Photogs were ON IT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

FINALLY!

Can you guess why I'm cheesing so hard?? Cause I'm FINALLY here!! I am FINALLY in my new place! I am in a fully and fabulously furnished 1 bedroom condo!

I just took a shower and it felt so good.

I am about to warm up some food I made at S. Lakes and call it a night. Maybe I'll have a chocolate martini to help me sleep better.

Back to School Playground Fail

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Why I Love Saturday

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

(The pics are in reverse order.)

Mike and his brother, stuntin in red and black

Flat shoes need to stay home after 7pm.

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

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

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

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

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

Rooftop pics. The white is blinding.

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

FAMU Alums about to jump the broom.

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

Travel Away

In September, I will be flying into Atlanta for the 3rd time this year. It would be the 4th if we got our wedding invite in time...What is up with that city and me?! "They calling me..." Oh! Never mind that I spent New Year's there and flew out on the 3rd of January 2009...!! Wow.

I plan on catching a Dallas game in Dallas this year. Yep, I'm already looking into plane tickets. And while I'm there, you know I gotta check out the area.

I asked my dad if we're going to Ghana next summer. He said he wasn't sure. That was confirmation for me to start planning my summer 2010. Brazil, anyone? Me and the homie (Kitty) are speaking it into existence right now!

This Christmas break, Drew was talking about an all inclusive trip to DR, CR, or Mexico. Sounds like a plan! and if that doesn't happen, me and the homie (Kitty, of course) are talking Vegas. Man, I've been wanting to go since Summer 2002. Dad was hating, talking about, "You and Mari (homegirl) are too young to be out there by yourselves." BOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Now everyone has jumped on the Vegas wagon and has been there except me, *hmph*

Since I will not be doing FAM's Homecoming this year (last year was WACK), I was thinking about hitting up another HBCU's. I was told that Hampton, Spelhouse, Clark (?), and Howard all have theirs the same weekend. Oh yeah, throw FAM into that mix. Wow. I don't want ALL the powerhouse HBCU's to have it on the same weekend!!! That's no fun!! I will NOT do Spelhouse or Clark cause then I might as well get it over with and move to Atlanta. Now it's a battle of the HU's... duh Duh DUH! *to be continued, in ominous narrator voice*

I want to go to Montana. For no particular reason. I just like the way it sounds.

I have to go to SXSW this year. My body and soul was hurting last year. I peeped that joint when I went to Austin in 2005 and last year, everybody and they momma was there as if it was an NBA all-star game. I couldn't go to the smoking section for a while cause I was filled with jealousy. yeah, I said it. Ghost, Tip, ALL MY FAVORITE RAPPERS WERE THERE! WAAAAAAH!!! It was like Dave Shappelle's Block Party :-( Daaaaaaaaaaahh!!!

I really need to get a Delta sky miles account. I used to fly US Air all the time... SPEAKING OF WHICH... I NEED TO REDEEM MY MILES!!

Okay y'all, I'm out to move some more things. And I think I need another shoes away thing. Oh yeah, those things are raggedy. waaaaay too flimsy. But, I guess they get the job done. Just not as neat/structured as I thought they would be.

Nuptial Updates *updated*

1.

Tomorrow, I'll be attending the wedding of a person I don't like. He's my brother's best friend and he's a neighbor. I am going ONLY b/c the groomsmen are wearing white tuxes. You know how much I love a white tux wedding!

There is irony in the previous statement. I've come to hate white tuxes so much that I love seeing them cause their ghetto fabulousness make me squirm with snobby fashionista glee.

Yeah, all that.

So yeah, 'men are wearing white and brown, 'maids are wearing brown dresses with pink sashes, bride is wearing white with pink sash and the groom is wearing white with pink vest/tie.

I.can't.wait.

2.

Remember that August wedding I haven't gotten an invite for? Godmom called today to ask for my address so I can get mine!!! Ummm, she's getting married the last week in August and you're just now asking for my addy? Well, it turns out, since we're unlisted in the phone book, the bride-to-be's aunt couldn't find our address to send us one. It took her this long to call someone who knows our phone number to get our addy!! Argh!! I found out the wedding is in Atlanta... at little upset about that cause she was born and raised here so why not have the wedding in your hometown? And your dad is an elder in one of the oldest baptist churches in West Palm? Well, whatever floats her boat.

3.

Drew is turning 30 next July. The plan was to be married before his 30th birthday but last night, I realized, "What's the rush?" I will be living by myself for the 1st time ever and if I like it, I may want to do it for another year. In another state. Yeah, TX is still on my mind HARD so I think... I will be there next school year. Maybe next two school years. we shall see :-)

4.

All the wedding and engagement updates on FB have been replaced with baby showers. Everyone born in 1982 has spawned sometime in the past 6 months or will have multiplied within the next 6 months. I just don't want my eggs to dry up before I finish doing me. I will be sad if there can't be any mini Me's :-(

UPDATE: I spoke too soon. Just saw my best friend all thru elementary and middle school is now engaged.

I'm not a Hater...

I'm a cynical hater.

*

So my younger sister, my 19 y.o. sister has an album on FB called "Impatient Little African Girl + Webcam + Lost Pics = [Mini Me]

first of all, the name of that album is too long.

secondly, I went thru all 29 pics of solo shots of her sitting in front of a web camera. I'm not sure if it was done on a mac...nevermind, I know it wasn't. Anyway, being the big sister I am, I left some comments.

In what I think was supposed to be her 'swanky' head shot, I said,

"Is there an unlike option on here?"

In the next one, she's making the fish face (when you pucker the sides of your mouth in) and I said,

"nope"

The next shot, she's looking up and captioned the photo, "Aww, My Little African Girl" I retorted,

"She's so poetic"

The "sexy" face shot where she has one eyebrow raised, I said

"That's the sexy face, isn't it? You see that raised eyebrow"

*lol right now*

By the 18th picture, she has some top model handsy pose... I had a field day.

"I wish I had two more hands so I can give this one 4 thumbs down"

By now, she's had it with me and comes with,

"Ummm, you really need to get a life"

"Hmm, I think I will sit in front of a camera and take hella pics of myself. That sounds like a good life"

"Or maybe I was bored and was waiting for Ley so I was killing time. What's your excuse?"

"1. I don't have an album with 29 pics of myself. 2. Whatever, Ms. "My life is so full cause I take tons of amateur pics of myself"

"Ms. I have nothing better to do that to be a cynical hater"

Good comeback, Mini Me.

African Daddy

I already posted how it went when I told my dad I'm moving. That was a little over a week ago. Well Monday (I think), he actually "put his foot down" and said in an African Daddy Voice,

"I DON'T want you to move"

*snickering now. it wasn't funny then*

I rolled my eyes (not facing him of course) and asked, "Why not, Dad?"

SIDENOTE: when he's cool, he's Pops. When he's trippin, he's Dad.

"Cause there is no need for you to move. Just give it one more ye-."

and then I went off.

"ONE MORE YEAR?!!? THAT'S THE LAST THING I WANT TO HEAR!!! ONE MORE YEAR WILL GO BY AND GUESS WHAT? I'LL BE 40 WONDERING WHERE THE TIME WENT AND WHAT I DID WITH MY LIFE! ONE MORE YEAR IS THE LAST THING I EVER WANT TO HEAR CAUSE THAT MEANS I'M NOT HAPPY BUT WILL SETTLE... FOR ONE MORE YEAR! I'M OVER THAT YEAR ALREADY! IT'S BEEN THREE MORE YEARS! NO!"

I think I scared him. he had both hands in the air with the, "ok ok ok okaaaaay"

Yeah nigga, you hit a sore spot... one more year. Chile, boo.

This morning, for whatever reason, he asked me,

"Where are all your clothes?"

"At my new place"

"Where is it?"

"In West Palm Beach"

"When are you moving in?"

"Whenever"

"Who's your roommate?"

"Don't have one"

"Alright"

I think his feelings are hurt. I think he's taking it personally. I think he's offended that I would be in the same city as but not live with my parents. This isn't Ghana. It's okay for your daughter to leave the house and not jump straight into her husband's home. He was all quiet this morning... he is really hurt that I don't want to be here anymore. oh! Here's another convo

"So, did you register for grad school at UAF?"

"Nope."

"Why not? I said I'll help you"

"Cause I don't plan on being her for the two years it'll take to complete my degree"

"And where are you going?"

"I don't really know but I know this is my last year in West Palm Beach. I've been here 2 years too many"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means I don't want to be in the same place I grew up. It means I am a bit resentful that came down here and I am STILL here. It means that I will NOT be here next year"

then he came with the..

"Well, that's even more reason to stay home and save your money so you can move wherever you want next year"

"Not happening. I'm out"

I so didn't expect this from him. now watch Lyds be the cool one about it, when she finally gets back from Ghana!

Humble Pie, anyone?

Adei von K: I want to get a tattoo this Friday

DreezyFBaby: What are you going to get? an apple?

AVK: No on the apple. I'm not telling

DFB: Don't get my name. I don't like that

AVK: lmao!

DFB: that's weird

AVK: I wasn't going to get your name!!! LMAO!

DFB: ok

AVK: LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!! LMAO!!!!!

AVK: LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!! Oh Drew!!! Did you think I'd really do that!?!?!?

AVK: LOLOLOLOLOL!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!

AVK: I love that you told me not to get your name!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

DFB: ok

AVK: LMAO!!!!! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

DFB: haha

AVK: *whoo* now THAT was a good laugh. Don't get your name... LOLOLOLOLOL

DFB: ok

*snickering*

Who do these guys think they are!?!?!?

Breaking News

Told Pops abt my move. Here's what he said,

"I don't think you should move, I'll clean up the room and put a full bed in there so it can be a real bedroom for you."

"I don't think you should move. You know Vanessa? She has some nurse friends who live by themselves and one night, someone was watching and forced her into her own house."

"You really shouldn't move if you don't have to. You have plenty of time to face hardships if that's what you're looking for."

"Don't you have bills to pay? Stay home and focus on those."

"You should save your money to use for all the traveling you will do."

Really, dad?

I don't think you guys know what happened for me to come to FAMU. Well, it all stemmed from my (then troublesome) brother (thankfully) graduating from high school and ONLY applying to one school, FAMU. That much, most of you know. But I didn't want to leave HU.

This is going to be a of stream of consciousness portion. Please don't pay attention to the structure.

Well, in the first place, I didn't want to go there cause I'd never heard of it and was sent there on recommendation of my godsister's godmother. Secondly, I WANTED TO GO TO FAMU! Whatever the case, I end up at HU and LOVE it. LOVE it. Having a scholarship helped. Well, I didn't maintain a 3.3 so I lost my scholarship. Oh well. Sophomore year rolls around and I am having the time of my life. Then comes the end of spring semester when I find out I'll be going to FAMU.

"We need you to look out for your brother"

"He needs to look out for himself!"

"What if we buy you a car?"

"I don't need a car to fly from Hampton"

"And you can live in a townhouse"

"Okay."

Then the following year, we get a house.

The point I'm making is: I WAS BRIBED TO LEAVE HU!!! AND NOW MY DAD IS TRYING TO CONVINCE ME TO STAY HOME!!!! I AM 27!!!! WHEN WILL I EVER BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MYSELF??? WHEN WILL I EVER HAVE THE CHANCE TO LIVE ALONE?!? WHEN WILL I EVER BE STACEY AND NOT MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?

I just want to do me for real. I felt like I was "got" into coming back to West Palm and this year is going to be my last! Let's make it my own. I want 27 to be awesome and fabulous, even if it is in West Palm... and 2.3 miles away from home...and I have to take out my own trash.

Monday Mindspacing

But it's Tuesday!!!!

Live on the edge a little, guys.

1. As you may or may not know, I'm at my brother's place somewhere in the central part of southern florida. Like, right under Lake Okeecho.bee. If you imagined there are mosquitos galore, you are absolutely correct!!

2. His place is awesome. I really wish I could bring people here. It's like a country inn resort. Maybe I'll take pix and upload them via twits.

3. I've never been a fan of the Atlanta Classic but considering my affinity for that southern piece of HEAVEN grows with each visit, I think I will go this year!! And I know how to use the TARMA? Oh, it is ON!!

4. I really want to wear smocked dresses for a looooooooooong time. Stank actually made a comment abt them the other day, "How many of those do you have? I guess they are the perfect dress, huh?" They sure are!

5. I am kiiiiinda looking forward to the school year starting.

*cringe*

I feel like my remaining 2 weeks are going to go by a warp speed now that I've put that in the universe...

6. There are 4 celebs that I follow on Twitr. I had to remove E.Dabu cause something is going on in that brain of hers and I didn't want to and couldn't stand to be privy to it. I removed Talib cause I remembered I liked Mos more. Lastly, I removed Joel McHail cause he's so much funnier on TV. All that's left is Ghostface (my boo!) Estelle (my british boo!) Johnny Boy, and Steven Colbert (huh-larious!).

7. I have a sudden LOVE for soft tacos. I mean, I've always liked them but now I want them ALL THE TIME!! I think I will make them tonight. I blame Jameil. She made some the last night we were in ATL and they were AWESOME. Quite simply, awesome.

8. Everyone wants to know where I'm going before school starts. I've been away more than home this summer and the question I get from Pops, Stank, Mini Me, other relatives and even some teachers is,"So where's the next place you're going? You still have time!" Word?! Don't let me find a cheap ticket to the Queen City cause it'll be on like popcorn! If I planned properly, I'd be there now. Then again, it's more fun to be spontaneous in the summer! Who knows where I'll be before Aug 6

9. Would you be offended if someone asked you to be a hostess at their wedding?? That question as be PLAGUING me the past couple of days!! I guess I need to know what role the hostess plays... what does she do, guys?

10. There are TWO wedding invites I haven't recieved yet and I'm not too happy about it. One of them is for a wedding in August and the other is for September. I'll be VERY hurt abt the August one. The September one, not so much. I know I'm going to that with or without an invite.

11. One for the road: In J-Hud's latest song, who is that guy HOLLERING "Worldwide" (or whatever he says) in the beginning?! OMG, he IRKS me!! I HATE that part! What does it do for the song?! Absolutely NOTHING! And then the ATL "oh!" thruout the chorus?? Sooooooooooo not a fan. The song is wack and I kinda think she is too. yeah, I'm talking about a pregnant woman.

12. speaking of preg chicks, WHYYYYYY do celebs deny being pregnant??? Is it to build more intrigue? Have people wondering about you? To keep your name in peoples' mouths?? It took her Dreamgurls co-star (A. Rose)to put it out there! Maybe they are afraid of losing the baby? I know when J-Lope FINALLY announced she was expecting it was like, "in other news, Tupac Shakr has been shot". Whatever.

No Ma'am

Cause Rocking the Reception is so passe'...

Any takers??

Patti, you're up to bat!!!

Last Year

I found my own place. Actually, it kind of found me and I've been thinking SUPER DUPER hard about it. I finally gave in, realizing I'm not going to Tally for grad school, I'm not moving to Austin, Texas, and I'm not moving to Fairfax County, VA.

*sigh*

that was so hard to type and see in print

Anyway, a teacher I know from the school I used to work at literally up and moved... like, put a message out on FB she needed a person IMMEDIATELY cause she's moving to NY in 10 days. I responded I wanted to check it out. I was sure I'd LOVE it cause she's a white version of me. Yeah, her place is EVERYTHING my dreams are made of. I'm actually beside myself right now...

Me: Whatchu doin over there?

Me: nothing, just posting on my blog. why are you beside me?

Me: cause we're getting our own place.

Me: oh yeah! August 10th, right?

Me: OMG, that is so soon. Luckily, I only have to bring my clothes cause the place is BEYOND fully furnished.

Yeah, ole girl was trying to get THE fluck out of here. She only took her clothes and her Wii. I have dishes, linens, detergent, I HAVE FREAKING GODIVA CHOCOLATE LIQUEUR IN THE CABINET!

So you ask why she left? Her brother's best friend has been crushing on her his whole life. She's always seen him as an older brother but last WMC, they had dinner in South Beach and really hit it off. He told her all that has been on his heart and she said, "Why not? I'm 31 and this is the opportunity of a lifetime." Oh yeah, buddy is a sports agent and has his own firm. Evander Holyfield is one of his clients. Yeah, Kim had a message from Holyfield on her voicemail. They're flying to see him box in So. Africa. Ben took her to Tiffany's and told her to pick anything she wants.

CAN WE SAY DREAM SEQUENCE!?!?!?

but she picks this necklace. you can buy your own silver!!! get something else!

Anyway, she's living the life with someone who adores her and I'm about to do the same... by myself :-)

SWITCH!

Villainess

That's how I'm chillin-ess.

My dad and brother come and go all day. Me? I sit in the sitting room (what else would I do here?) and play on the laptop. I jam to some iToons; flit between FB and tweeting, comment on pix or reply @s. Then there's my eyePod :-)

Brother: Oh, you got games on your ipod and don't how to act now?

Me: Don't hate. Have you ever played endless Bejeweled?

Anyway, the most pressing thing on my mind right now is what I'm going to wear to MJQ when some bloggers and I go to the A. Oh yeah, what the hell am I going to do with my hair?? I need something funky and fresh. But I don't know what to do with it. My hair is always longer than I think it is and grows so fast. A style I did last month wouldn't work next week. Decisions, decisions...

what do you think?? I'm looking at the 3rd and 4th pics

Also, I need to eat.

I'm Back

Sorry for the delay. Two days after my MJJ died, I left town and didn't really have internet handy. Plus, I was trying to stay away cause the coverage of his death was too much. Y'all already know I was done. I almost called of my trip to the A and Mississippi cause I just wanted to mourn and listen to MJ. Rah asked Jam if I was still coming... I ALMOST DIDN'T!!

As you may or may not know, I've been in Jackson, Mississippi for about a week. I got to hang out with Jameil, her mom AND grandmother :-) I had a blast! Just chillin and seeing and eating... so what summer vacation is supposed to be about. and you already know Jameil and I make fun WHEREVER we go...

in Atlanta. (i am in LOVE with my bang!!!)

in Jackson. the heat made a Kate out of me. no swoop.

the infamous pig ear meal
we be grubbin!

me leaving. smiling on the outside :-(


yeah, we eat for fun

*BAWLING*

MICHAEL JACKSON IS DEAD.

Jaw Dropped

everything I've done since last Thursday just cleared my bank account.

at the same time.

JAW DROPPED

the hair appt, eyePhone for Pops, chic-fillet, gas, and pedicure from last Thursday

the oil change and new freaking tire, gas, mcD's, three plane tickets, more gas, and Mexican happy hour from Friday

ATM withdrawal from Saturday

and the wahlmart purchase from yesterday.

JAW DROPPED

iHop meal and the gas bought on Sunday hasn't even began to process yet.

*pouting*

I don't want to play anymore.

Where the freak is my AmX?

Who Wants to Party with Us?!!?

I GUARANTEE IT'LL BE SO MUCH FUN!!

Swag

Surfin
Swag
Clean

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

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

Brunch Convo with Pops

I was making brunch when I heard the master bedroom door open. Wow, Daddy's up!

"Hey Pops, you want breakfast?"

"Yeah, whatever you're making plus a big cup of tea. Well, I want scrambled eggs"

I flip my omlette, peel a couple shrimp that have THANKFULLY been deveined, take some lox out of its package and split my croissant in half. Plate my food and scramble dad's eggs with garlic salt and roughly chopped spinach. He's sweeping the house when I ask if he even likes lox. "I've never had it. What is it?"

*gasp*

Quel horreur!

"Ay caramba, Dad!! You don't know what lox is?!?! OMG, where have you been your whole life!?!? How do you not know what lox is??!?!? Well, do you like salmon?"

"I love salmon"

"Oy. And you still don't know what lox is. Well, its breakfast salmon that has been smoked. Taste"

He loves it. I have another follower of lox.

Amy is in the background while we're eating in the sitting room. His big ole cup of hot tea and my mug of sweet tea... we talk about how painful it can be to be an artist, and specifically a musician. Take after take; rehearsals can be maddening for other musicians who don't feel what you feel, hear what you hear... then the physical pain. Callused hands from the upright bass, deformed fingers from any brass instrument, shoulder/neck pains from a string and on and on...

Now we're vibing to Louis Ar.mstrong and Duke Ellin.gton's Master Takes. Dad pops out with,

"You know what? I will feel sorry for your children"

*listening to Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me, ignoring Dad*

"I said, I'll feel sorry for your kids"

"Okay, Dad"

"You want to know why?"

"... why Dad?"

"I'm glad you asked. Because you cook so well and you like to cook, they will never get to have McDonald-s or Kurber Bing, 'Mommy, can we eat at Dennies?' 'No! I make better breakfast than they do!'"

"Is that what was running around your head all this time?"

"Yeah. I'm thinking I'll be the cool grampa who gets them happy meals cause you won't"

"Really? All that?"

"Yeah, I'll be so cool. Catch a baseball game and surprise them with Pissa Hut afterwards"

"You really have all this planned out? More power to you, with your cool self"

"Hey, I can't help it"

*eye roll + SMH + giggling*

oh FB

I haven't been on FB all day. I log-on and this is somebody's status; the first thing I read.

"Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. something to think about"

*sigh*

What kills me the most is who it comes from. He's an ATL head-busser who I affectionately call, Cuz. He rivals Wayne in tats, rivals T.I. in Bankhead/West-Side street savvy, and he is one of the most thugnificent young men I have ever met. He was kicked out of highschool AND JobCorps... his whole life is the "Dead & Gone" video...

I just don't know.

Impulse

i'm looking up trips to Japan. I can get one for $929.

I also looked up the UK. $862

but why is a trip to Honolulu the same price, if, not at times, more than a trip to a different continent? I don't want a trip to Hawaii to cost $859!!

*deep breath*

Ever since I saw a PBS-type show abt Kyoto, Japan while in Ghana two summers ago, its been a need. I need a trip to Kyoto at the end of summer. Plus, there are hostels by the yard. I don't need a Marriott while over there! I just want to be there.

My raggedy 8hr/week job can pay for it.

It's all about the silver linings.

waiting

I'm waiting for my summer to pick up

I'm waiting for y'all to post something

I'm waiting for the rain to hurry up and fall so the sky can clear up

I'm waiting for something good to come on tv

I'm waiting to see what kind of fcukery my summer "job" will be

I'm just waiting.

and it's boring.

Extraneous Protocol? *UPDATED*

So as usual, I'm on FB, stalking newly engaged people and counting the years I've known my beau...

sadistic? masochistic? both?

anyway, what I've noticed is a big thing is the engagement party. Since when was that the thing to do? To me, it seems like an awesome idea; I love a reason to have a party but then again, when you're planning a wedding, budget is a big deal and where does an extraneous party fit in? So, on the other side of that coin, the engagement party seems superfluous.

But it is a party. I like parties.


Another seemingly extraneous expense; STDs.

I was wary of STDs. I remember the first one we got in the mail. It was a postcard with a picture of my godsis and her fiancee. I was so confused. "Is this what wedding invitations are now? We're extra casual with the invites?" I mean, I saw the words, "Save the Date" but it didn't register. That was back in '06. Then as college classmates got engaged, they started flooding in, months in advance, warning us to 'Save the Date'. Magnets, postcards, mini movie posters (my fave) "starring" the couple. But now, like Jameil, I was swayed and amazed by Soon to be Mrs. Patti's approach.

But... that's an added paper expense!! Even if you're gansta with it like Miss Patti!! and I know I won't be!

Lastly, engagement pics.

Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with pictures. Well, I don't have a problem with pictures I take. I just keep thinking back to senior year when i was working my lil part time job and had to spend all my money on my senior AND cap and gown pictures. Professional pics/photogs scare me. I look at graduation albums of friends and wonder why I didn't have cap and gown pics shot all over Tally but then I remember, I didn't have a job. Professional pictures cost MONEY! So why is it the thing to have photo albums of you and yours? Jam and I went a wedding site today and were AMAZED with all the albums!!! Christmas, Just Cause, etc!!! Really?? All that??

I'm not going to front, I will probably do all the aforementioned. I think the e-pics are some of the best professional pictures i've seen. They are sooooo adorable!
With my friends split up between two colleges and sprinkled all over the place, STDs will be mandatory and I think and e-party is a wonderful way to kick off the wedding season for a couple.

Damn peer pressure.

*ADDED*
I think there is one more thing to add... if you have the money for it. The PRE-Honeymoon trip. Yep, I've seen it. The album was awesome and I want one. NOW.

STOP!!!

Group of dancers wearing Hammer Pants flashmob a trendy store and surprise hipsters in skinny jeans. It's HammerTime!

Vacay

you know the really good part of my summer vacay?

Mom Dukes is on vacay too!!

Now I don't mean that in a bad way, it just means that me and Pops get to bond!!

If you don't know, my Pops and I are so much alike. I am def his child. Our mannerisms, our demeanor, our tastes...

I got my love of music from him and come to find out, my love for visual art. Well, not just art but photography. You know my dad took pictures when he was in college?? Like, had a professional Cannon joint (i don't remember the name he spit out) and was snapping shots of College Life when he was at UMass Boston! He was also the school artist back at his school in Ghana. Whenever the school was having a game or match or event of some sort, holla at Rich! He did posters, flyers, and of course back then, all this was by hand!

If you've been to to my house, you'd know that there's art all over the walls. Some done by my grandfather, some by my dad. I'll leave the oil painting to them. Let me holla at a camera!!

Speaking of camera, my dad saw me in my eternal boredom as asked if I "want to take a summer photography class at the junior college"...

DOES HE KNOW WHO I AM!?!??!

So I'm looking up classes right now :-)

small comfort.

this makes me feel better.  i just got it and ADORE it already.  I might wear it to check the mail.

now if only I really had a fab place to wear it...

Keep Me Near the Cross!

It's the first official day of summer vacay.  Fine.  Just left a middle school where I applied for a summer job... *sigh*  sat down and not one but TWO people from highschool walk in.  Chick was an acquaintance so it was the, "hey! what's up? how ya been? how ya momma doin?"  bit.  The guy on the other hand is one of those people who prolly got on my nerves but I forgot.  Oh, he reminded me.  he says really obvious things.  i.e., "if you notice, people who smoke weed talk reaaaally slllloooow"

. . .

1. did you really slow motion yourself?

2. really?  i NEVER noticed how people talk when they smoke!  I lived my whole college career under a rock in Wisconsin.  I wasn't a part of a hip-hop hippie group that smoked and listened to music for fun.  

Camp hasn't even started and I'm already annoyed.  But wait! there's more!!!

So I get the phone call to come in before 12 noon.  This was 1045.  I tell the sec'y I'll be there at 11am.  I get there at 11 on the dot and she tells me the director "will be back right quickly"

RIGHT QUICKLY?  Did you really say "right quickly"??  as if that's better than "right quick"??

*face*

But wait!!!  She's the sec'y.  I soooooooo failed to mention what happened at the interview 2 weeks ago.  The actual director is one of those people who try to sound intelligent but come off as dumb as the fcuk.

*she's in script, i'm thinking in my head in italics*

"So Ms. Kutieboots, tell me pacifically (specifically?)what your strenfs (strengths?) are?"

or

"These kids are phenomenom! I love working with them! (phenomenal? or a phenomenom?)

or

"I know it may seem low but that's what we do here, we bring these kids up to part" (par?)

"I ordered materials for arts and crafts... glue, construction paper, sequence..." (sequins?  that one is a bit tricky  but still NO)

I can't even begin to list the rest of the oratorical offenses.  I really wanted to bring my phone out and jot them down but that would've been rude.  And if you see her face when she speaks, you KNOW she thinks she's doing big things.  Ugh! She got on my last never and made the left side of my face itch!!  

But wait!!

As mentioned earlier, I get there at 11... why this ghetto b! not show up till 1148???  you black woman from the depths of hell!!!!! ANNNNNND wearing something my sister would wear!!! She had on a red v-neck with a yellow cami underneath.  Not my choice for a color combo but, whatever.  Did you really pile on yellow bead necklaces and hella plastic red and yellow bracelets?!?  How old are you!?  Why are you dressed like a highschool senior with too much money to spend at Claire's or the Icing?!?!?  let me find a pic of Mini Me in all her plastic glory...

*two people just got engaged in the last 5 minutes.  damn you bacefook!*

man, i'm going to eat something now.  where's my comfort food??!!?!?!?

Fashion Convo Fail

Mini Me: do white strips work?

Adei von K:  With what? navy blue?  Yes.  Nautical is on the horizon, I said it last year and only Kelly Rowland had it on but if you wear it now, you'll be haute

MM: LMAO krest strips not stripes!!!

AVK:  oh $#!t LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL.

          yes, they work.

MM: well they are buy one get one free and galwreens

AVK: thanks.  I'll be sure to stock up for when my braces come off NEXT April

MM: oh $#!t  LOLOLOLOL

Ain't I?

bored.

Just made mac and cheese, brown sugar baked beans, mashed potatoes, ribs... boiling water to make sweet tea.

My brother is here studying and I am here cooking.  Oh yeah, failed to mentioned that I already made four cheese tortellini with italian turkey sausage.  

I might go get some peaches so I can make peach cobbler.  and lemons so I can make lemonade.

*sigh*  It's only Saturday.  I have the whole summer.

I hope I get the job at the academic summer camp.  Teaching either reading, math or science to 6th graders.  Cross your fingers and pray for me, lest I slit my wrists from sheer boredom!!!

wha's really good?

do i have any friends???  why is it that i am sitting at home, bored out my skull on a friday night???  the only time i go out is when Kitty is here???  that can't be!!

thinking to the last time i went out... yeah, it was with kitty... in tally.

okay, b-day weekend, jam and I had a blast in coconut grove so maybe that was the last time...

whatever the case, i am soooooo sitting here, sooooo bored.  my bro and his BFFL just ironed their shirts and hit the road.  where are they going?  i don't know but while they're out, even if its just to parking lot pimp, i'm sitting on the couch listening to delilah.  i felt like such a loser when she got on the air and said, "where my ladies at?  hmmm, i bet you're home cozy, scrapbooking or eating a bowl of ice cream"

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! I DON'T WANT TO BE THAT LADY!!!! SCRAPBOOKING!?!?!?!? EATING A BOWL OF ICE CREAM?!!?  PROBABLY MAKING SOMETHING OUT OF DECOUPAGE!!?!!? TALKING TO 1 OF 6 CATS!!?!!?!!!?!!!?!!!  NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

i need a prescription for fab.  i need to get back on my jet-setter tip. i need to hit up drew and we need to take full advantage of his proximity to so.be.

1st things first: find my own place.  one cannot be fab in her parents' house.

2nd: new car.  the tima has done her time.  i think G35 but i know altima

okay, we're on a mission this summer.  i can't be this bored and not put it to use.

It's the Most...

wonderful tiiiiiiiime of the year!!!!

It is Thursday.  Yes, I have work in the morning but, guess what?

NO KIDS!!

UGH, these last days of school worked my NERVE!!  and the amount of money spent!!!!  Well, I made sure not to spend too much; I bought some Dora popsicles (instead of publicks) so I blew a whole $4.25... them joints are BANGIN!!  Somethings I just can't buy store brand... like feminine products and salsa.

Any hoo, I thought about having a end of the year party but that costs money!!!  I just played it off as a pajama jam.  We relaxed in our jammies with popcorn and popsicles. HOLLA!!!

Summertime is here, Dei, what's on your agenda?  

Well... I plan on cleaning my classroom, going out to lunch with the K-Block (kindergarten team), and listening to MY CDs (not kidz bop or anything rated G) really loud for the first time in a long time!!!! and then

nothing.  I plan on doing nothing.  Office Space?  Meet Teacher Stace.

I'm lying.  

Thrusday afternoon, I get the hair done...

Friday, I meet with the principal who is TOOOOO geeked I volunteered to be the patrol sponsor, then I attend the faculty luncheon, 

Saturday, I'm going to a sorority brunch with guest speaker DONNA*BRAZILE (YES!!!!!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET HER!!!!!!! I AM SOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!)

Sunday, I hope I can make it to church

and the rest is in the air, just like I LOVE it.  Maybe I'll go to Hollywood, maybe I'll go to the beach, maybe I'll watch movies, maybe do an SVU marathon...

THANK-YOU, LORD!!! FOR ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR!!!

Mango Hunting

I laughed when she text me that.

"Can we go mango hunting after work?"

Mango WHAT???? 

I stopped by Kitty's place and she was ready for me with a 10ft pole made longer by duct taping a hanger to the end of it.

"Where is that going to go?"

"All you have to do is put your seat down and we're ready!"

"So you are so serious about this 'mango hunting'?"

"HELL YEAH!"

We head east.  Listening to Yacht Club, we change the words

"Its a paaaarty goin on! All the mangoes welcome!"  

Right before Flagler Dr, we stop at  a nearby business and park the Tima.  Pop the trunk to get the weapon and and we're off.  Hitting up the empty lots with mango trees in them.  Damn it, why didn't we wear sneakers?  Walking thru lots is NOT the beat in flip flops.  Whatever the case, Kitty uses her apparatus to hook a nice looking piece and I play catcher as the mango comes hurtling down.  The first one her her in the breasticle.  The second one tore my foot up.  The third one?  My wrist will be okay.  Oh but wait, we're over here on Dixie Hwy and the neighborhood isn't the best for two chicks to be walking in.  Some dudes parked under the bridge are whistling and cat calling.  We know what nationality they are so we DEFINITELY keep it moving.

Meh. all the really good ones are too high for us. Even with a 13 foot hooked pole.  We take our measly gains and walk back and talk crop eating microorganisms and antibiotics.  Next lot.

Now, we're in the Old Northwood Area.  Kitty used to live here so she knows where ALL the good trees are.  I park and pop the trunk.  Kitty, looking like a for real Masai Warrior, heads over to the lot owned by Soth.eby's. 

*sigh* 

these better be some good mangoes.

She hooks, I miss.  She hooks again, I catch!!! I caught the mango rocket!!!  I really don't think i should've been as excited as I was but freak it, make your fun where you can!  Oh yeah, we're ona roll over here!!  Then the po-po coasts by...

"Ummmm, I have warrants."

"Shut up, Stace.  He's not even running your tag."

"Okay, maybe not warrants but I'm sure I have an unpaid ticket looming in my past.  Great, he's turning around"

He didn't turn around but he did park.  That was enough for us.  Our re-usable Publix bag now halfway full, we drive down 20th street.

JACK POT

We spot a tree with low lying, just turned the perfect shade of peach, mangoes.  Oh, but its on a commercial property with a barbed wire fence.  Damn you, MAC Fabs.  

I start reminiscing of my days when I used to wear all black and engage in stealth and covert actions... "we need to come back at night.  I will NOT hop a fence in broad daylight with turquoise and a bright orange scarf on." Mind you, Kitty is rocking the hell out of a pink tank-top, multi hued pink tam, and pink flip-flops.  Florida guls till the death.

So commercial prop is out... for the time being.  We coast down Dixie and scope properties on the road that have trees hanging over the sidewalk.  Technically, its a free for all.  Then we hit up GPark but the sky decides to open.  Tropical Storm Baqueena is here.

TBC

Ummm...

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 :-)

Summer Goals

1. get physically healthy

or at least on the track to being healthy.  it's really a crime the way I look on the outside and feel on the inside.  

2. get financially healthy

I was on a roll and then I lagged... those 61 points my credit went up?  I hope it stayed there cause its been a while since I've paid anything.  I also plan on having at least $7,500 in my savings account before school starts in August.

3. get mentally healthy

i need to clear out a lot of garbage.  i need more church and more focus.  in my impulsive moments, i've left a lot of loose ends in the atmosphere.  i need to tidy my mind up.

TBC

the Party and titles

A former employee/regular sub at my school got married last weekend.  Since I was busy tutoring a neighbor in IB chem, I wasn't able to go so Mom Dukes went in my place.  She brought back hella favors (plastic heart-shaped picture frame, M&Ms in an origami thingamajig, a mix CD, a bookmark, and bubbles).  The thing I was most interested in was the wedding party!  Oh yes.  Was there a wedding party or what??!

First of all, in the program, they were names The Stars.  

Here it goes

The Stars

The Radiant Bride (1)

The Dashing Groom (1)

The Debonaire Best Man (1)

The Fabulous Matron of Honors (2)

The Handsome Ring Bearer (1)

The Gorgeous Bridesmaids (4)

The G.Q. Groomsmen (4)

The Adoring Jr. Bridesmaid (1)

The G.Q. Jr. Groomsman (1)

The Adorable Mini Maids (2)

The Lovely Future Bride (1)

The Handsome Bible Carrier (1)

The Fine Bride Announcer (1)

NOTE: the numbers were not posted after the title, I just wanted you all to know how many of each they had

THAT'S 21 PEOPLE IN YOUR PRO AND RECESSION!!!

NO

MA'AM!

and of course the mommas and the daddys and big mommas and pop-pops have to walk out first...

now for the names

Dekeith

Eudreka

D'Anthony

Ron'Tesha

Tiffonye

D'Kevius

Be'Carri

Breontae

T'Aubri

Breon

Thernadrick

with splashes of Jenkins, Jackson, and Young as last names...

I'm done.

the Art of Hosting

anything related to the social graces can be an art form.  dining, plating (JOY!), drinking, eating, writing, fashion, etc.

there are some people who take the aformentioned and more and MASTER them.  then there are some people who make you suffer through their bludegeoning of something that should be effortless.

I guess it's only effortless if you have it like that.

"you know who be worried about the wrong thing?"

that's what my brother asks when you're dwelling on the small, insignificant things.  its a, at times rude, wake-up call to what's really good!  we have to ask our mom that sometimes...

Today after church, the graduates had a reception in our parrish hall.  all the prep work and present work that went into it made me not want to ever throw a shindig.  my mom was scowling, cutting her eyes, fussing, worrying, NOT HAVING FUN with it!!!

but then i remembered how fun and effortless Jam and I made my brunch!  Honestly, I haven't had that much fun cooking, reading recipes, mixing, and juicing since the days of Tally when Kitty and I would scour my neighborhood for timberwood and have impromptu barbeques!  and then invite hella people over for no reason except that we cooked!!

The weird thing is that she knows how to be a nice hostess.  She would offer you her whole fridge, find whatever you want and prepare it in a way you never thought of... maybe its being on the inside looking in... maybe i saw the non gracious hostess side of her...  I think Drew got a 2 second flash of her in me right before the brunch guests started arriving... but that's cause he was being touchy-feely Drew when things needed to be done!!

Any hoo, have fun with whatever you do!  and don't "be worry[ing] about the wrong things"!

I have to update you all on something.

You know how I just KNEW I was getting out of here; moving back to tally with my homie Kitty and attending grad school??  yeah, well the assistant dean called me on my cell phone and let me know that there will not be a fall 2009 class.  Why?  

Only TWO people applied!!!  ONLY 2 PEOPLE APPLIED to get a Master's in Elem Ed!!!  

*sigh*

The dept needs at least 10 students so it's not even close.

I canNOT spend another year here.

*

Aside from that info, I was actually more hurt at telling Kitty I won't be back.  But, I do know EVERYTHING happens for a reason so I am actually, taking it well.  I see it as I am not meant to be in Tally this fall.  Dean Newell said she'll hold onto my app and put me down for Spring 2010 in hopes that more people will apply.  We shall see.

In the mean time, I told Drew I think we're getting too comfortable.  he felt the need to let me know that he feels taken for granted and I let him know, "well, we've been doing the EXACT same thing for over 2 years so I don't know what you want me to say.  You're right, I do think, 'Drew will be there'...*shoulder shrug*  what do want to do about it?  We can't do this forever"

He wants me to move down there this summer.  I asked if Broward county schools is hiring.  They aren't.  I guess I won't be in the 'wood then, now will I?

What's next in my life?  We can't do the same thing 2 years in a row!?  Come on change!!

*shoulder shrug*

blogger isn't doing it for me anymore.

before I totally abandon it, I must send a shout-out to Dani, Shayne, and Jameil for one of the most wonderful birthday parties ever!  I felt like I was back in grade school!!  27 is great so far!

okay, blogger is perkin with the pix...

anyway, y'all are my friends on FB so it doesn't matter!

just that quick

i freaking just typed this on my sidekik and it doesn't want to publish.  fcuk ish.

i need my mother to realize we are not the same person.  just cause she's the type to tell you whatever is on her heart and mind and I am not doesn't make me an inconsiderate person.  

am i secretive?  i don't think so.  am i an open book?  i wouldn't say that either.  now granted, you all get a lot on blog but you know and i know that this is some, "tip of the iceberg" ish.

she wanted to know why i didn't tell her i'm considering going back to school.  from my p-o-v, its cause I really wasn't sure yet. many people do but don't know I got into grad school last year but didn't go.  i talked a big game, on an impluse took the GRE and did nothing with it this past school year.  yeah, i didn't want that again.  not this time untill i am freaking registered for school! or at least have an admission letter.

another reason why i didn't readily share that info... she came out and said it!  "I'd never discourage anyone from getting an education but i would  mention that you're turning 27 and the guys in tallahassee are younger.  andrew and his job are here so you know he's not moving to tallahassee.  you can go to FAU cause andrew is here and you aren't getting younger.  ms. farrington stayed in tallahassee for her phd and to this day, she never married and never had kids."

REALLY?!?!

anyway, she just put a damper on my balloon blowing and in essence, birthday prep.  she's emotional cause she feels left out of the loop.  well, if you act like your sunsign (cancer) every time someone has a zest for change, what do you expect?

this is only conditioning.  ask anyone if i tell my motives.  i remember the days of highschool and even college from far away when I found myself telling her my moves only to be intercepted or prevented from something. "A couple of us are going out after the game so Kitty will drop me off"  "NO! Come home right now!  You're not going anywhere!"  It was a running joke over chirstmas break when everyone was down from college that I was out and about.  in my almost 27 years, I can't shake that feeling that I cannot share my moves with you. 

maybe i am secretive.  but its a defensive mechanism.  don't judge me for it cause you judged me before it.

Ocho de Mayo

Who: Me

What: Birthday Brunch

Where: Village Blvd

When: Friday, May 8, 2009, 12 noon

Why: cause I'm going to be 27 years old and I want a brunch on my birthday!

Dress Code: Breakfast at Tiffany's 

Menu: fresh squeezed orange juice, grapefruit mimosas, homemade waffles, buttermilk biscuits, shrimp cocktail, bagels & lox, etc.

RSVP ASAP

Whew!

What a week!!

Again, I am tired from the weekend!!  How is your 2 day vacation (that I made 4 day) worse on your body than a 5 day work week?!?!  Well, between hair and nail appts, Mini Me's b-day, work, drives up and down the state of Florida, TWO graduation ceremonies and whatever else happened in the time it took God to make the world...

my birthday still hasn't come yet.  

So you mean there is more mayhem on the way?

I think there is!

For Ocho de Mayo, I thought long and hard and decided on a brunch.  

since restaurants think people only want brunch on a sunday,  my fiesta will be a la Kasa de K.  

SIDENOTE:  No, I'm not a Kappa Sweet, I just wanted alliteration.  and it looks ugly as hell.  

SIDENOTE'S SIDENOTE: I really don't like it when dudes who AREN'T neos still use a K in place of C's...

So yeah, Brunch... my neighborhood... bring your A's!!!  AND LOOK PRETTY!!! We grown 'round this b!tch... matter of fact, I think I want a dress code...  thinking, thinking...

I get real extra around my birthday, in case you don't know.  and to think, I used to be worse.  I haven't celebrated a half birthday in a long time!

BIRTHDAY LIST 

(in case Drew calls you, he does things like that)

GOSSIP GIRL box set.  I think its only 2 seasons

SEX & THE CITY COLLECTION (or any season after the 1st 2.  I have those already)

UGGS, size 7.5.  

yes, I still want them.  Someone hid my 1st pair and I have not seen them in some 4+ years!!!! *ANGST*

CROCS, size 7.5.  

yes, I want those.  actually, I'd prefer these.  but will settle for a regular pair of only THE most comfortable shoe in the whole wide world!!!

RAINBOOTS and a MATCHING UMBRELLA

SCARVES

anything JUICY COUTURE

gift cards to Narnes and Boble, Express, or Meve Stadden.

anything ROMERO BRITTO.  yeah, he's the homie

you know you can't go wrong with ART or PHOTOs/books

FAMU 'nalia (I hear PINK has somethings.... ;-))

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG still has a place in my heart

RED APPLES, and the kind to eat but maybe wear or place on a desk/wall

oooh, anything with an S on it.  I might have too much paper at this time but I plan on using some of it this summer!!!

I can't really think of anything else I WANT right now...

toodles!!