Tricks or Treats

Next year, I'm finding someone's party to be at! Halloween could've been "funner" if there weren't so many gosh darn people in one place! OMG, I PROMISE all of WPB and half of PBC was Downtown last night for MoonFest! It was LITERALLY shoulder to shoulder EVERYWHERE! Is it really looking like the club on NYE right now?!?! Wow.

So we spent most of the time standing on a bench looking for RJ. Of course with a quarter million people in one place, your phone doesn't know what to do with itself... the only saving grace was I'm okay with being a people watcher and there were people to watch!

There's this one guy I SWORE was Trick Double but one of the girls Tish and I were with said, "Naw, that's his look." I still think he was TDD. I love Trick so that was a treat!

White people love Halloween like no other. They come up with some costumes!! Someone was a polaroid and taking pictures with people! when you saw it on your camera, it was plain genius! Treat!

I saw a beer pong table. I saw jerzey shore cast, I saw Dexter and various super heros. I saw a Spartan ARMY... yes, a legion of guys with skirts, breastplates, and different weapons/helmets. Sexy! Treat, Treat, Treat!

Every time I saw a good looking firefighter, I asked if the chick behind him was his girlfriend and if he said no, we took a picture. Treat!

Then there were the non-dressing scrubs who were like, "Ay! I'm on fire! Put me out!"

*blink*

You're so clever.

Or not.

Most black guys did NOT dress; and if they had something, it was a scream mask. really? Scream? from 1996? Not even jigsaw?? Waaaack.

And if our sistas felt festive, they put on some cat ears with a bodysuit. Why does it have to be the sloppiest looking chick in the onesie? Whyyyyyyyyyy?? I saw leopards, cheetahs, and panthers that should just be put down.

That's a quote for the books.

I think we would've had more fun if there was liq in our system. I'm just not a drinker like that and I had horrible drinks the night before. I can't believe I attacked Halloween sober but you live and you learn! I hope everyone had fun night, whether it was hanging at home or on somebody's street! Trick or Treat!

First Day

Due to all the excitement, i didn't go to bed till 4am. And in true to Adei fashion, I woke up sometime before 8a. caught up on twitter, emails, sent out more emails and texts, watched MikeNMike. Drew was knocked out after two shows and the nerves of proposing. He finally woke up around 9am and we decided we'll get breakfast on the water after running a few errands. Errands done, we take the long way to get to Hollywood Beach by driving thru the neighborhoods. I felt like we were little kids dreaming of the day when we could live in a "mansion".

We had breakfast on the water and decided the nap we were going to take was going to be epic. Go home, nap, wake up and decide I need a case for my new iTuch. To the aventura mall it is! Apul store is of course bananas so we just walk around. I tried on a couple dresses Drew saw in window displays at maxStudio and Barney's... DVF has a leather jacket i NEED in my life!! We pass wet seal and the window display has a racer girl costume! OMG, I wanted it but saw they had female prisoner, two kinds of Ms. Officer, french maid (how original), firefighter, bar wench, etc. I try on the racer girl, the prisoner, and the firefighter. Drew LOVED the same one I did so I got it! I'm wearing it to a Halloween party this Friday!!!!! Pics coming soon!

We walked some more, decided Bebe is more miss than hit, there are a lot of high end latino shops in the mall, and we should look at apartments...

!!!!!!!!!!!

We check out a couple towers that look absolutely amazing!! When I say check out, I mean drive-by, lol. We also decided to get oysters in Brickell for happy hour so we weren't trying to do any tours. Who wants to live here!?!?!??! *RAISES HAND!!*

We make it to HH and are debating on half off sushi rolls or half off bar food at a high end bar. Oysters trump toro so we go to the River. The bartender gets Drew a Toddington and I order a white russian, mine was AWESOME! We then get the oyster po boy sliders to start...






heaven







on





earth.




Soooooo cementing my want for an apps only reception!!! O.M.GAWSH those things were amazing!!! We contemplated ordering another plate (there were only 3) but decided to start on the oysters.

We've already had fanny bay and kumamoto so one to the next ones. We like east coast (bigger, saltier) more than west coast (smaller, sweeter) but are open to anything. We order three kinds, 4 each. First time down, just raw. We want to know how they taste unadorned. Cotuits from MA were SALTY as the fluck. I cringed and had to drown the next one in this cucumber wasabi dressing that is only at River. AWESOME dressing for oysters!! The cucumber is so mild and absorbent of whatever quality can be harsh.
Dabob oysters from WA were very good by themselves and even better with mingonette sauce. We converted to west coast off of that one! The lesbian couple next to us reccommended them and I thanked them profusely. On my side of the bar was a lady who Drew thinks is a high end gypsy. She was def European so I deduced Spaniard. She only eats oysters.

her explanation was fried food doesn't do her body well and it has grown accustomed to raw food so that's what she feeds it. and she drinks mingionette sauce. Yes, champagne vinegar and diced red onion is what she takes shots of. Wow.

I don't remember the names of the 3rd one or the other 3 we tried the second dozen Drew ordered. And they change daily so looking on the menu today will do me no good. I do know I got another drink, this time a Greyhound (grapefruit and vodka). That hoe bartender squeezed the liquid equivalent of a supreme into my cup and the rest was vodka. I was drunk. I was nice off the russian but by the time it was time to leave, I was wobbly. and giggly.

Drew and I make it home and I change into the gray nightgown he got me!!! Woo hoo!!! I love my gray nighty and I'm SOOOOOOOO wearing a gray wedding dress!!! He finds the aux cable and we listen to kanye's goodfriday releases from my itoones. I fall off the bed trying to rewind a line in Power remix. Yes, I was that chick who fell off the bed after two drinks. We laugh our asses off and I take to tweeting my engagement. I'm just glad I didn't make it onto FB that day cause I'd still be fielding phone calls!! Before I wrote "All my old guys know I'm the one who got away", I asked Drew if he thinks he's the one who got away from all his exes. he says, "Hell yeah! I'm a good guy!" We high five cause i think i'm a good girl for all my exes and THEN I tweet.

I'm in the silliest mood and I'm tripping myself out about the past 24 hours. Then I fall asleep! HAHAHA!

Recap- breakfast on the water, nap, window-shopping at mall, apt gazing, happy hour oysters + drinks, kanye, sleep!

Stace, Wake Up!

Drew and I went to Bonita Springs for a Caribbean Fest he was playing in. It was cool, the city itself wasn't all that but we went and came right back. We got back in time to watch the rest of the Cowboys game and we were both watching, on edge. OMG, as you may or may not know, we lost and lost STUPIDLY. One of the announcers said it perfectly, "The Cowboys have been beaten again, by the Cowboys."

I was so upset at the last play that I literally put myself to sleep. Some 3 hours later, Drew starts fidgeting around, hugging me, kissing my un-wrapped head, and telling me how much he loves me, asks if I love him, who loves who more... mind you, I'm still asleep for the most part; head under the covers, fetal position. "Do you love me, babe?" "Yes, darling you know I do." "Ok, good, cause I love you too." "That's nice." I'm trying to sleep and he shakes me, "Hey, hey, turn around." "What? I'm sleeping!" "Wake up, turn around" I turn my head to face him, squinting cause i'm not awake yet, "What?????" "I love you, I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

He puts the ring on my finger and I start laughing uncontrollably! Like, rolling around on the bed, wiping tears out of my eyes LAUGHING OUT LOUD. "ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!??! ARE YOU SERIOUS RIGHT NOW!??! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" "So is that a yes??" "YESSSSSS!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA YOU ARE TOO MUCH! THIS IS TOO FUNNY!! DAMN, I'M AWAKE NOW! Awww babe, you're too cute!!! HAHAHAHA!!"

When all the laughing was done, he told me all the different ways he thought about proposing. He thought about using other people's children, putting inside of a cake, putting it on my finger while I was sleeping... then he realized the time was right (me sleeping?????) and he went with it. I'm play-play mad my hair was all un-wrapped, nails weren't done and I was half asleep but he said that it was perfect cause I went from zero to 100 in 5 seconds flat and he actually liked that I was drowsy. Weirdo!

Then we ordered sushi as usual and ate, he left for his show on SoBe, I called my mom and Jameil, chatted with Dani and decided to blog about it!

Now what's "weird" is that I thought I'd be on every social network screaming from the rooftops, "I's engaged!! FINALLY, IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME, RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY FACE AND I JUST CANNOT HIDE IT! (I loved CeCe Pen). But I called 2 people, chatted with one, and sent out a few emails to a couple more. No tweets, no FB status update or profile picture of a left hand. I think I'm scared of EVERYONE being all in my business and I've heard the stories of people assuming/inviting themselves to your big day... no, not I.

What's also funny is that Mommy and I pored over my T&C Wedding mag yesterday morning over tea, pancakes and turkey sausage. I showed her all the pages I tabbed and we commented on likes and dislikes of every page. I've only done that with Jam and only felt comfy doing that with her yesterday. Then 24 hours later...!!!

So yeah, now the planning begins!! OW!!

"Where's #371?"

I just have the most backwards "luck" with things I "speak" into existence. I just KNEW I was moving to DC and teaching there this year. But it's kind of hard to teach when you don't have a classroom or even a school to go to.

I may be jumping to conclusions but let's keep it real; I haven't heard a PEEP from anyone in DC since I posted the "Congrats! You've been hired by DCPS" post on July 29. I take that back. I got an OOO reply from 4 of the 14 principals I e-mailed.

Add this to the list of things I said I was going to do but didn't. I hate this feeling. I feel like I'm all talk and no action. I'm pissed.

Then I try to look at the "bright" side. "Everything happens for a reason," and "It's not on your time but God's time" and all those platitudes you tell yourself to make yourself feel better.

Fuck that shit.

Now I'm on this defeatist attitude like, "Why'd I even bother?"

That's what I've been on since I left DC. Ups and downs; highs and lows. I'm feeling good knowing that everything in due time, then I drive to school and burst into tears in my parking spot. I tell myself, "This is a good time to save hella money" then I think of how I would ignorantly spend money on things that would make me feel better about where I am... again.

At the end of the day, I just wish I never got in the starting blocks.*

*reference to my deep seated fear/hate of running track. although i'm naturally talented in track and field, I HATED the sport b/c of the chance I would not come in first. I would rather not run than not win.

Guess What?

I've been hired by DCPS!

WOO HOO!!!!!!

Keep praying for me, I need to find a school who is in dire need of a kindergarten teacher!

and I know beggars can't be choosers, but I want a school that's predominantly "minority". Like, 70% black, 20% hispanic, 10% other.

what?

"I'd like to call up Angela and Danielle to the front... these two ladies are spending their last Sunday with us because one is moving to New York and the other is moving to California! Let's pray for them and wish them all the best!"

*applause all around*

Our Father? Cannon? What ever he is made an announcement similar to that abt 6 weeks ago. I was beaming with pride cause Dani clued me in several weeks before it all happened and I was soooo happy to see it come to be. The other one, *shoulder shrug*. I just "feel" for the liturgical ministry we'll be missing. (sarcasm)

During the peace time of service, one of the ladies I actually like* at church scurried over to me with great concern. Her face was painted with worry as she started to speak, "Angela and Dani are leaving! You're not going anywhere, are you?"

I was touched; smiled to show my appreciation and assured her I wasn't going anywhere. "No, I'm staying right here." She gushed and hugged me. "Good."

The minute I got home, I started applying to school districts in northern virginia and Washington, D.C.

*

What crossed my mind the split second after I was happy someone was worried I was leaving was, "Why can't I go?" It seemed like everyone was able to go on with their lives but I have to stay where I am? No, I don't have to stay, but it was highly recommended and strongly suggested I keep the "good" thing I have going. It started with my father "putting his foot down" when he found out I was moving out last year. Then at the end of the school year, he was all with the "So things are looking good... you don't need to go anywhere. You have your tenure, why lose that and start over wherever you're going?" etc.

You already know mom was upset I moved out last year. It took me flying to Texas for interviews for her to realize I'm really moving on with my life, 3 years after she persuaded me to come home after graduation. But when I was walking down the street in Arlington, she called me and wished me the best cause she knew it was time for me to grow up. Let's see how she takes my pending move to the DMV... it seems like I always have something up my sleeve when she's gone.

Believe it or not, my brother has not been the most supportive of my ideas to move. I'm sure in his head, he's being concerned but with questions like, "So if you move but don't get a job in DC, how will you pay your car note?" (that was the latest, there were tons more when TX was on the horizon), he makes me feel like I'm a dreamer. Maybe I do come off as a dreamer cause I've been talking a big game abt moving every summer. But people don't know what goes on in my head that prevents me from leaving.

Martina said it best once, "I know you like to keep details to yourself so stop me if I'm asking too many questions...". She's right. I've learned to keep certain things to myself. Why? Cause when I talk abt it, it doesn't seem to happen. Remember all that talk of moving back to Tally for grad school? Yeah, the whole neighborhood knew abt it (I only told Stan who told his friend and the rest his history) and it was hell getting questioned abt why I was still in WPB the following school year. "Not enough students applied so they won't be having that major this year." Then the pseudo sympathetic look...ugh.

Whatever the case, despite the haters and even the lovers who really want what's best for me and think it means staying right here, I have a support group of friends near and dear to my heart who have been praying me up. I'm counting on them and myself to make this the year I do ME. I can't stay here for you. I can't help with Koko, I can't join ECW. I can't do faux long distance, I can't be a club sponsor. I can't live with my parents, I can't do City Place. I'm too big for this big village. I love you, WPB but I love me more.

* regarding the women at my church; I speak to all of them, I tolerate many, I like very few.

Estoy Aqui

I'm in Tally getting transcripts so I can get on with my life, OMG, why is my alma mater charging me $10 for one?!?!?!?!?!?!?! i just can't believe that!!! What happened to $5?!??! MAAAAAAAYBE $8?? TEN dollars is just plain rude and very inconsiderate. I know we in a reccession, but damn.

I took Tima to the shelter. I couldn't take her anymore. In my old age, i've become neater and neater. She was simply too messy for me. I like to come home to a clean place and clean it even more WHEN I WANT TO. She was making me do too much. And summer is here, she would've put salt in my travelling game. I felt horrendous but i knew it was for the best for both of us. Someone is going to get an energetic puppy and I get to go wherever I want for as long as I want.

I decided I want to have a drink every day of summer vacay and possibly get drunk. It sounds like fun, especially since I didn't use my college days wisely in that respect. 10am sounds like a fun time to start sippin on asti, what do you think?

Speaking of drinking, i've CORRECTLY calcuated the number of times I was throw-up drunk: 4. i forgot SUM '04 when I was road tripping all over Florida. Oh yes, the house party in Orlando had me feeling like i was in a wave pool. and I got sea-sick in the bushes.

I found an e-mail I sent Jameil last year and I'm strangely on track with what I planned for my life. I'll explain 'strangely' later.

I HAVE to do a lot of moving and shaking this summer. I need a trip to ATL, DFW, DC, NC, BAL, NYC, LAS before August 15, 2010. And if I can use my passport between now and back to school, I will consider my 30 before 30 accomplished. I know, that's only 1 before 30 but I don't have lofty goals in the summer, sue me.

Jameil has pointed out that ONLY when I'm with my friend Kitty, does utter foolishness occur. SO TRUE. You have no idea how many emails I've sent Jam from my phone abt what me and Kit have gotten into. Harmless fun like hopping stone walls to hunt mangoes to "are we gonna going to jail?" popping up in my mind whilst we were driving thru GA. I can't imagine how our lives would've been if we were white girls at a PWI.

Oh, a 30 before 30 just popped into my mind, I may have shared it with you already: catch a Dallas game IN Dallas. I think I want to pop my NFL experience cherry with a Cowboys game... yeah, that'll be an AWESOME first time. Then I can have an orgasm in the store... again. Y'all have no idea how buck wild I went in there in Feb... it was like eating the best sushi in the most fabulous hotel room and then jet-setting to Fashion Week in Paris and having an afterparty on a yacht.

*I JUST SHARED MY DEEPEST FANASTY WITH Y'ALL*

Anyway, I'm bout to go to campus and print some papers. I'll holllllllla!

Birthday List... *UPDATED*

*sung like Jer-uh-my*

well, I got the entire collection of SATC for Christmas (thx, Jameil!!) and the movie for my birthday (thx, Jameil!!!) so that's off the list!! WOO HOO! I LOVE that show!

I got the 1st season of gossip gurl on iToons and I'm sure Drew will get the rest for me. That show is soooo good! I don't know what it is, but I love it! Maybe cause it shows the other side of that upper east side lifestyle; the Nate and Serena side. Everyone is not Chuck.

I have my boots and 'brella (thx dani and shayne). OMG, I feel so fab when I have the two together! Can't tell me NUFFIN when it rains!!!

I have my gray uggz (dreezy. we won't go into that one).

and I have enough beautiful stationary to last me for a while.

So what's left on my list?

you can never go wrong with VS Pink FAMU gear

MJJ tees. (I almost fainted at the price of the custom one I got in ATL)

anything Juicy Couture

a book considered a "classic". from the old (war & piece) to the modern (tar baby).

or world lit

CDs I would've bought circa 1993-2000

an adidas track fit

air max 95, (size 7 in women's or 5.5 in big kids)

almost anything with my name or an "S" on it.

iToons/publix/xpress/narnes and boble gift card

DVDs of my favorite TV shows: Dextr, Arrestd Developmnt, Law & Oarder/SVU, Cozby Show, (is Modern Family available yet?), The Offiss, and I'm sure there are some more I can't think of right now.

a new altima. (might as well put it on there. someone might win the lottery!)

Now if you know me and can think of something that's not on the list, gon 'head!!

It's Been a Long Time

As my g-male update-twitter pre-cursor thingy states, I'm "plotting"...

How can I get out of the school I don't like working at?

How can I get out from under my mother's ever present thumb?

How can I get out of a town I was born and raised in?

How can I get out of a state that passed a bill that affect my profession and livelihood?

How can I get to the state I've been dreaming of since 2005?

Well, I took initiative and had a job interview with Arlington ISD. I think it went well. I'm a person who takes signs and symbolism very seriously and the lady who interviewed me come from a school where the mascot is the Bee. The mini alcove that leads to my room has a beehive and 19 bees buzzing around it (busy bee classroom). My bulletin board is bee-filled. I'm sure that's a good sign.

Another thing I've been plotting is my birthday. Y'all know I love my birthday. I said Vegas a couple weeks ago but that has been put on the back burner. We're doing my favorite city in Florida, MIAMI!!!

I've reserved a fabulous hotel and made a tentative schedule for me and my Fave 5, three which are blogger fam! manis, pedis, sushi, pool, beach, drinks, ceviche... all that! 28 is going to be Great!

*I want another slogan for 28. Y'all get on it, please and thank-you*

Speaking of plotting, let me just let y'all in on what Lyds has up her sleeve. She wants to talk to Drew. Tell him pick up the pace. i think she thinks if I get a ring, I won't go to texas. I know that's the bottom line for her, me not going too far. Oh well. I've been here for what seem slike forever and have been longing for TX so if I do get a ring, I'll be planning a wedding from the Fun Capital of the Lone Star State, Arlington. Shoot, I might make it a "destination" wedding, while you playing... (based on the strict def of dest. wedding... a place where guests have to travel 100 miles or more to attend).

So, that's what's been up. TTYL!

Bet.

So what days are you free? You wanna try Tampa or Orlando for Spring Break?

Well, I'm playing Friday night, Saturday evening, and Tuesday night. I have studio work Monday and Wednesday. Let's plan for Thursday- Saturday.

Maaaaan! What am I supposed to do till Thursday?!!?

I don't know! That's on you! It's your Spring Break!

*light bulb*

And there it is. You are absolutely right. I'll talk to you later, bye.

End Call

It was another one of those moments when I realized I'm planning my life, even something as insignificant as Spring Break, around him. It was another moment where he, unintentionally, gave me a wake-up call. And now I'm mad I can't go anywhere fantabulous lest I pay upwards of $479 dollars. But poor planning on my part doesn't call for an emergency on kayak's part. I now must re-group my plans, as usual.

4/10/10

I just registered for Arlington Independent School District's Teacher Expo. It will be on Saturday, April 10, 2010 from 8-11am. The district website told me to expect an email letting me know when my interview will be.

I guess I should buy a plane ticket sometime this week...

*wow*

It seems so sudden! Let me cool my jets, I haven't even gotten an interview yet.

And what does one bring to a teacher interview? When I graduated, I was picked up by the school I interned at and my portfolio was online. I wouldn't know the first thing to bring. My resume' of course...

*sigh*

I'm feeling some kind of way right now. Scared, for one...

*

On another note, in case you don't know, April 10th is National A-Hole Day. Least favorite ex was born on 4/10. So was Mr. Big, the self-proclaimed ass. It's actually funny cause they HATE each other. Yeah, this world is too small. How does a biz major in orlando cross paths with an engineering major in Tally? *eye roll*

Whatever the case, it looks like I'm moving forward with my TX plan.

Why am I so nervous?

Birthday Fab

You guys already know I always have something up my sleeve for my birthday... after Easter, May 8th is my favorite holiday

*lol*

Y'all don't front. May 8th tends to be an awesome date! How many college graduations fall on on May 8th? and if it wasn't for May 8th, how else would you honor your mom on Mother's Day?

Okay, my birthday doesn't fall on Mom's Day every year (it will in 2011) but it's always close enough.

So last year, I had a fabulous Friday brunch with my close friends, a jaunt to the beach with the bestests (Kitty, Jam, Drew), and sushi for dinner. Saturday, my favorite day, the fun continued with a music fest in Miami that Drew was playing. VIP, Goose, and the fabulous Jameil and I was good.

Now Sunday was a little downer cause when we got back to WPB, I found out my dog was taken away for attempted caninicide. Russell tried to kill Koko :-( But, since it was Mother's Day, I presented Lyds with her gift and she loved it (upper). Let me find out my mom is a closet Gap groupie! She looks so cute in their jeans and tunics!

Anyway, I'm turning 28 this year. I've been wanting a Living Single 90s party for the longest but Kitty presented me with a better idea: Las Vegas.

!! HELL YEAH !!

We've been trying to go since we were 21. I'm so glad we didn't go back then, I don't think we'd be alive right now. Me and Kitty got into some stuff in Tallahassee so imagine us in Sin City.

Anyway, that's the plan!

Who: Me

What: My 28th Birthday

Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

When: May 6 or 7 thru May 9, 2010

Why: Not?

Tentative Plans

- Fly out of south florida thursday night (5/6) or friday morning (5/7) for LAS ($242 round trip)

-Check into the Venetian 5-Star Resort ($189/night divided by at least 4 (maybe more) girls

-Put the Club Hopper Pass to work ($84 for access to 20+ clubs, casinos, parties)

-Eat, drink, and be merry with my girlfriends!

Who's down?!?!?

"We Just Gon Show Out Like That?"

Y'all need to give Dreezy a hand. When you see him, please pat him on the back or give him a Hi-5. This Sunday was the BEST Valentine's Day EVER.

ever?

EVER.

When was the last time you heard me say anything like that about a gift-giving holiday?

I'd venture to say it's been about 3 years.

Well, let me break down the day for you and explain what made it perfect for me.

It's 1230am. I'm just getting back from my Ghanian godsister's wedding. Her wedding was in Kendall and the reception was in Brickell. Both of them far. Mind you, I literally hopped off a plane, hopped in the shower and hopped into Pops' Sequoia for the trek to the bottom of Dade county. We got lost (of course) but eventually made it. Then we drive another 30+ minutes north for the reception. I'm guessing cause it was V-Day weekend, everyone was on the road getting last minute gifts.

Reception was nice, got some pointers, made me want a big wedding again. And speaking of weddings and receptions, boy did we have some discussion while doing our tour of So. Fla... I figured my wedding will be a party for my parents that I will be a guest of honor at. Watch and see. Now I digress.

I make it back to my place at 1230am. Drew shows up at 1245 with a little brown bag in hand. With the biggest grin, he walks thru the door and says,

"Happy Valentine's Day, babe! I love you!"

"For me?? On actual Valentine's Day!?!? OMG, I'm so excited!"

I open the cards. The first one is a Hoops and Yo-Yo. If you don't know about their cards, get thee to a Publicks or Wahlgreens and check them out. Trippith.me.out.

The second card had me ROLLING! It started off all sweet on the front, "Valentine, I love you more today than I did yesterday". Then inside it read, "Yesterday, you really got on my nerves."

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I'M DYING ALL OVER AGAIN!!!

*whew* There was no reason for that card to be that funny.

Now it's time for the presents.

I unwrap the first bundle of tissue paper... Juicy Cout underwear! One of them had pink glitter on it!! OW!!! The other was gray and dark pink, my two fave colors to wear!! THANKS BABE!

Second bundle, a Queen of Sleep cami nightgown from Juicy!! Ow! I've been eyeing their nightgowns cause I feel like they speak to me! Queen of Sleep??? So me! I don't care where we are, as long as my head can be tilted, I'm good! Dreaming of Sleep? I get excited at the thought of taking an AdvilPM for that good-good sleep. But I fall asleep before I remember to take it!

The final item came in a box. His monkey ass actually took a picture of it a week ago and sent it to me. I think it killed him holding onto my gift for so long. I open the box and it's a pearl necklace!! Awwww!! I got a strand from mommy and daddy when I graduated from college but I haven't seen it since I left Tally :-( (*side-eyeing mini me*) Now Drew has given me the necklace I've been missing!

Now all this excitement, in addition for being up God knows how long brought a crashing on me. I promise you, I had him put my necklace on me and I hit the bed, HARD.

Woke up V-Day morning at 6am cause I forgot to turn off the alarm. Bastard, I only got 4.5 hours of sleep :-( Oh well, I get up and start cleaning... in my pearl necklace and nightgown! I felt so Donna Reed-ish!! By 8am, breakfast was ready. Egg over medium well, hash brown, buttermilk biscuit, turkey sausage (for me) salsa, and guac in the shape of a heart. Yum-O.

We went back to sleep. woke up, took my mom flowers and chocolate came home and killed wii.

Yes, we played wii. We both unlocked our Miis on mario kart!!! So excited!

Nap-time.

Woke-up again and ordered sushi. So ridiculously good. But that was just a snack cause for V-Day dinner, I planned on fresh 4 cheese tortellini with a baby bella and pink shirmp alfredo sauce and a lobster tail on the side.

yeah, we made dinner but didn't feel like eating! Just drank Asti and played more wii! Haha! Then we watched the All-Star game stuff and I fell asleep.

Monday, Drew made lobster omlettes. So beyond good. To drink, we finished the asti with freshly squeezed cali orange juice. *sigh*. "So we just gon show out like that? all weekend, Drew?" I think he's making up for special days past ;-)

We hung around all day. We thought about going to the movies, thought about renting movies, ended up picking beads for my MardiGras lesson today and heading back to my place. I don't even remember the rest of yesterday except for naps and olympix. Don't even matter, my Valentine's Day was AWESOME!!

Ring the Alarm

We met in kindergarten and became fast friends. She was the only other person who used the brown crayon in self-portraits. Our moms became friends and you know the whole deal. Birthday parties, skating rinks, park dates, etc.

So after kindergarten, we met again in middle school. 6th grade, we both learned how to play the clarinet. 7th grade we both dated the same guy. 8th grade we both transferred to our county's school of the arts.

With the advent of FB, we reconnected after YEARS. We exchanged numbers and promised to do lunch sometime over the summer. That was going on 3 years ago. We called each other with plans to meet over the breaks and our plans never coincided.

FAST FORWARD to January 2010.

I walk into my salon on an early Saturday morning and there she is, sitting at the shampoo bowl with conditioner in her hair.

"OH MY GOSH!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! OMIGOSH I HAVEN'T SEEN YOU IN FOREVER!!"

and we jump right into each other's lives. "How's your momma/daddy/brother/sister?" I find out both our sisters attend State, both our brother's are doing big things, and on and on. Then the convo turns to our personal lives.

"I don't think I can take another year in Palm Beach County"

"Me neither!"

"Every week, I'm ready to move somewhere else"

"Man, I looked at Fairfax County, Va. Austin, TX, Atlanta, Ga..."

"Omigosh, I looked into Texas, DC, and Dekalb!"

Our convo was basically one of us saying something and the other going, "OMG, me too!" we both realize we're too young to be where we are right now, we have no hubbys or chaps (#shoutout Jameil) so we need to get our YFF on and on and on and on.

Then the convo turned to our mens. She let me know that for personal and professional reasons (more personal) she has to move. She needs a change and a place where she can start over. Her mentor has a job open for her in case she decides to move but she just hasn't done it yet. I shared that I simply have a strong urge to live somewhere else before I settle and speaking of settling, I caught her up on my sentiments regarding Dreez. Blah, blah, blah.

As of Saturday, she was ready to move to Georgia. Like, stoneface, "I need to get the fluck out of here". The guy she's been dating for years and who she hung around for doesn't seem to be getting his act together or is "waiting for something big to happen at his job". Well "something" hasn't happened so they've been stagnant. She also told me she "got into HU for grad school but stayed in town for him", with the tiniest bit of regret/resentment. Aww man, I saw what was me in that statement.

We kind of agreed that we're going to do US once this school year is over. We said it with such conviction that out hairdresser was like, "What is all this talk about leaving!?" and then she laughed when we told her, "We're 27! We need to get out before we get stuck!"

Anyhoo, her"man" proposed to her last night. And she accepted. She text me last night and I saw the message this morning.

I thought I was still sleeping and I had to check the name. Yeah, I know only one person with that name... but the Maxine I was talking to was "reds to go"! The Maxine I was just talking with had lots of issues to deal with regarding Julian... the Maxine I was conversing with made an unofficial pact with me about being young, flashy, and fly somewhere besides WPB, FL!!

So... a ring makes everything better?

I may come off as Miranda from SATC but what happened to all those dreams and plans you were just talking about on Saturday? and that dream job hand-made for you by your mentor? I'm trying not to be a skeptic as I type this and I know Corinthians told me love heals all wounds but...

RING the ALARM.

to be continued

Scribble Scrabble

That's what I felt like today. Like my brain was scribble scrabbled. Like someone messed up and instead of erasing or even drawing a line thru the error, they just scribbled it out.

I want to say I'm confused but that's not an excuse anymore. I'm so not confused. I know exactly what I want.

*

Today was one of those days where I didn't even want to get out of bed. Not depressed or tired, just didn't feel like leaving the house, much less the bed. I wanted to do nothing today but sort out the thoughts that kept me up all hours past my bedtime. But alas, nineteen 5 & 6 year olds needed some knowledge dropped on them.

Today was one of those days where I was obviously running late and when I started my car, I realize I left my phone on the bed.

Today was one of those days where once past Jog Road, I realized I left my lunch in the fridge.

Today was one of those days where I accidentally dropped my ipod in between my seat but because I'm already running late, I can't take the extra 3 minutes to fish for it. I really wanted to tune out the children and listen to my music all day.

Today was one of those days where goo gobs of printed lesson plans were placed in my mailbox and I didn't even know where to go with them.

Today was one of those days where my principal decided to stop by my classroom for what I think was a clandestine operation. She walked in shocked and said, "Oh, you didn't take them to fine arts?" Oh, you thought my room was going to be empty, didn't you?

Today was one of those days where I forgot to eat. And I think I was hungry, but Ryoko def didn't stop by. How is that even possible?

Yeah, it was the 100th Day of School... on a Friday. Pseudo mayhem.

*

When I got to school, I flatly told my class, "Ms. K is not feeling well. I'm not sick but my brain is all mixed up. I need to focus." I was talking to myself all day and CONSTANTLY redirecting myself. I didn't even bother teaching today. I used my whiteboard to make myself a to do list. It helps me GREATLY to write things down, to see them in black and white. I was a jumbled, scribbled mess today and I know why.

*

I've talked about it before. And i'm almost scared to say anything cause it's been years but I've only talked and never done anything. I've applied to however many schools in so many years, but I'm still here.

Eff A U- master's in reading ed: accepted

FAM- master's in elem ed: accepted

FAM- b.a. in photog: accepted

Eff S U: master's in reading ed: pending

U T Austin: master's in bilingual ed: considered

After going to the smithsonian museum for african art, I was inspired to do what? Apply to U T Arlington for a B.A. in art history. Summer 2010.

Am I just going to apply to schools and do nothing with the acceptance letters? WTF am I waiting on? I know what I'm waiting on and it makes me mad/sad/confused that I'm still doing that. My life cannot be contingent on another person. There. I put it out there. I don't want to be 30 and resentful. I'm already getting there. i can't be mad/confused/scrambled all the time. I know what I want to do, I don't know why I'm not doing it. I do know why I'm not doing it but WHY am I knowingly not doing it?

did you follow that?

It had crept back into my head that I want to do me. I feel like I'm doing a pseudo "we" and I can't operate like that. Either we're a 'we' or we're not. I'm cut and dry. I'm so quick to say, "And there it is" when talking to others, but what about me? Do I need to have a talk with me?

and there it is.

(y'all should've seen my eyes just widen as I asked myself that question. a lightbulb just turned on)

I'll be back. I need to talk to and with myself.

New Goal

You know I'm all about positivity. I am the eternal optimist and the borderline idealist. Although I think and wish it can be all good all the time, I know my scatterbrainedness can get in the way of progress.

Starting today, when I wake up in the morning, I will make a list called "5 Things". I will quickly list 5 things I'm thankful for and 5 things I need to do by the end of the day. This morning was my inaugural duo-list and here's what I wrote down.

5 Things

my hair, heating, my students, Andrew, family.

call Dr. Hampton, copy lesson plans, organize desk, make center activity, prepare guided reading lessons.

I feel like this should guide me to accomplish more things on a day-to-day basis. Lord knows, I need to write things down lest I forget (see: get sidetracked by something shiny or bubbly).

Spring

Now clearly, it's not spring time but, it's the start of spring semester. Being in college for 7 years and teaching for the past three will have me splitting my years into Springs and Falls!

So it's "spring" time. Getting ready to kick my kinders into high gear! Those of y'all who weren't reading (I have 3 out of 19), I hope you got brains for Christmas! Those of you that were reading, keep up the good work!! Although I didn't miss my babes not once this break, I am excited to see them on Tuesday! I wonder who lost teeth, who got much needed sneakers, etc.

Another reason I'm excited, our chief academic officer, the one who came to town shooting and blazing and changing everything with blanket abandon, has been "reassigned". The VERY FIRST DAY of Christmas break, it hit the local news stations. I just happened to have the TV on when the 'caster read, "SDPBC's CAO has been reassigned. His position has been absorbed by the super and the previous CAO."

WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!??!

You have no idea how mind-boggling that is! I know this semester is going to be interesting if nothing else. He's the one who implemented the district wide lesson plans that were hit or miss, lacking supplies, non-sequential, etc. He attacked our district with a 'one size fit all' approach and that rarely works. It barely works in the individual classrooms! Anyway, seeing how he was new, I assume, HE assumed we all had the same resources...

My school is 90% free and reduced lunch. You know what that means? My school doesn't have the same things as the school with 0% free/red lunch + 100% PTO participation. I do applaud his effort and I'm sure a lot of the mess can be blamed on the principals but whatever. I'm here to teach my 19 the best I can with what I have.



So now that teacher talk is out the way, what's really good for Spring? Oh! I have one more goal to add to my list!


Read at least 24 books this year.
The game plan is to read a non-fiction book in two weeks and spend the other two weeks reading world lit. For those of you that know me, non-fiction is not in my reading vocab. I can spend weekends lost in translated books. Well, I aim to change that.

24 books will be a challenge. My days are spent at school and when I'm spent, I'm spent. Being such a morning person puts a damper on extra-curricular activities. I don't feel like doing ish when I get home from school! And reading is the last thing I want to do! I read all day!!! Reading directions, reading journal prompts, reading whole group, small group reading, team meeting notes! But, this is about reading for enjoyment and education.

I wonder if I should add magazines... I have hella subscriptions but guess how many I read? Yep, that stack of Time magazine has never had a cover peeled back. #literacyfail

Nah, I want to buy books.

Alright y'all this is my last free day! I'll holla!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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!!!!!

Goals for 2010

1. keep my work area more organized.

Guys, I'm not nasty or dirty. I won't even use the word 'messy'. I'm just unorganized. My desk at school is a black hole of forms, worksheets, homework, toys, "gifts" from my children, and even money. Yesterday, my trifling principal decided to take a walk-thru (really? on the last day of school??) and see who had their lesson plans on their desk. Mine was on my desk, she just couldn't find it. It was under workbooks and craft examples (I always test out a project before I do it with the class). She left a note asking for it. I didn't bother replying cause she knows my deal. I'm an awesome teacher; my kids make crazy gains and they love coming to school. As for my desk? Holla at me in the new year.

2. take better care of my car.

I have a 2-seater sedan. Why? My backseat has been totally monopolized by JUNK. Clothes, shoes, papers, crayo-la products, cards, DVDs, CDs, etc. I'm the type of person to get in the car and throw whatever into the back seat. I plan on taking whatever out when I get home but I just say, "fcuk it, I'll get it later". Or not. So I need to keep Tima's interior neater.

Outside, I think the last time she's been washed was when I was driving back to Tally... for my last semester of undergrad. yeah.

I bought a lifetime balance and rotation but I don't know the last time I got them done. I do. It was back in 2007.

I needed to get an oil change back in Sept.

Since i'm not sure when I'll be able to buy my own car, I really need to do better with the 2000 Altima I have. 10 years is a good look but as you all have seen, she's falling apart! My baby!!

3. use my passport at least once.

I've had that joint since I was 2. Been to England 3 times before high school. Rode on a hovercraft between UK and France when I was 10. Fell in love with Holland at 7 years old. Someone with that travel pedigree needs to do much better. I would love to go back go Europe, specifically England. I have hella cousins there so I know they'd show me a good time.

I'd also like to visit a country in Asia. I want to save Japan for my honeymoon so before then, wherever Ant.Bourdain has been, I want to go. He can sell me Daytona Beach and I'd go there!

I want to go somewhere besides West Africa. I've always been intrigued by north Africa. Morocco, Algeria, or Egypt. I don't know what's going on with Libya but I think I should stay away from there. I'm sure times have changed but I was old enough to know what was going on with Pan Am back in '88.

4. have an all girls trip

I don't care where we go, I just want us to go.

I do blame FB for fab pics of girlfriends on cruises to Mexico and flights to Antigua... we don't even have to do all that (yet). I want us to start small. Let's go to NYC and shop! (at H&M, balling on a budget here). let's catch a show! let's GO!!!!

5. pick a beauty regime and stick to it.

by that I mean, I want to be consistent with my looks. If I'm going to get my hair done, I need to get it done like clockwork, rain or shine. If I'm going to be about my nails, manis and pedis every two weeks. If I'll go back to waxing, take it off every 4 weeks. Now I can't afford all 3 so I want to choose one and maintain it, then sprinkle the other 2 in whenever I feel indulgent.

Ideally, I'd pick hair appointments but hair removal is the bane of my existence. I can/have/will throw a tam on my head or hook up a headband. Hair on my legs? UGH! Razors dry me out like CRAZY and I have to iCal nair days. Plus, we all know hair doesn't grow back as quickly with waxing...

I think that's all that's pressing me for next year... keep you posted!!