Aziza's Island Oasis: Thoughts And Observations

Michael Jackson's Memorial Service: Homegoing Fit For a King...

2009-07-08T07:39:00.009-04:00

The World Loses The King of Pop At Age 50

2009-06-25T22:30:00.015-04:00

Michael Joseph Jackson
"The Ultimate Performer"
1958-2009

My condolences go to Michael's family, friends, and fans. As a music lover, I know that Michael Jackson has taken us on a heck of a beautiful musical journey. We'll miss him, but he'll forever live in our hearts...

Music I Love...

2009-05-28T22:46:00.004-04:00

Luther Vandross and Mariah Carey In Performance: Endless Love

Luther Vandross In Concert: Superstar

Where Does The Time Go?

2009-05-25T14:19:00.031-04:00

Let's Catch Up...Again...

It's been quite a while since I created a blog entry, but I'm here. Time passes by so fast. I looked on my own blogroll and it seems that quite a few people joined me in blogger hiatusville. I'll need to find new blogs to read. Well, the truth is..is that I understand. Time is in short supply and before you know it days, weeks, and months go by. I haven't stopped visiting other folks' blogs though thank goodness. Some of these bloggers need to become professional writers, because they produce some really interesting entries every single day.

Oh well, here is what is knew with me. About a month ago, I left my 30's behind. It was an odd experience for me in that I'm not necessarily upset about turning the corner. I'm more concerned that I need to hurry up on some fronts. I don't want to wake up one morning and find out that life has passed me by. It's starting to feel that way. Who am I fooling? *lol* I demand to find out where my youth ran off to. *tapping foot*...However, I'll tell you what overshadowed my birthday and canceled pity party. I got sick like a dog. I had the worst headache in my life during the whole week of my birthday for which I would never wish upon anybody. I was scared to go to sleep. And this would have to happen when I was changing over to a new doctor. I mean it took the longest for that dagnabbit new health insurance card to get to me. Come to find out my pressure was skyrocketing through the roof despite me eating oatmeal and bananas almost daily. This sister here was hog-tied, whipped, and burned out. *sigh*

If I didn't learn anything else, I learned that I need to take care of myself and let all other crap slide. For the longest, I've been getting on family members for letting others take advantage of them. I get so tired of people asking us for money and asking for favors when they really aren't in need. And come to find out, I finally realized that I let folks do the same to me. I think we feel some since of responsibility as if the world will fall apart if we don't come to the rescue. Well, shux, I'm taking off my superwoman cape, because I can't do it all. How ridiculous I look rushing to the aid of others when my own stuff is going down? Silly.

And just as I try to turn the corner and live a easier and healthier life, there is my co-worker (who claims she's on a diet) asking me if I'd like to have some of her expensive chocolate candy from some swanky chocolatier in NY (it wasn't hard to turn down as I know she doesn't wash her hands....ewww), or someone getting upset with me because I couldn't attend her soiree' when I was feeling really sick, or someone trying to lure me out for lunch when all I wanted to do is meditate at my desk and eat my lunch that I brought from home to save money. I used to give in to make people feel good. People don't ease up. They get mad and more demanding. But get this, these same people never offer anything and not so much as a cup of water. So be it. I'm done with it.

However, I'm not holding any grudge or giving them the silent treatment since it takes too much energy to keep that up. We still talk. I don't think these folks are necessarily mean or have any ulterior motive; I just think they are constantly inwarding thinking of their needs. I just let folks know that although I'm not married and don't have chick or child like the old folks say, I still have to cook, clean my place, exercise, and do things to maintain me. When folks call and ask what I'm doing next week (as we all know that this is the standard set up line used to get something from you), I just say that I'm busy just as soon as they finish their sentence. Family and real friends are the exception to this new rule. Works for me. :-)

Happy Holidays!!!...

2008-12-24T08:53:00.000-05:00

Have A Happy Thanksgiving...

2008-11-26T07:45:00.003-05:00

Everyone Have A Safe And Great Holiday!!!

As we all prepare to travel or stay home to give thanks to the Lord, I just wanted to type this brief blog entry to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!!! I said the same thing last year, but I want to add one more thing. In the spirit of giving, if you are hosting a dinner and are aware of someone who may be lonely this time of the year, please think about inviting them over to let them know that someone cares.

I've Been Clowned...Again...

2008-11-24T01:15:00.008-05:00

And Once Again...*Sigh*....

Honestly, I've been trying to get around to blogging more regularly again. But it's clear to me that it will never be like used to be ever again. Why? Because I can't really do it from work like I used to at lunch time. I can't comfortably blog knowing that they check the history log on our computers. *lol* Enough of my blogging excuses. Let's get on with the show.

Oh well...Let me let you all know what I've been up to. I've gotten back in to my cooking mood. Yeah. I watch the Food Network year round. However, watching somebody else cook and doing it yourself are two different things. My cooking desire always hits me in the fall when there's just the bit of chill in the air. I don't particularly care to cook in the summer when it's hot and the kitchen is only making things hotter. That's sandwich and salad time. But now is the time to really get in that kitchen and to experiment. And to top things off I'm simply loving the cooking blogs such as the ones Aly and Tam have come up with. Shux. I may be single and childless, but I totally feel the weekly menu. I could definitely stand to have some organization in my life. Plus, it seems it would be a healthier and a thriftier way to be more efficient with my grocery bill. Don't let me meet a guy. He would gain at least 10 lbs. or so with me feeding him.

But check all this out in the blogosphere. Zee loves to go to the grocery store when she's not too busy. Check me out talking in the 3rd person. *lol* But anywho let me change back into the first person. For a while I was going to the grocery every other day. I don't get a lot of groceries at one time. I would say that I would get the real groceries on Friday or Saturday and in the days in between I would stop by to get more produce. As the week progresses, I get more apples and bananas or things I forgot to get during my last grocery store run. And there have been times when I simply didn't feel like eating out, because I didn't think the restaurants could satisfy my tastes. Restaurant food can get to be so predictable. But I can introduce new flavors and techniques to my own cooking. And for the most part, I've been pleasantly surprised with my results. Shux, I've got to listen to what the food is telling me in terms of knowing what seasonings to use and I love the process of cooking itself for things to turn out right. Love it, love it, love it.

Then came along the clowning. *Holding down head in slight embarrassment* There is this little guy at the grocery store who started clowning me about a month or so ago. He's one of the cashiers. And actually he's not little at all. He's taller than I am. He just seems younger like a little brother. He looks to be in his mid-20s to late 20s or so. I actually like his demeanor. He's rings up your order fast. He just now recently started getting a little loud about announcing to his co-workers and other shoppers that I come to the grocery store almost everyday. I always try to play it down and come up with an explanation of me liking my own cooking and saving money by cooking at home. And usually I can emerge from the grocery store with some shred of respect and dignity about the whole thing.

About a week ago, I was the reluctant star of the Safeway Barnum and Bailey Greatest show on Earth. Yes, I admit that I needed to pick up a few cheer up greeting cards, some milk, paper towels, apples, bananas, pears, cheetoes, frozen peaches, egg nog ice cream, etc. So, when I saw homeboy out of the side of my eye and without turning my head in his direction, I tried to do a drive-by with my grocery cart to another lane and to "another" cashier. Why did little brother man get loud and say "OOOh, there she goes trying to not get in my lane!!!???" Yeah, I tried to laugh it off. I only went one lane over from him. And the whole time the lady cashier kept making so many mistakes on every shopper in my lane. When it was my turn in line in the lane next to him, homeboy kept turning around having something to say. I was beyond embarrassed. Could the collar on my coat be in higher on my neck to hide my face? I was hoping so. He accused me of breaking down his cash register for not getting into his line, told the old man in his line that I should have been in his lane, said that I should have cooked for him already since I'm from the south, Blah, Blah, Blah. I haven't been back to my favorite grocery store since then. Don't get me wrong. If I was younger, I would have given that cutie pie some play. Oh yes. But in my elderlyness, I made up that word, of my 30's, I felt like I better hold back on this one as handsome as he is. I'm not Demi Moore or Halle Berry. I'm just getting close to Halle's age. *lol* I'm just Zee. I better just stick to what I know with men my own age, that means men a couple of years younger, guys my age or a guys a few years older. I suppose I'll be shopping at my favorite grocery store again when I come back in town following the Thanksgiving holiday. I just hope I won't be the star again of little brother man's circus show extraordinaire.

Why must these things happen to me? *sigh*

Let's Catch Up: Election and All...

2008-11-13T01:50:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to Our New President Elect and Family!!!...

Hello and howdy. I know that I've been away for far too long enough to have to look up my password and notice that the dashboard to blogger changed. Thank you Princess, Pam, and Harpo for being so patient with me. I've been extremely busy with work and I exchanged my usual morning blog time with just trying to get to work on time. So now, I'm blogging at night when I'm so tired. So forgive my typos. Let's get down to it.

First off let me say that this was the most painful primary and general election season. I've been watching the evening news since I was about 5 years old, but this year things got to be annoying every step of the way. Everyday watching the news just got to be frustrating with all of the negative attacks from candidates running for president all the way down to the local politicians running for dog catcher. However, I will admit to laughing at Saturday Night Live's Tina Fey impersonations of Sarah Palin. Lawd knows Tina had enough material to work with.

But anywho, let's skip on to the election itself. Leading up to the election, I had been telling folks that I would be donning a pair silver metallic boots and an outfit resembling a band uniform if Obama won. I was going to march down the street as the drum majorette for justice once Obama declared victory, and I was going to take my duty seriously. But come Tuesday of last week, I got to be more serious about things. For starters, I got up with the roosters around 4:30 a.m. to make it over to the polls at 6:30 a.m. before they opened at 7 a.m. I know folks want to know why it took me so long to get ready. Well, it took about an hour for me to actually wake up. *shrug*. That's saying something since I usually don't leave home until 9 a.m. on most mornings. I just made an exception on this morning, because I meant business. Once I got to the polls, most people were very polite, yet very determined to make history. No one complained about long lines or about getting to work late. We had the same thing in mind. We were going to take our vote seriously.

Come nightfall, I was totally beat down from work. I knew I wasn't going to be able to hang so I took a nap early in the evening. Plus, I didn't feel like watching tv anymore once the early returns were indicating that that polls were leaning in McCain's favor. I woke up around 10:30 p.m. to check out the returns and to immediately work the phones. And 30 minutes later history was made with Obama claiming victory. Boy were we in for a rollercoaster of emotions. First, I was shocked and amazed. Then I felt extremely happy and excited that other people from different countries around the world were sharing our joy. Then later, I cried for all of those people who suffered to make this day possible, because they didn't get a chance to see it. Heck, I didn't think that I'd ever see a black president in my own lifetime or that of the more immediate generations coming up. I just felt like that night was built on divine intervention. A wise and longtime family friend said earlier in the year that if God wants something to happen, it will come to pass. And that's exactly what I believe happened. I can't really even articulate everything I felt that. All I can say that it felt good. It still felt good although I spent the next day trying buy to a copy of the Washington Post. Let's not even start on me talking about how long I stood in line trying to get the special edition. All I know is that history was made and it felt good.

Okay, I've got to run. It's close to 2 a.m.

Simply Put...Please Vote!!!...

2008-11-04T00:23:00.004-05:00

We all can make a difference...
Yes, We Can!!!...

The Mary Kay Madness...

2008-08-18T03:07:00.010-04:00

Color Me Caught Offguard...

There is great news. I'm blogging again. The only problem is that it is about 3 a.m. I woke up and can't quite get back to sleep. So I thought I'd blog. I hope that everyone is doing fine. I sure do miss blogging period. When people ask me what blogging is, I really have a hard time really describing what it really is, because it means so many things to me. Through blogging, I've learned so much about people around the world and different cultures that I just love it.

Not too much is new with me. Everything seems to be all about work. And I haven't had any type of vacation yet this summer. And just when I was planning to take off a couple of days here and there to get rid of vacation time, my boss announces that I have to complete a regulation by the beginning of September. There goes my days off for a while. Mind you everyone else including the new people have been off on weeklong vacations. I'm so tired and hard up for time off these days that I just want to sit at home on a weekday and watch tv. I guess the bosses think we single people don't have a life. *shrug*

Anyhoo, here's what recently happened to me. After work one evening, I decided to drop by the grocery store. It seems like I'm always dropping by the store to get some kind of seasoning or food item to feed into my cooking hobby and to make sure I have enough to make lunch with everyday for work. So there I am minding my own business. Then this lady walks up to me to ask me about my makeup. I thought she was crazy, because I had been wearing it since 8 a.m. and it was now about 7:30 p.m. I have to admit that I was off my mark and didn't realize that I was getting pulled into a Mary Kay ploy. Totally unaware, I told her the brand of makeup I was wearing when then *BAM* she hit me with the Mark Kay pitch. I should have seen this coming especially with my background in Business from college. Drats.

I'm a girly girl in the way of loving makeup colors and hairdo styles, but there is one thing I don't like. I honestly don't like people barging in on my private time. I like to buy things on my own timetable. I'm not trying to schedule no time for no facials at someone's house and I'm not trying to race home from work to go to one of those Mary Kay marketing meetings where they try to convince you that you can leave your full-time job to sell lipstick and foundation. Now, know one thing. I'm not trying to knock their hussle or yours if this is it. But I can't have them barging in on my me time. I get really twisted up behind stuff like this.

So catch this. This lady has been calling me, although I clearly told her that I "may" only purchase a lipstick to be nice. I only intended to order from her every now and then, because she knows a mutual friend I grew up with. I also told her that I have very sensitive skin and have "already" found products through my dermatologist that work very well for me. So why in the world would I introduce something new to my skin that may break me out? Duh? I think that Mary Kay lady wasn't trying to hear what I said. She was only trying to pry that money out of my purse, which I'm not having. So, I wasn't trying to hear her either.

Plain and simple, Mary Kay products are of pretty good quality. Their items are a bit expensive for the little bit that they give you in those little pink compacts. I tried them out a few years ago. Yet, I could not get past the feel of their pyramid scheme. It may not actually be one, but I've never met a Mary Kay lady who hasn't tried to persuade me to sell their products. Shux, I barely sold cookies when I was a girl scout. So you know that I'm not trying to sell anything else. I'm the kind of shopper who likes to buy my own products in my own time. This translates to me either hauling myself to Macy's, Nordstrom's, or even Walmart when I get ready to. No one is bugging me to get a facial or sell anything. In a matter of a few minutes, I can drop by the mall, purchase my makeup, and be back in the car heading home singing to the radio. So, why in the world do these women expect folks like me to want to be hemmed up with them? Please. Please respect my private time and the little bit that I have. *Geesh*

Well, that's my rant for today. I think I'll blog about office romances and what's happening in my office in relation to me tomorrow. Maybe not. Somebody in the office might be reading my blog. *lol*

What Have I Been Up To?

2008-07-22T00:52:00.005-04:00

I've Been In Good Company With The Folks From The Foodnetwork...

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I know I haven't been a good girl blogger. It's been ages since I blogged. To tell you the truth, blogging has lost a little bit of its fun and appeal for me since I'm not able to blog in realtime anymore. The job doesn't allow it anymore. Well, they didn't stop us from doing everything. They just watch everything you do. What fun is that? So, I just don't do it at work. Shux, a sister has to keep a gig to pay for food and a roof over her head.

But anyway since the economy is going down south, I have awakened my cooking hobby. I just started taking my lunch to work. I just couldn't get over paying $6-$10 for some unhealthly, trash and on top of that burning that $4.10/gallon gas out of my car searching for some half-way decent food.

As a little kid, I always liked to cook. I liked to make a mess. And I would like for that mess to turn out right and taste good. You'd be surprised what slamming cakes I was baking as a kid with my easy bake oven. I come from a family of cooks. I can't tell you how many times I have helped snap green beans or watch my grandmother bake her pound cake. I haven't tasted a cake like hers since she passed away. Plus, I've got relatives who specialize in certain foods, such as, barbecue, collard greens, banana pudding, sweet potato pie, potato salad, red velvet cake, peach cobbler, crabs in beer sauce, hush puppies, dumplings, biscuits, rolls, jam, etc. Everything was homemade. We eat and cook for real in the Carolinas. So, you know I've got cooking in my veins.

I'm more of a baker. I used to be so ridiculous in high school. I would have a homemade cake baked for dinner with no clue as to what to cook for dinner. Since I got home first, I was supposed to cook. *lol* Yeah right. As time went I on, I learned to cook other foods. Once you can cook a whole Thanksgiving meal complete with desserts, you can pretty much say that you know what you're doing in the kitchen.

Fast forward to now... I just don't know what happened. When I lived in my previous apartments, I used to cook all the time. But then when I moved into my condo, which has a much smaller kitchen, I just sort of went into microwave mode. I know, the horror. The microwave food is terrible. I really can't blame my not cooking on the small kitchen. I think it has something to do with me getting home late from work and not even daring myself to look at the stove. I usually just pick up some dinner on the way home from work or grab a bowl of cereal. Shux, I don't care for this mess at all. I really crave a homecooked meal. Well, at 8 p.m., that ain't happening. I'd be cooking wild turkeys on into the night like a fool. Super duper not. I guess I better be glad that I don't have a hubby and kids yet. Social services would be pulling me up on those Cap'n Crunch casseroles. I don't know how you Moms do it. I take my hat off to you all. So, what I do is cook for real on the weekends while watching the Food Network for more tips and ideas. Down Home With the Neely's and their barbecue is just what I just started watching this year, although I've been watching the network for several years. It's nice to see color on that network. I've been watching those single Neely brothers as well. I just like to see a man cook, you know? Hmmm... I like it like that. I think I'll end this blog entry right here and dream on this.

Oh one more thing. I just want to say that it's not a good idea to be caught laughing by yourself. I couldn't hold it in today at work. Work isn't hardly funny. It gets boring. So folks had to know that I was laughing at something else. I was laughing at Dear Margo, Anne Lander's daughter's column. Margo has gotten beside herself in her responses. Today, she told a lady that she was up to her @rse in alligators over a situation. Go read for yourself. ==> Dear Margo

Okay. I've got to go dream about those cooking men around the grill.

I'm Back And I'm Tagged...

2008-06-16T10:55:00.012-04:00

Tiki and Luke Cage Have Brought Me Back To Blogging...

Wow. I've been away from blogging for a while. I felt like I needed to knock on a door or something to get back in here. Or at least, I probably needed to put out some breadcrumbs to find my password to sign in. *lol* I can't even promise with a straight face to do a better job of blogging more regularly. I'll just do it when I can. I never intended to be away from blogging for so long, since I find it to be so therapeutic at times. I've been really busy with work. So after a long day of work and feeling really tired and burned out, it was good to see that folks didn't forget about me in the blogworld. You all are the best.

A lot of things have happened in the way of good news since I last blogged. I finally received my promotion and my senior health policy analyst title. The whole thing is bittersweet though. I know that I should have gotten it years ago under another boss, who retired a couple of years ago. I really fought and suffered to no avail. The promotion was never a means to an end for me as I think my purpose in life is something else. I just wanted to get paid properly. For the longest time it bothered me knowing that other people were getting promoted with half the education and experience. And get this. They would come to me asking for help with their work. Ain't that a blip? A sister was about to get bitter. But anywhoo, I have mixed feelings about my promotion in that although I'm happy to have it, I also have no will to really get mad and carry a grudge anymore about the the struggle and strife I went through. The disappointment was taking too much energy from me and taking too much room in my mind. So now that I've reached this milestone, I just want to focus on other areas of my life and be happy.

Well, let's get this tag business out of the way. So here it goes.

Here Go Da Rules:

1. Put Your itunes/ music player on Shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER WHAT!!!After you’ve answered all of the questions, tag 5 other people and then let them know they’ve been tagged to do the meme themselves!

** I can't really tag 5 people anymore. I doubt anybody is reading my blog anymore, since I've been on blogvacation.

====================================================

1) IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Irresistable Remix - Mariah Carey
I guess this means I really wasn't looking and just gave any old answer.

2)WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
She Ain't You - Jaheim
Okay.

3)WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Lullably - Mariah Carey
Is this what I really want in a man? *scratching head*

4)HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
10 Million Strong - Mint Condition
Okay. Let's see, I doubt that I'm 100 million strong. Maybe 1 strong.

5)WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Operator - Inner Shade
This is somewhat the truth. I'm the dispatcher. I'm the homebody who keeps up with everybody.

6)WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Luxury Brown - Mint Condition
I like this song. As you can see, I like this group as they keep popping up on my shuffle.

7)WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
I'm Ready - Mint Condition
I really, really like this group.

8)WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
Wade In The Water - Mary Mary
Well, I do need to find a new church in my area. They've been telling me this.

9)WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Exclusively - Jill Scott
I take the 5th on this one.

10)WHAT IS 2+2?
Listen - Beyonce - Dreamgirls Motion Picture
????

11)WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Too Far Gone - Incognito
This is somewhat true. I just found a friend I met in church. We hadn't been in touch in 7 years. We didn't end a friendship on bad terms or anything. We just lost touch. It was good to get in touch and here the little kids in the background.

12)WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Through With Love - Destiny's Child
**Scratching Head** Taking the 5th.

13)WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
The One I Gave My Heart To - Aaliyah
Taking the 5th.

14)WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Best Friend - Ledisi
That's cool.

15)WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Shackles (Praise You) - Mary Mary
Taking the 5th again.

16)WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
As Long As It's You - Incognito
That's nice.

17)WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
More Than A Woman - Aaliyah
That's the truth, but I doubt I'll be getting married at this age.

18)WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Where I've Been - Mary J. Blige
Yeah, where have I been? Hmm...

19)WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Nothing Like Loving You - Amerie
Huh?

20)WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Spellbound and Speechless - Incognito
This be the truth with my incognito self.

21)WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Solar Fire - Incognito
Okay.

22)WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
The Evolution of Fashion (Interlude) - Ciara
Okay.

Tuesday Primary...

2008-05-07T06:37:00.005-04:00

North Carolina Came Through With The Yes, We Can!!!...

To tell you the truth, I didn't know how things concerning the Tuesday primaries were going to turn out, judging from the coverage from the mainstream media. I guess they are a little salty right about now. Last night I called my NC family from Northeastern NC and from the Triangle area to get a sense of what was really going on. They said they delivered on a promise to support Obama, and they did in a big way. Of course, the competition isn't over, but it brings Obama that much closer to gaining the Democratic nomination.

Birthday Candles And Birthday Wishes...

2008-04-28T07:05:00.009-04:00

Look Who's Back!!!! *lol* Have A Slice Of Cake!!!

Hello good people. It's been a while since I've blogged regularly. Thank you for bearing with me. I don't do like other folks and announce that I'm leaving my blog for a little while. I just show up when I have the time to do it. I've been extremely busy at my job. It's that simple.

Let's play catch up. A couple of weekends ago, your girl celebrated another birthday. I'm in the deepend of my 30's now. *eek* I demand a complete up and down investigation as to where all the years have gone. I want to know. *tapping foot* Okay, I'm okay now. *lol* Well, anyhoo I usually don't have a lot of fanfare going on with my birthday. And since my family and friends live quite a ways from me, I usually celebrate alone with plenty phone calls all day long on into the next few days as I open their gifts to me. I was happy with that.

Every since my little speeding incident with the Five-O, I've become a little more aware of their presence. I just don't know why they started trying to pull me over. A cop I never noticed before lives in my condo neighborhood. Am I a po po magnet? Perhaps not. Someone told me that I live and work in an area concentrated with lots of law enforcement agencies. That makes sense. I drive through 3 counties and on 2 major highways from central Maryland to Baltimore and back everyday. That means that I see county cops, county sheriffs, city cops, park police, state troopers, and other federal law enforcement on the regular. Shux, I think I can spot just about any po po vehicle in enough time to slow the car down before reaching them.

But something happened to me on my birthday which I couldn't spot. Like I said, I had been receiving my birthday wellwishes from family and friends most of the day. What people should know is that I don't officially celebrate my birthday until night time when I was born. I try to hang onto any shred of youth earlier in the day. I hold onto it like me holding onto the back of a car bumper with the car rolling down the road at 80 mph. Shux.

Well anyway, why when I was talking on the phone did I have to click over for another call? I naturally thought it was another family member or friend reminding me how I was about to lose my spring chicken status. Not. At night, the County Police called me from the outside front door intercom to tell me that they needed me to open the condo's front door so they could access someone from another unit. I didn't believe it. In fact, I told them that they had the wrong number and that I was on a long distance phone call. I really didn't feel like going downstairs to open the door after I had just taken a nice, relaxing shower. It would have taken a stick of dynamite to blast me out of my place as comfortable as I was. I wonder how they came to call me. From the outside of the building, my last name is smack dab in the middle of the directory. The old lady who lives in the front of the building would have been more than happy to open the door and help them investigate any happenings. Old folks be on those stings. *lol* And my unit number is on another floor from the one they claim they needed to get to. So why are they calling me? Well, after my good senses kicked in I told the police I'd see what I could do. Afterall, one of those old ladies from downstairs could have been choking on a piece of fatback. I called 911 to verify the police's presence. Yup, it was legit, but they were at the wrong condo building. I never went to the front door. Shux, I had gifts to open.

Was this really a coincidence? Maybe so. I don't think it was Officer Freckles. My friends thought he was at the door and they said that I should have come down the stairs slowly wearing feathered highheels and a silk robe. *lol* I keep crazy friendss. *lol* How was I going to do that? I'd probably slip and fall down the stairs since I'm not use to wearing highheels anymore. How stupid will I have looked? The po po would have had to break the door down to let the paramedics in to tend to me. Not. I think the whole situation with the po po calling me on my birthday was all a coincidence. I think that my wild self is attracting the po po, because I still love to speed in my space shuttle of a car.

Well, I have to get going to work. Take care and have a great day. : )

Tag, I'm It...

2008-04-27T23:11:00.004-04:00

Tiki Tagged Me...I Guess I Deserve It For Being MIA On My Blog For A Few Weeks... *lol*

Link the person who tagged you.
Mention the rules in your blog.
Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.
Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them.
Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger's blogs letting them know they've been tagged.

1. I'm claustrophobic. I don't care for small spaces. I start hyperventilating.

2. I feel a little safer knowing that I bought my boxcutters last week. I couldn't find my old ones. I need to find my bat. Are civilians allowed to have billyclubs and slapjacks?

3. I love cake. If I ever get married, my groom will have to let me have some time alone with the wedding cake. I mean that thing too.

4. I need personal space. I can't stand when people walk up on me and touch me. I usually always step back. Sometimes I've had to tell people not to touch me.

5. I keep a lot of handwipes in the car and at work. Once when I was in church, a man sneezed in his hand and then shook my hand. I drove home with one clean hand, and then washed my hands with COMET CLEANER.

6. Sometimes I talk too much trash to be shy sometimes.

Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Jay-Z

2008-04-08T09:08:00.001-04:00

They Were Smart To Keep Their Wedding Private...

It appears by all media reports that Beyonce and Jay-Z got married on Friday under a cloak of secrecy. Supposedly, they got married in a building Jay owns. I guess that makes sense. He can control the comings and goings enough to keep the media out. All we've seen are the pictures of a few guests arriving and some expensive flowers on the sidewalk. Did any of you catch a picture of Beyonce's dad? My sister said that he looked like he was going to a funeral. I guess it's that whole Joe Jackson thing. Once folks get married, the whole focus of the career and control shift in a whole another direction. Oh well, they'll be okay.

When I emailed the first reports to my sister, she proclaimed that they had already been married a long time ago. Like years ago. Hmm. That's a thought. But what I will say is that Beyonce and Jay-Z were right to not talk publicly about their relationship, although they are seen together all the time. It seems like this is the way to do things to keep from creating a circus-like atmosphere. I can't tell you how many weddings I have been to that have bordered on becoming a spectacle, because of the many side shows with jealous folks who wished that they were getting married, gossipmongers, reluctant in-laws, unruly kids, complainers (they don't like the cake, the dinner, the music, the bride's dress), the workhorses (bridesmaids), drunkards, the women who will put somebody's eye out behind trying to catch the bouquet and so on and so forth.

I've heard people say that they want a small wedding. By the time, their family members and friends get involved, the wedding becomes a full-scale social extravaganza dipped in solid gold. They end up having several bridesmaids, who have to kick out some major cash to pay for the dress (inlcuding the alterations), shoes, make-up, hairdo, etc. And the brides end up inviting a long list of people, which means that they will need to reserve a huge reception hall. If they are going to have that many people, they will go out their way to impress and to show their appreciation to them with nice food and music. That's got to translate to a big price tag. That's totally fine if that's what the bride and groom want. It's their call.

Big wedding, small wedding, to each his/her own. But I really can't see me spending a lot of money for one day. I was watching all those wedding shows in the WE channel and some of those brides were spending as much as $50,000 -$100,00. *Blink* I'd rather take that money and put it towards a down payment for a really nice and larger house. Plus, a big wedding would take too much out of me since I'm a shy person. What would I look like with that spotlight on me all day? If and when I ever get married I just want to concentrate on my relationship with my groom with very few distractions. A small ceremony with a few close family members and friends would be good enough for me. As for Beyonce and Jay-Z, they pulled it off. The media don't have one picture of them getting married. All the media has to go on is hearsay. Congrats and best wishes to Mr. and Mrs. Carter.

What Ever Happened To R&B???...

2008-03-20T06:20:00.007-04:00

Jaheim - Never (New official video)
Uploaded by foxysoul

It's Somewhere Beneath The Surface...It's Around...

It amazes me how other artists with very little vocal ability, limited lyric writing skills, and propped up personas on the backdrop of a lot of production make it to the top. Let the record slip or the soundtrack give up and walk away. Then those artists are left standing on the stage with a blank expression on their faces as they barely attempt to hum a tune in a bucket. Were they pretending to be vocal artists? Was it the money that led their careers? Can they really understand what it is to feel music? *Shaking Head*

It's a good thing that's not Jaheim's problem. Jaheim reminds me of the old school artists. I just get lost in his voice. He could sing the alphabet to me for all I care. You know, his voice is not contrived or forced. It's so natural as if he's holding a casual conversation. He may fly under other folks' radar screens, but not mine. I'm onto his vocal stylings. Yeah, he's got to do the industry thing and make those videos, but I think I was more drawn into his music with his performance on Tom Joyner's in studio recording jam segments. See it for yourself right here ==> Anything, Never, And Fabulous.

Well, I've got to get rolling for work. Take care and have a great day. : )

I Still Support You, OBAMA!!!

2008-03-19T07:20:00.006-04:00

Obama '08: Yes We Can!!!...

Let the political pundits dissect/twist your every word and action, while they purposely overlook their own historical crimes against humanity.

However, I thank you for being brave enough to not back down and explain what you believe with regard to race issues in America. I also thank you for your steadfast campaign message of promoting hope, healing, and unity for all people. You can take comfort in knowing that if you win, you will win standing on your feet and not kneeling on your knees. For that, I still support you.

On March 17, 2008 History Was Made...

2008-03-18T07:55:00.003-04:00

Introducing Governor David Paterson,

First Black and Legally Blind Governor of New York

Moody Monday Dipped In Honey...

2008-03-17T06:17:00.007-04:00

ERYKAH BADU "HONEY"
Uploaded by Erykah-Badu

Shux, What Happened To The Weekend???...

Don't pay me any attention. I ask that same question every Sunday afternoon like it's some sort of surprise that I have to go work the next day. I act like I got ripped off. Yup, I'm thankful for my job, but not for the craziness that is sometimes involved. So, to kick my workweek off to a fun start, I'll play a video by Erykah Badu. She's a different kind of person in an artsy way, but I think it's funny that she had Common wearing those crocheted pants on the cover of Essence magazine. Brotha was hooked.

Oh well, I've got to run and try to be on time for work for a change. Have a great day with your fabulous sevlves!!!... : )

The Five-O Caught Me...

2008-03-12T07:25:00.023-04:00

Drats...Why Must They Hassle Me???...*Sigh*

See this is what had happened...Everyday I'm practically running late for everything. I'm running late for work, the hairdressers, dentist, and anything else. What can I say? I'm a follower of CP time. So anyway, as usual I was scurrying around trying to get out of my place to get ready for work. But before I leave, I have to check the thermostat, make sure the clothes/hair irons are unplugged, make sure the toaster/stove is off, and make sure the water is turned off. Just stack that on top of me having to take a shower, do my make-up, do my hair, eat breakfast, blog, pay bills, clean out the refrigerator, find some stockings without any runs in them, transfer things to a matching purse, and pick out a perfume that I'm feeling that particular day. So, you sort of see why I'm always running late.

Anyhoo, after finishing getting ready, I got in the car, turned on the radio, then put my foot to the accelerator like I always do. The car starts off at 60 mph or at least 40 mph. I had to hurry up and get to my cotton picking gig that pays me. I'm from North Carolina where there is a lot of ground to cover so we might as well tear on down the street. I sometimes think my car is the shuttle. That thing sure can move when it wants to. I didn't make it a mile away from home before the Five-O pulled me over. It's really too bad that I couldn't see over the hill, because I would have seen them at the bottom of it. Dangit, the Marlyand county police had about three or four cruisers out there on a speed patrol sting. I tried to put on my brakes, but it was too late. I was too through.

An officer came out in front of the road and instructed me to stop to the right. Well, I pulled over like I was supposed to and didn't drive off like you see folks do in the movies. I was asked for my license and registration. Some kind of way I didn't have the sense enough to turn down the radio, which was locked onto the Steve Harvey show. Steve had some caller singing offkey, which made the policeman laugh. I wasn't. I sat there blinking. I decided to stay quiet and keep my sarcastic comments and jokes to myself. I was looking straight ahead and thinking, "Well D*mn. I'm running late for work and the doggone police got me looking crazy with other motorists driving by giving me the better you than me look. Some of them deserved to be flagged down too."

The strangest thoughts cross your mind at times like this. I was thinking that if there was anything good to come of this is that I was freshly showered and my hair and make up were on point. Plus, I smelled good. Some days we have to accept the small victories where we can get them. In the midst of my mind running fast, the officer knocked on my window to talk to me. I was still looking straight ahead. You know I had a flash back of 1987 when I was trying to get my license when I was a teenager. The state police in NC were so mean near my hometown. Those mean ole geezers from the state police were in charge of administering the driving tests. The written part of the driving test was a breeze. However, for me trying to pass the driving part of my test wasn't successful, because I felt like I had gotten into the car with a member of the KKK. Well he looked like one and didn't say not one word to me, but that I had flunked the driving part of the test. Let's just say the next time I was smart enough to wait until the lady patrol officer was free to test folks. I passed the test then.

Getting back to yesterday, the officer must have sensed my uneasiness. I wasn't going to cry, but I sure didn't turn my head the whole time until he announced that he wasn't going to give me a ticket. Some men swear that we women have it better and are able to convince male officers to let us off the hook. I didn't do anything flirtatious. I just sat there blinking looking straight ahead. The officer said that he'd give me a warning this time around, which made my day. I turned around to finally look at him for the first time and realized that he looked like a younger version of Tom Joyner. To show my gratitude, I thanked him, told him that I saw the error of my ways, and promised not to speed anymore....err in the neighborhood. I think this is what we call kissing up and laying it on really thick a little bit saying you were right and I was so wrong. *lol* Side Note: Sometimes you got to do what you got to do even after you're off the hook to make it easier if he sees me speeding down the street tomorrow. *lol* He followed up with telling me to drive safer. He said that he would be out here in the area watching and that if I see a lightskin police officer with freckles that would be him. He was smiling and joking after that; he wasn't unprofessional though by giving me that warning piece of paper. Hmph. I guess that's called service with a smile. Was that a come on or just a cop trying to be nice? I don't know. I'm open to stuff like that. I was starting to feel really shy like a little school girl. What was that all about? A friend said that I should have flirted and given my number to him. What the? But anyhoo, I'm just thankful that he let me off. Thank you, Mr. Freckle Face. : )

*Whew* That was close. I was just trying to focus on not tearing away at top speed like I always do. It sure would be a shame for the police to have to pull me over again down the street. I suppose I better not drive so fast. From here on out, I promise to be a good girl. *lol*

Blogging On The Run...

2008-03-11T06:50:00.019-04:00

Will Macy's Remain The World's Larget Store In This Economy???...

As usual, I don't have much time to blog before I run off to work. But I just wanted to spend a couple of minutes here to chat. Check this out.

"According to the 2008 AlixPartners Consumer Sentiment index, consumers are bargain shopping. If you shopped at Nordstrom and Macy's, you're now shopping at JC Penney or Kohl's. If you were shopping at JC Penney, now you're shopping at Wal-Mart. And those people who were shopping at Wal-Mart, they're at the dollar stores."

Aint that the truth. On the shopping foodchain where are you now? Here's an interesting article about consumers' pinching pennies. ==> Walmart and Dollar Tree Here We Come!!!...

One more thing, I've gotten behind in my online tabloid gossip. The job won't let me appear in the role of Aunt Lula anymore on C.runk and Disorderly and any other blog. Those were the days. *sigh* Moving along. Is Kimora expecting a baby with her model boyfriend, Djimon Hounsou? And is she divorced from Russell Simmons?

Well, Is She Expecting Or What? What Do You Think?

A Clinton - Obama Ticket???...

2008-03-10T07:37:00.007-04:00

After Everything That Has Been Said And Done, Are They Serious???...

Word on wires is that the Clinton team is thinking of asking Obama to be the running mate as the VP of course. Something about that picture looks odd. Read it for yourself ==> A Clinton-Obama ticket???...

Handwashing Is So Essential...

2008-03-04T06:47:00.016-05:00

It's A Wonder Why More People Don't Do It...

Wet Hands...
As I sped along the road the leads to my job's complex yesterday morning, I quickly prayed that the Lord would help free me of that place. I need a break. I need some time to relax and just take care of home. Well, as soon as I made it through the outside guard's gate, parked the car, and then walked into the entrance of the building, the male guard announced to me that the building was about to be closed because there is no hot water. I could have picked up and kissed that man. He was short. My prayer had been answered, even for that day. *Whew*I still had to go up to my office and check-in with the boss and wait for the official announcement. But last week, I do remember calling the building folks to tell them that we didn't have any hot water in the restrooms on my floor. That was Thursday. And evidently, they couldn't fix the problem. I'm wondering whether my job's cafeteria had hot water last week and were they washing their hands and pots and pans with hot water. Ahhhhh....Moving on...

Soap...
Folks "NOT WASHING THEIR HANDS" is a huge pet peeve for me. I can't tell you how many times I've seen women not wash their hands. They will go straight from the stall to leave the restroom or go through the motion of washing their hands by running their hands under the faucet minus the soap. What the???!!! And men aren't off the hook either? I'm not in there restroom to see, but other men have told me that some men definately leave the restroom without putting a bit of water on their hands. Shux, what's the use of developing vaccines and cures when folks won't do the most basic thing of washing their hands? Weren't we all taught this as little children at home and at the daycare center?

Scrub...
Furthermore, I really get heated when touchy-feely folks feel the need to reach out and touch with their dirty selves. For example, during a meeting why did a nasty co-worker of mine, who insist on sucking all the fur and fruit off of a peach, confide to me that he keeps it in his mouth for at least an hour or so to get all the nutrients out? *rolling eyes* Then he proceeds to be animated and reach out to touch me, because that's who he is. So, I had to let him know who I was and let him know that I don't dig touchy-feely folks and he best keep his hands to himself no matter how innocent that act. Just nasty.

Rinse...
Others are not touchy-feely, but are just publicly nasty. Another example is that I was waiting in line in the drive-thru at Taco ~~Hell~~ Bell. Please don't ask me why I was there. It's cheap, fast food. And I like spicey food. *sigh* But anyway, while I was in line, why did I notice the driver in front of me digging for gold? He had his whole freaking finger up his nose. Now you know how this was going to turn out, right. He was going to place his order, pay for the food, and then later when I rolled up, I would end up with the change laced with his boogers on it. Nope. I wouldn't let it happen. I backed my car up and drove away. See, it's good to avert a nasty disaster when you are aware of something. But it's all the times when you are unaware that get you. Try thinking of anytime you've gotten sick when you know that you've taken every precaution. Hmm...Makes you think, aye???...

Dry Hands And Turn Off Tap With Towel...
Have you ever wanted to tell another adult to wash his or her hands? So much for hurting folks' feelings. I've told someone before at work. I didn't know the person and she was a bit embarrassed. But you know these are the same people who will bring their coffee mugs and even the punch bowl used for office parties in the ladies' restroom to wash in those sinks. So, you see there is a big problem. Well, I can't fix the world on the handwashing front. However, you know where you can find some handwipes. At my desk. *lol*

I've got to get ready for work. Take care, have a great day, and wash those suckers. :-)

The Cubicle Chronicles: Part 8

2008-03-03T07:04:00.004-05:00

Monday Mornings...

I don't know you about you, but Monday mornings are always tough on me. It really starts somewhere and sometime Sunday afternoon. But let me tell you how much I love Fridays. I love knowing that I don't have to wake up at the break of dawn on Saturday morning, figure out what to wear, and anticipate putting up with a lot of foolishness for the next 8 1/2 hours. The weekend is pregnant with possibilities. I vow to clean my place from top to bottom, to wash all loads of clothing, and to make homemade meals. And the icing on the cake would be to work on applying for a better job.

But now we're back at Monday...I'm dragging my wagon...Again...

Yesterday, why did I run across a couple of blogs where the people have quit their jobs with no new jobs lined up? They simply said that they had enough of their jobs and walked away. They say that they are going to catch up on their sleep, listen to music, travel abroad, and pretty much do anything else they darn well feel like. Must be nice, huh? I sort of want to know who these people are and how they are able to just walk away. They actually claim that they liked their co-workers, but hated the job they've been at that job for 4 or 5 years.

I've been at my job for 16 years now. I started out there just after college. And I just want to say that it's really not that easy to walk away as some suggest. We don't want to jump from the pan to the skillet just to spite someone and show them a thing or two. Another job may not have the same benefits and pay. Many of us have responsibilities. I don't have kids yet, no. But there are bills to pay in this shaky economy. So, I've got to stay until I can find something better. In the meantime, I have to cope with the situation at hand. Please don't get me wrong. I appreciate my job. It just gets to be much when I'm having to do twice as much to get half as much while the thinner lips get higher and higher without experience and education. I kid you not. From the time that I get in the office first thing in the morning, I'm whisked away for my input for impromptu meetings. And many days out of the week, I'm working through my lunch at work and doing overtime minus the extra money.

I'm not alone though. I just vent here. My co-workers are a little more comical in their coping mechanisms. My next door neighbor co-worker cuts in and out of the office to do the least bit of work possible. I wouldn't be surprised to see him lower himself out of the ceiling from a rope to his cubicle Batman-style to put on his fascade. Another co-worker has been wearing a neck collar thingy you see folks wear after getting into an accident. Most of us there don't think she's been in an accident; we believe she just wants attention. When a co-worker asked why she wasn't wearing it, she hurried to put it back on. *sigh* On the job, I just work on Sudoku puzzles during break. All is not doom and gloom. We just have to keep hope alive, pray, look for a brighter day, and aggressively look new jobs...I'm hungry. I better get to my Cheerios.

Well I've got to get ready for work. Take care and have a great day anyway.

Voting Season: And They're Off...

2008-02-26T06:47:00.012-05:00

The Golden Gloves Have Come Off...
Smear Pictures, Swift Boats and All...

Good morning, everyone. I have to blog and run again before I go off to work. I really don't have time to pull together a good ole fashioned blog entry. That means that I'm ironing clothes, eating breakfast, writing bills, and writing this blog entry at the same time. So, I'll do something quick and easy like vent. You know venting is usually carried out at the end of a hard workday. But here is the exception.

Let me set this thing up here. Since I was a little girl around five years old back in the 1970's, I've been watching the evening news. In addition to that, now as a grownup I read the newspapers, blogs, and online news articles from just about any outlet. You know the perspective can be different given the outlet. Plus I watch many of the news shows on tv. You get my drift. I've seen and heard a lot of things over the years. I'm no newcomer to the game.

And speaking of games, I've never seen more games and dirty tricks as right now in the political arena. Okay, there are no swift boats zipping this time around. It's just when I think of dirty tricks I think of swift boats. Yeah, I know folks would dare to ask me what did I expect and how could I be so naive. But they need to see my point of view. Right here and right now we as a people throughout the country aren't doing so well if others haven't noticed. Umm. Let's rattle off the list of battle wounds.

Folks are losing their jobs left and right. They are trying to figure out where their next meal is coming from and where they will lay their head tonight. A ton of folks are losing their homes to foreclosure. Folks are up to their necks in debt, while so-called highly-trained economists, who should know better, try to convince us that we aren't in a recession. There are people out here who have husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and even young grandmothers and grandfathers dying and getting injured in wars around the world. Education is so bad these days that the high school kids who are thinking about enlisting in the military don't even know where the wars are taking place. Can they even find Iraq and Afghanistan on a map without being prodded?....Let me continue on with the list. Big business has twisted Uncle Sam's arm to make it hard for us little people to file for bankruptcy. Big business also has it such that you can't sue them, even if they are in the wrong. Other folks have learned that getting sick and staying in the hospital for a couple of days is the road to possible poverty. That's why I understand why old folks will paste on some honey to a wound and keep getting up. You get my drift, right? We need to see a brighter day.

So with all of this swirling around, when are the candidates and their supporters going to get it?
We voters don't need anymore smear pictures, false statements, and the overproduction of enough bullcrap to last us to the next millenium. We voters want to hear answers and workable yet realistic solutions. Enough of the cute one-liners to one up the rival and to serve as the headline to the newspapers the next day. We need sound ideas to get the country back on track. We need to fill the people with enough hope to make it to the next day. We need to see, hear, and feel that someone out here running to be the leader cares enough to tell the truth and be straight with us.

The truth is all we want. Let that be the backdrop of the campaigns.

Okay, I've got to ready for work. Take care and have a great day. :-)

A Piece Of Cake...

2008-02-21T06:44:00.009-05:00

Life's Been A Piece of Cake....That's a Lie...

It's been a while since I blogged. In fact, I had to look for my password. But I'm back in the saddle blogging again. I'm going to type a little something before I go to work. But check this out. Shortly after the New Year, the IT folks at my job changed the computer systems and made it such that we can't delete the history file anymore. There's no more viewing Y.ouTube and listening to audio files that aren't streaming. There's no more communication on the sidebar of the g.oogle g.mail account. No more Aim. And a little box appeared for a week or so even when you attempted to perform a search on Y.ahoo or G.oogle sort of notifiying you that they're watching. All kinds of other sites are banned and you get a nice little message letting you know that you are in violation of the rules. Shux, I tried to view Shamu, the orca killer whale extraordinaire, at the water park and got that message. I'm just glad that I'm not addicted to the chatrooms anymore. *lol* So, let's just say most of my blogging we be done at home.

Well there you have it. This explains why I can't really blog as much as I used to. But you know what? I'm still not ready to give up on blogging. I love it too much. Shux, with Ree Ree tearing into Beyonce and Tina (Ree Screams==>"Don't You Know I'm The Queen!!!..."Ree Ree take a seat. Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle and others are also queens and very gifted); Tavis showing a little attitude with Obama about declining an invitation to appear at Tavis' forum (Tavis we love you, but please chill.); and political campaigns pulling out every dirty trick they can, you KNOW I wanted to a piece of that. It's like online gossiping. I think I love reading other folks' blogs better than writing my own. I'm just going to have to blog when I get home from work.

I've got to get ready for work. I hope everyone is doing great and feeling fabulous. Take care and have a great day. :-)

Trying To Play Catch Up For The New Year...

2008-01-21T11:31:00.000-05:00

What Can A Procrastinator Say???...

Well for starters I can say, Happy New Year!!!...As far as I'm concerned that saying is good to go until the end of the month. Yeah, I've been meaning to update my blog. But I said what the heck. I could stand to take a vacation from this. I'm not going to get too deep at all today. I'll just glide into my first blog post of the year. I hope all of you are doing well. What's going on with you? Here are a couple of random thoughts I have about various topics.

1. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

I'm very appreciative that King and many others sacrificed and made things better for the generations coming after them. I just hope that we can do this for the generations that come after us. This is really the only true way to show honor.

2. Primaries and Caucuses

Is this presidential campaign getting dirty or what? Yes siree. But it's not surprising. I just wished Robert Johnson, the founder of BET, would have used better judgment and not put his whole foot down his throat. Yeah, he has a right to support Hillary Clinton, but was it really necessary for him to verbally suckerpunch Obama on the sly. Since when does Robert Johnson speak for black folks? Isn't he the one who held sanctified Sunday morning programming on BET, only to have booty shaking or other vulgar shows start viewing at 12 noon? Johnson wins the sit down and shut up award. Exit stage left.

3. Televison Shows Go Static

Is the writers' strike really bothering us? I can't speak for other folks, but the strike really isn't bothering me. I haven't been a prime time tv watcher for a long time now. I also understand that this isn't all about me. Writers are demanding that they get their fair cut of the profits and I don't blame them. Until the writers and the studios are able to reach an agreement, I'll continue to surf the web and watch DVDs and cable tv.

4. Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds Scrap and Run

What a big mess? The real story behind their so-called symbolic Bora Bora wedding ceremony and a split will come out sooner or later. Their public relations reps are in full effect stating that they are still friends, although they left Bora Bora on separate planes. M'kay. Rumors have stated that Eddie shouted at Tracey in front of people or Tracey wouldn't sign a prenup or Tracey wanted his money or Eddie was requiring Tracey to take his surname, etc. Then there was some talk about Johnny Gill. Who knows what is actually is true? I just think Tracey got out just in time. Hmph. All I know is I like hearing her ex-hubby singing about cooking as soon as he gets home. Tracey might want to call him up. One more thing, I can only imagine what Nicole, Melanie B "Scary Spice", and Tracey could dish about Eddie...

5. Another Secret Marriage

My cousin from Atlanta called me over the weekend to tell me that Martin Luther King, III got married about a couple of years ago and is about to become a dad with his new wife. Hmmm... First I'll say congrats and best wishes. I just don't know about the secret marriage part. I wouldn't be surprised if he actually got married two weeks ago or even two months ago. I just don't see how public records at the courthouse can be hidden from the media, other curious folks, and especially folks who work at the courthouse for two whole years. I still wish them the best.

6. Hollywood Is Pregnant With Possibilities

Everywhere you look stars are poking out. Garcelle Beauvais Nilon gave birth to twins a couple of months ago. Nicole Richie and Christina Aguilera gave birth about two weeks ago. Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez are coming along nicely. Could you be next?

7. Yanni's Block is back. Enjoy!!!...

Singing Happy Holidays...

2007-12-24T13:47:00.000-05:00

Have A Very Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year!!!...

Arranged Marriages...

2007-12-10T01:30:00.000-05:00

Could We Even Consider This???...

A couple of weekends ago, I got caught up watching tv. I usually don't know beforehand that I would get so taken in. This interferes with me doing my chores and running errands. I know. Excuses. Excuses. I started to get ready to go out, but ended up sitting down to watch several shows. I started watching Fat Camp or something like that on MTV. Then I watched several episodes of Real Life. One that I found to be most interesting was the one about arranged marriages. Three individuals were featured. One actually went through with the marriage. A few hours later, I watched "Bend It Like Beckham," which also touched upon the idea of arranged marriages. Ordinarily, I wouldn't have watched that movie. But since I was already parked on the couch, I was thinking, "Why not?" The movie was actually pretty entertaining.

For the most part, people here in the U.S. scoff at the idea of having family and friends find their future mates. They seem to think that such thinking and way of life still exists in backwards culture. I disagree with the scoffing part. I happen to see the value in a modified approach to arranged marriages.

I know for a fact that the world of dating is quite wild out here. It's hard to discern who is telling the truth. Who is married? Who has children? Are they custodial parents? If not, do they pay child support like they are supposed to? Are they in debt? Have they been in trouble with the law? Are they employed? People may laugh at me for wanting to ask these questions. But it seems like to me that anyone interested in a serious relationship should want to know the answers to these questions, too. But who has the time and the energy get this information without having to hire a private detective? Bump that. Why not let your family and friends (the ones you can trust and actually care about you) put you in touch with some eligibles? It sure would cut out some of the riffraff. *shrug* Why should we have to tolerate a drunken dude breathing on our necks for us to get the 411? I don't do the club scene. Do you really have to worry about the cute guy at the grocery store or gas station calling you? Did you give him your real telephone number? But you know what I mean. There is a lot of trial and error out here meeting folks.

What I like most about what I saw in the tv show was that the families, who moved to the U.S., simply brought the eligible men to the attention of their daughters and friends. No one was forced into marriage. The parents weren't even ashamed to say/demand that they wanted doctors or other serious professionals for their grown daughters. By the time, they had a dinner party or get together, the grown daughters had a good bit of information about their possible suitors. They knew their religion. Some had mutual friends. But most importantly, they could feel a little bit of comfort meeting men that their family and friends put their stamp of approval on. Could you imagine being fixed up with some real winners? I had the chance a while ago. A family friend was trying really hard to fix me up with a couple of fine brothers, who had something going for them. It's really a shame that I was painfully shy back then. More recently, another family friend asked to introduce me to his fraternity brother. I think I will agree to it this time around. It couldn't hurt. In fact, it might be a good idea. Of course, I will still have to put the work and the effort into still researching things myself. It's just good to have some more eyes looking out for me. I remember a trusted male friend telling me to stay away from a particular guy, because he had several babies (with a couple on the way) and baby momma drama scattered along the countryside. It turned out to be true. ZabaSearch doesn't keep a listing of facts like that.

If you are married, how did you meet your husband/wife? Did you meet him/her on your own or did you receive a little of help from your family and friends? If you are single, how do you prefer to meet dates?

The Grinch-trina Who Stole Christmas...

2007-11-29T08:02:00.000-05:00

Green Looks Beautiful On Me...

Why should I have to do things I don't want to do? Why do I have to make other folks' dreams come true at the expense of my own feelings? Why should I feel guilty and have to make up lies to say no?

Hee Hee. I am happy to report that yesterday I declined an invitation to a Christmas party at my job. When the invitation first came to me, I was happy that someone had considered me at all. Those good feelings stayed in place until I remembered attending a going away party for a co-worker earlier this year. Boy, was that thang there painful. We all sat silently around a table trying really hard to make small talk. "How about those Orioles?" "The weather is beautiful today?" "Oh, that's a pretty blouse." Now, I'm saying, "Whatever!"

I think it best that I not go to the party. I'm not trying to hurt anyone's feelings either. We're really not friends at the office. They might think we are, but I know better. I like to maintain a cool working relationship with folks so that our signals won't get mixed. Let's keep things where they are. We come to work to do the work and get paid. Perhaps, I can take the money I would have paid towards the party to donate to a charity. That's a thought.

Okay, I'm running late for work AGAIN. *hee hee* Take care and have a great day... :-)

Thinking of the Redskins Family...

2007-11-27T07:14:00.000-05:00

Sean Taylor 1983-2007

I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving filled with great food and great company with family and friends. For the most part, my holiday was pretty good. I left town a little later than I had wished Thanksgiving afternoon and drove up on a multiple-car accident minutes after it happened. I wasn't involved in it. As I drove by I couldn't help but feel for the those involved. Other than that, my Thanksgiving holiday weekend was uneventful. Even the drive along I-95 was smooth. I was just thankful to be thankful.

For a moment there, I thought things would stay like that. Uneventful. Then the Washington, DC metro area received the news that Sean Taylor (#21) had been shot in Florida. Few details have been released to the media. All we know is that there was an apparent home invasion at Taylor's home and that the intruder shot him. And since very little information was released, I thought that he would somehow be okay. Then early this morning, Channel 9 News reported Taylor's death. Crime is so out of control.

I'm really not a football fan or a sports fan period. However, all the men I know are huge football fans. In fact, growing up all I really heard about were the Redskins back before North Carolina had a team. Fastforward the years, now I live in the area and my brother practically lives in the backyard of FEDEX field. My brother and Dad have been to the Redskins games. And I can remember the Redskins winning the superbowl shortly after I moved to the DC area. So, although I don't know much about sports, I do know that the Redskins family extends far around the DC metro region. We love them. And right now it's hurting really badly that Taylor was gunned down in the prime of his life. The young man was only 24 years old. When I first heard the news, I didn't really think about whether Taylor would play NFL football again. I was just wondering what his family was going through and how they were holding up. That's why I just can't understand this whole crime foolishness. There's nothing but a sense of helplessness. What are we to do? Well, I'm just about speechless. I want to extend my sincere condolences to the Taylor family and the Redskins organization at this time in the loss of Sean Taylor.

I've got to get ready for work now. Take care and have a blessed day.

Happy Thanksgiving....

2007-11-22T08:34:00.000-05:00

As we all prepare to travel or stay home to give thanks to the Lord, I just wanted to type this brief blog entry to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!!! I said the same thing last year and the year before, but I want to add one more thing. In the spirit of giving, if you are hosting a dinner and are aware of someone who may be lonely this time of the year, please think about inviting them over to let them know that someone cares.

The Cubicle Chronicles: Part 7

2007-11-06T08:15:00.000-05:00

Misery Loves Company...

Good morning everyone. I'm going to start blogging again more regularly and will even try to add some structure along the way. I'm not quite sure about which direction I plan to take, but I'm thinking about including a personal finance piece on Tuesdays. There is definitely a need. I won't dip back into my old Econ textbooks from college to reveal any supply and demand charts, however, I plan to discuss the everyday money issues that we all face. I need to pull some ideas together. In case folks don't know, the country may be headed towards a recession, are you prepared? Do you know what a recession is? Think on it for a bit.

I haven't been writing about the happenings of my office in a while. I don't like to dwell on it too much, because I'm just trying to deal and cope like everyone else. What can I say? Bills got to be paid. Therefore, I have to go to work. Most folks have to. So I won't trip. But something funny happened to me yesterday. A co-worker walked up to me and said that he was in the dog house with me. Say what? Rewind the recording. He thought he could seek a comfort zone in me hoping that we could vent together. I don't think so. I work alone.

I had to explain the difference to him. They stopped inviting him to meetings recently. I get invited, but I prefer not to go unless it's something really important. My office likes to meet too much. We meet to discuss another meeting. We've got pre-game meetings and post-game meetings. It's a wonder how any work gets done. I told Mr. Co-Worker that everybody knows that I'm a little frosty, because I had been passed over for promotions in the past. The new supervisors have tried to right that wrong by giving me a bonus and giving me something that resembles a promotion with more money. Let's not get crazy. I'm not lovey dovey with the supervisors. We just have an understanding. I get the work done. We're cool. Mr. Co-Worker just recently tore his drawls on the fence of life at work. What did he do? He bragged about telling the boss off and making her cry, because he was upset about how she handled a situation. **Clutch the pearls**

Is His Bark Worse Than His Bite? I'm Not Trying To Find Out...

Now I'm all for vocalizing one's concerns, but there is a thing called going too far. All I've got to do is think about my mortgage and that pretty much puts things in perspective for me. Call me a punk. *lol* I don't care. Sista over here got to eat. So if I feel like I'm about to get upset, I'll go out to lunch or walk around the building or leave a little early. It rarely happens. That works for me. But once you start to shout and curse out your boss, what makes you think that you won't get written up? Why is my co-worker so surprised? I know he was frustrated as we all can get. But really, I'm not trying to be a part of that act. As far as I'm concerned, it's every man for himself at work. I've got to tend to my own concerns (bills, bills, bills) rather than getting caught up with other folks' problems. I can' t get involved with every uprising in the office.

Every time I see Mr. Co-Worker, I try to get away and fast. A few weeks ago, I sprained my ankle. You should have seen me limping down the hall trying to get away from Mr. Co-Worker. Looked like I was doing the cabbage patch. I'm not alone. The other co-workers try to get away from Mr. Co-Worker too. Once he gets you in a corner, you're trapped. He's going to get loud, stay a long time, and pretty much let everybody know in the office consisting of more than 100 people that you're in cahoots with him. He's not only badmouthing the bosses. He's badmouthing other folks who don't have anything to do with his situation all. He just perceives that anyone in good graces with the bosses to be suspect. It's like dog doo. Why can't people wipe their shoes on their own carpet? Being the wimp that I can sometimes be, I take pity on folks, listen to them, and say a few encouraging words. I hate that enabler role. So every now and then another co-worker will rescue me by calling and pretending to make me report to a very important meeting. What can I say? Someone loves me at the office or at least cares. But catch this. That's not the only personnel situation going on at the office. I just wished those walking volcanoes would realize that this is not the best time to be without a job given this economy.

Well, I better get ready for work and get ready to play the office therapist. Have a great day!!! ... :-)

The New Season of Run's House...

2007-10-25T08:15:00.000-04:00

My Favorite Reality Show

Out of all the reality shows and tv that I watch period by far, I can say that Run's House is my favorite show. Unlike most reality shows that live off of shock and awe, this show can be pleasantly watched with the whole family in the room. I guess some people may tune in to see how rich folks live. I personally tune in because I love the way the family members interact with each other. It's good to see positive images of a black family on tv for a change. We've seen the Simmons family through a lot of ups and downs. We've seen Angela graduate from high school, Vanessa try to land acting gigs, JoJo become a young man, Diggy and Russy pull their comical antics; and we've seen Rev. Run and his wife, Justine, weather one of their roughest times when losing a baby. I thought for sure that the show would have ended behind the rough times, but they surprised us and continued on in such a way that could only make you love them more. Be sure to check for the new season of Run's House on October 25, 2007, on MTV on 10 p.m.

The Salt And Pepa Show...

My Mic Sounds Nice...
My Mic Sounds Nice...Check 1...
My Mic Sounds Nice...Check 2...
My Mic Sounds Nice...Check 3...

You know what? VH1 had shown so many sneak peeks of this show leading up to its first airing that we had seen most of everything except for the last 10 minutes of the show. So, if you missed the first show, you didn't miss much. Just go to VH1's website to get caught up. With this show, I wasn't too surprised about anything. Salt happily has settled down with her husband and kids. Pepa wants to recapture the good feelings that the group once felt at the height of their success. Spinderella is nowhere to be seen. VH1 tripped and fell. They are so wrong for not including Spinderella. But anywho more or less, I watch the show because it's like a comfort food. Salt and Pepa are of my time and represent important events in my life. My Mic Sounds Nice came out my senior year in high school. Push It came out when I was in college. Salt and Pepa's collaboration with EnVogue for Whatta Man came out around the time when I first started working on my first real job after college. Those were the days. Now I can be driving to work and hear one of those songs and can all of a sudden remember all the rhymes. Let's see what Salt and Pepa will be up to next week on their show. It comes on Mondays at 10 p.m on VH1.

The "Why Did I Get Married" Movie Is #1!!!...

2007-10-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

You Are Cordially Invited To Take Part In This Discussion...

There's been a lot of buzz about Tyler Perry's new movie for good reason. Why Did I Get Married is #1 at the box office this weekend pulling in an estimated $21.5 million. The second best thing to do behind actually seeing the movie happens to be discussing it with others who have seen it. However, if you have not seen it yet and don't want your viewing experience to be spoiled, turn away at this point.

Intro:
Going in to this movie, I had a very good feeling about it. I had enough of a good feeling to get off from work a little early to make it to the last matinee show of the evening on Friday. I could tell that the other people were just as excited as I was judging from the way we strangers easily held conversations among each other as we stood in line to purchase our tickets and movie snacks. Could we ever have imagined that the mastermind behind stage plays recorded on grainy VHS tapes would develop into a multi-talented force to contend with in the world of entertainment? I'm amazed how Tyler Perry keeps reinventing himself.

The Characters: Let's review a brief description of each character to bring us up to speed. Here it goes:

Dianne and Terry played by Sharon Leal and Tyler Perry: Dianne was the attorney who was attached to her work so much so that she barely had time to notice her husband. So when they mentioned that they had not done the "couple thing" in months, quite a few murmurs could be heard in the viewing audience. Terry was the pediatrician aspiring to add more kids to the family.

Patricia and Gavin played by Janet Jackson and Malik Yoba: Patricia was the pyschologist and book writer who was preparing to receive a very important award for her work. Gavin, the architect, was the loving and supportive husband. They struggled to deal with the lingering feelings of guilt and anger surrounding the accidental death of their child.

Angela and Marcus played by Tasha Smith and Michael Jai White: Angela was the hotheaded salon owner. I think everybody knows at least one person who acts like Angela. The Angela type is a loudmouth, in your face, won't back down, doesn't care who gets hurt, will get her point across first type of person. But she's not all bad. Her mouth and over the top actions sometimes come in handy. I personally like the way she NFL fullback-style blocked her hubby from carrying the luggage for the single chick who only showed up to make trouble for Sheila and the other ladies. Angela sent Trina's bag all over the ground rightfully so. For that, we love Angela. I just wished Angela had treated the hubby better. Speaking of him, he was the former football player who played the role of verbal punching bag for the first half of the film. He never could seem to get a word in edgewise between his current wife and his ex. But he managed to man up eventually. I guess he had to snap a little bit, knowing that his wife wasn't the only one creeping.

Sheila and Mike played by Jill Scott and Richard T. Jones: Sheila was a trail of tears from the beginning to the end of the movie. I've always wondered why some women take so much abuse over the years. Shux, I would have been done with her man when she got removed from the plane and was forced to drive all the way to the mountains. Her husband, Mike, was as verbally abusive as one could get. He acted like a schoolyard bully piling on the insults about Sheila's weight. Mikey really should have been bashed in the head with the champagne bottle much earlier or at least slapped one good time. He never showed a bit of concern about Sheila until they divorced and she married that cute Sheriff.

Trina played by Denise Boutte: What nerve of a sideline chick to join in on a couples' retreat?

Troy played by Lamman Rucker: Boy was he a relief to Sheila and to the women in the audience at the movie. He wasn't just a cutie. He provided some real sensible advice. He flatly let Sheila know that her low self-esteem and self-directed insults weren't particularly attractive. What can we say? She upgraded to the right man.

My Observations and Thoughts About The Movie...

I don't feel the need to beat around the bush. I can tell you right off that bat that I give this movie high marks. No, I'm not a professional movie critic. But I will explain my review of the movie. First of all, I felt like that movie was universal. It spoke to people from all walks of life no matter the race, culture, gender, age group, or economic status. And it wasn't a bonafide chickflick that men had to avoid like the plague. There was a little something in there for everybody. It doesn't matter whether a couple lives in a mansion or a shack, because anyone can have marital or dating-relationship problems.

The movie started out very calm and very unassuming of the fiascos that would rear their ugly heads as the movie progressed. It was quite refreshing to hear how four couples who met in college manage to come together for a reunion annually to improve their marriages. The characters were polished with their well-developed careers and well-to-do lives. These were some together folks living some together lives with the exception of a couple of people. Therefore, early on in the film it put us on track to view Mike and Marcus as the dogs and Angela as the loudmouth. In the flip of the script, Mike turned everything around and pointed out everyone's flaws in an attempt to take the heat off of his neck. Boy did he say a mouth full. By the time, they got up from the dinner table, none of the couples were talking. Nobody was left in the clear except that cute Sheriff. *lol* Everybody was mad. Even the goodie two shoes characters were left with bruised images. Was Patricia really all that together? Was Gavin really the supportive husband? How could Dianne keep that secret from Terry? And how could Terry have paternity questions? The movie left the audience wondering how the characters were going deal with their problems as extensive as they were.

The movie could have very well ended with Mike being knocked the fool out on the floor. But I think Perry wanted to do more than acknowledge that problems exist in marriages; he wanted to show how couples could explore solutions. Of course, a bunch of jaded critics may come along and dismiss this movie for wrapping up its loose ends as if this only happens in a perfect world. I beg to differ. Quite a few characters had to let their egos go and make themselves vulnerable to more effectively communicate with their spouses. If Angela could speak sweetly to her husband, it surely made it sound possible for the others to overcome their problems. For once I was glad to see that sisters and brothers weren't at each other throats. I'm just glad that the movie showed us in a more positive light, since many of us actually live that way. One thing is for sure. I plan to buy this movie when it comes out on DVD. Tyler Perry is winning me over more and more.

Let The Discussion Begin...

Pull up a chair and make yourself welcome. Post your review of the movie in the comments section. Did you like it or not? Are there any particular scenes that interested you? Did you have a favorite actor? What could have made the movie better? Or were you satisfied just the way it was?

==============================

Reminder Note: The Salt and Pepa and The Irv Gotti shows will premiere on VH1 tonight starting at 10 p.m. EST.

Why Did I See That Movie???...

2007-10-10T23:56:00.000-04:00

I Think This One Is Worth Seeing...

As with movies, I either can count on one hand how many times I go to the movies in on year or how many times I have walked out of a movie thinking why did I see that movie???...

Yeah, I make it no secret how I feel about wasting money. Going to the movies will take a chunk out of your wallet. The movie ticket itself costs about $8 or more. Plus add the cost of a small box popcorn which costs about $5. Then add on the soda at another $5. And then candy, if you don't buy it at the store. It can cost $3. Shux, that can add up to a little more than $20 spent for couple of hours. Shux, I think I do better by waiting until the movie comes out on DVD. At least I can watch it over and over in the comfort of my home for one low price. I can move forward and backward if I miss the dialogue. I can watch parts of the movie and come back to it when I feel it. Plus, as I watch the movie I can eat a full scale dinner or have nothing more than water which won't cost me an arm and a leg.

However, this time around I'm going to try to support Tyler Perry. I've seen some of his plays by tape, and never have seen any of his theater movies. And I wasn't really able to get into his tv show that he has on cable now. It seems like people have a hard time trying to move between tv and movies. Either they are good at one or the other. Very few people can excel at both. Bill Cosby and his tv shows have done very well and deserve spots in the Hall of Fame, but his movies have always sucked. Martin Lawrence's tv show was the best of his work, but his comedy skills seem not to take as well to his movies. So given Perry's lackluster tv show, something gives me the feeling that his current movie will be pretty good.

I have to admit that I only know a little bit about the movie. Janet Jackson and Jill Scott will be starring in it. And it seems that they along with a cast of other folks will be discussing a lot of relationship issues. No matter whether a person is married or not, in some way, shape or form, many people will be able to relate anyway in their own dating relationships. Or perhaps, some of us unmarried folks may get a chance to get a sneak peek into the married life. Maybe not. We'll see.

If anyone else sees the movie, let's discuss it next week. It will be very interesting to see how different people perceive it.

Does Keyshia Have An Attitude Problem???...

2007-10-03T08:09:00.000-04:00

Ordinarily, I would have missed out on the news about Keyshia Cole, because I usually switch back and forth between the Tom Joyner Morning Show and Steve Harvey's. But anyhoo, while I was surfing the net, I came upon a celeb blog that mentioned the tension-filled radio interview 92Q from Baltimore had with Keyshia. Before listening to the interview for myself, I read the comments from others. Some said that she was ghetto, rude, unprofessional, and a whole host of other things. And at first glance, their assessment seemed on point.

Then I listened to the interview. I was left wondering whether we listened to the same interview. The way folks were talking, they made it seemed like she cursed them out and said some offensive comments. But that exactly wasn't the case. Yes, Keyshia was concise with her answers and vague altogether. But I didn't find her to be as rude as others pointed out. The crux of the whole flap seemed to be that she seemed not to want to be there doing the interview as DJ Mar.c Clarke indicated. I will say that he handled the interview for the most part right. He explained the importance of an artist needing to have the right attitude and how they depend upon their fans for success. But lawd have mercy was his lecture long. He drove home the point correctly the first time around, but kept driving, driving, and driving. *phew* *lol* And fortunately, Keyshia understood his point and apologized.

I never just see things from the surface though. Instead of thinking of this young woman is a ghetto chick as others have labeled her, I wonder what it is about our culture that doesn't understand the plight of others. I'm the kind of person who doesn't want to write off our young folks. I'm just not ready to do that. I feel that sometimes these young folks go through so much roughness and hard times in their lives that they honest to goodness don't know any better, don't know how to maneuver around tricky situations, and don't know how to articulate their feelings in a manner people can understand them. People living hard lives don't have the luxury of talking about what they feel. They just try to live the best way they know how. As far as Keyshia is concerned, from her reality show I found out that her mother has been in and out of jail and that she doesn't know much about who her father is. So, it appears that she and her sister have had to raise themselves, which speaks volumes. I'm not going to say that I grew up hard, because I didn't. One of my parents and their siblings grew up tough as orphans from a very early age. Other people just don't understand what it is to not know where you are going to lay your head at night or where your next meal is going to come from. So folks will just as easily just label someone ghetto and leave it at that. But I will say that I am very grateful for the folks who did help my family along the way, because I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

When people make comments about Keyshia being unrefined and rough around the edges, they don't take into account how blessed they are to have had a mother and/or father or grandparent or aunt or uncle to raise them in the proper way. Yes, I'm saying it. If you had structure in your life, that's a blessing, because those who didn't have it are having to play catch up after having 18 years or more. In Keyshia's case, she show that she cared by coming back to the interview and changing her tune. There is hope for her.

This blog entry really isn't just about Keyshia. It's about our youth. Could you imagine someone putting a test such as the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT in front of you without you having the benefit of having the appropriate lessons taught to you? Well, that's what we are doing to our young people when life tests them. No, I don't have the answers as to what we should do. I just hope we will try to be more compassionate, understanding, and patient with people who have rough childhoods. We just can't throw folks away.

I'm running late again. I have to run. Have a great day. : )

Come-Back Monday...

2007-10-01T07:10:00.000-04:00

I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend before returning to work today. As for me, I had a quiet one. I really didn't have a choice, since I had the nerve to sprain my foot on Friday and not put ice on it until today.

Well anyhoo...I'm taking my blog direction from Pamalicious today. The last time I blogged I mentioned the upcoming reality shows that will be playing on VH1 starting October 15th. Well, in the comments Pamalicious mentioned Dawn Robinson and her husband's (Dre Allen) new reality show. I had seen it a few weeks ago, but they had taken the video off the net at the time. Since then, they've reposted it. Here it goes.

The Dawn and Dre Show...

Most people who remember Dawn Robinson remember her from EnVogue and Lucy Pearl. But I don't know much at all about her husband. I had to go to her My.Space page find out information about him. The whole point of this reality show is to document her comeback and his come up. It's unclear whether this show will be picked up by a network or cable channel to be honest. I wonder whether they can generate enough interest in their project. I hope so.

I was thinking that EnVogue never really got to make it to the big leagues, although they did get to experience a level of celebrity. They got to record maybe three or four albums and made appearances on tv shows. I think the lack creative control and the lack of leverage in their business contracts are the two things that got in the way of the their success. EnVogue is sort of special to me because they represent a time in my life when we were so young and had the world before us like nothing could stop us. Now they (the original EnVogue and Dawn as a solo artist) are out in their 40's trying to stage a comeback, which I hope they all can do. I just wished that they had been better off. I hope that we aren't all burned out and jaded by life. Who knows? *sigh*

LeToya Luckett...

LeToya Luckett's reality show called the H-Town Chick briefly appeared on BET last year right around the time she released her album. There was a lot of buzz surrounding whether she could measure up to Beyonce and measure up period. And all during her interviews last year, people kept asking her the same questions about Destiny's Child. Once people put you in a box, that's where they want you to stay. They wanted her to remain as one of the jilted Destiny's Child members. I mean really. That whole flap with the group happened more than seven years ago. What I do like about her is that she's moved on and has the right frame of mind to do it. She could have been consumed with bitterness. But it's better that she's concerning herself with her recording career and her Lady L Boutique, which sells House of Dereon clothing. In case you forgot what happened, here's LeToya and LaTavia's take on the situation:

LeToya and LaTavia

Honestly, I only heard two songs from LeToya's last CD. They seemed to be normal or what we would call average. It wasn't bad or anything, but I really couldn't tell who was singing the first single when I listened to it for the first time. She's going to have to develop a signature style to distinguish herself from the rest of the pack of singers out now. But apparently, she performed well enough for her CD to go platinum. I don't usually take word of folks on the internet? So, I checked the Recording Industry Assoction of America's web site and sure enough it stated that she went platinum. I guess that explains why she is back in the studio recording her second solo album. We all know that she doesn't have the full production crew behind her like other people have, but I hope she will be able to carve out a niche for herself in the industry.

Okay, I'm running late for work. Let me get going. Have a great day. :-)

What's Zee Watching These Days???...

2007-09-26T00:11:00.000-04:00

Hello everybody. I'm back on the scene to write another blog entry. I meant to write it last night, but the procrastinator in me wouldn't let me. Well as the self-appointed Queen of Television Watching (QOTW), I came across a couple of interesting shows recently. You know, not too many shows really interest me. Prime-time tv on the big three networks is so one-sided, predictable, and overwhelmingly corny. I don't see how people stomach that crap. So that's why I venture out into the world of cable channels most of the time.

I watch all kinds of shows that other folks don't watch. While everybody else is watching Survivor, the Amazing Race, American Idol, Gre.y's Anatomy, or Despe.rate Housewives, I'm watching the knock off trash like American Princess (WE Channel), Flava of Love (Vh1), Charm School (VH1), and Rock of Love (Dang. That was painful) in an attempt to find some value in them. In a well balanced diet, we have to add a little bit of trash. I'm not proud of it, but it's like the buying the Nation.al Inquirer. You don't actually buy it. You just get into the longest line at the grocery store and read it there. When the cashier finishes ringing up you stuff, you put the magazine back on the rack. Why? Because you can't let family and friends come to your place and see magazines with alien faces and sightings on it. Shux, then you'd end up on the next installment of the show "Intervention" on TLC. For shame!!!...

The healthy part of my television consumption involves watching a lot of CNN, the History Channel, CourtTv, TLC, etc. I've watched shows about how bridges are built, how the ice highway is built and maintained for a few months out of the year to transport big rigs in the middle of winter to the diamond mines, how your seafood is caught off the coast of the Atlantic in dangerous weather, etc. Who else watches this stuff but me? But anywhoo. Aside from the craziness that the land of tv provides, I've found a couple of interesting shows. One is about Salt N Pepa. The other is about Irv Gotti.

Salt N Pepa

Will They Or Won't They Get Back Together???...

Sometimes do you ever wonder what happened to a singer or a group or a trio in this case? Within watching a few seconds of watching this video, you'll know the answer about Salt N Pepa. SideNote: What happened to Spinderella? I guess friends just move into different directions and just grow apart. In the minds or fantasies of fans, we always want to believe that the members of a group are going to stay together forever even after they stop performing. So it was a little strange for me to find out that Salt and Pepa aren't close anymore. I should know better as I think about how my friends and I have grown apart.

While watching the video, I felt like I understood where Salt was coming from. There comes a time and a day when your day in the sun is over. I'm a few years younger than they are, but I'm coming into a phase of feeling very maternalistic. The things that used to excite me don't anymore. I'm not saying that I can't go out and have fun anymore. It's just not my focus. I'd rather be raising a family. That's just me. But on the flip side, there is good ole Pepa with her wild self. *lol* She reminds me of some of my friends who refuse to let any grass grow up under their feet. They're onto the next party and keep something going. I love them. We just can't hang out together anymore, because they are too wild. Faded beauty looks so bad trying to fit into tube tops and mini skirts with all that meat hanging out. Turn and look away. They just look strange out here trying to compete with those young girls (Beyonce, Rihanna, etc.) *lol* Forty aint the new 20. I'm not 40 yet, but I can tell you the mid to late 30's aint even the new 20. We just got to learn to embrace the age we really are. That's what's beautiful. Fortunately, Salt N Pepa still look good. One way or the other, the Salt N Pepa show scheduled to air in October on VH1 looks like a reality show worth watching.

Irv Gotti: What's New With Him???...

Earlier today I had the video posted on this entry. But after watching it a few times, I think I'll just provide the link. Here it is ==> Irv's Reality Show. I really don't care for Irv's spicy language. He's a real character and a real piece of work, if you know what I mean. A while ago, he appeared on Wend.y Williams' show to badmouth Ashanti for not being a ride or die chick for him. Say what? He's the one who got questioned about money laundering and was nabbed with having the drugs Ecstasy and Viagra in his possession. *blank stare* Side Question: Are folks so broken down in their freakin 30's that they can't rise to the occasion anymore and need Viagra? **Continued Blank Stare** Then he sat back and let Wendy and her crew clown Ashanti's weight. Umm. Has Irv ever been skinny or at least at a normal weight? *lol* I'm not a big Ashanti fan at all, but it seems like Irv is intentionally taking jabs at her knowing that she can't leave him because he has her locked down under some water tight contracts. He just better watch out about creating a hostile work environment full of sexual harassment, which could open him up to being sued by her. Plus, there is a certain low lifeness about folks who talk about their sex lives to the public. He's going around implying that he and Shani did "it." Whatever. Irv needs to grow up and move on since she has with Nelly. *shrug*

I guess one would wonder why I would even consider watching Irv's show. Well, I'm curious, which is the foundation of most reality shows. I'm still in my adventure to find worth in shows and to see deeper meanings in people. Irv's wife and family are going to be on the show. From what I've seen so far, I feel sorry for his wife, because he appears to disrespect his wife very publicly. For goodness sake, she is the mother of his children. He's made it known that ride or die loyalty is important to him, but has no problem letting other folks down. There is no way that he would accept the same kind of trash he deals out to others. I really don't know what to make of his show, but honestly I'll be watching for the sake of curiousity. I want to see the good in everybody. So, I'm hoping to see the good side of Irv. We shall see.

The Jena 6: The Struggle Isn't Over...

2007-09-20T07:15:00.000-04:00

I Support The Jena 6!!!...

The countdown is over and the day has come to support the Jena 6 in an effort to pursue equal justice under the law. This news story, which has been largely ignored by the mainstream media, involves the case of six African American teenagers. They had been charged with attempted murder for a school yard fight precipitated by a situation where black students were prevented from sitting under a tree, which had been designated as a whites-only area by white students. Black students protested. And there afterwards, three nooses appeared on the tree.

While most mainstream media stories mainly focus on the fight, other details were left out on purpose. Yes, a fight occurred, but the alleged victim of the fight went to the hospital, was released the same day, and attended a school- sponsored function later that day. So we ask the question, how is that attempted murder? Well, that's why the protesters from near and far are traveling to Jena, Louisiana to stage a peaceful protest. To follow the progression of the march and other related activities, please see the following information: ==> The Jena 6

They Are So Full Of Crap...

2007-09-17T07:19:00.000-04:00

Don't fall for the ole okey doke. First the media was providing non-stop coverage about Michael Vick. Now they've got their targets focused on O.J. Simpson, whom we (brothers and sisters) could care less about, and his little tinkets, memorabilia or whatever. Who cares? O.J. is just loving that "they" are showing him attention again and that "they've" got their hands on him, because he can't get enough of "them". Let the Tropi.cana girls spring him out of jail.

But notice how much media attention is given to the Jena 6 and to the West Virginia woman, who was abused by six folks. You'll have to dig really hard to find this news, because they are working overtime at sweeping these stories under the rug.

I Live For the Weekend...

2007-09-14T07:08:00.000-04:00

Earth, Wind & Fire - Boogie Wonderland
Uploaded by hakim93200

What do you do when you don't have time to write a good old fashioned and homemade blog entry? Show a video. So, excuse me as I put on my sparkly silver boots to cut the rug with The Elements: Earth, Wind, and Fire. Have a great weekend!!!...

Remembering September 11, 2001

2007-09-11T07:05:00.000-04:00

A Day Of Reflection...

All That Freaking Hype...That's What's Up...

2007-09-10T05:33:00.000-04:00

I know it's been a while since I've blog. And I apologize for that. Hey CreoleInDC. I had been feeling plain exhausted from work. I'd come home and almost fall asleep on my keyboard. But I'm back. I'll start by providing a short update about the good old job. I've been keeping a low profile as I continue to make career plans. I'm sort of concerned about making any rash decisions in this uncertain economy. I may devote a post about that some time this week.

However, most notably at my job there is a scam artist in the wings. My co-worker who sits in the cubicle next to mine is pulling all kinds of disappearing acts everyday. And apparently, he must not be putting in leave requests for his absences, because the bosses have begun to walk down our aisle, which they rarely used to do. One even asked me if I knew where he was. And of course, I said that I didn't know, because I just don't want to be involved in someone else's mess. I only have time to focus on my career. Babysitting someone who is 15 to 20 years my senior is not on my radar. But I do get tired of him trying to talk to me when he does come in. I bet he's trying to get me and the other co-workers to vouch for him showing up. I'm not going to allow him to pull me down with him. He's tried to talk smack about the management behind their backs, but he does a huge job of kissing up in their presence. I have my differences with the management too. I just try to be a little more discreet about it. His situation is about to pop off real soon as the supervisors continue to provide more surveillance around his cube. I just want to steer clear of that train wreck.

All Aboard...

Speaking of train wrecks, wasn't that some mess with the MTV Awards? It just plained sucked this year. They know how to hype up a show only not to deliver again. I grew up with MTV. I remember when they first went on the air with Martha Quinn as one of the first VJs. I think I was a pre-teen. They came this far to mess up. *sigh* Let's just go ahead and launch into a good old fashioned assessment.

So much for comebacks. What about go aways? If anyone cared about Britney Spears, they would not have let her take the stage in her mental and physical condition. Where are her handlers? She appeared a bit out of shape in a bikini and knee high boots. She could barely lip sync the lyrics and appeared to wobble a bit as if she was about to fall over. Her dancers were practically holding her up as well as the overall performance. It was painful for everybody to watch. I think everyone collectively didn't even want to laugh, because her performance was that bad. Folks were holding their breath hoping that she could get through it. Everything that's played out in the tabloids appears to be true. I felt bad for the girl enough not to post of a picture of her performance. And fellow recording artists even seemed to try to hold back their whispers and shock of what Britney has become...Washed up at 25. At this point, Britney's label needs to delay all of her projects until she can get it together. One more thing, the CBS news this morning tried to tell folks to give Britney a break (on her performance get up) because she had two kids, but umm, why not give us a break and cover up a bit more? That alone could have made the performance a little better.

Let's Dance, Let's Shout, Shake Your Body Down To The Ground...

Aside from Britney, most of the other performances weren't that good either. There was a whole lot of lip synching going on. Shux, I could have gone out there and put on a sparkly gown to mouth out some trashy lyrics. But anyhoo, MTV had this new set up of having artists to perform at different suites at the Palms Casino in Las Vegas. Things possibly could have worked if they had let us see full performances. It looked more like Dick Clark's New Year's party. But I'll say Chris Brown provided a more lively performance at the main stage while conjuring up Michael Jackson from 20 years ago. Wow. Great. Um, let's see. Usher and Justin Timberlake have channeled Michael. Now we have Chris. I'm holding out promise for him since he has a lot of potential and does possess dancing skills. But when will artists become original? Remix that.

Who Won??? And Who Didn't???...

There was another bright spot during the show. That would be Rihanna. Her Umbrella video won two awards. She doesn't claim to be a vocal powerhouse or anything, but she presents herself well. I give her extra cool points for her efforts and professionalism. Jay-Z did a good job of packaging her. I just hope he is also helping her to develop her singing talent in terms of range and depth so that she can stick around. I can't really bring myself to buy her CD yet. That comment wasn't meant to be an insult. It's just that I don't buy many CDs anymore, and if I do, I have to make sure that I like more than one song. I still think Rihanna could be a star in the making. She also has potential and may be someone to watch...Kanye was his old self moaning and complaining about not winning a dog gone thing. You know it's hard to sympathize with him sometimes. I'm still chilly with him behind his Evil Kneievel inspired video depicting sistas as being jealous of his involvement with a blond. Umm. So what. But fair is fair, and I agree with him questioning MTV for letting Britney headline the awards.

Moving along. Justin Timberlake snagged a bunch of awards and I still can't get on board with him. I thought others were worthy of awards. But other than that, I don't have anything bad to say about him. He's no better and no worse than most of the artists out now. I just wonder whether he can produce hits of his own without folks like Timbaland. Oh yeah. Alicia Keys performed well again and didn't disappoint, which leads me to ask why she wasn't asked to open the awards. All I know is that MTV put on a lackluster show with their karaoke performers.

Well that's my star log report. I've got to get moving. Work calls. Have a great day... :-)

Blah, Blah, Blog...

2007-08-14T07:54:00.000-04:00

Beyonce pour L'oréal paris
Uploaded by Bee-sasha

There's Not A Problem That Bee Can't Fix, Watch Her Make That Money In The Mix...

I know that I promised to blog more often, but a sista is running late for work now and is out of blog ideas. So, let this commercial hold you over. Also, in the meantime, somebody from Beyonce's camp better call me and let me know some money making ideas. I guess I better come to terms with reality and get ready to pick cotton at my current plantation. *sigh*

==============

Update:

Nikki, you're right. I respect Bee's gigs, but she is overexposed. However, now she's talking about releasing another CD next summer. *sigh* It sure would be nice to see Bee get married to Jay and take some time off. Like a year or two. Shux, we're worn out from the overexposure.

Eddie Murphy's Ex-Factors...

2007-08-08T07:31:00.000-04:00

Nothing Like A Woman Scorned!!!...*Ouch*

As adorable as little Angel Iris is, the controversy surrounding her isn't. In case you've been away from the tv and the computer for a while or snug as a bug under a rock, Melanie Brown also known as Scary Spice of the Spice Girls has been flooding the airwaves putting Eddie Murphy on blast for not embracing her and their daughter. Just last week, Melanie held a press conference with her lawyers to speak out about deadbeat dads andEddie Murphy. Melanie said that the pregnancy was planned, he tried to deny that he was the father, he hasn't paid child support, and he hasn't visited their baby, although his ex-wife Nicole Murphy has. I guess Melanie and Nicole decided to have a public lunch date after hearing that Eddie proposed to Tracey Edmonds, Babyface's ex-wife. Let's just say that Melanie and Nicole weren't too pleased to hear about the upcoming nuptials. There's nothing wrong with Melanie and Nicole meeting each other introducing the siblings, but give me a break. Couldn't they have met somewhere privately? These women are heated and meant to eat lunch all up in the window after notifying the media "beforehand" about their lunch ~~publicity stunt~~ date. Girl please. *lol*

Four Months of Bliss And Now Just This...

Let's do a rundown of the events. Around 2006 when Eddie was filming the Dreamgirls movie, he was going through a divorce with Nicole. A few months later, he began dating Melanie. They say their relationship lasted for about 4 months. I remember reading somewhere that Eddie hired a private investigator, who claimed that he saw her spending time with another man. And I also read somewhere that Melanie remembers having an argument with Eddie, but didn't know that was the end of their relationship. But I guess she found out once he cut off contact with her and began a relationship with Tracey Edmonds. A few months later, Melanie was sporting a baby bump. Melanie said that she was carrying Eddie's baby and was planning to spend the Christmas holidays with him. Eddie responded in a tv interview stating that we wouldn't know whose baby that was until a blood test was done. Note that he didn't deny being the father as widely and falsely stated in the news; however, he just said a blood test would be needed. The baby was born in April on Eddie's birthday. Side Note: Was this a coincidence or the result of being induced? A blood test was done and stated that Eddie is the father. Melanie is in the heat of a big media campaign, which includes an interview with Larry King tonight to talk about the whole situation involving Eddie. There you have it.

Baby Come Back To Me...

My take on the matter is that Melanie is still in love with Eddie and is having problems moving on. One minute she was the love of his life. She was his lady. It must have felt good to be on the arm of a rich and powerful man. The media was sneaking peeks of the two at the airport preparing to take vacations together. There was even talk of the two getting married. But I was half-believing that talk last year, because in the back of my mind I was thinking this was a rebound relationship coming on the heels of Eddie's divorce. It amazes me how two people can perceive the same situation so differently. Melanie Brown says that she and Eddie shared a deep and meaningful relationship, while Eddie Murphy says he and Melanie shared a brief relationship, which ended. For whatever reason, Eddie ended things and now Melanie feels abandoned. I guess we shouldn't be surprised to see Eddie doing commercials for Trojan.

I bet Melanie was thinking that after a blood test proved that Eddie was the father, he would come back to her and apologize for believing that she was possibly cheating on him. Melanie probably envisioned him ending his trysts with Tracey, and having a beautiful reunion with him so they could pick up where they left off. And the fantasy continues.

She'll Twist His Arm Until He Says Uncle...

At Melanie's age, over 30, she's old enough to know how relationships go. We're not spring chickens or school girls anymore unaware of love's pitfalls. Love's not fair. And playing around with players will sometimes get you burned. Before Eddie married Nicole, he got around with the wimmenz. So, I don't know how Melanie thought she and Eddie had plans in place for a wedding and a baby after only 4 months of dating. Shux, unless a man invites me to take a trip down the aisle to say I DO and put a ring on my finger, I don't assume a thing in the way of commitment. I'm just saying. And to a certain degree, I can't get with Melanie's pity party, since it takes two to tango. Miss Girl Power is going to have to learn that getting pregnant is not going to force a man into marriage. If I had a dollar for every time I heard about a scheme like this, I would have owned the Trump Hotel and Tower by now.

An older woman who has been there and done that should have pulled Melanie to the side to inform her that she can't force Eddie to do anything put pay child support. Eddie seems unmoved and unphased by Melanie's media blitz. I understand about Melanie wanting Eddie to take up his fatherhood duties. I just hope that she's not using the press conferences and visitation requests to get back with Eddie. Girl, he's gone. The horsey has torn out of the stall. I also really don't think it's a good idea for her to be giving the media so much access to their baby. It looked like the photographers were about to trip her while she was holding the baby as she left the restaurant after meeting Nicole. I wonder what Angel will think years from now after seeing several tv clips and magazine articles of her mother airing their family business in public. The child has a right to grow up out of the view of the limelight. Whatever the case, I just hope Melanie and Eddie can work things out in the best interest of their baby in private . But stay tuned for another episode of the Melanie and Eddie Soap Opera. Just grab your popcorn and a ring side seat.

=====================
Update:

Melanie Brown canceled her Larry King Live appearance scheduled to air last night, because she said that she and the baby were sick. Also, I've seen a story claiming that she married her boyfriend, Stephen Belafonte, in June. He's not related to Harry Belafonte. Stephen changed his last name from Standsbury to Belafonte.

Kimora Lee Simmons Has A New Show..

2007-08-02T07:41:00.000-04:00

This Will Feed Into My Already Huge Tv Obssession...

Love her or hate her. One way or another, I think this show is going to take off simply because folks want to know how rich folks live. I want to see that mansion. The Style Network has the first show posted on the web at the following link. Let me know what you think about it. ==> Kimora's New Gig

My Weekend: More TV and House Drama...

2007-07-30T06:48:00.000-04:00

I Keep Getting Taken Away With The Tv Tide...

Good morning everyone. I hope everyone had a good weekend. I somewhat did. But for starters, let me say what happened leading up to it. I received somewhat of a promotion on Thursday. I'll explain that perhaps in another blog entry. But I will say that when you know you deserved something a long time ago, it takes a little bit away from the happiness factor. I'm still grateful and all. I just know that I had to pay a heavier price than the other folks at that joint.

Anywho. I've fallen into the pattern or trap rather of watching tv marathons for the last month or so. I'll just innocently turn to a channel and then boom get caught up in watching it for the next few hours. This stuff keeps me from getting my errands done. The only shows I really don't care to watch for even 10 seconds is that Chachi Scott Baio show and that Roc.k on Love show on VH.1. Who cares why Chachi isn't married now by 45? Duh? He isn't trying to get married. That's a wrap. And as for Roc.k of Love, if they are trying to recreate the Flav.or of Love, it's not happening. Just about anybody can get a reality show. I just want to know if we bloggers can get one and get P.A.I.D.!!! Do you hear me???... *lol*

But I did get taken away with the tide this past weekend watching about 3 hours of Crib.s on M.TV with Kimora Lee Simmons hosting. Side Note: Is Kimora and Russell really separated or divorced? I don't usually watch this show, but they were showing the top 20 homes. Aside from the showing off, it was interesting to see how the wildest people had the most refined homes decorated with cherubs, gold leaf patterns, and fine china. Maybe their wildness is just an act.

As for wildness, I'm tired of it. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you know about my venting entries concerning my job. I've been through it and have come to accept that I can't control what goes on my job to a certain extent. I can't control the kinds of assignments that are sent to me, a few of my co-workers' attitudes, or the due dates of projects when the assignment has been sitting on someone else's desk for weeks. Oh Zee, this is due tomorrow. They drop the hot potato off and run down the hall. I'm controlling freaking out about stuff and finish projects when I finish them.

It's Time To Bounce...

I Look Forward To It...

So, if I'm taking trash at work, you know that I'm not trying to take it at home. When I'm working so hard, I know that my home life better be pretty calm and relaxing. At least that's what I think it should be. Let's take last week. I had a moderate workweek. I live for Fridays to unwind. I left work a little early to get some maintenance done on my car. Afterwards, I picked up a few groceries, dinner, and proceeded home to relax. But I get home to a freaking ZOO, do you hear me? The neighbors, who happen to be the head of the condo association, above my condo had company visiting. And they were taking the place apart. And let's just say that my ceiling fans were bouncing around because of the impact. I let this go on for about 2 hours. I left the den and went into the bedroom to take a nap only to have someone running above me once again. So I calmly went upstairs to inform my neighbors that they were bit loud and to request them to bring it down a notch. Do you know that clown opened up the door and said, "We'll try" and shut the door in my face? I bet he was showing off for his company. As soon as I got down stairs, they were off to the races running again as if I had never said anything to them.

Mind you this is the first time I've gone upstairs to tell them to keep it down. Over the last 2 1/2 years I have endured them getting up to go to work at 3:40 a.m. breaking my rest, their constant stomping like a marching band, and dropping heavy stuff over my unit on a daily basis. Every night from around 10 pm or sometimes later, someone comes in and drops something to the floor, which is my ceiling, startling me when I'm sometimes asleep. Imagine that. I do remember asking the previous owner, a sister, of my place at the closing table were the people above me loud. And she said that she had to go up there a few times to tell them about their noise. Plus, later on I discovered on the net that the previous owner of my place only lived here a year. I did ask about this before the purchase, but she said that she wanted a single family home. Now, I'm realizing that meant that she was sick and tired of dealing with the upstairs neighbor's noise.

I go out of my way to make sure I'm not bothering anybody. I'm walking around with my iPod and the only noise I practically make is when I'm washing clothes. I guess the thing that got me steamed is that I'm paying my mortgage just like they are. They disrespect my home and think nothing of it. And then there was the time when my neighbor across from me pushed her old, leaking refrigerator beside my front door. She got peeved when the management company charged her $200 to remove that hag. *lol* What I think these two people have in common is hating that a colored gal lives among them. "Honey, call the cops. Kizzy just moved in!!!" They all sported those fake smiles when I moved in, but they showed their real colors through their actions. Whatever. That's a huge reason why I'm selling my place. The other reasons are that I need more space and that I want to be comfortable. I'm moving onto my brighter day.

There are more cool neighbors in the building who tell me everything. They don't happen to live above me. I'll miss them. But the other folks in the 2 units can kick rocks as far as I'm concerned. It amazes me how the more I try to avoid certain situations, that they confront me more often. My family and friends keep warning me that if I continue to take so much off of people that they themselves will come up here to whip me for not telling folks off. Wow. *lol*

Well, I better get ready for work. Take care and have a great day folks. :-)

I've Been Tagged...Thanks Tiki...

2007-07-24T07:28:00.000-04:00

How Do I Get Caught Up In These Situations???...*LOL*

As a very responsible citizen of the blog world, I will comply and complete the following meme, because Harpo told me to. Okay here it goes. If I don't follow directions correctly, I will clean it up later. I'm running late for work.

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.

2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

5. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.
HERE GO'S!

8 Thangs About Me:

1) I'm a very, ultra private person. That's why my blog isn't that good. How am I going to complete the 8 thangs about me? I just maintain a little spot over here so that I can enjoy everybody else's blogs. Yeah, I ain't fair. But keep your blogs coming.

2) I have reoccurring dreams that I remember after I wake up. I keep dreaming of my car being stolen and then sometimes being returned. And when I purchase a new car in real life, the dream always reflects the car I actually drive in real life. My dreams update. Then I have dreams about people (mostly men) I haven't seen or spoken to in years. Like 10 years. Why are they in my dreams? Is this good or bad? Oh well. Why can't I dream of winning the lottery?

3) I live an exciting life in my dreams.

4) I'm a tv addict. I watch all kinds of tv. Documentaries, music videos, reality shows, dramas, comedies, a lot of news shows, etc.

5) I come from a comical family. You should see us at family reunions. But we weren't laughing when the heaviest cousin broke the CEMENT patio bench. How does one break down cement? And who is going to pay for the damage? I ain't hosting no family reunions at my place. *shrug*

6) I wasn't born in the south, but I sometimes speak with a southern twang. I used to be ashamed of it, but now it doesn't bother me. This is who I am.

7) I am attracted to things that are not of my nature. I love photography and other artsy fartsy stuff. It's so different from me.

8) Here's the love of my life. His initials are T. S. and he's a momma's boy. *lol* ==> My baby and My baby again

THE FIRST EIGHT PEOPLE WHO READ THIS ENTRY ARE TAGGED!!!...Will 8 people read my blog?

The Cubicle Chronicles: Part 6

2007-07-03T07:28:00.000-04:00

The Meeting Dilemma...

Hello everyone. It's been a while since I've blogged, because I've been bogged down with a lot of work for the last couple of weeks. I've been working through my lunches and bringing work home in the evenings. The others in the office have plans to work on the 4th of July, while I plan to stay at home and do a little. I never thought that I'd see the day when we Uncle Leroy workers would work on a holiday. It's not natural.

Let me give you a quick update on my last blog entry. That co-worker who had so much to say about single people also has a lot to say about married people. According to her, eveybody's marriages are dysfunctional and in shambles. Everybody is miserable. Blah, blah, blah. I'd walk away when she'd badtalk people, because I didn't want them to think that I condoned her one-upman speeches. She even went on to accuse another co-worker of sexually harassing her. Friends have told me that they were surprised that I was suprisingly calm when she read me "the single women are so pitiful speech." But you know you have to be that way with people who are not right mentally. So I let that friendship cool altogether and fall by the wayside.

Today, I'll use my blog to let off some steam. Yesterday, my bosses (the boss and the deputy) called me in to find out why I wasn't attending the meetings. Yeah. I've been absent. But I was at work alright. Let me explain. There are two types of workers. There are the meeting mavens and then there are the worker bees. Guess which category I fit in? Yeah. I'm a worker bee. I can't stand attending meaningless meetings that waste my time when I can be getting work done. Many times nothing gets accomplished in these meetings. Folks love to hear themselves talk. I can only work on but so many sudoku puzzles off to the side to keep from falling asleep. *sigh*

For the last month, I've been asked to develop decision papers regarding legal matters for senior management. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm suppposed to give my recommendations from a policy person's perspective. Assignments always scare me at first. I wonder whether I can handle it. Next, I deal with the fact that it needs to get done by the deadline. And then, I come to a point of almost enjoying working on it. It always happens in those steps. But in between all of this, what really works my nerves is when people keep bothering me when I'm trying to get my work done. Yeah, we're shortstaffed, but that's not my problem. I'm not the supervisor and I'm not the one who didn't plan for how the excess work would be handled. It's not that I don't care. It's just that I don't "get paid" to care.

So as I said, my supervisors really peeved me a bit by calling me in like I'm sitting over at my desk chilling. The meeting request seemed to suggest that I wasn't doing this, that, and the other. So in preparation for the meeting, I brought a stack of papers showing everying that I've completed in the last couple of weeks. When I went through the stack, all they could do was sit there and look silly. I covered all of my bases, and crossed every "t" and dotted every "i." I document everything. They really don't know me. But since they called me in, I decided to air my complaint of them in a "nice" way. I had to explain to these operations people that policy writing isn't a microwave type of process. It takes a lot of time. So I'd appreciate if they'd leave me alone so that I can complete the work. Then I reminded them that their boss (my boss' boss) gave me that assignment. I can't apply for enough jobs or go on enough interviews at this point. Micromanagement sucks.

Well, I've got to get ready for work. Everyone have a great day!!! :-)

So Why Aren't You Married???...

2007-06-15T20:51:00.001-04:00

This Single Woman's Perspective...

Are you married? So, why aren't you married? Those sound like innocent enough questions, right? Well, it depends on who is asking the questions and why. The older a single, never married woman gets, she's constantly peppered with these questions. When friends and relatives reconnect, that's usually the first thing they ask. And when you say no, there's an uncomfortable pause before they try to recover from showing their disappointment. You can try to reassure them all you to that you're doing just fine by doing well at work, buying a new home, making a commitment to eating right and exercising, starting grad school, etc. But they're not too interested in that stuff at all, because in their world you have not achieved much until you become a wife and mother.

When my family and friends ask these questions, for the most part, I know that they have my best interest at heart. We've evolved enough to be able to discuss this subject without arguing anymore. Instead, we try to articulate what's actually on our minds minus the smart remarks. They tell me that they don't want me to grow old alone. They don't want me facing and having to fight the world alone. And they don't want me to miss out on the experience of becoming a mother. They've shared with me how happy their kids make them and that they want me to be happy in that same way. I can accept these statements as a form of constructive criticism and well-meaning advice.

Early on from about the time I was about 20, I was told by older female relatives that my friendships with my friends would change once one of us got married. The change didn't necesssarily have to be good or bad, but things would change. And true enough, it has happened. I just accept it as a part of life. After my friends got married, I pulled back a bit to let their new family structure flourish. I try to show respect to my friends' husbands and kids, since many times my friends are busy trying to fix dinner, help the kids do homework, put the baby to bed, and spend time with their husbands. I know that they have these new responsiblities. So I don't take it personally when they don't call or hangout as much. We're cool like that.

And no matter what's going on in my dating life, I always feel like I can cheer for my married friends. I enjoy hearing about their milestones, anniversaries, and relationship growth. However, I feel like their married status has no bearing on my single status so I never have to feel jealous of them. I love these folks. Our situations are separate and distinct. I believe that their husbands came along in their lives for a specific purpose. It's nothing more than us taking our own separate journeys. I respect the marriages of my friends and I respect the institution of marriage period.

It's harder to gauge the comments of other people when I don't know where they are coming from. I don't know their experiences, perspectives, and motives. So, if it's a stranger or a person I don't know too well, I have to let it slide to a certain degree. I've got to be fair enough to give them the benefit of doubt. We could just be misunderstanding each other. But things especially sting the most when its flying out of the mouth of someone I actually know or thought I knew. Sometimes you think you're close friends with someone until they show you their true selves.

I Thought We Knew Each Other Or At Least Cared...

A co-worker/friend caught me offguard once when she implied to me that she was better than I was and in a sense on a higher level and rank of womanhood, because she was married with children. In essence, she was trying to put me in my place. And of course following this enlightening statement, she followed up with how miserable and bitter we single women are. Hmm. I never told her that I couldn't find a man or that all men were dogs. I've never said anything like that. In her infinite wisdom, she deduced that something is inherently wrong with single women and that's why we are single. You know the line. She was saying that we are too rebellious, too independent, too bossy, not willing to cook, too talkative, not soft enough, too academically inclined, too career-driven, not willing to take a back seat, too aggressive, too assertive (not the same thing as aggressive), not willing to be submissive, overbearing, trying to emasculate the man, sexually loose, not giving into natural feminine tendencies, selfish, hateful, and all and all failures in life for not becoming wives and mothers. All of this is nothing more than horsecrap. And if we ever thought about having dating standards, compatibility criteria, and preferences, she would criticize this as if "some" men never rattled out a laundry list of their shallow requirements. You know like the ones where a guy (only some and surely not all) would declare that he would never date a black woman or a dark woman or a woman with kinky hair or a pleasantly plump woman, without giving any thought to any characteristics outside of her physical features.

Then she goes onto say why she has a man and why the rest of us don't. According to her, we are going against nature, wasting our reproductive organs, and living unfulfilled lives. Yeah, she said a mouthful. Where is the cliff so that we single women can jump off? Not! What the? I had to let her know it's a matter of choice. It's as simple as that. Many of us could get married, but have chosen not to for various reasons. I vowed to myself that I would never marry unless I really could commit to it. I'm no good at putting on fronts and facades. To me, taking marriage vows is a serious matter.

The pieces of the puzzle started to come together. In previous conversations, she would tell me how much her husband loved her. And not in a general way. She'd talk about their "intimate" moments and freely say maybe you'll have that in your life one day with a smug tone in her voice. She'd say something to the effect of, "While I sleep in the comfort of my husband, the rest of you will be lonely crying at night." Or she'd talk about the house they live in and the cars they drive and then say hopefully you'll be as "lucky" to get this type of life. If I wanted to be really petty, I could have said a host of nasty things about the way she got married or rather the way she forced him to marry her or how she tried to make out some kind of immaculate conception theory in her own case. But what's the use in stooping low to someone else's level? It's not worth it. I didn't bother fussing with her; our friendship has whittled down to much of nothing. Some folks won't change. I've learned more about marriage from my own family who've been married for 40 years +. So what advice could my so-called friend have to impart to me? You guessed it. Nothing. I just can't believe she came off on me like that. I'm not in competition with my friends. I just hope if I get married that I won't treat single folks the way I've been treated. For the most part, my married friends have treated my great. But still there are always the others.

This single woman's perspective is that people are individuals. All men don't act the same way. And all women don't either. I just don't see the point in a theory that claims single women are becoming bitter by pandemic proportions. Maybe other people think there is a surge in bitter women, because of the people they come into contact with or something. I don't hear the bitter talk as much. Maybe it's because my friends are married or actively dating. Furthermore, how could single women be so bitter if the birth rate among them isn't decreasing? In fact, the rate is increasing. Somebody is doing some loving somewhere whether it be physical, emotional or otherwise. Yeah, it's more complex than that.

I just think we should spend more time examining why an impasse exists between black men and black women rather than hiding behind labeling a whole, big, diverse group of black women as bitter. I've heard men speak of how they felt when their fathers walked out on their families and how they feel about struggling to understand what it is to be a man, father, and husband. I don't call those men bitter; I see them coping with the situation they were dealt in life. Providing dating tips to people who are dealing with some real issues amounts nothing more than putting a band-aid on a gaping wound. Can we get beyond the surface to find out what's really happening? If some women are saying there aren't any men, can we investigate where they are? For example, perhaps we can direct the sisters who say they like intellectual men to those guys who hang out at the book store, library, university, museums, etc. Sometimes, it amounts to going where they are. Can we at least investigate what the experiences have been for the women who say this? Have they been molested or abandoned very early on as kids by the men in their family? Or is it that they had expectations that differed from the men? Is it truth or not that a significant number of our men are in jail on real or falsely trumped up charges? In order to deal with the incarceration issue, what can we do as a community to keep our men from the clutches of criminal life? Are we providing them with enough access to academic resources, mentoring, and good old fashioned child rearing to help them to become successful adults, husbands, and fathers. Are we really helping girls and women to lift their self-esteem? See where I'm going with this? If not, what I'm trying to say is that the problems of black men and black women are interdepenent. When one or the other suffers, we all suffer.

Also, as women, why do we have to be so mean to each other? Is this supposed to be tough love? Is it love at all? I just can't understand why we can't have compassion for our fellow sisters, especially those who are dealing with really deep issues. Nevertheless, I want people to know there are happy single black women out here. When I wake up in the morning, I feel good knowing that I'm satisfied with the decisions I've made in my life. I'm not hurting anyone and I take pride in trying to live an uplifting life. I just know that God will send the right man in His given time. I just hope I'll be ready. If marriage doesn't happen for me, I will have to learn that everything is not meant to be. With that said, I am at peace with my current station in life.

It's okay if no one agrees with me.

Happy Friday...

2007-06-08T08:22:00.000-04:00

It's just about time to kick back and relax. Have a safe and great weekend!!!...

Video: Kem - Find Your Way (Back in My Life)...

Bridezillas...

2007-06-04T06:35:00.001-04:00

I Promise Not To Become A Bridezilla. I Do...
With Love, Zee

I spent another weekend parked on my couch watching tv marathons. I'm cool with knowing that I'm a homebody. After commuting to work all weeklong, I just want to stay at home and relax. I'll clean up a bit, wash some clothes, and get groceries, but afterwards it's on with the relaxing. VH1's Charm school's 4 or 5 consecutive showing of shows really doesn't constitute a full scale marathon. But the WE channel's Bridezillas showing of at least 12-16 hours does.

I didn't plan to watch Bridezillas. And I didn't watch it all day long. I did an off and on schedule. I just got drawn in to watching that drama. Some of it real. Some of it manufactured. But what I couldn't get over is how much everyday folks were paying out for weddings. Yeah, it's their business how much they spend. But why are everyday folks (working folks like myself who aren't millionaires) spending six figures or close to it for a one day celebration of a wedding? Most of these folks will end up spending the first 10 years of their marriage paying off these bills.

Aside from the money thrown away, I can't believe how some of these women were acting. The worst case was of Marsha and Archie. Marsha treated her fiance' like dirt. She was cursing at everyone. What was she not cursing about? Marsha was just plain nasty. And worst of all she brought Archie to tears when she threatened to cancel the wedding the night before. Yeah, she had homeboy loudly crying like a baby talking about, "She don't love me!!!!," in the car when she pulled her stunt. I just can't even believe that he married her after all of that. It would have been totally understandable if he had pulled her bluff and walked away when she canceled it. It would have at least taught her about respecting other people. When Archie's family and friends viewed this show on tv, I bet they were embarrassed and probably upset to find out how Marsha actually acted and the circus she put on at Archie's expense. I wonder if they are still married. If so, we know who is wearing the pants in that family.

It's been my experience that the biggest weddings bring on the biggest dramas. There is the drama with the bride vs. her bridesmaids. The bride picked a zillion bridesmaids and expected them with their different body shapes to all wear a same design of a dress, hairdo, and shoes. Well, when you've got someone 4'11" and someone 6 feet tall, it's not all going to look alike. But oh well. Then there are the requests for the wedding guests to leave their kids at home. I guess it never occurred to some brides that their guests are really going into their own pockets to pay for attending by paying travel related costs such as airfare, taxi rides, hotel rooms, food, clothes for the wedding, hairdos, shoes, the bride's and groom's wedding gift, etc. And now they have to find someone to take care of their kids for a weekend. Well, it ain't free. They have to pay for it. Brides need to also remember that older wedding guests are on fixed incomes and other younger guests are busy paying mortgages, daycare costs, car payments, and other bills. So just because the bride is willing to pay "x" amount of money for a wedding doesn't mean that the wedding guests are. I guess that's why it would be cheaper for some would-be wedding guests to decline the invitation and just send a gift. It would be way cheaper.

I don't know where the whole concept of "It's My Day...I'll Do What I Darn Well Feel Like It!!!" weddings came from. I've heard older folks say that they got married after church service on Sunday. She wore her best dress and he his best suit. And it was over. Now that's the basics. And then I've heard others say that they had a nice, small church wedding years ago. But now we're onto the "It's My Day Darn It!!!" weddings. I know that folks won't agree with me calling this kind of behavior selfish, but really, what's more important? A day celebration or the marriage itself? I'd rather focus on trying to figure out whether this man is the right one for me and whether I'm the right woman for him. Maybe I'm just a little bit more practical.

Make It Last Forever...

One of the most beautiful weddings I've ever attended happened about 12 years ago. My friend and her fiance' wanted to get married but had no immediate plans for a while, because they thought that they could not afford to get married. People could clearly see that they were a couple. They almost resembled a married one if you didn't know already. So their pastor approached them about getting married and having the people of the church to donate their services for food and decorations. All my friend had to do was purchase her own dress and wedding cake. So you know it was on and popping from there. I promised to attend.

My friends' wedding took place on a Friday evening at their church. It was her second and his first. Her mother was her maid of honor and his father was his best man. Although they wore nice clothes, there were no over the top outfits worn. The church members did a beautiful job of decorating the church. And the church was packed. She was an hour late. Folks like her who don't normally wear make-up and fancy hairstyles have a hard time on days like this. Later on she said that she had a time trying to style her own her hair, but my friend reassured her fiance that she was coming. Yeah, he called her to make sure he wasn't getting stood up. And eventually, she came. As they were saying their vows, I remembered how precious their wedding was. It wasn't financially extravagant. They weren't trying to impress folks. They weren't trying to pretend to be someone they weren't. They were making a commitment in front of family and friends. My friends are just as much married as the folks who paid out close to $100,000 for their weddings. I just hope that if I ever get married, that I'll just have a small yet beautiful one. We'll use our money to put towards a nice house. That's the way I want to say, "I Do."

A Holiday Weekend Spent Couch Side...

2007-05-30T07:05:00.000-04:00

Why Can't Tv Be Original???...

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday in which to honor the people serving in the military and those who lost their lives in battle. I won't get into the political issues related to the holiday, but as a person who has several family members who have served in the military, I will say that I support the troops. No comment on the war.

As for my weekend, I delighted myself in the art of "CouchPotatoIsm." I didn't quite park myself on the couch the whole time. I just thoroughly enjoyed just about any and every tv marathon on any channel. I don't know why folks stress themselves out over the holidays to travel to various places when they can stay at home and relax. One thing is for sure, the airlines and gas stations didn't get my money over the weekend, because I kept my shuttle (that's what I lovingly call my silver car) parked.

In between, watching the Run's House marathon (I love them), The Price Is Right (I Love Bob Barker), The Young and the Restless (Has Nick Actually Left The Show?), I came upon the Food Network. Bobby Flay was at it again with his competitive self. Remember him? He's the one who claimed to win the authentic Iron Chef show up against the Asian chefs who had been studying their culinary crafts for decades. So you know I ain't hardly believing he beat them. I think he cut a check to them, and they cut him the title. I come to believe that more and more when I see him on his little shows.

By the way, what ever happened to the original "Iron Chef Show?" After Bobby, the original show went by the wayside and was replaced with "Iron Chef America," which is a sad and pathetic version of the original. The old show had art. They'd take a live octopus and make it look like a beautiful dish by the end of the show. I wouldn't eat it, but the dish was looking quite pretty. Pretty counts. The new show also lacks class and style. Speaking of style, you can't tell me that Michael Jackson's hair and clothes stylists weren't taking notes from the Iron Chefs. The Iron Chefs can design for me anytime. *lol* I'm just saying.

We're Going To Need You To Sit Down For A Minute...

Bobby Flay, Bobby Flay, where should I start? Don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to take his chef's title from him, because there probably is a market for his kind of food. But he isn't the "Iron Chef" of the world. And from time to time, I do enjoy watching some of his shows. What can I say? I just love watching the Food Network plain and simple. I find it along with the Home and Garden channel (HGTV) to be very comforting. But I had to sit up off of my comfy couch to say hold up and wait a minute to Bobby Flay initiating a challenge to a couple of Hot Dog Joint Experts in California and New York. One of the challengers was a hot dog joint in California called Pink's. They had been in operation since 1939. So once again, how in the world did Bobby think that he could make a better dog? Homeboy came out with a dog dressed with some avocado mixture.
*side eye glance*

What ever happened to originality? Why does his show come up with the most ridiculous ideas? Once, I believe he was trying to perfect the art of frying chicken. *another side eye glance* How is he going to come out on top against some old grandmas who have been frying yardbirds for 50 years? It ain't happening cap'n. If I see Bobby Flay and the Food Network come out with some more craziness, I'm going to have to cite them with a ticket and not watch them for a minute.

I'm running late for work. I've got to run. Have a great day!!!...

There She Goes Again....

2007-05-24T07:04:00.000-04:00

Rosie's Can't Leave The View Fast Enough...

I'm not going to get into the political ramifications of the arguments behind what happened on The View yesteday. I will just tell you that the Bully Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck got into a heated debate. I usually don't agree with Elisabeth's political views at all, but I don't agree with the way she was treated. Rosie needs to "learn" how to attack the issues and not the people. One day she'll come into contact with someone who is her verbal equal or superior and then she'll know what it's like to be bullied. *lol* Perhaps, she has. Donald Trump is still joking on her.

Over the course of this year, Rosie has "initiated" attacks on Kelly Ripa, Donald Trump, the Asian community, and now her co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. Rosie has done more damage to the show than Star Jones Reynolds ever did. But that goes to show that definitely what goes around comes around. TV execs and greasy Babs kicked Star out only to take on Rosie who shows no respect to anyone but herself. Who watches The View anymore anyway? I stopped watching it a few years ago. I only heard about this flap on the news. Stick a fork in The View. It's done!!!...

Update: Yesterday, ABC tv execs announced that Rosie asked to be let out of contract early, and the tv execs granted her request. A couple of entertainment news web sites unofficially reported that Rosie's assistant put mustaches on Elisabeth's pictures in the hall and that Rosie trashed her dressing room. ABC only confirmed that the mustaches were drawn. Is this junior high school all over again or what? Good riddance Rosie.

The Cubicle Chronicles: Part 5 - Why Me?

2007-05-17T06:47:00.000-04:00

Office Drama: The Young And The Restless...

Howdy. More excuses. It's been a while since I posted something new. But since I can't really comfortably blog at work (they are watching our computer activities more closely) and since I'm time challenged in the morning to get to work, I don't blog as much. There's no excuse for me, but that's what I'm going with for now until I can craft a better lie. *hee hee* But anyways, this is what's up with me. In between work assignments and daily naps at work, I was dragged down at the bottom of the office whirlpool. I was minding my own business. And what was surprising is that I was one of the last ones to find out. Who knew? *Geesh*

Well Howdy...

See this is what had happened. I'm going to provide a little background information before I launch into the present situation. I don't know if anyone remembers in an old posting that an older co-worker had his eye on me some years ago. Again, I was one of the last to know. Well, I really didin't want to know if you know what I mean. It all started because I've got southern ways and a slightly southern twang of talking. And I'm proud of them. Where I'm from in North Carolina, we speak and wave and carry on. Just like that. We wave from porches and moving cars. It can get ridiculous. I don't do all that. But if you walk up on me, I'll smile and say, "Hi, how are doing today?" or something to that effect. I think there's nothing wrong with acknowledging someone's existence and saying something nice. It doesn't cost anything to be nice, right? Well, it shouldn't. I greet my co-workers the same way. And if they wish to carry on a longer conversation, many times I will oblige, although I really don't want to judging from some of their mental states at times. Too bad I didn't cut off my communications with the old dude.

It all started because of another co-worker came over to my cubicle to invite me and some other co-workers to a toy party. She went on to explain what "sensual products" would be sold there in great detail. That's when that old dude's antenna went up. Being the good worker that I am (*lol*), I didn't have much to say in the conversation. I just listened and declined the invitation politely, since I knew a couple of unconfirmed perverts who might be attending. No thanks. But from that point on, my old male co-worker started paying me way too much attention.

Why Me???...

I'm a free-willed person who doesn't like to be bothered. I'm not a hermit. I speak to people and have friends, but I can't stand for someone to try to control me or try to manipulate my movements to serve their special purposes. Let me explain. What I started to notice was that my co-worker was listening to my phone calls. How do I know? He told me so. His cubicle was beside mine. And as soon as I would hang up, he'd get up and start a conversation about my last phone call. Ain't that a blip? He was watching me from his boss' office during meetings and would tell me what he saw me doing then. Another male co-worker told me that every time he would visit me, that old Puerto Rican guy in the cubicle next to mine would be looking at me and the other co-worker. That was embarrassing, because other people started to notice. He'd peep over the 6 foot tall cubicle walls. He told me that he knew where I parked my car. Before, I bought my place, he wanted to know how much I paid in rent. He'd ask co-workers why I wasn't speaking to him. And he would try to figure out when I was leaving for the day so that he could join me. When he noticed that I was ignoring him, he'd come to my cubicle and demand that I see him by the end of the day. Nope, I didn't.

I really don't know how things escalated to this point, because we only used to talk about politics and socio-economic stuff. Doesn't it seem like the more you try to avoid someone or something, the more that person or the thing will seek you out? He tried to talk about more personal things, but I'd always steer the conversation away, because I'm a very private person and don't discuss my personal business in the office. Anyhoo, I finally got fed up with his stalker-like ways and asked my supervisor if I could move my cubicle away to a more quieter aisle so that I could concentrate better. From there, things seemed to have calmed down for a few years.

Slow Your Roll...

Well recently in the last month, a co-worker noticed that another co-worker had started rolling her eyes at me. I knew nothing of it, because I mind my own business and go about my own way totally oblivious to some things. The next time I walked down the hall, indeed, Miss Older Thing (50 something) was rolling her eyes at me. Usually eyerolling is done by the younger sistas. This woman isn't either. I guess she thought she'd gesture to me in a way "she thought" I would understand. Nope. But I was wondering why? Apparently, she started dating the old Don Juan (55-60 something year old) and either he told her something about me or someone in the office may have mentioned that he liked me (was obsessed sickly with me) a few years ago. Last week, after all her eye rolling and stomping by my cubicle, my devil's advocate appeared. Some convincing arguments were made. This is what it said:

Evil Zee: Hey you, Miss EyeRoller. Over here. Yeah, I'm talking to you.
Miss EyeRoller: Huh? Are you talking to me?
Evil Zee: What did I just say? Are you hard of hearing or just dumb?
Miss EyeRoller: **Rolling Eyes Three Times**
Evil Zee: Cow, roll your eyes all you want. Cuz, I can "snatch" your man away from you at any given time and throw him back to you when I'm finish. But there's only one problem. I DON"T WANT HIM AND NEVER DID. So please take your weak man and roll!!!...

Back Life, Back To Reality...

Well, it's a good thing that I actually don't think or speak that way. The sweet real me has chosen not to dignify this situation unless called upon to do so. If Miss Older Thing gets to be too much, I'll politely pull her to the side and tell her that she has nothing to worry about, because I'm not interested in her man. Therefore, their office romance can flourish. Ain't I so nice?

P.S. Princess Dominique: Why are you picking on my comeback news post? *lol* Those are the easiest to put together. You don't miss a thing. You caught onto my tricks. *lol* Princess, Luke and Monica I promise to do better. Girlscouts honor. *Trying to make the sign*

Another King Has Passed Away...

2007-05-16T06:28:00.000-04:00

Yolanda Denise King

November 17, 1955 - May 15, 2007

Ms. Yolanda D. King, the eldest of the children born to the late Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, passed away at the age of 51 on Tuesday night. When I first heard about this news story early this morning on the radio, I wondered whether the stress of her mother's death got to be too much for her and took its toll on her health. Lady, rest in peace.

See This Is What Had Happened...

2007-04-30T06:12:00.000-04:00

That's My Story And I'm Sticking To It...

I took a short break from blogging in April. I left comments on other folks' blogs. But I haven't posted anything new recently, however, I sure had enough material to work with. Guess who had a birthday? All kinds of crazy stuff was happening to me in the office. My name got sucked into a love triangle. I've got to tell you all about that. It wasn't good at all. *Balling Up Face* But anyhoo, I was thinking of giving my blog a much needed redesign in a few weeks. I just haven't decided what direction it will take. But Luke Cage and Princess, I promise to provide more regular postings. Really. *lol*

Spring Cleaning: Friendships...

2007-03-26T23:34:00.000-04:00

Let's Make A Clean Sweep...

Just last week as I was getting ready for work, the C.BS morning news show was discussing spring cleaning. But not the kind that gets our households all fresh, tidy, and organized. They were discussing when and how to get rid of useless friends like an old pair of shoes. They made it sound so methodical and easy when we know that it's easier said than done. Or at least that's the case for me.

I've always been the low key friend. I don't usually initiate friendships and I don't dominate them for the most part either, but it doesn't bother me. I don't particularly have to have a best friend. And I'm not the kind who'll get jealous if there are 3 friends and 2 of them are closer than I am. It's always been said that from the time I was a little kid that I was somewhat of a loner. Not totally though. I would quietly play alone, but if a kid came over and introduced him or herself to me, we'd be friends.

The same thing still happens to me as an adult. I remember my first real job with my current employer. I was so nervous my first day of work just as I was my first day of high school and college. So, I sat alone at my desk. I would say hi and goodbye, but I didn't really initiate any real conversations. I didn't know what to say. But then one day a couple of guys in the office dropped by and initiated a conversation, and from then I started to settle into my job better. Those two people turned out to mean so much to me as they became my mentors since I was young enough to be everyone's daughter in the office. I still care a lot about the one who works at the headquarters with me but in another office. And it hurt so painfully when the other died of a stroke about 9 years ago. Friends like those are priceless. But then there are the others.

There's always a flip side to everything. The flip side of great friendships are the awful ones. And for some reason I seem to get along with men better. With women, there are some who always want to compete and have the last word, which I really don't have time for. But with guys, once we get to an understanding that our friendship is platonic, it seems that I'm better able to discuss almost anything with them. And at the moment, I can't think of any time that I had to get rid of a friendship with a guy.

I rarely cut folks off. I've only done it two times. But sometimes we got to do what we got to do. Check this out. Back when I first moved to the DC area, a guy I knew put me in contact with a sorority sister. I didn't know her, but the guy thought that since all of us weren't from the area, we should all be friends. He cursed like a sailor, but he had a heart of gold. :0 My soror was a little more of a pain. In the beginning of the friendship everything was cool. So I thought. But as her relationship began to sour with her boyfriend, she would talk my ear off for hours about how wrong he was (even when he wasn't). But anytime, I felt like discussing my struggles and strifes in life she'd only have 5 minutes to discuss/solve them so that we could get back to discussing her dramas. The things she couldn't articulate to her boyfriend were directed at me. So I just cut things off when I heard enough of her talk about being jealous of her boyfriend's child from another woman. Perhaps, that was new territory for me at the time when I was in my early 20s. But I maintain my position. No new girlfriend/boyfriend needs to try to keep a parent away from his or her child from a previous relationship. There were some other issues such as having me to drive to all the rough places where the security wasn't so great and the issue of inviting me to social functions with a promise of a ride only to be left. But anywho. I kicked that friendship to the curb.

A few years later, I found myself in another friendship fiasco. I started a new job in a new office. As usual, my friends tend to be a little older than I am for some reason. So, when I met a Christian friend at work, I thought everything was cool. So, I thought again. The friendship started fine. But this person has a problem with her friends being friends with folks she doesn't like. So, if she was being catty with someone I didn't have a problem with, I'd simply walk away. And later, I realized she was jealous of anyone else I spoke well of. Once I revealed that one of our co-workers was a true Christian woman. The true Christian lady wasn't in folks faces perpetrating a front. She demonstrated her ways simply by being fair and not looking down on folks. If you had a problem, she wouldn't make you feel bad. But "The So-Called Friend" was a trip. The moment you'd speak well of someone would be the same time she'd begin to talk trash about them. She'd talk about folks having kids out of wedlock, while she totally forgot that she wasn't married when she conceived her first child. It's a wonder how I could stand those constant contradictions for at least a year. I was fed up. So I broke off the friendship althogether abruptly. I honestly wasn't trying to be mean. I just couldn't take it anymore. I rather be friendless than be hemmed up by someone else's ways.

The two mentioned friendship dropkicks were extreme cases. I'm at a point of trying to remember that there are great friendships that still exist. And I've got to remember that friendships hold a special place in our lives as we cannot be an island unto ourselves. I need to see that on a flash card.

She Hit A Snag And Unraveled Part 2...

2007-02-08T07:18:00.000-05:00

Do Some People Get A Free Pass???...

Well, I've got a few minutes to type a few things before I get ready for work. I've been wanting so badly to comment on my fellow bloggers' blogs, but I can't at work. Uncle Leroy is scoping us. So, I'll have to get back with you all when I get back home. Blogging will be a home activity. Boy, did I have fun typing under the name of Aunt Lula on the C.runk and D.isorderly blog. Those were the days. *sigh*

Now back to this whole female astronaut situation about her crushing and losing it over a man. More information has leaked out since the story first broke. It turns out she is recently separated, the mother of 3 children, a decorated officer of the Navy, and has a long list of friends and colleagues who have been going to bat for her to protect her reputation and career. They say that she was suffering from mental anquish, which caused her to act out of character. Read here ==> New Justification

Hmm. I somewhat have a problem with all of this. Why? Because the media somewhat failed to cover other perspectives. I feel sorry for her children. Just imagine what they have to go through at school. And we know how mean kids can be. The school bullies definitely won't live down the whole diaper bit. So, when planning this whole premeditated evident, I wonder whether the female astronaut ever thought about the consequences and ramifications her kids would have to deal with. Imagine how her separated husband may feel. He's the one who will have to explain to their kids what happened. And most importantly, what about the woman (another military officer) who was being targeted for being maimed or killed? When she sees how folks are praising the female astronaut on tv and in newspapers, I wonder how she feels about knowing that woman came to do her in. Shux, she could have been hog-tied in the back of that astronaut's car trunk. Does anyone realize the seriousness of this?

And one more thing, when it ever comes to a love triangle, why does the woman have to go after the other woman? This is so very predictable and pathetic. I get tired of hearing about it. She claims that she only wanted to talk to the man's possible love interest (the other woman). Okay, with all of her smarts, why didn't she just pick up the freaking phone or send an email. Getting maps to someone's home and the police witnessing you throwing pepper spray, a rope, and a knife out of your car, does suggest that you knew what you were doing. People have suggested that the man should have to answer for this, but I differ in opinion. If he was the one intending on kidnapping someone, he should be under scrutiny. But on this, I believe this "married" woman should have to deal with the consequences of "her" actions. If you can't hang with those weird/strange/different relationship setups (love triangles, swinging, the ole switch-aroo, etc.), get out of it plain and simple. Don't deal with it. She's not the first one to be cheated on and won't be the last. But really, was she really cheated on? Separated still means married.

Perhaps, the female astronaut did snap. But why should she be given a free pass or a fast rush to judgment that she's suffering from mental anquish (preparing to get her off the hook)? Had it been a woman who didn't have such as big and lofty profession, you know, a common every day person or someone like you and me, I bet we wouldn't be receiving any freebies. We'd be still sitting up at the big house after being denied bail. I'm just saying. *shrug*

Then She Hit A Snag And Unraveled...

2007-02-06T06:57:00.000-05:00

An Astronaut Possibly Threw Her Career Away Over A Love Triangle...

In the words of the famous wicked witch from the "Wizard of Oz" after the water was thrown on her, "What A World???...What A World???" What am I talking about? Let me give you the run down. A female astronaut, who went on a shuttle mission last year, was recently arrested after trying to kidnap a woman who was possibly involved with her boyfriend, another astronaut. When they arrested her, they say that she was wearing a diaper, which astronauts wear at take off and re-entry. *Insert Strange Look* (Side Note: I always wondered how astronauts handled that restroom issue at launch. Shux, driving on the highway with a bunch of idiots who amazingly got their licenses can get a little tricky and make folks think about wearing a diaper. Hmph. I'm just saying...) They figure that she wanted to drive from Houston, TX to Orlando, FL without stopping for a bathroom break. Well aint that a blip folks? Ole girl got all frazzled enough to don a wig and a trench coat to take out the third angle of the triangle. What happened? Read about it here ==> Astronaut Snaps

In case folks don't know, NA.SA's astronaut program is a very, very, very, extremely selective one that screens folks for everything,including mental illness. Most of the astronauts have credentials out the wazoo and out of this world. Many are high level doctors and scientists with many years of experience. Most seem to be in their 40's. I guess folks would have thought folks would have had it (mental wherewithall) together by then. So, I wonder how this woman slipped through the cracks. Last year, she was heralded as a vital team member who operated the mechanical arm of the shuttle and was possibly working on the space station. Come on folks. When a relationship goes sour, we have to pick ourselves up and go on without slapping on a diaper and a wig over some revenge mess. Just pig out on ice cream and pizza for one weekend and be over it by the next week like everybody else. *Phew* I just don't know. I just hope that they provide this woman with the help that she needs, because that wasn't normal.

Congratulations To The Indianapolis Colts!!!...

2007-02-05T06:22:00.000-05:00

It's Been A Long Time Coming...But History Was Made!!!...

Last night, history was made on many levels. I remember older men telling me of a time when "colored folk" weren't allowed to play in the football and baseball leagues with whites. We played in our own leagues. And when we were allowed to finally play under integrated circumstances, we still were treated like second class citizens. We were heckled and booed by folks in the stands until our talent shut the audience up. Then we were limited to playing on the field, while the coach jobs, front office, and owner status were left off limits. But last night hopefully indicates that things are a changing. We had two black coaches and their teams to make it to the Super Bowl. Although Tony Dungy and the Colts won last night, Lovie Smith and his Chicago Bears are also winners, because both the friends Dungy and Smith proved that we could do it with a tremendous amount of class and humilty. Thank you for lighting the way for the others who will come behind you.

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Aside from the game, did anyone see Prince's half-time performance? He Still Has It...

Drats, I've Caught A Cold...

2007-01-22T23:56:00.000-05:00

High Tea Time...

Your resident procrastinator is back to add another entry to the old blog. I meant to update before now but I couldn't decide on a new blog theme. With the big to do about the new beta version of blogger, I think they forgot to add some new blogger themes. I really don't feel like building a page, but whatever. In addition to my persistent procrastination, I've been dealing with a cold that just won't stop. Believe me. I've done everything in my power to prevent catching a cold, since I seem to keep barking (coughing) for at least 2 weeks after initially getting the sniffles. I'm that kind of person who will get on your nerves with my constant handwashing and my supply of handwipes, disinfectant cleaners, etc. But how effective can this all be when the guards at my job are required to touch every employee's photo badge at the gate? That's about a few thousand, and you know someone had to have had the cooties. Whatever the case, I'll be back coughing (it sounds like a german shepherd's bark) at work tomorrow after taking off a couple of days.

Between sneezes, coughs, and other nasty cold-related stuff, I did manage to watch enough tv. And from the comforts of home over the weekend, I was able to watch a fellow blogger get married via a webcast. It was absolutely beautiful. I didn't have to buy a dress or get all dolled up. *lol* I just sat in front of my computer screen feeling happy for the bride and groom. Ain't love grand? Of course it is. Now if it can ever happen to me, that would be super duper fantabulous times ten decimal point 50.

But this is what's really on my mind. Have you ever felt like you've been called to do something? Were you ever able to determine whether the calling was self-motivated or spiritually communicated to you in such a way that only you could understand it? I haven't been able to find the answer yet. Don't you hate how vague my posts can be sometimes? What specifics? Well, I can never be too sure who is reading my blog. *shrug*

The Flack With Op.rah...

2007-01-09T07:05:00.000-05:00

How Could Charity Go Wrong???...Isn't That A Good Thing???...

Happy New Year and all the jazz to everyone! I hope that the New Year is treating everyone well so far. I didn't get a chance to make out a list of resolutions. I heard and read all over the place how other people declare that they don't make resolutions, so that they won't have to break them and how silly resolutions are. Blah, blah, blah. I believe in the "to each his own " approach. Whatever works. Procrastinators like me need to clearly outline goals, milestones, and achievement dates. Otherwise nothing would get done. We've got to start somewhere, right? But oh well. I've got about 5 or 10 minutes to type this entry. So bear with me.

The Beginning of The Flap...

Okay. Now onto the flap about Op.rah's school In short, by now many of you may have heard about the multi-million dollar school Op.rah set up in South Africa to educate girls. The school opened with a lot of fanfare, media, and stars who came out to support Op.rah and her cause. Over the years, I've commented on Op.rah's actions. Frankly, I think she landed on her face with the whole "A Mi.llion Little Pieces" fiasco with James Fr.ey. And I really don't care for the fact that she sometimes goes around telling people that white women work for her with the exception of one black woman (probably not Gayle). What's the point of that? She doesn't want us working for her or what? *insert annoyed facial expression*

But in all fairness, I try to keep an open mind and "judge/comment on" (whatever you want to call it) her actions on a case by case basis. And my verdict is that I don't see anything wrong with her helping poor students in another country. Why not? The continent of Africa has been continuously raped and stolen from via slavery and colonialism. Some of the people there are struggling under some really horrible conditions. Many of the girls picked to attend Op.rah's school are orphans because their parents died of diease. They don't have the necessities. Clothes are in short supply. And many don't know where their next meal is coming from. So, if Op.rah wants to take her own money and finance a school, why are some folks here in the U.S. crying foul?

The Badmouthing Begins...

Well according to some folks like Linda Sta.si of the New Y.ork Post, Sta.si feels that Op.rah made a huge mistake in not building the school in the U.S. As Sta.si puts it, charity should start at home and not in the place of one's ancestors. *triple huh?* Then she went onto talk about how her grannies or great grannies got on a boat from Italy to come to America to make a better life. I guess somewhere down the line or in the middle of the Atlantic ocean someone forgot to give this cow a History book to let her know that most black folks' ancestors didn't have a choice in coming here. There was that thing called slavery, which later gave way jim crow laws, which begot subtle racism that still exists today in that folks like this chick still don't the understand the ramifications of it all. And nobody, do you hear me???, nobody should ever get out here trying to compare their hardships to ours in an attempt to chastise us about our choices. If Ms. Sta.si disagrees with Op.rah's decision, then Ms. Sta.si can very well raise her own money and do with it what she sees fit minus the flapjacking of her mouth. But let me just say that Ms. Sta.si possibly could have had some merit to her discussion if she didn't have such a nasty attitude.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due...

While I'm no Oprah-bot serving a high position in a Pope-rah fan club, I have to admit that her school project is an excellent one. Just think about the impact that the school is going to have on the the South African nation as a whole and the lives of the young people who hail from some really modest backgrounds. They'll be free to explore a whole new world, which may include a new love for reading and a feeling that anything is possible if they can dream it. Forgive me, but I just get all excited about education and all of the possibilities. I sincerely hope that their outcomes far exceed our expectations.

On the flip side, I have to admit that I had to frown my eyebrows a bit when O.prah told the media that she didn't build the school in the U.S., because the poor kids here aren't serious about education and that they only wanted i.pods or something to that effect. Then later, when asked the same question, she admonished herself for using such a broad brush when referring to American kids. But in hindsight, Op.rah's probably thinking that she should have just said that she wanted to build the school in South Africa and left things at that and not mentioned the U.S. I somewhat disagree with her. I believe that we all have the capacity to help the kids in Africa and in the U.S. , because I hate dichotomies. Why does everything have to be about "Eithers" and "Ors". Why not "Ands?" The kids from both countries are poor, but in different ways. The kids in South Africa may be poor financially, while the kids in the U.S. may be poor morally (by no fault of their own) because of the overall materialistic/money driven culture that we live here and that Op.rah is a part of (she is a brand name). With that said, rich kids are equally asking for the i.pods instead of uniforms and extra books. So although I'm in disagreement with O.prah to certain extent, I can't totally condemn her. The woman did step up to the plate and make a school come into fruition for some kids who need it. I just want to encourage her to not give up on the American poor kids.

Okay, I'm officially late for work. I've got to run. I'll clean up the typos later.

Happy Holidays...

2006-12-24T07:34:00.000-05:00

"Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is this day, in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
- Luke: 2:10, 11

It's just about that time for me to hitch my sleigh to Rudolph and head down south to good ole North Carolina to spend the holidays with family and friends. But before I go I would like to thank the following bloggers (those who read my blog and the owners of the blogs I read) for making this year a great one: Princess Dominique, Luke Cage, Artist Greggy, SP, ShellyP, Melette, Nikki, Sagaciously, Harpo, Neenalove, Soror Xquizzyt1, Soror Call2Arms, EJFlavors, Simply Schatzi, *RPM*, Honest, CreoleInDC, LivingSingle, Miz JJ, Pamalicious, Field Negro, Margaret, A Diva In Scrubs (Where are you?), Cru.nk and D.isorderly, Tam, KoolBreeze, the lurkers, and many others. If I made a mistake and left someone out, just know that I didn't mean to. Everyone have a great and safe holiday!!!...

Rosie and The Do.nald Tango..

2006-12-21T07:45:00.000-05:00

Tiz The Season To Not Keep One's Fat Trap Closed... *Snicker*

Rosie can't seem to stay out of the middle of controversy. About a month ago, Rosie had some stiff words for Kelly R.ipa, because Kelly complained about Cl.ay Aiken placing his hand over her mouth when he guest hosted the Re.gis and Kelly Show. Rosie mentioned something about Kelly's statement being a slap to the g.ays, although Clay has opted to not discuss his gender preferences. So in a sense, Rosie took it upon herself to get in someone else's business when it wasn't her place. Then a couple of weeks ago, Rosie's mouth was off to the races. Her mouth went off namely on the Asian race when she pretended to be talking in an asian language using the words ching chong. That display was downright tacky, disrespectful, and racist.

Now Rosie has ruffled the fragile coiffed mane of the Donald enough for him to threaten to sue her for the fun of it. At issue is Rosie's reaction to the Donald's decision to give another chance to the current reigning Miss U.SA after she was found to be engaging in inappropriate behavior that involved underage drinking, taking drugs, and some other things (if you know what I mean). Things took a turn for the ugly. Rosie questioned the Donald's morals (marital cheating) and then went on to ridicule his hair and his financial savvy (filing for bankruptcy a while back). The Donald shot back calling her fat and a slob among other things before threatening to sue her. Oh what a tangled web we weave. *shrug*

I bet Star is off somewhere smirking. Babs, are you sure you made the right decision to can Star and hire Rosie? I think that thing about Karma is really true.

What Christmas Shopping???...

2006-12-20T07:32:00.000-05:00

Ch...Ch..Ch..Ch.ia... *lololol*...

To all the folks who are finished Christmas shopping, I bid a big fat so what. *lol* Yeah, I'm jealous. And as president of the Procrastinators Association, I pledge to complete my shopping by Friday and next year to do a better job. I hope. Yeah right. But seriously, where did the time go? Wasn't it just summer a little while ago? Nevertheless, my back is up against the wall trying finish everything (shopping, projects at work, applying for more new jobs, washing clothes, etc.) by Friday. Shux, I just mailed out my Christmas cards yesterday. I just hope my friends out in Hawaii receive theirs by Christmas or within the week of Christmas. Back to the Christmas gifts, fortunately for me, the people receiving my gifts never require anything expensive. Our approach is that we don't want anyone going into deep debt behind holiday shopping. It just takes time to select the books or music that I think they'll like. I just like to give people gifts to show my appreciation. So, I guess giving Ch.ia pets to everyone is out of the question, huh? *lol* Well, in the wee hours of the morning the commercial made them seem so ...so...so half way decent. Who wouldn't want to receive a Shaggy Ch.ia pet? *weak smile*

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As for my computer usage at work, my job hasn't totally put a stop to us employees surfing the net. They put out a memo explaining some things. Plus, I've noticed that they reboot our machines a lot lately (every night) letting me know that they are up to something like loading some tracking software. Just last week, I got a warning page on the net after trying to access Sea.world's Sha.mu page. I wanted to see which one body slammed it's keeper underwater. I was innocent, but not Sha.mu.

However, I can somewhat understand my job's IT folks' actions, because of my co-workers have gotten so ridiculous and abusive with their web activities that they've made it bad for those of us who are doing harmless surfing. I'm surprised at how many people don't know what's inappropriate. Folks were trying to run their side businesses at their jobs and downloading some really risque pictures on the job site. Triple tisk on them. I still frequent news websites like CNN, Yah.oo News, the Wa.shington Post, and a few other safe blogs, but my days of visiting Cr.unk and D.isorderly at work are over. I just make sure I visit those kinds of sites when I get home. *hee hee*

Well, I've got to get ready for work (the con.centration camp).

The Cubicle Chronicles: Part 4...

2006-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's About To Get Testy In The Beehive...

Howdy everyone. I know that it's been awhile since I've posted an entry. Instead of announcing that I'm going to end my blog like other folks do, I don't permanently abandon my blog. I just come back later when I feel like it. *lol* But seriously, I apologize for taking such a long break. But here is what's up. I don't blog as much anymore, because my employer is watching the online movements of its employees. They're all up in our business. In the words of Whitney Houston, "Didn't we almost have it all?" Shux, the blogging was the thing that kept me awake at work. So, I'll be blogging from home from now on. *shrug*

Now onto the beehive...For a while I've been talking about the set up on my job. In case you're new to my blog or need a refresher, I've been working for an office that refuses to promote me, but heavily depends on me to handle their tricky tasks. Last week, we began the beginning of a new evaluation period. So the somewhat new managers (my former line co-workers), called me in to let me know that my detail to another office would not be extended and that they will need me to return to their office (it aint mine) in January, because of the mountain of work they are handling. I'd really love to care, but I don't after 10 freaking years... *sigh*

Pay Back...This Time It's For Real....

I just love that Ge.ic.o commercial....I just wanted to say that. Knowing fully well that my meeting was coming up really was a total drag last week. I haven't returned phonecalls and emails. I'm so ashamed. There's no way that the meeting could happen without some kind of drama. As I purchased my Christmas cards at the grocery store, I was thinking how this year's worth (actually 10 years) of mess on my job was wrecking my flow with the holdiay season. I'm just not in the mood this year, although I've made it my business to buy every piece of holiday candy and cookies I could get my hands on. But with the way things are going for me, the cookies are still sitting in the box for week 2. I thought I wanted them.

Leading up to the meeting, I just couldn't help feeling bad about the way that office has used me over the years. I've been through thick and thin with them. I've been there along the way with every supervisors' agendas, initiatives, and pet projects. I've been a project officer, web person, and policy writer to suit the work. But the noneducated folks with absolutely no experience-having folks have risen in my organization in such a ridiculous manner. Typically, they are the kissups. I'm not. I don't bring any coffee cake, and I don't inject side show clown laughter at jokes that aren't funny. I'm about the business and take on a more academic approach to my position.

Shut up, Already!!!...

After being away from my division for most of the year, the new supervisors are practically groveling at my feet, which I find to be totally disgusting. They've finally come to the realization that I wrote a significant number of the formal/informal decisions and now need me to help their sinking Titanic of an office . But I've told them to not cry for me Argentina, because I've got other plans.

I must admit that I shamelessly manipulated last week's meeting. I determined when it started, what would be discussed, how long the meeting lasted, and when it ended. Passive/aggressiveness really does work. Try it sometime. I know they hated that crap. But hey, after 10 freaking years, I reserve the right to manuever things to my advantage. My strategy was to say very little. Besides, what can they tell me after all this time? Telling the truth would be too much like right for them. They promoted other folks according to favoritism and nepotism over the years at my expense, and now is a time of reckoning. The folks promoted over me haven't ever seen the inside of college classroom or spent time in anybody's army, but they were related to someone on the job. Oh, and did I fail to mention that they very rarely promote us (blacks, hispanics, asians)? Also, during the course of this year the managers allowed a co-worker to steal the reg text that I wrote last year. They (the backstabbing group and not I) received an award for the project, which included my work. I would not have ever known this fact if other people outside of my office hadn't made me aware of it. Oh well. So much for being used.

Mad.Max Zee Beyond ThunderDome...

So, I ask again. What else could my supervisors say to me? Nothing. Yeah, they had two supervisors tagteaming/handling me like I was about to go off and catch a case of the angry black woman's disease. But I flipped the script. I stayed calm and measured my words very carefully. And I proceeded to deliver my message in 2 to 3 sentences, which caught them off guard. I think they probably had rehearsed how to handle me, but were thrown off by my stealth succinct strategy. They weren't going to catch me out here rambling. So they scrambled around trying to draw me into conversation to discuss every little thing that was done wrong to me. I declined. I simply stated that we're at a place and time where things have gone too far for too long and conversation at this point would be moot. Besides, I asked again what could they possibly have to say to me, which left them clearly struggling for several minutes while I looked on in steely silence. After growing tired of their hemming and hawing and failed attempts to take control of the meeting, I announced the end of the meeting. How you like me now? Then they announced that they were very disappointed that things would have to end this way. I tried to express an "I care" look. It didn't work. My transparent self couldn't seem to shake the scowl that's been plastered on my face for a couple of years. So I thanked them for their time, gathered my things, and left. Imagine a sister version of Mommie Dearest in the Pepsi Cola meeting scene. That was me. "It's not my first time at the rodeo show!!!..."

"Whew Times 10"....

That whole meeting performance left me drained. I could have gotten liquored up after that, but I remembered that I never drank. I don't even drink wine; got any recommendations? I wouldn't even know what to buy. So, I went home and had a refeshing cup of cola. With that whole fiasco over with, I'm at a point of deciding what I should do with my career. I'm totally making myself responsible for my own career moves. I will never be loyal like that to another organization again enough to always put their goals above and beyond mine. I've learned a huge lesson and gotten hurt in the process. But next year, I plan to start new and fresh. I'll have to learn to forgive and forget so that I can live my life more abundantly. I've applied to other jobs and I'm back into thinking about how to approach the grad school endeavor. I just talked a good game there. We''ll just have to see if I have what it takes to walk out on faith.

Well, I've got to run along to work now. But I'm going to try to post a few more entries before Christmas. Plus, I'm thinking about doing a blog redesign for next year. I just get tired of my blog looking like everyone elses. And I'm not even going to go into how much I'm not feeling this beta version of blogger. Blah!!!. Well, I'm off. Totally... *lol*

Happy Thanksgiving...

2006-11-22T06:29:00.000-05:00

Michael Ri.chards, Here We Go Again...

2006-11-21T07:56:00.000-05:00

Jerry: Mikey's So Freaking Broken Up Over This...

Well, most folks know now about the incident where Michael R.ichards became upset with a couple of hecklers (two black men) and began shouting racials slurs at them. If memory serves me correctly, all comedians who are on the ropes doing a terrible job on stage have been heckled at one time or another. That goes with the territory. That's the very reason comedians can't be sensitve little chumps when audience members find their jokes not to be funny. Nevertheless, Mikey should have never come out the mouth shouting the "n" word and talking about 50 years ago those black hecklers would have been hanged from a tree. See for yourself at TM.Z: ==> Mikey Gets Caught In The Act.

Mikey and Jerry appeared on the Letter.man show administering some industrial strength damage control. But Mikey came short of delivering a real apology, and of course didn't stand up before the people he offended to show any type of sincerity. He said something about being sickened by his own words and at the same time proclaimed not to be a racist. Well, if racist slurs were never on his mind, it would never come out of his mouth, right? Shux, I'm just a firm believer of what people say is what they "really" mean.

I'm not really shocked by any of this, since I grew up in the South where slave shacks still stand, where the k.kk still burn crosses, and where some white people still proudly hang con.federate flags on their homes. That's why I'm not some Kumbaya person believing that everything is free and equal. I keep things in perspective. All folks aren't racist, but there is a hefty chunk of those out there who are. By the way, when will the "n" word become obsolete? No time soon. Don't hold your breath.

Well that's my rant for today. I have to get ready for work. Keep your head up!!!...

Election Day...

2006-11-07T07:13:00.000-05:00

Stand Up and Have Your Vote Counted!!!...It's Your Right!!!...

Be sure to vote today. Take a friend. Take your children with you to the polls to show them how to vote and to explain the importance of voting. If your voter qualifications are called into question/challenged, please be sure to ask for a provisional ballot. Then after your qualifications are verified, your vote will be submitted and counted. I've got to run. I'm off to the polls. Have a great day!!!...

2006 Elections: Do Cheaters Change?

2006-11-03T07:29:00.000-05:00

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same...

Before I run along to work, I thought I'd share a few things. In the last couple of elections, my good ole state of Maryland started using the new electronic voting machine (similar to the one pictured above), which is vulnerable to fraud. According to technical experts, these newbies can't be audited, because there isn't any paper document or any evidence left after the voter votes. And if someone is sneaky enough, someone can vote more than once by accessing a certain button. So with these "known" vulnerabilities, after you vote you're not totally sure whether your vote was counted or whether it was screwed around with. In fact, the Governor of my state (who is running for a second term) voted by an absentee ballot yesterday, because he doesn't trust the voting machines. Was he asleep at the wheel when the new voting machines were unveiled during his term in office???...

Miss Zee May I See Your SSN, Birth Certificate, Finger Prints, Driver's License, Automobile Registration???...Now Take This Reading Test???...Can You Jump Over This Building In A Single Bound???...

It never freaking fails; folks are always trying to cheat. Jim Bob and Nem over at the W.ashington Post reported yesterday that they were able to obtain a copy of an instructional guide intended to be used by r.epublican poll workers. The guide's purpose is to teach poll workers how to challenge the voting qualifications of voters, and to threaten the voting judges with the idea of jail time if the challenges are ignored. We all know that we're dealing with some high stakes elections this year, but really comrades, is this necessary?

If I didn't know any better, after reading the Post article, I would have thought we were still living in the 1960's. So let me get this straight. I'm a citizen, registered voter, tax payer, and I've always appeared for court when I've received a jury duty summons, but I can be challenged? On what basis? I wish someone would mess with me. Believe me, I would not go away so easily. I guess more than anything, I'm concerned that other voters may get confused, frustrated, and discouraged enough to either not bother to vote or to leave the polling area after being challenged. See everybody out here isn't aware of his/her rights, which may lead to a botched election and several years of suffering behind the policies of those who were elected by ill-gotten means. Yeah, it's going to get right down testy in the bee hive on the election circuit, but it shows how desperate some are to win by any means necessary. Nevertheless, be sure to take your stand and have your vote counted.

My Name Is Aziza And I Approve This Message...

Halloween In The H.ood Party...

2006-11-01T06:39:00.000-05:00

F.raternity Suspended...

It has become quite fashionable to be rac.ist these days. A fraternity at J.ohns H.opkins University hosted a "Halloween In The H.ood Party" furnished completely with a black mannequin in a noose. Party participants were encouraged to arrive in clothing from the locale (black neighborhood located near J.HU), which they described as b.ling, ice, grills, and hoo.chie hoops. Some students interviewed on tv admitted that the party was in poor taste and that action should be taken against those involved. However, a white female student claimed that people are getting too upset over every little thing and calling it racist. Nevertheless, the university has suspended the fraternity, but the bigger question is how do people even come up with crap like this anyway???...

Getting Out The Vote...

2006-10-31T06:36:00.000-05:00

Doing Whatever It Takes...

That seems to be the idea that many politicians are following this time around with the 2006 major election one week away. And I for one am sick and tired of it. But let me just say I've never ever forgotten to vote. From the age that I became eligible, I've always tried to stay informed locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally with regard to issues that matter most to me such as healthcare, education, equality, financial responsibility, social responsibility, etc. I take my voting responsibility very seriously and in honor of my forefathers (and foremothers) who weren't allowed to vote in this country before the Civil Rights movement, although they had served in the m.ilitary and paid taxes.

Hello? Hello? Hello?...

But what has become such a pain are the new ways that the politicians are trying to get at registered voters. Just this year, they've discovered the telephone. Just a few years ago, I got on the Do Not Call List that doesn't allow marke.ters to call me so that I didn't have to be bugged with their longwinded sales scripts after a long commute and long day at work. Only certain people are allowed to bug us now. One of those groups are political organizations of course. So let's just say that I received as many as 10 freaking phone calls in one day near the last primary. I had to listen to their crap before I could get to my own messages. They don't pay my phone bill. Yeah, I was peeved to the highest level. Don't they know that I had already made up mind about my election decisions and that I had already received the other 100 pieces of mail that they sent me. I called my party's headquarters to have my name taken off the calling list. But it was too late. My name and number had already been distributed to the candidates and there's no way to have all of them to stop calling. So I did the next best thing. I gave the candidates' polling volunteers a good and civil talk about not bothering the heck out of their potential voters at the polling place on primary day. Just stop it!!!

Television Attack Ads...

Now that the political "Vote for Me...I'm better than my opponent..." phone calls have stopped, the television attack ads are in full swing. During the 6:00 p.m. news, the ads are played back to back to back to back. And by living in a metro area, we folks here have to stomach watching the ads of politicians from Maryland, DC and Virginia. If memory serves me correctly, I don't really remember the ads being this bad in a long time.

When I use to live in NC, I remember the old racist J.esse Helms' ad showing a white hand on a table while a voice was saying that the person loss a job to the other person (referring to a black one.) And by no surprise, he won. That says a whole lot about the majority of folks who voted for him. Things haven't changed. This year in Virginia, the race for a Senate's seat has gotten dirty, with the current Senator G.eorge Allen calling an East Indian Jim We.bb supporter a macaca (monkey) at a political rally, and with Senator Allen charging that Webb made sexist comments about women in the military. Briefly, an ad ran in Tennessee targeting Rep. Ha.rold Ford, Jr. by stating that he attended a P.layboy party last year and having a white woman to seductivey whisper into the camera requesting for Ford to call her. Trash. And in Maryland, we have an African American running for the Senate who doesn't let people know that he's belongs to the Re.publican party in an attempt to confuse voters on election day. There's nothing wrong with belonging to one party or the other. So why is there a need for him to state in interviews that he's a D.emocrat? Why the deception? Be who you really are and be clear about what you stand for so that voters will have accurate information. Candidates, do you support the war? Yes or No. Candidates, what are your views on federal spending? Candidates, what are your views on various types of medical research???...

Beyond all the back forth talk and all the finger pointing, I wish the political candidates would understand is that voters want to know what THEIR views are, how THEY plan to vote on key issues, and what plans THEY will put into place if they are elected. Evidently, they haven't taken the time to come up with any answers, so they thought they'd do the next best thing ==>> Attack the opponent and not the issues.... *BUZZ* Wrong answer!!!...

Great Expectations: Having It All...

2006-10-26T15:38:00.000-04:00

The SuperWomen Have Left The Building...

A couple of years ago on a Friday night, I didn't have anything planned. I was just going to spend a quiet night alone at home. So, of course I gave into my tv obsession. However, I'm not really one to watch primetime shows. So, I turned to the local PBS station to watch a women's political round table discussion in which they discuss various issues. On the weekends the DC area is full of roundtable discussion shows on top of the nationally televised ones. This area knows how to spin the heck out of any story large or small.

Can You Really Have It All???...

The round table show consisted of women from different backgrounds (Black, White, Asian, Hispanic, young, middle age, conservatives, and liberals). The topic of discussion dealt with "Having It All," which meant having a successful home life and work life. Right off the bat, the youngest woman on the panel, eagerly presented her point of view about the women's revolution that has allowed women to have it all. She was reminding me of that 1980's Enjoli perfume commercial of the woman bringing home the bacon and frying it up in the pan. There's nothing like a peppy, over-the-top, cheerleader type to speak of something she has no experience with. So, of course, her response was greeted with rolled eyes, sighs, and "why don't you just shut up" dismissive looks by the other panelists who were older women. At one point they looked like they could have collectively pimp slapped Miss Peppy. But they actually probably weren't mad at her. They were probably a little annoyed that after taping the show, they would have to go home to wash the dishes or go to a PTA meeting to discuss why little Timmy hasn't been doing his homework or have to complete a report for work by Monday morning. Reality sure knows how to bite that backside. One lady patiently told Miss Peppy that she use to believe that bullcrap back when she was a spring chicken in law school dreaming of future days when she could come home after work in court to cook a 10-course meal for her family. It's true that a woman can become an astronaut, but most likely she's still concerned that her kids are being well fed and that the house is clean. The other ladies further explained that the "Having It All" concept was nothing more than a pipedream until they redefined "Having It All."

"Having It All": Pipedream or Achieveable Goal???...

This show had me thinking about my own life. My single friends and I use to have conversations about getting married. But with all these long-winded telephone calls, I don't think we ever discussed how life could be after we got married. All the emphasis was on the wedding ceremony itself, with very little thought about the post-wedding life. This had me thinking that this could become a "going from the frying pan to the skillet" type of situation. Being single has its has own set of challenges at times. Many of us single ladies have had to purchase cars and homes alone without the help of a spouse. It's been a tough haul and I imagined that things would have been smoother and easier had I been married, but that's not necessarily so. Some of my married women friends have complained that after a full day's work, they are having to shuttle the kids to football, soccer or dance practice; pick up the groceries; pick up the dry cleaning; cook dinner; load the dishwasher; wash the clothes; help the kids with homework; give the babies a bath; and get the children ready for bed, plus look cute for the hubby.

So, What Is The Answer???...

The focus of the women's round table discussion wasn't so much on the men, but on the blurred responsibilities and expectations concerning the modern day woman. Men and women are a bit unclear about what their roles are. Some men may tend to take a passive role in the home when it comes to house chores, because they were brought up to think that some chores are considered to be feminine in nature. And some women may out of guilt tend to do more housework to make up for working outside of the home. But really. Come on. There are only 24 hours in the day. And am I courting disaster and misery by praying to the good Lord for a husband everyday? Is this what I'm asking to be brought upon me and am I ready? Am I capable of being a great wife and mother? And will my future hubby understand that he's very much needed to make the family work and become successful? I favor a team approach to tackling everything, but then again I've heard from others that sometimes you don't find out what kind of spouse you've got until way after you've said the "I do's." I just hope that we women and men can find some common ground for the good of the family.

Side Note: Why did I see Miss Peppy in the capacity of a political correspondent the other day on tv discussing the Page incident in the C.ongress? And of course, she was off the mark taking up for those who let this go on for years at a time. I need to take up a collection to buy her some flash cards.

The Cubicle Chronicles: Part 3

2006-10-24T13:22:00.000-04:00

Thrown Under The Bus...

That's what's about to happen to me. Let me jog everyone's memory (and mine too). Earlier this year, I blogged about not getting a major promotion for about 10 years and being passed over for people who are related to others at the job. We've got folks' daughters, sons, parents, and spouses working here. That was Part 1. Their success comes at my expense. I need to place a gigantic banner stating exactly that over my cubicle. I would not have known for sure that I was passed over if wasn't for others (including a couple of managers) who told me what happened. With all this said, I requested to perform a detail assignment in another component of my agency. Everything has been going well there, but the component that I actually belong to is holding onto me. They don't want to promote me and they don't want to let me go. And I'll tell you why. I'm the thankless grunt who responds to the reports. When a request comes in from another agency about my agency's functions, I'm the one who writes the response. The work itself isn't too bad if I'm given enough time to do what I need to do. But after the incoming request has been sitting in my supervisor's inbox for a couple months, the day before it's due or sometimes afterwards my boss assigns it to me. Some of the requests may consist of as many as 100 pages or more. But I'm still expected to read them and make recommendations and/or comments by the close of business. And just think this assignment is on top of my regular work. Also, those who were promoted are calling me to help them do their work.

Making Ticket Reservations...

I just know I'm about to be thrown under the bus, because my detail assignment has not been extended as it has been a few times earlier this year. I'm permanent, yet my detail status is in limbo to the extent that my detail supervisor is hestitant to give me work. My supervisor (where my job position actually belongs) is back from her maternity leave and ready to get back in power play mode. I tried to extend an olive branch earlier this year by still attending her baby shower and purchasing gifts out of the goodness of my heart. But it appears that she's back at trying to control my career. I bet she's trying to get me back in there to write those recommendations and comments. As the old folks say, "I ain't studyin them." *Hmph*

Bus Station Announcement: Island Oasis Bus Is Now Boarding...

When I first received word that there was a glitch in my detail extension and my detail area couldn't keep me without my home component's blessing, I started to feel a little down. How is it that I worked hard and treated everyone well to end up at a point where no one is willing to go to bat for me? How is it that people can say that I am an intelligent, hard worker and I still not be promoted? After all these years, you mean to tell me that I have nothing to show. It's been explained to me that one supervisor doesn't want to overstep the authority of another supervisor. What am I going to do about my career?

The Bus Tears Off From The Station With Me Under It...

Well, at times like this, I try to inject a bit of humor into the situation as a coping mechanism. Yeah, I felt down last Friday, but I wasn't in the mood for that. I just don't think it's good to be down for too long of a period over something like that. Besides I had planned on purchasing my i.Pod nan.o that day. I've been to the mountaintop with musical nirvana. Seriously, what else can I do? I have a mortgage and other responsibilities. I know that I've been MIA to friends by not emailing or calling them, but I'm not one to invite alot of people to my pity parties. I don't feel like explaining my woes to them or bringing them down with my disappointments. All I wanted to do is come home (after dropping by the bakery to purchase a couple of cupcakes first) and hang out on my couch while I watch tv shows back to back. Nope, it's not a vacation on an exotic island. But the solitude sometimes does me some good to help me focus on my problems. Last week's epiphany revealed to me that it's time for me to move on to another job in another organization and to pursue grad school like I always planned (that's a whole another blog). There's no need for me to request any meetings with my supervisors or to run to the union. The answer is just as clear as day, and I need to come to grips with it. Besides, why should I fight to be at a place where folks don't appreciate me or a place where the work is boring? There's a great big world out here, and I need to experience it (the good part).

Now that I'm feeling better, I'll email and call my friends so that they can attack me for going missing for a while. Let me take my beating like a woman. *lol* But I really hope that they understand that I needed some time to think things over. My job really had me hanging on a string.

Fun and Fabulous Friday...

2006-09-29T10:07:00.000-04:00

Come Make Yourself Comfortable Where The Couch Potato Is King!!!...

It's high tide that I get back on my blog and add an entry. I know it's been a while. I've been bogged down with work and simply just too tired to blog when I got home. I really don't have the time or the energy to blog on something too deep. Perhaps, I'll do that next week. But I thought I'd do something fun today. I'm one of the biggest video fanatics around and found the following fun stuff:

Update (10/8/06): It seems that two of my links to You.Tube videos no longer play, because of copyright issues. When the tube was small and underground, things were great. And now that everyone knows about it, the fun-o-meter has definitely been brought down to a new low. *sigh*

The Soul Train Line...

I couldn't resist showing these Soul Train Line performances. I sprained my ankle and hurt my neck by just watching this. No wonder folks weren't fat back then; those folks had some moves on them back in the day. I was just a little girl when "Soul Train" really use to be something else. I can remember my Aunt having a fish fry at her home on a Saturday evening as many of us gathered around the tv to dance along with the show. Actually, as a toddler I watched. I was way too young to be apart of the whole voluminous, swinging bellbottom pants, huge afros, clog-chunky heels fashion crazes, thank goodness. But it looks really crazy now. I bet little grandkids of previous Soul Train dancers get a kick out of watching their grandparents getting down on the tv. And believe it or not, back then the show was more than just about dancing. The show had a little game where the dancers had to rearrange letters to figure out a famous person's name or place or thing. And way, way, way back in the earliest shows, political statements in an afro-pop culture way were made. I can't speak to today's Soul Train's shows, because I don't watch it anymore, but the video of the old shows sure made me smile and laugh. Yall don't think my co-workers will mind me cutting a few steps in my cubicle? Perhaps, the bump or the rebot???

Don Cornelius: "Love, Peace, and Souuuuuuuuuuuuullllll!!!..."

========================================

1960's Wax Commerical...

During my most recent YouT.ube obsession session, I came across this commercial. I wasn't born when this commerical aired on tv. But I sure love those nifty special effects. TV and film sure have come a long way since then.

Before There Were Swiff.er Floor Cleaners, There Was The Shield!!!...

========================================

School House Rock: I'm Just A Bill...

I was pleasantly surprised to find this School House Rock video. Cartoons back then weren't as trashy and grown as they are today. Not only were we entertained, but we were educated at the same. Little did I know that this video would pertain to what I do for a living with Uncle Leroy according to my agency's purpose. It's just a good thing that I paid close attention to the lyrics.

Come on...Sing Along If You Can Remember The Lyrics...

Reflections Of Katrina One Year Later...

2006-08-29T07:45:00.000-04:00

Never Forget...

Ball Park Main Cuisine On Hot Seat...

2006-08-15T12:56:00.000-04:00

Hold The Chili!!!...

Take Me Out To The Ball Park...
Every morning before I go to work, I spend a good chunk of my time watching the news on tv and on the net. In fact, I haven't seemed to be able to get to work on time, because of my extreme thirst for news. I roll into work around 9:30 a.m...Err... 9:45 a.m. And at the moment, I'm trying to remember in years past when I used to get to work at 7:15 a.m. what was I doing to get to work on time. Oh who cares? It's not like my job's building is going to take off on a rowdy rodeo horse that I would have to lasso in. Hi ho, Silver!!!...So, 9:30 a.m. is the target time for work to begin.

May I Take Your Order Please???...
But getting back to the point of this entry...I just want to know what is safe to eat these days. Every week it seems that a news report comes about this or that food is not safe to eat. Things that are supposed to be good for you to eat are contaminated as well. Veggies are laced with deadly pesticides. Cows and chickens are injected with quick growth hormones. Then there is the talk of the bird flu. After one sip of soda containing high fructose soda, your hips and buttocks are supersized at the speed of light. And a steady diet of potato chips, ice cream, pizza, buffalo wings, sweet potato pie, triple decker cheeseburgers, and delicious desserts will have you breaking down heavy duty furniture in no time. If not that, you'll get diabetes, high blood pressure, aching joints, cancer, kidney failure, etc. Shux, how was I to know that the strawberry shake from C.hick-Fil-A that I lovingly and slowly consumed contained 730 calories? I just found out after visiting their website a little while ago. So, I innocently ask what's safe to eat?

Umm. I'd Like To Order One Dog With Mustard And Relish, But Hold The Chili...
Just this morning, my sister forwarded an email to me about a news report stating that hotdogs may be responsible for genetic mutations, therefore, they are a no go for meal time. Apparently, scientists are saying that hotdogs and other foods containing sodium nitrates used to preserve food also contain carcinogenic compounds. *Eek* And just think the hotdog is supposed to be as American as apple pie. It's served everyday everywhere and at Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day cookouts; parents freely serve hotdogs to their toddlers as they sing the fun little jingle to the commercial that shows a person driving a car that looks like a hotdog. Who knew? Hotdogs today; what's next tomorrow???...

Oh...And May I have An Order Of Fries With That???...
We've all known that hotdogs aren't exactly at the top of the food pyramid with regard to good nutrition. But they're easy to cook and eat if you're on the go. Many times when I come home late from work, I either don't have the time or feel like baking chicken, steaming veggies, fixing some multi-vegetable salad, or doing anything that requires too many steps or using too many pots and pans. So, sometimes I either (I must confess) fix a hotdog or have a bowl of cereal. I don't deal with the packs of Big Eights or B.all Park franks. Have you ever read the ingredients? So I buy a pack of the beef H.ebrew Nationals, if it really makes a difference. I don't mess around with the ones at my job's cafeteria either. Why? Because they're green and they sit out in the open for long periods of time. The last time they were served, I noticed a pesky little fly taking off and landing on several hotdogs and buns christening each with his love and germs ever so gently. It almost looked like ballet. *sigh*

And A Cola???...
So there's our verdict. Stay away from hotdogs until we forget about this news report or until the focus has been shifted onto the next report that tells us to not eat another food...Okay, with that said, what's for lunch???...

Note: It's bad enough that I got to work a little late today, but why was I rocking my earplugs with Prince to "1999" at my desk on my Y.ahoo radio station. I'm surprised that I remembered all of the lyrics.

Ahh. Isn't This Cute???...

2006-07-31T22:19:00.000-04:00

Jay-Z Holds Beyonce's Nephew As They Prepare For Dinner...

I Guess I Took A Little Vacation From The Blog...
Boy, how fast does time fly by? July rolled by just about without me blogging at all. But I'll keep this one ultra short. It's not that I didn't have anything to say either. I could have blogged about the Star Jones Reynolds' fiasco (for the record I called it back in April how greasy Babs was doing her wrong) and about how the other sea hags from "The View" couldn't resist disrespecting the other sisters who graced the show with their presence in hopes of becoming Star's replacement. I shouldn't have said sea hags, but oh well; it's getting late, and I'm tired from work. So, you all will have to cut me some slack. Joy asked Brandy whether her Mom was a drunk or an alcoholic for naming her Brandy. Brandy responded by saying that she was named after a dog. She's so silly. *rolling eyes* Rosie O'Donnell asked whether Tanika Ray's hair was hers and Babs put her dirty hands in Tanika's head. And Babs asked Mo'Nique how her creatures (children) were doing. Who can stomach another season of this show? Cancel it already!!!...

Baby Love...
Anywho. I'd rather talk about the picture in this entry. With all of the war and hatefulness going on around the world, I just want to focus on something cute like Jay-Z holding Beyonce's nephew. They can say whether or not they are dating. But I'm not really concerned about that. But what I can tell is that Jay-Z could possibly be in baby bliss. I can just tell by the way he's holding the baby. And I can totally relate since I love kids too. So like I said before, tonight's entry isn't deep or heavy. I just wanted to focus on something else like a baby and the future.

They're Back...Run's House...

2006-06-15T09:16:00.000-04:00

Rev. Run, His Wife Justine, And Their Kids Grace Us With Their Presence Again For Season 2....

The Good Ole Days...
I want to say that last year right off the bat (2 mintues into the show), I fell in love with MTV's Run's House. For those who don't know, Run is Russell Simmons' brother and a rapper turned minister, hence his new name, Rev. Run. And he used to be part of the RUN-DMC rap group. Remember them back in the day rocking the Adidas warm up suit, Adidas sneakers, thick gold chains, and kangol hats??? Ahh. Well those were the good ole days.

Remember Vinyl???...
Fastforward about 20 something years, and now Rev. Run has a wife; 5 kids (3 from a previous marriage); a beautiful, palatial home (a mansion); and a show on MTV. Aint life grand? And who would have known back in the late 70's and early 80's that rap would have gotten so big and fabulous. Yeah, the raps and beats have always been deep and interesting, but I remember a lot of material used to be mainly underground for only some to savor like a best kept secret. Male relatives and male friends who were/are semi-retired DJs would always say I betcha haven't heard this before. Then they'd pull out the vinyl (records). Yeah I said vinyl (this goes back a little bit). And to this day, they still say they have new music and mixtapes that's underground. Now the secret is out and kids from mainstream America have hopped onboard. I think it's sort of funny looking at rich kids trying to recite rap lyrics about thug life, when they know nothing of the kind. I guess everybody's trying to be hard. *shrug*

A Refreshing Change From The Usual...
But back to Run's House...I love, love, love this show, because it shows a black family living a normal life in good way for a change for the sake of balance, since mass media is hellbent on portraying black folks as thieves, killers, welfare queens, junkies, prostitutes, and pimps. Yeah, we had ficticious Cliff and Claire Huxtable. But the Simmons are real. They give us a sneak peak into their everyday lives revolving around family situations. Last season showed one daughter graduating from high school, the other daughter modeling professionally, and the three sons dealing with school and home situations. Plus, there were the husband/wife dynamics. Rev seemed to be the big poppa while Justine, the wife, seemed to whine a little. Joey, Why not?... But her whining must be effective, because many times he would let her have her way. I hear that this season the family will deal with the idea of Justine wanting to have another baby, while Rev isn't so hot on the idea and tells her to think about it some more. Well, this had to have been recorded a while ago, because she's expecting a baby this fall. **writing down notes** Whining works.

Tonight's the Premiere of Season 2...
Nothing is without its kinks. I've heard some folks criticize the show, because they felt like Rev. Run was too domineering or Justine was too submissive and was treated like one of the kids. But I say I big fat so what, because nobody lives the perfect life or has the perfect marriage. At least they're not cursing every other word and trying to outsicken or outshock us like the Osbourne family did. So just sit back and enjoy the show tonight for the premiere at 9:30 pm EST on MTV.

The Original Dreamgirls...

2006-06-04T15:04:00.000-04:00

Starring Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Loretta Devine...

The footage from the upcoming "Dreamgirls" movie sounds interesting, but I have to admit that I am "not" a big fan of remakes. I would love to see some original movies for a change. However, since I am a huge fan of YouTube, I dug up some footage from the "Dreamgirls" Broadway play from the 1980's. And all I have to say is that absolutely no one can sing like Jennifer Holliday, and no one should even try to either. Back then people used to actually open up their mouths up to sing. Some things are best left alone. Also, I've been informed by some folks that I'm not a big fan of any entertainer, although I said it a few entries back. Yeah, they were right. I guess I just said it to not be taken as a hater. Oh well. I wasn't able to recall any lyrics, haven't been to the concerts, and am unsure of the acting skills, but I do respect some folks for staying hard at work at their careers. So Bouncy fans please don't break out of lurking mode to unleash a lynch mob in here, because for the record I'll say that most of today's entertainers don't measure up to the talent of previous entertainers. There are people in this generation who possess great talent, but they aren't being extended the opportunities these days. Yeah, I said it. What?

Ahem. With that said, let's enjoy Jennifer Holliday's version of "And I'm Telling You." If you look closely you'll notice that Sheryl Lee Ralph (from "Moesha," Brandy's TV Show where Sheryl played the mother) and Loretta Devine (from the "Waiting To Exahale" movie) in the scene as members of the girl group. Enjoy... ==>

"And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going"...

**Note: The quality of the footage is a bit grainy. The scene begins where the cast announces to Effie that she's out of the group. Then Effie sings her famous song. And one more thing, ladies never ever beg for a man the way that Effie did. Please no. Self-esteem, ladies, self-esteem as Myra J. from the Tom Joyner Show would say.
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"I Am Changing"...

Another Fine Performance...

And here's another performance I just couldn't resist showing. I know that I said that I couldn't stand remakes, but this really isn't. This footage shows Lillias White singing "I Am Changing" which was originally performed by Jennifer Holliday.

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P.S. Saga, do I really have to complete that Meme? Can I be exempted from this one just this time? *hee hee*

Memorial Day Weekend: Fun And Sun???...

2006-05-30T23:14:00.000-04:00

A Perfectly Good Weekend Spent On The Couch....

Ahh. Some of yall get your minds out of the gutter. *hee hee* Last weekend, I had my whole weekend planned out. In fact, I arranged to have last Friday off from work to kick off things and to ease into the weekend. But Saturday a little scratchy throat turned into a bonafide sore throat, which announced that I had a cold. When I get a cold, I really want to know where and whom it came from. Could have been that nasty co-worker who refuses to wash his hands, or could it have come from the elevator button at work, or maybe on the shopping cart from the grocery store? Bummer. I didn't feel well and nobody feels like being around a coughing snott rag. So, there you have it. A perfectly good weekend gone awry. But I did read a couple of blogs where some of you had some really great plans. I just wished some of yall could have dropped a BBQ plate by my place. Nevermind. My tastebuds aren't back yet.

Oh well. I did the next best thing. I've been sleeping, drinking orange juice, and watching a lot of tv. And I've had enough tv and plan to return to work tomorrow. Let me tell you what I observed on the telly. But first let me take my hat off to honor stay-at-home moms, because daytime tv is pretty crappy.

Here's The RunDown:

The View -- I'm not one to gossip but, something is definitely going on at ABC network's show, "The View." Just as a recap, rumors have been circulating around about Star possibly leaving the show, because the show recently hired Rosie O'Donnell. Before landing the job to replace Meredith Vieira, Rosie made some unkind weight remarks about Star. I wonder about people who initiate attacks.

Well, when I was watching today, during their opening conversations I sort of noticed how Barbara Walters (Babs) wouldn't make much eye contact with Star. Joy Behar and Star also get into it from time to time, but it doesn't seem to be personal. But how else is Star to take Babs' (the Executive Producer) move to hire her arch rival? Stick a fork in her, because she is done. But the surprise may actually be that Joy and Rosie may be the ones to bump heads, because their of strongminded ways. On today's show, Star and Babs looked like two people who possibly had "some words" at one point or another. You know the look, right? When either one was speaking, they wouldn't look at each other, but they would have the "witch please" look on their faces. But I highly don't think witch would be their choice of word. I'm not gossiping or trying to signify. Honestly, I'm just saying. Uh huh. Plus, the NY Daily News has been speculating that Star and Al are going the way of Splitsville. I think a chunky sized meteor from outer space flying into the atmosphere would be more shocking. But I'm not sure this is true or not. Who knows?

Aside from that, I figured out what about Star, my soror, gets on my nerves. I really couldn't put my finger on it before. It's all about Star and no one else. There's a fine line between being outspoken and down right annoying. Believe me. I've tried to see Star's side, but she takes on this authoritative air. You know it when you hear when the person gets louder and louder as you try to get a word in edge wise. Since ole girl doesn't sing, dance, or act, she might want to pick up a law book and get back to her legal career gig, because Babs is showing us that she can be greasy (shady) like the bottom of a KFC bag. I like and respect Babs as a legendary newsperson, but she's gotten greasy, do you hear me? What can we say? Star is self-absorbed, somewhat annoying, but okay at other times. So, at least I can stand her, because I believe she does things to hide her insecurities and not out of meaness. And well, Rosie, she aint no prize. Hmph. I'm just saying.

The Lifetime Channel -- If you ever feel like life is treating you too well, or you want to be brought down a notch or two, or you are just a glutton for misery, try the Lifetime Channel. They have an unending supply of depressing movies. The only exception is the "Golden Girls" show from the 1980's. I'm not lying. Watch and see. And don't let a holiday roll around, because they will pull out the 5 Star depressing movies. On Mother's Day, they have movies about missing kids, on Father's Day, they have movies about absentee pops, and year-round they have movies about rape, murders, and kidnappings. Enough already and stop the madness!!!...

The Oxygen Channel -- With all the money Oprah has, why does her channel show the same movie three times in three days in these days of TiVo and other recording devices? Other than, I do like watching "Living Single." Plus, I found myself watching the Real Weddings show, which I had previously banned myself from watching. I didn't want to get all caught up in watching a bunch of Bridezillas going ape over their weddings. But I watched and saw some cute, love dovey weddings and then there were some crazy ones. I couldn't get over the Bridezilla who cursed out her parents before and after her wedding. For example, her mother made a mistake and stepped on her train or was holding it too tightly, and the bride called her mother an idiot. Another time, the wrong color flowers came to the house before the wedding. Her father tried to say everything would be okay, then she told him to shut up. The parents looked thoroughly embarrassed, but indeed they took it. I'm quite sure that the planning for weddings can be stressful, but you should have heard the nasty things that came out of the bride's mouth. But ultimately, I felt sorry for the groom who didn't have the heart or sense enough to take off running. Doesn't he realize that he'll be the target of his new wife's outbursts for the rest of their married lives?

The Food Network -- I really don't have anything deep to say about this channel. All I know is that I like it and it provides a sense of comfort to me. I wouldn't try to cook most of the things that the cooks make (especially those that appear to throw grass and leaves from the backyard in a bowl), but it's just comforting to see the cooks in their homes prepare meals. But the Food Network could stand to have a Black Soulfood Cooking show with the old time cooks.

M.SNBC (S.carborough Country) -- Tonight I found it quite odd that three white folks were discussing Oprah's rift with a few African American rappers. Apparently, they felt like "The Authorities" on the matter rather than the people actually involved. Was it too much to ask Oprah and the rappers to represent themselves? I guess that's too fair and balanced. I always find it highly amusing that shows like this one will feel confident enough to talk about a group of people, but will "not" include them as guests on the show. I guess they were afraid that the truth might leak out.

Did one of "The Authorities" become qualified to speak on such matters by having a dinner at Popeye's Chicken, or listening to a black radio station, or once wearing a jheri curl, or having black friends, or cocking their necks from side to side in an exaggerated sista mannerism, etc.? If so, that's still not the black experience and still makes them unqualified to part their lips on such matters. Whatever the case, my thing is let Oprah and the rappers hash out their differences in a manner uninterrupted by "The Authorities." But, heck-to-the-naw, tonight's trio thought they'd tell us black folks about ourselves. Now that's some of the highest level of strongfisted bullcrap around.

Good people, it's time for me to get ready for tomorrow. Although I have a cold, I highly doubt that my dandruff can be taken for sparkles at work. So I better go wash and dry my hair before it gets too late. I hope that everyone enjoyed the Memorial Day weekend and are settling back into work just fine. Oh and by the way, that green couch isn't mine. I just like the rich look of antique furniture.

Dreamgirls: Cannes Film Festival...

2006-05-23T08:02:00.000-04:00

Sampling of Dreamgirls Movie Shown At Cannes Film Festival...

Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose appeared in the south of France to promote their upcoming movie,"Dreamgirls," at the Cannes Film Festival. About 15 minutes worth of the movie was shown as a teaser. Don't you all wish that you all could attend the film festival? Well, I wish that I could. With all of the promotion and hoopla surrounding this movie, it better be good.

I very rarely see movies at the local theater, because it costs too doggone much. Let's do the math. ==> $10.00 for the ticket + $4.00 for a small box of popcorn drenched with that oh so glorious butter + $3.00 for a small soda + $3.00 for a small box of raisinettes = $20.00 for a freaking movie. Scratch that. Let me go through a more realistic example. ==> $7.00 for a matinee movie ticket + $3.00 for the box of popcorn with the oh so glorious butter = $10.00!!! I cut my cost in half by buying a can of soda and the raisinettes before getting to the theater an placing them in my pocket or purse. Or I could go out on a movie date for free. Most of the guys I date insist on picking up the tab, although I offer to pay my own way. I should always be dating when the good movies come out. Hmm. That's a thought. By the way, here's a couple of pictures of the "Dreamgirls" cast at a press conference and a building poster marquee.

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Vanessa Williams And Her Daughters...

Williams Featured As Favorite Mom In Magazine...

Last week, I came across this picture in P.eople Magazine. At least, I think I saw it there with other pictures of celebrity moms with their kids in a Mother's Day edition of the magazine. Boy has the time flown. Vanessa's kids have grown up so fast. Jillian (left) is 18, Melanie (right) is 16, and Sasha (center) is 6. Vanessa also has a son, Devin (not shown), but I guess this was a girls day picture.

As for Vanessa, I wonder how her career is coming along these days. I heard that she was supposed to be starring on the "South Beach" show. I haven't heard much about the show. So, I wondered whether it was canceled. But I just hope that Vanessa can get back up on her feet, because she must have been feeling really low when she appeared on the H.oward S.tern show last year. I know you're wondering how did I come across such a low class and base show like that. Well, I was flipping channels, and came across this one and was shocked to see her on it. The show was so sad, because even Howard took pity on Vanessa who was clearly feeling down, because she was having some marital problems with her second husband, Rick Fox. You could just see the hurt and embarrassment on her face. She couldn't hide it. Hopefully, she'll be able to find love and happiness with another man in the future.

It's just a shame how the entertainment industry acts like when women turn 30, their careers are over. Just notice that folks like J.Lo, Toni Braxton, Janet Jackson, and others aren't getting the shine they used to get. But I think otherwise. I think folks like Vanessa are abundantly talented, and hope that she'll be able to make a come back as she's done before.

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Oprah's Radiates Red At Legends Ball...

"Oprah, You're Simply Marvelous!!!"...

What is a billionaire to do with all of her money? Throw a party of course. I can imagine the man standing beside Oprah saying that "Marvelous" stuff to Oprah. He's not Stedman, but he's some kind of stylist to the stars. I can't remember his name though. Well last night, ABC aired footage of Oprah's Legends Ball from last year that included some of the biggest names in the fields of entertainment, art, and civil rights. Can you imagine hobnobbing with Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Cicely Tyson, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Toni Morrison, Dorothy Height, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, Nikki Giovanni, Diana Ross (The Boss), Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen, Kimberley Elise, Alfre Woodard, Angela Bassett, and others at a weekend filled with surprises and fun? Then if that wasn't enough there was a Legends Ball that honored African American women for their achievements, which included some more folks such as Senator Barak Obama, Tyler Perry, Barbara Walters, Usher (why?), Quincy Jones, Diane Sawyer, Spike Lee, and John Travolta.

After seeing the show last night, I'm convinced that I'm not supposed to be poor. I'm not supposed to be waking up at the break of dawn with the birds to commute to a job that ignores and doesn't appreciate me. Oops, there I go again talking about me. But seriously, I could really get use to the good life times the power of 10, can you hear me? *blink* *blink*

Now that reality has firmly set back in, I better get back to work until I can find a way to get rich legally or at least moderately comfortable. It's not a crime to dream, because I actually dream of uplifting others as well.

Danielle Is America's Next Top Model...

2006-05-18T14:02:00.000-04:00

Danielle exclaimed, "Mommy, I'm America's Next Top Model...

Into:
Early on yesterday, I had prepared myself for Danielle, my favorite contestant, not winning. Time and time again, the judges got on Danielle about her country twang (accent). Coming from VA and NC, I have a little bit of a twang too. But out of the young ladies, Danielle seemed to always have a pleasant way about herself. Even in an earlier episode when she came crashing to the floor when trying to walk the catwalk in some ridicuously high heels, she went down smiling. A pure and pleasant nature can't be faked at times like this. Others would have cursed like a sailor, but she simply smiled instead. And the judges noticed.

This Year's Show Seemed Better...
I really don't watch the mainstream reality shows on the three major networks, but I did end up watching the whole season of America's Next Top Model this year. A few years ago, I remember seeing former model Janice Dickerson as a judge make a fool out of herself, which really took the attention away from the prospective top models. When Janice clowned the first week it was funny, but the next week it got down right annoying. But this year, the judges and the models seemed to be more on point. In years past, some of those chics (the contestants and the winners) didn't look like models at all. This year's competition was tighter.

Jade (Ever The Diva)...
This year the show poured on the suspense when three ladies were left standing. Jade, Joanie, and Danielle. The three had to compete in a C.overgirl commercial. Based on that alone, I thought Jade or Joanie would win, because Danielle just couldn't seem to get her country accent out of her system. But surprise, surprise, Jade is the one who choked. She walked into the competition full of confidence saying basically that the commercial would be a breeze. I don't think so. Miss Jade did her own thing as usual and didn't really memorize her lines and spent most of the time taking cues from herself rather than from the director. That left Joanie and Danielle who made better impressions. So in the first half hour, the judges politely sent Jade on her way. Throughout the whole competition, she marched to her own beat. When judges offered their advice, I'm not sure she was aware that she was nodding no or making facial expressions that said that she was not willing to take direction from them. And before packing her things and leaving, she made a statement about people misinterpeting her confidence for arrogance. Oh well. We don't have to feel sorry for Jade, because she'll probably become a model anyway. Those of us who watched the show know that she has talent. Now she has to work on her attitude. With Jade gone, at least we didn't have to endure watching any cattiness or smart remarks, because Joanie and Danielle aren't that way.

The Winner Is Revealed...
As for Danielle, I was totally shocked when Tyra named her America's Next Top Model. I just knew that the judges would pick Joanie, because the way Twiggy kept going on and on about her looking sophisticated like Grace Kelly. But I have to admit that I got a little teary eyed when Danielle said, Mommy, I'm America's Next Top Model; we don't have to struggle anymore!" I love seeing the underdog win. This former babysitter struggled with that gap in her teeth and her deep country accent, but carried herself like a real model while traveling the globe. And there's nothing left to say but, Congratulations!!!...

Friday Entertainment Report - The News We Want To See...

2006-04-28T10:06:00.000-04:00

Nicole and Boris Have Good News...

The mainstream media (Entertainment Tonight, E!, People Magazine, etc.) acts like only two couples in the world are having babies and like nobody else ever had a baby before. Unless you've been living under a rock for the past year, you are aware that Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have been looking forward to their new bundles of joy. I have to admit that the story about Angelina and Brad are bit more interesting, because they don't run after the media. The media runs after them. Their mysterious lives keep the media in a state of suspense. *yawn*

But Tom Cruise is way beyond his 15 minutes of fame. In the past year, he's hopped like a bunny rabbit on Oprah's couch, criticized Brooke Shields for taking medication to treat her postpartum blues, orchestrated a full-fledged media stunt *oops* I meant to say relationship with Katie Holmes, put a bun in Katie's oven, touted the fact that he bought an ultrasound machine for their home so that they could monitor their baby's every move (exposure to multiple sessions of ultrasound waves can't be healthy), converted Katie to his religion, proclaimed that Katie better shut her beak (silent birth) during labor and delivery, named their daughter a name that they seem to not understand the meaning of, and so on and so forth. What a whirlwind year? I wish them the best and hope that the child has a normal childhood, but enough already!!!

Last week while surfing the net, I found out on the Celebrity Baby Blog that Nicole Ari Parker, formley of Showtime's "Soul Food" series, and her husband, Boris Kodjoe, an actor in his own right, are expecting another child this fall. The couple is pictured above with their adorable daughter Sophie Tei Naaki Lee. Much love and blessings to the Kodjoe family.

Angela Bassett and Husband Courtney Also Announce Good News...

2 + 2 = 4...

Now that you all know that I can add, I can report that Angela Bassett and her husband, Courtney Vance, know how to multiply. About a month or so ago, I found out that Angela and Courtney became the proud parents of twins (a boy and girl) via surrogacy. I have to admit that when I first heard that Angela and Courtney became new parents, I almost didn't believe it. First off, Angela is in her mid to late 40's and I don't recall seeing her in maternity clothes last year. But when they revealed that they went the surrogate parent route, things became more believable. Some women are having babies in their 40's, but I don't know if it's medically safe. Nevertheless, we all wish Angela and Courtney and their bundles of joy the very best.

Akeelah And The Bee...

Keke Palmer Makes Her Big Screen Movie Debut...

Speaking of Angela Bassett, she's staring in a movie that opens today along with Laurence Fishburne and newcomer Keke Palmer. Keep an eye out for Keke. I heard that she was just signed to a record deal with Atlantic Records.

Every now and then a movie comes along that you can take your whole family to without having to endure a whole lot of cursing, violence, adult action *raised eyebrow*, and other inappropriate material for young audiences. I don't see many movies at the local theater, however, I might just see this one, because of it's positive story. The movie is about an eleven-year old who aspires to win the National Spelling Bee. It brings back old memories of me competing in a spelling bee back in junior high. To this day, I still love words and their prefixes, suffixes, and derivatives. That's why I keep a dictionary on my desk at work. I can always be found flipping pages back and forth while learning new words everyday. What a nerd? I'm not a nerd; I'm inquisitive.

People Magazine Names List Of Most Beautiful People...

Beyonce' and Terrence Howard Made The List...

I'm a big fan of Beyonce' and Terrence and love their work, but I just want to know why People magazine's list is always so predictable? Well, dang. Can anyone else get some shine? There happens to be other beautiful people out here like Sanaa Lathan, Gabrielle Union, LL Cool J, Vanessa Williams (from Soul Food), Morris Chestnut, Boris Kodjoe, Denzel Washington, Rosa Blasi ("The Division"/Lifetime TV), Mark Consuelos ("Missing"/Lifetime TV), Ziyi Zhang (Memoirs of a Geisha), Ken Wantanabe (Memoirs of a Geisha), etc.

Rosie O'Donnell Joins The Ladies At "The View"...

Why Did The Show Add Her? That's All I'm Asking...

I haven't heard anything official yet, but I've seen reports that ABC's "The View" is going to add Rosie O'Donnell to the show to replace Meredith Vieira who will replace Katie Couric who left NBC's "Today Show" to become the CBS Evening News anchor. I have a question. Why??? Are "The View's" producers trying to add fireworks to the show. Star Jones Reynolds and Joy are bickering enough from time to time, but within acceptable bounds. But now they're going to bring on Rosie. Why?

It wasn't but a month ago that Rosie was getting on Star's case about not revealing how she lost a ton of weight. Normally, I crack on Star for fun and not for meaness. But who is Rosie, a person of wide girth herself, to rag on Star? Plus, I can remember when Rosie called Whitney Houston out at the Grammys or some other big time music awards show. Rosie cracked a joke about Whitney's recreational/pharmaceutical problem. And like a true lady that she is *insert giggle*, Whitney shot Rosie the bird in full view of the tv camera. That's right. When Rosie or her dear friends such as Madonna are going through trials and tribulations, Rosie always asks the media to give them privacy and respect. Rosie seems to never respect or provide privacy to the family members and friends of other fallen or troubled stars. Did Rosie ever think that her words may have hurt Bobbi Christina, Whitney and Bobby's daughter? Respect for some and not for others. Hmm. I wished that I could offer more kind words to Rosie instead of a verbal knuckle sandwich. Oh well. Sometimes, we fall short of the glory. *hee hee*

Well, it's lunch time for me. It's time to bounce. Have a great weekend!!!... ;-)

Tragedy Touches Ashanti And Her Family...

2006-04-17T13:34:00.000-04:00

Drunk Driver Kills Ashanti's Cousin in South Africa...

Yesterday, I saw news reports that a drunken, unlicensed teenager, who had stolen his mother's car, killed Quinshae Snead, 20, Ashanti Douglas' cousin. Snead was on her way back to the Ashanti's hotel to pick up a few forgotten things such as jewelry and clothes for Ashanti, who was preparing to perform for a Saturday night concert with Lauryn Hill, Regina Belle, and other local artists in South Africa. The excessive speed mixed with the drinking caused the teenager to rear-end the car Ashanti's cousin was riding in with Ashanti's body guard, who was driving the other car. The rear-ended car rolled over, throwing Snead and the bodyguard from the car into the path of oncoming traffic. The driver of Snead's car was injured and expected to make a full recovery. The drunk teenage driver was injured also.

As of today, I've read reports that Ashanti and her family are preparing to bring Snead's body home to the U.S. for burial. I haven't seen any official statements from Ashanti yet, but a promoter for the concert said that Ashanti and her family are traumatized and devastated by their loss. The promoter's comments can be quite understandable, since the Douglas family has been described to be very close. In fact, I recall reading in one of the articles that Snead lived with Ashanti. For more information, please see the following: ==> Tragedy Touches Ashanti's Family.

No matter how many times folks have been told not to drink and drive, accidents like this one continue to happen. Because of Saturday's accident, lives will be changed forever. Let's keep Ashanti and her family in our prayers.

Static: Don't Start None. Won't Be None. Hay!!!....

2006-04-13T06:42:00.000-04:00

Motto: Home Sweet Home...

My Motto: I Take A Lot Of Trash At Work, But I Don't Take It At Home...

Intro: Hello, Good People. I hope everyone is doing well. I've been checking out your blogs in the middle of my crazy days between meetings, but didn't get a chance to reply. (Side Note: Shellyp: Congrats, Miss Lady, for your and your husband's blessing, *RPM*: Congrats on a new chapter of your life; I have so much respect for you in the way that you determined that it was time for you to move onto another job, SP: Don't let those crazy folks at your job get you down, Dee: Smile, things are going to get bettter and better for you and your family, PrincessDominique: Keep churning out those interesting blog entries; are you in the process of writing a new book?, Everybody else: I haven't forgotten about you. I feel like I'm at the Grammys trying to remember to mention everyone in my shoutouts. *hee hee*) All I can say is thank you for helping me make it through the day at work. I know it's been a while since I've blogged, but it's just not going to be done on a regular basis for a while, because of my job situation. I'm still in the process of trying to get a promotion so I barely have any free time. At lunch, I'm still working many times. And when I get home, I'm too tired to string two lucid sentences together. However, I decided to blog a little bit before I go to work.

Now check this out. A few weeks ago, I noticed that the neighbor who lives across from me was getting a new refrigerator on a Sunday. But I didn't pay much attention to the situation. I went about my way. But the next day on Monday, why was an old refrigerator pushed up beside my front door? Mondays are a little tough on me, because every single week I have to come to terms with the fact that I have to go to work. Don't get me wrong. I'm thankful to have a job. I just get tired of the mindless bullcrap and crazy people I have to deal with.

Before proceeding on, I must provide you with a little background information. About a year and a half to two years ago, I purchased my first place. I got tired of paying rent that was equal to or more than what folks were paying for mortgages in the area. Homes in the Baltimore-Washington Metro area can be very expensive. So, I was very thoughtful in making my home purchase decision. I took my accountant's advice and decided to purchase a small place in a planned community, because the neighborhood strives to keep up its home values. But with that comes the home owners' association. And part of this kind of set up doesn't allow appliances to be discarded improperly.

Being Plain Proactive: When I first noticed the refrigerator, I was thinking what nerve my neighbor had to push her old, leaking fridge beside my door. Why didn't she push it beside hers? The condo association president lives very near me. And I could totally understand the neighbors or the condo association president seeing the fridge and thinking it was mine. So, at the risk of hurting my easy to hurt back (via my do-myself-mentality: towing huge suitcases at the airport; assembling bookcases and an exercise bike; moving boxes, etc.), I pushed the refrigerator back over beside my neighbor's door. And to make sure no one reported me, I called the management office for the condo to inform them that it wasn't mine. Afterall, residents can be fined for such violations. I stated to the management company that I wasn't trying to get anyone in trouble; I just wanted it to be documented that the fridge wasn't mine. Could you imagine me getting fined for something that I didn't do? Chile please!!!.... (Side Note: If anyone hears or sees, Tiff (Proactiff), tell her I side hi and we miss her blog.)

Neighbor Trying To Pull Someone Up...Namely Me: As I said before, this incident happened some weeks ago. When I made the phone call to the management company, the representative told me to call her if the fridge had not been hauled away in the next day. The next day or two it was gone. So, I didn't think anymore of the situation. But no...I get a little knock at the door. This was the first time I've seen/talked/met my neighbor since I moved there. Of course, I didn't open the door and opted to talk through the door and look out the peep hole. What? Come on now. I don't allow people to case out my place. Shuxxx....Where were we? Oh, yeah. Yesterday, my neighbor came over to discuss the incident with me. Evidently, the management company charged her $200 to haul away her old fridge and she wasn't happy about her little bill. And I guess she wanted someone to take responsibility for this bill. Good folks, when it comes to money, I don't play. What can I say? I come from a long line of folks you can't mess with when it comes to money. It's been said that my Great Granddaddy handled a difficult situation dealing with his land purchases decades ago during the jim crow days. Years ago, I witnessed my Grandmother getting someone told about not paying a bill on time when she used to sell products similar to Amway products to supplement her maid's job. So, let's just say this thing is genetic. I ain't getting off no cash when it ain't my fault.

I hate starting a sentence with the word, "being." But being the person that I am, I put a whole lot of thought into my decisions no matter how big or small. I just didn't call the management company for kicks or to embarrass my neighbor. I'm just tired of being done wrong and done in. I've seen the consequences of me staying silent in many situations over the years. So my conclusion was that if I had not called, then most likely I would have been the one to have to bear the burden of proving that the fridge wasn't mine. I've had appliances replaced in my place since I've been living here. However, I always made sure the delivery person hauled away the old appliance at $10 a piece (and not $200). I just factored the removal fee into the total purchase price of getting the new appliance.

The Half-Apology: As my neighbor told me about the $200 charge, she told me that she was trying to apologize. I accepted. Then she followed up with, "We should be more neighborly in the future." Next time, leave a letter or a note on my door instead of calling the managment company." "Say What?", was my response that I was thinking. But I told her being neighborly means not rolling old refrigerators beside a neighbor's door. Had she left the fridge beside her door, I most likely would have let the situation go on for a while. But no, I felt that she intentionally and deliberately had the delivery folks to push the old leaky one near me to keep herself out of trouble. People need to learn how to apologize or just don't do it all, because conditional statements placed with an apology nullifies it. What's the point? Either you're sorry or you're not. Move on. I sincerely apologized to a motorist some years ago, because it was my fault that I wasn't driving carefully one winter morning. I thought the street was wet, but it was actually black ice. I slid down a hill and hit a truck. His bumper fell off. I apologized sincerely, provided my insurance information, and followed-up with a call to see if he was feeling okay later that day. I paid much more than $200 to fix his car and mine, but I was simply grateful that he wasn't hurt. Thank God. Afterall, I was wrong and caused him to have to take off work to get his truck fixed. Getting back to my neighbor, I bet she wanted me to apologize to her and help pay that $200. Didn't happen. So, in the words of James Brown, "Static: Don't Start None. Won't Be None. Hay!!!..."

Alrighty, I have to get rolling. Take care. And have a good day. *Smile*

Friday Entertainment Report

2006-03-31T14:29:00.000-05:00

Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons Split...

It seems like divorce is in the air these days. There was Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. There was Babyface and Tracey Edmonds, and a host of other couples who chose to end their marriages. I guess the question should be who isn't divorced in Hollywood and the entertainment field? Now there's new news. The latest news report states that Russell and Kimora have decided to split after seven years of marriage, but will remain friends while raising their two daughters. It was just last week when Kimora was in Maryland promoting her new book, "Fabulosity." And the DJs mentioned something about Russell being in the area a few weeks before. And then they mentioned that it seems like Russell and Kimora keep turning up at the same places for entrepreneurial projects, political conferences, and product promotions, but at different times and dates. If you sort of read between the lines, it sounds like they had been separated for a while to be separately traveling to the same places. Or maybe I'm reading too much into that radio interview.

I have to honestly admit that I found Russell and Kimora to be a somewhat unlikely pairing from the beginning just the way Kimora towered over Russell, but who am I to judge? Before this incident a local radio show showed them no mercy by calling them Miss Piggy and Kermit. Good grief. Folks can be so mean. I guess sometimes it's better to not be famous for the sake of the criticism that famous folks receive. Nevertheless, I still think it's a bit sad that they are splitting, especially for their two young daughters. The adults may move on and eventually find happiness again with another mate, but when it comes to the children, I always wonder how they will cope with this new situation.

Let me clairfy before I go on. I'm not trying to say whether a couple's decision to divorce is right or wrong for them, because I'm not in the position to say. But I just keep remembering what friends and cousins have told me how they felt when their parents divorced. And the kind of pain that they speak of seems like it will last for a lifetime.

Naomi Campbell

Good people, what in the world is wrong with Naomi Campbell? I know that Naomi is to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But folks, she has a history of going off on people. I think some years ago she beat up her personal assistant. Now they are saying that she threw a phone at a housekeeper, because Naomi thought the housekeeper had stolen from her. It seems like Naomi just can't keep herself from reaching out and punching/hitting someone. If she keeps this up, she'll end up in jail fighting the sho-nuff, hardened, Big Bertha felons, which ain't no joke. I also heard something about Busta Rhymes going upside someone's head too, but I think his weapon of choice was a champagne bottle. I guess they were Kung Fu Fighting. Remember that song?

Whitney Houston

I don't know if this is totally true or not, but radio stations have been reporting that a news correspondent from F.ox News, the N.ational Inquirer of news, is saying that Whitney Houston is flat broke, that her daughter she had with hubby Bobby Brown is now living with relatives, because Whitney is so strung out on crack, and that Whitney was thrown out of a townhouse she was sharing with 1980's singer Cherrelle. Another report said that Whitney was toothless. Folks just got crazy and carried away with the news reporting. Perhaps, two out of the five news reports are true. What can we say? In the words of Whitney, "Crack is wack." Let's just hope and pray that Whitney can get her life together for the sake of her daughter, Bobbi Christina. A success story would be nice to hear.

Star Jones Reynolds

Star just can't seem to stay out of the gossip circles. Earlier this year, she refused to discuss the specifics related to her weight loss, while promoting her book. I guess that's her right to discuss some things and not others. *shrug* Then about a week or two ago, reports surfaced that she experienced some post operative problems following a breast lift surgery. One of the tabloids went so far as to say that she was near death, which she strongly disputes. I didn't buy that embarrassing tabloid; I just made sure that I read it while waiting to have my groceries rung up at the store. I can't let folks coming to my place find trashy tabloids strewn about. *hee hee* Back to the story. It was also reported that Al, her husband, also was rushed to the hospital on the same day for bumping his head at the gym. He's such the Diva Deev. But Star was in California, while Al was in New York that day. It seems like a hubby should have been by a wife's side for surgery, since surgery is serious if there are any complications. But oh well, what do I know? I wonder what will be next in the Star Jones media/gossip saga.

Enough of this entertainment babble. Everyone have an enjoyable weekend!!! ;-)

What's Your Outlook On Life???...

2006-03-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

"Under The Boardwalk" By The Drifters

Oh when the sun beats down and burns the tar up on the roof
And your shoes get so hot you wish your tired feet were fire-proof
Under the boardwalk, down by the sea, yeah
On a blanket with my baby is where I'll be...

(Under the boardwalk) out of the sun
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be havin' some fun
(Under the boardwalk) people walking above
(Under the boardwalk) we'll be *making love*
Under the board-walk, board-walk! ...

Intro: In case you haven't noticed, I have a reoccurring beach or water theme going on in my blog. In some kind of way, I feel connected to water. I'm not about to go off into some deep explanation, because it's not that serious. But what I will say is that I've never lived in a landlocked state, and that the water scenes somehow relax me and allow me to meditate on deep matters. So, today's blog picture of a boardwalk viewfinder is so fitting. It reminds me of the piers around the Virginia Beach,VA, Norfolk, VA, and Northeastern North Carolina areas when I was a kid.

Getting The Picture: The above picture speaks to me in a way that lets me know that my life is getting further and further away from the things that I want and desire. I'm getting swept away. I'm being taken away with the tide. I rarely reveal many specific things about myself on my blog on purpose, however, I felt like I could share this part of myself with you in a vague way. Well, isn't that special? *lol* But getting back to my earlier thought, I feel like my job and the pressure that it mounts on me is taking me into a direction that I don't want to go towards. It's not bad or evil. I just don't prefer it. Let me explain.

Previous Assumptions: When I first started working for Uncle Leroy's gubment agency some years ago, I felt like I wanted to come out here and save the world after finishing college. I had lofty goals and felt like nothing could stop me. But, friends, there's a price to pay for success. Things are never what they seem to be. I use to think that all I had to do was work hard and treat everybody well, and things would all work out just fine. I wish. The last so many years has just been an unending struggle involving mounting work, complicated assignments, backstabbing co-workers, minimal advancement, etc. And the job is requiring more sacrifice from me. The more involved I become with my work, I feel like my job is like a wave or tide about to take me away from everything that I've ever wanted. The folks at my job want my time, energy, thoughts, dreams, desires, and goals. Simply put, I can't give them all of that. The best parts of me belong to me. Besides, I work this job to pay my bills, but it is not fulfilling my purpose in life at all. I thought that I could handle things the way they were/are. I know that I'm thankful for my job and know that I happen to work with some hardworking and intelligent people I admire despite the other folks. Buying new things like cars, clothes, and property are nice, but once again I had to ask the question, "Was I fulfilling my purpose?" Umm, no.

The Life And Times Of A Workhorse: It doesn't help that I work in a very competitive work atmosphere where all of us geek/nerd analysts are striving hard to get the hot projects and hold on to the ones that we have. I thought hardwork would bring on the promotions, but that didn't happen for me. For years, I huddled over my cluttered desk surrounded by my trusty dictionary, thesaurus, and English books as I drafted policy materials, reports, and letters. It's like school all over again. But this time around the grade letter "A" doesn't always go to the workhorses like me. Other less competent people seem to rise to the top. They confer with me to get background information before they stroll down the hall to attend a meeting with the big dogs. It reminds me of the cheaters from the old school days. They don't bother to study, but they don't have any shame in craning their necks over your shoulder to look at the answers. I'm totally baffled why they are continually rewarded for their mediocrity. But perhaps, I really just don't belong here.

Realizations: A few years ago, I came to terms with the fact that I'm not really making a direct impact on the people I thought I would be helping. My job does more indirect things in such a way that I am unable to determine whether there is any impact for the greater good. There I go again with the vagueness, but I have to for good reason. However, as I tread the choppy and shark-filled waters of my office, I have a strong feeling that I belong in the Education field. Specifically, I want to be an educational researcher. *lol* Okay, I didn't razzle and dazzle you all with my dreams, but it's a geek's paradise. I don't want to do research for the sake of doing it. I want to ultimately help disadvantaged kids get the kind of education that will help them to compete in today's world. In order to make it, kids are going to have know how to articulate themselves and to solve complex equations so that they can take on the world more on their terms instead of having orders barked out to them. Oops. Was I talking about me? But what I mean is that I want the next generation to have more opportunities. The whole career transition thingy is really a pain. I just hope that I didn't find out these factoids too late to make a difference. But I'm taking steps to redirect my path in the way that I intended it to go. I'll keep you all posted on what's happening once there are some firm developments.

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Update: Blog friends, thank you so much for the advice that you all offered me concerning my disgruntled and jealous co-worker. My family and friends totally agree with you all. But it's too bad that I haven't been able to make time in my busy day to put my co-worker in her place. My new detail position has me so busy. I even have meetings during lunch, which I hate but grin through. My co-worker is still making catty comments. Apparently, she can't help herself. But I think it was mean of her to get smart with me when I simply asked her how our other co-worker, who was in the hospital last week, was doing. She proceeded to bite my head off and tell me that I know more than she does and that folks don't tell her anything. During mid-performance (yes, she was about to go into overdrive), I got up from my desk and walked away, leaving her smacking her jaws in the aisle by herself. Lord, please provide me the strength to behave in the right way and administer the right amount of firmness with that woman. My co-worker just won't be happy until someone tells her off. But I just hope that things won't come to that. :-}

The Office Chronicles

2006-02-06T08:11:00.000-05:00

Fresh Off The Press From The
"Well Ain't That A Blip" Office Files....

INTRO: This morning I just want to vent a little bit. So please bear with me. For some time I've put off blogging about my job and my promotion (lack there of) situation, because I simply didn't want to think about it. If I want to have a good day, I just shove certain thoughts under the rug and keep it moving.

NEW JOB OPPORTUNITY: But today, I have chosen to speak about the office, because I've been permitted to peform a detail position in another office. After going through the line of protocol and discussing my disappointment in not getting a grade promotion after performing the work of a senior analyst for years, my supervisor and her bosses allowed me time away on a detail. For those of you who don't work for Uncle Leroy's gubment, a detail is a temporary job in another office. My job position itself is still permanent; I still belong to the old office. It's like my office loaning me and my work out to another office. And sometimes detail positions lead to permanent positions in the office the person is doing the detail. I haven't put any pressure and unrealistic expectations on myself. All I want to do is a great job, and then whatever happens happens. But I'll pray and hope for the best.

THE CATCH: Well friends, things can never ever be that easy. There's always got to be some mess. Just last week, my supervisor told me that today I would be allowed to start work in the new area. All that I would have to do is finish two letters, then I would be free to go do my thing. Yeah right. Two women are supposed to take over my work while I'm gone. Yup, two people will do the job of one workhorse (me). But the older lady co-worker is making all kinds of smart remarks, which is really starting to annoy me. She's getting to be a real pest. I have a lot of reading and learning to do with the new work area, and she's not making things any better by trying to give her work to me. I don't have time for it. It's a shame that people can't be happy for you when something good comes your way.

THE REAL DEAL: Let me give you a brief background about her. She came to my division about a year or so ago. She worked on other projects. But late last year, she started working on my project, because my office needed a backup for me. I thought my co-workers and I were cool until a meeting last December. My office and another office met to iron out some details of a new process. I simply made the recommendation that the analysts (the older lady and myself) should be responsible for pushing out the instructions and work, and not the supervisors, who manage several divisions and travel domestically and internationally for meetings. Instead of taking the time to listen to what the workhorse (me) had to say, the older lady co-worker turned her back to me and dismissed what I said in front of everybody. I had a "Oh No, She Didn't" moment, but I remained quiet. If you can't trust folks on your team, it's time to move on to another job. Now, my words have come full circle in that the new work process is severely behind, because the supervisors didn't manage and push the work out. I really wished that I cared, but I don't. Folks didn't listen, so now they need to deal with the ramifications and implications of their nifty ideas. Cuz, I iz through.

A TRUE PAIN IN THE YOU KNOW WHERE: Now that it is time for me to start work with the new office, the older lady is showing her true colors. Last Friday, I held a transitional meeting to provide background information about my project to the people taking over. But the older lady kept making comments like => "I'm going to keep sending you emails about the project." "You're not going to get out of this work." "You really need to attend next Monday's meeting as part of your transition." "You need to help us get this work done." "All this work will be waiting for you when you come back 4 months from now." "From time to time, we will be keeping you abreast of the project." "Look for the emails." "Who has this or that, because someone said that our office is unresponsive?" "So, are you coming to the meeting?" "We're going to keep you in the loop." Last week I had 1,000 emails in my work account, which I pared down to 890. Now I'm receiving emails from the new and old office (several from the older co-worker just today). I need to get familiar with the delete button. *shrug* Friends and family can't understand why I haven't put my co-worker in her place yet. I try to give folks the benefit of the doubt, but this is really stretching it. And that's the honest to goodness truth. I don't owe my co-worker any explanations as she is not my boss. It's none of her business if I choose to apply for another job, go to grad school, or anything else. Furthermore, it's every man (person) for himself when it comes to decisions involving advancement. Besides, what would I look like staying back and supporting everybody else, while I go another year without a promotion? That just doesn't make good sense. Whatever dude! The older lady is just a co-worker bummed out about having to take on my workload. In the past, when other co-workers were promoted or moved to another division, I wished them well and didn't bother them as they moved along. I took on their workload and kept it moving without all of the moaning and complaining and catty comments.

Trying To Keep Cool: Last time I checked I noticed that I got one paycheck, so why in the world would I try to do two jobs? I may be a lot of things, but I ain't crazy. I did all that I could to bite my tongue last week and today. I really hate confrontations, but if that woman comes to me complaining and making jabs about me getting an opportunity in another office, I might have to give Ms. Lady a piece of my mind in a nice way. I hope that it won't come to this though. I really don't want to hurt her feelings. At the same time I want her to realize that she is capable of doing this work and to not feel overwhelmed, because she has more experience and education than I do. I'm trying to deal with this situation the best way I know, but if you all have any suggestions, please do tell. <:-}

Oprah On The Hot Seat...

2006-02-01T14:10:00.000-05:00

Ms. Winfrey, Silence Can Be Golden...

I'm a little behind in my posting, and meant to blog about this last week when all of this mess was taking place. As some of you may know, Oprah has a list of books she recommends. The short and skinny of this set up is that after announcing her picks, her audience and target consumer population go out and buy the books, which propels some unknown authors to fame. Some of the authors were already notable figures in the literary world, while others are brand new. For the new ones, they can catch the jackpot if she loves them. When Oprah speaks, many people listen.

Before I get to discussing this here thang that went down recently, please know that I'm not an Oprah fan or hater. I view Oprah's talk show as a buffet bar. I choose what I like from her show, and simply discard the rest. This means that I like her shows about fashion, celebrities, and home decor. But I switch the channel when she discusses spiritual and relationship issues, since I'm not on the same page with her about those things. To each her own, right?

Back to the issue at hand...Last year, Oprah chose the "A Million Little Pieces" book by James Frey. This book was supposed to be a memoir detailing the experiences that Frey endured while struggling with his substance abuse problems. Oprah fell in love with the book. In fact, she gave some gifts to Frey's mother on her "Favorite Things" show. But then, the "Smoking.Gun" website found out that Frey had embellished a few things. (Side Note: FOLKS CLAIM THAT WE LIE, WHILE THEY EMBELLISH...FREY'S BUTT LIED!!!) Then Frey appeared on the Larry King Live show to set things straight. He claimed that he made up somethings to make himself appear to be badder and tougher than he really was. Perhaps, he did this for the sake of sensationalism. Shux, I don't care; I didn't buy the book. But while I was running my mouth on the phone, I was also channel surfing when I came upon the Larry King show. And lo and behold, good ole Oprah called in to take up for Frey quite strongly. She had his back. She basically said that although the facts were embellished (lies), the book still helped others who had similar struggles to Frey. Well, Hello America, the Golden Voice has spoken. *extreme sarcasm*

A week or so later, a columnist from the Washington.Post echoed the same thing I and other folks had been saying. Suddenly, is what's right wrong and what's wrong right? We couldn't really understand why Oprah felt compelled to call into the Larry King show. She didn't take up for Kirk Franklin (his skinmagazine addiction), Toni Braxton (past bankruptcy with Arista Records), and some other folks. So what makes Frey any different. I could have understood her putting out a short statement to say that the show was unaware of Frey's lies. But no, she went to bat for this guy. And because of all of this hoopla, Frey's books are still selling well.

Then the next week she did a total 180 Degree turn. She invited Frey to be on her show. Initially, he probably thought that she was going to roll out the red carpet for him, and mollycoddle him some more. Not. He was like a deer in the headlights. She lit him up like a Christmas tree, and all he could do was sit there and look straightforward. Oprah had the home court advantage and controlled all parameters of communication, since the doggone thang was unfolding on her show. If she didn't like the way the show came out, all she had to do was edit or totally can the show. It's beyond me why Frey didn't just walk off the show that was in progress. Oprah was telling him that he duped her and the nation. I was wondering whether this show was devoted to her ego or to her product brand (her show) as business and tv analysts have indicated. Although Oprah apologized, I don't think she took enough responsibility for her own missteps. She needs to realize that she picked Frey's book and not the reverse. Even after she found out that he lied, she powerfully came to his aid. But now she's changed her mind and is furious with him? If she just stayed mum, things would have blown over. So now if Frey harms himself in some kind of way behind experiencing her wrath on her show, will Oprah come out and do another show to twist this thang some more? When does it end?

Then the news/spin tv shows went to work on Oprah like it was nobody's business. They held panel discussions with about four or five folks to talk down about the woman. Some made it sound sort of personal. But what I actually realized is that some of the panelists and tv bigmouths may never admit it, but some of them are probably thinking that no woman of color should have a billion dollars and the empire that she has. So those folks had no shortage of backhanded comments directed towards Oprah. Was I starting to feel sorry for her? Perhaps, I don't know. But there is one thing that I do know. Silence can be golden!

Remembering Mrs. Coretta Scott King

2006-01-31T13:16:00.000-05:00

A Lady Of Class And Dignity.....
1927-2006

As I was getting ready for work this morning, the news reported that Mrs. Coretta Scott King had passed away last night in her sleep at the age of 78. Mrs. King never really recovered from the stroke she sustained last fall. And throughout the news report, all I kept thinking was how elegant and dignified this lady had been during the worst moments of her life. Although I had not been born at the time when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, I can remember the picture of his widow sitting stoicly holding their young daughter at his funeral. I can remember her holding her head high. She put on a brave face to show the world that she may have been down, but not out.

Although people usually think of her husband when the civil rights movement is mentioned, people need to also know that Mrs. King was a civil rights activist in her own right. Mrs. King didn't sit quietly in a corner as a widow and the matriarch of her family. She stayed quite active in human rights and equality initiatives. She gave speeches, traveled, and met international dignitaries to continue her husband's work. She lived a wonderful life, and I am so glad that she graced with her presence. Now Mrs. King's work is done. Soror/Mrs. Coretta Scott King, Rest in Peace.