Vanity

so this guy I used to talk to back in the FAMU days just asked to be my friend on FB. He's the one who after a while, I couldn't STAND b/c he loved being a light-skinned Alpha who happened to be Catholic. He was starting this up while we were talking and even used some places we'd frequent to promote on the site. I remember putting him on to chocolate martinis on V-Day then all the hoes started jumping on my drink cause they read about it on DGL... *eyeroll* he didn't even give me credit. He was a certified asshole once his lil webpage started to jump-off.

it's changed. well, it has been 5+ years, lol

Anyway, I confirmed request and started looking thru his pics. Yo, he has NOT aged well. Like, he looks OLLLLLLD. Receding hairline, crows feet, poppa belly, et al. Meanwhile, I'm here getting better with age (lmao).

I just wonder if he's looking thru my pictures and saying, "Damn, I messed that up." or "Wow, she looks really good! She's always been cute but now she's simply gorgeous!" or whatever else guys say when they realize the err of their ways, HA!

I'm a mess right now.

Next note, I think I have a really nice clavicle.

Totally random, I know.

But for real, in the pictures that people like of me, I noticed my clavicle frames my head/face quite nicely. I think it's one of those unconscious things about beauty. You know why someone or something is pleasing to the eye, but you can't put your finger on it.

Lastly, I really and truly believe with all my heart, all my girls look amazing. I don't think there's a weak link in my crew. There is no "ugly friend" in my group. Whatever your type, she's here with personality to boot.

So that's my Saturday feel good rant. I'm wearing my sweatpants, went to the salon and now i'm thinking about sushi :-) Life is good (on the weekend).

Random Thoughts

The one thing I like abt my cycle is how my cup size goes up. I'm like a good A.5 right now. Looks hot in the v-necks. Too bad I don't feel that way.

While on the topic, is it safe to leave "artillery" (what I call fem products) in the car? The heat won't denature anything? I don't want asbestosis on my lady parts.

And STILL on the topic, why did I go to the master bathroom and find a box of liners from 1982!?!?!?! Kanye said it best, "put that p^$$* in a sarcophagus"

So one of my fave homies works for NAS.CAR and got me and Drew access to the last race in the series (Homestead). I have no idea what we got ourselves into. I do want to go and check it off my hypothetical list of things done in life. (Attend a NASCAR race). I do wonder what Craig Mack would do in my case...

The commericals with a random man (dos xx and oldspi.ce) are too funny! We need more anonymous people.

My class makes me want to have children. Seriously, when I work one-on-one with the babes, I marvel at their little brains working and making connections. the lightbulb makes everything worth it :-)

Guess who's the sponsor of the new and improved Cooking Club??? Yeah, another teacher pestered the hell out of the principal and she brought them back. Yesterday, we made carrot-banana bread. Yep, me and 24 2nd-5th graders! Nope, I've never made it before that day. They came out ok!! Possibly too much stirring but you can't ask children not to stir!

I had a talk with Lyds. I think everything should... *fingers crossed* be ok planning wise. All my favorite girls are on board and I'm chipping away at ceremony/reception sites! I's getting excited! Esp when Jam decides to come down! Aaaaaaaah!

Drew said his parents will prob be at our wedding. You have no idea how happy I was when he said that! Now let's schedule a meeting between now and June... Baby steps?

My hair has lost its mind. But, it's getting done tomorrow. I can't wait. No more depending on bobby pins to hold together my self esteem.

Yo, that dress I wore this past Saturday? Straight up disrespectful. It mocked me. I felt like sophomore year after spring break when ALL my jeans and underwear happened to shrink in the dryer... bastards. I swore up and down it was the super hot dryers fault... till my roomie pointed out my face did the opposite of shrink, Texas bitch. I'm kidding (abt calling her a b!. She was one of the nicest people at HU!)

Football was good to me this week. Cowboys won, Giants lost, steelers lost, Vick/Eagles (mostly Vick) won. Dude straight up solo gang banged the Skins. How do you want it? I'll run it, I'll pass it, I'll hail mary it, how you want it? I got it. Gimme dat.

Even though I have two different dress styles in mind, I'm going for the fun party look. Sheath says, "demure". It doesn't say "fun". My brother likes the one I like too! He's so cute, he told me about a nice wedding he saw where I'm thinking of wedding... awwww!

Whyyyyyyy, is there a lady at school who prints out everything she's doing for her daughter's wedding (april 2011) for me? And she asked what size I am in case I was close in size to her daughter who got married last October. Ummmm, thanks but no thanks?!

Who can't wait for Thanksgiving break??? I can't wait for T-Break! even though I know it's going to be some madness...

I'm out!

Day 7- Your Best Friend

I have two best friends.

The oldest one is Andrew. He's been my guy best friend since we met in high school my freshman year (Fall 96). We instantly clicked and the rest is history.

My other BF is Jameil. We met at the Illustrious Hampton University. I don't remember her freshman year but I know we had University 101 Honors. I'm sure she was the loud and obnoxious one reppin Queen City or something like that. Ugh. (lol)

I think we got closer towards the end of freshman year but I know for a fact we really hit it off sophomore year. I don't even know what instance brought us together but we've pretty much been inseparable (as inseparable as people can be living in different states!! LOL) "every" since.

Hmmm, I really want to know now... we never stayed in the same dorms, totally different majors... maybe during one of my trips to the dorm most of the KDY Queens lived in (DuBois Hall), I met her thru a Queen Journ major... that has to be it!

Whatever the case, we had a BLAST sophomore year! We frequented the on campus apartments together (for cool music and movies), ran around campus together (literally. like, it'll be 2:10am and Jam and I would be running around), chased after guys together (we stayed looking for an Expo with Carolina tags! LMMFAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and partied together (remember when Amerie's sister stepped on my foot and almost got her behind whooped, calmly?). When I got over my major (Rx), I would sit in her class (also cause I had a crush on her prof) and then we'd do whatever it is sophomore girls do (I really don't remember. Go to small caf for lunch?).

Right before junior year, I was abducted transferred from my Home By the Sea. Jameil and I kept in touch. I think we e-mailed like crazy. Then she introduced me to Blogger and that's how we really kept in touch with eachother's lives. It wasn't until 03-04 do I really remember talking to her on the phone on a regular basis. She was always the level-headed, rational one when I got delusional in my thoughts. I really love her for not being judgmental even though she kind of comes off as being so. Let me explain.

When I was going thru straight and utter foolishness with a guy, Jameil was never that friend who was like, "Oh helllll no! You need to leave him! Why are you still with him!? OMG, are you stupid for staying? He is thee worst!" She would listen to me rationalize foolishness of why he likes me more than his other girl (smh) or even better, come up with the brilliant idea of doing to him what he was doing to me. Then she'd and say something like, "Just don't get hurt. You know it's not like you to do that so why pretend that it is?" Almost like, "If you like, I love it" (even if she really doesn't love it. as long as you're happy...). From reading her recent post abt her mom, I'm sure she got that from her (letting you make your own decisions instead of telling you what to do). Those are my FAVORITE things about Jameil (rationality and objectiveness).

Now the reason why I say she comes off as judgmental is cause she knows what she likes and what she knows what she doesn't like. If you try to get her to see your way, save your breath. Jameil's mind is usually already made up. People may take her having a strong point-of-view as judging their p-o-v but that is totally not the case. She likes what she likes and entitles you to your opinion, take or leave hers.

Jameil and I have many common interests. One of the first ones we shared was InStyle mag. We used to spend hours poring over each page via phone. Utter glee emanated when we were in the same place with our magazines! (we have pics to prove it. word? iPhoto wants to show out now. ::FACE::). We also share a love of fashion. In a split second, we can tell you what's right or wrong with an outfit. we are firm believers in accessories and "less is more"/CocoChanel's "take off one thing" rules.

We have been known to be extra the life of the parties (FB pics to prove it) and we can have fun in a paper bag.

OMG, do you know how awesome that paper bag party will be?! PARTY IN THE BAG! I CAN'T WAIT! AND I KNOW YOU CAN'T EITHER!

I know you just got hyped off an imaginary party in a paper bag. Admit it, for a split second you really wanted to be invited to our Paper Bag Party. It's okay, you knew it would've been all the way live!

So yeah, my BFFL! Drew and Jameil!

30's the New 20?

Why something always got be the new-new? Can't we just appreciate where we are? Maybe even take it back? Why come Jay Zee turned 40 so now it's the new 30? Is 30 where it's at? And when Drew turned 30 the other day, why did a 34 y.o we dined with say, "It's the new 20!"?

Did I miss a memo?

Was 20 the hauteness?

Now don't get me wrong, I'd LOVE to re-live my college days, all 2,555 of them. (Well, not alllll of them.) But when Niko (RJ's new boo) made the aforementioned statement, I was INSTANTLY taken back to 2002.

*

Okay, I turned 20 in May of 2002 so sophomore year was clearly over. I just gotten word I'd be attending FAMU with my brother who just graduated from Suncoast High. In May of 2002, I got my 2nd tattoo, a star on where I guess would be an ovary. Summer 2002, my family and I drove to Hampton to get my things out of storage. I left a note for Martina and BB on a trunk. I really think we drove back to Florida without a word coming out of my mouth.

Summer 2002, the guy I was dealing with starts to show his ass. We go back and forth via snail mail. (LMMFAO) I don't even remember what was said but I come thisclose to telling him, "That's why you weren't my first like I said you were." But I knew I wouldn't be coming back to HU and I didn't want him talking iSht about me while I wasn't there. He stamps, affirms, and confirms my decision to not make my first person anyone special. I could only imagine how I would've felt if he WAS my first. Someone would've had had to die. And it wasn't going to be me.

Fall 2002, first semester at FAMU... interesting. "Does anyone have class here?" Not taking a class but social class.

One thing I did notice was how openly Greek stuff was here. EVERYTHING was claimed with two colors and two years. I thought that was cool.

I shared a townhouse with two chicks I've known forever but mostly from Suncoast. We had lots of fun. Some trying times of course but more fun like making up dance routines and watching the Best man EVERYDAY. We were also walking distance to campus. I dated a guy who was the equivalent of a Student Leader at Hampton. We went to football games together with Kim and her BF (now husband). Dee marched in the 100.

I went to an Oil Spill with Kitty and fell on the ground a lot. I wasn't drunk, there was just hella liq on the floor. Not cool. I NEVER want to fall at parties and look like "that chick". Kitty got bit in the ass. We got barked at and guerilla-style dry humped. My car got broken into and all my CDs were gone. DEVASTATED. I then decided "I don't like Ques." They weren't like the ones at Hampton. FAMU Ques were beyond nasty and uncouth. and the ones from Florida State were extra hype. I assumed they had to prove themselves cause they're crossed at a PWI. Oh Lord, there's a white one too. He wins the title for Too Hype.

Parties at FAM are called Cosmos, short for Cosmopolitans. No one knew what I was talking about when I said I wanted to go to Cabs, short for Cabarets. Oh well, they were fun either way.

Football games are BEYOND a blast at my new school. OMG, the band is the greatest. and I know a lot of people in the band so I make special requests. It's so cool to know so many people from home. I feel like I can be myself. But in classes where I don't know anyone, I'm seen as the bourgie chick. I think it's cause I intro myself as a transfer from Hampton university. well, that's what I was! I'm torn. I hated the pretentiousness of HU, the "keeping up appearances" the full out accepting of being bourgie. You don't have to be stuck up/stank to have class. People were full of themselves at HU. But then I get to FAM and the ghettoness has me shaking my head at every turn. Where am I? Where do I belong? I didn't make any new friends.

Christmas comes, EVERYONE is home. I love not having to catch US Air to come home. I HATED that airline. My hair is long again.

Spring 2003

I'm still 20. The Student Leader I was dating ships out on Valentine's Day. He's in the reserves. I meet the whole family when we go to St. Pete the week before. Cool, his mom ADORES me.

Classes happen, I have a 3.8 gpa, I'm an education major and I love it. I visit my beloved Hampton for CC's bday in February. OMG, I MISS ALLL MY HOMIES! IT'S SO COOL TO BE AROUND PEOPLE WHO DON'T THINK YOU'RE BOURGIE, BUT NORMAL!!

Basketball games are okay... they're in the gym so I feel a bit claustrophobic. HU played in the convocation center which hosted concerts and other big events. Am I really sitting on wooden bleachers like I'm in highschool? Oh well, the Pep Band is great so I have fun.

It's spring time so probates are happening left and right. Virgil crossed Kappa. Everyone is at his probate but I'm on the phone with SL's WIFEY. Yes, the guy I was dating has a main chick. I call Deanne and she can't understand a word I'm saying cause I'm wailing on the phone. She was also at Virgil's probate. She thought I was dying of pain or something. My heart was breaking as if it was made of poorly made glass. It's a bad time for me. I cut my hair for the 2nd time in my life. I look like a Supreme and I love it.

The end of March brings a wonderful party to my life. The Illustrious Champagne Sip. Kitty and I attend our first one Spring 2003. THEE best party EVER. EVAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR! We get dressed up in ball gowns and drink champagne all night? So there. We had no idea how loose it would get. But loose in a good way, not in a Champagne Sip 2004 way. *whew!*

April comes and goes. Exams and graduation come and go. School's out, "summer" is here. SL is still calling me, trying to make things work. I answer the calls as part of my American duty to boost the morale of our military but the feeling is gone. I'm like a hollow heart when it comes to love at this time. One day he calls while I'm at Kitty's and I start fake crying to make him feel bad. I remember why I was dubbed Ms. Drama freshman year at Hampton. He starts crying. But I don't think he's faking. I end with, "Don't call me anymore! Call Shay! *click*" Then, a guy in her section (french horn) who I had been eyeing on stops by and I get him. My motto for the year? "Fcuk the World, literally."*

So that was 20 for me. If 30 is going to be the 2.0 version of that, I'll pass.

*so even though Kitty and I said we were going to fcuk the world, we didn't. *LMAO* I didn't crush on anyone again till the end of Spring 2004.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Hi! I'm trying to post from my phone, let's see if it works!

So I'm in Springfield, VA, about 10 miles outside of DC and we're actually having a good time despite the freezing temperatures! We were excited it was supposed to get up to 40 yesterday, but it only made it to 36. But its all good, we were inside the Smithsonians pretty much all day, yet only covered two of them! You need 19 days to see all 19 of them! They are GINORMOUS! Aww man, its such a disservice to just peruse each flor but that's what you kind of have to do!

So we went to the Museum of American History (very cool), the MoAmerican Indian for lunch (goo.gle the menu. The baked oysters... HEAVEN in a half-shell. Heaven and ecstasy at the same time. Blue corn bread was banging, too!!) with my friend Bijal (soooooooooooooo excited! She is HUH-LARIOUS!) and then she dropped us off at the MoNatural History. We were tired by then. The mammals section was cool but at the ocean life, we came to the conclusion that 1) we're tired and 2) it would be so much better as an aquarium, not taxidermy. The gems and minerals were awesome once we got past rocks and soil... man. The jewelry in there... breathtaking. The pieces aristocracy wore back in the day??????? All the blinged out rappers are playing with fools good and genuine austrian crystal!

After we saw the hope diamond (meh), we drove to Martina's for some quick games of Mario*Kart! Yeah, I got the mushroom circuit and it all fell apart after that :-( We decided to hit up a sushi restaurant in the nearby hilton. Very good sushi, not crazy but good. They had meh virginia oysters that were too expensive so we decided we're going to Baltimore today for some real maritime cuisine! Can't wait!

For NYE, we're going to another SHS/FAMU alum's house party and to catch up with OTHER alums! Can't wait for that either! Ttyl

En Route

I'm packing for D.C. this morning. So excited! I love packing!! It means I'm leaving W.P.B for some place that's most likely more FAB! And D.C is DEF more fab than WPB!

*

I pack very methodically. I picture what my trip should be like and pack accordingly.

I try and make my wardrobe as cohesive as possible so I can bring as few accessories as possible. I lay out outfits down to the underwear based on a tentative schedule and I don't budge.

Tuesday: plane ride, hanging out with fam, mall (for my gift that Andrew says we're going to pick up... [FACE])- camel bcbg hoodie and pants, longsleeve green tee, socks, pink scarf and chucks

Wednesday: public transport, museum circuit, lunch/dinner on the town- bright green cable knit turtle neck sweater, dark jeans, thermals, flat brown boots

Thursday: hanging with Martina and beating her in Mario Cart and any other games, catching up with other Hampton Homies- jeans, long sleeve pink tee, cream cable knit zip-up sweater, pink scarf and chucks

Thursnight: NYE house party/parties- dark, dark cigarette jeans, long sleeve black wrap shirt, colored pumps OR brown camel cashmere sweater dress with flat brown boots and possibly some colored fishnet/tights

Friday: recoup day, I have no idea- GRAY SWEATSUIT!! and if we decide to go out, red cashmere sweater, dark jeans, flat brown boots

Saturday: heading back to WPB, I will most likely have more clothes/shoes/stuff than I came with (which is why I pack "lightly") so the day will be spent packing and chilling- jeans, long sleeve black tee, pumps or pink chucks and scarf.

Yep, that's it!! Now I know we have plans to find some cool restaurants to eat at and we might even take a trip to B-More cause there are some SHS/FAM classmates living there now... SO EXCITED!

One more thing to be excited about:

IT MIGHT SNOW!!!!!

Daytona

Please don't make me go there again.

It was a weird weekend. 2/3 of what was planned didn't happen.

And what did happen was somewhat of a let down because HU didn't bring their band or cheerleaders. So we sat there and watched a horrible football game in a municipal stadium that's the same size as most of our high school stadiums.

HU lost in a watching paint dry kind of way.

According to Drew, both teams had 2 plays total: run up the middle or the screen pass.

On a brighter note, the hotel we stayed at was nice. And we had ocean front rooms on the 11th floor.

too bad the ocean was not pretty. The water looked gray and there was maybe 10 feet of sand. But when the water rolled up on shore, that left you with 4 feet of dry sand. Really? If I wanted to, I wouldn't be able to lay myself on the sand? WACK.

So... Daytona looks like a raggedy ass Jupiter. Like, if Jupiter didn't have as many celebs choosing to live there on the low and more of the redneck population, sooo Daytona. I'm guessing cause it's the Birthplace of NAS*CAR. "That's a niiiiiiiiice car"

I would upload pics but b/c I got a new hard drive, I'm currently uploading 1400 photos and I have 662 left. Daytona pics would be numbers 640-662.

Ugh, just not in a good mood about Daytona. I really wanted it to be better than it was. Doesn't make any sense for an ocean city to be so raggedy. As we were crossing the bridge to get to Day beach, I was getting excited but when we got there, it was like, "Sketch, Seed. Sketchy and Seedy". A waste of my favorite day of the week. #notagoodlook.

249 photos remaining. Maybe I'll make it a photo post tomorrow. I am going to bed.

Friend

Sometimes, I feel like I'm not a good one. and it all stems from my phone use. Or lack thereof.

*

I have two groups of friends. Pre College and During College.

Pre College are the people from home. We met at church, in elementary school or summer camp. WPB being a little big city, I didn't make anymore friends after el. school cause I pretty much saw those same people in middle and high school. If wasn't your friend at ICY or Roosevelt Elem, I'm most likely not your friend now. These are the friends for LIFE who will show up at a moment's notice for whatever is going on in your life, good or bad.

During College are the Hampton Homies. With the exception of Jameil, we all lived in the same freshman dorm, Kennedy Hall. These are the girls I will and have hopped on a plane to celebrate a birthday on the weekend for. Or freeze my butt off for in whatever N.E. city for. These are the girls I've road-tripped for. These are the chicks you hear about meeting in college that will be your friends for life. The girls you lived without for 18 years but can't imagine doing that again.

Now you'll notice I don't have friends from FAM. Yeah, WPB sends a lot of its Black students to Tally. A few might go out of state but for the most part, my pre-college friends were already there getting the place ready for me.

*

My friend Kitty has been calling me all week. Between school, work, safety patrol sponsoring, pops leaving, mom going away, LIFE... I've been missing her calls. I had EVERY intention of calling her back, but me being me always forgot. Then she'd call me again and I wasn't able to answer cause I was teaching or in a meeting or on the phone with mom trying to buy her a plane ticket (she's going to Boston for my godfather's funeral and hanging out till whenever). I'd make plans to call during Planning Period but get caught up in an spur of the moment conference. Okay, I'll call on the way home from school but the day would have me just wanting to get home and not think about anything.

I found out her grandmother passed away Thursday night. How did I find out? On FB.

Oh my heart broke.

Even though she didn't leave any messages, I can only assume she's been calling me to talk about her grandmother being in the hospital this past week.

Way to be there, Stace.

*

I have another friend who I PROMISE you, I haven't spoken to since I was flying out of Jaxson, MS this summer. I know that cause she called me on our way to the airport and I didn't want to be rude by having a conversation in the car. Yep, July. Nearly 4 months to the DAY, I called to wish her a Happy Birthday and the conversation flowed like we talk EVERYDAY. *sigh* I was actually very nervous about calling her cause I know I've been missing her calls and always putting off calling her back (as usual) but for us to laugh the way we did, I know everything is alright.

This post goes out to my FRIENDS. They are the people who know who you are and love you anyway.

Eww, that was such a corny cliche I feel like I got from a forward my mom sent me... (I actually read them)

Thank-you guys for putting up with me. I know we don't talk everyday and I'm glad you aren't mad at me for that :-) I love you!

(Dani, Kitty & Keesha, Martina & Jameil; my Fab 5)

one big fluck

I was just thinking about college. I spent 7 years there. 2 at Hampton doing something I didn't really want to do and 5 at FAM fulfilling (most of) my dreams. In those 7 years, I did somethings I just can't believe I did.

- I used to... light incense. 28B with the Hip Hop Hippies was my spot. Tribe and some fire and I was good. Shaking my head now cause I hate... incense!

*

What really triggered this post was Spring 2003. That was the spring semester of the year I transferred. That was also the 1st time I went to the Champagne Sip. Wait, I need to digress.

What really, REALLY prompted this post was Bacefook. I was thinking to myself, "Dang, have I really been on that thing for 5 years? Since 2004? That seems like a very long time... but it seems right" Then, I thought, "Wow, I'm glad it wasn't around spring 2003. Who knows what that Champagne Sip album would've looked like!"

Man, Spring 2003, I was'nt even 21 yet. I just broke up with a guy who was going to Iraq. Found out his ex really wasn't an ex but more like the wife who knows her husband cheats but is okay with it cause it's her name on the bank account? Yeah, that dumb hoe. "The gas in his car? I bought it." I hate that song, 'Woman to Woman'

anyhoo, not 21 yet.

Kitty and I are invited to an APhi*Que party. It's a dress-up affair so we go and buy ball gowns at our local Ross. I think I even had black opera length gloves... yeah, sit down dinner then dance the night away after sipping on champagne type deal. Oh, did we sip. Sip, slipped, and fell. All over the dance floor. Having the time of our 20 y.o lives. We took someone's shades and had a photo shoot in the middle of the dance floor, we possied up some chicks and guerilla dance attacked dudes (remember when a group of guys would surround you and pelvic thrust you to death? The tables were turned that night! SO MUCH FUN!), we did who knows what else cause honestly, I don't remember the rest. And if it was 6 years ago, I still wouldn't be able to remember. It was that kind of night. But let me tell you how to this day, there are some A*PhiQs who have and will come up to me and say, "Where's your homie? Y'all were the ones with the shades on, right?" Me or Kitty would deny it vehemently cause we wouldn't want him connecting anymore dots. We'd die if he said, "Yeah! That was y'all! and one of you was left with my Frat! Oh yeah!!!!"

See, no.

Spring 2004 had the Eyes Wyde Shut Sip. Now THAT one was LOOSE! LOOSE! Like, Kitty and some others have told me I was sitting on some dude's lap kissing him like there was no tomorrow! AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! WTF STACE!?!?!??! and then let's not talk about how I woke up with one shoe, one earring, and a tux jacket on. "Whose is this?!!?" I was in my own bed, but still! Thankfully, FB was around but no-one had digital cameras like that yet. If you wanted pics up, you had to develop and scan them! (LOL). USB cords weren't readily available for the instant upload and twtpic was barely a twinkle in someone's eye. *whew!*

Also in 2004, I entered a pageant. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't have done it cause I think it messed up my chances to join the sorority I want to do. Me in my eternal naivete didn't know all the politics that go into greek pageants. Oh well, I met, dated and hated a frat boy that Spring. *sigh* I remember going to house parties with him, disappearing and reappearing. Word? You just gon use someone's room like that? LOOSE!

"That" lasted for way too long (as recent as 2006 and messages since day 1). He was born on National Asshole Day (April 10) so we constantly bumped heads. why did I put so much time and effort into him!?? To make myself feel better about that time "with" him, I exacted my revenge for all he did... those of you who have been around know what I used to do...

Spring 2005. Champagne Sip is a bit more ritzy than the year before but that's where I met the musician. UGH. Can we not talk about him? I just know I dealt with some crazy, crazy mess. And did crazy things. *shaking my head*. Yo, I used to ride motorcycles. MOTORCYCLES!! WITH NO HELMET, NO JACKET! Just chilling on the back, leaning when he leaned. Now that right there is TRUST. One false move and you're road kill or at least VERY scarred for life. Can't believe I literally put my LIFE in that sociopath's hands.

I kinda remember a night in Texas. I was drunk and we rode back to the apt. Imagine me being passed out drunk on the back of a bike riding down I-35 going 90 miles an hour. All I remember was getting on the bike on 6th Street and getting in the bed in Round R.ock

What.thee.fluck.

That's another one that had me doing some crazy mess. Both me and Kitty had our share of, "could've landed us in jail" mess. I remember us going to wahlmart to get black sweatsuits and socks.

I'ma leave it at that.

*

Now in between Champagne Sips and "serious" relationships, there were flings. THAT'S what makes me really think about how crazy college is! OMG, it was nothing to hop in the car and drive wherever at whatever time to see whomever! I had a guy fly from Atlanta and another drive from ATL. Not really much of a casual dater, I shake my head at the casual "dates" I had!! OMG!!!! And I was on the waaaaaaaay tame side of things!!!! I'm sitting here thinking about the chicks who are flat out HOES! flat out OFF THE CHAIN!! How can you get down like that and walk the campus the next day? have you know shame!? Hearing stories of how the band gets down home and away? how frats get down with dumb chicks who want to be down with the sister sorority?? (that much I KNEW not to get into)... how people are just nasty like that, it makes me wonder,

Was college just one big orgy?

Why does it change once you cross the stage after shaking your dean's hand?

If I was single, would I really be able to get down the way I used to?

I barely drink anymore!! The last time I would say I "drank" was the ATL Classic. Two drinks. A Pineapple Vodka and an apple martini. Word? I used to be flat out WASTED. I went to one Oil Spill (can't take too much of the Bruhs, esp when liquor is involved), some blue juice jams, and we already know about the Sips. Then there are the 2-for-1 at your fave restaurant or someone's house party, or shit, the house parties Kitty and I used to throw! Between the drinks and the guys, all I can do is shake my head.

College was one big PARTY PARTY PARTY where we all got WASTED. GUCCI!!

30 Before 30

This is interesting. 

Not since high school have I really set a goal*.  I mean, I'm all for a vision board, but to actually visualize my goals and put them on paper...? this is hard!  I'm more of a 'go with the flow' type and end up where I figure I'm supposed to be, nah mean?

I'm not sure if I can come up with 30 things.  Or maybe I can, but I think they are superfluous and not really worth mentioning...  or, I do have goals but don't see why I have to reach them by 30.  Spread 'em out! Make life interesting! 

How bout this: I make a list of goals.  and if I want to do it within the next 2.6 years, I'll bold it.

get married

have twins

travel to Japan (preferably Ky.oto)

get another tat

live in another state for a year

earn my Masters in something education related (looking at reading ed and bilingual ed)

earn my Bachelors in Art History

earn my Bachelors in Photography

drive across the country (I-10 West, jet-set back)

drive back across the country (I-95 North, I-90 West, I- something east, I-95 South)

buy myself a SERIOUS piece of jewelry

stay in a hostel overseas (for example, I want to ball on a budget in Italy)

go to Brazil

go to Chile with my favorite aunt and cousin

go back to Ghana as a tourist and not a dual citizen

go back to London as an adult

have an all girls trip with my homies (even if it just NYC)

pseudo ball till I fall in Vegas (I'm not a gambler so I'll spend money on shows, a luxurious suite, and food)

eat at a Michelin rated restaurant

to have 5 figs in my bank account on a VERY consistent basis

I think that's about it.

* my only TRUE goal in LIFE was to get the prom dress of my dreams. I saw it in a Seventein mag my freshman year; cut it out and had it on my wall.  I wanted a green/gold A-line cami dress with a beaded bodice. the dress I got was the blue/purple version. I had it in the house for TWO YEARS! Mommy kept it in her closet so I wouldn't try it on every chance I got and get tired of it by the time my prom came around!! LOLOLOL! 

 

I still have that dress. I still love it.  I even wore it in the pageant I was in in 2004.  

Damn, I still have my senior prom dress too!  Best believe I wore that thing to Freshman Ball at HU AND APhiQ's Champagne Sips in 2004 and 2006!!! (I cut it to make it knee length for the latter event. re-use and recycle, people!!)

Damn. you have no idea how hard it is to find a nikki livas formal dress from 1997

A Monster

VS Pink has created one!

Where was this line when WE were in school?!!? 

I'm already about school spirit (not in a 'paint my face' kind of way but more like 'I like to rock the school colors' and 'I'm a fan of School Tee Friday')...!!  all I need to do spend my money on my schools!

and as you know, my heart is split in two :-(

The place where I got my foundation and made friends for life 

and

the place where I was more like myself and deepened the friendships I already had

MORE PINK FOR ME!!!

and don't let me and Drew go to Aventura and get some Hurricane gear... I'll wear it if it's cute!

Paparazzi

They're on the prowl again!!

Adei and her "secret lover" were seen together on vacation!! at a remote beach getaway and thinking no-one would see their photos, the two pose for some fans!

The two wrote their names in the sand! her secret man has a name! Michel is he french?!

Adei's real name!

Stay tuned for more!

Seeing how we were at the beach with his EX girlfriend and one of my good Hampton friends, this post is even funnier! Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear!

Going to the Chapel and she's...

gonna get maaa-aaaaaried!

I've ALWAYS loved that song! I think music from the 60's has a special place in my heart. So sweet and sappy. Doo-woppy and ish...

Anyway, the 1st from the KDY Clique has gotten married!! We all knew it would be her, just glad it wasn't to the one we thought it would be!

Did that make sense??

WE'RE HAPPY SHE MARRIED WHO SHE DID AND NOT WHO WE ALL THOUGHT SHE WOULD!

Me and Jam at the Low Country Boil.

I am all kinds of sick in this pic and since I didn't have my ID, I couldn't even buy medicine if I wanted to. Well, I bought sudaphed but that sudaSUCKED. Clairitin (behind the counter) got me right on together!

The newly married couple!!! I love them!!! so perfect for eachother cause she like 'em BLACK and he likes thick yella girls!!

Awww, me and my boo!!! 3rd floor, holding it down!

You know the Stanky Leg was in full effect. Please peep the ringbearer. It was sooo not a game.

The afterparty! This was towards the end of the night. Surprisingly, no pics of me wu-tanging OR the tranny who cut me up on the dance floor. yeah, he did splits at the end of his/her dance. That's all you boo; you got it.

So now of course, the question is, "Who's next?"

Photogs were ON IT!

Uh-Oh. This is why I say no flats after 7pm. Cause they might look like hers. You don't wanna win!!!

The next 3 are my FAVORITE shots from the party!! Those photogs were on it! These looks like some incriminating shots on GMO or FBY!!! LMAO!!!I need some funny captions...

Adei and her secret lover meet on a rooftop and share a passionate hug as he whispers something in her ear.

Adei stands coyly and smiles from ear-to-ear once she hears the good news! Stay tuned to find out what it is!

Adei and her unknown man rock out to their favorite song as he keeps her close! Spies at the event say they never left eachother's side and were in their own world!

OW!!! I love this shot!!!! I think they should play this song at their next party when I come thru...
Yes, shoes!!

Why I Love Saturday

good things happen on the day of my birth :-)

(The pics are in reverse order.)

Mike and his brother, stuntin in red and black

Flat shoes need to stay home after 7pm.

So the WHOLE crew missed the memo? Really white shorts?! You look like you're going shopping on So.Be!! And yellow, where are you going with that GINORMOUS satchel!? I see it's Gu.cci but still...

Me and the host. I wish the person taking the picture got a body shot so you could see my shoes. They were RED HAUTE!

The missed memo crew plus their GROWN homie with her thigh out!

The yellow really killed me. At least the Harvey Legger and turquoise dresses were evening appropro. and look at Kenny looking like Knee-Yo!!

The woman dancing with my brother shot me a look when I wanted to take a picture of just him. so I let her keep dancing with him.

Rooftop pics. The white is blinding.

Rev. "Till Def do us Part" Easley in the pink and black. I don't think men of the cloth had pinstripe cloth in mind.

FAMU Alums about to jump the broom.

Now for some reason, this white tux wedding was MUCH better than the one I went to in April. I guess M. Stewart Weddings (magazine) was right, people remember the reception and entertainment more than the actual wedding. This reception was done well. No caterers were walking around with raggedy t-shirts, handing out bottles of water; I didn't have to throw my own plate away, CHEFS and their staff were on hand for every whim (more champagne, please!), there was an actual cocktail hour followed by a sit down dinner... yeah. I wanted to ride but it was nice. My only qualm was the fake bouquets and bouts. But guess what? That was one cost they didn't have to worry about. And at the end of the day, they are married! Isn't that the goal? This wedding made me think about a lot of things I want and if they are really necessary.

Who Wants to Party with Us?!!?

I GUARANTEE IT'LL BE SO MUCH FUN!!

Swag

Surfin
Swag
Clean

Jameil, how my shots do you have of this SAME pose!?!? LMAO!!!

WE HAD FUN!! PARTY IN THE 'SIP, COMING SOON!

I just got back from the palm beach county event of the year.

everybody was there.

Gaines, Williams, Koteis, Cunninghams
Ryles, Rich, Issacs, Hills

people even came down from virginia for this event.

city officials, greeks, Links, chamber of commerce, who's who in business, education, law...





It was a funeral for JPH.

*

Ms. Jackie attended Hampton Institute. Lived in Virgina-Cleveland Hall right beside my beloved Kennedy Hall. Gamma I Delta married a Gamma I Alpha. She told my parents about a little school 3 hours south of D.C. when they were looking for a place to send me.


Ms. Jackie was the first black to own a shoppe in the Palm Beach International Airport; this was back in 1988. The first flight took off in 1936.


My godfather and Ms. Jackie's husband were the first black law firm in West Palm Beach.


fabulous Godmother to my fabulous godsister, pillar of her church, model citizen of her community, friend to ALL...

I can't stress ALL enough


even though she was fighting breast cancer, you wouldn't know it. smiles all around, eveyday, for everyone. on her last day, she cooked for her visitors just to make sure they felt at home. Then she got in her bed and closed her eyes.


She wouldn't want us to be sad. Matter of fact, she was probably looking down and thinking, "Now why are they crying? If they don't stop that foolishness...!"


She leaves behind an adoring and extended family and footsteps to walk in. All I have to do is think, "WWJD?"

I'm Out!

I'm going to Tally this weekend!

I'm sure it will be better than last time; Jameil is coming!!


the Rattlers of Florida A&M vs. the Pirates of Hampton U



Do I "strike, Strike, and STRIKE again!"?

or do I

"Rock the Blue and White, Rock the Blue and White!"?

In one, I see my begining, my first time away from home, my first time with people like me, my first friends who I DIDN'T know since forever, my first time listening to Mos and Ghost

yet, the other was more my home, easier to just be, closer (in proximity) to family, more "real" (not everybody is born with a silver spoon in their mouth, or even a silver plated one for the 'fake it till you make it' folk)...




well, its State's Homecoming. Maybe I'll be a Seminole for the day.