Christmas

wasn't that bad. I'm actually really glad I went to work. Everyone was very jolly, blasting Christmas music, exchanging presents and cards. One girl's mom brought us a breakfast casserole, fruit, oj and bagels. It was nice.

Two days earlier, a package came for me. YAY!!! You know I love packages. Of course it was from Kyle (the bf's actual name. I was trying to maintain his anonymity but he says he doesn't care). I know how he feels about me opening presents before the date... but I couldn't wait! I never can. I never get packages and they excite me. He knows how I am.

So, I open the package. Another lovely card. He picks the best ones. And... a diamond journey necklace! You know the ones that look like a squiggle and go from the smallest diamond to the largest. 7 diamonds. Wheeeeeeeee. I love diamonds. I told him last Christmas that jewelery is always a fabulous present for me. You can't go wrong with jewelery! Such a fabulous one, that one.

He was upset that I didn't wait.... but come on! If he wants me to wait, he should make sure it gets there on the exact date. That's the only way. He asked me to make a pact not to open a gift until the intended date. Er... um... yeah... I said I can't make that guarantee. I'll try. Now he says he'll just never send me anything again. FINE! Deliver it in person! Thanks! I prefer that anyway!

He's going to Chicago in January, so I bought his plane ticket. He has a one hour layover in Pittsburgh on the way back so we'll have to steal half an hour. Hopefully his plane will get in a little early. I'll take 10 minutes if that's all we have. That's love.

UPDATE!!

Remember the previous post? They're together now! Though I would LOVE to take credit for this one, I don't think I can. BUT I'm glad whatever worked did the trick!!! Hurray!!!!!

Dearest Friend,

I love you so much. You are one of the closest people to me. I don't know how to tell you this. I've been saying it in one way or another for months, maybe more than a year now. I'm not really sure. My time perception is a little off. But I'm reasonably sure it's been since before the bf and I made it official.

Your best friend.

I know he's white and you're black and I've been one of our most vocal friends about interracial relationships. It's kind of funny actually because growing up where I did, surrounded by white people, nearly all of my early crushes were white guys. The rest were older males. I've been boy crazy since birth (according to my mom). My time perception was so off that I was certain I could make a relationship work with my crushes at the time. When I was 5, it was a 13 year old, when I was 7, it was a 14 year old, when I was 14, it was a 17 year old. They all ignored me for obvious reasons but hey. All I knew is that they weren't adults and they were cute! Hilarious.

I think the evolution away from interracial relationships started for me when I was in 3rd grade. The white guy down the street, Matt, rebuffed my attempts. Then the white guy, Brad at school rebuffed my attempts in 4th grade. I was confused. We were cool, we were friends, what's the problem? (Neither of them are doing anything interesting with their lives at this point. I say that not to be evil, but to say you stick with me kid, and you're goin places! Hahahahaha).

My mom was not a fan of interracial relationships, but she grew up in Mississippi in the 1960s. Its kind of ironic considering her grandfather was half white. The other day I found out my dad's grandmother was also half white. But ultimately, its not up to our parents, or grandparents or anyone else.

That boy loves you. He really does. I've never met him, but I know he loves you. He will do anything for you. And I don't think you could really do anything to make him stop. Don't be afraid of what other people will or would say about your relationship. You can't stop people from talking, but you also can't ignore your heart. It will only cause you pain in the long run. It's ok to be scared. Do you think I wasn't scared when I stopped fighting how I felt about the bf? You know I was. Because I talked about it incessantly! Lololol.

Look. The point is, you love him, he loves you. A lot of times it's not that easy. But this time, I think it is. Don't be afraid. Just jump. I know he'll catch you.

Ask me 9xs and I'll tell you the same

I love the people in my life who are closest to me. I hate their interrogations. My mom, my sister, Stace and the bf have this thing they do. They'll ask me a question. I'll say I don't know. They'll ask it in a different way, maybe change 3 or 4 words. I'll say I don't know. This time they'll ask eliminating 4 or FIVE words (notice the difference?). I yell, "I DON'T KNOW!!!" Then they get defensive or accusatory or sheepish and try to make me look like the asshole. Ladies, gentlemen, boys, girls, shems, GLBT, ALL OF YOU!! Asking the same question multiple ways will NOT yield a different answer.... I. DON'T. KNOW!!



*NOTE*
(There was no particular event that yielded this post. I'm just inordinately bored today and restless.)

Why...

*am I in contact with more than one person who likes animals more than people, but works with people everyday. I do not understand people who will throw themselves off of a bridge to save an animal but would not spit on a human being on fire. I know it's possible to love animals and still be a compassionate person because my cousin is a fabulous vet and a nice person (as long as it's not morning).

*does the bf ask about you guys all the time? as in "How are your bloggers?" It's hilarious.

*does he also usually have a crazy question he'd like me to pose to you guys so that he can prove me wrong or get a question answered survey-style? I may feature the bf's crazy question of the week or however often it comes up. This week: Is there an age limit to drinking Kool-Aid? If so, what is it? (see what I mean?)

*is a friend of a friend cheating on his wife? I think he's a nice guy in general, but it really bothers me for reasons that I won't go into right now. I'm not rude to him but a little more reserved than is natural for me to be with people I share friends with (unless they're crazy. I have no problem ignoring/distancing myself from the nutty).

*do I love "Brown Sugar" so much? I can't figure it out. When its on tv, I have to stop and watch just a little of it and/or flip back and forth... and I own the movie! Hilarious.

*does going to the gym make me (more) obsessed with the mirror? I've always been a mirror person. I have high self-esteem. But going to the gym makes me nuts. I'm always looking for a new cut, ripple, muscle, lack of fat, something. I also get obsessed with going to the gym so that I'll have more cuts, ripples, muscles, lack of fat to look for. Plus it starts to feel really good. Like I'm accomplishing something.

*(PAY ATTENTION!! THIS IS THE BIG ONE!!) do I have to spell out for my dad that it is not acceptable for him to be out of town on Christmas? Last night I was leaving to go to work and he tells me he's going south (vacation) and won't be back until Monday or Tuesday. I have to work Christmas Eve and Christmas day. I do not want to come home to an empty house. I do not want TO BE BY MYSELF ON CHRISTMAS!! This is why I don't talk to people and boycott holidays. If Stace doesn't come like is now planned, Christmas is going on there with Thanksgiving. DON'T TRY ME!! I'LL BAN CHRISTMAS!!

When are you getting married?

This is one of the most annoying questions you can ever ask me. Do you really think I know? If I knew the answer to that question, I would have a ring on my finger. Yes, I want to get married. Yes, I may have talked about marriage with the bf. No, we don't know when if it has come up. No, I also do not think you (the endless questioner) need to be the first to know.

Asking me about it every other month will not make the date come any faster. Asking me about it every other week will not make the date come faster. Asking me about it every time you see me alone or in a relaxed atmosphere... guess what? WILL NOT MAKE THE DATE COME FASTER!!!

I am 24 years old. 24. I have a pretty good job, make decent money, with few bills. Can I live on my own for a while before I start shacking up (if ever), getting married and having babies? I've never lived on my own. My parents house, then in a dorm for 4 years, then back to my mom's house, now I'm living with my dad. I would like to just once in my life live on my own before I go straight to the house me and my husband will own. Is that so much to ask? And no I'm not ready to move out yet. I may wait until I leave Pittsburgh. The point is I DON'T KNOW!! SO STOP ASKING!!

This is annoying when you are single. It is annoying when you're in a committed relationship. It's annoying when you hit a year and people act like perhaps you need to be moving it along because you're not getting any younger. What the hell is the rush? No, I don't want to necessarily wait until I'm 30, but that doesn't mean I need to run down the aisle right now. Marriage is a big commitment I only want to make once. It's annoying when half of the married people you have regular contact with are trying to pressure you in that direction. LEAVE ME ALONE!! I PROMISE I'LL SEND OUT ANNOUNCEMENTS WHEN THE TIME COMES!!!

This has been on my mind a while because one of my work friends stalks me about it and it drives me nuts. She told me she was the last of her friends to get married, which makes me wonder why she choses to torture me this way. I'm sure she heard that from her group of 5 or 7 more than a few times. HEY!! CAN YOU LET IT GO!! Sweetlime asked the question and you can see I was more than ready to provide an answer.

Some things you just want to keep to yourself. Maybe the bf and I have talked about it to each other or other people or maybe we haven't. Or maybe we'll never get married or marry other people. Maybe I'll end up the 96-year-old cat lady with no eyebrows who sits at home singing "Dum dum didday!" Who's to say? But asking me about it. It doesn't make it come faster. If you're married and you're reading this, stop antagonizing all of your single friends. Next along this line: male biological clocks. It will be riveting.

The Anniversary Trip

First may I say how opposed to the term anniversary the bf's mom and my dad are? They were both like, you're not married, it's not an anniversary. HEY PARTY POOPERS!! WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!! I plan a trip out there and he finally gives me what I've been asking for since my birthday party... ANOTHER PARTY!!! YAY!!

We decide we'll have the party on Saturday, the day before our ann'y so we have time to hang out with only each other on Sunday. I get to CT, and Ashli picks me up from the airport. We go to Olive Garden, and have a wonderful time gossiping. Then we head across the street to the mall so I can find SOMETHING to wear. We head to Forever 21, pick up a multitude of polka dot shirts, and settle on a shirt I didn't even have time to try on.

Ash leaves to go see the Nutcracker. The bf picks me up from the mall and we go to the liquor store for a bottle of 1800, fabulous tequila. I'm a huuuuuuuge fan of tequila. We also pick up a couple of bags of chips, then head back to his apartment so I can take a nap before the party. Of course he's doing his normal bother me thing like a 5-year-old when he first sees me. I'm always sleepy and not in the mood. I get extremely cranky when I'm sleepy.

I take a mini nap (2 hours or less), then the bf wakes me to say Ash is on her way and being belligerent. This shocks me (not!). So I get up, get dressed in my skintight jeans, black and white polka dot top and black and white polka dot flats! (nine west, of course) and walk sleepily around until her and her bf get there. She bought us a present! How sweet! It was 2 blue flutes and 2 blue wineglasses from Lord & Taylor, a bottle of 3 blind moose chardonnay, and a bottle of sparkling wine, and a card. So lovely, that one is. We all stand around drinking and talking for about 2 hours. I was so glad they came... esp. since she was my only friend who was able to make it. They leave and its just me and the bf again until about 1. He gives me the sweetest card that brought tears to my eyes. I won't tell you the whole thing, but one line was "A lifetime isn't long enough to tell you how much I love you." Wow....

He was getting worried that no one would show up to our party. So cute. He'd already told me no one he works with gets off until 1 (yes, AM, Sportscenter and all the other shows have to get on the air somehow, don't they! lol), so I was sure we would have a turnout.

His neighbor gets there at about 1, feels supremely uncomfortable being there with the 2 of us for about 10 minutes, then 3 more people get there, then 2 more and suddenly within half an hour, there are about 10 people in the house... and I'm the only female. But I've always had a lot of guy friends so I'm just flitting about in my adorable way mingling with the folk and answering the door. I'm feeling quite nice by this point. Then fellow Hamptonian, BP starts pouring drinks and I make myself a tequila and oj. More people start getting there, and by 2:15, its one hell of a party. Still not many girls, but there were spades and dominos games, people taking shots in the kitchen (pass), and some dancing.

Everyone started leaving around 4. The bf and I were asleep by 5 and slept for most of the next day and watched the games on and off. BOOOOO PANTHERS!! I'M HATIN!! Always a fan, but they really pissed me off on Sunday. I wanted a burger for dinner so we went to Ruby Tuesday. I got a yummy pepporcorn swiss burger and the most delicious strawberry lemonade you have ever had in your life!!! The restaurant has really, really stepped up its game. Loved it.

Afterwards, we rented Pirates of the Carribbean. I fell asleep after the first 10 minutes, until the last 10 minutes.... hahahahahaha. Then I woke up, we watched more football, etc. It was great fun. We fell asleep. The next day, we chatted, ate breakfast, and talked. He's wonderful. I felt absolutely refreshed when I left. Hurray for trips to see the bf.

i don't watch tv

This is one of the most annoying things you can ever say to me. No, it's not primarily because I work in tv, though I'm sure that has something to do with it. It's primarily because there is an air of assumed superiority in that statement. But you know what they say happens when you assume.

Guess what? Watching tv does not make you better than everyone else. You are missing out. How do you keep up with what's going on in the world? Yes there's the internet and newspapers, but seeing things unfold in front of your eyes. Until news outlets have consistent live, streaming video on websites, what's the point? I know I'm very tv heavy, but that's my medium. I love it. Moving pictures and sound speak infinitely. Don't get me wrong, I'm an avid reader, but when it comes to news? SHOW ME.

In the newsroom, there are about 15 elevated televisions assigned to ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, whatever feeds or live shots we're rolling on, the Pittsburgh Cable News Channel, and on and on, but those are the main ones. Then there are the tvs at each desk. I love it. If there's something on, I look at the topic bar and decide what I want to watch instantly. I also love seeing how each station is treating each story.

I wasn't always a tv person. Now I can't live without it. You HAVE to stay informed about the world around you. If not, it will pass you by. And don't think I only watch news... well I guess you already know that, huh? Well... you do now! Ha! So watch tv. Even if you can't watch my show. Thanks! *rolling eyes because this topic really annoys me*

It's Thanksgiving Finally

Y'all can stop cursing my name now. Here it goes...

Wednesday after work, I went home, washed my hair, packed the clothes I'd set aside that morning before I left for work, then headed to the airport. I'd spent the day warning all of Pittsburgh (via writing for and producing the morning shows) all of the things they needed to know about "the busiest travel day of the year," including getting to the airport at least 90 minutes in advance and the "3-1-1." That's you may carry containers of liquids of gels in travel-sized containers 3.4 oz or less in one-one quart bag per person. And prepare yourselves for a wait and possible delays. All of this information of course came from TSA and the airport. I get to the airport and there is no line to check-in, then a man directs me to the alternate security point where there are only 4 people in line ahead of me. I'm looking around thinking, this is less time than I've EVER had to wait at the airport.

I get on the plane and its a smooth ride to Detroit. I'd finally calmed down from all the hyperactivity I imposed upon myself about meeting the bf's mom for the first time. I try to get a pedicure at the airport spa (the one good thing about Detroit's airport) but they're all booked. Bah! So I sit and listen to my ipod, call my mom since trying to take a nap wasn't working. I knew this would mean I was ridiculously tired once I got to Norfolk since I'd been up for 15 hours already and it was only 4pm.

I get off the plane in Norfolk looking fabulous of course since I knew the plan was for the bf and his mom to pick me up and for us to go to a restaurant from there. I'm suddenly nervous even though some woman had been talking to me most of the way there, despite the fact that I had my ipod in my ears AND a magazine open on my lap. Wow... that's dedication. I was getting to see the bf, though, for the first time in more than 6 weeks, so I was actually nice. Plus it was her first time flying and she was going to see her grandchildren. How mean can you be to someone like that?

I call Stacey so she can calm me down a little more and to describe the fit. Black tweed blazer with 3/4 length sleeves, black sleeveless shirt w/a ruffle down the front, jeans, black and cream satin polka dot flats, the birthday diamond earrings, black drop earrings, and a black necklace with the Christmas bratch. I get to baggage claim, call the bf, see him, give him a brief hug, take a deep breath, then turn around and meet his mom.

She's tall. She had on heels and I had on flats making me 5'1 and her at least 5'9. I didn't even reach her shoulder. Hahahahaha. I gave her a hug, we got my bags and walked to the car to decide what to eat. He told me his mom had suggested Applebee's but he didn't think I liked it. I cheered and cursed him in my head. Cheered b/c yay! you know me! Cursed b/c clearly if your mom suggests it, the first time we meet, I can't be the picky bitch who says, "Eww! No way!" So I say "Applebee's is fine." It's not that I hate it, it's just nondescript. There's really no reason to eat there. I did want to try some of the stuff Tyler Florence makes there but I wasn't in the mood for any of it.

Once we were there, he left the table twice!! WHYYYYYYYYYYYY?! The first time, there was silence for at least 2 minutes. That is a long time to be silent. We were both perusing the menu, then she asked what I was going to get and I said I'm not sure and she said, me either, then more silence. He finally returned. We ordered, then he left again to go call one of his friends to tell him we would meet him at the club after we dropped his mom off. This time we sat in silence until I asked what she was cooking for Thanksgiving. That was good, then more silence. SO AWKWARD!!!!

We ate. No one was very impressed with it, then we dropped of his mom and rode around for a while. Then we went to Wynel's house. I put in Robin Thicke and sat on his lap and listened and talked while Wynel did her hair. I started to fall asleep and he kept waking me up. It was around midnight and I had been up for 24 hours by this point. Wynel left the house to us. "2 the Sky" came on and it was a wrap! That song is faaaaaaaaabulous. We were asleep within the hour.

The next day, Wynel and I went to her boyfriend's aunt's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was so yummy. The dressing was offffff the chaiiiiiiiiiiin!! Mmmmmm-MMMMMMMMM! Lol. Then we went to her cousin's house for dinner. Ate more. Here the ham was the bomb. They also had she-crab soup. I wanted to try it but I was too full. I fit right in immediately. As soon as I walked in the door, Wynel's uncle said, "Jameil you gotta be more careful about the company you keep. You can come back anytime, and you don't have to come with Wynel, because if you do, we'll never see you again." Hahahaha. Then he says, "Also, there's a cover charge, you just give the money to me." I said, "Yeah, Wynel said she'll take care of me." He was like, "Naw, that ain't how it work." Hahahahahahahahaha. Just like home. Most of her cousins were around our age so we had a good time. We watched "Lackawanna Blues" (GREAT MOVIE), then "Grey's Anatomy." Man that show is great. Can't wait for this week. The last day of sweeps, too? It's gonna be off the chain.

Then we went to Wynel's college roommate's house. Her dad is a chef. He made some bangin gumbo!! I saw her adorable baby and we watched some more tv and caught up. Then we went back to Wynel's house. I talked to the bf for a little while, then went to sleep. The next day we woke up, ate, talked about our career goals (she was also in the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications with me and the bf), then got ready to head to the airport.

So that's it. Are you happy now?

What I'm thankful for (in no particular order):
* Benefits!
* Going to the dentist today and having no cavities for the 24 year or however long I've had teeth
* Being able to fly where I want when I want
* My family
* The blog la familia
* Stacey, Ashli and the entire Hampton crew
* Life, health and strength
* Food (I love food!!)
* The bf
* Daddy-Daughter Day

Love you guys!

Thanksgiving Post.... Is coming....

soon. I promise. I just don't feel like it right now. Wise tells me its that "damn my ordinary life sucks so much more than my vacation life" syndrome. That's why it always takes me days or weeks to recap.

I just don't really have the patience to sit down and do it at this point. I also bought a hilarious book called Maneater, very trashy novel, but makes me giggle. Want to know what else makes me giggle? My latest post about wedding day hoochies on the Record Dish. Hahahahaha.

Music Mindspacing

The Rules:
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question, type the song that's playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool.

Opening Credits: "San Francisco" Second Hand Jive" Some randomness that was on my dad's computer and got automatically added to my computer. I don't even know what this song is about other than the title. Boooooooooooooo.

Waking Up: "Greatest Show on Earth" Andre 3000 f/Macy Gray from the Idlewild, Hmm... I'm not sure what this means.

First Day At School: "We Major" Kanye West f/Nas Ha. I was always rather well-known throughout school from kindergarten to senior year in college. I'm that I'll social butterfly.

Falling In Love: "India Song" India Arie. Don't know what this song is about either. Let's have a listen. "Go where the wind calls my name. Calling India, India, India." Want to be free I guess.

Fight Song: "U Know What's Up" Donell Jones... hahahahaha! Yeah foo'!

Breaking Up: "Vamos Nenas" Cordero... another one of those songs that automatically got put on my cd. I don't even speak Spanish. Go something. I heard "Andale Muchacha" so I'm guessing that means BE OUT DOG!!! Which is appropriate. I'm quick to cut people off when the relationship ends.

Prom: "Trouble" Jay-Z Hmmm... really? No, not really. Prom was very laid back for me. Oh wait! My grandmother was still making my dress when my date got there. Yeah... not fun.

Life is Good: "Freaken' U" Donell Jones... kind of a laid back party song. I can get with that.

Mental Breakdown: "Essaywhuman?!!!!(Organix Version)" The Roots.. a little disjointed and doing whatever I want. When I'm breaking down, I still usually make a good deal of sense and can talk me out of the craziest of ideas.

Driving: "Make Love Tonight" Trey Songz... Probably not.

Flashback: "Y'all Know Who" The Roots... probably a flashback for someone, but not me. I just bought this cd a couple of months ago. The Roots didn't really make it into my rotation until the last couple of months.

Getting Back Together: "Paper Chase" Jay-Z... wow... hilarious... but inaccurate again. Never about money. *HEY SHUFFLE! GET IT TOGETHER!! YOU'VE BEEN HIDEOUSLY WRONG!!*

Wedding: "Say Yes" 112... ahhhh nice. And I will be saying yes over and over and over again. Hahahahahaha.

Birth of Child: "Don't Leave" Donell Jones... but is Donell Jones really the soundtrack to my life? I always think people are going to die soon and am notorious for telling people they can't die, so I guess that could be it. But let's hope I'm not thinking that first and foremost when I have my child.

Final Battle: "I Belong to You (Everytime I Close My Eyes)" Rome. Huh? Daddy's 90s R&B mix. Clearly this annoying song should NOT be in my ipod. As should several others. Madam! How do I delete stuff from my ipod?

Funeral Song: "Stay" Ne-Yo f/Peedi Peedi... makes sense. The world will scream that when I die. Hahahahahah

End Credits: "Intro" Outkast (Idlewild) Well... every ending is the beginning of something else.

**Musical Shares
1. How does the world see me? "Roses" Kanye West... Persistent? Obstinate? Questions authority and life? Love family? Loyal?
2. Will I have a happy life? "Chain of Fools" Aretha Franklin... oh great. Did I tell you stupid people are one of my pet peeves? I have no patience for the foolish.
3. What do my friends really think of me? "Family Business" The Fugees... Don't know what this one is abt either. Let me take a listen... umm... they think I'm in a gang? Or that I'm hard core and I don't play?
4. Do people secretly lust after me? "Our Love" Mary J Blige. I guess that means they all love me. Much better. Lust fades.
5. How can I make myself happy? "Know That" Mos Def... Listen to self, do what's best for me.
6. What should I do with my life? "Racism" Janet Jackson... "To a world of secret Racism, get well soon" That's the whole song. Janet is one odd bird, that one. Wow. I've always wanted to do something that impacts the lives of Black folk. Documentaries about seemingly ordinary Black people. I would love that.
7. What is some good advice for me? "Intro" Big Boi... he just says Speakerboxxx over and over again. I guess that means I want to be heard.
8. How will I be remembered? "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here" Deborah Cox... I'm going to assume that I'm going to be breaking down barriers.
9. What is my signature dancing song? "Crack Music" Kanye West... I guess he's the other soundtrack to my life. Has a good beat but it's not Lil John and doesn't have the gangstaness or nostalgia associated w/Missy's "Under Construction."
10. What do I think my current theme song is? "See Saw" Aretha Franklin. Unstable? I'm only 24. I'll take that. I've never heard this song before. Another cd I snatched from Daddy for the collection w/o listening. This one is kinda hot, though.
11. What does everyone else think my current theme song is? "In the Middle" Trey Songz... All about love?
12. What song will play at my funeral? "Flip Flop Rock" Big Boi f/Killer Mike, Jay-Z... know what? I might take that just b/c its the ill collabo. The beat is hot. But I'm sure there will be school chiddlers there and it will be in a church so the cursing isn't really appropriate.
13. What type of women (men, since I'm a woman) do I like? "Who" Raheem DeVaughn.. leading by example. I like it. Community awareness.
14. What is my day going to be like? "The Love Experience" Raheem DeVaughn. Awwww. That's nice.

This was much more fun when I could use it just to make fun of X. Lololol. The next 5 songs in the shuffle? "Thank You" Raheem Devaughn, "Its Alright" Jay-Z, "Until the End of Time" Justin Timberlake, "Babymother" Musiq (yikes! glad that one didn't come up! I don't want to be anybody's baby mama. NO baby mama drama for me, thanks!), "Umi Says" Mos Def... oh buddy! I would've been crunk if this one had come up.

Thanksgiving... Less bah and looking up!

The Thanksgiving outlook is improved just a few days since I re-iterated the plan. Since Ashli essentially told me to suck it up and quit whining, I bought my ticket to Virginia for much cheaper than it was originally listed. Originally listed at $292, I bought mine for $177. See airlines? I will not allow thee to steal all my money from me. Unfortunately, I will be flying Northwest which I hate b/c no matter where you go in the nation, you have to fly to Detroit first. WTF Northwest? That can't be cost efficient. Instead of flying me direct to Hartford or Norfolk, it makes more sense to fly me to Detroit, THEN to my final destination? I'm going with no. Stop being stupid.

Anyway. Back to Detroit Wayne I go. I have about an hour and a 1/2 layover so I'm going to try to set up an appointment for a pedicure and try to relax since when I get off the plane...


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I'm meeting the bf's mother for the first time. I'M SO NERVOUS!! I don't know what to wear. Come on guys!! You knew that would be one of the first things I would think. So I'm trying to figure out what to wear right? I looked at the feng shui fashion guide just because it was on AOL's front page. I would like to let the author know she was NO HELP!! Thanks for nothing Stephanie!

An excerpt:
"Pink – Soothing and nurturing, pink is a great color for putting people at ease. This color also dissipates anger, so it’s a great choice when you want to kiss and make up. Avoid pink if you want to be seen as decisive and bold, however, as it conveys softness.
Brown – Whenever you feel scared or insecure, wear brown. This grounding color has an effect that is most comforting. Wear it when you want others to put their faith in you. Avoid brown, however, when you are in a rut or dealing with stubborn people.
White – Nothing inspires trust like the color white. Wear this color when you want to appear detailed, efficient and faultless. Keep away from white when you want to convey a relaxed, easygoing image. White can also promote anxiety, so use it carefully."

Erm... so are you saying I should go naked? Because obviously while each color has some redeeming qualities, if I'm feeling the slightest bit unsure (which HELLO I will likely be b/c I'm meeting mom!!), then I will spiral rapidly into a quagmire of depression never to resurface. And THEN what would his mom think of me? She would tell him to get far, far away from that psycho girl! And that would be no good!

*Deep breath and soothing thoughts* I'll be staying at my homie Wynel's house which she offered to me and the bf for a date night on Wednesday. How sweet is she? She actually was a part of the bf and me meeting freshman year. At least that's what I think. We were friends for so long before we became more that I don't even know how we met, let alone when, other than it was freshman year.

I have no idea what Wynel and I will be doing on Thanksgiving day but I'm sure we'll have fun... I'll let you know how it goes!

Thanksgiving... Bah!

The Plan is still on. So you don't have to wade through the Mindspace-ness of that blog unless you want to, here's the part you need to know.

"Did I tell you I'm boycotting all holidays? All of them. I worked Christmas Eve
& Day and New Year's Eve and Day. The first holiday under my injunction
was Thanksgiving. I really do not get the big deal. It made me know that I
will NOT be cooking for a holiday ever again until there are at least 5
people to eat all that ish. I'm either ordering or going to someone's house. I
can't do it. I can't look at the left-overs and I don't like turkey."
*Jameil, January 2, 2006

So there it is. NO THANKSGIVING! This is the most important holiday injunction of all. While I may not boycott all the rest (I was very upset that day because I had worked and worked and worked during the holidays. So sad.), Thanksgiving is definitely on the chopping block. Remember how I said I might be going to Norfolk for Thanksgiving to hang with my college homie and the bf? Well my I hate Thanksgiving gene kicked in hard. I don't wanna go nowhere or do nothing! HMPH! So much so that I left my English lessons at home.

Back in Charlotte, we'd go to one of my aunt's houses, then to the movies. My cousins would bring their boyfriends. We always had a great time and of course lots of good food. We would also house hop. My friend Laurie's mom made the best mac and cheese and broccoli rice casserole. Her turkey was never dry. Then she started getting fried turkey and everything was really, really good!

After those great memories, understand why Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh, or anywhere but Charlotte isn't really what I want to do? I know I'm being bratty, but I really don't care. Hahahaha. The moral of this story? Thanksgiving... BAH!

Too Anti-Social For the Gym

Sigh. I think that's me. Even before I had a boyfriend, I hated being stalked at the gym. I've never really had to workout to maintain my weight, but these night hours are killing my diet (I don't mean diet in the sense of 2 crackers, 3 carrots and a lettuce leaf. I mean diet as in what you eat.) and my cute shape. I wake up in the middle of the night (945pm, 1145pm or 245am, depending on what time I have to be there), grab some fast food, eat out of the machines and sit down for 9 to 12 hours a day. See what I mean? I'm not overweight, but I know I've picked up a couple of pounds. I also know I have to eat better.

But perhaps I should go back a little. I hate running. Hate it. Even if I'm being chased, instead of being caught, I'll just give up because I know there's no way in hell I can run faster than you. I gave up sports after softball from ages 6 to 9 because my younger sister was better than me. We also took gymnastics, not on the Ashli level, but little kid stuff like forward rolls and walking across the balance beam. She was better than me at that, too. We also took tap, jazz and ballet, again better than me, but I liked it so I didn't really mind as much. I was the first person in our class to do a toe stand so I was very excited about that! :D I tried to show you a pic but everything came up but a tap toe stand. Its the move where you stand on your toes in your tap shoes.

Anyway sophomore year at Hampton, the student center opened, with a gym inside. My friends and I decided we would start working out. At first I rebelled, but then kind of started to like it. I fell in love with the elliptical machines. I also loved my hap ki do class taught by a set of twins. So fun. Sometimes I would even let CC drag me to the track. But like I said, I hate running. And she would make fun of how I run. Hater.

Anytime we'd go to the gym outside of my normal 7pm time, some jerk of a guy would come up to one or several of us and ask if we needed some help with the equipment. Mind you, these weren't the regulars because we all had a head nod relationship. We actually would wave and say hi outside of the gym even though we didn't know each others' names. No, the regulars know you don't need any help. It was these losers who were trying to get back in shape for something and wanted to show off. ACTUALLY I'm in here far more than you, so maybe I can help YOU out with something. OOOOOOOOOOOOH!

Yesterday, I went to work out. Everything was cool. I'm on my elliptical, of course guys are looking, no biggie. But this one guy makes eye contact for 1/2 a second, then decides he will stare me down until I speak to him. After I got off the elliptical, I went upstairs to the indoor track to do a couple of laps and stretch. Do you know when I was coming down the steps, this negro stopped at the bottom and stared at me?!?!?! What are you doing?! Can I work out w/o being accosted?! Is that so much to ask? Ridiculous. The bf was like, but you're pretty and the gym is like a club, you go to meet people. It's to be expected. Oh hell no. I don't EXPECT to be bothered while I'm working out!!!

Today I went and I'm already getting a little bored with my workout. I still haven't heard from this alleged personal trainer I'm supposed to get a free session with for signing up. I wish Madam were here and that she would hurry up and finish her new blog!!! Lolol. I thought that as I was working out today. Bally's does NOT want to get on my list because I WILL call a manager and send a note to corporate and whatever other thing I need to do to let them know I'm not happy with the service I'm paying for!!

You know how I have notoriously bad food service right? Well after one trip to Mad Mex, I filled out the comment card and got a free meal coupon. Did the same with Wendy's and got two. All I'm asking is for you to perform the service I'm paying you to do! Is that so hard? I don't think so but maybe I'm crazy.

On today's gym trip I saw the woman I want to be when I grow up. Beautiful black woman with the smoothest skin. She could be anywhere from 33 to 53. I had no clue what age she was. That's hot. I also saw a girl who could be my workout partner. I need one if I'm going to keep working out. This going by myself and having to beat the dudes off with a stick is no fun. I know that sounded incredibly vain but if you're a woman and have ever been to the gym, you know exactly what I'm talking about. Bally's needs to step its game up. I've now been to the gym 3xs this week... aren't you proud? :D

Get it Right, Get it Tight!

Hahahahaha. That's my fave line right now. "Get it right, get it right, get it tight." The song is not my fave but that line makes me giggle.

So I finally joined Bally's today after weeks of talking. A little high priced but I'm bout to be flyer (see how when you're talking about being fly, it doesn't make sense to drop the y and add -ier? it just looks stupid like that. like you're talking about a sheet of paper advertising for your wack ass party at the Legion or the Chestnut!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LMAO!! all my Hampton heads are rollin right now... well the ones who are of age anyway) than a little bit. Sorry bout that crazy sentence. I know it makes no sense to have a sentence shorter than the parenthetical statement inside. But that's the kind of mood I'm in right now and I think I'm about to grab a beer take this to another level. Watch me.

Bally's had not a child in sight and miles and miles of workout equipment. Well, not miles, but enough. There were a lot of old people in there, but a good mix of young people too.

Wait! I don't need to grab a beer (but I did anyway). I do things backwards sometimes. Remember how I went to the Y and hated how there were little school chiddlers (ha! that roald dahl throwback for ya! right dream? :D hahaha) all over creation? It was like being at a day care with a small workout room. You could count the machines. Not cute. Bally's feels like a real gym in a real city. Multiple machines, indoor track, indoor and outdoor pools. Nice. But this is pgh. That outdoor pool must get used 3 weeks a year! Hahahahahahaa. Y'all. It's really that time of year again. The attack of the ugly sweaters has begun! Ugh!! Please read in my archives with that link for how I feel abt this!! I may have to repost it on the Record Dish because this is important!!

Anyway. Here are my workout goals. I don't want to hear any smart comments either. We all have goals. I want to lose 7 lbs., have abs like Janet, well-defined arms without being cock-dies (that doesn't look right either, that's dies as in short for diesel), that line in your outer thigh like Andy McDowell that only shows up when you've been working out. Just to general be sleek and short (there ain't but so long I can get at 5'1... so the illusion of long). Not too hard right?

I'm likely going to Norfolk, VA for Thanksgiving since my homie Wynel invited me down there and the bf will be there, too since his fam lives there. So if there's a possibility I'll run into people who knew me from college, I want them to say daaaaaaaaaaaaaaang Jameil looks GOOD! And then I'll be like DAAAAAMN right! :D So funny.

While I'm working out w/my new fly ipod, I need some good music right? I added Jay-Z's "Hard Knock Life Vol. 2" and I had forgotten how much I liked this cd. It makes me giggle. And would actually be fun to listen to while working out. I need stuff that gets me crunk and hyper (shocking right?) I have some good stuff on my workout playlist but I need more. I have some Justin, the Roots, Outkast. Since my cds got stolen I don't have enough crunk, movable stuff. My Ying-Yang is gone, and both my Lil John's. Clearly we know both of them will get you out your seat. Ah well. C'est la vie. D's home so I'm bout to be out. We still don't know what we're going to do. I want to see the Departed, but he saw some reviews and didn't feel too inclined. I hate reviews. Like I want to listen to some random person in middle America. So we'll see.

DAMMIT I'M HAPPY!!!

DESPITE apple's repeated attempts to steal, stomp on, squelch, muddle, massacre, ruin, or otherwise destroy my joy.

So I got the aforementioned beautiful turquoise ipod. First let's go back. Remember the engraving? It was based on one of my fave quotes from the fabulous Akeelah and the Bee (I know its not from there and Nelson Mandela said it but that's where I first said it (quit hatin)). WAIT! Speaking of hatin. Associated Press. It is NOT ok to use the terms "hating" or "hating on" in two blurbs simply because they're in the Urban section of the wires!!! You must know this!!

Back to Apple's quest to anger the great one. ("I am rock and roll"-- I love this Mos Def song. Disgustingly hot. So sick, so ill, so nasty. LMAO!! Me and Stace always pick on CC for using this language w/the rest of her fellow NYers. Oh the hilarity). So before I could even get my ipod, they sent me three SEPARATE messages to tell me 1) they do in fact have my order and it is currently being placed (yay!), 2) they were sending it, (biiiiiig yay!), 3) they were billing me. (ok already, i get it! could not those last two have been consolidated?)

Then Monday FedEx tried to deliver it at 905am. WHO is at home at 905 in the morning? I mean seriously. Maybe on my off days but normal people work! Come on! So they said I could go pick it up but I thought it was the place down the street, but it was this place up and down multiple hills and around at least 2 "s-curves." NOT COOL! So the bf suggests I just call and request a delivery time. So I say anytime after 1230. The woman lets me know it's only a suggestion and they'll do the best they can. I say ok.

The next day as I'm driving down the street SECONDS from pulling into the parking lot, I see the truck pulling out. NOOOOOO! I pull into the parking lot and see my dad's car and I'm like "Ooh! Maybe!" I walk in, and there's a small rectangular box on the table! YAAAYYYYYYY!! I open it and there is a small booklet and it's NOT the instructions. There ARE no instructions! You have to read them online!!!! What kind of bullshit is that?! Some serious bullshit!! They're crazy! Can I have it in front of me so I don't have to log on every SINGLE time I have a question about my product?!!! So not happy. I read instruction booklets for fun. That's how I know stuff about my phone and everything else I own. Becaue I READ!!! Pissed. Esp. b/c I really have no idea what I bought. I mean I know its an ipod nano and it plays music and can hold 1k songs but beyond that I have no clue. I mean what do I look like? I'm a writer and producer, NOT a techie. MADAM!!! What the hell did I buy?!?!?!?

Ok so this is not keeping with the title of this blog b/c this is the next day. So I uploaded all my cds on there. Still wavering back and forth between buying cds to put on the ipod and buying individual songs b/c I'll still need to listen to stuff in the car. So that part's still up in the air. Who knows. I have 308 songs on my ipod at this point. Aren't you excited?! :D Oh yeah! Wait! So it took nearly 2 HOURS to download itunes onto my computer! BIOTCHES!!! The kid was pissed. And I mean pissed. Then once I get it on there I'm hella sleepy so I can barely put 8 cds on there before I'm ready to go to bed.

Last night my dad brought in a case of Yuengling and I actually cheered. It was hilarious. Then he tried to hook my ipod up to our bangin 7 speaker surround sound and subwoofer stereo system and nearly killed it. I was like yeah... uh... enough of that. I also showed my cute little ipod to my coworker who absolutely didn't get the quote. She goes, "That doesn't make sense." Sigh...

Tonight's another Daddy/Daughter night. Last night one of my coworkers who used to be my weekend robotic camera operator called me and I was knocked out. Didn't even hear the phone or remember hearing it anyway. NOW! Let me tell you about AOL. We're gonna fight. Seriously. Do you know it gave me some sort of error message when I tried to sign in, then when I opened my Favorites, with more than 250 sites there, do you know there was NOTHING THERE?!!! I'm done. I'm real angry right now. I'm going to Bally's to sign up. If this isn't fixed by the time I come back me and AOL are going to have a hollering fight. And I mean HOLLERING!!!

"Hey Tyreek, Can we join you?"

Has anyone else seen this MTV commercial? It shows "the black guy" (will the Real World ever have more than one per season? or has there been a season like that and i just missed it? whatever happened to tek? how did he spell that?)

The commercial is very Harold Ford, Jr.-esque. You know the infamous commercial in Tennessee's current Senate race between the aforementioned 36-year-old, unmarried Democrat who comes from a long line of politicians and Republican Bob Corker. The Republican National Committee paid for an add featuring a blonde white woman saying, "I met Harold at the Playboy party! ... Call me Harold." Are you joking? You're running so scared of losing this election that you have to play on the familiar fear historically held by white Southern men? We won't even talk about the white guy in black face.

That's not what this post is about! But similar. The new MTV commercial shows the black guy (TBG), Tyreek, in a hot tub. Three white women in red bathing suits walk up to the patio door and say, "Tyreek, can we join you?" And he starts daydreaming about all the white women mutliplying. Suddenly he's surrounded by white women in bathing suits who all want to get in the hot tub. Then he snaps out of it and there are just three who say, "Tyreek! Hey Tyreek! Can we join you?" Tacky MTV. Very tacky.

The Good Things

1) I bought John Legend's cd and I really like it. Review forthcoming coming here. I'm only one person! Wanna know if you should "Press Play?" Head there now!

2) I talked to the bf for 3 hours yesterday. We argued, but we ended on a good note, which is always a good thing and makes me jolly. Our one year anniversary on Dec. 10th came up. Um... when he mentioned he was off on the 10th and 11th, do you know what I said, "Ok... and? What days of the week are those days?" I TOLD YOU I'D FORGET!! I told him I would anyway b/c every month, the 10th comes and goes and THEN I'm like oh yeah, another month. I'm convinced I'll forget in December, too.

3) I went shopping Tuesday. I bought a pair of boots-- black, pointy toe, 1 1/2 inch heels from nine west (of course), 2 shirts, 2 tanks, 2 sleeveless sweaters (i know its too cold now, but it was an end of season sale), a pair of beige, wide-legged dress pants, all from cache and express, some stuff from victoria's secret. They were having a 10/$25 sale on their pink line! How amazing! I couldn't resist. So sad. My feet gave out before the rest of me. By the time I finished it was about 2:45 and I'd woken up at the time that morning to get ready for work.

4) Tried the Y near my house. Its a family Y, though. Too small and too old. I have no desire to be around children that don't belong to me, even if I only have to walk past them to get to the gym. Now I'm considering Bally's. Not as close but we'll see how the facilities are. I don't really like their class offerings. Kind of wack and boring looking. I'm also thinking of the place at the bottom of the hill here. They don't have any classes but I'm starting to think maybe I don't need the classes. But I'll need something else to stimulate me. I get bored easily.

5) I BOUGHT AN IPOD TODAY! YAY!! I got a turquoise nano. We get about a 10% discount w/the job. The engraving says "who am i to be gorgeous & talented? i'm jameil" so fabulously me right? yeah, i know. lol.

6) The bf sent me a package with all the stuff I left the last time I was there (the things I bought from the ESPN store and my leaf earrings) along with "The Little Mermaid"!!! I was so excited. When I saw it was back out again, the Platinum ed. this time, I wondered if they got them at work since he got Cinderella when it came out. They didn't so he just bought it for me. What a sweet bf he is. "Never underestimate the power of... body language!" Fave line in the whole movie. Cracks me up!!! Hahahahahaha.

7) Did I mention I love this John Legend cd?

8) I'm off today.

9) I watched part of "When Harry Met Sally" and am now watching "The Stepford Wives." Both of which make me giggle.

10) Tonight is Daddy/Daughter night and I get to pick where we eat. Hmm... where shall I choose? Maybe John Harvard's. Its one of my fave places. Last week we went to Max and Erma's. My dish was ehhhh. I shouldn't have ordered pasta. That's definitely a burger place. They have yummy burgers but I wasn't impressed with the pasta.

Why Am I Surrounded By the Socially Decrepit?

I can't take it. I like Pittsburgh to a degree. However, I am surrounded by people who are socially decrepit. It drives me crazy. I never go out. EVER!! It drives me insane. I am going insane. I must be. Someone save me. I need to go out, I need to shop, I need to travel. I need visitors!!!! I'm also sick of the perenially bitter. Really sick. Who will rescue me? So that's why I haven't been blogging. I've been in a bad mood.

State of Black America Part VII "I'm a Conservative"

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

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.

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 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

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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!

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.