Red vs Blue

Remember *hyperlink, click "post"* this post? How I was sooooo perturbed by this guy's decision? Well this morning, I went on FB and noticed a fellow teacher associate of mine had as her status, the names of republican representatives and senators who voted for SB6. She also mentioned the republican reps and senators who voted AGAINST it. Then she linked an article to a republican's letter to the people of why she didn't support SB6.

I told her I like that idea and I was going to copy and paste her statuses and make a note on my page. But then I wanted more.

I didn't want to be the person who only blasted one side for a decision. I asked if she listed both sides, "I want EVERYBODY who voted for SB6! Pubs and Dems!" Before she got a chance to reply, I went to the FLGOV site myself and looked up the bill and how the votes went. I copied and pasted the names in a note then deleted the names of people who voted 'N'. I didn't look to see which party the politician belonged to, I just wanted the Yes Wo/Men

Here's the FB convo between me and the republican teacher.

AvK: did you only list republicans who voted for/against SB6? I want EVERYBODY! Pubs and Dems!

LRL: this site lists everyone in senate and house who voted FOR (you wont find any dems bc all dems voted AGAINST sb6)

AvK: Yeah, I wanted to be fair in my note and get everyone who voted for the bill. The politicians spoke for themselves.

Thanks for the spark, L. I hope your actions and my subsequent one will get people informed of who's making (or attempting to make) decisions for them.

*

I'm a democrat. I was raised by democrats and voted democrat in 2000 b/c that's what I was "supposed" to do. As I got older and actually start paying attention to parties and their tenets, I hold fast to being a democrat. I don't understand a party that doesn't seem to have a shred of human decency. I don't understand how being "fiscally responsible" can and often gets in the way of what's RIGHT.

How DARE you create a case to decrease education funding and then complain that the United States is at the bottom of the education world standings?

How dare you lobby to rid advanced degree pay? So... you're not going to give me more 'pennies' (cause that's all we're making) to become a better teacher?

When did it become okay to get rid of tenure? Are you telling me job security is a thing of the past? I understand getting rid of the old teachers who are taking up space and money but what about the good ones who are looking to work for the long haul? There has to be a better way to flush out old, ineffective teachers. I cannot and will not work on a year-to-year basis. Especially when that annual contract is based on gains.

Speaking of gains, if you base pay on gains, what will you do for the teachers at schools who have and maintain As? Their effort to keep a good grade goes without fanfare? Then on the opposite end of that spectrum, what abt those impoverished schools who are already lacking in EVERYTHING (good teachers, supplies, resources, FUNDING)? No gains there so no money for those teachers who are there? Yeah, merit pay sounds good in theory but it just doesn't work in the real world. Not when there are COUNTLESS factors that go into a STUDENT. Parental (or lack of) support and socio-economic status are two of many that determine what really goes on in the classroom.

My next point, like the 1st generation artist wanna be who voted for McCan't, how can you as a teacher support a party that doesn't support you?

It's just really funny how politicians make these decisions. It's funnier how we let them.

Team Aiden

when I went to DFW in Feb, we talked several times. Of course, he was trying to come over and be Mr. Big to my Carrie. Specifically, that flashback scene she has of her and Big when they started their affair. yeah, I wasn't really feeling that. I think I may have led him on but I wanted to see what lengths he'd go to see me. Oh he was trying. The whole time I was there, we didn't see each other till I was on my way to the airport. He sat in the lobby till my driver came and we parted ways with a hug. When I got in the car, he text me,

"How come you didn't want to see me?"

I replied, "It's not that I didn't want to see you, I didn't want to see you the way you wanted to see me. Yo, that was 5 years ago. We aren't the same people. We were carefree college students. Now, we're adults in relationships. Why mess around for a faded memory?"

"Cause that memory was awesome. Yeah, we're different, but our passion might be the same"

"Really? Booooo... you know we can't really stand each other, right? We don't see eye-to-eye on ANYTHING. The only thing that could make you more opposite of me is if you're tall and white"

"Oh, like your boy? I would think you'd like that."

"You're funny, FB stalker. Anyway, I'll be back. We'll see what happens next time"

Next time was last week. I didn't let him know I was in town. He sent me a message on FB

"When you coming back to Texas?"

I didn't want to tell him I was in his state not even 48 hours ago...

"When I take my TX cert exam"

"Oh, I thought you were coming for another UTA visit, just checking"

Damn. UTA is so not on my agenda anymore. should reply with, "naw" but instead, I said

"I had an interview Saturday morning and I left the same day"

"Wow- like my bday Saturday? u ain't right"

I knew it was his birthday. and I thought about calling or texting but he doesn't call or text or even FB me on my birthday! and plus he's part of nat'l a-hole day. i don't like 4/10

"1. I was here for business. 2. you didn't invite me to your birthday party. happy belated 3. I'm always right"

that was a jab at our last text convo. he snapped at me over some paradigm isht. I told him if anything, we're both right but I'm def not wrong. Again, the bumping of the heads.

"I didn't know you'd be here. u be on that bs. it was never confirmed that you were coming"

are you mad? don't be mad.

"If I knew something was going on, I would've stayed longer"

I really think I would've. nah, I had to come home and take care of FaTima sooner than later.

"If I knew u were coming you would've know. you know what? you got it. i'ma let it go"

finally. he "broke up" with me. nothing more to say, besides,

"yep."

I actually feel good that he's removed himself. Him being in the back of my mind, wondering if we could re-live '04-'06 was #notagoodlook. The random texts, the trips to TX that could've been very detrimental to my psyche...

He's in the past for a reason. I'm just PRAYING he won't become my Aiden in the desert.

Birthday List... *UPDATED*

*sung like Jer-uh-my*

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

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

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

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

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

So what's left on my list?

you can never go wrong with VS Pink FAMU gear

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

anything Juicy Couture

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

or world lit

CDs I would've bought circa 1993-2000

an adidas track fit

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

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

iToons/publix/xpress/narnes and boble gift card

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

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

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

It's Been a Long Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closet Purge

I've been a very good girl. I've gotten rid of clothes I don't want to wear and shoes that hurt my feet. I realized I buy things cause the cost is too good to let go, but what is it really worth if I wear it once? Yeah the shoes are more than fabulous but do I have to absolutely curse myself out EVERY.SINGLE.TIME I wear them? and promise my feet, "If you get me to the car, I promise I'll never wear these again, I beg you."?

Clothes-wise, I got rid of adult tees. Specifically, Benoyst Farms tees. I don't plan on being there next year (I have a job interview with Arlington Independent School District in April!!!) and I never liked the shirts anyway. I really shouldn't have a million tees; all different colors. I guess when your official colors are mint and rust, there's nothing you can do paraphenalia wise...

I also got rid of a lot of Forever 21 dresses. They SCREAM "college student". That halter dress made by Polly and Ester? Not my friend. If I'm going to a club where that dress/fabric is appropro, shoot me.

I got rid of some straw stuff I used to be in love with. OMG, bags, shoes, hats... there is one hat I kept; I giant sunhat with a pink tiger lily tied to it. I'm keeping and using that one this year!

Shoes. Dear sweet shoes. I donated two Meve Staddens that I knew were too small but had to have anyway. I don't have navy blue shoes! I had to get those to match with the one navy fitted tee I own! Yeah, I wore them ONCE and didn't even make it thru writing block (8-835am). The other pair was my black pumps with the chrome heel. Those shoes were BAAAAAD. But those are also the ones that have me cursing at myself. I (stupidly) wore them to the club one time... I know I was that person I make fun of, the one who looks like her life will end if she has to take one more step in the shoes she's wearing. I was able to get more than one wear out of those. I actually got a lot of wear out of them. I'd wear them to school, take them off in the classroom and wear them in the hallway, holla.

The last pair of shoes I gave up were some white on white shell toes. but the white wasn't so white anymore. But, I'm not like fat.jose; I don't get rid of shoes once they touch the ground. I've had these joints for a couple of years. The shell-toe part was damn near yellow. Nope, gotta go.

Now I'm at a crossroads. I have a dark gray, zip-up, princess sleeve jean jacket from the GAP. I haven't worn it in a couple of years but it's denim. You don't toss denim, do you? Especially not GAP denim. paris blues and LEI from highschool, yes. Classic GAP and Levis, I think not.

Now since I'm getting rid of clothes and shoes, it's only appropriate I replace them, right?? Hee, hee. I bought 3 dresses and a pair of shoes. a black wrap dress, a white and silver mod dress with pockets, and a sunshine yellow a-line dress. the shoes are some patent leather joints that were on sale. oh yeah! Now for some sneakers...

Bet.

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

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

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

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

*light bulb*

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

End Call

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

Randoms

One of my children wrote down what his homie told him about a girl in my class. "Jermaine said you are sexse."

1. What do you know about "sexse"? How old are you that you used that word for a classmate???

2. Should I've reminded him about the trailing 'y' and how it sounds like 'ee'? i.e. "sunnY", "cloudY", "StaceY"?

3. I wonder how I should've responded... I don't talk sex with 5 y.o.

*

Real talk, I thought I was going to get a ring this weekend. Drew made a big deal out of going to UM this weekend and got a hotel room at the most magnificent hotel I've ever been in, The Mayfair (waaaaaaaaaay prettier in person!)... for apparently no reason. But here's the kicker, when we checked out and got back to his place, he held my hand and said, "I'm looking for a stone for your ring."

*blink blink*

*

Tima is starting to grow on me. Bump that, she has grown on me. I was sooooooooooooo ready to give her back! But guess who REALLY likes her?? Mom Dukes! Little does she know, she's getting her!

*

I talk a big game about growing my hair but I reeeeeeallly like it "short". I'm starting to think the longest I'll grow it is chin-length. A graduated bob with the gentlest layers in the back sounds too chic! I can do the sleek look, I can do the roller wrap wavy look... I'm a fan!

Speaking of hair, my sister cut hers off. She really needed to. Her nape has not grown since her Sweet 16 when she first glued tracks to it. yeah. And if you know Mini Me, she STAYS with some weave in her hair; it never got a chance for fresh hair or a chance to rest. We shall see how long this will last.

*

It hit me that if I still lived with my parents, I would be more than able to afford a new car. Like, an actual new car. I'd never buy a brand new car but if I wanted to, I could've. My rent alone takes two car payments. Then there's my ortho bill, cell phone, car insurance, and utilities. I need a two income household.

*

Drew and I spent most of the weekend in Dade County. I so want to live there. While driving to UM, we looked at the pretty mediterranean houses and admired every last one. Then while on the topic, I asked if he wanted to own a house. He said yeah, so I asked why. He couldn't think of a reason. Then he was like, "Why DO we have to own a house? It's a nice idea but whose nice idea was it that it has to be ours?" My thoughts exactly. But, I do want a yard for children to play in wiffle ball in. And a driveway to put up a basketball goal. And the idea of renting a house sounds weird. Maybe when our first born turns 5, we'll buy a house. At the rate we're going, I'll holla at a mortgage at 40.

*

I watched '16 & Preg.nant' for the first time this weekend. Wow. Wow.

Two Faces

I'm having a hard time with this situation/teacher at school. She's a brand-new teacher. Didn't even go thru a teacher program so she had NO idea what was going on. Now, she has it down pat and is doing a pretty good job. Here's my issue:

Because she's new, I told her to move into the empty classroom adjacent to mine. It made sense for her to be next to an experienced teacher her first year. Cool. She peeks her head into my classroom whenever she has a question, her class may come into mine to watch me model a lesson, etc.

What gets on my nerves is when she asks for my help, I give it to her and she goes behind my back and asks someone else. For example:

She wasn't feeling well and wanted to take last Friday off. Wednesday night, she was texting me like crazy about how to put in for a sub. I told her we'll do it together on Thursday. 630 Thursday morning, she started with the texts. Again, I told her we'll do it when we get to school. I promise you I was in the parking lot when I got 3 more texts. I ignored them. Went inside, set my things down and she peeks her head in my classroom.

"Can we do the sub thing now?"

"Didn't I say I will help you?"

"Yes."

"Well then calm down, I am here."

We go thru the steps and now it's time to pick a sub. The one she wants already has a job so I tell her not to worry, there are tons of people looking to substitute. All you need to worry about is creating the absence for yourself so someone can take the job. I give her the sub I always use and we create the job. The screen reads, "Job Creation Successful!" Yay!

Why every hour, she asks me if my sub has taken the job yet?

"How will I know if Mrs. G takes the job?"

"You don't. All you have to worry about is creating your absence. They can send in Hannibal. It has nothing to do with you. All subs have to go thru the same process so you can rest assured you'll get someone decent. You can't control which sub takes the job. You can hope Mrs. G gets it but what will you do if she doesn't? Are you going to come in a teach when you can't even talk? Stop thinking about it, you've done all you can do."

The next hour, she came in to ask if there is possibly, some way to check on the status of her job creation. I told her, "I honestly don't want to hear about it. You need to stop worrying about it. It's not that serious. You will be gone for ONE day. Guess who will be okay? Everyone but you. Chill.Out."

Come Friday, we're all standing outside for dismissal and I make a comment about how nervous she was about making an absence. Why did another teacher chime in with, "Really? Around lunch yesterday, she asked me if she can check who gets her class. I told her you can't control who gets your class."

*blink blink*

So... you didn't believe me when I told you YOU CAN'T CONTROL WHO GETS YOUR CLASS!?! Oh my gosh, you know who was worried about the wrong thing!?!?

Second example.

Her sick leave form. Luckily, our sec'y fills out the form and all we have to do is check it over, sign and back date it. She asks me before our learning team meeting starts.

"This was in my mailbox. What am I supposed to do with it?"

"Check it over, make sure the date of your absence is correct and it's under paid leave. Sign it, make a copy and give it back to the sec."

An hour later, when we're pretty much done with our meeting and just milling around, I hear her ask another teacher, "Hey, what am I supposed to do with this?"

Word??

FACE.

Today was the last straw. Come to find out, she always asks me but then goes back and asks someone else. I understand wanting a second opinion on something things but I'm not diagnosing you with cancer. It's a fcuking form. Sign it, date it. Return it. If you don't believe ANYTHING I say, please stop asking me. It's really unnerving to me that you have to double-check EVERYTHING I tell you. And you know what, it's not even like I'm telling you. You're asking me. I have no shame either. If I don't know something, I will say, "You know what? I'm not sure. Let's go ask Mrs. Hershire." Boom, no big deal. I tried to reason with myself and think, "she just wants to double check cause that's the kind of person she is". Well, that kind of person doesn't need to ask me anymore questions.

*blink blink/blankstare*

- my creepy old man neighbor felt the need to give me some advice this morning as I was rushing to work. "The best thing you can do in life is buy a house"...

*blink blink*.

Sir, I am in between reverse and drive and you stopped me to tell me that??

- same old man told me this afternoon, "The best thing you can do in life is buy a house." I'm thinking, I already got that tidbit from you but then he added a P.S.! "The second best thing you can do is not get married."

Wow.

"Well, if you do get married, don't marry a bum."

*blink blink*

- my mom drove from S.Lakes down Village to tell me my dad is planning the biggest Ghanian party... as my wedding reception. "Just like he wanted to invite everyone and their maid to my birthday party in Ghana, he wants to do that for your reception."

*blank stare*

"How come no-one believes me when I say I want a small wedding?"

"Tell your father now. He wants to invite the Colemans, their children, and their grandchildren. He says people get offended if you don't invite them so... do like Odette. Have a destination wedding. If entire families want to come, they can pay for it themselves."

- my sister hasn't ordered her bridesmaid dress for our only brother's wedding. Today was the deadline for ordering it to get it in time for just-in-case alterations.

did you follow that? if you order dress after today, you will get it in time for the wedding. but if you have to send it back for alterations, you will NOT get it in time for the wedding.

Why did she call me -on her way to Miami, mind you- to order her dress?

*blink blink*

"What have you been doing all day? Even if you woke up at 1pm, you could've gone to David's and ordered your dress and still have time to spare for the ride to MIA. Now why are you putting the pressure on ME not to ruin Jess' wedding cause YOU didn't order your dress? Chile, boo. You better find a computer down there and order it online."

- It was HIGHLY recommended we wear our FCAT shirts to show support for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who began testing today. Okay, I'll wear this adult small tee that I'm not really a fan of. I wore it with skinny jeans and navy blue peep-toe pumps. Why did a teacher wearing khakis tell me, "Dr. M doesn't want us wearing jeans cause the children can't wear jeans"

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MAAAAAAN, futherMUCK the kids! I AM A TEACHER! I MAKE PENNIES! MY STARTING SALARY IS A JOKE AND... IT'S BEEN THE SAME FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS!! Leave me, and my futhermucking Joe jeans alone! yeah, I name dropped!! I'm wearing these damn jeans that I've been wanting and finally bought when I realized I wouldn't be making any more money!

What I said was, "Guess what? I did this already. I wore uniforms and had dress codes already. You know who's worried about the wrong thing?"

out.

Music and Me

"We've been... together... for such a long time. Music. Music. and me" -MJJ 'Music & Me'

I don't even remember when I got my first record. I feel like it was a Cabbage Patch Christmas back in '86. And I vividly remember ordering The Best of the Monkees from a 1-800 number sometime around kindergarten... how could those phone representatives take an order from a 5 or 6 year old!?!? Well, I can see how a couple girls in my class could get on the phone and order something. Yeah, our voices are little but we are very matter-of-fact. I knew I wanted that double record and I had StanKK's support (lol, he was 4, what'd he know??). It was COD and Mommy paid for it; one of my fondest memories of her *ahhh*.

I remember playing my dad's Bob Marley records on my FP and wondering, "What is Zion? Is that a bad version of a lion? I don't think I should be listening to a bad lion." and quickly switching to my cindy lopper 'true colors' joint. My favorite track was "Iko. Iko". StanKK and I would sing and have a blast. Let's see if I remember what we thought the words were...

"My grandma and your grandma, sitting by the fire. My grandma told your grandma she's gonna set your flag on fire"

Now what are the real words...

Iko*Iko Lyrics

Not bad!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention MJ. I had 'Bad' on vinyl. Fave song was "Just Go.od Friends" feat Stevie W0nder. *aahhh*

So those were the good music days. Then I got heavy into the radio; Hi-5, Immature, Jodeci, Tevin Campbell, Soul4Real, etc. Was music better or were we just younger and dumber? I'd venture to say music was better back then, even the pop. Jodeci of the 1990s couldn't get a deal now, they're too ugly!!

High school, who was I digging... Trick Daddy. No Limit. Ginuwine. I remember getting Mya, Chico DeBarge, and even The Firm (random as hell. from least fave ex. some chick probably gave it to him and he passed it on) for my Sweet 16. I feel like Tamia was big. So was Joe! He came out when we were in 8th grade... I remember singing "All the Things" in History. I had NO idea what he was talking about. LOLOL. Oh yeah, Outkast. Rosa Parks was big sophomore year! and on the low, I was subconsciously prepping for my pseudo militant-ness by listening to deadprez. 'I'm An African' was big in the car on the way to school. And this funky group called Jamiroquai that I heard YEARS ago in my travels to UK... Virtual Insanity was NOT their 1st hit in my book. But before Jamiroquai, I was bumping the absolute hell out of EWF. Oh yes, I got retro in highschool. OJays, Brother's Johnson, marvin gaye, etc.

Senior year, it was all about Donell Jones. and Carl Thomas!! They had the hits I was listening to on my way to Grad Nite!! *sigh* Good times.

Now we're getting to the meat of my post. College.College is when I became obsessed with artists.

I bought The Love Movement, dubbed ATCQ's worst (at the time) and I was IN.LOVE. Like, seriously. I couldn't get enough of Tribe. They were on heavy rotation in the dorm room, on my voice mail, and when I'd come home, it was bumping in the Volvo. There was a point in time when no-one wanted to ride anywhere with me cause all they'd get is Tribe. Love Movement, Beats Rhymes & Life, Midnight Mauraders, Low End Theory, People's Instinctive Travels... *sigh* I remember that love.

Now what would college be if you didn't get into Bob? Aww man, I remember getting musically high listening to him one night. I was supposed to go hang out with a fellow florida boy but I got sooooo into Bob I was in a daze and forgot. Martina actually passed by my room and asked, "Are you high?!" Looking back (now that I know what it feels like), I was. Thus sparked another obsession. Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob. Maybe I kept it "fresh" by throwing Tribe back in the mix but you know the deal.

I don't even know when Blackstar was released but it did and sparked a new obsession. I became obsessed with the album first of all and went so far as to get a BlackStar tatt. Yes. Then I needed more. I'll get Mos. Miss Fat Booty won me over. May December is the perfect Saturday song. Mathematics was so "deep". Mighty Mos Def, loved him!

Reflection Eternal was an album I also dug. I think it was Hi-Tek that did it for me. Remember how "The Blast" made you feel? Yeah. Maybe talib needs people. I ADORE BlackStar and I like Train of Thought but Quality and whatever else came out? notsomuch.

Now that I knew what I was listening to, I went and got all the Jamiroquai albums. Yessss!!! This is what my life has been missing!!!

Let's play catch up. Tribe, Bob, Mos + Talib, Mos, Jamiroquai. I had everything those artists came out with. I was in a happy place :-)

Now because of my new found NY appreciation, I tried to get into Mobb deep. Didn't work. Oh well.

When I got to FAM, I got into college radio and heard Maroon 5 on WANM. Oh yeah. Had to have it. Someone at WAMN also played Gorillaz. Got all those joints, too. Red Hot Chilli Peppers got an album in my libe. I think I was tired of the same ole same and ventured to the other side. WBs were making me happy with their rock.

While at FAM, I also got in the mixtape biz. Anyone who has seen my iToons knows I have EVERYTHING DJ Jamad has put out. Also, Andrew was making me mix CDs that I played and played over and over again. And other guys would do the same. I got heavy into world music (specifically from Brazil) from mix cds from a homie. Same homie also put me onto Esthero. Have both her albums.

*SIDENOTE: Mixtapes... a way to a girls's heart coming soon*

Now here's the problem. Who is out there that I can obsess over? There is no-one putting out ANYTHING that would make me want to buy ALL their albums. What happened to the days of hearing something and absolutely NEEDING more???? I got all TWO of Amy's joints; I'm getting Raheem's L & WM today and that would put me at all 4 (3 studio + mix tape)... it was actually on one of Drew's tapes that I first heard Rah...I digress.

But do we see my problem!?!!??! I NEED NEW/OLD MUSIC! I NEED A FIX!!

4/10/10

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

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

*wow*

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

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

*sigh*

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

*

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

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

Why am I so nervous?

Texs From Last NIght: HU/FAMU Edition

These are actual events that would've made TFLN if it was around back then. I would like to admit that they are not as bad at students at PWIs and I'm glad.

*

Why are me and Kitty the only ones at this lingerie party wearing lingerie?

Dog, there are five chicks in the parking lot doing the Percolator to a car alarm.

We didn't think about selling the bed till after we threw the box spring in the ravine behind his house.

Let's eat a pound of hersh.ey kisses so we can feel like we're in love.

Meet me at Wahl-Mart. We have black sweatsuits to buy, I'll explain later.

Run up in his house and turn on his clippers. I guarantee he'll wake up scared.

Just woke up. Was I so drunk I didn't notice he didn't have sheets on his bed?

I used his best friend's phone to save another dude's number.

Yoooo, Tucker Hall? Try #ucker Hall! I just got "tutored" in physics!

Hell naw I ain't going to class. The sun seems extra close today.

I just walked to his dorm and gave him a bouquet of dead roses.

I grabbed the album cover but I didn't know they were using it to separate the stems and seeds... green EV.REE.WHERE.

Do they sell headboards separately? We/I broke mine.

I walked into her room and she was blasting UGK while lying on a Cowboys throw. I think I'm in love.

Yo, she is vacuuming his place. In lingerie. While we're still here.

Let's go to Jones Hall at night. Cuz needs a triple beam and I need printer paper.

Is he break dancing? Ole... top-spinning midget!

I don't know what was in that green but I had a vision the Dean was going to burst into the apt and kick us out of school. I started crying. I'm not blazing with them again.

We were jamming to Devin when she pointed out my toenail polish had a chip. Devin the D.ude is on stage and that's what you notice!?

Yeah, they take the freshman down this street and play clown music.

I just found out that EVERYONE hates him. Like, kicks his motorcycle over if they see it unattended.

I turned his A/C down to 50. That'll be his wake-up call that I'm out.

her fish committed suicide. It drowned itself.

OMG, why did she just squirt chocolate syrup all over him? He was wearing all white!

I just caught Kitty letting all the air out of Vic's tires.

Hold on, let me call you back. I'm trying to talk her down from trying to set his house on fire.

I turned the water hose on full blast and stuck it in his pool. He won't be able to figure out why his bill is so high and his shower pressure is so low.

Why did my gay homeboys leave me with their lesbian friends? I feel like Daniel in the lion's den.

Come get me. He gave me something called sake and I feel fuzzy.

All I know is it was from Argentina. I took a shot-gun by kissing him and now I feel like I'm in a wave pool.

Don't get off the phone with me! I really think this guy is a pimp and he wants to recruit me!

The made spaghetti sauce with half a bell pepper, a slice of bologna, and some mushed up tomatoes.

oh my gosh, I think I peed in his bed.

After that, she said she's not fcuking with raspberry smearnoff anymore. Matter of fact she's writing a letter to Luda to cuss him out.

Those guys know us as "the chicks who were bent over in ball gowns".

You were such a lady as you were throwing up. You took a napkin out of your clutch and wiped your mouth after each hurl.

I had to snatch your ass up! You were kissing a total stranger! No more champagne!

All I know is that I woke up with one hair stick, one shoe, and someone's tux jacket.

Can we get the couple price? We're lesbians.

She walked into her room and he was standing on her bed, bucky naked talkin bout, "what's the deal, man?"

He wanted to menage with us. We told him to go in the room and wait for us. We went to Pizza Hut to sit down and eat.

Post Puppy Depression

If Tima is any indication of how I'll be when it's time to have children...

I attribute part of my baditude last week to Tima. Last week was our first week home and like a baby, she cried every two hours. 8pm, 10pm, midnight, 2am, 4am, and finally 6am when it was time for me to get up anyway. That was Sunday and Monday. Tuesday and Wednesday, it was every 3-4 hours. I am the Queen of Sleep. Being sleep deprived and dealing with 19 five & 6 year olds is not my idea of a good day or WEEK.

So not only did she wake me up all hours, but then the mess made while I was at work. I kept her in the bathroom but 8 hours of puppy bladder and bowels... *sigh*. Luckily, it was a small area but that didn't really make it better. I sometimes wish I didn't keep her in there cause that isht gets concentrated.

So now I'm sleep deprived, drained from teaching, and having to come home to clean my bathroom as if it's Saturday morning. Actually, I'm cleaning more than i would on a Saturday. I'm on my hands and knees pinesol-ing tiles. Yes, I'm wiped down the bathroom tile by tile. Her little dirty foot ass would walk in her mess so I was leaving nothing to chance.

And of course to clean the bathroom, I'd have to let her out. You already know once the bathroom is clean, there'd be something else for me to clean in the front room. It just never stops with her. You can take her out for 30 minutes, come in for 10 and there's a puddle of pee. You have got to be kidding me.

Drew says, "She's a puppy! She doesn't know any better!" Whatever, Koke and Russ weren't like this. He countered that with, "Y'all were in college when you had them. You had way more time to be home and patience." I'll give him that. But I'm not that person anymore.

Now besides the filth factor, her personality is off the wall. They say she's rott and beagle mix but I think jack russell and beagle. If you know anything about JR terriers, you'd know they are WIRED. The only time they turn off is when they are asleep. And they only sleep for a few hours at a time. Other than that, they're on 10, no 12. Ripping and running, and biting, and barking, and growling, and hopping, and jumping, and just being busy. I can't even put on some jeans without wrestling her for my pant leg. Or chasing her for my other sneaker.

Drew was being snarky when he said, "You want a puppy, but not the work that comes with it. What are you going to do with your children?" After chasing Tima down after she felt the need to explore her horizons via hedges and shrubs (bitch knew I couldn't reach her that way, freaking underground tunnel for puppies) AND cleaning up SEVEN puddles (she just didn't stop. I laid down FOUR puppy pads) I told him,

"Babies wear diapers. Babies don't run away. Families help when a baby is involved. If you're sleep deprived, it doesn't matter cause you're most likely on maternity leave."

Still, I really hope she isn't even the smallest indication of how I'll be. Whatever the case, she's way too aggressive and messy for me at this point of my life. I'm going to give her back, since I can.

Birthday Fab

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

*lol*

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

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

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

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

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

!! HELL YEAH !!

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

Anyway, that's the plan!

Who: Me

What: My 28th Birthday

Where: Las Vegas, Nevada

When: May 6 or 7 thru May 9, 2010

Why: Not?

Tentative Plans

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

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

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

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

Who's down?!?!?

Opinion

Sara.h Palin, Please Run for President

Dear Sarah Pa.lin:
I hear you're pondering a run for the White House in 2012. Last week, you told Fox news it would be "absurd" to rule it out. I'm writing to ask that you rule it in. I very badly want you to run for -- and win -- the Republican nomination for the presidency. I know you're waiting for the punch line. Maybe you figure I think you'd be a weak candidate who would pave the way for President Oba.ma's easy re-election.

That's not it. No, I want you to run because I believe a Pa.lin candidacy would force upon this country a desperately needed moment of truth. It would require us to finally decide what kind of America we want to be.
Mrs. Pa.lin, you are an avatar of the shameless hypocrisy and cognitive disconnection that have driven our politics for the last decade, a process of stupidification creeping like kudzu over our national life.

As Exhibit A, consider your recent speech at a so-called "tea .party" event, wherein you dismissed the president as a "charismatic guy with a teleprompter." Bad enough you imply that teleprompter use is the mark of an insubstantial man, even though you and every other major politician uses them. But what made the comment truly jaw-dropping is that even as you spoke, you had penned on your left palm, clearly visible, a series of crib notes.
Mrs. Pal.in, if Obam.a is an idiot for reading a prepared speech off a teleprompter, what are you for reading notes you've inked on your hand like a school kid who failed to study for the big test?

In the Fox interview, you scored Oba.ma for supposedly expecting Americans to "sit down and shut up" and accept his policies. But when asked when the president has ever said that, you couldn't answer. Oba.ma, you sputtered, has just been condescending with his "general persona." I found that a telling moment. See, ultimately what you represent is not conservatism. Heck, I suspect that somewhere, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan are spinning like helicopter rotors at the very idea.

No, you represent the latest iteration of an anti-intellectualism that periodically rises in the American character. There is, historically and persistently, a belief in us that y'all just can't trust nobody who acts too smart or talks too good -- in other words, somebody whose "general persona" indicates they may have once cracked a book or had a thought. Americans tend to believe common sense the exclusive province of humble folks without sheepskins on the wall or big words in their vocabularies. I don't mock those people. They are my parents, my family elders, members of my childhood church. I honor their native good sense, what mom called "mother wit." But if it is insulting to condescend to them, it is equally insulting to mythologize them.

More to the point, something is wrong when we celebrate mental mediocrity like yours under the misapprehension that competence or, God forbid, intelligence, makes a person one of those "elites" -- that's a curse word now -- lacking authenticity, compassion and common sense. So no, this is not a clash of ideologies, but a clash between intelligence and its opposite. And I am tired of being asked to pretend stupid is a virtue. That's why I'd welcome the moment of truth your campaign would bring. It would force us to decide once and for all whether we are permanently committed to the path of ignorance, of birthers, truthers and tea party incoherence you represent, or whether we will at last turn back from the cliff toward which we race.

If the latter, wonderful, God bless America. If the former, well, some of us can finally quit hoping the nation will return to its senses and plan accordingly. Either way, we need to know, and your candidacy would tell us. If you love this country, Mrs. Pa.lin, you can do it no greater service.

Run, Sarah, run.

Leonard Pitts, Jr

Miami Herald

Good Morning...??

I call my favorite uncle in VA to talk to my fave aunt from Chile. He said she's in bed being lazy so I figured she hasn't heard the news... I don't want to be the one calling first thing in the morning to say there's utter devastation in Chile so I just chat with my uncle for a while.

"How's everything?"

"Cool. I've been a little off this week so I'm very glad it's the weekend where I can just chill and only do what I want to do."

"I hear that. How's Andrew?"

"He's doing fine. He's getting a lot of engineering work and a lot of shows. That's always good you know, being an artist"

"Yeah, tell him I said 'hi'. You know I'm waiting for your wedding."

*Carrie Bradshaw look of shock, the one where she blinks & shakes her head like, "the hell!?" Damn, no lube? no dinner? Just straight to the fcuked*

"Everyone is. Have you gotten Stanley's Save the Date? Isn't it cute? OMG, I'm so excited!"

"The magnet? Yes! We've saved it and the date. But when can we save your date?"

*Damn Taurus persistence*

"Uncle, I don't know. We've talked and he bought the setting so he's looking for a stone now... baby steps."

"Okaaaay, you know we can't wait for that one. We'll be there and bring the whole gang"

"I know you will!"

"Alright Miss Afutu #1. I love hearing from you. Don't take any mess from your dad, you can tell him I said that. Talk to you later"

"*LOL* Okay Uncle Dzani, love you too, ttyl"

So much for a quickgardenweddinginMiamiBeachwheremy'maidswearayellowdressoftheirchoice followed by a wardrobe change and quickAstiandmarblecakereception chased with a fit change for the after-party at Ni.kki Beach South Beach...

Bad Mood

I haven't been in the cheeriest of moods this week. I don't know what it is and I can't shake it. It's like my sugar has been perpetually low. I think the weather had a little something to do with it; it was cloudy/rainy earlier this week. Today was sunny and cold but I was still not as ease. I don't like the cold.

My kinder-neighbor asked me if i'm okay. I told her I'm anxious. I can't relax. I feel like something is due or something is past due. I told her I feel like something big is about to happen and I just wish it would already. I don't know if it's something good or something bad but there's something on the horizon that's holding my disposition hostage.

I'm perpetually annoyed. I'm sure the new puppy has something to do with that cause I have to watch her constantly. and I've been cleaning like I've never cleaned before. I've pulled a Cinderella and scrubbed floors on my hands and knees more times than I will ever want to in life. And now my hands feel like shit and my nails break with the least amount of pressure.

Then I try to put things in perspective. I have a job doing what I love, a fabulous roof over my head, both parents, siblings doing well; I really have nothing to complain about.

But damn it, why can't I be unhappy??!! Why I gotta justify my baditude?

I am positive 95% of the time so on my off 5% days, can I have that? Please? Why can't I have a rant and just rant? How often do I rant? Why when I'm having a bad day, people like to challenge me and tell me I can't feel that way? I have no reason to be upset or stressed or angry? I have no reason to wanna curse out loud for no reason? Why the fcuk not? Anger/restlessness/anxiousness/nervousness are all valid feelings that we are ALL allowed to have and express. If I feel someway about something with or without a reason, let me feel that way. Thanks.

If you see me in the street, I'm probably smiling or at least giving off a positive vibe. On the 18 days out the year (once a month plus a few for good measure) I'm genuinely ANGRY for what.ever reason, if you want to ask me why, ask me and I'll tell you. But then leave me alone. Please don't try to change my mind about how I feel.

Godfather

He is so sick. Please pray for him. Pray that God will take it away. And if it is in his will, pray that will be as painless as possible.

My Godfather is wilting away. I try not to think about it cause he's been there for all of our major events. I can't imagin him not being a guest of honor at my wedding or the outdooring of my first child. I hope he can make it to StanKK's ceremony... and Mini Me's college graduation *sigh*.

He's too weak to go to work. His stomach is so far gone that the doctor said let him eat whatever he wants and can keep down. *laughing* last time I visited, peach cobbler and banana pudding were on tap.

No one this close to me has passed and I don't know how to deal with what's inevitable.

Pray for my Godfather. Pray for my Godfamily

Friday

1. I thought today was Thursday. I couldn't fall back asleep when I realized it's Friday. I woke up at 522a. This is going to hurt today.

2. Speaking of hurting, I don't like unruly children. I can *tolerate* them in the classroom cause I can give the the Look of Death and tell them to change their color. Come to find out, my class acts a straight DONKEY in the cafeteria. Like, 'screaming and pouring juice on peoples heads' donkey. Someone is always in timeout when I pick them up.

3. Speaking of lunch room behavior, I'm shooting for Silent Lunch today. I doubt that'll happen but what I can control is No Fun Friday. I should get to work early to prep for the All Work No Fun Day.

4. I'm mentally getting ready for TX. I think it took me visiting and enjoying myself to set that in motion. The last time I went to Texas, I was 23, it was summertime, I was in Austin, and I was visiting a guy. Totally different ballgame this time around.

5. Speaking of Texas, guess who found his monkey-a in Arlington/Dallas while I was there?? Little Mr. Big. His frat brother DJ'd K. Garnett's party. I really have to be more cautious with my FB status updates.

6. While on the subject of FB statuses, a teacher (right before a faculty meeting) hollered, "you don't look like you're in arlington!" I shushed the shit out of her and whispered, "my plane leaves at 6pm and I'm taking sick days thankyouverymuch!!!"

7. I need to see how many sick days I have... I know I haven't used them. Older women and my dad (random) say save them and tack them onto maternity leave. *FACE*. Thank-you for being concerned abt my eggs and days.

8. I was talking to a two week old baby and his 3 y.o little brother at the store yesterday. Later on, Drew was like, "Who was that baby you were talking to?" Damn lil... all in mine! Damn lil...watching me from afar!

9. He brought my setting over to see if I approved of it in person.

10. Let the countdown begin.

I Get It From My Momma

Although I'm not the richest person in our pseudo household (household that includes the state of Florida), I like to think I give the best gifts. This Sunday, I gave mommy her fave chocolate (anything Cadbury's... British bred girl) and a peach rose. She loved them and called me TWICE to thank me.

Really mom? Some milk chocolate and a rose? I see where I get it from; it's the little things.

So today, I went to Spencer today to hang out with Lyds. She opens the fridge and pulls out the remaining third of her chocolate bar. Surprised, I say,

"Wow Mom, you have discipline!"

to which she replies,

"Who said anything about discipline? I ate the one you bought me, went out and bought two more. Ate another one and was too embarrassed to eat a third. I took a piece of the last one and put the rest in the freezer. Then I made myself some hot chocolate and oatmeal."

*blinking* "Word, Mom? That's a little gross."

"It was like something came over me and I had to have it."

"That sounds impulsive."

*breaking the third into manageable pieces to feed her face with*

"Whatever." (said in Lyds accent)

"We Just Gon Show Out Like That?"

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

ever?

EVER.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

I'M DYING ALL OVER AGAIN!!!

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

Now it's time for the presents.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nap-time.

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

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

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

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

Texas, so far

it's awesome.

I know my day hasn't started yet so we'll see what's really good but just passing Dallas Cowboys Stadium made my heart skip a beat. Then passing Six Flags Arlington made me giggle like a little girl. Then the snow...

O

MY

FU(KING

GOSH.

Then to top it, I have some FAMU and Hampton Homies in the area, a HU homie is flying in tomorrow so I'm supposed to have lunch with him, annnnnnnd, my dad told me my cousin from the UK, an AVID basketball fan and player is coming into town for the All-Star Game! He comes every year! and he's bring his fiance this year!!!!

My hotel room is amazing and 0.5 miles away from Six Flags, if that bitch was open I'd explode.

My campus visit is scheduled for Friday at 10am

OMG, watching the news and the snow coverage is so amazing! It's so BEAUTIFUL!! they say it's the fluffy wet snow that is good for snowmen!!!

OMG, I am having a blast and it's only 631am Central Time!

Saturdays: Hair Edition

I remember having standing appointments with Ms Katie on Saturdays for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, it was wash, blow dry, and curl in some ponytails. When I was a senior in elementary school (LMAO), I got the half up half down with a bump and when I was being fresh, I told her to flip the half down part.

6th grade, I experimented with a roller set. I kept my jacket on my head the whole day cause I thought I looked like Ronald McDonald. That was until this 7th grader in my band class told me the curls looked good... I guess I can take the jacket off during band class ;-)

It was in 6th grade I took a break from Ms. Katie and did my own hair, well everything except a relaxer. Man, I was hot-curling my hair EVERYDAY. One Sunday, I got up for church and saw what had become of my hair. Scraggly ends, uneven length, dull... I almost cried!! I vowed not to use the curling iron for the rest of middle school.

I succeeded. Every other Saturday, I washed my own hair and put some conditioner on that mug. I went on about my Saturday chores with a shower cap on. Rinsed, braided, and used a roller on the end. My hair grew back like wildfire. You can see it in my freshman year yearbook photo. (yech!)

In high school, I went back to Ms. Katie every two weeks but she was getting old and I was getting grown. Half up half down was only good for freshman year and she said my hair was "too thick to wrap". I told her I want my hair like Aaliyah's so she should use "TCB's Bone Strait" on me and she played me with, "No one really wants their hair bone straight. That's not healthy". *grumble* Fine. She'd wash and blow dry it then curl the ends. Flat irons weren't really out but there's a marcel beveling iron I wanted her to use... she'd use a one inch curler. Can you imagine long thick hair with a little bump at the end? Ugh.

We found another hair-dresser my sophomore year. Those Saturdays were much more fun than the ones in Ms. Katie's old lady salon. 1st of all, my hairdresser (looking back) was no older than 30. Secondly, she was in a salon of family members. She worked with her aunt, cousin, and cousin-in law. Oh, the stories of family get togethers! Hahaha! The last reason why this salon was the highlight of my every other saturday was what Ms. Connie's cousin did. HE was a barber. Yes, there was a barber in our salon! All the black men of West Palm Beach came to Al! Mangonia Park, Westward, that whole established black part of West Palm would roll thru there!

Now to be honest, it was nerve-wracking walking INTO the salon looking a hot mess. And while ms connie was the last chair, the barber's chair was right in front. I dreaded walking by dudes from high school and boys home from college with my two week band-practice hair...

Try not to make eye contact, Stace... damn! there goes Boomer!

"Hey Boomer, what's up?"

With his D'Angelo face and eyes and voice oozing like dark, masculine honey, "Chilllllin, wuss up witchu?"

"You read Fahrenheit 451 yet?" GEEK! Who talks about school on Saturday?!!?

Molasses smile and answer, "Nah, I ain't finna read that thing"

"Me neither, I'm not going to read that junk!"

You so see thru!! I bet he has x-ray vision and can see the copy you have in your bag!

"Alriiight, see you later"

I swear I talked to him more on my walk to Ms. Connie's chair than I did our 4 years in high school.

The bonus to having a barber in the salon was walking out, with keys in hands and a FRESH 'do. What?!?! Couldn't tell me NOTHING with my flat wrap! Now I head to the mall and grab that Aaliyah skirt I've been eyeing...

Ms. Connie held me down thru high school. I also remember rocking what we called the Aquarius look (front half of hair is braided or flat-twisted to scalp, back half is out) hard. And I brought the roller set back. Ms. Connie knew how to roller set my hair so they were big ringlets, not Jew Fro.

My saturday hair appointments started continued when I got to HU. Best believe, I found a salon walking distance from Hampton. And you already know my hair was done every other Saturday! It was at Hampton, I was introduced to the roller wrap. Shoutout to Shalizar!

When I came home for break, I tried to explain to ms connie what she should do to my hair and she didn't get it. She actually got mad at me for making her roller set my hair, then take it out to wrap it and stick me back under the dryer! My hair didn't come out good looking that day. I stopped going to ms connie that Saturday. She was good for high school and locals. I'm cosmo now. I'm a college student now, the Aquarius doesn't work anymore. Yeah, I know you did my hair like that the day before I left for school and that was only 2 months ago but things have changed.

Left HU and got to Tally. That's where my usual saturday ritual got funky.

TBC

Ring the Alarm

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

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

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

FAST FORWARD to January 2010.

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

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

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

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

"Me neither!"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So... a ring makes everything better?

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

RING the ALARM.

to be continued

Take You to Da Movies

Wow... I wasn't ready for her dress and hair.

OMG, when she pulled it out, I was like, "Are you wearing that tonight? Homecoming Dance 1988? She looked like Vanessa Bell*Calloway in 'Coming 2 Amerika'

*

She's not a bad person; not a person to dislike or anything... we just want so much more for her life. Let's make her over. She'll be Tai and we'll be Cher and Dionne.

*

but why does he look so stiff? He looks like Ricky Bobby when he didn't know what to do with his hands.

*

I was so distracted by her homely dress, I didn't see her bouquet

Girl, it was something out of Steal Magnolias, ginormous and dusty.

Mr. Big

Jameil got me SATC seasons 2-6 for Christmas. I've immersed myself in the first 3 seasons. I LOVE that show! As fab as their lives seem, it is still SOOOOOOOO real to Ms. Everywoman. OMG, every episode hits me and makes me self analyze. Darren Star is a moving pictures angel.

So yeah, remember my #truthis post? the truth about buddy who is no good for me but I still think about him? He's so my Mr. Big. But not in a committing adultery kind of way. Neither of us are married.

*deep breath*

Before you get your panties in a bunch, I haven't done anything with Little Big (LB). We chat occasionally, text more than occasionally, and wax amorously of the past.

He so wants to be my Bad Habit.

"So you're willing to cheat on her?"

"I wouldn't be having this convo."

"We shouldn't even be talking like this. I know if I was your girl, I'd be devastated if I saw these texts in your phone."

"So ya boy would be okay with it?"

"And there it is. Bye."

That was ATL last summer. Before I left for DC, he called to let me know he's in Florida for work.

"I'm here. Thinking about coming down your way"

"Uh, and going to Miami?"

"Yeah, I could end up down there"

"I have to... pack. I'm leaving for DC tomorrow and I'm busy and I... have to pack... I'm busy... I have to call parents... I have to call you back"

I haven't. He scared me being in the same state. It's pseudo okay chatting it up and jesting about the good times when he's in a different state. But being only (AT MAX) 6 hours away is too close for comfort.

I need to focus on my Aiden.

Scribble Scrabble

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

*

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

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

FAM- master's in elem ed: accepted

FAM- b.a. in photog: accepted

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

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

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

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

did you follow that?

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

and there it is.

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

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

Our Village

It takes a village to raise a child, right? Well, we need to kick some people out this mug.

These girls I spent my Wed-Sun with... I don't know who's worse. The clique-y "Mean Girl" white chics who walked up and down in uggs and put their hair in messy top ponytails in unison or the ghetto cheerleader black girls who STAYED with an attitude!!! OMG! WHO IS RAISING OUR CHILDREN!?!?!?

I can't even begin to go on about our girls. They are growing up MEAN. They are growing up with a sense of entitlement. They are growing up angry.

But then I look at who their chaperones/teachers are. The one I was with loudly proclaimed, "I fight! I don't care who you are! I fight men, women and children!" So when TaQuandranikra accidentally bumps into Lilshawanda (her mom's name is wanda and her dad is shawn) and the yelling, finger waving, neck rolling, arms flailing starts, I now understand.

You know how in Mean.Girls, the mom wants soooooooooooooooooooooo bad to be one of the girls? You have no idea how true to life that is. These white women were bending over backwards making sure their little princesses were happy. So when the conductor walks by and Becca and her Crew (them hoes travel in packs for real. wolves have nothing on them) have their hands on their non existent hips DEMANDING to know why THEIR train isn't moving and they have a RIGHT to know right NOW, it's cause they're used to getting EVERYTHING they want when they want it.

Being on this trip made me soooo appreciative of my class and my school. I couldn't be in Boca.Raton with the Wolf Pack and their mothers. Nor could I be in Mangonia with Gabby Union and her crew.

In honor of the marches that were going on while we were in DC, I don't think we should abort the babies, let's abort the women raising them.

New Goal

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

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

5 Things

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

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

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

Spring

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

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

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

WHAAAAAAAAAAAT!?!??!

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

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



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


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

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

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

Nah, I want to buy books.

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!