Goodbye, 2006. I'll Love You Forever!!!!!!

This is so weird. But all week I have been dreading the coming of the new year. I know, I know. . . but like I just said and I am sure is obvious by now, Im weird.

But 2006 was so good to me I really don't want to see it end so soon. But even though it seems my life has been really good, I am open to it getting even better so reluctantly, I say good bye to '06.

On Thursday, before seeing Pursuit of Happyness I had lunch with my old boss Isoul, who is the entertainment editor of Atlanta Peach Magazine, which is so so sexy (the Ocean Drive Magazine that is . . and his job too!) Talking to him about how my summer was just got me nostalgic again for my best year ever. But as good as it was (im talking barefoot in Susan Taylor's kitchen sipping ginger tea, laughing to your stomach really starts contracting with friends you will love forever, being so loved by family you finally begin to understand and being blessed to shop like someone else is really paying the bill ) there are still so many things I have to look forward to in the New Year, including a ski trip on MLK weekend (and yes I still will be celebrating on Monday. Its a day ON people!) dropping these extra pounds I have put on this year I guess from the good life and enjoying this 21+ status and trips outside the states as my sites set on Jamaica for spring break and South Africa after graduation.

I guess for me, I remember me and one of my best buds couldnt wait to get rid of 2004 as we had buried her mom that October and I couldnt wait to get out of 2005 because it was the toughest year of my life and Im just thankful I mad it out of there and my health is stellar (too good, in fact with those extra pounds I mentioned). So I held on tight when 2006 came and it was all I had hoped for (minus that prince Im still waiting on:)
But the time has come to say good bye to my beloved 2006 .. . you'll always hold a special place in my heart.

-CJ

*yes this post was Cheezy. But it really was a good year. *tear, tear* I promise I'll leave the cheeziness in '06 . . .or atleast try:)

Dreamgirls. Im gonna love you? ok ok.

This Is EFFIE . . .






Now I have been waiting to see Dreamgirls since June. So why am I just now seeing it today?
Well, when you get too excited for something too early, you do yourself a disservice.I was so excited and had read so much about the movie, that by the time it made its way to theaters, I felt like I had already seen it. But I hadn't. I hadn't seen costume changing I could watch over and over again for days. I hadnt listen to the songs of a soundtrack I will WEAR OUT. I hadn't seen miss knowles take a shot at giving Dina her 'Actor's perspective.' I hadnt scene a movie with what Im sure had a hair budget that equaled its clothing and casting one. But I have never watched a movie and split up its cast as I did this one. Check my girl elle's blog for her sexy review. (dontchaloveit.blogspot.com)



This is Curtis Taylor Jr and his wife . . .Beyonce'






Beyonce was absolutely gorgeous in the movie. I loved watching her wardrobe post-marrying Curtis. But the whole movie I felt like I watched Beyonce and never met Dina (Deena?). It's not her fault. I mean, she is such a big star with an even bigger accent and I felt like I do when I watch her in a music video. Same way with Eddie Murphy. I loved him . .. but I only saw him, not Jimmy.


Dont get me wrong. I enjoyed myself at the movie but it's like the original Deena, Miss Sheryl Lee Ralph said, Deena was a certain type of woman and Beyonce just didnt take it there. The fact that she was lighter we all would like to think wouldnt matter today but in the days of the Dreamgirls/Supremes color DID matter and I just think someone else may have done Deena more justice . . . though Im sure Beyonce is a key for box office gold.

*I really need to see the original play so anybody who has it Ill provide popcorn and drinks if you let me watch!





The music in the movie was phenomenal. Now contrary to my opinions on her acting, I really am a Beyonce fan. This is one of her best scenes when she shows some real anger and obviously this is where we all clap around the world for 'And I am telling you'
So though Effie (see she was SOOO good I cant even call her Jennifer Hudson in this post) was obviously the singer with the most soul and emotion, What Curtis said about Beyonce having no personality isnt true and the contradiction of Effie being the better singer wasnt as pronounced

I had never heard of Anika Noni Rose before googling her this summer when I found out she was the third dreamgirl. She was definietly a breakout performer and a refreshing surprise.
Now, like I said I had the top I have been waiting on Dreamgirls since the summer. I was blessed to attend an event for the press where Jennifer and Keith Robinson who plays her brother CeCe in the movie where there. They were both really sweet and he was a cutie and tore it up when they both sang live for us. They both were phenomenal and is even getting his fare share of press! When I met him I thought he was familiar . . .I guess I remembered him from Fat Albert:)?
But as far as acting . . . Jamie and Jennifer were surely the bestest. Jamie is really a bonified real deal. It is a true talent to be such a signature person and yet to completely become that character. So yeah . . .Im glad I can move on from my Dreamgirls loveaffair! And if any guy ever makes me feel like Curtis did Effie here, I been practicing, And Your Gonna Love MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Yessss! Your Gonna Loveeee uvvvvvee Uvvee Meee heeeee!

*yes, Ill probably be seeing it at least one more time in the theater and getting the DVD when it comes. They should even do a part two. Just like Pursuit of Happyness, I would love to be an extra and be in those time period dresses. Does Curtis try and and turn his daughter into the new generation Dreams? Is CeCe really hooked up with Effie's replacement?

Merry Christmas and Pursue that Happyness!

Merry Belated Christmas! Mine was simple and sweet. Learned more about myself and my family - like how my mom never took a shower till college and how my brother is as selfish as ever- but I digress.

One thing I have always liked about the Christmas holiday is that my mom is a teacher and always spent it with us. So today me, her and my cousin Tia who just moved her and Im sure would be a lot like my big sister if I had one (she acts just like my crazy mama and has no qualms telling me something i am really not trying to hear like how I need a new bra and shes taking me shopping tomorrow. I mean, who wants to hear that . ..even if it is true?) So the movie was really phenomenal as I am sure you have already heard or seen for yourself. Definitely a tear jerker. Ironically we had just watched Hitch the day before reinforcing Will's acting abilities, though his son Jaden may be creeping up on him. A good surprise though was Thandie Newton as the mom. I love her (she was soo good in Crash!) and I could really feel her own turmoil from their stressful situation . . .though I could never leave my baby.
An even bigger Surprise was for my big mouth momma!
Now loving me in the little sister role my mom and cuz sent me to get our refillable popcorn bag refilled during the previews. I love watching previews so huffed off mad I had to get it, though when somebody else is paying for the movies as expensive as they are these days I guess I was earning my keep. I went out looking over my shoulders the whole time. I had already had spotted enough people I knew from around and high school - including one 250+ lbs. ex-boyfriend of my best friend who had a kid's popcorn combo, now he know he was wrong (and cheap). All clear this time.
So I get back with the fresh bag of cholesterol dripping kernels of corn just for my mom and cussing to be dancing and all excited and busting to tell me they saw my mom on the big screen. They had showed the preview for Tyler Perry's Daddy's Little Girl. They had filmed the church scene at my church and my mom was in the movie choir and they had scene her in the preview. I was happy for her but heated! I wanted to see it! ahhh well. If you see a chubby face, black -rimmed glasses, caramel colored alto, with twists on the third row on the left side in the preview its my mum.
But that movie was so good and a beautiful story to anyone needing some inspiration. I saw the real Chris Gardner on Oprah during Thanksgiving and I really have to read that book. The whole time he was homeless he said he always had a job. I just pray for those who are doing what they can and it still seems to not be enough. It is empowering to see someone go through so much and still overcome.

Hope you guys had a great Christmas and keep pursuing that happyness!

Queenie

*Couldn't the whole movie be called 'Running?' Will/Chris ran the whole movie. If you see a homeless person, just think they could be the next millionaire.

Sexual Chocolate *drop the mic, exit stage left*

Joe the Policeman' from the 'What's Going Down' episode of 'That's My Mama

Better known as Randy Watson of the band SEXUAL CHOCOLATE.
Now you know I kinda like Coming to America *ahem, just look at the name of this here blog* and am the champ of randomly using movie and song phrases in everyday conversation, but lately I have been shocked at how far these guys are from coming correct. Last week pumping gas on the way to the mall with my homie Yasmine, who is a Starra and complimented me by doing her New Year's list which is so much cooler than mine, when this guy offers to pump my gas then calls me sexual chocolate which I am sure was suppose to be his sexy voice.

WHAT IN THE HELL?
I was so weirded out that he was say that ignorant mess to me in hopes of getting to me I had to stop myself from busting out laughing which I am sure would have snapped him out of his 'sexy man' mood to the coveted 'Angry black man' who is known to flair up in district men who dont get the answer they want when trying to holla.
I get in the car and tell Yaz and Nia and they both crack up.
Yaz makes the insightful rule:

1) It is NEVER ok to say something with sex in it within five minutes of meeting me.

This guy hadn't even met me though. He didnt ask my name. And actually thought it was alright to call me that ish. I thought he was just some weird guy who probably didnt even know where he got the phrase and just saw a deep brown chic and called her that. Unfortunately, he was the first, but not the last! Yesterday, Im at one of my fave shops when this guy who I guess was delivering a shipment their says "Wassup Sexual Chocolate" And I feel like I am in the freaking twilight zone. Twice in less than a week? Hell No!

Not only is it not right to call someone sexual as a complete stranger, don't be calling me a name of a freaking jerri curl band! Get your facts straight. I know all dark brown girls are tired of 'Dark & Lovely' 'Chocolate' and all the other names old guys thing they are sooo original, but 'Sexual Chocolate' is not the replacement for a perm box!
They got the right movie but the scene waaaayyyy wrong. . .I am a Queen to Be NOT Sexual Chocolate:)

- CB

(if you know me, you know this is the only acceptable name to ever call me with the word 'chocolate in it:)

The Fly Girl Flock

So after the lone meatball experience I was heading back on the train finishing up my book for my new book club. Missing most of the Top Model finale I wasn't in much of a rush and this season has pretty much sucked anyway.
"Darling's there no way,no way I'm living without you"
Listening to the original Dreamgirl belt it out brought another great memory from the summer and just added to my New York state of mind I was still high on as I stepped of the DC metro. After checking out some of the cool chics who run Candy Apple Mag that morning I hadn't even realized I dressed like I was back in Harlem, until I was on my way to that focus group. Be sure to check out this hot online mag!

Jennifer Holiday belted. A girl tapped me on my shoulder. Taking off my headphones I saw her pull out a camera and then realized she was asking me if she could take my picture. I soon discovered she was starting a blog for the DC area to be called 'Project Beltway' much like this guys, who we both LOVE!
http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/
*I would tell you the outfit but don't want to ruin it for ya:)

Today we had our first Teacakes meeting. That's the new book club me and this chic started. I love me some Pearl Cleage so we read 'What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day.' That book is so good and in these serious days of HIV it was beautiful to someone with the virus so human in that book. the Book club meeting over breakfast was great. It's always a good feeling to be surrounded by like-minded fly girls.

I love me some Lorraine Hansberry and she had it right . . .'To be Young, Black, Fly and Gifted'

What a beautiful flock we are!!!!!

P.S. Like, i REALLY love Pearl Cleage's writing. Just thought I'd put that out there. And yes, this pic was staged, but we need em for the book club:)

Meatball in the Rice

No, Im not just my usual hungry self. But I was the only meatball in the rice tonight.
The summer before my Junior year in high school I was in this summer program and it was pretty cool. We all had internships at different businesses around Atlanta. Some were at huge law firms, radio stations and one guy even went on his companies private jet across the country to tag along on a business trip. Me? Well, I had hoped to be at one of those swanky law firms as I was interested in being a lawyer at the time - or a math teacher/radio host.
I was placed at the city's black newspaper - the oldest black daily in the country.
Though it really was the perfect match for me, at the time I was a little jealous of those at law firms with there own offices, which was my top choice for job placement. I mean, they probably wanted to but someone black at the newspaper, I put on my application I was on my high school staff and as my best friend in the program put it - "It's only Six of us Meatballs in the Rice"
Meatballs being the black people in the program. Rice being the 30/40 plus other students who were white.
The program was pretty prestigious and housed at Westminster, one of the city's best private schools. For me it was a major push out of my comfort zone. My neighborhood was majority black. From nursery to high school my schools were black. My church was black. I am the typical black kid from the black suburbs.
I had a great time in the program and was happy i could be just as social when I was a "minority."
But I also knew I liked my comfort zone because damn, it was comfortable.

I love me some Howard (where 3 of the 6 "summer meatballs" went to college) and the fact I can never blame my 'F' on being black, but I also wonder if I should have pushed myself harder out of my comfort zone.
Well tonight, I was the only black person at this focus group for my old internship and I didn't even really notice until the black cleaning lady came in to take out the trash. Formerly Knight Ridder Tribune (now McClatchy) Washington Bureau is now revamping its site. When my former boss emailed me to share what I liked and dislike about websites I had to go. For some reason I knew I was probably one of the few black people invited and I ended up being the only one there.
People may say that integration has hurt the black community more than help it. But its important that we be present in the rooms where decisions are being made. My black bubble is comfortable but in order for things to get better where black people aren't called "loiters" while white people "find food" during a hurricane we gotta get greater diversity in the media. We are more than entertainers and athletes though the majority of our coverage in newspapers depict us as that and that needs to be reflected (Can u tell I just took my ethics in journalism final with stereotypes on it:)? I admit it was awkward when my intern boss gave me the assignment to check out some lip pumping lip gloss (do I look like I need lip pumping?) and it took forever for me to got the courage to tell her I didn't feel comfortable to do a review of the product or use it - though I blamed my reason on me being too young, not that I was black. I did wonder was I given the Kwanzaa assignment because I am black. But that's all a part of popping those joints after sitting comfortably for so long.

To the meatballs!
Queen

P.S. I was all pumped (yes, my lips naturally) about doing this post and when I spell checked the thing didn't even recognize "Kwanzaa." See, this is my point.

My New Year's List go a lil something like this

Well glad this week is over. Had some people hurt my feelings . . . or atleast try (these young girls from the 'urea where talking about me and my friend and my hair right in our faces without talking to us and all I could do was feel sorry for them . . .and I know my hair was nice so don't even try it! maybe next week it'll be a different story). Got a ton of work to do so I didn't make it to NY for the Big Apple Classic or to the Dreamgirls screening:( . . .Ill just catch it on Christmas.
But you know what, i have LOTS to be thankful for! It's December (hope you guys celebrated World AIDS Day), Global Warming has the weather all nice and now I get to present my Christmas Wish List . . . I need a favor though. Can someone subtlety let my parents and the Holiday Gods know, I really hope they don't and doubt they do read my blog.

What I hope the New Year brings me . . .

1) Love. Peace. Happiness.

Simple. So Necessary.



2) A J-O-B
You already know ESSENCE and Giant and now Vibe Vixen are at the top of my list, but I just need EA next to my name and enough to cover the rent to start off!

I LOVE THE NEW VIBE VIXEN!!!!!!!!!! That mag is really getting its swagger and Id love to be down. You guys know I was and will always be Honey girl but Vixen is really feeling a big void in magazines. How sexy is it to be young, black, female and FIERCE? And that new Giant with Diddy is hot! Aliya wrote the article (the same Diddy article she referenced at the panel). And you already know how I feel about ESSENCE. I just hope when the time comes, I can be down! My plans for the new year also include freelancing HARD!





3) Guitar Lessons.
So yeah. My cousin bought me my recliner and my guitar too, to subtlely let me know I overstayed my welcome and she was turning her garage into a scrap book room. I can't find my "guitar for dummies" dvd so next semester I am seriously getting someone to teach me! This is an actual pic of what my Teddy (yes I named him b/c he's he sort of sexy) looks like. Give me a few weeks and Im gonna be nice! know anybody who'll teach me for the low?







4)Hand Dancing lessons!
Last night I went to our honor's program dinner. It was good - the free food is always welcomed. The speaker was phenomenal! He told this story that blew my mind that Ill save for another post - just remember its about a butterfly and the scientists! But the highlight of the night was when three couples from DC hand dancing came and danced then gave us a lesson for like 2 hours. It was so much fun and they do the lessons right on U street. It's like every city has there version of swing dancing and this is DC's and the town's official dance. Chicago steppin better watch out



So yeah, next semester it's going down! I do want some other small stuff like Different World on DVD, a fierce eye shadow palette and a new phone, but the above will do.

I don't want a lot. Well, I do, but it's all possible!

Lots to be Thankful for!

Thanksgiving was good! I ate good. I slept good. Even got some work done. Good laughs with family and friends. And I partied good too. I got in Tuesday night and went and chilled with one of my oldest friends. Her little girl has gotten bigger and is THE CUTEST and so sweet unlike her mama:). Wednesday, my cuz, my mom and me headed to my dad's mom to spend the day. Wednesday night we hit my mom's mom about two hours away and had a ball Thanksgiving day. Friday I told my mom we needed to head back home because I was getting my hair done early in the morning, which was true, but I really wanted to get back so I could party in the hometown! You understand. Me and my mom only stopped for a second at the mall, but I did get these BCBG pants for a STEAL! and some lil leopard peep toe flats (you know I love my animal print) and a cute lil tote.
That night compound was SO FUN! Saw too many familiar faces which made me feel semi-important. Aint nothing like walkin it out in Atlanta! That place was huge.

Saturday I got up and got something done to this head, shopped at my fav thrift shop. Yes - got this so sexy mustard sweater, this tigerish sweater and this leopard blouse (I already told you I love my animal print . . .well just call it country chic) and some great little vests and layering pieces. Heard Lupe on the radio saying he was doing his first show in Atl and we had to go! HE was great but the crowd was disappointing. Sunday went to church and they made me feel like a star:) Got home and spent time with my lil sister, the break dancing 7 year old Deja Boo. She convinced me to put up the Christmas tree so we did that. I was DEAD tired and went to sleep though i was suppose to go out that night . . .my bad. Flying back Monday was cool. Atlanta airport CRAZY as usual. I rode the supershuttle back to campus with this really interesting elderly (i had old at first but it seemed mean) black lady who use to work in the VP house back in the day. I am mad at myself that I missed class cuz I thought Oprah was doing her favorite things and she didnt! :( So yeah, the break was good!

It was also a time of revelation:
1) I will NEVER EVER do my own hair again. Though it got me by, Ms. Sheila had a time washing that mess out of my head. Let the professionals do what they know how to do. Im just lucky she has skills cuz I would have come out bald if I had a tried.

2) There really is no place like home. Though I'm looking forward to being a Harlem girl (and even wore a shirt today that says "I'm so Harlem" Ill always be a Georgia Girl. I love Atlanta! the older I get the more I appreciate the city. Only when I go home now do I get to really learn the nightlife.

3) Let me also add. . . Atlanta is SLOW. Im in shock that my hands sold me out because I never would thought I would think that. I always thought we were bustling and misunderstood. Heading out last Tuesday somebody said they liked Atl but it was slow and I scoffed. Then Saturday night, going downtown to see Lupe, I was freaked out that I did eenie-meanie-minie-moe for a parking spot on the street. It was 11:00 and downtown was EMPTY. wtf? And to pay to park was only $5.

4) speaking of Lupe he seeing him in person reminding me of something. Though I always jokingly say "You can't have it all. Im pretty and Im smart so I gave up good eye sight" I do believe there is some truth to that. Part of the price of enlightenment is being around people who cant understand that. That's how I feel Lupe feel's. He was cool, but not overly charismatic. He's serious about his shit and I respect that . . .but that also leaves little room to play about his stuff. Like our 'dope girl fresh' look:)?

5) Your Parents and Family are real people . . .really. What made our thanksgiving dinner SOOO good was all the stories of my mom and her sisters and her cousins growing up. From Prom horror stories till how my grandad let boys visit but they had to be out by 9, so 5 minute before my aunt would put the record "its time to say goodbye" on so that was there cue:) Also the one where my mom was suppose to be taking names, someone came in the class and asked where the teacher was, she answered, then the class put her name for talking and she got a whopping had me on the floor. I stole this pic of my parents from my grandma's album with all these pics of my mom and dad all over Europe looking pretty fly. Why didnt my mom save me any of that stuff???????????

SO yeah, thanksgiving was nice, Real nice! Cant wait to get back for Christmas. I have a list of all the people I am going to hook up with, fa real . Let me get back to thesis, writing out Christmas cards, especially if I am going to NY this weekend. Guess who's going to a screening of Dreamgirls!!!!!!!!

Queen of thee Fried Turkey People

Going Home . . .

That's how I felt when I made my way back to NY over the weekend. Yes, it was so much fun and just got me that much more pumped to get my grown and sexy on (read broke and employed) after May 12th. I'm in a good moment.Our magazine group hit up Maxim and Complex and lunched with our sexy and hustling Howard alum one the online editor at King and the other an EA at InStyle.com.Thursday was good but trying to lead 17 people with many of them 18-years-old let me know I am not sure I want to chaperone my kids fieldtrips.Trip highlights . . .

* forcing our VP who's favorite magazine is King to go say hey to the EIC who we just happened to see eating lunch and who was real cool with me and her when we came to speak.

* Returning to ESSENCE was really like going home. The ladies (and the fabulous Patrik) made me feel like I really was a part of the team. If you get a second, check my byline on page 72 in the December issue with Diddy and Kim. Though it was sad to be there as they waited on confirmation about Gerald Levert, it was so uniquely and beautifully Essence. I also met the new online editor who was really nice, and as Time Inc and all magazines make that push to online, it is something anybody wanting to go into magazines should definitely be open to.

*SHOPPING!!!!!!!!! I got these gray suede above the knee boots that are sic. I am not that chic who can't wait to wear new stuff as soon as she gets it and have been known to not wear new stuff for months. However these two shirts I got from Necesarry Clothing, one of my fav spots in SoHo, I wore right away. One Friday and the other Saturday night:)

* Morning tea at the Harlem Tea Room with my cousin who is the closest I have to a big sis and Im so glad to have her (and not just cuz she let's me crash whenever I come to the city or treats me to awesome meals) We really had some deep convo, devling in to why our brothers are so clingy to the nest. Her financial wisdom will definitely guide my meager earnings when I get to the city. And if you know anyone in need of an awesome floral designer tis she! Friday night she took me to this asian place called Room Service that was so sexy, strong drinks and great food!


*Brunching with my former ASME program buddies Saturday and pumped for when we are all back in the city and magazine-employed. And I guess I could have put this in shopping, but after strolling through the East Village and making our way to SoHo, this dress I have been eyeing since the summer at Club Monaco was on such a serious sale I wanted to run to the register before they realized their error.

*Saturday night still makes me smile. Reuniting with my homie-sister-friend Zee was great. We didnt party like we did all summer because it was a Saturday and we never partied on Saturday nights:) People think they know how much fun we had from facebook pics, but they dont do the summer justice. At this soul food/Caribbean spot Maroon's we did a full meal with like four courses and drinks all around. We caught up on the drama in each other's lives (she has me beat!) and the truth like only real friends do. The beauty of our friendship is that we call each other on the things we do, like when we were talking about how time is flying and I said, "Yeah the year is almost over, I mean, the December magazines are already on the newsstand." lol. And I was so serious.
*Running to the 7am bus as it was about to pull off Sunday morning and being the last one on it wasn't a highlight, but reading more of Babylon Sisters by Pearl Cleage (one of my favorite authors!!!!) and planning out the rest of my week on the ride was great.
Just writing this post brought back all those memories and has me ready to get back to NY. Right now I am at the Law School library with my friend Ashley. Suppose to be studying but after that beautiful weekend, what was I doin . . .looking at Harlem apartments on Craigslist. I know Im wrong, but can you blame me:)?

Is Dating Dead?

Sitting here watching Drumline after catching Borat last weekend. I don't mean to brag, but watching Drumline always makes me nostalgic for High School and proud I went to the best school ever!
Really, I could have been in the film a lot more than a little dot during the BET Classic in the Georgia Dome and been in the A&T band- had i actually stayed in my high school band.
But that one little claim to fame wasn't worth the serious hours and dedication my friends had to have to be in the almighty Southwest Dekalb Band. And I'll admit it. I like the spotlight. And if I put in all that time I need a solo or something:)
Watching the movie I love seeing friends and people I know and more importantly just something I can relate to even more now that im actually in college.
But the part that got me inspired to write was when Zoe Saldana busts out "We don't date, we have boyfriends." Now I'm all for making it official with your boo of choice, especially as it starts to get colder, but how do you get to boyfriend status without testing the waters first? And why would you want that type of commitment from a stranger?

I am just now getting in to the swing of dating. Though I may have a crush I'd love to settle down with, for the time being I am enjoying seeing what's out there. I honestly feel black people don't date like other cultures and that's where we mess up

Maybe I need to stop watching movies for insight into relationships, but in this other movie I was watching (don't laugh, but yes, hilary duff was in it), one of the guys said, "Love is Friendship Set on Fire." I thought that was a really interesting way to categorize a good relationship. I mean, we all want to marry someone who have we have a great friendship with, but for me it's been harder to do the friends route because I clam up more because you already know me. And that crush? Well I know I put it out there that "I don't want no Fly guy, I just want a shy guy," but I didn't mean too shy to holla. Geesh. Must I do all the work:)?

Thanks for listening.
Rambling Queen.

Relax. Relate Release.

See this guy knows what's up. Or maybe some Denny's customer got excited writing this caption, either way I needed the chuckle I get from looking at this. Im stressed. Got lots to do which has been the story of my life since school started. We did the show today and it was HOT. be sure to check out the blog!!!!
iknowtheflavor.blogspot.com

I am probably so stressed because I have a lot to do before heading to NY with the magazine group on Thursday. One of the things I need to do is write letters of recommendations for two people I like for a program I did. Just last year I was in there place and was blessed to have a great friend and mentee do the same for me. Pay it Forward guys!
I had a great weekend and a really nice date take me to the Baltimore Harbor. Courtin is fun but I want a boo! ya feel me?

Could have been me

Crack head for a mama . . .
birth defect of one leg . . .
no money, no money, no money . . .

Ok Im being dramatical (one of my new words thanks to flavor flav). But I think we sometimes forget that all the above and more could have so easily been what we were dealt in life. It wasn't till I was sick myself that I realized people with illnesses or disabilites dont define themselves by their circumstances, but just like everybody else with just a little extra to bear.
But none of that prepared me for the oddest feeling that I encountered last week that I still can't shake.

The Sunday of Homecoming Weekend found me frustrated and tired of the crowds. What I didnt count on was one of my friends calling me crying in pain. Rushing her to the University hospital with her boyfriend only to be told they were short staffed and the wait could be hours . . .in the EMERGENCY ROOM! wow. I had heard the rumors of HUH, but that made it so real. So we roll her to the car and head over to Washington Hospital Center. Looked the same going in. Black folks with serious DC dialects at the counter. Waiting room full of black people.

But a whole other experience. We roll her straight back to where they have emergency room stations and over to the side where those who need immediate care are in hospital gowns on cots waiting to be seen. We roll her over to a nurses station where they start asking her questions immediately. That's when they tell us she can only have one person in there with her. So I get all the info she needs out of her bag and head outside to find our 7 foot dental student friend who rode with us and man was I happy we ran into him b/c we needed a medical voice going through all that.
Outside we just sit over at this little pond they have which I guess is suppose to be soothing as you wait for news on a love one. Sitting there I pray. I call my cousin who I find out is still downstairs at my dorm b/c she didnt lie like I told her to get back in. So then 7-foot dental friend goes to park the car from the emergency zone and I head back in to see if they have checked out my friend to see what's wrong. They let me back to the emergency patient area and now she is in a hospital gown laying on one of those cots. She's not crying but the girl next to her is still crying and balling in up in some serious pain - she was in that same state when we first rolled in.
My friend is still hurting but even in pain is such a diva she's asking how she look and if somebody could get her some chapstick. I start asking questions like does she know anymore about what's causing her pain as her boyfriend says a few years ago when her brother was about our age his apendix burst and the doctor comes out and calls her name. It's her time to be seen.

I was not happy. I mean, I was glad my friend was getting treatment. But I was deeply saddened at our society that it wasnt a first come first. Her insurance card got her rolled right away. If it were me, I know I would have gotten the same treatment as my friend but that didnt give me comfort. As I watched her roll away that girl in the cot next to her, the one who was there when we first came in 15 minutes before was still crying and watched too as my friend went to go seen by the doctor. We locked eyes. I couldnt even hold eye contact and quickly looked at the ground. No telling how long she had been there or how much longer she would be there. The difference a freakin insurance card makes even in your time of need. Wow. Welcome to America.

wow, these people really gonna give me a degree!

You failed me! I was hoping somebody out there could give me the key to senioritis. And yes like a true punk, Im blaming everybody but myself.
I spent the weekend doing "work," which consisted of more sleep, a beauty rejuvenation and checking out my latest batch of magazines

: the new GQ (yes the one with my hubby Dwayne Wade: Please look for the future post "I know Im a hater, but did you have to marry your baby mama?") and the new ESSENCE with Sanaa, which has been the best magazine I have read in months! And Im not even saying that b/c of my wee little column on pg72. I mean it really captured the diverse range of black women and that AIDS package had me wanting to pass out test downstairs. Though, once again Beyonce leaves me scratching my head .. .these House of Dereon boots (I love the Coach ones next to it) on pg. 58 are so gawdy and cheap looking the closes they would ever get to B is on a back-p dancer in the 'Jumpin Jumpin' video (was I the only one who didnt know what Christian Dior was yet and thought they'd mixed up the letters for Destiny's Child?:). So yes. this is how I spent my weekend.
So today I was feeling the heat knowing I had so much work to do. But I already had signed up to meet with my advisor and so glad I did. She's heading on a cruise next week. I mean, I have been following my scheme, but I have downright nervous that Howard was gonna through me a curve ball "What!! you didnt know you were suppose to take Swahili II and three semesters of kickball?" . . .and if you cared to know Im the kickball queen!
But no, it was smooth. She already had my scheme with all the classes and grades I completed and what I had left. I am officially 15 credits away from a degree!!!
I was so excited to see that on paper. But it also reinforced something else - how close my whole world is about to change. Yall know I can be dramatic, but me and my best friend and our other close buddy have been together for 12 years - they followed me to Howard:). She's staying here after May 12th. Im headed to NY. And he is probably following the misses. I cant dwell on that or Ill get sad. So Happy Belated my BFF Celeste . . . Im 15 credits away to a whole new life!

Queen/Graduate-to-be

homecoming, smhomecoming . . .can I get a job?

So homecoming has come and gone . . .and Im glad its done. I mean I had my fun moments and appreciated the weather, but I'm that old lady in polka dots and I have outgrown crazy crowds.
Yesterday was the School of C job fair and our magazine group hosted our panel. It was on it! We had a creative director from USA Today Magazine who took his daughter to a Diddy photo shoot and he treated her like a star, the DC editor of Daily Candy who had the cutest mouse slippers by Marc Jacobs and gave us these cute Daily Candy baby tees and somebody took mine!, a Howard Alum who's sat in the Oval Office and lunched with Angelina and freelancer-extraordanaire Aliya S. King. I met Aliya this summer at a 'Dreamgirls' event, got her info and invited her to the panel.
Everybody was loving her stories, including the three years she spent writing a story on the woman who threw those grits on Al Green only to be found dead in his room a few minutes later and how she was a teacher in her hometown in Jersey when she knew she had to go for her writing dream.
By far the coolest part about her was her honesty about how she stalkerized those she wanted to work for (cough,cough . . . sound familiar?) and put me on blast as the stalker I am :).
But I guess it paid off as she told the crowd when Smokey (yes, from my beloved GIANT) was looking for an assistant and other staff, she thought of me. That made my week!
It's good to know what people think about you (even when its not good) because sometimes people see us completely different then we see ourselves.

Me and my BFF Celeste may not have partied like rockstars for homecoming but we did our all-time fav pastime: people watching!
The outfits and outlandish-ness of homecoming was so worthy of study. But the weirdest part for me was just seeing how groups of friends were so much alike. Back on the yard after the game we hit the ESSENCE tent where somebody told me "Charreah, you are full of it. You'll go far" She gave it as a compliment and I guess Ill take it as one. But I HAVE to get this thesis knocked out so . ..

Smooches,
The B.S. Queen

Communicationes'

So I have been on my magazine group grind. This weekend we hit the Capital Bookfest hard to help out Heart& Soul mag. I broke out my lil H&M wrap sweater and practically froze to death Starbucks in hand. I keep getting shocked how small the world of 'Progressive Blacks' is but tis true.
The highlight of my trek out to Largo, MD was seeing Michelle Singletary make me get back on my financial grind as she really put a lot in perspective.
Fact: I don't need any new clothes.
Fact: I'll be paying rent in 7 months.
She bought a house right out of college. Though I smirked when she said how her kids only have one pair of sneakers, a pair of play shoes and dress shoes, it was saddening how rare she is as she has a nice house, will send her kids to school with no loans. That's so much sexier than some loafers.
After Michelle (syndicated Washington Post finance columnist and new TVOne show host) answered my couple of questions and signed my book of hers I bought, "Thelma from Good Times" hit the stage to talk about her relationship book.
She looked great! though at first I swore she was the chick from Envouge. It was cool to a celebrity so accustomed to their typecast role that she even named her website "thelma from good times." Classic.
Sunday found me with my radio debut on Kool-Aid. Though I was a bit nervous to see how three other people would work on what I thought was "my idea" the show was hot and we flowed well! The show isn't online yet (thanks elle for caring to know:) but it's suppose to be up soon.
And thanks to Shani O and Lauren for your help (and the inspiration to even go out for a show!). We went with your tagline "Know the Flavor." I'll holla. Homecoming is upon us.

The Burning Bush

He's just that HOT!

Reggie Bush leaves me constantly searching for a word so much more than sexy. I don't give a damn if he took money he wasn't suppose to get. I could care less if his parents lived in that house rent free. Go Reggie for bucking a system that looks at our sexiest men alive as simply cash cows and running machines.

This summer Reggie Bush was one of Essence's 'Do Right Men.' You've all seen that topless picture that even the classy ladies of Essence put in like a Word Up poster:) And we all loved them for it!!!!! To celebrate the success of the issue and to acknowledge all the hard work of many staffers (including my lovely asst. editor Naz) they had a big cake celebrating the issue with the cake image being the exact picture from Essence with Reggie with that shirt off!
It was divine! I ate Reggie Bush's thigh! And thought it was the cutest thing when Mikki was getting one of the first pieces and said "I don't want no sneaker" with her hand on her hip as someone tried to cut her a piece with Reggie's foot.


Queen

*Someone please come back in five minutes and close my mouth b/c my jaw is still hanging on the floor from these pictures.

Puff, Puff, Kill

I stole this from somebody else's blog b/c it was just that crazy. Represents the mind of too many people in this world. The sane really are outnumbered

wondering what side I fall on,
Queen

Worldwide . . .

Alicia reading my check it column on pg 92;)

. . .yes that was a SHAMLESS plug.

I have promised myself that I will survive this hectic week and it has started out fab!

I found out they liked my radio show idea and I will be on the air!!!! And you have no excuse not to listen . . . the station is now on the internet, where you are chilling right now.

Every Sunday from 6:00pm - 8:00pm . . . KOOLAID!!!!! Still working on a fly tag line with flavor. Any suggestions?

"Kool Aid . . .where flavor lives"
" Kool Aid . . .the flavor authority"
"Kool Aid. . . the flavor is always fly"
"Kool Aid . . .we define flavor"

and I could go on for hours but gotta head to soccer class.

Kool Aid Kween

My New York Sh*t . . .

After everyone I know seems to love Grey's Anatomy I watched it for the first time last week. I love Shonda Rhimes for her Black Star Power but I can't say I loved the show . . .
What I did love was the opening scene in the show that followed. The whole 'Six Degrees of Separation' was soo predictable and not well done but they got five stars for the opening scene being shot in Union Square, my summer home! I was so excited to see a place I recognized in the show and even more pumped for my return to the city the next day.

Getting there Friday evening was a BITCH. There was traffic from DC all the way to NY. The highlight of the ride by far was this 6'3 guy in high school we met in the McDonalds we stopped at. Informing us that he had a cousin who called himself Diyonce' and him Solange, I promptly told him I already had Beyonce on lock.

Once we finally made it, I was so proud of myself for driving in the city the first time.I made my way up the Westside Highway and hit 125th. Dinner that night with my cousins was such a homecoming to why I LOVE NEW YORK CITAYY!

We hit Native, this trendy little restaurant around the block from my cousin's apartment on 117th. I had big plans for the next day: shopping!!!!!!! Staying with my cousin who graduated from Howard a few years back was her cousin on her dad's side, B. Martell!

Just graduating from Morehouse and now getting his masters in magazine journalism from NYU, you know all we were talking was magazines! And fashion. He was the winner of 'The Farnsworth Bentley Award' at school and proud of it. I got Nakisha and my cousin Shani these cute Howard shirts which he taught me was a henly.Who knew?

Just before laying down on my air mattress in the living room I see a mouse run under the door and go in my cousins hall closet. SHE DOESNT DO MICE and freaks out!!!

As she tells the landlord the next morning and waits for the exterminator after we grab breakfast at Amy Ruth's, me and B hit NYC to do some shopping.

Nothing like a weekend in the city!!! That night we hit 40/40 which was WACK but not trying to spend a lot of money it was where we ended up.

Sunday morning got my plans pushed back and made me miss a meeting but so worth it b/c I got to my big magazine sis! me and Nakisha grabbed some starbucks and caught up and I dragged B along since they had so much in common.

being back in the city got me re-inspired to reach out to all my contacts and set myself up for a good gig out of school. And it also hit my pocket kind of hard but homecoming is on its way:)!!!

I had a ball in NY . . .heading to Richmond this weekend to visit family with my cousin Jen (Common's green-eyed girl:) . . . .and back to NY next weekend to celebrate my girl Zenitra's Birthday in a big way!

Traveling Queen

Seat Taken . . .

Someone I admire and respect told me some advice that I really need to take right now: Everybody doesn't deserve a front row seat in your life.

It's so very true and something hard for somebody like me to do. I mean I'm the same girl who tells the random chic in the grocery store about my most embarrassing childhood moments. . .yes my jumper skirt really did come up over my head on the playground and my holey draws were showing. No, I still haven't forgiven my momma.
It's hard to swallow, but not everybody wants to see you succeed . . .and that includes some people you spend time with everyday.
I have found that out the hard way over the last few days. People who try and slide in comments about my accomplishments when I know I work my ass off. People not knowing how to channel there feelings so they just hate.
I saw a episode of Making the Band 3 today (part of that senioritis thing:) and Betty Wright said some real stuff: It takes Sunshine and Water for flowers to grow. You cant have all Sunlight or the ground will be burnt. So with my frustration and hurt feelings, Im cleaning house.
I'm taking my therapist's advice and am kicking some folks to the back of the bus. To my haters, your front row seat in my life has been officially revoked. To my lovers, thanks for always cheering and evening screaming encore when I know I sucked.

Queen

*Make sure the folks in your front row deserve their seat!

I got the itis!

tis true. The itis has set in. And Im not talking that feeling of satisfaction after some collard greens, cornbread, catfish, mac and cheese, yams type of feeling when you cant hardly stand up and that itis kicks in that just rocks u to sleep.
Im talking Senioritis. And in a major way.
I know its bad. Im not even a full month into the school year and I already feel myself slacking on the school work. But in all honesty,I really could care less. Im a lot more concerned about getting hired after graduation than actually graduating. That means Cover2Cover and staying on the radar of my contacts trumps reading ahead in MOB and Finance.

Just last night instead of doing my finance homework, I made a list of the top 5 magazines I'd love to land at after graduation:
5) Marie Claire
4) Jane
3) Elle
2) Giant
1) Essence (how'd you guess?:)

And in class instead of trying to concentrate on what my professor with the thickest Nigerian accent I have ever encountered was saying, I gave up and was reading "Black Girl in Paris" for a book club I'm in. Which got me even more off task as I daydreamed of a European excursion I've promised myself for next summer. Brunch on the Seine . . . watching the sunset at Big Ben . . . Shopping . . ..shopping . . .shopping . . ..

And it doesn't end there.I was more concerned with what I was wearing to class today trying to impress my stylish crush than actually making sure my work was done. What the hell is wrong with me? (yes, I did look cute:) Instead of studying, I'm blogging. And in place of getting it all together this weekend, Im heading to NY.

So senioritis has def set in. And I think it actually agrees with me. . .

Chow:)

Ode to Shani O

Look at Shani hard
at work
As I cheese away like
putting out a daily is a joke

Oh, how I heart thee with the O in the middle
So much that I sing this
ode while playing my fiddle

We became fast friends
through that quirkeness
we have
So glad we were in
Communications Law
and not Math


Look at Shani O as she sleeps away
For her and Arion must rest if I am to have a place to stay

Shani O, it was thee that made me want a blog
It was thee that made
me want to tackle
the L.A. smog


This Ode is for a friend
who took the time to
teach me InDesign
A friend who appears in this picture when I'm not so fine





Cheers to You
The Rancho CucaMonga Fiend
Much Ado from a wanna be Queen