Here I Stand

Say what you want about Usher, but everytime I hear "Here I Stand" it gives me pause. That song is so beautiful. Acknowledging people change, move away and the love will be right here (yes, in my head I hear Michael Jackson howling on the SWV song . . .lol) is kinda, well, deep.

This week a story of mine posted with an interview of Dr. Sharon Malone, who happens to be married to Attorney General Eric Holder. And I just loved her for her realness and humility. Yes First Lady Michelle Obama is an amazing example of the Ne-Yo's Miss Independent, but the real beauty is that she is one of so many more.

Dr. Malone met her hubby when she was 30 and he was 38. She was a medical resident after finishing Columbia's med school. Even after Attorney General Holder was sworn in the first time under Clinton she never thought of stopping or slowing her career as she was on track to be a partner at her medical office, which she now is. She got her own, proud of it and still a supportive spouse.

And of course in true six degrees form, I had dinner this week with a few of my magazine buddies and the good gynecoloist is the old doctor of my buddy J at Marie Claire. When Dr. Malone shoots me a sweet email to say she thought the article was good I mention my buddy and she says she had just seen her mom that morning. Truth is always stranger than fiction

So, yeah, here they stand. The success of my community is a direct result of the success of the Black family. So it's so exciting to see great families built from couples that say I hope it's not to hard to belive, but baby you're the only for me . . .

Week Wrap Up

Its been a great week. I know Im young, but still old enough to be older to some I guess. I met Carrie*, A senior in college when she was interning at Vibe last summer and working the door at the Chrisette Michelle event. My name had gotten off the list but she remembered me from the MPA conference. We'd been emailing every since and she was in town and dropped by the office. I saw me in her bright eyes as she counts down to graduation and gave me some energy. Also did the radio appearance for Teen Diaries which was tons of fun.
Today I've been rather productive. been checking out some new music including Foreign Exchange and Idris Elba's song, which i like . . .that man's is so scrumptious and that accent is something serious

Also, after pushing Online Dating on all my friends lately I am trying to practice what I preach and signed up for Plentyoffish.com, and already have gotten plenty of responses from cute and sensible guys. Who knew?

Caught up with the BFF today. She is the reason why I try to minimize contact with friends during work hours. I literally am laughing out loud whenever we talk for five minutes. Seems my parent isnt the only one dating as her mom gets her groove back and her guy is already making a serious move. her bday is in June and he has already made plans, leaving my girls plans a bust for mom's bday . . .and my dad's lady friend is coming to NY next week with her 22 year old twins and he wants me to meet them all . . .sigh. Well, this week flew by. Had dinner at Philippe's, Mr. Chow's NY restaurant, on business and we kept looking at the other Black patrons, two guys trying to see their deal. Turned out one was Nick Cannon. lol.

Now Im heading downton to a surprise bday dinner of one of my college buddies. Any suggestions on what to get my buddy this weekend for her bridal shower next week? I wanted something sexy, but don't want her to open up handcuffs or this new guide to going down with both our moms sitting by. hmm . . .

Harlem on 22nd St

So tonight, my buddy from high school Jasmine hits me up to come to an event. I was suppose to be going to a screening for work but that ended up being a bust when me and one of my coworkers arrived, so after another session at the office I headed uptown.

She texts again.

Ready to shed my winter cocoon I tell her yes. She says it's at Catch 22nd between 5th and 6th on 22nd St. Im like, oh thats right near this spot that is cool on Thursday nights - free and a massages upstairs:) We meet up and round the corner, and of course it's the same spot. We head inside and turns out its the viewing party for this week's episode of "Harlem Heights" - hosted by FAMU alumni chapter. I feel like Im transported right back to the days of HU. EBP overload in their fly girl finest. Living in Harlem, I know Im biased on the show since I just love seeing places where you hang out, and Im definitely willing to give a show on young Black professionals a chance - though I definitely can do without all that cattiness.

I see the future politician and the cute bald one from the show. And all the girls are there, and they really are all friends it seems. Of course I speak to some Howard folks (we really are roaches) and one of our former photo interns who is the camera man for the night. There were plenty of guys out, though quantity doesn't always mean quality . . .The producer from the show is cool as he works the crowd and makes sure we are having a good time.After some girl talk, its time for the show to come on. Some are getting antsy as there are sound difficulties through the first half. Then they finally get it going for the last ten minutes. i felt extra bad for the guy Brooke went on a date with as he's standing there and she belts out she would never do a second date. Ouch. I just look around and try and spot her reaction, with the guy standing in the same room. And guess she squashed beef with the other girl, as they walked out together.

I was so excited as we were leaving to see one of my friends from high school and college, who is doing his thing in med school (delivered his first baby, how cool) Go Phil!