will). Hahahahahaha. Anddddddddd.......... go!
Today I wrapped sliced turkey and ham, fresh baby spinach leaves, ranch dressing, swiss cheese in a sun-dried tomato tortilla. Soooooooooo yummy and surprisingly filling. I think tomorrow I'll make either my chicken cacciatore stoup or black bean stoup with corn cakes and maybe chicken quesadillas. No broccoli soup for me! How gross does that sound? Sorry Stace! Lmao! Remember my chili recipe? My dad's still asking about it. How adorable is that? The first 50 degree day I'm making it for him. I also bought some artichoke hearts. What should I do with them? Hurry up before my inner Rachael Ray goes back in. I do have 365: No Repeats but I want to give you guys a chance. Don't let me down! (You probably will). Hahahahahaha. Anddddddddd.......... go!
9.06.2006
I Hate Black People
Seriously. No, I don't want to be in your bootleg book club. After my fabulous book club at home, I'm very very picky. I'm picky anyway. But after seeing how a fun, successful book club can work, I want another one. I'm tempted to go to Pitt to join one of theirs. If I can find one that meets on Wednesday or Thursday night, I'm there.
Look at this book club invite I got today for "Manna: Soulful Intellect."
Two groups:
"What is Christian Fiction?Christian Fiction books that include realism and themes that involve Christians dealing with actual current problems that they encounter in today's society.
What is Urban Fiction?As a rule, urban fiction portrays African-American protagonists (often anti-heroes) coming of age and trying to survive in a hostile environment with positive outcomes. The Soul Pitt also wants to use the Urban Fiction group as a platform for adults and young adults to speak about subject matter they relate to and encourage group discussions. Hopefully we can challenge the community to face the issues and not fall victim to them. "
Nice enough concept. Definitely not my cup of tea. More on that later.
Now look at the "Urban" selection:
"Hope Evans is an eccentric college student, born and raised in Miami’s notorious Pork and Beans Projects. All her life, Hope has dreamed of becoming a lawyer and one day helping her people out of ghetto oppression. By some uncanny fate, Hope meets the handsome thug, Life, in the midst of his desperate attempts to elude a massive police manhunt. Their brief encounter leads to a liaison of lust and passion, but with vast differences they soon part ways.
Years later, Hope and Life meet again on opposite sides of a courtroom. Life, one of the biggest drug kingpins in the United States, is on trial for his life. On the other side of the courtroom is Assistant US District Attorney Hope Evans, who is holding a deep, dark secret. The infamous kingpin, Life, is the father of her child.
Adult/Young Adult Discussion Topic: Why do good Girls fall for Bad Guys?"
GET the hell out of here. Really? REALLY?! Huh uh. Do we really have to read b.s. like this? There are plenty of Black writers out there who are writing about something other than the PORK AND BEANS PROJECTS!! With characters named Hope and Life. This is not Who Moved My Cheese?, a book whose charm I never got. We already know how I feel about education and reading. Wise and her readers made some interesting comments on the state of black fiction as well.
Dues:
"Dues for the book club will only be $5.00 per month (paid in advance). This will be used to defray the cost of attending and hosting book club events. It will be for things like food, bookmarks, and bringing in national authors. The first dues will be in the amount of $10. $5.00 will cover the Oct meeting and the other $5.00 will cover the next meeting. This way you will be ahead. "
I'm not totally opposed to this idea. Our book club was rotated at people's houses. Everyone lived in that neighborhood at first, but me and Mommy. So we could do that with a small group. Who really wants to regularly invite a bunch of strangers into their homes? No one. So the dues are not a bad idea.
My book club...
I was the youngest person by at least 20 years. My aunt and her friend started the book club in their neighborhood. There was me, Ann (my fave, 50 yo white woman from GA. We were always HERE), Aunt Louise (55 yo black woman), Rosetta (60+ yo black woman whose 5-star chef husband cooked themed meals coinciding with whatever book we were reading), Mommy (50 yo from Mississippi), Sharon and Sandra (both 50+ black women). I can't remember several of the other people's names because they didn't come as much. A young Indian woman came once or twice. She was around 30. There is one woman whose name I can't remember and its really bothering me because she was so nice, came a lot and hosted. It was great fun. Every month one person chose a book and hosted the meeting. When you hosted, you chose the next book. The only requirement to host was wine. You had to have wine. Didn't matter what kind or how expensive, as long as you had at least 2 bottles.
The thing I enjoyed most was the fact that because of the different backgrounds and ages of the book club members, we had a range of book choices. The one whose name I can't remember was one of the first to start with the theme. We read Angels and Demons, so she had angel food and devil food i.e. angel food cake, deviled eggs. It was very cute. I read so many books I never would've read, but really enjoyed. The Secret Life of Bees was one of them. Angels and Demons was another. Lovely Bones. Cane River. I didn't always like the books though. Ann picked some 500 page book none of us read. I can't even remember the name of it. Lol. She was so disappointed. Poor thing. I suggested one of my faves Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. They didn't like it that much but I didn't mind. The Seven People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom was fair. We also watched it together when the movie came on tv shortly after we read it. The Poisonwood Bible, The Hot Flash Club were pretty good too. I think we agreed not to read The Notebook. I was one of the loudest objectors. Most of us had already read it anyway. Hated that book. Too sappy. Before I got there (I joined after I graduated from Hampton), they also read The YaYa Sisterhood which I loved.
I was afraid to join the book club. Temptation by fellow Hamptonian Victoria Christopher Murray was the first book we read. The plot was incomplete to me. I thought they wouldn't value my opinion because I was so much younger. But they actually enjoyed my presence. It gave them a different view on the book and the world. Aunt Louise, the retired teacher, was our secretary.
Just before I moved here, the book club began to break apart. The newer members stopped coming. Ann moved to Georgia. Aunt Louise and Rosetta moved to Sun City, SC near Hilton Head. Then I moved to Pittsburgh. But its a good thing the book club began to dissipate. It would have been one of the hardest things for me to leave.
Look at this book club invite I got today for "Manna: Soulful Intellect."
Two groups:
"What is Christian Fiction?Christian Fiction books that include realism and themes that involve Christians dealing with actual current problems that they encounter in today's society.
What is Urban Fiction?As a rule, urban fiction portrays African-American protagonists (often anti-heroes) coming of age and trying to survive in a hostile environment with positive outcomes. The Soul Pitt also wants to use the Urban Fiction group as a platform for adults and young adults to speak about subject matter they relate to and encourage group discussions. Hopefully we can challenge the community to face the issues and not fall victim to them. "
Nice enough concept. Definitely not my cup of tea. More on that later.
Now look at the "Urban" selection:
"Hope Evans is an eccentric college student, born and raised in Miami’s notorious Pork and Beans Projects. All her life, Hope has dreamed of becoming a lawyer and one day helping her people out of ghetto oppression. By some uncanny fate, Hope meets the handsome thug, Life, in the midst of his desperate attempts to elude a massive police manhunt. Their brief encounter leads to a liaison of lust and passion, but with vast differences they soon part ways.
Years later, Hope and Life meet again on opposite sides of a courtroom. Life, one of the biggest drug kingpins in the United States, is on trial for his life. On the other side of the courtroom is Assistant US District Attorney Hope Evans, who is holding a deep, dark secret. The infamous kingpin, Life, is the father of her child.
Adult/Young Adult Discussion Topic: Why do good Girls fall for Bad Guys?"
GET the hell out of here. Really? REALLY?! Huh uh. Do we really have to read b.s. like this? There are plenty of Black writers out there who are writing about something other than the PORK AND BEANS PROJECTS!! With characters named Hope and Life. This is not Who Moved My Cheese?, a book whose charm I never got. We already know how I feel about education and reading. Wise and her readers made some interesting comments on the state of black fiction as well.
Dues:
"Dues for the book club will only be $5.00 per month (paid in advance). This will be used to defray the cost of attending and hosting book club events. It will be for things like food, bookmarks, and bringing in national authors. The first dues will be in the amount of $10. $5.00 will cover the Oct meeting and the other $5.00 will cover the next meeting. This way you will be ahead. "
I'm not totally opposed to this idea. Our book club was rotated at people's houses. Everyone lived in that neighborhood at first, but me and Mommy. So we could do that with a small group. Who really wants to regularly invite a bunch of strangers into their homes? No one. So the dues are not a bad idea.
My book club...
I was the youngest person by at least 20 years. My aunt and her friend started the book club in their neighborhood. There was me, Ann (my fave, 50 yo white woman from GA. We were always HERE), Aunt Louise (55 yo black woman), Rosetta (60+ yo black woman whose 5-star chef husband cooked themed meals coinciding with whatever book we were reading), Mommy (50 yo from Mississippi), Sharon and Sandra (both 50+ black women). I can't remember several of the other people's names because they didn't come as much. A young Indian woman came once or twice. She was around 30. There is one woman whose name I can't remember and its really bothering me because she was so nice, came a lot and hosted. It was great fun. Every month one person chose a book and hosted the meeting. When you hosted, you chose the next book. The only requirement to host was wine. You had to have wine. Didn't matter what kind or how expensive, as long as you had at least 2 bottles.
The thing I enjoyed most was the fact that because of the different backgrounds and ages of the book club members, we had a range of book choices. The one whose name I can't remember was one of the first to start with the theme. We read Angels and Demons, so she had angel food and devil food i.e. angel food cake, deviled eggs. It was very cute. I read so many books I never would've read, but really enjoyed. The Secret Life of Bees was one of them. Angels and Demons was another. Lovely Bones. Cane River. I didn't always like the books though. Ann picked some 500 page book none of us read. I can't even remember the name of it. Lol. She was so disappointed. Poor thing. I suggested one of my faves Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. They didn't like it that much but I didn't mind. The Seven People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom was fair. We also watched it together when the movie came on tv shortly after we read it. The Poisonwood Bible, The Hot Flash Club were pretty good too. I think we agreed not to read The Notebook. I was one of the loudest objectors. Most of us had already read it anyway. Hated that book. Too sappy. Before I got there (I joined after I graduated from Hampton), they also read The YaYa Sisterhood which I loved.
I was afraid to join the book club. Temptation by fellow Hamptonian Victoria Christopher Murray was the first book we read. The plot was incomplete to me. I thought they wouldn't value my opinion because I was so much younger. But they actually enjoyed my presence. It gave them a different view on the book and the world. Aunt Louise, the retired teacher, was our secretary.
Just before I moved here, the book club began to break apart. The newer members stopped coming. Ann moved to Georgia. Aunt Louise and Rosetta moved to Sun City, SC near Hilton Head. Then I moved to Pittsburgh. But its a good thing the book club began to dissipate. It would have been one of the hardest things for me to leave.
9.05.2006
She Tried Me!!
So I took my dad to Olive Garden the other night. I ordered the Tuscan Garlic Chicken. A new entree. I saw the pic, with the whole roasted garlic cloves. That made me a bit wary, but I said what the hey? After a disgustingly long wait, (btw i wanted to get the stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer but she didn't bother to ask so I didn't bother to order), the food finally came. She says,
"those hard pieces on your plate are garlic. i think there are 10-15 pieces. you don't have to eat them."
Excuse me?
FIRST of all. i know wtf garlic is!!!!
2nd they are not PIECES they are CLOVES.
3rd there's a HEAD of garlic in my kitchen right now.
4th since you don't know they're cloves, you probably don't know garlic comes in heads which you break apart to get the individual "pieces" actually known as cloves.
5th ever heard of rachael ray? yeah she taught me 90% of the food tricks and language i know. she's the garlic queen so please believe i KNOW!!
6th i watch food network more than any other channel, style network takes a close 2nd.
7th, and most importantly...
*insert hip hop dalmatians, "she don't know don son! she don't know!"*
I'M A FOODIE!! I was too through. That's why her tip got cut down. And I didn't order the drinks I wanted or the dessert I considered all because I didn't want her to get any extra money. I left her 18%, but i would've left more if she had been a decent waitress. When someone tells you they want water for now, you come back and ask what they want now about 15 minutes later. Ugh. Cnel! handle my light work son. and i'm out.
"those hard pieces on your plate are garlic. i think there are 10-15 pieces. you don't have to eat them."
Excuse me?
FIRST of all. i know wtf garlic is!!!!
2nd they are not PIECES they are CLOVES.
3rd there's a HEAD of garlic in my kitchen right now.
4th since you don't know they're cloves, you probably don't know garlic comes in heads which you break apart to get the individual "pieces" actually known as cloves.
5th ever heard of rachael ray? yeah she taught me 90% of the food tricks and language i know. she's the garlic queen so please believe i KNOW!!
6th i watch food network more than any other channel, style network takes a close 2nd.
7th, and most importantly...
*insert hip hop dalmatians, "she don't know don son! she don't know!"*
I'M A FOODIE!! I was too through. That's why her tip got cut down. And I didn't order the drinks I wanted or the dessert I considered all because I didn't want her to get any extra money. I left her 18%, but i would've left more if she had been a decent waitress. When someone tells you they want water for now, you come back and ask what they want now about 15 minutes later. Ugh. Cnel! handle my light work son. and i'm out.
9.03.2006
Part II
Ummm... because I started it a while ago, it posted below. Here's the link to part II of my trip.. Enjoy! :D
8.29.2006
In Memoriam... One Year Later
On August 29, 2005, thousands of people died. This time one year ago we were watching the images of a beaten and battered Gulf Coast. Places I had been were destroyed. Biloxi and Gulfport, Mississippi, New Orleans, Louisiana. No one thought the damage would be this widespread or still be in place one year later.
You only had to have the television on for a few minutes today to become bombarded with the images of what people from the Gulf have to deal with everyday. The clean-up continues and there is a long road ahead. Let us never forget. You already know I feel the pain of Katrina victims through the lives of my friends and family every single day. I'm obsessed.
Today I spoke to one of those friends from New Orleans about how she feels. She's going through the stages of grief. Last year she was just sad. This year she's more upset. Its hard to watch such a vibrant person go through this. Her parents are going to rebuild even though they know the city will never be what it once was. That's the hardest thing. The New Orleans of her childhood, the Biloxis, the Gulfports, the Pass Christians of so many childhoods, forever decimated.
Throughout the night, as the levees continued to leak water, 75 to 80% of New Orleans was underwater, including the homes and schools of two of my closest friends in college.
That same day, Dr. Kenneth LeVar Riddle, a 2004 Hampton grad from the School of Pharmacy died. Kenny was a wonderful person. He was nice to everyone, spoke, remembered your name, always had a smile and abounding energy. I cried and cried and cried when I found out he died. It was just so unbelievable. I made arrangements to go to his funeral near DC. The church was filled with beautiful young Hamptonians whose lives he'd touched. I have no problem with saying good-bye. I've been doing it since I was six. But this was one of the hardest funerals I've ever had to attend. I almost chickened out the morning of, but Morgan wouldn't let me. I'm glad I went.
Every morning, Kenny did this Daily Profession of Faith.
I AM WHAT GOD SAYS I AM:
I am the head and not the tail.
I am the lender and not the borrower.
I am above and not beneath.
I am healed, I am healthy, I am delivered, I am forgiven. I am redeemed. I am restored. I am blessed. I am highly favored. I am prosperous.
I am a MAN of GOD.
I am a friend of GOD.
I am a great MAN of valor and integrity.
I ama spirit being seeking after the likeness of GOD.
I am consistenet in the things of GOD.
I am a changing person in a new place.
I am intelligent and divinely creative.
I WILL DO WHAT GOD SAYS DO:
I will bless them that curse me.
I will pray for them that despitefully use me.
I will love the Lord God with all my heart, all my mind and all my sould.
I will love my neighbor as myself.
I will bless the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continually be in my mouth.
I will walk worthy of my calling, with meekness and lowliness, with longsuffering, forgiving and forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
I will honor the Lord with all my substance and the first fruit of all my increase.
I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding.
I will acknowledge Him in all my ways, believing and expecting Him to direct my path.
I will be a good steward of my mind, my body, my spirit, my soul, my territory, my mouth, my gifts, my annointing, my time, and my relationships.
I will walk by faith and not by sight.
I will make my calling and election sure.
I will choose life and speak life.
I will meditate on the word of GOD both day and night.
I will obey the word of GOD.
I will sacrifice for the promise.
I will manifest the word of GOD in my life THIS DAY.
I will be an example of the body of believers in word, conversation, faith, charity, spirit and purity.
I DECLARE: ALL IS WELL, IT IS SO!!!
His mother and fiancee were the vision of beauty and strength that day. Both of them were able to speak about Kenny. This is an excerpt of the message his mother put on the funeral program about watching him lying in a hospital bed after his car accident, before he died.
"As I watched you lying there in a body that was once so full of life, creativity, imagination, praise, intelligence, dance, humor, oratorical skill, class, style, warmth, care, prophecy and worship... I thought to myself an angelic bus is coming and he's making the decision to leave me... The Lord has been grooming you for this move and I will bow to His will... Kenneth, you'll be glad to know that I'm manning up and staying with it! (smile) God is giving me strength, peace and comfort on a daily basis... We'll part company for a few, but I know we'll meet again."
That is DEEP y'all. That is some kind of strength and faith.
Rest in peace Kenny, and the more than 2, 000 other people who died one year ago, today.
You only had to have the television on for a few minutes today to become bombarded with the images of what people from the Gulf have to deal with everyday. The clean-up continues and there is a long road ahead. Let us never forget. You already know I feel the pain of Katrina victims through the lives of my friends and family every single day. I'm obsessed.
Today I spoke to one of those friends from New Orleans about how she feels. She's going through the stages of grief. Last year she was just sad. This year she's more upset. Its hard to watch such a vibrant person go through this. Her parents are going to rebuild even though they know the city will never be what it once was. That's the hardest thing. The New Orleans of her childhood, the Biloxis, the Gulfports, the Pass Christians of so many childhoods, forever decimated.
Throughout the night, as the levees continued to leak water, 75 to 80% of New Orleans was underwater, including the homes and schools of two of my closest friends in college.
That same day, Dr. Kenneth LeVar Riddle, a 2004 Hampton grad from the School of Pharmacy died. Kenny was a wonderful person. He was nice to everyone, spoke, remembered your name, always had a smile and abounding energy. I cried and cried and cried when I found out he died. It was just so unbelievable. I made arrangements to go to his funeral near DC. The church was filled with beautiful young Hamptonians whose lives he'd touched. I have no problem with saying good-bye. I've been doing it since I was six. But this was one of the hardest funerals I've ever had to attend. I almost chickened out the morning of, but Morgan wouldn't let me. I'm glad I went.
Every morning, Kenny did this Daily Profession of Faith.
I AM WHAT GOD SAYS I AM:
I am the head and not the tail.
I am the lender and not the borrower.
I am above and not beneath.
I am healed, I am healthy, I am delivered, I am forgiven. I am redeemed. I am restored. I am blessed. I am highly favored. I am prosperous.
I am a MAN of GOD.
I am a friend of GOD.
I am a great MAN of valor and integrity.
I ama spirit being seeking after the likeness of GOD.
I am consistenet in the things of GOD.
I am a changing person in a new place.
I am intelligent and divinely creative.
I WILL DO WHAT GOD SAYS DO:
I will bless them that curse me.
I will pray for them that despitefully use me.
I will love the Lord God with all my heart, all my mind and all my sould.
I will love my neighbor as myself.
I will bless the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continually be in my mouth.
I will walk worthy of my calling, with meekness and lowliness, with longsuffering, forgiving and forbearing one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
I will honor the Lord with all my substance and the first fruit of all my increase.
I will trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not to my own understanding.
I will acknowledge Him in all my ways, believing and expecting Him to direct my path.
I will be a good steward of my mind, my body, my spirit, my soul, my territory, my mouth, my gifts, my annointing, my time, and my relationships.
I will walk by faith and not by sight.
I will make my calling and election sure.
I will choose life and speak life.
I will meditate on the word of GOD both day and night.
I will obey the word of GOD.
I will sacrifice for the promise.
I will manifest the word of GOD in my life THIS DAY.
I will be an example of the body of believers in word, conversation, faith, charity, spirit and purity.
I DECLARE: ALL IS WELL, IT IS SO!!!
His mother and fiancee were the vision of beauty and strength that day. Both of them were able to speak about Kenny. This is an excerpt of the message his mother put on the funeral program about watching him lying in a hospital bed after his car accident, before he died.
"As I watched you lying there in a body that was once so full of life, creativity, imagination, praise, intelligence, dance, humor, oratorical skill, class, style, warmth, care, prophecy and worship... I thought to myself an angelic bus is coming and he's making the decision to leave me... The Lord has been grooming you for this move and I will bow to His will... Kenneth, you'll be glad to know that I'm manning up and staying with it! (smile) God is giving me strength, peace and comfort on a daily basis... We'll part company for a few, but I know we'll meet again."
That is DEEP y'all. That is some kind of strength and faith.
Rest in peace Kenny, and the more than 2, 000 other people who died one year ago, today.
The Birthday Trip Pt. II
You'll want to start at Part I...
... I walked in... and everyone turned... and stared. One second... I don't recognize anyone. Two seconds... ok I recognize her but I don't think she'd come to a party in my honor. Three seconds... oh, there's Ashli. Four seconds... there's CC. The floor fan blows my tulle skirt a la Mariah Carey videos of the last 5 years.... "SURPRISE!" Blank stare from me. Blink. Blink. Blink. "Girl we were tryin to surprise you, damn!" <--- But who are you? Didn't know this person from Adam. I said to the bf, "Who are all these people?" He said, "I don't know. I don't know half these people either." Huh? Hilarious. Then Jamar came into view. I said ok that now makes 4 people who I knew before the bf started working at ESPN. Most of my friends couldn't come because they were so far away. I expected that from most people. There were a couple of people I was looking for who weren't as far away.
I had asked for a surprise party including his friends and my friends. For awhile there were a lot of people I didn't know. I was kind of confused. And when I walked in I was actually scared. I love to be the center of attention. This is true. But everyone stared at me for 5 seconds without saying anything, just kind of grinning. Some of them were looking around the room. Probably b/c they didn't know this was for me... hilarious. CC and Ashli brought me an earring and necklace set, a sweet card and a cute black and white striped tank.
I walked in said to the college bartender extraordinaire, "Make me a drink." She says, "Do you want some Hennessey? Umm... no. So Ashli took a barcardi concoction with pineapples in it, put it at the bottom of an infamous red cup, then poured a generous helping of Tanqueray Silver on the top (that's right, we only drink the good stuff), gave it a stir and handed it to the guest of honor. Whheeee!! This is gonna be a great night! I took a preliminary sip, and said, "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm so good." I proceeded to drink that. Then the bf pulled out two champagne flutes, and popped a bottle of Moet. Oh boy! That's what I'm talkin about! I finished one glass, then filled another. I also had Ashli make me another drink.
Word to the wise (and I already knew this), champagne does not play well with others. I started doing Hampton cheers with one of the other Hamptonians, who I met that night. "Rock the Blue and White, Rock the Blue and White!" then "Pump it up, go head, go head, pump it up go head!" then "If your team's alright, alright let me hear you one time, yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah whoo!" Oh I was on fi-yah! I wished Classy Jojo was there. She never hesitated to join me in doing the cheers in the stands sober as the day we were born.
The bf tried to get me to eat but I wasn't interested in food at that point. I later grabbed a hot dog, but didn't eat much of it. Some random girl was calling herself the dj playing all this slow music. It was horrific. Somebody sit her down. Ashli, another drink please. And I got a tour of the house. Very cool. Exposed brick walls. Lovely.
Laid out on the cool red couch. Convinced the bf to leave at like 130. Y'all know I can't hang anymore. My bedtime is like 3 pm. The next morning definitely had the angry stomach. GRRRRROWL! We went to McD's for breakfast, watched "Boomerrang," then headed to the grocery store to shop for our mini dinner party. I made honey-glazed pork chops, rice, and broccoli. I picked up the organic broccoli. The bf says, "Organic? What does that mean?" "No chemicals." "No chemicals?! But does it still taste good? The chemicals make it taste good." "What?!" Wow... really? The chemicals make it taste good. Hilarious. A city child. Oh yeah, I also made my now famous peach lemonade. People love it. Minute Maid frozen lemonade, fresh peaches and lemons, sugar and people lose their minds. Why did his friends walk in and have to turn on LIFETIME so they could watch the Fantasia story. Oh HELL no. Appalled. And one dude was taping it for some girl. I was like y'all did not have to watch this. Foolishness. At dinner the bf announced my promotion... I'm now a producer. Are you proud? :D
The next day we hung out, watched the Fantasy Football Draft Special on ESPN. It was hilarious. Bought some beer, then we went to a restaurant downtown. I think it was Max Downtown but I can't remember the name. It was in the same restaurant family as that restaurant in Hartford. Then me, him, Ashli and CC went to open mic night at this bar. A black bar. This guy was horrid. Like seriously no one should have ever let him on the mic!! Someone should have told him in life. Like maybe his family. A sister, a cousin. Someone should have said, "You can't sing. Don't ever go in public. Thanks."
The next day I left. Fabulous trip, even more fabulous bf! :D
... I walked in... and everyone turned... and stared. One second... I don't recognize anyone. Two seconds... ok I recognize her but I don't think she'd come to a party in my honor. Three seconds... oh, there's Ashli. Four seconds... there's CC. The floor fan blows my tulle skirt a la Mariah Carey videos of the last 5 years.... "SURPRISE!" Blank stare from me. Blink. Blink. Blink. "Girl we were tryin to surprise you, damn!" <--- But who are you? Didn't know this person from Adam. I said to the bf, "Who are all these people?" He said, "I don't know. I don't know half these people either." Huh? Hilarious. Then Jamar came into view. I said ok that now makes 4 people who I knew before the bf started working at ESPN. Most of my friends couldn't come because they were so far away. I expected that from most people. There were a couple of people I was looking for who weren't as far away.
I had asked for a surprise party including his friends and my friends. For awhile there were a lot of people I didn't know. I was kind of confused. And when I walked in I was actually scared. I love to be the center of attention. This is true. But everyone stared at me for 5 seconds without saying anything, just kind of grinning. Some of them were looking around the room. Probably b/c they didn't know this was for me... hilarious. CC and Ashli brought me an earring and necklace set, a sweet card and a cute black and white striped tank.
I walked in said to the college bartender extraordinaire, "Make me a drink." She says, "Do you want some Hennessey? Umm... no. So Ashli took a barcardi concoction with pineapples in it, put it at the bottom of an infamous red cup, then poured a generous helping of Tanqueray Silver on the top (that's right, we only drink the good stuff), gave it a stir and handed it to the guest of honor. Whheeee!! This is gonna be a great night! I took a preliminary sip, and said, "mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm so good." I proceeded to drink that. Then the bf pulled out two champagne flutes, and popped a bottle of Moet. Oh boy! That's what I'm talkin about! I finished one glass, then filled another. I also had Ashli make me another drink.
Word to the wise (and I already knew this), champagne does not play well with others. I started doing Hampton cheers with one of the other Hamptonians, who I met that night. "Rock the Blue and White, Rock the Blue and White!" then "Pump it up, go head, go head, pump it up go head!" then "If your team's alright, alright let me hear you one time, yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah whoo!" Oh I was on fi-yah! I wished Classy Jojo was there. She never hesitated to join me in doing the cheers in the stands sober as the day we were born.
The bf tried to get me to eat but I wasn't interested in food at that point. I later grabbed a hot dog, but didn't eat much of it. Some random girl was calling herself the dj playing all this slow music. It was horrific. Somebody sit her down. Ashli, another drink please. And I got a tour of the house. Very cool. Exposed brick walls. Lovely.
Laid out on the cool red couch. Convinced the bf to leave at like 130. Y'all know I can't hang anymore. My bedtime is like 3 pm. The next morning definitely had the angry stomach. GRRRRROWL! We went to McD's for breakfast, watched "Boomerrang," then headed to the grocery store to shop for our mini dinner party. I made honey-glazed pork chops, rice, and broccoli. I picked up the organic broccoli. The bf says, "Organic? What does that mean?" "No chemicals." "No chemicals?! But does it still taste good? The chemicals make it taste good." "What?!" Wow... really? The chemicals make it taste good. Hilarious. A city child. Oh yeah, I also made my now famous peach lemonade. People love it. Minute Maid frozen lemonade, fresh peaches and lemons, sugar and people lose their minds. Why did his friends walk in and have to turn on LIFETIME so they could watch the Fantasia story. Oh HELL no. Appalled. And one dude was taping it for some girl. I was like y'all did not have to watch this. Foolishness. At dinner the bf announced my promotion... I'm now a producer. Are you proud? :D
The next day we hung out, watched the Fantasy Football Draft Special on ESPN. It was hilarious. Bought some beer, then we went to a restaurant downtown. I think it was Max Downtown but I can't remember the name. It was in the same restaurant family as that restaurant in Hartford. Then me, him, Ashli and CC went to open mic night at this bar. A black bar. This guy was horrid. Like seriously no one should have ever let him on the mic!! Someone should have told him in life. Like maybe his family. A sister, a cousin. Someone should have said, "You can't sing. Don't ever go in public. Thanks."
The next day I left. Fabulous trip, even more fabulous bf! :D
8.25.2006
The Birthday Trip Pt. I
I bought my plane ticket for Thursday night. I later found out the bf had planned a movie screening surprise birthday party for me at the 40/40 club. That's right THE 40/40 club. But he had to cancel it and our NYC hotel room because my flight came in too late. I would've changed it but he wouldn't tell me why he was so upset about me getting in late. I'm not saying give away the surprise but you can say you have something planned for that night! 40/40?! Geez.
Thursday was a rough day. I felt much better when I realized I would be going to Connecticut to spend a fabulous vacation with my bf for days. Yay! So get their Thursday night. Because of my day, I walk into Kyle's room, turn on the light... and there's a bag. A gold bag with black writing. It says Kay. WHEE! For my birthday, I'd asked for an Ipod first. Then I changed my mind. I told him I wanted diamonds. Silence. Hilarious. So I laughed. Then I said, I just want something pretty. He said, "What does that mean?" I said, "Something pretty." Which in my defense, is infinitely more guidance than he gave me! So hmph!
Anyway, I said, "Is that for me?!" :D Of course the answer was yes so I shook the bag, peeked inside, took out the little box wrapped in gold, took off the wrapper, shook the box, looked at the bf, opened the box, saw the little blue velvet box, shook that, said, "What is it?" Then opened the box to see princess cut diamond earrings winking at me! Do you know what he said, "Do you like them?" Do I like them?! Lmao. Lolololol Silly man.
Then we watched "Something New." I liked it. Then we went to sleep. But first he told me we were going to Boston the next day. So we woke up early, got dressed, went to breakfast, then got on the road to Boston. We checked into the hotel, took a nap (because I love naps), then drove to the Alewife station on the T. We rode the redline to Park St. since we didn't have much time that night. We got off there to get some dinner at the Beantown Pub. We walked in, walked toward the back. It was the weekend of the 5 games between the Red Socks and Yankees in one weekend at Fenway Park. A huge weekend in Boston. Little did they know the team would be clobbered the first two games, and beaten the next 3. The game was on, the rap music was blasting. It was nearly a full house. The waitress directed us to additional seating. The bf said, "What did she say? I could barely understand her." I said, "Oh that's because she's from a different country. I think she's British or something."
We wandered back around to the entrance and took a seat there. The aforementioned woman was our waitress. She took our orders in this bizarre accent. The bf said, "I had to watch her mouth to understand what she was saying." I said, "Yeah, she's from a different country." The bf says, "No she's from Boston." He said the look on my face was priceless. I was floored. Flabbergasted even. "No she's not." "Yes she is. That's what their accents sound like." "That strong?" "Yes." "But that's nothing like I've heard them on tv. Are you joking?" "(Laughing) No." Appalled. Anyway I ordered a sandwich with ham, turkey, and swiss. Sooo yummy. He ordered a meatball sandwich. We both got Sam Summer, a seasonal beer. Yum.
Then we went to this cheezy nightclub called "The Big Easy." The lamest Yankee caricature of what they imagine New Orleans to be. I got sleepy (as usual) so we left. The next day, went to breakfast, then back to the T. This time we rode to Fenway around game time. Red Sox fans filled the streets and poured out of "Game Time" and another nearby bar. We walked around the area. I got a sausage dog, the bf got a steak sandwich from a cart outside the park. Both were yummy.
Went to a pastry shop owned by a former White House pastry chef, called Truly Jorg's, got a piece of raspberry cheesecake. MMMMMMMM. For no reason. The bf got a slurpy from 7-11, which as a VA native he was overjoyed to see. It was hilarious. Got back on the T, rode to the car, then went back to CT. He was rushing me. He never rushes me. I always rush him. So I knew something was up. "What is your problem?" "Just come on." "You have something up your sleeve. What time do we need to be wherever we need to be?" "I don't have anything up my sleeve. There is no set time." "Ok. Well, I hate my hair. I need a blowdryer." So we stopped at the mall, then went back to his place so I could wash my hair and rock the fro.
Then he told me we were going to "Barcelona" in Hartford to take salsa lessons. I was so excited... ish. I was being rushed and I wasn't being given any information. That made me cranky. So he rushes and rushes me and rushes me and we finally get out of the house. We head toward Hartford, park the car, then walk to the club. There's no one there. Including his friend we were supposed to meet there and Ashli isn't answering the phone. Which is further pissing me off. We go inside... its empty. Only the staff is there. And they're sitting down looking confused as to why we're there. I'm looking at him like shoot I don't know why we're here, either.
He says, "Well C lives down the street, let's walk up to his house." I'm like, "I don't feel like walking." "Its only a couple of blocks. Come on Miss Crankypants." *sigh* "Fine." He says, "I don't know which building it is, he just moved here." I say "Why don't you just call him." "No. Let's just walk around here." *larger sigh* He grabs my hand, we walk around. Then I see balloons... and hear music... and see smoke wafting into the air in the backyard. My heart starts pounding. We walk up to the door and I'm trying to suppress my smile. I'm thinking, "Is this for me? But maybe its not. Maybe he's just chillin at his house before going to the club. That's pretty cool." The bf knocks on the door, then pushes the door open....
Thursday was a rough day. I felt much better when I realized I would be going to Connecticut to spend a fabulous vacation with my bf for days. Yay! So get their Thursday night. Because of my day, I walk into Kyle's room, turn on the light... and there's a bag. A gold bag with black writing. It says Kay. WHEE! For my birthday, I'd asked for an Ipod first. Then I changed my mind. I told him I wanted diamonds. Silence. Hilarious. So I laughed. Then I said, I just want something pretty. He said, "What does that mean?" I said, "Something pretty." Which in my defense, is infinitely more guidance than he gave me! So hmph!
Anyway, I said, "Is that for me?!" :D Of course the answer was yes so I shook the bag, peeked inside, took out the little box wrapped in gold, took off the wrapper, shook the box, looked at the bf, opened the box, saw the little blue velvet box, shook that, said, "What is it?" Then opened the box to see princess cut diamond earrings winking at me! Do you know what he said, "Do you like them?" Do I like them?! Lmao. Lolololol Silly man.
Then we watched "Something New." I liked it. Then we went to sleep. But first he told me we were going to Boston the next day. So we woke up early, got dressed, went to breakfast, then got on the road to Boston. We checked into the hotel, took a nap (because I love naps), then drove to the Alewife station on the T. We rode the redline to Park St. since we didn't have much time that night. We got off there to get some dinner at the Beantown Pub. We walked in, walked toward the back. It was the weekend of the 5 games between the Red Socks and Yankees in one weekend at Fenway Park. A huge weekend in Boston. Little did they know the team would be clobbered the first two games, and beaten the next 3. The game was on, the rap music was blasting. It was nearly a full house. The waitress directed us to additional seating. The bf said, "What did she say? I could barely understand her." I said, "Oh that's because she's from a different country. I think she's British or something."
We wandered back around to the entrance and took a seat there. The aforementioned woman was our waitress. She took our orders in this bizarre accent. The bf said, "I had to watch her mouth to understand what she was saying." I said, "Yeah, she's from a different country." The bf says, "No she's from Boston." He said the look on my face was priceless. I was floored. Flabbergasted even. "No she's not." "Yes she is. That's what their accents sound like." "That strong?" "Yes." "But that's nothing like I've heard them on tv. Are you joking?" "(Laughing) No." Appalled. Anyway I ordered a sandwich with ham, turkey, and swiss. Sooo yummy. He ordered a meatball sandwich. We both got Sam Summer, a seasonal beer. Yum.
Then we went to this cheezy nightclub called "The Big Easy." The lamest Yankee caricature of what they imagine New Orleans to be. I got sleepy (as usual) so we left. The next day, went to breakfast, then back to the T. This time we rode to Fenway around game time. Red Sox fans filled the streets and poured out of "Game Time" and another nearby bar. We walked around the area. I got a sausage dog, the bf got a steak sandwich from a cart outside the park. Both were yummy.
Went to a pastry shop owned by a former White House pastry chef, called Truly Jorg's, got a piece of raspberry cheesecake. MMMMMMMM. For no reason. The bf got a slurpy from 7-11, which as a VA native he was overjoyed to see. It was hilarious. Got back on the T, rode to the car, then went back to CT. He was rushing me. He never rushes me. I always rush him. So I knew something was up. "What is your problem?" "Just come on." "You have something up your sleeve. What time do we need to be wherever we need to be?" "I don't have anything up my sleeve. There is no set time." "Ok. Well, I hate my hair. I need a blowdryer." So we stopped at the mall, then went back to his place so I could wash my hair and rock the fro.
Then he told me we were going to "Barcelona" in Hartford to take salsa lessons. I was so excited... ish. I was being rushed and I wasn't being given any information. That made me cranky. So he rushes and rushes me and rushes me and we finally get out of the house. We head toward Hartford, park the car, then walk to the club. There's no one there. Including his friend we were supposed to meet there and Ashli isn't answering the phone. Which is further pissing me off. We go inside... its empty. Only the staff is there. And they're sitting down looking confused as to why we're there. I'm looking at him like shoot I don't know why we're here, either.
He says, "Well C lives down the street, let's walk up to his house." I'm like, "I don't feel like walking." "Its only a couple of blocks. Come on Miss Crankypants." *sigh* "Fine." He says, "I don't know which building it is, he just moved here." I say "Why don't you just call him." "No. Let's just walk around here." *larger sigh* He grabs my hand, we walk around. Then I see balloons... and hear music... and see smoke wafting into the air in the backyard. My heart starts pounding. We walk up to the door and I'm trying to suppress my smile. I'm thinking, "Is this for me? But maybe its not. Maybe he's just chillin at his house before going to the club. That's pretty cool." The bf knocks on the door, then pushes the door open....
8.18.2006
I'm Here!!
So I'm in the cafe at ESPN, the world wide leader in sports typing this blog. How many of you are salivating? I know Jarrod is. Wipe ya mouth baby. We're going to Boston today. Tomorrow I have a surprise! I'm so excited!! Whoo hoo!! And since I had a rough day yesterday, I got my birthday present early.. diamond earrings! :) yay!!! princess cut of course b/c he pays attention. Good boyfriend.
I have absolutely nothing to talk abt. Children should not be allowed to fly until they can articulate proper sentences. This two year old was running around, screaming, general child-like behavior. I don't have the patience for that at this stage in my life.
I forgot to tell you guys I just discovered Gloria Naylor. LOVE her writing. I started with Mama Day. One of the best books I've ever read. Now I'm reading the Women of Brewster Place. I like that so far too. Very good reading. I suggest it for anyone.
Oh yeah. We walked past the basketball court (yes they have a bball court here. how ridiculous is that? there's also a play station center. hilarious). Some guy said hi to the bf. The bf asks, how you doin? The guy says, its hot, but not as hot as you (to me). Hilarious! LMAO.
He's back. GG. Adios!!
I have absolutely nothing to talk abt. Children should not be allowed to fly until they can articulate proper sentences. This two year old was running around, screaming, general child-like behavior. I don't have the patience for that at this stage in my life.
I forgot to tell you guys I just discovered Gloria Naylor. LOVE her writing. I started with Mama Day. One of the best books I've ever read. Now I'm reading the Women of Brewster Place. I like that so far too. Very good reading. I suggest it for anyone.
Oh yeah. We walked past the basketball court (yes they have a bball court here. how ridiculous is that? there's also a play station center. hilarious). Some guy said hi to the bf. The bf asks, how you doin? The guy says, its hot, but not as hot as you (to me). Hilarious! LMAO.
He's back. GG. Adios!!
8.14.2006
The most hilarious faux chef EVER!!!!!!!
My friend's daddy makes the most hilarious combinations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! today she got scared when she walked in the kitchen and saw these ingredients in front of chef boyardaddy: canned salmon, peanut butter, wheat bread, rice with some ish in it, oh yeah, onions, carrots. shut up!! hilarious.
i know y'all been cursin my name, callin me everything but a child of God. but i been busy! can a girl not blog for a week w/o gettin death threats, STACIE VON KUTIEBOOTS!!!!!! there are a million things i was going to talk abt but since this is day 6 of 9... i think i'm just gon chill. y'all might have to wait until thursday. and guess what happens on thursday.... i go to CONNECTICUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and my birthday's in 11 days!! 24 here i come!! whoo hoo!!!
and its taking every fiber of my being not to beg, cajole and CONVINCE my friends to send me a copy of the email he sent them abt my surprise. i know he's surprising me. i'm horrible w/surprises b/c i don't ever want to wait. and he loves to try to surprise me. so sweet that one!!
i know y'all been cursin my name, callin me everything but a child of God. but i been busy! can a girl not blog for a week w/o gettin death threats, STACIE VON KUTIEBOOTS!!!!!! there are a million things i was going to talk abt but since this is day 6 of 9... i think i'm just gon chill. y'all might have to wait until thursday. and guess what happens on thursday.... i go to CONNECTICUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and my birthday's in 11 days!! 24 here i come!! whoo hoo!!!
and its taking every fiber of my being not to beg, cajole and CONVINCE my friends to send me a copy of the email he sent them abt my surprise. i know he's surprising me. i'm horrible w/surprises b/c i don't ever want to wait. and he loves to try to surprise me. so sweet that one!!
8.07.2006
Nip/Tuck
No, not sp's favorite show. The actual procedures. Why doesn't anyone want to be old anymore? I really don't get it. Now I have an inkling it may have something to do with the fact that people are well aware that sun causes spots, wrinkles, unsightly bags, freckles, moles, cancer... To quote Gnarls Barkley, "And I could go on, and on, and onnnnnnnnnn, but who cares?" They obviously don't. The people who give themselves these skin nightmares I mean. Maybe, no I'm sure I don't get it because I'm melanin blessed. I mean I see the pale Nicole Kidman skin. I can understand why you wouldn't want to look ghostly white, give Casper a run for his money. I do not however understand why you would run for the sun or the tanning booth for the rest of your life knowing your fate.
Now we know black don't crack. My favorite? Essence magazine once a year does the black don't crack article. That's not what they call it of course, but its all these black women who look 35 and are 98. Or look 12 and are 38. That's what I'm talking about. That's who I wanna be. Plastic surgery is up 444% in the U.S. since 1997. 444%. Wth? That's ridiculous. Everyone wants instant gratification. This will sound foolish. But I wouldn't mind losing 7 lbs. I don't hate those 7 lbs. If I don't lose them I won't die and I won't be heartbroken, but it would be cool. Do I want to do the work for it? Not particularly. Am I obsessed with the 7 lbs? Nope.
And I know what you're thinking. She bought that mini-skirt, put it on and thought she was fat. She listened to the girl who said she had thunder thighs. Nope! Lol Though your responses to that were quite hilarious. I'm just not one of those people who thinks she should wear something unflattering just because its cute or trendy. Plus I'm not some shapeless 12 lb. child.
We've all seen the tv shows with the people who are already 5'10" 112 lbs. and think they need to lose some weight. I was watching Celebrity Fit Club 4 last night. These people are crazy. Why on earth would anyone want to be a celebrity? I mean I know the money and the fame. But they have some serious issues. Some of them are a size 8 or 10 feeling fat because they're surrounded by youth and perfection. Why would you want to put yourself through that?
People used to think body image issues didn't effect black people. Wrong. We're not immune to it when surrounded by other people who have the same issues. Botox is the most psycho thing in the world to me. Um... foreheads are SUPPOSED to have lines. It is not normal to inject a CHEMICAL into your FACE to PARALYZE it. WHAT?!!! Bizarre. Surgery-free face-lifts and such. Odd. Just saw a close-up of Paula Abdul's face. Definitely botoxed the forehead. PEOPLE!! We grow old! Its called life. Be glad you still have one. That is all.
Now we know black don't crack. My favorite? Essence magazine once a year does the black don't crack article. That's not what they call it of course, but its all these black women who look 35 and are 98. Or look 12 and are 38. That's what I'm talking about. That's who I wanna be. Plastic surgery is up 444% in the U.S. since 1997. 444%. Wth? That's ridiculous. Everyone wants instant gratification. This will sound foolish. But I wouldn't mind losing 7 lbs. I don't hate those 7 lbs. If I don't lose them I won't die and I won't be heartbroken, but it would be cool. Do I want to do the work for it? Not particularly. Am I obsessed with the 7 lbs? Nope.
And I know what you're thinking. She bought that mini-skirt, put it on and thought she was fat. She listened to the girl who said she had thunder thighs. Nope! Lol Though your responses to that were quite hilarious. I'm just not one of those people who thinks she should wear something unflattering just because its cute or trendy. Plus I'm not some shapeless 12 lb. child.
We've all seen the tv shows with the people who are already 5'10" 112 lbs. and think they need to lose some weight. I was watching Celebrity Fit Club 4 last night. These people are crazy. Why on earth would anyone want to be a celebrity? I mean I know the money and the fame. But they have some serious issues. Some of them are a size 8 or 10 feeling fat because they're surrounded by youth and perfection. Why would you want to put yourself through that?
People used to think body image issues didn't effect black people. Wrong. We're not immune to it when surrounded by other people who have the same issues. Botox is the most psycho thing in the world to me. Um... foreheads are SUPPOSED to have lines. It is not normal to inject a CHEMICAL into your FACE to PARALYZE it. WHAT?!!! Bizarre. Surgery-free face-lifts and such. Odd. Just saw a close-up of Paula Abdul's face. Definitely botoxed the forehead. PEOPLE!! We grow old! Its called life. Be glad you still have one. That is all.
8.01.2006
Goooooooo Bucs!
Hmmm... I wonder if black people know bucs is a synonym for pirates. B/c in my nearly 24 years of exposure to the Hampton University Pirates, I've never once been encouraged to call them Bucs. Ever. And yet, all the white schools I've ever visited who's mascot was the Pirates i.e. East Carolina University, Charleston Southern University, as well as the Pittsburgh Pirates, I always here "Gooo Bucs!"
So tonight I went to the Pirates/Braves game. Looooooved the Braves as a kid. For you baseball heads, the pitchers were Smolz and Snell. The bf told me I have to know the pitchers. You know I don't care. But that little bit of info before the game actually helped me sound really smart to my dad's co-workers. Can you believe I posted twice in one day? Aren't you proud? I know. Me too. D's job gave us the tickets. Parking: $10, peanuts: $3.75, ny style kosher hot dog: $5, 12 oz. bottle Coors Light: $6. Wow.... trippin. We actually didn't drink. That is amazing for both of us. We love our beer. But I did get a hot dog and he got peanuts. The hot dog was quite yummy.
Gangsta white boy. Maybe 7 years old. Sitting in the row in front of us (3rd base side, row L, GORGEOUS view of the city. For no reason. If you go to Pittsburgh ever, you have to 1) holla at your girl, 2) go see PNC Park. You will be impressed even if you don't like baseball). Back to the gangsta white boy. I don't know who his momma is. He didn't have a tint to his skin. Daddy must be redneck because the first thing I saw him do was fill his sweaty Pirates baseball cap with water, play with it to see if the water would drain out through the other side. Then he looked at it, smelled it, brought it close to his face, took a preliminary sip and then... that's right. Drank it right up. EWWWWWWWWWW!! LMAO!! Me and my dad. So disgusting.
Why do I say gangsta and question his maternal roots? Well you know how each player gets to select a song to come out to when he goes to the plate, right? Well, one player's song was Chamillionaire. Do you know this lil boy put on his ill grill/mean mug and sang along, "Patrollinnnn, they hatinnn, (unintelligible), tryna catch me ridin dirtayyyyyyy, tryna catch me ridin dirty, tryna catch me ridin dirty...." LMAO!! Me and D's Texas homeboy. Hilarious. Another player's song was Sean Paul, here he goes, "I got the right temperature..." What???? Who have you been hangin with?! Lolololol
You know who won. The Braves. The Pirates are horrific. This is their 14 consecutive losing season. 2 more and they will have the MLB record. The score was 4-1 when we left in the top of the 9th. I know you guys want to know what I was wearing. Pink tank top, brown woven belt, Sergio Vallente stretch denim skirt w/a longhorn on the right back pocket, 4 1/2 inch wedge sandals. I know. I couldn't help it. My dad said, "Gee Jameil. Thanks for dressing down." I said, "Oh, you're welcome!" Then I looked over and he was giving me the face. Heeeeey! I tried. I can only dress down so much. You know who I am. I can't help the fly." When we're leaving, this guy says to me, "I like your longhorn." Then blushes. Yeah... that definitely tells me you were looking at the booty. Should've kept that to yourself. Men.
So tonight I went to the Pirates/Braves game. Looooooved the Braves as a kid. For you baseball heads, the pitchers were Smolz and Snell. The bf told me I have to know the pitchers. You know I don't care. But that little bit of info before the game actually helped me sound really smart to my dad's co-workers. Can you believe I posted twice in one day? Aren't you proud? I know. Me too. D's job gave us the tickets. Parking: $10, peanuts: $3.75, ny style kosher hot dog: $5, 12 oz. bottle Coors Light: $6. Wow.... trippin. We actually didn't drink. That is amazing for both of us. We love our beer. But I did get a hot dog and he got peanuts. The hot dog was quite yummy.
Gangsta white boy. Maybe 7 years old. Sitting in the row in front of us (3rd base side, row L, GORGEOUS view of the city. For no reason. If you go to Pittsburgh ever, you have to 1) holla at your girl, 2) go see PNC Park. You will be impressed even if you don't like baseball). Back to the gangsta white boy. I don't know who his momma is. He didn't have a tint to his skin. Daddy must be redneck because the first thing I saw him do was fill his sweaty Pirates baseball cap with water, play with it to see if the water would drain out through the other side. Then he looked at it, smelled it, brought it close to his face, took a preliminary sip and then... that's right. Drank it right up. EWWWWWWWWWW!! LMAO!! Me and my dad. So disgusting.
Why do I say gangsta and question his maternal roots? Well you know how each player gets to select a song to come out to when he goes to the plate, right? Well, one player's song was Chamillionaire. Do you know this lil boy put on his ill grill/mean mug and sang along, "Patrollinnnn, they hatinnn, (unintelligible), tryna catch me ridin dirtayyyyyyy, tryna catch me ridin dirty, tryna catch me ridin dirty...." LMAO!! Me and D's Texas homeboy. Hilarious. Another player's song was Sean Paul, here he goes, "I got the right temperature..." What???? Who have you been hangin with?! Lolololol
You know who won. The Braves. The Pirates are horrific. This is their 14 consecutive losing season. 2 more and they will have the MLB record. The score was 4-1 when we left in the top of the 9th. I know you guys want to know what I was wearing. Pink tank top, brown woven belt, Sergio Vallente stretch denim skirt w/a longhorn on the right back pocket, 4 1/2 inch wedge sandals. I know. I couldn't help it. My dad said, "Gee Jameil. Thanks for dressing down." I said, "Oh, you're welcome!" Then I looked over and he was giving me the face. Heeeeey! I tried. I can only dress down so much. You know who I am. I can't help the fly." When we're leaving, this guy says to me, "I like your longhorn." Then blushes. Yeah... that definitely tells me you were looking at the booty. Should've kept that to yourself. Men.
RootsKellyMexicanFellUponThieves
So... I know you're all wondering how the Roots were. I would love to know. It was sold out. Who knew the Roots would sell out in Pittsburgh? Talib Kweli didn't. And I see how crunk people get over Jeezy. I just knew for certain they wouldn't care about the Roots.... but they did. So I didn't get to go. I went to sleep. And tried to make plans to see them in a different city. First I tried Cincinnati. But then I realized how far that is and that I would have to go by myself. Then I saw Philly. The bf and I were planning a trip to Philly for my bday. Then I decided I wanted to go to Connecticut and see him, go to Boston and have a birthday party. So who knows when I'll finally be able to see the Roots.
That Wednesday I went to see Kelly Clarkson. VIP. Very nice. Row P for free. She was actually really really good. Very down to earth. She went into the audience and put on the shirts two people gave her that said Kelly Clarkson 2006. It was so cute. Not an American Idol fan. Its also very hard for me to listen to the station that plays her music for more than 15 minutes, so I didn't know very many songs. Still enjoyed it. She can sing.
Friday: Went to Mad Mex w/my dad. A Pittsburgh/Philly/State College/Columbus Mexican restaurant. It's actually very yummy, tho I hear it depends on the location you go to. The menu was hilarious. Los wingos?? Word?? Los booze y brews?? Friends don't let friends drink cheap beer??? Drink responsibly, have at least two??? Practice safe mex??? Lololol. I had a peach margarita and the dance marathon burrito. It was chicken, spicy spinach, rice, black beans, portabello mushrooms. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm!! So delicious!! Or excuse me. For Stace and Karamale, muoy delicioso! Hahaha bitches!! I know you guys thought I was going to mess it up. Stop hatin on me.
So after that, I met a co-worker in the Oakland section of the city to go to a bar. We were supposed to go bar-hopping but her sister's friend's band was performing at Peter's Pub. We went there but it turns out they were last... so we were stuck there all night... wow... The band wasn't bad. None of them. I just don't want to sit at a bar listening to rock music for 2 hours when that wasn't the original plan. I would like to recognize a single song. But I was glad to be out of the house! Ahhh yeah!
Last week was pretty uneventful. One of my favorite coworkers is moving to Orlando :( so sad. So I'm in charge of planning the longest good-bye ever. It started Sunday at the Grand Concourse. Yummiest brunch ever. Would you like to know what I had? Here we go. 3 mimosas (stop hatin, everyone had 3), lemon chicken w/mushrooms and artichokes, hashbrowns, eggs, sausage, bacon, chicken fingers, penne pasta, smoked blue fish, hot apple dumpling, french vanilla ice cream, key lime pie, fudge brownie, white chocolate cheesecake. Now before you start gettin all crazy wondering where I put it all. For the meats, I only had one piece of each. For the dessert, I had one small square of each except the dumpling. I ate all of it. Yummmmmm. Still a lot of food right? But it was soooooo yummy. And clearly I left some stuff. We're going back next week. Round 2 son.
Then we went to Bar Louie for another drink. I had a strawberi fizz martini. Stoli strawberi, cointreau, champagne, strawberry puree and a fresh strawberry. Yummmm. Wednesday we're doing drinks somewhere. Thursday, Chili's, Bar 11, Jack's Bar (classic Pgh bar on the South Side), and Town Tavern. So get ready for those details. I'll stop being so lazy and post more often. Or I'll try anyway. I make no promises.
That Wednesday I went to see Kelly Clarkson. VIP. Very nice. Row P for free. She was actually really really good. Very down to earth. She went into the audience and put on the shirts two people gave her that said Kelly Clarkson 2006. It was so cute. Not an American Idol fan. Its also very hard for me to listen to the station that plays her music for more than 15 minutes, so I didn't know very many songs. Still enjoyed it. She can sing.
Friday: Went to Mad Mex w/my dad. A Pittsburgh/Philly/State College/Columbus Mexican restaurant. It's actually very yummy, tho I hear it depends on the location you go to. The menu was hilarious. Los wingos?? Word?? Los booze y brews?? Friends don't let friends drink cheap beer??? Drink responsibly, have at least two??? Practice safe mex??? Lololol. I had a peach margarita and the dance marathon burrito. It was chicken, spicy spinach, rice, black beans, portabello mushrooms. Yummmmmmmmmmmmm!! So delicious!! Or excuse me. For Stace and Karamale, muoy delicioso! Hahaha bitches!! I know you guys thought I was going to mess it up. Stop hatin on me.
So after that, I met a co-worker in the Oakland section of the city to go to a bar. We were supposed to go bar-hopping but her sister's friend's band was performing at Peter's Pub. We went there but it turns out they were last... so we were stuck there all night... wow... The band wasn't bad. None of them. I just don't want to sit at a bar listening to rock music for 2 hours when that wasn't the original plan. I would like to recognize a single song. But I was glad to be out of the house! Ahhh yeah!
Last week was pretty uneventful. One of my favorite coworkers is moving to Orlando :( so sad. So I'm in charge of planning the longest good-bye ever. It started Sunday at the Grand Concourse. Yummiest brunch ever. Would you like to know what I had? Here we go. 3 mimosas (stop hatin, everyone had 3), lemon chicken w/mushrooms and artichokes, hashbrowns, eggs, sausage, bacon, chicken fingers, penne pasta, smoked blue fish, hot apple dumpling, french vanilla ice cream, key lime pie, fudge brownie, white chocolate cheesecake. Now before you start gettin all crazy wondering where I put it all. For the meats, I only had one piece of each. For the dessert, I had one small square of each except the dumpling. I ate all of it. Yummmmmm. Still a lot of food right? But it was soooooo yummy. And clearly I left some stuff. We're going back next week. Round 2 son.
Then we went to Bar Louie for another drink. I had a strawberi fizz martini. Stoli strawberi, cointreau, champagne, strawberry puree and a fresh strawberry. Yummmm. Wednesday we're doing drinks somewhere. Thursday, Chili's, Bar 11, Jack's Bar (classic Pgh bar on the South Side), and Town Tavern. So get ready for those details. I'll stop being so lazy and post more often. Or I'll try anyway. I make no promises.
7.27.2006
Thunder Thighed Amazon Stallion
So... I really don't like super skinny teeny tiny midget-like people. Because they are bananas. They really don't get it. Now I love my homie I'm bout to talk about. I'm not fat by any stretch of the imagination. I'm a size 4. And I don't have any body image problems. But my home skillet almost gave me some accidentally. I said, "I'm so young. I need a mini-skirt. Why don't I own a mini-skirt?" She said, "Why girl? Because you got them thunder thighs?" "Them what?" "Them thunder thighs." "Excuse me?" "What? That's not a good thing?" "I have no issue w/my thighs but it is inappropriate to refer to anyone's thighs as thunder." "Oh... sorry." "Yeah..." In the same day, she referred to someone tall as a stallion, and another as an Amazon. I'm quite short, too. 5'1 1/4" Yep. That small. Its very cute. But my grandmother and 2 of her sisters are 5'11 or taller. So I'm sensitive to the tall ones. Also, Michelle says I'm a tall person trapped in a short person's body. Can't you tell? Doesn't my personality leap off of your screen? No? Get a higher speed internet.
7.23.2006
How I Knew
A common question is how do you know when you're in love. I've been really inspired to write lately. I've just been too tired to get it all out. Here's how I knew....
i knew it was love w/the bf when i couldn't imagine my life w/o him. and when i realized he was my best friend and if i married someone else i wouldn't be able to have the same relationship with him. and when i compared every other man with him. and when i wished every man i was with WAS him. and when no girl was ever good enough for him. certainly not as good as i could be. so i stopped fighting it.
If you asked for the chili recipe, scroll down. Its below.
i knew it was love w/the bf when i couldn't imagine my life w/o him. and when i realized he was my best friend and if i married someone else i wouldn't be able to have the same relationship with him. and when i compared every other man with him. and when i wished every man i was with WAS him. and when no girl was ever good enough for him. certainly not as good as i could be. so i stopped fighting it.
If you asked for the chili recipe, scroll down. Its below.
Chili Recipe
Several of you have asked me for the highly touted chili recipe from the chili cook-off at work. Don't ask why they had a chili cook-off on the hottest week of the year. Shouldn't this be something we do in like October or something? Its starting to get cold there finally. This was my first chili recipe from a mix of two food network recipes. One was called firehouse, the other 6-pack chili. This is very spicy. So if you don't want that level of heat, omit all but one of the jalepenos.
2 tbsp. ea. cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika
6 cloves garlic, chopped finely
one large onion, diced
1 ea. red/green/yellow bell pepper, diced
3 bottles of beer (I used Amber Bock)
4 tbsp brown sugar
5 jalepenos, seeded and finely chopped
1 small can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped with sauce
1 large can of kidney beans
1 large can of tomato paste
1 large can of tomato sauce
2 1/3 lbs. ground beef
worchestershire sauce
salt
pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first four dry ingredients, garlic, brown sugar, jalepeno and chipotle peppers, tomato sauce and paste and beer in a large saucepan. Brown ground beef w/last 3 ingredients. Add to sauce. Add kidney beans and another bottle of beer. Saute red, green and yellow peppers with onions. Add to sauce. Bake for 1/2 hour. Add final bottle of beer. Bake another half hour.
Serves one million (i guess). Probably closer to 10-15.
2 tbsp. ea. cumin, oregano, chili powder, paprika
6 cloves garlic, chopped finely
one large onion, diced
1 ea. red/green/yellow bell pepper, diced
3 bottles of beer (I used Amber Bock)
4 tbsp brown sugar
5 jalepenos, seeded and finely chopped
1 small can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped with sauce
1 large can of kidney beans
1 large can of tomato paste
1 large can of tomato sauce
2 1/3 lbs. ground beef
worchestershire sauce
salt
pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first four dry ingredients, garlic, brown sugar, jalepeno and chipotle peppers, tomato sauce and paste and beer in a large saucepan. Brown ground beef w/last 3 ingredients. Add to sauce. Add kidney beans and another bottle of beer. Saute red, green and yellow peppers with onions. Add to sauce. Bake for 1/2 hour. Add final bottle of beer. Bake another half hour.
Serves one million (i guess). Probably closer to 10-15.
7.17.2006
MINDSPACE!
I know you guys have really really missed journeying through my mindspace. So here is another trip. Enjoy the ride.
I have been off for the last three days. I have been soooo productive. Oh its great. I've done... ok I'm lyin. I've done nothing. Sit around and watch tv and get on the internet. Oh and talk on the phone. Today I'm gonna pay some bills. Matter of fact. Let me take care of that right now. Hold on. Ok paid some bills. I've now been productive during my time off. Oh yeah, I'm washing clothes right now, too. Y'all can't see me!!
How bout one of my girls needs to call herself da Illest. She's always catchin some weird disease. In college, she got chicken pox. CHICKEN POX! Those things effect you after 12?? Who knew. Her ass looked so funny. She tried to get on 2 or 3 different planes to go home for the holidays but had been blackballed. Oh it was hilarious!! I was dyin laughin. Her dad had to fly up and drive her 18 hours home. Good times, good times. Then she caught mono. She's also had strep throat a couple of times. I had the other throat disease. I can't remember what its called. Not throat gonnorhea. Tonsilitis! I couldn't remember. I got it every March for the last three years. This March was the first time! Whoo hoo! Anyway. Guess what she has now. Guess. You'll never guess. TB. That's right. My dog has TUBERCULOSIS!! I didn't even know that ish still existed in the free world! LMAO!! She found out when she tried to get a job at a hospital last week. DYING!! She was so pissed. Didn't even want to fill out her meds. But she did. And she starts work in 2 weeks. And wanna know the most hiliarious thing? The hospital was like, "Yeah, you have TB." Really nonchalantly. Like I had the roast duck with the mango salsa for lunch. Fu-NNY!! What's next? Measles, mumps, rubella?
I entered a chili cook-off at work. I didn't win but several people told me it was delicious. My news director said mine was the best by far. One woman even asked me for my recipe! How cool is that?! :) I was so excited. So I'm going to give it to her tomorrow.
Today is the Roots concert. I'm very excited. Its my first Roots concert. I only own one of their cds and I bought that 3 weeks ago when I found out about the concert. I loved them on Dave Chapelle's Block Party. My friends have seen them so I'm tres excited. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to wear. I'm heading to Target today to see if I can find anything interesting. I was thinking abt being a stereotype. Big afro, pick w/the clenched fist, fake kente cloth around my hair, cowrie shell jewelery, shirt that says "black and proud," red/green/yellow wristband, jean skirt and jesus sandals. Think I'll fit in? lmao. So I was thinking about going in a completely opposite direction. J-loed out, pressed hair, pencil skirt, 3 inch stilettos, lots of gold bangles and all gold accessories. Lots of bling. Perhaps I'll meet somewhere in the middle. Can't rock the stilettos b/c its a standing concert at a club-type venue. You know how they do. And tickets were only $10! That's what I'm talkin bout! Ahhhhh yeah!
Wednesday I'm going to see Kelly Clarkson. A girl at work got some really good tickets so I'm going with her. Now I likely will rock the heels to that because I won't have to stand. And you know I gotta be fly.
Can I tell y'all the people are in danger of going crazy here today? The record high for this date is 93. You read that right. How hilarious is that?!! I was dyin laughin. Its already 87 at 12:50 so you know that record is in danger. I've heard all sorts of "hot weather" teases on the different news stations here. So funny.
Ok so remember the wedding I talked about in my last post? Yeah... well I saw the pictures today. Pretty. But scary!!! WTH?!! I was like I can't do this! I just wanted to reiterate the idea of getting married like tomorrow is scary. Do you feel sufficiently re-introduced to my mindspace? No?
Let me tell you how much I love Project Runway!! I neeeeeed it in my life. Like seriously! Wow... And Austin from the 1st season would absolutely be allowed to design my wedding dress if I wasn't designing it myself. How bout I got pissed watching the Best Man the other day b/c that dress looked like the one I have in my head. Now what on earth is that about?!!! I don't appreciate that!! So I'll have to tweak the design. Good thing I have a few YEARS to take care of that!!! hahahahahahaha.
Also... the birthday is a mere month and some change away, AUGUST 23RD BIOTCHES!, and I need some suggestions. Y'all have had some gangsta celebrations. So let's hear it.
I have been off for the last three days. I have been soooo productive. Oh its great. I've done... ok I'm lyin. I've done nothing. Sit around and watch tv and get on the internet. Oh and talk on the phone. Today I'm gonna pay some bills. Matter of fact. Let me take care of that right now. Hold on. Ok paid some bills. I've now been productive during my time off. Oh yeah, I'm washing clothes right now, too. Y'all can't see me!!
How bout one of my girls needs to call herself da Illest. She's always catchin some weird disease. In college, she got chicken pox. CHICKEN POX! Those things effect you after 12?? Who knew. Her ass looked so funny. She tried to get on 2 or 3 different planes to go home for the holidays but had been blackballed. Oh it was hilarious!! I was dyin laughin. Her dad had to fly up and drive her 18 hours home. Good times, good times. Then she caught mono. She's also had strep throat a couple of times. I had the other throat disease. I can't remember what its called. Not throat gonnorhea. Tonsilitis! I couldn't remember. I got it every March for the last three years. This March was the first time! Whoo hoo! Anyway. Guess what she has now. Guess. You'll never guess. TB. That's right. My dog has TUBERCULOSIS!! I didn't even know that ish still existed in the free world! LMAO!! She found out when she tried to get a job at a hospital last week. DYING!! She was so pissed. Didn't even want to fill out her meds. But she did. And she starts work in 2 weeks. And wanna know the most hiliarious thing? The hospital was like, "Yeah, you have TB." Really nonchalantly. Like I had the roast duck with the mango salsa for lunch. Fu-NNY!! What's next? Measles, mumps, rubella?
I entered a chili cook-off at work. I didn't win but several people told me it was delicious. My news director said mine was the best by far. One woman even asked me for my recipe! How cool is that?! :) I was so excited. So I'm going to give it to her tomorrow.
Today is the Roots concert. I'm very excited. Its my first Roots concert. I only own one of their cds and I bought that 3 weeks ago when I found out about the concert. I loved them on Dave Chapelle's Block Party. My friends have seen them so I'm tres excited. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to wear. I'm heading to Target today to see if I can find anything interesting. I was thinking abt being a stereotype. Big afro, pick w/the clenched fist, fake kente cloth around my hair, cowrie shell jewelery, shirt that says "black and proud," red/green/yellow wristband, jean skirt and jesus sandals. Think I'll fit in? lmao. So I was thinking about going in a completely opposite direction. J-loed out, pressed hair, pencil skirt, 3 inch stilettos, lots of gold bangles and all gold accessories. Lots of bling. Perhaps I'll meet somewhere in the middle. Can't rock the stilettos b/c its a standing concert at a club-type venue. You know how they do. And tickets were only $10! That's what I'm talkin bout! Ahhhhh yeah!
Wednesday I'm going to see Kelly Clarkson. A girl at work got some really good tickets so I'm going with her. Now I likely will rock the heels to that because I won't have to stand. And you know I gotta be fly.
Can I tell y'all the people are in danger of going crazy here today? The record high for this date is 93. You read that right. How hilarious is that?!! I was dyin laughin. Its already 87 at 12:50 so you know that record is in danger. I've heard all sorts of "hot weather" teases on the different news stations here. So funny.
Ok so remember the wedding I talked about in my last post? Yeah... well I saw the pictures today. Pretty. But scary!!! WTH?!! I was like I can't do this! I just wanted to reiterate the idea of getting married like tomorrow is scary. Do you feel sufficiently re-introduced to my mindspace? No?
Let me tell you how much I love Project Runway!! I neeeeeed it in my life. Like seriously! Wow... And Austin from the 1st season would absolutely be allowed to design my wedding dress if I wasn't designing it myself. How bout I got pissed watching the Best Man the other day b/c that dress looked like the one I have in my head. Now what on earth is that about?!!! I don't appreciate that!! So I'll have to tweak the design. Good thing I have a few YEARS to take care of that!!! hahahahahahaha.
Also... the birthday is a mere month and some change away, AUGUST 23RD BIOTCHES!, and I need some suggestions. Y'all have had some gangsta celebrations. So let's hear it.
7.13.2006
The Illustrious Trip Part III: What Everyone REALLY Wants to Know (According to Wise)
Wise says despite the detailed description, i managed to leave out what everyone really wants to know (which i might say is hilarious): How did you feel about the convo about moving closer together?What was the post-visit recap from dear ole Dad?What the hell was this whole diamond tutorial all about? And did you bring him by your job to shut up that loser who was trying to claim you? :)
Let's take it in order. How did I feel about the convo about moving together? I loved it. Despite my confidence in our relationship, everyone needs reassurance we're both interested in the same thing. Human nature. In one of my fave movies, Superstar, Will Ferrell comes to Mary Katherine Gallagher's love interest as God and asks, "Why did I make everyone so insecure?" It was actually quite hilarious. We want to be closer to each other, and are willing to move to make it happen. But it has to be within the bounds of both of our careers. Because neither of us wants the other to sacrifice upward career mobility. We know the other will be around. Not in the sense of taking each other for granted. More in the sense of comfort and stability inherent with the type of relationship we have.
Post-visit recap from dad... It actually had to wait awhile b/c of our conflicting schedules. My dad is wary of him. Mostly b/c he's a man. I said what do you think about him? He said, "Mmm... he seems like an ok young man." What the hell? Really daddy? I had already talked to mommy. So she told me he didn't know what he thought which was hilarious. Then he says, "More importantly, what do you think about him?" I said, "I love him." D, "OOOOOOH! You love him? That's a serious word." "I know." "Well, if you love him, then I guess I better learn to like him." There it is. "Does he always talk like that?" "Like what?" "Like he was talking." "*laughter* No, he was trying to make a good impression." "Ohhhh. Well that's good." I could see his estimation of the bf rising. I value my father's opinion, but it wouldn't be the deal breaker. Mommy would be the deal breaker. And she loves him. I think daddy is afraid the bf will take me away. That's just the wanna be psychologist in me.
The diamond tutorial... Wise was right on this one. This was by far the most commented on. But only by the women. Dudes don't care. It was exciting because its true, diamonds are a girl's best friend. But I didn't look too deeply into it. I learned a lot. The technical aspects and about myself. I hate marquis cut (football-shaped) and anything that looks like a shape not found in nature (i.e. heart or star). I don't like round/brilliant cuts b/c they're boring. I thought I liked emerald cut, but it doesn't sparkle enough. I LOVE princess cut. It looks like a regular square. I now know for certain I don't want anything smaller than 1 1/2 carats. But I don't need a huge ring. Set in white gold. So there it is. I know I want to be with him and vice versa. But neither of us is ready to get married.
This girl from college, one of those serial monogamists, got married this past weekend. She's a friend of a friend. But we were never really close. I started thinking about what it would be like to be married at 24. That is SCARY!! Why would I want to do that? Why rush? That is a permanent commitment for me. There are no practice runs or first marriages. Only marriage. I want to KNOW. And I need to have my independence first. I can't move out of my parents' house and into my house with my husband. This wasn't her situation. These are just things are started thinking about. I want to go to a wedding because I think they're pretty. I'm just in no rush to head down the aisle myself. Just typing that scared the crap out of me. Men are programmed to think women always want to get married. Don't kid yourself. Women like weddings. All women do NOT think you're the one.
Did I bring him to the job to shut up the loser? Nope. He had no desire to meet box boy. Plus when I was asking box boy places to go, he was like, I can show you guys around. I keep the bf apprised of all situations w/men who claim to want to "be my friend" or "show me around." Always lies. So he knows about box boy and was wary of him before I was. Actually I was wary the first day I saw him. But I have this pesky thing about giving people the benefit of the doubt. Its very wack. I really should stop. My first feeling is never wrong. So knowing all of these things, let's say the bf was less than excited abt meeting box boy. As in didn't want to at all. So we didn't. He actually met no one from work. So they probably think he doesn't actually exist. Lololol. Any more questions?
Let's take it in order. How did I feel about the convo about moving together? I loved it. Despite my confidence in our relationship, everyone needs reassurance we're both interested in the same thing. Human nature. In one of my fave movies, Superstar, Will Ferrell comes to Mary Katherine Gallagher's love interest as God and asks, "Why did I make everyone so insecure?" It was actually quite hilarious. We want to be closer to each other, and are willing to move to make it happen. But it has to be within the bounds of both of our careers. Because neither of us wants the other to sacrifice upward career mobility. We know the other will be around. Not in the sense of taking each other for granted. More in the sense of comfort and stability inherent with the type of relationship we have.
Post-visit recap from dad... It actually had to wait awhile b/c of our conflicting schedules. My dad is wary of him. Mostly b/c he's a man. I said what do you think about him? He said, "Mmm... he seems like an ok young man." What the hell? Really daddy? I had already talked to mommy. So she told me he didn't know what he thought which was hilarious. Then he says, "More importantly, what do you think about him?" I said, "I love him." D, "OOOOOOH! You love him? That's a serious word." "I know." "Well, if you love him, then I guess I better learn to like him." There it is. "Does he always talk like that?" "Like what?" "Like he was talking." "*laughter* No, he was trying to make a good impression." "Ohhhh. Well that's good." I could see his estimation of the bf rising. I value my father's opinion, but it wouldn't be the deal breaker. Mommy would be the deal breaker. And she loves him. I think daddy is afraid the bf will take me away. That's just the wanna be psychologist in me.
The diamond tutorial... Wise was right on this one. This was by far the most commented on. But only by the women. Dudes don't care. It was exciting because its true, diamonds are a girl's best friend. But I didn't look too deeply into it. I learned a lot. The technical aspects and about myself. I hate marquis cut (football-shaped) and anything that looks like a shape not found in nature (i.e. heart or star). I don't like round/brilliant cuts b/c they're boring. I thought I liked emerald cut, but it doesn't sparkle enough. I LOVE princess cut. It looks like a regular square. I now know for certain I don't want anything smaller than 1 1/2 carats. But I don't need a huge ring. Set in white gold. So there it is. I know I want to be with him and vice versa. But neither of us is ready to get married.
This girl from college, one of those serial monogamists, got married this past weekend. She's a friend of a friend. But we were never really close. I started thinking about what it would be like to be married at 24. That is SCARY!! Why would I want to do that? Why rush? That is a permanent commitment for me. There are no practice runs or first marriages. Only marriage. I want to KNOW. And I need to have my independence first. I can't move out of my parents' house and into my house with my husband. This wasn't her situation. These are just things are started thinking about. I want to go to a wedding because I think they're pretty. I'm just in no rush to head down the aisle myself. Just typing that scared the crap out of me. Men are programmed to think women always want to get married. Don't kid yourself. Women like weddings. All women do NOT think you're the one.
Did I bring him to the job to shut up the loser? Nope. He had no desire to meet box boy. Plus when I was asking box boy places to go, he was like, I can show you guys around. I keep the bf apprised of all situations w/men who claim to want to "be my friend" or "show me around." Always lies. So he knows about box boy and was wary of him before I was. Actually I was wary the first day I saw him. But I have this pesky thing about giving people the benefit of the doubt. Its very wack. I really should stop. My first feeling is never wrong. So knowing all of these things, let's say the bf was less than excited abt meeting box boy. As in didn't want to at all. So we didn't. He actually met no one from work. So they probably think he doesn't actually exist. Lololol. Any more questions?
7.08.2006
The Illustrious Trip.. Parte Deux!
So... in case you haven't been to my blog in months or years, or even days, the bf came. this is part ii of the illustrious trip. If you haven't been paying attention, catch up: Part I.
When we left off, I was getting ready for the club, wearing pink shirt w/a low back and a halter, drape neck front, cuffed denim, brown faux snakeskin peep toe stiletto heel w/gold chain detailing right? We hop in the whip and head to station square. Now he was requesting a "black club" but there aren't really any of those here. It's always more like black night. And I hate the local radio station parties. Know why? Because you're always in there w/the seedy underbelly of the city. The wack part. Not the cool drug dealers. Joking guys. Lolol. The stuff will be really lame. Not like I've ever been anywhere in Pittsburgh club or party-wise that I was terribly impressed with but that's neither here nor there.
It was either the Strip District (no there are no strip clubs in the strip district. not that i know of anyway), which I had already driven him through, or Station Square. So we headed to Matrix. There's a top 40 room, a reggaton room (for that night), a techno room and an 80s room. PEOPLE!! No knowledge of personal space. I mean, i know we're in a club and all but black people work not to step on your feet and keep walking; not to drop a cup full of ice on the floor; not to step on your open toed stilettos w/extremely ugly black stilettos. I think I would've been happier if at least she had cute shoes. So we had an ok time. I was ready to go pretty soon after we got there b/c I was sleeeepy.
Sunday:
I wake up at 8. I was very proud. That's sleeping in for me now. We went to Cracker Barrel again. Best grits at a place in the north. Thank GOD! I love grits. Yummmmm. After Cracker Barrel, we went to the Mall at Robinson. Walked around, learned about diamonds. The 4 C's (clarity, cut, carat weight, color) and all that. **sidenote: i'm watching run's house right now... one word. lam.bour.ghini!!!!!! gimme now!! mmmmmmm**
We rode around trying to find something to do to kill time before my fellow Hamptonian's parents' cook-out. We rode around downtown and considered going to the regatta. But by the time we got over there, it looked like it was over. So sad. So we head back to my dad's to get directions to the cook-out. I showed him my myspace page and we looked up a few people. Then we bond some more and figure out what we're going to do about being so far away from each other and our future.
We head to the cook-out. Did I neglect to tell you what I was wearing? Black bubble skirt, black chiffon tank w/blue and green flowers on it and a lime green trim, silver flat sandals. She'd told me her parents were having a big backyard barbeque. We pull up and have to park two blocks away because there are so many cars. we walk up to the beautiful house. I didn't know there would be a live jazz band poolside, a dj, and a huge spread of food and most of the liquors you would ever want to taste. Too bad I had to drive. The band was fabulous. Really more of a three-piece combo. Keyboard, alto saxophone, fabulous singer. Smooth, silky voice. Toni pulled up a poolside table for the two of us (me and the bf). It was great. We had to leave early because I had to take the bf to the airport.
I drop him off and we talk about when/where we'll see each other next. I pull off. About 10 minutes later I get a phone call telling me to come back?? His flight was cancelled. WHOO HOO!!! ANOTHER NIGHT TOGETHER!! :) The airline put us up at the Airport Hyatt in a $200/night room. It was beeeeeeeeeyoutiful! We went to the hotel restaurant for dinner. He had the shrimp arrabiatta with a tomato concasse. I had the chicken saltimboca with cheesy polenta and steamed green beans. It was parfait!! So delicious. The room also had on demand and fabulous cable. We tried to stay up all night to watch but fell asleep at about midnight.
Monday: Woke up around 7. Went to the airport for breakfast at this cafe in there. I wanted to go to Au Bon Pain, but he needs actual breakfast options like pancakes. Wow... get it picky. Breakfast was ok. Went back to the room to watch some more tv, chill, relax. I took a nap. We got my car. I dropped him off and left. It was a great trip. I can't wait for the next one! :)
When we left off, I was getting ready for the club, wearing pink shirt w/a low back and a halter, drape neck front, cuffed denim, brown faux snakeskin peep toe stiletto heel w/gold chain detailing right? We hop in the whip and head to station square. Now he was requesting a "black club" but there aren't really any of those here. It's always more like black night. And I hate the local radio station parties. Know why? Because you're always in there w/the seedy underbelly of the city. The wack part. Not the cool drug dealers. Joking guys. Lolol. The stuff will be really lame. Not like I've ever been anywhere in Pittsburgh club or party-wise that I was terribly impressed with but that's neither here nor there.
It was either the Strip District (no there are no strip clubs in the strip district. not that i know of anyway), which I had already driven him through, or Station Square. So we headed to Matrix. There's a top 40 room, a reggaton room (for that night), a techno room and an 80s room. PEOPLE!! No knowledge of personal space. I mean, i know we're in a club and all but black people work not to step on your feet and keep walking; not to drop a cup full of ice on the floor; not to step on your open toed stilettos w/extremely ugly black stilettos. I think I would've been happier if at least she had cute shoes. So we had an ok time. I was ready to go pretty soon after we got there b/c I was sleeeepy.
Sunday:
I wake up at 8. I was very proud. That's sleeping in for me now. We went to Cracker Barrel again. Best grits at a place in the north. Thank GOD! I love grits. Yummmmm. After Cracker Barrel, we went to the Mall at Robinson. Walked around, learned about diamonds. The 4 C's (clarity, cut, carat weight, color) and all that. **sidenote: i'm watching run's house right now... one word. lam.bour.ghini!!!!!! gimme now!! mmmmmmm**
We rode around trying to find something to do to kill time before my fellow Hamptonian's parents' cook-out. We rode around downtown and considered going to the regatta. But by the time we got over there, it looked like it was over. So sad. So we head back to my dad's to get directions to the cook-out. I showed him my myspace page and we looked up a few people. Then we bond some more and figure out what we're going to do about being so far away from each other and our future.
We head to the cook-out. Did I neglect to tell you what I was wearing? Black bubble skirt, black chiffon tank w/blue and green flowers on it and a lime green trim, silver flat sandals. She'd told me her parents were having a big backyard barbeque. We pull up and have to park two blocks away because there are so many cars. we walk up to the beautiful house. I didn't know there would be a live jazz band poolside, a dj, and a huge spread of food and most of the liquors you would ever want to taste. Too bad I had to drive. The band was fabulous. Really more of a three-piece combo. Keyboard, alto saxophone, fabulous singer. Smooth, silky voice. Toni pulled up a poolside table for the two of us (me and the bf). It was great. We had to leave early because I had to take the bf to the airport.
I drop him off and we talk about when/where we'll see each other next. I pull off. About 10 minutes later I get a phone call telling me to come back?? His flight was cancelled. WHOO HOO!!! ANOTHER NIGHT TOGETHER!! :) The airline put us up at the Airport Hyatt in a $200/night room. It was beeeeeeeeeyoutiful! We went to the hotel restaurant for dinner. He had the shrimp arrabiatta with a tomato concasse. I had the chicken saltimboca with cheesy polenta and steamed green beans. It was parfait!! So delicious. The room also had on demand and fabulous cable. We tried to stay up all night to watch but fell asleep at about midnight.
Monday: Woke up around 7. Went to the airport for breakfast at this cafe in there. I wanted to go to Au Bon Pain, but he needs actual breakfast options like pancakes. Wow... get it picky. Breakfast was ok. Went back to the room to watch some more tv, chill, relax. I took a nap. We got my car. I dropped him off and left. It was a great trip. I can't wait for the next one! :)
7.06.2006
The Illustrious Trip Pt. I
thursday:
i picked the bf up from the airport around 8pm. i made sure i was extra jazzy. rhoyal blue tube dress, gold earrings, gold purse, beige muslin wrap 3 in. wedge heels. gotta help the him remember how much he misses me, my beauty and my fashion sense. this girl told me i had on a great outfit. he had on these fly "s dots" white w/blue and gray checker-type pattern. we went to the telly to get settled in but first he saw the posterboard-sized sign i painted and covered in glitter for him. then we went to the telly. he had a piece of the cake i baked him (vanilla w/vanilla frosting). i couldn't eat any b/c i hate frosting. i will only eat cream cheese frosting and sometimes chocolate. but i'm extremely picky. when i was little, i only got bday cake for my parties b/c everyone else liked it. i never ate any. my mom didn't know this. when she found out, she wouldn't let me do that anymore. from then on it was ice cream cakes (i had a face one year w/a cone as the nose-- adorable!), pound cake and cheesecake.
anyway. y'all know stace calls me sidetrack bob for a reason. we went to a place called "wings, spuds and suds" next to the hotel. got some wings and a pitcher of yuengling. wow... can you spell full. i can. m-e t-h-a-t n-i-g-h-t. dang. both of us. we pretended to go to the club but were too full. and i had been up for nearly 24 hours. i fell asleep. po thang.
friday:
i woke him up at 5 am. i couldn't help it. i was wide awake. and i let him take a nap later. bob evans for breakfast. i had on my green and white polka dot (luuuurve polka dot) tie front silk tank (featured in the bailey's commercial w/jill marie jones where they're looking for a dd) w/low rise jeans and the great shoes. when he wakes up he must have brekky, no matter what time. ain't that crazy? but i love the brekky so i say whatever homie. it was kinda burnt tho. not cool. then we went to heinz field (where the steelers play) and pnc park (where the horrid pirates play. they haven't had a winning season since the 1990s!!) we also looked at the roberto clemente bridge where they have mats on the sidewalk and large banners in the spans. then we walked down to the waterfront to look at the gorgeous view. we had a drink at atrias. horrible bartender. she was not friendly, gave no drink suggestions, and actually made the drinks too strong (ain't that a switch). now i'm a drink connoisseur. so if i say a drink is too strong, its too strong. with a well-made drink you can taste every element. this cosmo had far too much liquer (that's the alcohol-laced flavor additive for you non-drinkers, not to be confused w/liquor).
then we went to oakland (section of the city that's home to university of pittsburgh and carnegie mellon university). i wanted him to see the colleges. and what it must be like to go to college on a ginormous campus in the middle of a large city (pitt). then.... i took him to meet my dad. he (d) did not behave. when i went upstairs for like 2 seconds, my dad said, so... you're the one who stole my baby girl's heart. ok what? baby girl? you have never in yo life called me baby girl. bf: yes, but i gave her mine too. (nice answer!) when i came back downstairs, my dad hummed (quietly enough that i didn't hear, partially because i walk hard and climb and descend stairs like a herd of elephants... a large herd. my nickname as a small child, think from the time i could walk until like five... was "lil poundin feet." i got indian in my family, y'all. LMAO!!) so anyway. he hummed, "here comes the bride." when the bf told me that later, i was ready to fight. like for real.
so dad took us to dinner at this yummy restaurant in monroeville (eastern suburb) called john harvard's brew house. deee-lish. the waitress told me i looked pretty. when we left, the bf told my dad, he plans on being around. isn't that sweeet? i have the sweetest bf in the world, y'all. asleep by 9 again. so sad!! lololol.
saturday:
we just went wild. breakfast at cracker barrel's (my FAVE!! i could eat there 6 days a week. no lie. maybe even 7.) he loved it too. i had on a canary yellow tank w/a sweetheart neckline, jeans, a turquoise scarf around my head, large faux pearls notted around my waist, and silver flat sandals. then we went to kennywood for about 2 1/2 hours. its a very old amusement park-- kind of county fair-ish. i liked it and wanted to stay longer but he didn't so i didn't hold him hostage. we did get a funnel cake, tho. i also discovered i still have allergies. i started sneezing... a lot. i didn't know i still had these allergies b/c i don't go outside. i don't like elements. cold or hot. the weather is parfait here. no warmer than 80 for the last week or two. no colder than 72. that's what i'm talkin about. i don't like to sweat or be cold.
there were some old scary ass rides. i'm not a roller coaster girl. i don't like my stomach dropping. but i don't like to be left out so i go on rides and scream like a banshee the whole time. he begged me to get on the skycoaster-- see amusment park bungee jump. he said, "its so fun! first it feels like you're going to die, for only a couple of seconds, then it feels like you're flying." honey. baby. sweetie. sugar. doll. THAT. is not the way to sell an attraction! you feel like you're going to die?!! die?! what?! naw. you trippin.
anyway next we went to the waterfront shopping complex. we saw "the devil wears prada." the fashion.... OH THE FASHION!!!!! omg!! the fashion!! i'm convulsing on the floor right now. fab. u. lous. for no reason. just wrong. i loved the movie. he liked it too. darker than you might expect, particularly if you read the book (which i did). afterwards we went to the improv to see "sommore." she was hilarious. HILARIOUS!! a lot of sexual humor. i had a cadillac margarita. it was sooooooo yummy. THAT was a well-made drink. i tasted the cuervo (i love tequila), and lime perfectly, with a little salt on the rim. he had a jackie gleason (that ain't nothin but a jack and coke). they had a lot of fun drink names. i wanted one of everything. except whatever the blue one was. it had blueberi stoli and blue curacao and some other crap. i don't like blue drinks. they look like windex.
back to the telly to change. i got super fly. pink shirt w/a low back and a halter, drape neck front, cuffed denim, brown faux snakeskin peep toe stiletto heel w/gold chain detailing (ninewest of course). he looked delish too w/a black and gray vertical striped button down w/dark denim. ok this is getting ridiculously long so we'll have to make this part I. part II to come.
i picked the bf up from the airport around 8pm. i made sure i was extra jazzy. rhoyal blue tube dress, gold earrings, gold purse, beige muslin wrap 3 in. wedge heels. gotta help the him remember how much he misses me, my beauty and my fashion sense. this girl told me i had on a great outfit. he had on these fly "s dots" white w/blue and gray checker-type pattern. we went to the telly to get settled in but first he saw the posterboard-sized sign i painted and covered in glitter for him. then we went to the telly. he had a piece of the cake i baked him (vanilla w/vanilla frosting). i couldn't eat any b/c i hate frosting. i will only eat cream cheese frosting and sometimes chocolate. but i'm extremely picky. when i was little, i only got bday cake for my parties b/c everyone else liked it. i never ate any. my mom didn't know this. when she found out, she wouldn't let me do that anymore. from then on it was ice cream cakes (i had a face one year w/a cone as the nose-- adorable!), pound cake and cheesecake.
anyway. y'all know stace calls me sidetrack bob for a reason. we went to a place called "wings, spuds and suds" next to the hotel. got some wings and a pitcher of yuengling. wow... can you spell full. i can. m-e t-h-a-t n-i-g-h-t. dang. both of us. we pretended to go to the club but were too full. and i had been up for nearly 24 hours. i fell asleep. po thang.
friday:
i woke him up at 5 am. i couldn't help it. i was wide awake. and i let him take a nap later. bob evans for breakfast. i had on my green and white polka dot (luuuurve polka dot) tie front silk tank (featured in the bailey's commercial w/jill marie jones where they're looking for a dd) w/low rise jeans and the great shoes. when he wakes up he must have brekky, no matter what time. ain't that crazy? but i love the brekky so i say whatever homie. it was kinda burnt tho. not cool. then we went to heinz field (where the steelers play) and pnc park (where the horrid pirates play. they haven't had a winning season since the 1990s!!) we also looked at the roberto clemente bridge where they have mats on the sidewalk and large banners in the spans. then we walked down to the waterfront to look at the gorgeous view. we had a drink at atrias. horrible bartender. she was not friendly, gave no drink suggestions, and actually made the drinks too strong (ain't that a switch). now i'm a drink connoisseur. so if i say a drink is too strong, its too strong. with a well-made drink you can taste every element. this cosmo had far too much liquer (that's the alcohol-laced flavor additive for you non-drinkers, not to be confused w/liquor).
then we went to oakland (section of the city that's home to university of pittsburgh and carnegie mellon university). i wanted him to see the colleges. and what it must be like to go to college on a ginormous campus in the middle of a large city (pitt). then.... i took him to meet my dad. he (d) did not behave. when i went upstairs for like 2 seconds, my dad said, so... you're the one who stole my baby girl's heart. ok what? baby girl? you have never in yo life called me baby girl. bf: yes, but i gave her mine too. (nice answer!) when i came back downstairs, my dad hummed (quietly enough that i didn't hear, partially because i walk hard and climb and descend stairs like a herd of elephants... a large herd. my nickname as a small child, think from the time i could walk until like five... was "lil poundin feet." i got indian in my family, y'all. LMAO!!) so anyway. he hummed, "here comes the bride." when the bf told me that later, i was ready to fight. like for real.
so dad took us to dinner at this yummy restaurant in monroeville (eastern suburb) called john harvard's brew house. deee-lish. the waitress told me i looked pretty. when we left, the bf told my dad, he plans on being around. isn't that sweeet? i have the sweetest bf in the world, y'all. asleep by 9 again. so sad!! lololol.
saturday:
we just went wild. breakfast at cracker barrel's (my FAVE!! i could eat there 6 days a week. no lie. maybe even 7.) he loved it too. i had on a canary yellow tank w/a sweetheart neckline, jeans, a turquoise scarf around my head, large faux pearls notted around my waist, and silver flat sandals. then we went to kennywood for about 2 1/2 hours. its a very old amusement park-- kind of county fair-ish. i liked it and wanted to stay longer but he didn't so i didn't hold him hostage. we did get a funnel cake, tho. i also discovered i still have allergies. i started sneezing... a lot. i didn't know i still had these allergies b/c i don't go outside. i don't like elements. cold or hot. the weather is parfait here. no warmer than 80 for the last week or two. no colder than 72. that's what i'm talkin about. i don't like to sweat or be cold.
there were some old scary ass rides. i'm not a roller coaster girl. i don't like my stomach dropping. but i don't like to be left out so i go on rides and scream like a banshee the whole time. he begged me to get on the skycoaster-- see amusment park bungee jump. he said, "its so fun! first it feels like you're going to die, for only a couple of seconds, then it feels like you're flying." honey. baby. sweetie. sugar. doll. THAT. is not the way to sell an attraction! you feel like you're going to die?!! die?! what?! naw. you trippin.
anyway next we went to the waterfront shopping complex. we saw "the devil wears prada." the fashion.... OH THE FASHION!!!!! omg!! the fashion!! i'm convulsing on the floor right now. fab. u. lous. for no reason. just wrong. i loved the movie. he liked it too. darker than you might expect, particularly if you read the book (which i did). afterwards we went to the improv to see "sommore." she was hilarious. HILARIOUS!! a lot of sexual humor. i had a cadillac margarita. it was sooooooo yummy. THAT was a well-made drink. i tasted the cuervo (i love tequila), and lime perfectly, with a little salt on the rim. he had a jackie gleason (that ain't nothin but a jack and coke). they had a lot of fun drink names. i wanted one of everything. except whatever the blue one was. it had blueberi stoli and blue curacao and some other crap. i don't like blue drinks. they look like windex.
back to the telly to change. i got super fly. pink shirt w/a low back and a halter, drape neck front, cuffed denim, brown faux snakeskin peep toe stiletto heel w/gold chain detailing (ninewest of course). he looked delish too w/a black and gray vertical striped button down w/dark denim. ok this is getting ridiculously long so we'll have to make this part I. part II to come.
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