Bernie Mac

I'm deeply saddened to discover that a man so humorous, full of life, and compelled to share his laughter with us, has died. Bernie Mac, at the Over the Hill age of 50, died in Northwestern Hospital, early Saturday morning in his native city, Chicago, Illinois. I'm sure his death and timing is just as shocking to many people, including myself. "I didn't even know he was sick." That was the first thing that flashed into my mind when my mother relayed me the news this morning. I'm sure we've all told his jokes, ranging from the "milk and cookies" and to the "Jing-a-ling" character he played on the movie, Life. We will always miss him and remember the smiles he so effortlessly put on all of our faces.

My New Site...

I love hair. Maybe a little too much! Check out my other site that I've been working on...paying negligence to this one, I do apologize to my faithful readers, but God has blessed me in more than one way, and that's how I choose to express it!

Hello Hair Ho

Cosmopolitan ~ minus the martini

I have a passport with no stamps. I have dollar bills that have never endured the nerve-wrecking protocols of currency exchange. However, I am eagerly awaiting the worn-pages and outdated picture of a passport and the kick in the ass of the dollar once I hit the Euro-world. Yes, I am turning my frequent flyer miles across oceans and several time zones. In the next few years, I will have made a home away from home in London, Paris, Italy, Greece, Africa, Argentina, Tokyo...and wherever else my little blue book can take me!

My question is, beyond the places that are obvious tourist attractions...where are great places to visit that we might not get a AAA discount or a hotel staff speaking the English language? Well, I've been watching the Travel Channel rather frequently and discovered some interesting places.

I'm a water bug! I love any place that is adjacent to a beautiful body of water. It helps that I love to swim and it's even more of a plus if I can vacation with others who love to get wet. So, I'm definitely inticed by the array of gorgeous sandy beaches in the Caribbean. Whether it's St. Maarten, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos or Mexico, I'm game for seaside amenities! According to the Travel channel, the #1 Caribbean destination is Hotel Maroma in Maroma, Mexico. Nestled in the heart of the Mayan Riviera and located 30 miles south of Cancun, this place boasts of its handmade architecture and Mayan influence.

Back to the Motherland! I've always said that I'll make the trip back to Africa to pay homage to my ancestors. Of course there's the obvious places I'll touch the soil/sand of: Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt, but I've heard that Clifton Beach in Cape Town, South Africa seals the deal for those visiting.

Are there any other beautiful, exotic places you've visited and refer others to? If you know of any others, please shoot me a line, or better yet, an air ticket!

Yves Saint Laurent dies at 71

YSL...the label says it all...but the man, for whom the initials represent, has a silver lining that dawns above our heads and will be forever memorialized six feet under. I've never owned apart of the label, but like others I've adored his signature designs for which he retreated in 2002. But nonetheless, as the label is immortalized....I say "Au Revoir" to a man who dared to put women in a pantsuit!

Sex and the City: +5

I was a little disheartened to see the clouds overhead. And then to top it all off, the weather service had issued a tornado watch for damn near the entire Mid-Atlantic! But as a true lover of anything, it did not stop my hunger to see those 4 crazy girls back together again. And this time, on a screen way bigger than the one in my living room and sitting elbow-to-elbow with others who shared my craving. Let's face it, all of us have been suffering with hunger pains since Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha left the all-too-cosy 9:00 time slot on Sunday nights. The Sunday night ritual has become a Sunday night pasttime that we may reflect on at the censorship of TBS syndications or at the insert of one of their hilarious seasons' DVDs. As for me, SATC was so encoded in my DNA that I wouldn't even give Desperate Housewives a chance! I protested the Sunday night primetime hour in a hope that all SATC lovers everywhere would join in, and nearly force HBO and Michael Patrick King to reconsider pulling the plug on our four beloved NYC ladies!

Okay, okay...the night of the show....I know, I know...but I had to set the scene first. True to the modern girl ritual, there's the traditional visit of a mall/boutique. Well my friend and I opted for an easier and less hectic pre-show warm-up, IKEA. And after perusing through rows and rows of contempo-European style that made me reconsider my already chosen color palette and the cats and dogs downpour overhead....we finally realized it was time to get ready. The other half of our party were all scattered throughout the city DC/Baltimore finalizing accessories, hair up or wig, dress or skirt, and stiletto or flat (Hey, I know...flat? But it was raining crazy!). After several changes, without the luxury of Patricia Field...we headed to our destination, minus the rain drops : ). It was nearing the 6:00 hour and we were hoping to make it to Georgetown in enough time to find a park and hopefully hold down a seat that wouldn't cause neck cramping after the show. Parking? Not a problem! Seats? Let's just say it was 6:10 and maybe 85% of the theater was almost full. So we took our elderly seats, neck cushion in tow (psyche!) and sat with our own anxious anticipation of what we were going to see. We had all closed our ears to the critics of (un-SATC tv fans), and those who had already indulged in the cinema showing. So we were ready, as green as St. Patrick's Day!

The movie...Hmmm....without giving it away to others that have not had the opportunity to see...I will not spoil it. But, I will say this...it's the best movie since The Color Purple (and that movie debuted in 1985!) I never wanted it to end, not a second. I didn't even want it to rush...Michael Patrick King served us well!!!! All the characters, were all the same. Every one of them played their roles as if they never left the city. I was thoroughly pleased. I laughed, I "amen"ed, and of course, I cried. It's amazing how four fictional characters, are so much like each one of us. I mean, not as an individual. I'm not exclusively a Carrie, a Miranda, a Charlotte, or a Samantha. But I've been each of them, at any day or time in my life. There was the Carrie period - college years, shopping till I dropped my credit score to an embarrassing number that made a car salesman laugh in my face when I attempted to get my first new car! Miranda, now she still pops her head out on occasion...cynical, realist, control freak, tells it just the way it is...and has a hard time adapting to the idea of losing control. Charlotte, oh how I'm a sucker for love. I think I'm the last one left, though. There's a part in the movie where she says something about how her life is so wonderful, but something bad has to happen because....well, I won't say why. But I totally felt her on that. Charlotte was for a long time the hopeless romantic, who never gave up on love and true to die-hards everywhere, she found it. And Samantha, oh how I'm sure, my friends will nod their heads as confirmation that that's who I should identify myself with...but not for obvious reasons. I'm blunt as hell!!!! And especially when it comes to talking about sex! I haven't had the triple-digits of men that Samantha has either, but I think the last time I counted it was (cough)...so I think that makes me closer to the virgin side. However, all of them had pretty numerous sexcapades. But back to Samantha...she's the part of me that has a hard time wrapping my mind and heart around this thing called love. She's as sweet as pie and would do anything for the three girls that she loves...but has a difficult time loving the man, she loves to f#@!

The movie was over and we headed for a seafood restaurant where all five of us could talk about the movie and drink Cosmos. (Although I opted for a bottle of Riesling, sorry I'm a wino!) After stuffing our bellies and emptying our wallets, we sealed the deal in Adam's Morgan at Lauriol Plaza. I was drunk at this point and having a blast as we ran our mouths, bumped into old college friends, jumped on someone's tab, and had a great time screaming over the crowded bar noise. I tried be a little Samantha-esque and use my girlfriend's "Thing 1 & Thing 2" as bait for our potential drinks! LOL! So we got a Martini Swirl (Wet Willy's style) and I polished it off before the ice could melt.

What a grand time! Five girls (one single, and the rest of us, well...I know I'm kinda single, I guess it depends on the day you ask me...and well, I think four of us are single and one has been Charlotte'd away, I suppose) had a great time reliving 1998-2004. I was pleased barely walking into my girlfriend's home, still wary from the spirits..but I think it would have been even greater, if I had colored...all night long! : )

The Business of Life...

20 days since my last post and you would think I would be overflowing with gossip, good news, and wittiness out the ying-yang...well, life is quite odd...in the score of days I have nothing to say other than this...life is crazy!!!!!!! Just when you think you have it all figured out...just when you think you're prepared, something spirals into your path that you never-ever expected!

The only thing I've learned to do, is change my way of thinking. I am what I think and that's really what fuels my esteem and how I feel about life in general. If something happens I have this strange gift or curse, I haven't quite figured out which one, of not allowing it to linger in the forefront of my mind. I have learned to let it go and not worry about tomorrow and damn sure don't linger on the past, because that's energy that's being wasted!

I used to drink at a high level. Not to the point of vomiting or passing out, but I drank to numb old feelings and I learned very quickly (and financially, I might add)...that that doesn't work. The problem is still there, along with a hangover, and a tab on your bank statement that you still can't quite figure out how many of those drinks belonged to you! Which brings me to circumventing our selves with people who've decided to address their problems head on...I'm tired of the revolving door method and I want solutions, so that when I'm out....I'm out! Not turning back, no seeing it again in another situation...and even if I do recognize it again, my exit strategy will already be in place.

To those who enjoy my blogs....sorry about the length of time between my postings...I'm completely overwhelmed with the business of life at times. And while the blog is definitely on my mind, my body is needed elsewhere. I'm sort of an important person you know!!

Nonetheless, I'll get better at attending to this place. This is my personal therapy. Those who personally know me, know that I'm very honest about how I feel, whether perceived weak or strong, I let it all out! It doesn't mean I'm losing it, but I am losing "the thing" that's on my heart at the moment! That's always good, to be able to let it all out...whether others are comfortable with your methodology or not, it's all about you in the end....bump what other's have to say, we all need clarity. A free and clear mind has become a luxurious paradise! It's my safe-haven and a wonderful place to visit, especially for the long haul. But life, sometimes just throws you lemons and you've got to make it lemonade that gives you a Kool-Aid smile. If others can't relate, then give them time...they have not ventured into this course of life yet and surely, they will.

Beyonce Carter?!!!!!!!!

Beyonce and Jay-Z married late Friday night....that's what I call keeping a secret! Guests arrived on the d.l. and supported the hot duo to a lavish private ceremony in NYC.

I'm so happy for them! I'm probably apart of a very small pool, but it's wonderful that 'black love' is still alive!!!!!!!!!! But what about that joint bank account?!!!!!!! How many zeros can you count?

Get "Carrie"d Away!

The Hills

I can't wait until 10:00pm (eastern time), when...."staring at the blank page before you, open up the dirty window..." serenades from the television screen. The Hills will be on tonight and here's my prediction: Heidi's definitely going to go back to Spencer, Lauren's going to meet someone in Paris (okay that was on the trailer, maybe she'll get back with Stephen, throwback!), but the rendezvous will only be a fling, Audrina will continue to make weird choices in men, and Whitney will always keep her personal life a mystery!

iBikram

Bikram Yoga....a room heated to 115 degrees, sweat protruding from every empty outlet in your body....yoga postures of Bikram Choudury, designed to strengthen and restore health to every part of the body. I heard about this new yoga trend years ago, from an ex-co-worker from my spiff in the Spa industry. She said it was addictive, and when you leave, you feel rejuvenated and ready to start a truly great day! Well, that was years ago, and a few hours ago, I swallowed that traditionalist view on exercising and walked into hell, metaphorically of course!

If hell is like this, then I'm repenting as we speak, I thought to myself as I reluctantly strolled into the room. Several other frequenters of Bikram were already situated in their ready-posture. Lying prostrate, or standing in what I think was called, pranayama. Okay, so I tried to do a little research...but nonetheless, I went in with an open-mind.

Inhaling and exhaling hot air is really challenging. You are allowed to bring your water bottle with you, but after 30 minutes of hot air...your chilled water bottle, takes on an abnormal room temperature! But the real doosy is when the workout begins, and the heartrate increases, parallel to the body's way of exhaling impurities through sweat. I promise you, we worked out parts of our body that I didn't think you could. I heard the instructor say, "this posture works out your colon." Unbelievable! Now I can take a "number two" with assurance that I'm stretched everywhere!

Bikram Yoga lasts 90 minutes! Yes ma'am (or sir), 100+ degrees and no whiff of cold air, never! There's only two (spoken) water-sipping breaks, the other sips you have to sneak-in during posture changes. However, every posture challenges not only your body, but your mind. I had to convince myself to attempt each asana, moreso than my legs and my arms. Eventually I knew that it would take time to adjust to a body that moves like a pretzel, but the mind is the key apparatus in yoga. The mind needs to be free and open to where the body can go.

Enough of the testimonial talk...although my lungs burned and I poured an embarrassing amount of sweat onto the beach towel below me, I was amazed that I made it the full 90 minutes and I never wanted to quit. I'm addicted to the feeling that overcomes your body as you walk out of the building and into real air. Will I go back? Well, the instructor says that you must revisit within 24-48 hours so that your body can be accustomed to not only the postures, but the heat exposure. Immediately after the class ended, the other frequenters gave me a round of applause for my virgin experience. Women in the locker room made me feel even more at ease with my life-changing decision. Stick with it. Be patient. Every time you come, you feel different. The women testified as we reconvened in the ladies' locker room.

Overall, it was amazing, fun, quite the energizer and I hate to sound cliche...it was hot!

Pop Kulture

So I'm bored. Suddenly, while vacationing in Boredom Resort Hotel, a thought evolved. Jump on the pop culture bandwagon and phish for some pics of celebs in fashionable looks. Groundbreaking huh?

Miss House of Dereon, can I have those Balenciaga shoes!

Ciara and Ashlee Simpson at BCBG show....did someone get a nose job?

Amy, Amy, Amy...what can I say? I'm an Amy Winehouse groupie!

I know this isn't an everyday look...but Jurnee Smollett looks stunning!

I Am Who You Want Me To Be?

It's inevitable that we all partake in judging everyone. Seemingly so, we tend to judge a person by their actions and stamp then with that label for as long as we know them. She's always the girl that got around with a lot of guys, and he's always the guy that had commitment issues and slept with anything walking. But then, we get older, and if you're like me, I may have done the things that you say I did, but I am not who you say I am. Basically what I'm trying to say is this...we all have a past. I'm sure in your past and mine, we can find some things that we wish we could erase and things that we are ashamed to admit or be proud of. Some things you probably can't believe you said or did, but, it happened. However, it is not apart of you. You did it years ago, maybe even months, but if you've changed, geniunely apologized, and learned from it...then why continue to subject yourself to humility because others can't seem to forget?
I had a friend. Yes, we were very close. I had my faults, yes I did...but I slowly realized after several attempts on my behalf to mend our friendship, it wasn't worth it! I recognized that she wanted to punish me and make me pay for the one "kink" in our friendship. I'm sorry, if kissing your ass is the price I have to pay, then pull your pants up. I'm not going to degrade myself or integrity because of your own hang-ups.
How long does a person continue to put you under the umbrella of a substratum of your life that is now complete a blur? If you think for one second, that you are definable based on a weak moment in your life years ago, then you are sadly mistaken. And if that person continues to remind you of it by giving you a cold shoulder or a frown, it's not your fault! He or she just simply does not want to forgive and forget. So they would rather hold onto your skeleton and turn that light on in your closet every chance they get. They are still living in the past and sadly, they want to remember you, maybe even forever, as the situation that caused the two of you to part. Not the wonderful human being you've become today. Feel sorry for them, the fact that they've missed out on your metamorphosis and the blessings that you've been afforded as each second and minute passed without them. You're more than a friendship with him or her, truthfully, you are who you say you are. Even today as I write this, I understand now, that each moment is an opportunity to change something. No we can't make anyone else happy or even appreciate the person we've become....but what we can do is let our little light glow and hopefully it will reflect more than a skeleton, it will illuminate the spirit that we were designed to shine!

B.S. Ointment

I need some relief from something that's definitely become a nuisance....metaphorically speaking, a parasite. It's call bullsh*t and maybe it deserves a treatment that's been around for years. Blue Star Ointment, a topical analgesic (the retro Neosporin), used to be the highest rotating commercial (via radio broadcast) back in my mom's and pop's day...but I'm thinking that back then there wasn't too much bullsh*t going around. Just jock itch and ringworms! But the B.S. has hit an all time high and I think we've outdone AIDS and hit a pandemic! I don't know, maybe it's just me...but if you've got some B.S. that's giving you more than an itch....sign the petition...because the B.S. has got to stop!

Signed,

KeShaJo

Stuff Educated Black People Like

In an effort to show off my unbiased approached to humor, my girl Kia over at Yummy411 put me on to one for my black folks! It's also hilarious as ever!

Here are some of the things we supposedly like:

First Fridays (that's the truth!), turkey bacon/sausage (not me!), natural hair, townhomes, business cards, etc. etc.

Check it out for yourself!

"Stuff White People Like"

I can't take credit for this one....my bloggirl over in Denmark posted this site on her page. So, being the nosey chica I'm not ashamed to be, clicked the link and within secs I was amazed at its content. The name of the blogsite is Stuff White People Like . No offense to my readers of the caucasian persuasion, but in true 90's slang, "this joint is funny!"

Here's a snapshot of the list: marijuana, black friends, coffee, t-shirts, non-profit organizations, the Sunday New York Times, Manhattan (now Brooklyn too!), etc., etc.
However, there's one that I'm sure they left out that was purely accidental....OPRAH!

DISCLAIMER: Please don't think I'm a racist, but I do tend to enjoy an occasional laugh! Even if it seems ignorant...hey, I'm not perfect!

Text Message or "Send"

I pick up the phone and text my friend, "Remember to set your clocks an hour forward tonight." Innocent and not even that big of a deal to call and interrupt what conversation could be going on. So much for my trying to be convenient...I'm later told by him that I could easily pick up the phone and press "send". While that might seem easy to do, I still don't see the problem in texting a piece of information that doesn't require feedback. Why I might accent this text with a typical "How are you today?"...He may reply and even ask the same of myself. I may reply as well, but really people, has texting become a nuisance? Now, I do have a cousin that only communicates via text messaging. She will not pick up the phone and will have long pages of information that I'm sure could be easily communicated the conventional way. I have another cousin, who once texted his mother, while he was using the bathroom that "there's no toilet paper"! That's purely ridiculous!

Now, I've sent long pages of text (mainly to vent my feelings at the moment), without the interruption of the intended audience. As you can see, I'm really good at expressing myself in type....but in conversation, sometimes I hit it on the head, while in most cases, I forget what I'm supposed to say and miss the whole point of my thesis. One look, one word, and I'm sidewinded speechless!
So if you're reading friend....it's not that I don't want to talk to you. Most of the time, I know that you're busy and may not have time to talk. So, in an effort to put my Public Relations degree from Hampton U into practice, I try to keep those things into mind. I'm not trying to be bothersome by texting, it's quite the opposite. From now on, however, it's "send" everytime.

iGreen

The Incredible Hulk wouldn't feel like the odd-ball in the new wave of an environmentally-friendly buying conscious. I knew we'd struck Green when, while shopping at Wal-Mart, I witnessed the Green movement! Placing my items on the conveyor belt, a couple before me were already supplied with reusable shopping bags. They proudly told the cashier, "We don't use plastic bags." The cashier seemed to be unfamiliar with the new "green" option, but bagged their groceries anyway, unmoved by the couples' pro-global choice. I, on the other hand, gave the couple a pleasing nod, and couldn't help the remorse I felt as my groceries were bagged in those hazardous, polyethylene, plastic bags. So, what did I do? What I normally do when I want to know more, get on the World Wide Web and find ways that I can be apart of the Green Team!



One of my friends had this bag as one of their MySpace wallpapers. After clicking here and there, I found this fashionable, linen-and-cotton shopping bag at Vivre.com for only $28!

Organic style. An online eco-boutique, where everything from flowers to pet stuff to clothes, keep the environment in mind! Most of their clothing is made from organic cotton. What's the deal with organic cotton? Organic cotton is made from 100% organic cotton growth. That means, no pesticides or agricultural chemicals. It's whitened naturally with hydrogen peroxide instead of toxic chemicals!

The Hybrid Car. If you're like me, you're wondering, "Why would I purchase a hybrid car? And what is it?!" Of course I'm a fan of foreign cars, domestic in some cases, but in the light of booming gas prices, I'm looking for the next car that's going to give me more miles for the gallon. So how do they work? They are a combination of fuel and electric and require a battery replacement at about 80,000 miles to keep the car running another 80,000. Wow! Sounds amazing huh? Well, the only thing that kinda turns me off is the fact that the battery costs anywhere from $5,000 to $8,000!!! Also, hybrid cars cost more than our gas-guzzlers and don't accel to those zooming, police-chase speeds! But, if you're willing to pay more, in an effort to help our fragile Earth, then get the keys to a hybrid!

If I was a RICH GIRL...

"If I was a rich girl...nanananananananananana...said I'd have all the money in the world, if I was a wealthy girl...." I remember dancing with my shoulders and hips to that reggae classic by Lady Saw. Imagining the finer things, accenting a size 6 derriere that men could never resist.

Fast forward to present day, size 6 plus, and you have a 20-something female hoping that one day, excess money will be one pin-number-away. I'm talking about plus six figures and me exercising my right to withdraw! Nonetheless, I would love to invest, save, and triple my profit margin. I do not want to get caught up in the spending hype, like so many youngins do, in an effort to accelerate full speed ahead of the Joneses. I want to be wise in my spending and humble in my appreciation of the dollar bill. Let's face it, our dollar bill has lost its international appeal and has become the victim of a worldwide celebrity roast! "Hahaha, you stupid dollar," ridicules China, England, France & Italy.

This up-and-coming RICH GIRL would like to pull the plug on making it paycheck to paycheck and embrace the income bracket of exercising philanthropy if so desired! A shoe closet that makes you drool and a lifetime supply of Duracell batteries...you know, just in case! : )

Giving Up Is So Hard To Do

I'm not a quitter. Maybe that's why it's so hard for me to give up with anything, including a relationship. I don't want to lose at anything, but I definitely don't want to wave the white flag as a sign that I've succumbed to the intensity of the test.
Recently, I had no other choice. I had to give up. I had to release myself and realize that there was no use in staying and trying any longer. The bell had rang, the towel had been thrown long ago, I stood on a battlefield with a restless contender. I'm tired and he's still bouncing on his toes throwing butterfly punches. Although men complain about the complexity of women, they've neglected to include themselves into that equation. Men are more confused about their feelings, which leads them to showcase their lethargic state in loud silence, retreat, and a heightened isolation from the situation. Well pass the batton to me! I feel you and as the mountain of relationship after relationship ascends, I've passed the plate of remaining in frustration and serenading to the "I Surrender All" anthem.
Donny Hathaway said it best...Giving up is hard to do, when you really love someone. But I tried, but it's just no use!

Bag Lady's Anonymous!

We all gathered....baggage in tow...we paraded into a dimly lit space. A few words were exchanged with those attending. Some of us made eye contact, briefly, but almost in an intimidating sense of the word. Martinis & Chardonnays in hand, we knew we were all there as victims of addiction. And as addicts, as soon as the anecdote hit the table, it would be "every man for himself"! I was just thankful I wore my flats!

Our addiction...handbags...and tonight's dealer...Nneka Hurley. So what was my drug of choice for the night?...She had the nerve to tease us with all kinds of totes and clutches. Arm Candy is the theme and true to name, it felt like a sugar rush, as each model provoked our taste buds of style. Others drooled, I plotted...how could I get to "the one" in the coolest way without drawing the attention of others to it?




Upon entering the establishment, we were given an array of treats, Nneka Hurley stationery, and a raffle ticket. "Ooh free bag..." Of course, anyone likes anything for free-99! So I tucked my raffle ticket away, in safe keeps of course, hoping I'd be a lucky handbag winner.

A few steps more, and to your right is one of those cakes that you hate to cut! Decorated to perfection in the Nneka Hurley logo! Later I learned that a friend of Nneka's did it all, freehand! I couldn't believe it! I'm still trying to take that in!


Then after the inaugural speech of Nneka, we delighted in a candy parade of delightful treats that sweeten the arms and tempt the hands. One after the other, models strutted with their arm candy under a sea of camera flashes and the touches of potential buyers. After it was all over, we tried to walk in a very relaxed, but hurried pace to the handbag table. All bags, available for sale at a discounted price! I walked around others. Watched as everyone searched and refer to their camera album, trying to remember the bag that got their attention. Finally I saw mine, it was already in the hands of a potential buyer. I saw her eyebrows raise and lips purse. She said to her friend, "I really like this bag!" But I sensed a hesitance and true to my prediction, she placed it back on the table. Pre-buyer's remorse will get you. But if you're like me and you've got invisible handbag antennas, you'll dispatch it to the home of your possession. So, in my smooth ploy, I reached for the bag in a very cavalier disposition. A smile and a nod from Nneka, I'm now the proud owner of a Nneka Hurley bag that is much~too underpriced afforded to the modesty of the designer. She's definitely mindful of the income brackets of her consumers (& friends) and tries to support the inalienable right of all of us, who see fashion as a one size fits all!



I'm happy with my purchase. No buyer's remorse here. I simply can't take my eyes off it. I can't believe that one of my friends made this beautiful work of art. I can't wait to rock it with a pair of bad denims, a white-tee, some kick-rock shoes and my beautiful hair. It's definitely going to get some serious attention throughout the 2008 and beyond! If I've got a sweet tooth, then blame my new handbag. True to the candy theme, there's a treat on the inside, A Note of Inspiration from Nneka Hurley. So what was on my card: Real faith is doing the best you can do and leaving the rest up to God.
I sighed when I read that and put my card away in my journal. Words to live by and a handbag to talk about. Whoever knew that arm candy could be so sweet?

Thanks Nneka...for your annointed hands!

P.S. I didn't win the handbag raffle! : (

Ashy to Classy

They've come along way. Check out my take on those A-listers, who once lived in a cocoon, but then one day, blossomed into a beautiful butterfly. Call it what you want...they've got a gold star in extreme makeover!

Sweaty Palms, Curling My Toes

It's been awhile! No sweaty palms, curling toes, stacatto

heartbeats...I miss those moments. Heavy, synchronized

breathing, my nails digging into skin, my back arched and

anticipating some...mmmmmmmmmmm

Lord have mercy!

Please everyone, pray for me!

Wake Up Alone

I can't believe that I'm saying this...publicly, but recently, I had to walk away from a situation. Okay, let me stop trying to be so politically correct and get reality show honest. I had to walk away from him, ya'll. It was hard, but I grabbed my altar ego Superwoman suit and threw it on. The S on my chest pertruded, as I walked away with my head held high and an ounce of integrity left. Yes, my chest aches and I want to turn back around, but I'd rather be restless. Alone, in my bed, reaching for another heart beat, than settle for discontentment. The reality is, I have to walk alone, if he can't walk by my side. If he doesn't reach out for my hand and looks the other way when I reach for his, we're definitely not on the same path.
Nowadays, I'm absorbed in my work and I keep idle moments to a minimum. I try not to get trapped in deep thoughts and memories. I focus on the present moment and my determined future of love and respect. There are moments, when his name races across my mind. I look at my phone and check for a flashing red light, a missed call, or an unanswered text message. When I fall asleep at night, the hardest fight is to not dream about him. Our last thoughts at the magic moment when we slip into slumber, is usually what we dream about. So the television is my hiatus for keeping me off that dreamboat.
When I awaken, the fresh moment of forgetting what was heavy on my heart yesterday is priceless. But then something reminds me, my Blackberry, a scent, a song on the radio, or my heart instantly remembers that it's time to ache for him again.
I'm okay. Waking up like this. Operating daily with my phone left inside of my car, to keep me focused on the much needed distractions of the day. Prayers by the moment and deep sighs get me through my nine to five. I'll be fine and maybe one day, one day in the future...He'll come for me and I'll drown in our passion for one another. But until then, I'll wake up alone.

V-Day....throw up!

Barf! Barf!....That's the way I feel when the parade of roses, carnations, and balloons make it into the workplace. The economy booming Valentine's Day routine has become purely robotic in the ploy to keep the words "I Love You" plastic and free from actually saying it the other 364 days!
You may say that's harsh to say...but let's face it...we're living in a not so friendly world. Songs don't even sing about love anymore and to actually say the word has ended up somewhere on the things-to-do-before-I-die list!
If you're in a relationship and this day just sealed the deal...then by all means you have nothing but my deepest regards and best wishes. But if you're somewhere in between and I-don't-know-if-this-is-a-relationship so let me get something for you anyway, then I'm shaking my head as I type this and I hope that you didn't just waste money for something that's not worth the time you waited in line to get it.
Hey I'm not the Scrooge that stole Valentine's Day. I'm the Bitch that pulled Cupid by his feathers and said, "quit shooting that damn arrow at worthless assholes!"

Girl, Interrupted...

I'm sorry everyone. This isn't like me. I haven't wrote a thing in a week! It's not that I have nothing to say...It's just that I've been caught up in the business of life! Work, too. That's been really keeping me occupied these days. I promise, I promise...when the time allots my brain to take a break from an unforseen number of tasks, I'll have so much to say and you'll have plenty to read.

Stay tuned...Get the popcorn ready!

Spring Forward or Throw...back?

Say "Hello", or rather, "Hello, long time no see..." Neon is back! Well, with a new millenium perspective. Remember MTV circa 1980s and you've pretty much got the palette for the upcoming spring season! I can't wait....I'm like every American girl, pretty in pink and ready for a spring that's flashing in bold, neon, fluorescent hues! It's HAUTE-pink!

Take a look at J Crews' new arrivals. This is definitely a throwback from my middle school fashion color palette.