Day Off (Cont)

I hung around and put a couple summery clothes in the ginormous suitcase I grabbed my sweaters from. Then I realized if I want to eat dinner, I should start cooking. Why so early? I had a 330p ortho appt and those take forever.

I text StanKK for the potato salad recipe and get to boiling potatoes. On another burner, I start Mrs. Smith's creamy shrimp dish. On a 3rd burner, I make some white rice. I was going to start spaghetti on the fourth burner but inadvertently put the ground turkey in the freezer. Oh well, I get to slicing and dicing green onions, celery, and dill pickle chips for my 'tato salad. I know, relish would've been easier but you know how hand shredded cheese tastes worlds better than pre-shredded in the bag? Same with relish/pickles.

Potatoes are done, time to coarsely chop them.

Damn, I forgot an egg.

Boil an egg and coarsely chop it. Now I put everything in the bowl. Sprinkle with salt, fresh cracked pepper, garlic salt, and paprika. Dollops of miracle wip and honey mustard and I get to mixing. Add more whip and mustard. More salt. More whip. deli mustard with horseradish, oh yeah! that was it! Just enough heat balanced against the sweetness of the pickles! A tbsp on pickle juice and a last mix.

AWE.SUM.

Now it's time to get ready to go. Brown tights, pink cami and a poncho that has both colors in it. big brown bag and shades and I'm out.

I got accosted taking out the trash. Coming from the dumpster, a person blows his horn at me. I keep it moving. Blows again and rolls the window down. I look around, damn, I'm the only one around.

"Hi, do you live here?"

"I don't have time to chat, I have an appt to get to"

"I LIKE YOU!"

*record scratching* Did he just literally holler at me?

"Do you even know me? Bye!"

Hop in the car and tell Drew about his homie. He's someone from some other country. American boys are NOT that aggressive!! Reminds me of some ish that happens in Ghana. Or when I'm at a reggae/creole club in broward/dade county!!! NOT THE ONE!

330p- sitting in the chair when the ortho brings out a mini circular saw.

"What are you going to do with that!??!"

"Just shave in between your teeth. I need to make space for your teeth so they won't crowd when I bring your jaw back some more"

"Is it going to hurt?!!?"

"I can't do anything that hurts. I don't have anesthesia!"

*FACE* "That hasn't stopped some people in here!"

"Calm down, I won't hurt, I promise"

who's heard that before?

It didn't hurt, but it wasn't comfortable. and looking in the mirror at my bloody gums (yeah, he got too low) plus my newly sharpened teeth was surreal. Then this fool took something like sandpaper and smoothed the edges!!!!! now THAT was uncomfortable!!! FILING MY TEETH.... MANUALLY!!!! Daaah, I wanted to cry :-( And it wasn't even over. I still had to get my new wires :-(

Stainless.Steel.

But, taking off the aluminum wires popped a bracket off. Great. This is the appt that never ends. New bracket, new wires that hurt I.MME.DI.ATE.LY. Plus a chain (connected rubberbands) across my bottom jaw to bring the teeth back. she told me, "This will probably hurt for the next 5-7 days"

:-(

I come home and can't eat anything. I drink lots of lemonade and barely chew the warm white rice. The shrimp dish smells and tastes BEYOND wonderful but I can't really enjoy it cause it hurts to chew. i really think i swallowed a whole shrimp...

I basically do nothing after my ortho appt. lollygagged and played online... talked to Drew. went to bed after washing all the dishes and wiping down the counters.

I so cannot be a housewife. How boring is that life?

Day Off

This is a post that I started when I woke up and will post before I sleep tonight.

658a- yessssss, I don't have to go anywhere I don't want to today. I think I might watch Office Spayse to continue the good feeling of doing NOTHING.

730a- damn. I have to go to the post office and figure this thing out. I could drive to the main one but that's far and I don't really know how to get there.

758a- Drew's up! Let's see who else is up via Twitter. Apparently, its Q Psi Phi's 98th birthday. Just found out my American godfather is a Que via facebook... who knew? I thought he was just sigma pi

8ooa- dee dee deeeeee, nothing interesting. Ooh, new friend accepted. He was someone I thought was cute in HS; brooding, cynic, british cute.

I think I will make a wahlmart list. I cannot go in there without a plan cause I will go in there needing ribs and milk but leave with glue sticks and a camera case. Oooh, I should hit up the post office, then do publix for veggies and continue down to 45th for wally world! Yess!

829a- Yoga pants and tank top, zip-up hoodie and flip-flops, hoop earrings and bag, and I'm out!

fcuk. it would be school zone time when I leave. I can't win with school zones. damn you middle school walking distance from my place!!

Pull up, remembering how much I hate this post office.

let's see what mess I'll get into today. Are you serious? How is there a line already? Whatever. Let me get my license out...

FCUK!!! I LEFT MY WALLET AT HOME!!!!

Maybe she'll forget to ask.

Did y'all know if you don't check your mail in three days, it can be considered 'unclaimed'? that's that bull-ish if i've ever heard any! and she tried to make me feel bad for not coming to claim it at the post office!

1. I didn't know what the fluck was going on to even come into this raggedy post office

2. how come I've never heard this rule before?

And she needs a picture ID... "I have my teacher badge in the car..." Don't give me that look that I'm supposed to be at school!!! Fcuk, I'm outta here.

and now my clever plan to grocery shop in 2 steps has been de-railed cause my wallet is home. back to the school zones that, I swear, take up a square 7.8 miles...

At wallmart and what's the first thing I see? a lady in her C-i-t-i Trendz dress and a polyester (she doesn't get satin) bonnet on. Her jacket race-car driver jacket says, "Don't Hate"

If you insist.

Damn, why am I in the toiletry aisle? I don't neeeeeed shaving cream, but would really like some.

Ooh I'm thirsty. lemonade, peach punch, milk, AND berry punch.

My bones haaaave been hurting me... string cheese and yogurt

Oooh, I did want a hotdog yesterday... ball park bun size

Damn, all I need is ribs and milk. Well, I could use some garbage bags for my recycling bin... and these candles smell good but I think I will close my eyes and get some real ones from bb&b; I don't want 'angel whisper' or 'aloha', ole victoria secret ass scent names... WHAT IS A SWEET TEMPTATION?!!?

FOCUS.

RIBS and cornbread.

Where did cornbread come from? I do want some with corn in it... is that considered cornbread casserole? let me ask what to do *pull out phone and tweet*

Oooh, Mrs. Smith posted a delicious looking shrimp recipe... I'll need bacon. Oooh, while I'm cooking, I might as well make spaghetti so i'll need ground turkey. And chicken is so versatile but I don't want a whole chicken like last time... not feeling the leg quarters over here... i'll look to see what publix has. Wait! I should try the farmer's emporium for veggies! yeah, I'll go there instead! let me get out of here before I find a scarf I "neeeeed". ooh, jewelry! Is the biggest diamond at wallmart a 1/4 carat? I can buy that! Right hand ring!!! ow!

focus.

1000a- this is farmer's emporium? this is what mommy's been ranting and raving over? all they have are hella kinds of apples and lots of leafy stuff! and jewish pastries!!! Booooo, I should've gone to publix.

1007a- where am I going? I passed publix! I guess that means I'm going home. Hmmm, are this many people on the road at this time? shouldn't y'all be at work? I'm sure EVERYONE didn't follow my suit

1015a- home supposed to be putting groceries away but I decided to post about my day off so far. Its amazing how many times I've tweeted since I woke up. Too much time on my hands.

1130a- spent hour doing nothing. well, i put the groceries away and thought about the yankee candle scent I want to get from BB&B, juicy peach.

Made a publix list for the pssgetti I'm going to make, ooh! i need potatoes for my 'tato salad I've been wanting!! You know who BEASTS 'tato salad? my brother. Matter fact, let me text him and find out what he does... I bet his monkey ass won't tell me. Or he'll say, "Potatoes, paprika and love. If it doesn't come out right *insert shoulder shrug and innocent face here*"

Okay, going to BB&B. I need my place to smell like fruit. Not, nothing. and then publix. and then the cooking marathon will begin! So excited!

1200- almost finished at publix when the most ghetto of my parents walks by the condiment aisle. she's the one who drives a tricked out 300 (the hood-rich car of 2007) with the spearmint glitter paint job and 24" blades, etc. Daughter STAYED decked out in Polo and Coach... HOW ARE YOU IN KINDERGARTEN WITH MORE COACH ACCESSORIES AND SHOES THAN ME??? Anyway, I get the smirk and "why you ain't at school?"

Tend. tend to your own business.

1p -an unreasonable amt of time in BB&B. They don't make juicy peach anymore so I was deciding btwn blood orange, tangerine & vanilla, apricot sorbet, and peach mango salsa.

All that?? Meanwhile, the other scent I bought (sage & citrus) is still going strong.

I want a peach scent that I don't have to light a match for. I almost bought apricot potpourri but that brought me to godparents house in the 80's. potpourri and eucalyptus for days. I don't want that. I settled for the ridiculously expensive jar of yankee mango peach salsa. and a candle warmer so I don't have to light it. Oh, great aNOTHER parent! Don't y'all hoes work!?!? then SHE asked me, "YOu don't have work today?" "I took the day off."

my gosh. I feel like I'm back in high school and I'm skipping with fave ex!!!

140p- heading down village when the smell of beef hits me. ooh, i think I want a champbrger. I make a u-turn and head to the spot. Decisions... the short line I'd have to reach over the passenger seat for or the long line on the driver's side? I go for short.

and knock my side mirror off. It's hanging by it's veins.

TO BE CONTINUED

Holiday

I'm pressed but not pressed about the upcoming day.

I'm not too pressed about Thanksgiving b/c growing up somewhat Ghanian, Thanksgiving isn't a holiday that was celebrated over there. Actually, it kind of is but it's obviously not the same and it's during the summer. Homowo.

Now don't get me wrong, we didn't NOT do the whole Thanksgiving thing... it was just always better when others were invited cause then we really went all out. Turkey, ham, salad, stuffing (see, I call it stuffing and not 'dressing'), green beans, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, etc. It wasn't till I got to FAMU and learned how to make REAL mac & cheese did that get added to the mix along with REAL mashed potatoes. Yeah.

So yeah, Thanksgiving.

Now I am pressed cause everyone else is. Everyone else has a place to be cause it's such a big deal meanwhile, my dad is in Ghana and my mom is in Boston. StanKK is doing the big day with his fiance and cause they're American, its a HUUUUUUUGE deal; ginormous spread with everyone coming from all over Florida. Even Andrew is doing the day with his landlord/friend. Butch is part Native American and takes the day VERY seriously. I don't want to do t-day down there cause they aren't my friends like that. Plus, I can't take a whole day of PWI grads on a holiday. Being Ghanian on Thanksgiving was already different enough.

I think Mini Me and I are going to do a Sister-Sistah thing. 1st Annual "Three Monkeys Don't Run No Show" Dinner. Mom, Dad, and StanKK... don't let this happen again. Cause even though we don't do Thanksgiving the way everyone else does it, it was nice pretending we do.

Cooking Cautiously

Jam and I were talking about... duh, food and what we WON'T touch. Basically, things we don't feel we're ready to or even want to attempt to deal with right now.

It all started when she asked how my veggie diet is going. I answered, "I need more shrimp recipes. If I could eat sushi everyday, I'd be set." One way to eat sushi everyday is to make it yourself. Yeah, I'm not there yet. Besides actually making it, I'd need to go shopping for very specific ingredients and tools/utensils. Don't feel like doing all that right now.

We talked about fennel. How often will I need that? If a recipe calls for it, we're passing it.

Various vinegars. Rice wine, red wine, white wine, balsamic, etc. Do we really need 40 different vinegars in our pantry? I'ma go with no. Next recipe.

Leeks. Pass.

Endive. Uh, no.

French cuisine. Nope.

Sesame oil. Too expensive for the one dish I'll use it for and make maybe ONCE a year.

Jam tripped me out with this one: egg yolks. "Two egg yolks? Next." She's so straight on separating eggs! LOL! I think I'm going to start separating my eggs and beating them separately so I can get a fluffy consistency by folding that whites back in...

Oooh, one thing I'm not ready for: lobster/shrimp bisque.

Do you know what goes into that thing?!?! I had a taste for some and looked up Ty Florence's recipe...

I should've known better than to look his ultimate ass recipe up. But recipes on other sites weren't too far off which lets me know I will be going to Hole Foods for my bisque.

The last thing I will hold off on is risotto. I've seen too many bad endings with that dish on TV.

Maybe over the summer, I'll try one of the above. Maybe.

Wedding Invites

I know weddings are not cheap. I know you're spending thousands of dollars to have your friends and family spend up to 6 hours with you. I know you're basically having a party in a tux/wedding dress.

But when I don't get an invite, I wonder about our status.

*

A homeboy of mine is getting married and months ago, he asked for my address and gave me the password to his wedding website. He's getting married this evening and I still have no invite. Clearly, I'm not going but, don't put it past me to drive some 4+ hours for a wedding I have no invite to! (brunswick).

Now the thing with invites to homeboys' wedding is I think, a sensitive one. I think it's a common conception that wedding day is the bride's day. with that said, I'm not invited to HER wedding, even though Dub is MY homie.

*

I remember the 1st of my homeboys to get married. Mr. L and his Cookie Monster. That was back in 2003 (damn, has it really been 6 years? I don't think so... or has it!?!?). I was pacing the driveway waiting for my invite. I mean, it was only the wedding of the year! Everyone from Suncoast was going to be there!! When a week before the wedding rolled around, I called him and asked, "Am I invited to the wedding? I know I'm an ex and I wasn't sure how Cooks would feel about that..."

Yeah, I asked that awkward question! Seeing it in print and being much older now, I can't believe I did that. Naivete, I tell you.

Yeah, I was an ex of the soon-to-be hubby. And can I tell you, he told me OTHER exes weren't invited but I was. As it turned out, the invites were pseudo sent out and most who were there were told to could come. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fun reception!

Next homeboy wedding... fave ex's.

Geez, I just get them ready, don't I?

I didn't get an invite but I didn't ask. That was last year so I had more tact. It turns out, the invite was addressed to me and Kitty at our apt. Neither one of us were there anymore. Kitty's sister read us the info and we made it to Daytona to participate in ANOTHER beautiful ceremony of my ex. we didn't stay for the reception cause Kitty's then (wack) beau was hungry and he didn't eat what was being served. So upset about that one cause I know it was off the chain. Fave ex is a Striker and so are TWO of his groomsmen. And bride is greek so I missed out on the serenade and strolls... ARGH!

That's what happens when you bring 1-star strays into the group...

I'm sitting here wondering what the deal will be abt Dub's wedding... was it sent to my parent's house? Is it a word of mouth joint like TWO I've been to? Or is Bride flat out hating?

Clip Post

April 2008- 1st year teaching

I have 4 kids who get speech therapy twice a week. Today, my favorite girl took her mini reader we've been working on to speech to read to the therapist. Why did the therapist come back crying with joy? she interrupted my whole group reading to tell me that my heart (D.Jones), is pronouncing so well; reading with fluency, intonation and prosody, she's doing a WONDERFUL job, and she kept on going on and on. then she started welling up again and added, "you are such a marvelous teacher, oh my gosh the growth in your students! please always send the mini readers with them cause its literally bring tears to my eyes to see and hear the product of your awesome work!! I am so proud! Ms. Kutieboots you are doing an awesome job!"

*batting eyelashes* who me??? lil ole newbie me?? AWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!! SHUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wait. I have one more reason to be excited. technically, two.

So i volunteered to do after-school tutoring with kinders who are on the bubble of promotion. All of us submitted names to the reading coach of children who need an extra boost in reading and reading skills and therefore will move on to 1st grade. Mind you, I volunteered. I went to pick up my students (who come from the 5 other teachers, we don't get our own students) and why did they cheer cause I was their tutor?? Who was feeling her head inflate a little bit?

me.

Get back to my classroom and I outline how our 1 hour sessions will be. Time really does fly when you're having fun! I wanted just 15 more minutes!!! Oh well, we did 3 out of the 4 12-minute activities I had planned but I was able to get in my read-aloud. Dr. Se.uss is an AWESOME man. Pure genius. I need allllll his books in my life. Him and eric ca.rle. Anyway, I read I Can Read with My Ey.es Shut and emphasized the part, "the more you read, the more you know". Its so true!!!! reading is the best thing you can do for a child. Even if its a book they already know, read it over and over again for fluency which is a GINORMOUS deal!

damn! in my excitement, i need to digress!!

So about tutoring that i volunteered for. Why did I find out that we get paid for this?

who's too happy to do what she loves and get paid for it? Oh my gosh, God is so good!

one last thing that is tied to this. another teacher had one of my babies. another one of my cuties who I adore. mad rapper from boston who loves to play basketball... anyhoo, she said my student was a delight and the most well mannered child in her group. so excited and driven to do well!!

guess who was beaming from ear to ear??

me.

*sigh* I love my job.

May 2008- 1st year teaching

there are 19 days of school left. i've lost a student (she moved) and gained a student (today was his 1st day) in the past 14 days.

i'm retaining 3, two of them are ESOL (eng speakers of other languages). ESOL retention is one of the hardest things you have to do. so much red tape! the school and the coordinator have to CTA (think crypogram, T=Y) and make sure its not cause of the language difference this child didn't make gains... blah blah blah. NO, THE CHILD STILL CAN'T WRITE THEIR NAME! THE CHILD KNOWS 10 capital letters and 6 lower case letters! no letter sounds, no numbers, can't give me ONE sight word, doesn't know the front cover from the back, cannot even copy a sentence of the board, NOTHING!

See, the problem with America is that they worry about being soooo P.C., that's it not P.C. I remember there was some BS about not using red pens or markers cause that would offend Asian students. I would bet my next paycheck it wasn't an Asian parent coming in complaining about that, but a cauc thinking too hard!

Whatever the case, I can't believe I'm sending my babies to 1st grade! I look at them and can't believe where they came from! I look at pics I took along the school year and see all the teeth that have come and gone, the coloring and play-doh activities that have turned into independent writing, books with 4 big words on a page that have been replaced with 3 or four sentences with size 14 font...

we're doing addition now and my heart SWELLS with joy at how fast they are absorbing this concept. to think that most could only count to 10 and they were showing off if they could count to 20 when I first got them. They can count by 2s, 5s and 10s now.

One of my darlings has a pet hamster. He named it Ms. Kutieboots

My babies aren't that anymore.

hey bush, can I have just ONE child left behind??

Fine.
Happy Belated Mother's Day to me.

*

April 2009- 2nd year of teaching

Yo, there are some 50 school days left in the year! I can't wrap my mind around that... I basically have two months to get my kinders even tighter than they are! OMG, my students have BLOSSOMED in the last few weeks!! There was a point where we were all on the up and up and then it seemed like they plateau-ed. I was worried. Oh no, these children are pulling tricks out their bags and are quite frankly, STUNNING me! For example, writing.

Writing has always been my least fave subject to teach. Its so subjective and there is no "right" way to teach kinders how to write. Math is cut and dry. Reading is letters, then sounds, then blending. Writing? *exasperated sigh*

I tried to do what other teachers have been successful with but it wasn't working for my class. Just this Monday, we put together a paper flower in science and I used it as a independent prompt for writing. I said, "Write about your flower" and let them do whatever comes to mind. Can I share the work I got?

"I like my flower. My flower is blue. I can plant seeds. My flower have a stem. The flower have a leaf."

Ummmm, that's 5 sentences. FIVE sentences!! Can I tell you how these children came in barely knowing how to hold a pencil and write their own names?!?!!!?!?!?!!?!? I asked my stellar writer, "Who taught you how to write so well!??!" and he replied,

"I just know."

Word???????? Ummm, don't make me pull out the paper when your name was a whole bunch of wingdings!!!!! Talking bout, "I just know.."

lol

June 2009- 2nd year of teaching

school is over in EXACTLY one week.

that's 5 school days.

I can't believe it.

As of now, I'm not sad yet. Watch out for a mopey Monday post about my babies going on to 1st grade.

Awwwww! That's what I do!! I send children on to 1st grade!!! Hopefully, I've done my job and they flourish the rest of their academic careers!!!

I know my students love coming to school! Parents tell me they have to beg their children to stay home AFTER BEING DISCHARGED FROM THE HOSPITAL!!! True story, my little Dani woke up from emergency surgery and asked, "Can I go to school now?" AWWWWWWWW!! MELTED MY HEART!!!!

But yeah, this year, so different from last year. the children came in lower (see: not as bright) and as usual, I was worried I wouldn't be able to handle it. Maaaaaaan, I'm sending this class on better than the last! I worked harder this year, had a bit more swag with mine, and I have writers!! I think that is my biggest accomplishment this year... serious writers.

Anyhoo, as you may or may not have heard via tweeter, I have the best kindergarten class at school. I can't wait for next school year :-)

Opposites Attract

Y'all know Drew. Totally opposite of me. He's a lefty where I'm right handed. He's introverted around strangers when I'm extroverted all the time. He's a hater realist where I'm an idealist. He's a night owl while I'm an early bird. He's white, I'm black. (wait, he's white!?!?)He was raised to not believe in Jesus Christ while JC is the basis of my religion...

He came to school to help out with a car wash one day. When he left, York said, "von K! I didn't know you like to climb trees!! I just knew you had a little geeky boy by your side! Little cake topper found her a sequoia!!"

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

That has been our outside persona to everyone. And we love it.

On the inside, like behind closed doors it's a different story.

I sweep every other day and thank my mom for instilling in us, Saturday Morning Cleaning. Yes, ever since I can remember, StanKK and I would get up on Sat and do our chores. Washing the bathtub, sinks and toilets; folding laundry mom was doing as we simultaneously watched cartoons; changing all the pillowcases in the bedrooms; as we got older, cleaning the fridge (once a month), cutting the grass... GENERAL CLEANING OF THE HOUSE.

I still do that. No, I'm not getting an allowance anymore but it makes me feel good. I just wonder how "good" i'll be feeling when I'm the only one doing it for a family household.

Next thing.

Since he's usually working when I'm asleep, getting home from the studio when I'm on my way to work, you can imagine we are on totally different sleep cycles. I think can only be married to him during the summer cause this fool woke me up SEVERAL times in the wee hours of the day. I've told him, "I have to sleep babe. I have work in a few hours." and he understands but his ADD/kitten ass is still moving and rolling and shifting in the bed. He will wake me up to put my head on his shoulder. Or wrap his arms around me OR TICKLE MY FEET!!!!!

FACE

I'm a light sleeper. All this getting up and getting back in bed, opening the laptop, playing games on the phone, rubbing my back when I didn't ask for a back-rub, etc is not going to work late August- early Jun.

Let me stop complaining. I just wanted to vent cause I didn't have to go to work till 8am today and I was woken up at 515am.

*gripe over*

Life

I hung up on my mom the other day. She was hollering about her plane ticket and I told her to stop yelling. She said she wasn't yelling so I told her to stop talking loud. She calmed down for a second but got excited all over again. No ma'am. End call.

My principal is trying to play me and the other patrol sponsor. We jumped on every fundraiser we could (gormay lollipops, chocklate, scented pencils, car washes, etc) and were able to raise about $200 for each patrol!! That is AWESOME! Whatever the case, all our bills have been paid so whatever merchandise is left is for the patrols to go on another trip after FCAT. Why is she telling us, "go ahead and bring everything to the front office and we'll take care of it" THE HELL YOU WILL! WE'LL take care of it! Not finna be using our money to have Christmas parties at your house...

My Ghanian godfather passed away. Just found out my American godfather is deathly ill. Went to see him today and I just can't believe the shadow of a man that sits where my pillar of a Godfather used to stand. With his baritone voice, not quite as bari as it used to be, we talked about the school district. He's General Counsel for PBCSD and offered some inside info on our new CAO (chief academic officer). I suddenly don't hate him anymore. And dislike my principal even more.

Drew is here. We played wee at best by and it was great. Oh yeah, I can watch TV now!!! So EXCITED!! It pays to have a guy around. They really do earn their keep.

Funny how I got excited but I don't really watch TV... at least I have the option to watch basic programming on the networks.

My children are too smart for me. I'm kidding. They are challenging me to challenge them more than the previous years have. I'm going to have some superstars in 1st grade next year! Things are snapping and trapping in their little brains now. They have schemata to fall upon and we both LOVE it when something from their past comes into their present and it makes sense to them. For example, I read a book titled Mouse-Mess. Talked about different foods, etc, etc. Just yesterday, during the phonics lesson, we talked about things that start with O and I introduced 'olives'. Okay. When centers rolled around and a group was at Big Books, Shy said, "Ms. von K! Olives! I know that that word is! I looked at the picture and sounded out the 1st letter!"

*TEAR*

My reading strategies are working!!

Anyhoo, that's where I am today.

Happy Veterans' Day. My paternal grandfather fought in WWII for the BEF.

Wedding Talk

I know nothing is guaranteed but as a female, I can't HELP but to talk about the day I've been dreaming of!

When at the house, Chole and Lamar popped across the screen. For some weird reason, both my parents knew who they are, all about the situation and even occasionally watch 'Keeping Up* with..." I was so thrown and "thanked" NNC for my temporary discombobulation.

Anyhoot, Klho and Mar prompted BOTH Mom and Pops to ask, "So, where's your wedding going to be?"

Me wanting to have a bangin ass reception with as little food and as much champagne as possible said, "At church, duh. Father said members of the church get to use it as a gift" (or something like that)

Pops: You have to take into consideration who you are marrying. Not everyone wants to get married in church

Me: Well then we'll do church and a temple.

Mom: yeah, you have to get married where you're comfortable and if you want to have 2, so be it. Jews and Catholics do it all the time

Me: yeah, what she said.

Pops: If you marry Drew, you need to have it in a neutral place. It's not right to impose your rituals upon someone else

Me and Mom: It's my/her day!

Pops: You need to think about it.

Me: so what, a hotel ballroom? outside?? in a garden? Stan is already doing the beach and I wouldn't do that anyway, too much sand.

Pops: Just keep neutral places open.

*FACE*

My once 'no charge' venue just might be out of the picture.

*

Speaking of my reception, I want Robin Thicke to sing. If anyone knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who knows him, gon' head and knock that out for me. Please and thank-you :-)

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!!

Going, going

back, back to Ghana, Ghana



This time it's my Pops.



Yep, it's his turn to make the trip "home". But he won't lose his mind and be gone for a large part of the year; he has work to return to. Mom came back grumbling bout how she wished she had 2 more months. Ummm!!?!?? You STAYED TWO MONTHS LONGER THAN PLANNED!!!! Then she had the nerve to complain about work... well, when you come back to the States in October and school starts in August, I don't know what to tell you!



I don't think either one of my parents have been in the U.S. for a whole year in a looooooooong time... that's what happens when all your children are out the house. Actually, when Mini Me was still in highschool, Mom Dukes was out for a whole summer + some... WHATEVER!



All I know... when it come time from grandkids to make their presence known, SOMEONE BETTER BE HERE FOR THE 1ST YEAR!! Or at least the 1st 6 months! It's the Ghanian way :-)



When I was born, my maternal grandmother was here for 9 months. When StanKK was born, my maternal grandfather was here for 6months. Mini Me? 6 months with maternal grand again. The other adult in the house makes life easier for the new parent. No matter how many you have, another and somewhat outside source of help is a blessing. Imagine being a new mom; hubby is at work and all you have is the house and a newborn. TV gets old and how much can you clean? Unless you have a network of other new moms, you'll probably go crazy. Nope. Not the kid. Bring another being to cook or clean or run errands or provide conversation or drive (in case you got that good c-section) or watch the baby while you get some much needed sleep!



I'm looking on FB at the classmates who are new moms... we see the pics of baby and mommy smiling... I want to see the 3am feeding and baby hollering! and Mommy at her wits end! Of course we'll never see that!!



So while on the subject of grands... why did Mom say she'll take them to Ghana for their 1st year???









Oh Lord.











Can you imagine my children coming back saying, "We're half caste!" Well, they won't be talking that way at 1 year old but you get what I'm saying. Interracial anything isn't the norm over there. My cousin who is half Chilean, half Ghanian had an interesting time when he went, especially since he speaks Spanish. LOLOL!


Anyway, my dad is going to Ghana today. Pray for his safe travels!

Mean Teacher

Sidebar- We know I got a new phone... why did I get it on the day tee-mobile's network goes down? Not just the cydekick server but the entire TEE-MOBILE network?? Why won't the devil leave me and my phones alone?!?!

Is it a sidebar if I haven't even started the post???

Mean Teacher

I have to tell my students I am bringing her out. I write Mean Teacher on the board and I draw a mean face. Them being 'Hater Class, 2023', said,

"Is that your sad face?"

I snapped back, "NO! It's a mad face!! To go with the Mean Teacher you guys are getting tomorrow!!"

We'll see how it goes. I think I might stick with her today. Usually, they behave themselves I don't even get a chance to change colors but today? IT'S ON!

On another note... patrols.

that's that bull isht.

We got played from Day 1. I've said for, going on 3 years, "I got to get out of this place!" This is my 3rd year so I'm good! Holla at your girl! Matter of fact, don't.

Now on to that goal list I said I'd update.

pledge grad chapter

(and I forgot the last one that was on my mind...)

Yeah, it's really a big deal to me. Still.

Marriage = Rocking the Boat

One of my favorite Bob songs is "Satis.fy My Soul". Why? Cause the lyrics are so me

Oh please, don't u rock my boat

Cause I don't, want mai boat to be rocking

I'm a typical Taurus and like things to be stable. I think change is overrated. I am a firm believer in "if it ain't broke don't fix it" and any other saying in the same boat. In an almost OCD like manner, I do things a certain way and get irritated when you "rock my boat".

Case in point, my shower routine. Being the never-nude, I take most of my clothes off in the bathtub and throw them over the bar.

LMAO! I am ridiculous! Seeing that in print makes me crack the fluck up!!!!!

I wash, rinse, repeat x 2*. Kind of like how you should brush your teeth... turn the water off when you're not rinsing?? Yeah, that's me.

Then I partially dry off in the tub, wrap the towel around me and put deodorant on. Then lotion. One pump for left leg, one pump for right leg, one pump for both arms with elbows and spaces between fingers (right elbow, left elbow; right hand, left hand) hit up first AND last (I go over those spots again), then torso. Then underwear, camisole, and the rest is a variable.

Drew came over last Sunday night. I was going to take my shower when he decided he wanted to "help".

"Let me take off your dress".

"I got it. I take my clothes off in the shower."

"But I want to help"

*FACE* "Fiiiiine."

I hopped in the shower before he could "help" with anything else.

*SHOWERING*

Now it's time to get out. I grab the towel and lightly pat dry in the tub. Drew hearing the water has been turned off for good is back in the bathroom.

"Lotion time!"

"Drew! You're going to mess up my routine! I put deodorant on first! and lotion afterwards! IN BODY PART ORDER!

"Routine? Babe, this is what marriage is about! Sharing spaces and time! No rituals here! I'm here to help! Let me take your shower cap off."

*FACE* "Noooooo! I do that last!!!! All the humidity will make my hair puff!!! DON'T TOUCH IT! Damn it, just watch the routine so you don't drive me crazy doing your own thing."

He watched and complained he didn't get a show (I keep my towel wrapped tightly the whole time, lolol). Boooo on you, I'm on a schedule here.

Now it was time to sleep. You know we both wanted the right side of the bed, right?

*FACE*

*BACKSTORY: a sometimes obnoxious homie of mine and Kitty came over our house in Tally. While he and Kitty were watching TV, I decided to hop in shower. Do you know this fool was in the bathroom asking if he could join me? NOOOOOOOO! but why did he stay in the bathroom and have conversation!?!?!? Like, sitting on the toilet (with the lid down) and act like we were sharing coffee in an open air cafe'!?! I was tense but still managed to get my shower when he interrupted with,

"Wait! Did you just shower, rinse, and repeat?!?!"

"If you want to call it that..."

"I was wondering why the water kept going off and on!!!!"

New New

I got a new phone!!! Woo woo!!!

Ever since the cydekick disaster of last month, I've been looking for a new phone. I was thinking of getting the newest one out but thought, "Am I too old for a cydekick? I know people my sister's age who got geeked from my present one" But, I do like the twist up screen and of course the qwerty keyboard for all my unlimited texting needs... and browser for tweets and FB updates... I sighed and thought about starting crack and getting a blacberry. So not my style, though, you know? Plus, I want a separate screen from my keyboard, not one piece of phone!

I looked at the Gee1 but wasn't a fan. I wanted to like it but the total touch screen was not my cup of tea. Again, where's my qwerty? and it seems to try so hard to be a cool phone.

yeah, I said an nonliving thing was trying too hard to be cool. it's my blog, deal with it.

so I nixed the gugle phone. then there's the maiTouch. the one with woopy, phil, and jesse pubbing it.

next.

Drew told me motorolla was coming out with a new phone called the click and it's right up my alley.

Can you hear me now? Good!

I got it yesterday. Plus that good SDPBC 15% discount! OW!!

So your girl got a new new phone. I can watch video and actually post responses to your posts!! Wow! What a concept!

the only bad thing? it has a maispace app. My what???? pass.

I'm on a roll!

It's Monday and I would like to thank Daylight Savings for ending. I was worried all day yesterday cause the extra hour was throwing me off. I woke up at 430am and looked at the clock like, "Word?" Then I woke up at 630am and gave up. Drew and I went for a 45 minute walk on the beach then came back to his place like, "Now what?" It was still ridiculously early.

Well, this morning, the extra hour did me well! I am up, fully rested and POSTING!!! If this was 3 days ago, I'd be on my way to work! Not today! I still have an hour to get my life together!!

*

So last week was a rough week cause the weekend before, I wasn't here to cook and clean for the week. Ugh, I was soooo annoyed at how my place was looking AND I was always hungry for a large portion of the days. I ate sushi 3 times last week (expensive) and Whendy's or MicDonald's or ChickFilA the other days. #notagoodlook.

This past Friday, I hung out with Moms, ate some Whendy's (grrr), took a nap at S.Lakes and came back to my place to meet Drew. His monkey-ass didn't show up till midnight?? Yeah, I was on my way back down to sleep. But I felt the urge to cook something and not waste the day. I butterflied a whole chicken, threw some s&p on it and baked it. Made white rice and ...

you know what I could be doing now??? Simmering some black beans! POLLO TROPICAL!

BRB

Okay, I have beans simmering and sweet corn coming to a roll. Woo hoo! With some fresh salsa, I'm reds to go!

*

Drew and I were talking about marriage this past Saturday. He being the math person pointed out that 50% of marriages end in divorce and of the the 50% that stay married, 25% aren't happy but stay together for children or appearances. "Most people look at their age and say, 'I'm supposed to be married now' so they go marry the 1st person who seems suitable. That's not cool." I being the eternal optimist pointed out that there are happy marriages out there. He agreed and said, "yeah, you have to be like us, just have an awesome chemistry and connection. We're perfect for each other. Wanna go look at rings tomorrow?"

WOW!!!! LOLOL!

There was nothing for us to look at cause I already know what I want! Oh, Mrs. Patti, the ring I want is a round solitaire with tiny diamonds down the visible part of the band :-)

Okay y'all, I really have to start getting ready for work now. Even though our lesson plans are done for us, I never know what BS the district wants us to do! TTYL!

Can I Do It?

Post every day?

"Miss Anti-Goal" and "Miss Never Met a Goal She Liked"

FACE @ Jameil!

I think I'm going to try it! Wish me luck!

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!

Hello Again

I'm in Hollywood, posting from Drew's computer. My mak is in the hospital. My poor baby will never be the same again, total amnesia.

Update:

not a fan of this school year. ADORE my students, they came in so smart and I've started reading groups already! But as for everything else? I'm over it.

Ummmm, what else?? I don't even remember how to use this thing. What to talk about?

Today's dip in the mercury confirms I can't live anywhere where there is a true winter. 60 degrees is my limit. I can wear cute trenches and scarves and boots when it's 60 degrees. It doesn't need to get any colder than that.

Why do toothpaste tubes say, "for best results, squeeze from the bottom"? My teethbrushing experience will not be the same if I squeeze from the middle??

I went ring hunting with Drew. Yep. I wasn't as excited as I thought I'd be. I even asked, "you're not trying to play me are you? this isn't to string me along for another year cause we're now looking at rings, is it?" Not too romantic. I found the one I want. Actually, I found the setting. It took two tries. :-)

Ummmm, I have to do lesson plans for guided reading. I'll holla!

Mrs. Patti

We've been following her blog for several months and to think, her day of careful and meticulous planning has finally come!! Might I add, from an outsider's point of view, it went off without a hitch!

A blogger shot of Soon to Be Mrs. Patti, her MOH Dani, and MnOH KBrock. See her DIY hair flower?

Remember her talking about this?

and the bouts for the honorable ones are GORGE!

It was so cool to be in attendance to the lovely wedding and to see everything we've been reading about serving it's purpose. Mrs. Patti, you did a WONDERFUL job! Congratulations, girl!!

Heaven on Earth

I got high this morning. Okay not literally, but at the same time, literally.

Sitting in 16A, I looked out my window and saw the Earth 30,000 feet below.

It was like I was in church and the message was so on point

It was like I was eating some of the best food at a Ma & Pa restaurant

or even the trendiest spot in town

It was like the moment when you're with the one you love and it hits you like a ton of bricks how much you love them

It was like how I feel when the perfect MJ song comes on randomly

Like when you look in the mirror after the hairdresser has put her foot in your hair.

Like the Johnny Legend song

Like when you're one with someone and you're one at the same time

Like waking up on a perfect Saturday

Just this overwhelming feeling of completely happiness enveloped me. I took my camera out to take pics of what my eyes were seeing but of course, its never the same in a camera. I wanted to savor the flight so I even took video. Yeah, it was that serious to me.

I was so high.

and I want to get high again and again.

Almost Perfect

I had internet access at my place. You know when you live in a complex, someone has that unlocked wifi... yeah, they locked their ish this weekend.

*insert sad face*

So... I think I will have to gon 'head and tack on another bill to my life. Just internet- for now.

It's amazing how internet is imperative to living. There is only so much I can do on my Sidekick. Actually, there isn't that much. Well, let me put it this way: I can't comment on blogs on my phone.

Booooooooooooooooooooo...

So, when I make daily trips to S. Lakes to feed Koke and let her use the bathroom, I hop on my dad's HP and get to interwebbing. I am thrown off cause I'm used to my makbook but this will def. work.

*

What's been up since I last posted?? Ummm, I washed my own hair for the 1st time in a loooooooong time. Since the Tally days, I'm sure. Well, since the re-relaxed days. Yeah, I don't have a problem washing it, its the drying that causes problems. I don't have the tools or deftness to achieve the same effect my hair dresser does. EVERY time I do my own hair, I pray to God not to give me girls. Those poor things will be Amber Roze till they can do their own hair.

I'm kidding.

... kind of.

*

OMG, I have to get up to change the radio station. 'Be.cky' has to be one of the dumbest songs. I promise, I'll listen to 'Turn My *Swag On' everyday if I don't have to hear Beckky again. Hor-ri-ble.

*

Going to Atlanta this weekend. and that b!tc# gets better every time. Can't believe I used to DESPISE that place!

*

An ex who I truly believe is some sort of sociopath requested me on FB. Then I was 'poked' by another ex. Can y'all stay IN the woodwork, please? Don't come out here now.

*

I think I will get myself a Wii for Christmas. I played it at my godparents' house (go figure) last year and had a blast. I def need something to get me in shape WITHOUT actually being outside. It's not that I'm a sweater (LMAO) but if I could play tennis and grab something out of my OWN fridge in t-minus 10 seconds, it's on. Wait, then I won't get to wear tennis outfits.

boooooooooooooooooooo...

*

I think that's it.

Fiery Lord or Righteous?

this is a totally random post. i just stumbled on someone's twitter page and these feelings started to come forth!!!

my dad worked with a man named Idris for years. I think he was my dad's fave Rx to work with cause he'd come home with, "Idris this" and "Idris that". All through high school, I had a crush on this man and I never saw him a day in my life. One time, I called Pops at work and got, "Pharmacy, Idris speaking"... I was stunned. "Hello? Pharmacy..." I finally got myself together and asked to speak to Poppa Diddy Pop. But I totally forgot what I wanted cause I was still swooning from talking to "Idris"

*

There was this guy at FAMU name Idris. He was a Miami Boy so I knew to stay away. But there was something so intriguing about him! A smoky mysteriousness... anyway, one day at a pool party, Dris and his homies (who happened to be in the 100 so they knew Kitty) were hanging out, it was all cool and what not till Tremaine asked Kitty, "But for real, why is Adei staring at Idris?"

MORTIFIED.

I didn't know I was doing it. Well, I knew I was sneaking looks but I didn't know niggas was watching me watching him! Damn lil... all in mine! Can I have this!?!? You know I got indignant; with the, "Don't be mad I'm not watching you while you over there watching me! Watch your ass!" *LOL* I laugh now. I had to pick up my pride back then.

*

Rx Idris passed away this spring. You know I was so sad. I wanted to go to his funeral to put a face to the person I crushed on for years but come to find out, he was Muslim and was buried 3 days later, on a school day. I never got to see him :-(

*

So after my 2 Idris crushes, here comes fine ass, British ass Idris*Alba.

WOO!!! He is just awesome. Brit accent or "American" slang, he is IT!!

I used to be in love with the name Gabe... well, I still am. But there is nothing like an 'Idris' to make me blush! I so want to name my son Idris!!!

last night

Been thinking, you know how even though the only thing about me that is TRULY Ghanian is my middle name, I will not loc up out of respect for my parents/culture? I think even though you don't practice and fight your religion, you'll end up respecting your parents/culture. I'll never meet your family cause I'll never be Jewish. We'll just be friends cause in the bottom of your heart, that's the right thing for you to do.

So we're over? Will you still be a part of my life?

Am I right?

I dunno. I don't look at it that way

Well how do you look at it? I don't know what's going on inside your head in regards to your family.

There is nothing going on inside my head. if they don't warm up to it, it is what it is. I'm not basing any decisions on them. I have to live my life and be happy with my decisions and that's what I plan on doing. I'm spending all my energy trying to get right for you... I wasn't expecting this. Do you want to be with me?

I do. I'm just worried that one day, you'll wake up and think you made a huge mistake. I'd just rather know now than later if there's any doubt or guilt about your family.

The only mistake I'd be worried about is not continuing our journey together forever. I have no doubts in my mind.

Ok. apparently, I'm the insecure one about your family. I just feel bad. For both of us. You're cool with mine and I don't even know yours. My family is cool with my relationship but your family isn't happy with yours.

Whaaaaaat evvvvvvvv aaaaaaah.

I don't mean to stress you, I just want us to be honest and happy.

Whaaaaaat evvvvvvvv aaaaaaah.

Feed Me!

New post at Record Dish!

Black Bean and Pink Shrimp Enchiladas!! Get your football season, fall/winter weather grub on!

Playground Fail

see more Fail Blog

the Life game

younger siblings- 4, older siblings- 0.

another one bites the dust.

she doesn't have a wedding date yet but she just got engaged. she will be graduating with her master's next spring.

my brother, the doctor, has a wedding date. next labor day will mark the 5 year anny he and JR met to the day.

be still, internal angst.

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!

Random Ramblings

1. for real, what happened to blogging? i miss being so involved in your lives!

2. i don't like 'ego' that much. i especially dislike it in the club. i feel like ever since i saw the video, i was pissed abt it.

3. i want a wii. all the people living the fab life i should be living in/around D.C have one. i know "thou shalt nit covet" but dang!

4. i've been ring shopping with DFB. believe it or not, I don't want a ginormous ring/stone. he doesn't believe me.

5. i text my mom this weekend and she was talking abt pushing her trip back to the middle/end of oct. i'm not even going to say anything else on it.

6. i'm not talking to my sister for a long time.

7. my brother's diploma is here and i looked at it for a long time. doctor of pharmacy. soooooooooo proud of him! it makes me love FAMU over and over again :-)

8. when will our HBCUs get their lives together?

9. i am ready for my 'long hair, don't care' to make a comeback. at least the chin length bob or something.

10. living single party has been postponed. unless y'all just to come over w/o the fanfare i like to have going on...

11. i want 2 more tatts and both of them on the inside of my wrists. they will be constant reminders of why i'm here.

12. being at BB's wedding made me want a wedding but I got over that. the feeling for the "next step" comes and goes; waxes and wanes. maybe i just want a large party in a ballroom with a really pretty dress on

13. the district has printed out our lesson plans. i have never been more confused in my life.

14. boom b.oom pow can stop now. so can every girl. and anything by drayck. i am tired of him.

15. i really need to make more effort to go to the beach. it's really just right there and it always turns out to be awesome. even if your hair gets wet against your prayers, wishes, and pleas.

16. drew likes to hot curl my hair. i don't so it works out. now i need to teach him how to use rollers and end paper.

17. i still fux with the clipse. they.are.GREAT. and have been since fall 2000. LOVE.

18. I am neater and cleaner in solitude than i have EVER been sharing living quarters. i love it. now if only the car can get the same attention. the tima is straight up FILTHY (on the outside) and not too neat on the inside

19. i have to tell myself, "it's not abt finding the person you can live with, but the person you can't live without". PREACH.

20. you guys know I saw a clip of a cow trying to get away from dying a couple of years ago. and then a few weeks ago, I read a clip about horses being slaughtered for their meat. It was then I decided to be a vegetarian. Someone asked if I was and I said, "most of the time. 98% of the time." we'll go with 95% of the time. Its been explained to be that i cannot afford to cut ANYTHING out of my diet. so, when that time comes for me to eat red meat (see: large loss of iron), I will. If there was another way to get the mineral (besides a vitamin) I'll be all over it. Till then, bring on the Stamps quarter pounder every 30 days.

WahlMart

please see the link on the side of my page. i can't stop laughing at some of those pics!!!

Love, Actually

Can I have these guys sing for me?

anytime, anywhere.

I freaking love this song.

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?"

Independence Party

yes, in the middle September!

Who: Adei the Free

What: Independence Celebration

Where: 2.3 miles away from the Den

When: September 12, 2009

Why: cause the Emancipation was proclaimed 147 years ago but it still applies today!

Come to my new abode!

Wear Red, White, and or Blue! yes, I'm giving you a dress code! I want to see how creative you can be!! I just might open the door in a throwback Tommy Fit! Wha- what?!!?

Matter of fact, I think I want a Living Single theme... yesssss! That sounds sooooo much funner!!!! Ooooh! Come in your best 90's fit! I think I will channel Aaliyah with the boxers and baggy jeans!

or maybe Jade from 1992... where can I find combat boots??

Zhane? complete with choker. Gotta have a choker.

Living Single. Longsleeve striped bodysuit with a vest on top. Floral print dress. anything mustard colored, flannel shirt.

Shayne, you have to dress like Kyle Barker. PLEASE! or Jodeci.

Trippin

Jameil got me a subscription to GQ for Christmas. Why haven't I received the last 2 issues?? I haven't seen Tatum and I went out and BOUGHT the 'MJ Was Cool' one. Word? That's how we do our patrons??

TRIPPIN.

I have a child in my class who not only spilled milk on his neighbor during lunch BUT ALSO used a straw to pour juice down his same neighbor's back. My questions:

1. where were the lunch monitors?

2. how do you let someone pour liquid on you TWICE?

3. what is wrong with this little boy!?!

TRIPPIN

My mom has let it be known that she will extend her vacay by a month. Now keep in mind, she's already been gone for 1/4 of the year, she's trying to make it a third. WOMAN! You have a husband and dog at home!!! You are NOT retired! Bring your A back!!

TRIPPIN

Halfway being nice and halfway being annoyed and wanting her to stop bothering the fluck out of me, I let my sister use my ID when she was home last week. Got to Orlando to check into the hotel when I realized the monkey trick still has my shit. Text her to send it ASAP and of course some bullish excuse was the reply.

TRIPPIN

I can't get another one online b/c I have an unpaid ticket i need to take care of 1st. Yes, I'm back in "misda what?" territory. One day, I'll get right.

That's all I have for you guys right now. I'll holla.