Nowhere But Here!

Where Did My Crazy Go?

2009-12-11T08:29:00.002-05:00

I can remember when My crazy and I first met. It was the summer before Senior year of High School and I was working in a small hardware store for 8+ hours a day. My Crazy showed me how to deal with the delinquent employees, rude customers, and OSHA condemned work environment without being drained each day. My Crazy didn't stop there, when school started again, things had changed in me. "He" helped me break away from the peer pressures of High School and the norms of society and just be happy. Thanks to My Crazy, I didn't worry what people thought or said about me; I was liberated to live!

Then I dont know what happened. Like so many of my friendships, over the course of the last two years, My Crazy and I started to drift apart. Now instead of being the bestfriend I cant live without on a daily basis, My Crazy is the childhood friend that only stops by once in a while and usually just to say "hi". Where our interactions used to be meaningful and effortless, they now seem trivial, forced, and strained. I need My Crazy some-kinda-bad right now; I need "him" to help guide me down the right path; I need "him" to liberate me again.

All I want for Christmas is My Crazy back.

The Absence of Thought in Life, Cruising on Autopilot...

2009-11-04T23:04:00.005-05:00

I have spent the last 5 or so months of my life just enjoying what has come to be and worrying little about what its bearing was in my grand scheme. Reaching cruising altitude and sitting back with the plane on autopilot has its own set of benefits, not all of which can easily measured or described, nor is it important that it be done so. However, it is inevitable that we all have to come back sometime and take back the reigns, turn off the autopilot and start figuring out where to head next.

My warning light came on this week, its time to turn off the autopilot, come down from my cruising altitude and get back on track...

Yeah, I Got an Opinion!

2009-05-05T18:25:00.003-04:00

Can someone please explain to me why the hell traffic was so screwed up today?!?! Do area commuters suck that much at driving in anything other than perfect weather?

Commute time from Office door to Apt door: 33mins
Time of that commute spent waiting for the bus: 11 mins
Walk home cause bus was full when it arrived at my stop, the third one on the line: 22 mins
Reason my bus was full: every LARGE person that works for the Fed Govt was catching the bus less than a half mile to Farragut West or Farragut North Metro stops

Here is where my opinion comes in; Metro should institute the following requirement:
All bus trips should be of .75 miles or longer. Any trips shorter in length than .75 miles will be triple the advertised rate.

Obesity is an epidemic in this country and Metro would be doing its part to combat the problem by encouraging people to walk short distance. Mostly, im tired of having to walk home because the busis too packed with fat people going 6 blocks up the street for me to fit.

On a scale of 1- 10...

2009-04-25T22:03:00.003-04:00

IM JUST FUCKING ANNOYED!

Further Proof...

2009-03-17T12:02:00.005-04:00

that white people are just different than the rest of us.

(if you are confused, yes, that is white people hiking butt naked in the snow!)
My apologies to my white friends and followers for this sweeping generalization, but aint no way in hell u gonna see black people doin this, let alone fighting for it.
I wont even go into how little this does for the male "ego"...

LOL... HAHAHA...

2009-03-04T11:09:00.001-05:00

I know my blog has divulged into a reposting machine as of late, but its all that appears to be truly funny in my life. Take this gem for example...

Somethings Never Change...

2009-02-19T13:42:00.001-05:00

But somethings have to. We elect our first black president, but somewhere, somehow someone thought it was okay to run a cartoon like this. Why?

We have come so far, yet is apparent we still have a long way to go...

Nothin Like a Remix

2009-02-03T12:14:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Christian Bale's recent tirade on a movie set we get some good music from DJ RevoLucian

I could dance to this. Or at least make a really bad attempt

An Asshole, This Does Not Make Me...

2009-01-24T20:12:00.004-05:00

Three Facts:

You decided 16 months into our 24 month lease it was necessary for you to get a car.
You knew at the time of this decision that part of our agreement when moving in together was, you would pay more for the room 3x the size of mine and I would get the parking space.
You knew at the time of this decision that parking in our neighborhood was hard, especially on a Friday, BECAUSE I WARNED YOU ABOUT IT!

So then why does it make me an asshole when I say you can't park your newly acquired car in my parking spot just because my car was not currently occupying it?
Why does it make me an asshole when I dont want to "discuss this issue" over the phone?

You got mad when I wouldn't give and let you live in your spoiled little bubble and hung up the phone on me. I got annoyed and let the whole incident bother me. Were it not for the bloodlines attached I might have called you all kinds of names, hung up the phone on you first, and then found all sorts of ways to display my annoyance and anger passive aggressively. Instead I chose to be an adult; what does being an adult mean in this situation

Not calling everyone I knew would empathize with me just to sully your name
Not confronting you passive-aggressively
Fixing a nice strong Vodka and Cranberry; taking that to the head; fixing a nice strong tequila, cointreau and Lemonade; drinking myself to tranquilty
Ordering pizza and mozzarella sticks
Watching TV with a friend till I passed out

Mighty grown up of me, don't you think? So do me a favor... remind me again why you felt the need to call me an asshole?

A Nation Rejoiced Today!

2009-01-20T12:29:00.005-05:00

It would be nothing but an understatement to say this weekend was one of celebration for the United States and its citizens but I say it nonetheless.

A nation rejoiced today.

As Barack Hussein Obama took the oath of office and became the 44th and 1st black President of these United States of America.

A nation rejoiced today.

Millions gathered in the bitter cold to be a part of the experience; countless more watched from the comfort of their homes, the streets of their local communities and the churches they use as worship grounds.

A nation rejoiced today.

And when all was said and done, when the man had been sworn-in, and given a speech to invigorate a nation weary and downtrodden the crowds cheered and church bells bang.

A Nation Rejoiced Today!

Yeah, You Crazy...

2008-12-09T10:37:00.003-05:00

Let me get this straight,

You can't sleep
You can't eat but are still gaining weight
You have zero free time
You cry twice a day
You hate your job
You hate school
You're taking prescribed mood-stabilizers so that you can deal with all this?!?!

Yeah, You Crazy!

Metro: Opens Doors...

2008-12-05T12:24:00.002-05:00

Apparently open doors aren't welcome in every community.

The long talked about (little acted upon) "Purple Line" is moving closer to fruition these days, but par for the course it is receiving some opposition. Because the route of the proposed light-rail or busway system would connect rich and poor neighborhoods, the "haves" are none too happy.

There are two sides to every story and for this one I sit square on the fence. I LOVE METRO. It gets me where I need to be and for the most part its pretty reliable. (Dont believe me? ask the people who use BART or Filthadelphia's rail system) I can at lease see the argument that is made about providing easier access to potentially undesirable people.

When all is said and done, I am sure there will be some compromise on both sides and the purple line will open sometime after 2010. Its quite ironic that the opposite is felt when it comes to rail to Dulles.

May The South NEVER Rise Again...

2008-11-11T16:53:00.003-05:00

Because I am not ignorant I know that racism still exists in this country. Last weeks election results mean that we have taken one more step towards a brighter future, but we are within eyesight of a dark and ugly past. If you needed proof of this, take a look at this article from the NY Times. While the article is about the importance "The South" once played in national politics, it can't help but cover the prejudices and ignorance of some of the people who populate this region. Some of the more telling quotes come from page two of the article where a city employee said

...anyone not upset with Mr. Obama’s victory should seek religious forgiveness. “This is a community that’s supposed to be filled with a bunch of Christian folks,” he said. “If they’re not disappointed, they need to be at the altar.”

Another lovely young lady was quoted as saying

"I think there are going to be outbreaks from blacks,” she added. “From where I’m from, this is going to give them the right to be more aggressive."

My only hope is that more good than bad will come of this momentus occasion. That these people who have only limited knowledge of black and other minorities can get an unfiltered view, not something played "over and over again" on the country music radio.

Lord Help Us!

HAHAHHAHAHA

2008-10-20T17:21:00.001-04:00

OMG, LOVE IT!

Truer Words Could Not Have Been Said...

2008-10-19T14:16:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite portions of the endorsement speech, and believe there are more than a few, is the following quotation by Gen. Colon Powell:

"...'Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim.' Well the correct answer is he is not a Muslim; he is a Christian. He has always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is NO. That's not America..."

I'm glad somebody of prominence has the gall to say it but the ignorant are going to completely miss the point of this statement.

What Should I Do...?

2008-08-19T06:24:00.003-04:00

"Sittin in the staircase holdin back tears. Lookin over mad years worth of photographs. Pictures of some places I'm never going back. Some people I used to love, why I aint show'em that?....."

I reflected Sunday with a friend, at brunch, over Margaritas. I cried. Again. I knew you were important to my life for a long time now, but in the past 8 months the future grew murkier. "I know that life took us apart, but you're still within my heart. I go to sleep, and feel your spirit next to me" but its hard. Maybe I needed the space as much as you. I possibly had become too dependent upon you for support and forgotten how to stand on my own two feet. You helped me find my way to prayer and I will keep you and yours in them always. The bookstore, Chipotle and Coldstone never will be the same without you. But if all I have are the memories, then they will have to suffice. Go forth restless wanderer, and if this is the end, it has been more blessing that I ever could've asked for.

"...and when my life is over, remember when we were together...."

2008-07-31T11:19:00.002-04:00

Staring out the window at the world as life races past me
Glued to my seat on the bus
Its cushions and walls graffiti-ed with the pointless trappings of previous empty minds
My window so covered with grime
The view is all things
Clear is not one of them
The air in here is thick and stale
It is heavy with "settling" "wallowing" lives "unfulfilled and hallow"
Outside the sun shines bright and a breeze gently blows
It is all a tease because I cant enjoy the expereince
My Window barely opens a sliver
Down the street the bus roars
Stopping occasionally to collect more passengers
More restless souls
A destination in mind but only acutely aware of the journey
Collectively we have the power to help each other
But separate we remain
Almost numb
Ignorant of the experiences and knowledge that abounds in us all
In my seat I remain
Out my window I stare
Eyes following the scenery
Life races on
Without me

Dear Sir,

2008-07-30T13:43:00.005-04:00

Dear Sir,
Though I know the vagaries of it, I cannot claim familiarity;
It has been said, many times over the world around, that life is hard.
Accept not this fact without some fight
But wallowing in the pain of hardship does not move you out of them.
I am not in your shoes, and I cannot see through your eyes nor can I carry much of your load,
But I try and that is all I can do.
See me not just for what I am, but what I could be;
A beacon, a shoulder, an ear, a hand.
Take not your frustrations out on me;
I am no punching bag, no whipping boy.
My patience is long, but it too grows thin
Dear Sir,
Pick up your chin and open your eyes
On this road alone, you do not travel

THIS JUST IN!!!

2008-07-24T08:25:00.003-04:00

Apparently, Obama is the reason we are dependent on foreign oil and I just missed the memo....

LMAO....Republicans make me laugh soooooo, hard! Do people actually believe this ish?

I like what Mitchell Bard of the Huffington Post has to say about it.

...And Now Back To Your Regularly Scheduled Program

2008-07-23T15:26:00.006-04:00

I know I did a blog a couple weeks ago where I mentioned how crazy my life had been as of late and there was a direct correlation to this and why I hadnt been blogging much; in that very same blog I promised things would be getting more regular on here, like a geriatric on metamucil, and then things got crazy again.

Well like Brett Farve, I'm back again and hopefully this time will be for a sustained period of time.
Not cause I feel obligated to be, but because there is so much to talk about, but no one wants to hear my voice all day.

Watch out world!!!

Managing

2008-07-09T08:28:00.002-04:00

Part of living is learning to manage different things. Most people consciously focus on managing their time, space, emotions, health. The problems we face in life are usually associated with one of these four factors. Different people focus on different issues, but for the people I know very few focus on managing their health. Often times we move about this earth with reckless abandon, "thinking the faster that [we] go, faster [we] will reach [our] goals" and its not until we take a wrong turn do we operate otherwise.

The first realization of vulnerability cause different reactions. Some people believe it was random and do not change course of operation, they believe odds are in their favor it or something similar will never happen to them again; others learn from their mistakes and change course completely, they vow to never make the same mistake again.

The second group are the prudent ones and while they may not have as much "fun", they will continue to live largely worry free lives; the first group has a gut check and must learn to live with the results of their actions. They must learn to manage.

The problem with managing is that it can be draining, its a constant psychological war taking place inside the head. One minute you're fine with nothing but sunshine ahead, the next you're full of regrets and posturing of "what if".

We all want more than just to manage, but for me, that is good enough right now.

Mi Amigo Mejor/Mi Angel

2008-07-07T08:34:00.005-04:00

I know the words have been said more than once before
But in this case I cannot say them enough
And while 1-4-3 may not be accurate to what I feel
The emotions are just the same

I remember when we met
what seems like not so long ago
I remember the things I did, the things you said
I am glad we have matured together

I knew it not then, but I am certain of it now
You were sent to me by Him to guide me
You were sent to me by Him to help me cope
He knew back then that I would need a friend like you

I know that nothing in life is forever
Relationships always change
I want the best for you in every possible way
And I pray that you can spread your love to others

So for the present we are in
and the future ahead
I hope friends we can stay
but should things change
I praise Him for your presence in my life

I LOVE YOU!

Tennis @ The Olympics

2008-07-03T09:58:00.001-04:00

This might be shameless, but alot of the pictures are really cool. I am pumped for some Olympic competition!

All Drama Aside...

2008-07-01T12:42:00.002-04:00

I dont know why for the longest time I wanted to pretend like I wasnt dramatic, but I am. Now that I have accepted taht fact I can continue living some symbolance of a normal life. All is good in Dom-Land and my sanity has returned to normal levels. This doesnt mean I stop counting my blessings or asking for miracles, but it does reflect a me that will be closer to the center I was a little over a month ago.

So much has happened in the last 6 weeks I havent even had time to really sit down and reflect on things. Gonna put some time into doing that over the coming week, the nice long weekend should help as well.

I think I will do an A-Z list of the last 6 weeks soon.

I Need An Angel!

2008-06-12T08:16:00.003-04:00

I have been on a religious tint of late, because when its hard to stand its only second nature to look for support. I know that Christ is my Pillar, my Rock, my Shield, and my Strength, and HE will love me regardless. Today's inspirational gospel song is:

I Need an Angel

I've run out of answers I've run out of time
And im so confused that im loosin my mind
Its gonna take a miracle to help me this time
Im traveling a road that has not one sign

Help me...Have mercy on me...Set my soul free...and let the bell in my heart ring....oooo

This is my cry, hey, this is my plea, ya see

I need an angel, Im callin an angel, send me an angel down [2x's]

Im carryin a load thats to heavy for me
Have no where to go so im down on my knee
Im tryin to see the forest but theres this one tree
Cant understand why im sinking so deep

Help me (Help Me Help Me) have mercy on me
(Wont you have mercy on me) Set my soul free, and let the bell in my heart ring

This is my cry, this is my plea

I need an angel (I need an angel) Im calling an angel, send me an angel (Send it on down)

Here Me Now

I need an angel (I need an angel) Im calling an angel, send me an angel (Send it on down)

Oooh something inside me telling me the morning will come (Morning will Come) Yes it will
Oooh sometimes its hard to face the truth so we run (We Run)
God if you care at all please dont let me fall by the wayside (Oh No)
Please be my guide, would you light my path...
Take Me, Shape Me, Mold Me, Change Me, Teach Me, Fill Me, Save Me

I need an angel (I need an angel) Im calling an angel, send me an angel (Send it on down)

I need an angel (I need an angel) Im calling an angel, send me an angel (Send it on down)

I know its gotta be some kinda angel out there for me

Send a angel down right now Send a angel down right now

God be with yall!

No, I Aint Good Enough. But He Still Loves Me!

2008-06-10T09:40:00.004-04:00

You know those times when you lose sight of the little things; you just cant see the forest for the trees. I get like that sometimes; I lose sight of the finish line and forget to have faith. Its time like that when I like to throw on this song and just release. It never fails, throw on this cut and the tears stream, and I feel better almost immediately.....

Took me awhile
but I'm finally here
So I just want to testify
make it crystal clear
(take your time)
See I done been picked out
to be picked on
talked about out my friend's mouth
till He turned my life around
(turned my life around)

Seems like I always fall short of being worthy
cuz I aint good enough
But He still loves me
(yeah)
I aint no superstar
The spotlight aint shinin on me
(no no no no no)
cuz I aint good enough
but He still loves me
Loves me

I used to wake up some days
and wish I'd stayed asleep
cuz I went to bed on top of the world
today the world's on top of me
everybody's got opinions
(they share)
They aint been in my position
(they don't care)
that it breaks my heart when I hear what they have to say about me yeah
(what they say)

seems like I always fall short (fallin short)
of bein worthy (Lord I aint worthy)
Cuz I aint good enough (no no)
but He still loves me (still loves me)
I aint no superstar
(I wanna be for you)
The spotlight aint shinin on me
cuz I aint good enough
but He still loves me

I'm not perfect
(I'm not perfect)
Yes I do wrong
(yes I do wrong)
I'm trying my best
(trying my best but)
But it aint good enough
(just aint good enough)
Shunned by the world
(shunned by the world)
If I don't succeed
Cuz I aint good
But He still loves me
(I just aint good enough)

If you aint worthy just raise your hands
And let me know that you understand
That we are all so blessed
To be loved, loved

Stand for Him and fall for anything
Cause through His eyes we all look the same
What would we do without blame?

Feels like we always fall short
Of bein worthy (we are not worthy)
Cuz I aint good enough
But he still loves me
I aint no superstar
(I aint no superstar but I wanna be for You Lord)
The spotlight aint shinin on me
Cuz I aint good enough
(Oh)
But You still love me

I'm not perfect
Yes I do wrong
I'm tryin my best but
(tryin my best)
It aint good enough
(I'm not good enough)
Shunned be the word
(shunned by the world)
If I dont succeed
(i dont succeed-ceed-ceed)
Cuz I aint good enough
But he still loves me
(child sing with me)
I'm not perfect
Yes I do wrong
I'm tryin my best but
It aint good enough
(But the Lord's been so good to me)
Shunned be the word
(Shunned by the world)
When I dont succeed
Cuz I aint good enough
(I aint good enough)
But He still loves me
(The Lord still loves me)

No I aint good enough
But He still loves me
(Raise your hands if ya understand)
No I aint good enough
(How He blessed you cuz he blessed you too)
but He still loves me
(even though I aint worthy)
No I aint good enough
(you aint worthy, He's there for you)
but He still loves me
(no matter what I do)
No I aint good enough
(I aint good enough)
but He still loves me
(but the Lord still loves me)

Today is a Day...

2008-06-03T12:34:00.002-04:00

That will live in infamy. I am known for being dramatic, especially melodramatic, but something told me I was right about this one. Its not easy to adjust to or accept and I will prolly be coping with the gravity of the situation for awhile, but I laced up my own concrete shoes. All thats left for me to do now is pray: forgiveness, strength, clarity of mind, inner peace, salvation. I have been blessed and that is all I could ever ask for.

My Veruca Salt List (An Update)...

2008-05-12T08:24:00.005-04:00

Three months ago I had a few wants that were completely self centered. I didnt apologize for them then and I dont apologize for them now. I do however revel in the fact that two of the three have been realized.

I got a new phone, it isnt the LG Voyager, after doing some shopping I realized its features were too bloated for me and price tag was too hefty, but The Alias by Samsung is good as long as u dont get it in the ugly "champagne" pictured below....

Miami will be realized in 3 Days. 6 days 5 nights in a luxury hotel in South Beach!!! There will be pics and crispiness will ensue.

Now if I could just save up some money to get my self a damn bed

**A new addition to the list is a new wardrobe; I am tired of 75% of my wardrobe consisting of free college garb or clothes that don't fit anymore, they have to go. All mildly worn clothing will be donated to charities for those in need, so the act of getting a new wardrobe isn't completely self-centered, I think :-/.... Clothes are fricking expensive !**

This Probably Isnt Healthy But...

2008-05-06T09:47:00.004-04:00

I am carrying on like this anyway. Last night you disappointed me, AGAIN. C-Dub would say that I am foolish to let you keep doing this to me. That you should have learned and I should have too, cause there is nothing more important than your time. Truth is I love you and I want to forgive you; I want to understand why you choose to do the same things repeatedly that cause me to feel this way....

Yesterday afternoon you ask me if its cool if you go to a "titty bar" with some friends. I responded that it is cool but that you didn't need my approval anyway. (In retrospect I think I missed the point, you weren't asking for permission, you were just being open, and I was rude and maybe a little mean to you.) The rest of the convo went roughly as follows:

"I'll call you around 10pm"
"What for?"
"Communication. I'll be home and I want to see you"
"Ha, who goes to a 'titty bar' before 10pm?"
"Its a Monday, and we are old"
"ha, ok. You wont be home by 10"...

Anyway, I came home to a dog that had shat all over my apt, so I wasn't primarily thinking about what time your silly ass would actually call me. Decided to watch some programming and a movie to pass some time cause I just wasn't in the mood to do any physical activity.
It's about 950pm now and just in case by some act of GOD you get home anywhere around 10pm I decide to wash and brush my teeth in preparation of seeing you. 1005pm and you haven't called, but no one gets upset over a few mins. I decide to read a few chapters in my book till my lids are to heavy to hold open. It's now 1045pm and not so much as a text message; cellphones are banned in most "titty bars" due to the camera function, so sending you a message is pointless, and I'm not about to trip over an hour. I'll take a nap so I won't be sleepy when you finally call.

1104pm and a message arrives "are you still up" (you sent the message knowing full well I like to sleep early cause I have to get up early, unlike you, and that I was likely sleep), I'm sleep and don't get it till 1228am when something rouses me from my nap. I respond and get nothing back. I call at 1232 just hoping to hear your voice and some indication of what might be going on; it goes to voicemail. You're clearly still at the "titty bar". No message left cause I couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't be assholish. Back to bed for me.

106am and a text message comes through, "no worries. i assume your in for the night"
textversation continues as follows:

"um, yea thats a good assumption. am i 2 assume ur just leavin the 'titty bar'?"
"yeah but im home now want to leave sometime ago"
"ok"
"well i love you babe sleep well"

The no response to that last text I think was pretty indicative of what I was feeling like at the moment. Like my aquarium I felt shat on. So many thoughts raced through my head I couldn't sleep. I got up and blogged, about love. Thoughts out and temptations brushed aside I laid down and proceed to struggle to fall asleep for the next 30 mins. Thanks again for that lovely experience. My dependence on you has flared up in beautiful fashion once again. ( I am getting a fucking bed when I get back from Miami).

This morning I woke up and started my internal conflict on how to proceed with the day. I want to talk about it, but I don't want to do it via online or phone; I want to sit down with you in person and explain why this hurts so bad. So many ways to correlate it race through my head, but I don't think dwelling on it will do anything. I decide to not dwell on and remember the good. This entry is necessary cause without it I am gonna dwell. This is my therapy session. I love you, but I don't know if I can continue down this path of turning the other cheek.

Also, just so you know, that comment you made about "wanted to leave early". Please don't say shit like that. If you wanted to leave and didn't because of friends it makes me think you're weak. I don't deal with weak people. You're too smart to be pressured by friends. Saturday you asked me to go to a party with you cause you didn't want to go alone. I was already at a party having fun and hanging with friends; being with you meant ditching them. I did it no questions asked, despite the fact that they gave me shit and didn't want me to leave. I am just asking for equality.

Love is...

2008-05-06T01:29:00.002-04:00

so many things, but tonight its a losing game. Im off to visit heartbreak hotel, before I come home again. I am tired but there is too much on my mind for me to sleep on this shitty bed. Im off to do some thinking.

Metro Opens Doors...

2008-04-30T09:50:00.004-04:00

...Too bad they cant fix escalators, elevators, or psycho rail cars. For those reason and some additional ones, a little over two months ago the Dulles Rail Project was all but dead; but as with all politics, ass-kissing and back scratching can get you a long way. The word in the news today is that the Dulles Airport Extension will be approved by federal administrators and Northern Virgina will continue to grow exponentially. At least now, the vehicle traffic wont have to grow exponentially as well.

UGH!

2008-04-29T08:38:00.000-04:00

I am so sick of black people keeping each other down for their own selfish reasons. The latest example is the Reverend Wright v. Barack Obama Drama. Why must the man stay in the limelight?

But at least some people have sense:

Food For Thought....

2008-04-26T18:31:00.004-04:00

Are homeless people immune to the temperatures outside or are they just perpetually cold? No matter what time of year it is they seem to have on twice as many clothes as everyone else outdoors...at least the black ones :-(

Why do I listen to my father's instructions? A task that would have take 5 mins had I read the manual, proceeded to take 50 thanks to him. Good thing he knows how to cook.

When did customer service go down the shitter? If your job is to assist me when i come into the store and I have no attitude, you shouldnt either.

WHY THE FUCK IS GAS SO GOD DAMN EXPENSIVE? I henceforth forgo driving anywhere unnecessarily, especially if its sunny. I could use some extra pigmentation and the exercise is always good for me.

Where did my weekends go? I am so sick and tired of running around all day Sat and Sun. Looking forward to a day that I can just lay around and be fat.

A Year In The Life

2008-04-25T10:17:00.000-04:00

April 21, 2007 was the first day of my lease on U Street. The lease was symbolic for many reasons, but most importantly it symbolized my freedom in the city I loved. I had been thinking about this blog for awhile but the other day while I was walking home I was flooded with the memories. It has been a year of ups and downs on U St and I dont think I would change a minute of it. This is my look back at a year gone by:

The Good

To the summer I spent training for the 32 nd Annual Marine Corps Marathon, the marathon that kicked my ass. Those who came out an supported me, from fresh water to bundles of grapes and horrible bright green t-shirts, the marathon was a great experience because of you. You pushed me and believed in me.

The Nights on 18th St in any dive bar that would serve us. To the stumbling both to and from Jumbo Slice, manna to drunks everywhere.

Walking around in my undies cause it was too Fudgin hot in my apt to wear clothes.

My brother living with me and subsidizing the utility bills. I could afford summer debauchery because of you.

My Wings Wednesday Crew. $0.25 Wings, Good Beer, Great Convo

To The Fed Life, what a pleasant career change.

The new and lifelong friends that I have made along the way. Those I can open myself up to completely.

To Obliviana, you kept me entertained, and allowed me to express myself in healthy ways. An update on the story:

A new year has rolled around in Obliviana, and as is true in nations far and wide resolutions were made. After much celebrating to bring in the New Year, “the people” of Obliviana were excited to hear what the Royal Court had in-store for this fledgling nation over the coming year. In rather unceremonious fashion, Prince Half-Baked let it be known he would attempt to right the ship he had begun to sink at the end of the year. His first goal was to step down from and, gasp, remain off his thrown for the time to come. He had seen the joy and satisfaction that could be had from supporting yourself. He too would “find a plot of land” and make a living for himself. He even had aspirations of pursuing higher learning. The Kingdom was shocked, pleased and excited to see what the year had in store for its youngest son.

With so much good news coming from the Prince the people had worked themselves into a fervor with the possiblity of more good news via Princess Peapod. Would she rebuke her ways and bring equality to the land? Would a social democracy take hold where all opinions were considered and all were not made to grovel at her feet? As the Princess ascended her soap box to announce her resolutions, the land fell silent; a pin drop could be heard on distant fields.

“Behold my kingdom, I shall be as great as I have always been. My clothes will be as fabulous as always. I will eat from some of the best restaurants and continue to fail to fufill a valuable role in society as before. I do resolve to be a better Princess.... no the GREATEST Princess ever.”

As audible gasp rippled across the land and the hopes of the people were sufficiently crushed, life went back to its previous state. The people would continue to suffer for the remainder of the Princess reign of terror. 12 months to go.

The Bad:
Dirty Dishes & Clothes Everywhere
Space Invasions & Unapproved Borrowing
Family Drama
Three Jobs to Survive

One more year on the lease, and then I will be looking to blaze new trails on my own. This roommate thing is ok, but I need space or to live with someone that is more similar to me. Not to mention I need to cut some expenses.

Figuring Out The Relations In My Life....

2008-04-23T08:41:00.000-04:00

The theory is people come into your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime; when you figure out which one it is, you will know what to do for each person. Its the figuring out part that is hard to do.

When someone is in your life for a REASON...It is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a Godsend and they are! They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part, or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. Sometimes they die. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. Your need has been answered, and now it is time to move on.

When people come into your life for a SEASON...It is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person, and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Some relationships are often times best viewed from the outside or in retrospect/hindsight, others you know from the start what kind of relationship, or lack thereof, it will be. There is something so impersonal about categorizing relationships, but it is definitely something to think about as you come to junctures in your life. Who do you take with you on your life's journey and who do you leave behind?

I Guess I'm It :-/

2008-04-22T09:11:00.005-04:00

Since I havent had much of anything to write about lately I will take this "opportunity" and play this game for all of about 2 minutes. I was "tagged" by JayBee, an educated & opinionated country boy, and much like him I was a virgin to this "game". The rest goes as follows...

1. Link the person who tagged you…

2. Mention the rules in your blog…

3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours

4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them

5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

Something to consider when reading "my quirks" listed below, I dont know if they're really quirks, but does it really matter?

My Quirks:
a.) I hate chain mail and have known to become very passive aggressive towards senders of such wastes of my time. The crap stops here ;-)

b.) I sing loud, passionately, and mostly off key whenever I am driving with little regard to who is riding with me or watching me from outside the car. I dont give a fudge!

c.) Im a stubborn ass when drunk, a loveable ass the rest of the time.

d.) I have no problem talking about bodily functions (especially mine) no matter how unsettling they might be to others.

e.) I can't stand self-absorbed or oblivious people. The sun didn't rise this morning just for you, and unless you are the equivalent of 1.9891 ×10³⁰ kg with the ability to sustain all life the earth aint rotating around you grow the hell up!

f.) I believe in learning and growing constantly, so that I can continue to be unpredictable without trying.

There it is peeps, read it and gag, or roll ur eyes, suck ur teeth, whatever comes to you.

The Death of My Inner Blogger

2008-04-13T10:43:00.002-04:00

I know its been quite sometime since I last had something to say, but no worries I am sure I will be inspired again soon enough. There was a point in time where such inability to write would give me all kinds of anxiety, but after a few years of it you come to terms with such writers block. My inner blogger has died. I do not worry because as so many times before it will rise from the ashes like the Phoenix and I will write again. Till then there is plenty other blogs out there to keep you interested, so enjoy.

Don't Anybody Make Real Ish Anymore?!?!

2008-03-25T15:21:00.003-04:00

I give this girl credit cause it took some talent to cover and change this song, but damn! "Don't anybody make [new] shit anymore?"

sorry for the recent on slaught of videos and repostings, original content is on the horizon

The US, Race and Politics

2008-03-20T11:40:00.008-04:00

Once again, politics has gotten away from the real issues at hand...

Thank goodness there are some people with sanity and intelligence in this world. NY Times Opinion Columnist Nicholas D. Kristof takes a look at Obama and Race and has some interesting, if not downright agreeable points.

Funny Ish!!

2008-03-15T22:10:00.003-04:00

Let me start with saying that I could never be one, but I do love drag queens for so many reasons. They are creative and often times uninhibited, plus they love black female stars. Please note in the video included below the white chic in the middle wishing she didnt exist; hoping to GOD that she is delivered from the craziness taking place around her. I would pay to get inside her head.... Other things to consider are how fast "she" gets the heel off and pulls out the mace.

P.S. Thanks Ms. Cooper for finding this clip and making this posting possible. U had me crying because I was laughing so hard!!!

I am apologizing ahead of time...

2008-03-15T15:55:00.000-04:00

I know this song is played out (not to mention horrible) but I stumbled on this today and couldnt get enough. Further proof that a good beat and a catchy hook (not to mention a stupid dance with corresponding instructional video on youtube performed by the artist themselves) will get you a long way...

The Reality for Hire of Client No. 9...

2008-03-14T14:19:00.007-04:00

Hot or Not ?!?!? You be the judge. In my opinion ( I think others will agree), she cant sing (you want here that shit go here). If her album drops and sells anything close to notable numbers we as people "Americans" have issues....

Not to mention did you see her wackass, no talent "friends" all over the TV yesterday?!?! Everybody tryin to make a name and a dollar off this "scandal"

Which reminds me of another post I was working on a while ago....

When Did Gossip Become News?

2008-03-14T13:32:00.001-04:00

Better yet, why did we let it?

In my lifetime I have watched what used to be credible stories involving important issues of huge consequence descend into this. The sensationalizing of news has done nothing but rob of information we shouldn't have to search for; knowledge we need to make informed decisions. Since when is Dr. Phil declaring Britney Spears to be crazy (and later regretting it) more important than the issues surrounding the health of our nation, its citizens and the next administration?

I agree that sometimes people "just want to escape from the harshness of reality", but this is life. Ignoring the issues for superficial fodder wont make them go away. Believe that my thoughts on the topics below will come later, in the mean time, this is an interesting speech that was given on a similar topic.

· The Evolution of “News”

· The Ascension of Celebrity

· The Descent of Real Knowledge

My Mother Has Become an Integral Part of My Facebook Experience...

2008-03-10T15:00:00.006-04:00

...And I am not alone! Its an epidemic, escape while you still can!

The details of the experience...
My mom joined Facebook "because a co-worker did, and invited [her]".
She proceeded to 'friend' myself, my brother, and our cousin.
She then spread her 'friend-ness' to my good friend (whom she knows) and my brother's GF (currently his ex-gf).
The comments started appearing on our pics and walls
Then her own pics with us in them appeared
Most recently I was "sent a beer"!!
When this article was sent to her by my cousin the following response was received:

I read the article yesterday and that was not us b/c I did not do a friend request to Dominique. In fact it was a friend from work that asked me to join and I said ok…I look at the pics and just think how funny it is that there is so much on the profiles…but I did think it was kind of funny how the parents are asking their kids to “friend” them. This was more like Dante’ and I cause he said “well I will just block Mom from stuff on my site” which is fine with me b/c I am not there to get into your business. I‘ll just look at it every now and then and see what new pics are there especially since some of those pix have me in them!
But the article is funny and coincidental!!!

Lies I tell you!!!!
I will attempt to save her from the "cool parent" road she is inadvertently wandering down, but it might be too late...

What the Fudgemonkey?!?!?!?!

2008-03-08T18:24:00.006-05:00

How do I get a parking ticket for a car I dont own, 1100 miles from where I was on that day? Stupid Iowa State Parking, please expect a very angry phone call Monday morning.

Ugh!

Is this really Democracy?!?!

2008-03-06T07:11:00.005-05:00

Let me start with the positive...
This nomination/election season has been magnificent. Since all the candidates declared their candidacies, serious issues have been addressed and the masses have been invigorated. Most, if not all, the primaries garnered record turnouts; numbers like this havent been seen since the 1970's. For a change people saw the process working; their voices would be heard, their votes would count!

Then things started to change...
The Republican nominee front runner became clear, and his name was John McCain. An experienced senator from the old people state of AZ. This scared the shit out of the Dems. McCain would be a formidable advesary for any Democrat and with the race so close, things have turned contentious. Once the forgone conclusion to be the nominee, Mrs. Clinton was losing, and BIG. With Mr. Obama maintaining a solid lead in delegates despite "losses" in all the big states, we would see the "change" for which we voted.

But my gut tells me different...
Malcolm Gladwell says to trust your gut, your snap decisions, which scares me. Now that the race is close and Mrs. Clinton feels cornered, politics as usual is emerging. The fear-mongering tactics of the republican party and the mud-slinging of the general election have started. Howard Dean, the DNC chair and former VT govenor, was on the "Today" show the other day at which point he stated that the hotly contented superdelegates are "chosen to do whats best for the party."

OH SHIT! The stage has been set for the perpetration of a crime...
Would Mrs. Clinton suceed in convincing the delegates to ignore the will of the general democratic voting population to vote for her, the "more ready" contender. Do they realize how many young and first time voters they will disenfranchise with this move? And what is with all this talk of seating FL and MI delegates when no one but Mrs. Clinton was on the ballot in those states? They ignored party rules, they were stripped of their powers, that cannot be changed now! I am a democrat, socialist at heart, and I so badly want to have faith in my government.

BUT MY GUT TELLS ME DIFFERENT!
My gut says that come August in Denver, Mrs. Clinton will be the nominee by theft. McCain will win in a landslide for more reasons than one. We will spend "100 years" in Iraq and the Persian Gulf protecting "the people" (read oil interests) and our country will continue to be divided. The national deficit will grow, education and health care will suffer, and the income disparity will continue to balloon exponentially.

The posibilities are frighteing. Why did this have to turn into politics as usual?

I Told You Good Music Still Exists

2008-03-03T20:57:00.003-05:00

Jay-Z is a legend, I only wish I could go to the concert here in April

You...

2008-03-01T17:23:00.002-05:00

have managed to disappoint me again. How you can do it and be unaware I am unsure. How I can continue to let you do it eludes me too. Maybe you arent unaware, and you are just inconsiderate, selfish even. Maybe I am enjoying the abuse, a subconscious masochist enjoying the ride.

My guard was lowered and the wall came down, but I feel it building again. I hate to see it happen, but I hate to be treated like this. You're losing me and you might not even know it. I hope you change before its too late, or maybe I will speak up before I am further disappointed. Only time will tell how this will play out, but off I go to think about it, I will not have another restless night thanks to you.

Good Music Still Exists

2008-03-01T14:43:00.004-05:00

I have a few artists that I love to support, and Lupe is one of them. Great song, good video!

Let me give you something to watch...

2008-02-26T10:51:00.002-05:00

This could be interesting, I will be tuned in! (via DVR of course) Viewing party maybe?!

Back in The Day When I Was Young I'm Not A Kid Anymore

2008-02-26T09:35:00.005-05:00

I loved this cartoon (See Video Below). The music popped in my head for some reason today as I walked into work (the subconscious mind works in mysterious ways).

Reading IS FUNdamental

2008-02-24T21:55:00.004-05:00

I provide you with an interesting Point / CounterPoint

If you take the time to read them you will be proving this one wrong.

Formulate your own opinions, speak on them in the space provided.

Ugh...

2008-02-24T11:00:00.003-05:00

Dont you just hate when going to bed with the wrong thing on your mind causes you to have bad dreams and be restless all night. I had a great time yesterday, hung out with the old boss and his wife at the crappy bar in Foggy Bottom, but the company was cool. Missed my ride to the house party, which sucked but, just grabbed a cab, no biggie. House party was fun till the kegs got tapped and people bolted.

An aside: you know a house party is good when, the people you invited, invite people and you dont know half the people in your own house. Free anything brings people out like its their job.

Quite a few of us grabbed our shit and made our way over to the local dive. Much better experience there this time, than last. Continued to party till "last call" and received some discouraging news via text. Took my time walking home till my bladder felt like it was going to explode forcing my stroll to become a trot. Made it home just in time to not piss myself. Still no good news, so I go to bed with somethings on my mind. Awake several times in the middle of the night hoping the news had changed before finally giving up on hope at 544AM. :-( UGH!
And that dream that kept me up will be documented but it wont be shared. I just might share some details sometime, but for now imma hold it close.

Should I be worried about my identity being stolen?!?!

2008-02-23T19:06:00.004-05:00

This is the very reason I dont add all those stupid applications to my profile on Facebook. Besides the fact that they are useless, their creation is completely unmonitored for privacy.

What The Fudgemonkey?!?!?

2008-02-22T20:31:00.003-05:00

I need Mr. West to explain what was goin on in his head during this one!

The Clarion Royal Rumble

2008-02-22T08:03:00.003-05:00

Hampton, VA isnt exactly America's Crossraods, so when we booking my hotel for my two night stay in ths southern VA town, I was not surprised to find limited lodging options. No big deal as I am no hotel snob; if the sheets and bathroom are clean when I get there, I am good to go! Two nights and two days at the Clarion by Choice Hotels. Smooth sailing, and decent service until night two. These Marines mustve thought Jerry Springer was doin a late night taping in our building cause all kinds of drunken yell and shouting started RIGHT OUTSIDE MY DOOR at 130AM. My initial reaction was to go outside and then I remembered two things: This aint a door where I am an RA and I am still black in the south. So after spectating these idiots go at it for two minutes I called the front desk. I was apparently not the first to do so, cause I received apologies and promises that the problem would be solved promptly. 30 seconds later someone was up on the floor getting tweedle dee and tweedle drunk into their rooms and letting them know the cops were coming. I went back to sleep thinking, yes peace and quiet.
Of course I wouldnt be so lucky, 20 mins later they were at it again
"I DONT CARE WHAT SLUT YOU SLEEP WITH! FUCK YOU"
"If you dont care why are you yelling"
"Go to your room 'Becky'"
Thank God I was given some sense, and raised well.
230AM the cops finally showed up. Took statements, and threatened to arrest the parties involved. ALL IN FRONT OF MY DOOR! great viewing pleasure, except I wanted to sleep.
UGH.
Never again.

"Legal age requirements should never stand alone."

2008-02-08T14:25:00.000-05:00

It has long been debated at what age are children, across the board, grown enough to make decisions that affect themselves as well as others. The judicial system weighs in often on legal cases ranging from emancipation to murder (the involuntary and premeditated kind). The legislative system has its own opinions, deciding at which age people are capable of making informed about issues with long term ramifications. But are any of them right?

Who's to say that a 23 year old is any more capable of making a informed decision that their 16 year old counter part? Here is something I can agree with. Phasing teenagers into adult life is one of the best ideas out there. Of course the idea is not perfect, but that is the beauty of democracy, we vote on ideas we believe would work, and then we vote to keep them, drop them or change them.

Even more interesting that the article are the comments. ( I apologize that there are so many comments, but you can skim them to get the gist) The multitude of people that are unwilling to open their minds to the possibility of change or that someone at 16 might be capable of handling the repercussions of their actions. A couple favorites are these two:

Are you mad? On one point only do I agree with this absurd essay. The drinking age should be lowered to 18. Beyond that I think the voting age should be raised back to 21 and the driving age raised to 18. Enumerable studies have conclusively shown that persons, especially males, are very poor drivers under the age of 18. The statistical incidence of serious and often fatal wrecks is a grim testament to this.

I also favor literacy tests for would be voters. How many sixteen year olds can place Iraq on a map? In my experience very few. Voting has consequences. I don't like the idea of allowing people who can't tell the difference between Afghanistan and Iraq casting a vote that could get me or someone else sent there. Voting is not some social test tube experiment. It is extremely serious business with very real consequences attached to it. Besides, haven't we done enough to cheapen the franchise without extending it to children?
— John Cheevers, Merced, California

Lowering the voting age will only flood the electorate with poorly informed voters. Even if a basic course in politics/government were required, who is to teach this? The public schools with their liberal bias cannot possibly give an even-handed approach. Neither can most private institutions with distinctly Christian-conservative perspectives give a clear picture of the development of political ideas and concepts of morality in society over time. Better to raise the voting age, if change it at all. I'm 21 and I still don't consider myself experienced enough in life to make a fully-informed vote. I do it of course, and hope I'm making the wisest choice. How many 16 year-olds would say the same?
— Patrick McWilliams, Savannah, GA

I love stupid people that speak up thinking they are making great points! To you

Mr. Cheevers -

How many people (regardless of age) can place Iraq on a map? Better yet, how many US citizens regardless of age could locate Wyoming or Kansas on a map?
The point of educating people is so they dont make dumb decisions
How would extending the vote to "children" "cheapen" the right? (I didnt say "franchise "cause I dont know what the hell you mean by that)

Mr. McWilliams -

Most people formulate their initial political views on those of their closest kin, the "liberal-biased" public schools, or "Christian-conservative perspective" private schools are teaching them who to vote for, but what the importance of their decision is in government not telling them for whom they should vote. There would be curriculum requirements.
Just cause you're a 21 year old idiot, please dont think its safe to assume 16 year olds arecnt capable of making better decisions that you. You are proof that "the electorate" is already flooded with poorly informed voters.

Nuff said!

What was I thinking?

2008-02-06T13:43:00.000-05:00

If someone dies alone, has no family or friends, where they really alive at all?

Unusually "Full" Promise

2008-02-06T08:53:00.000-05:00

Every two years we all must bear witness to the same process; the political machine gearing up to garner support for some candidate based on their beliefs and policies they "intend" to support/institute. The nature of the beast is that competition inevitably forces candidates to assert lofty goals to win the support of many. In the end many people are left disappointed and unfulfilled from what turns out to be empty promises made by these candidates. I believe those people can now have hope.

Over the last 8 years we have seen our nation polarize politically; we are a nation divided. Slow to realize (or accept) the truth, America is finally ready for something new; or as every campaign this season likes to put it "CHANGE". As an educated person I dont buy everything someone tries to sell me, but I am starting to buy into this one. With larger turnout than ever before (especially on the democratic side) and a race tighter than we have had in decades, we can start to have hope.

I am thoroughly enamored with the whole process. Thanks to these close-nit races and record voter turnout, no longer can a candidate force feed us some crap about why they are better than the opposite party (I am so tired of mud-slinging tactics). Tell us why they are the best person for the job, period! Education, Healthcare, Immigration, Alternative Energy; these are the issues we care about, tell us where you stand and how you will address them. And further more, should you not win the party nomination please support your party member that does; dont forget we are the UNITED States and we just dont work right when we dont act accordingly.

I am ready for this "CHANGE".

Yes We Can...

2008-02-05T08:26:00.000-05:00

My Veruca Salt List

2008-02-04T10:22:00.001-05:00

1. Queen sized mattress set complete with a good frame and high quality linen set to match

2. LG Voyager for Verizon Wireless.

3. A 4 day trip to Miami in a luxury hotel/resort

Thank You For Last Night....

2008-02-03T13:45:00.000-05:00

This is a generalized thank you to all those that were involved in the greatness that was last night...

Thanks for agreeing to go out....the wait for dinner was extended (25 mins), but the sushi (Sushi Taro) was great and affordable ($40 including beer and tip). The pre-dinner Thai beer, in the small Thai restaurant around the corner, while we waited was a great way to start off the festivities. The sushi was delicious after the genteel waitress explained to us how to order. 21 oz. of authentic Japanese beer to wash it down. The night was young and we were still "thirsty" so it was off to The Big Hunt. Convo covered the usual, family, work, politics, and sex but as usual it was lots of fun. 5 beers later and endless mocking of people, t'was time to go....Thanks for agreeing to go out.

Thanks for boosting my ego... I walked into the bar by myself waiting for a friend and I must've caught your eye. I went to the bar, ordered a beer (I am on 7 now if you're counting) and made my way to the wall to do some people watching. You, a little more than slightly, inebriated walked over amazingly composed and stated "you're cute". I was flattered. That wasn't all you said, but everything else didn't matter. You validated me and you didn't even know it. Your boyfriend came and you proceed to makeout with him. Good thing I wasn't looking. On to next beer as I waited for that phone call. My date arrived just in time for you to flatter me once again and me to finish my beer....Thank you for boosting my ego.

Thank you for paying that cover fee.... I was, more than slightly, inebriated and you wanted to go dancing but I dont pay to get into clubs; especially not ones charging $15! You said "don't worry" so I followed along. The place was full, you introduced me to one of the co-owners and a couple other people (working in the industry I guess you really do get to meet alot of people) but none of them mattered. We danced, we did our share of "looking like a couple" (you figure out what that could mean). I had an amazing time....Thank you for paying that cover fee.

Thank you for convincing me otherwise....ok I had gotten sweaty from dancing and prolly needed to shower before bed, but I didnt care. You laid out your position and there was no saying no ...Thank you for convincing me otherwise.

THANK YOU for last night!

Speechless and loving every second of it.

2008-02-01T13:38:00.001-05:00

And What About All The Old People

2008-01-31T12:44:00.000-05:00

As the largest generation in American history gets closer and closer to "retirement age", something needs to be done to fill their void in the workplace. For their benefit and ours. A look at the issue by Washington Post columnist provides several solutions to the problem our nation faces.

I couldnt agree more with the solutions that are pointed out and I can only hope that the generation is not neglected or "put out to pasture" prematurely. Besides, what would Walmart be without the elderly (grandparent) greeters (as long as they are paid decent wages and given great discounts on their "everyday low prices")?!

“The problem is not that economists are unreasonable people, it’s that they’re evil people,”

2008-01-31T12:05:00.000-05:00

Let me reiterate: I love the NY Times. "Economists Dissect the ‘Yuck’", takes a look at repugnance and the human perspective related to moral issues and money.

Read and Opine

Peace

Aussie Open; Day 14 Recap

2008-01-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

The Aussie Open has long since drawn to a close as I type this post, but it will remain fresh in my memory for many weeks to come as tennis goes through a bit of a lull again. The Men's Final was by far the most exciting its been at event for years. With Federer dominating the previous two years against lesser experienced opponents, the two new faces brought a new energy to the court.

From the time the players walked onto the court for pre-match warmup, you just knew that this was going to be a tense battle of two talented men, and the crowd was gonna be a factor too. The Serbs were mad for The Djoker and everyone other Aussie had fallen in love with French Ali. Much as he had done in his other matches against higher seeded players, Tsonga came in and blew The Djoker out his shoes with his speed and power. A convincing first set victory was in hand.

After that it was all downhill. Thanks to the crowd jeering his family and friends, Djokovic was notably out of it in the first set. As tournament officials stepped in mitigated the situation, Djokovic settled into his game of grinding, point controlling and shot making ability. The next two sets would breeze by in favor of the Serbian as French Ali looked sluggish and lost. His sparkle was gone, and his time had run out.

Just as you thought the fat lady was gonna sing, an incredible set was played in the fourth. Neither man was willing to relent and the set would need to be decided by a tiebreaker. Anti-clamatic and all, Djokovic won the set, the match and the Championship. He would become the first Serbian Singles Champion. My previous predictions about 2 Serbian champions was correct, but I wasnt even aware of it. Half of the victorious mixed doubles championship team hails from Serbia as well. Sounds like a pleasant story of the little war torn country that could.

Will these young stars (three of the finalist were 20) continue their dominance through the rest of the season? For more seasons to come? As much as I am annoyed by the Shrieking Princess I think this could be a very big year for her. The younger Serbian Vitch is getting her stuff together and might actually win a set in her next Grand Slam final. There is so much to look forward to this season.

I love this game!

And The Rollercoaster Ride is Fun Again!

2008-01-26T19:24:00.001-05:00

With CNN projecting a DOMINATING win for Barack Obama in the primary in S.C. I am once again filled with hope; hope that a black man just might become president sooner than later, in my lifetime no less. Nothing is set in stone with this "victory", but every step closer to the finishline that we take is a victory.

Now it comes down to February 5, 2008 what the sensationalist media is calling "Tsunami Tuesday". I don't know how this thing will end, but if it means that in the future more people will participate and involved in the process, then I am happy.

Aussie Open: Day 13 Recap

2008-01-25T23:16:00.000-05:00

ugh.....i am drunk and Sharapova just won the 2008 Women's Singles Australian Open Championship in uninspiring fashion. I cant wait for tomorrow night. What a blah match. I expect more out of u Ivanovic! Two championship finals and two very dissapointing finishes. So much for two Serbian Grand Slam winners. Off to continue drinking and listen to what the Russian Psycho has to say. Peace till Sunday morning!

The Greatest Inventions of My Lifetime

2008-01-25T20:12:00.000-05:00

1. Mp3 and respective music player (THE iPod)

2.The [Public] Internet (WWW)

3.The Laptop Computer

4.Digital Cameras/Photography

5.Cell(ular) Phones

6.Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

They are listed roughly in order of importance to me and having had the benefit of enjoying these items, it is hard to imagine life without them. Possible, I am sure, but I dont want to entertain the possibility.

The Likley Untimely Death of a Dream

2008-01-25T09:53:00.000-05:00

As an advent supporter of public/mass transportation, I love to hear positive news concerning WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Tranist Authority) or Metro as it is (un)affectionately known around the National Capital Area. While the system is struggling to cope with increased ridership, higher fuel costs, and aging equipment it is still one of the best public transport systems in the nation.
As the region has continued to grow in size in volume, Metro has tried to expand as well. The system is often times attributed with feuling the burgeoning suburbs and providing [fairly] reliable transportation to and from the city for the many federal workers; the bezillion condos along I-66 and Rt. 50 in No.VA would never have been built without it. Since its ground breaking in 1976 Metro has a come a long way and hopes to continue to grow with the region.
A new hurdle looks to have been placed in-front of the agency future goals. An extension to the regions main international airport and thriving technology corridor, the Dulles project looks all but dead thanks to federal authorities no longer interested in chipping in. Due to the fact Metro has no dedicated source of funding, it is largely dependent on federal funding to keep running from year to year. With the what seems like constant squabbling over how to extend the rail to Dulles (underground or elevated track) through the Tysons Corner area, federal officials are backing down from their original funding promises.

Here's to hoping that the problems get corrected and that the system can one day be compared to the great systems of Western Europe.

Aussie Open: Day 12 Recap

2008-01-25T06:16:00.000-05:00

THE MIGHTY FED IS DOWN AND OUT!!!!

The Djoker emerged victorious in straights sets over the Fed in the second men's semifinal and boy am I glad that I forced myself to wake up at 4am to watch this one. The tennis was beautiful. Djokovic played aggressive tennis from the baseline rarely relenting his position on the court while Federer looked mortal and flat many times.

This sets up a potentially amazing match for Sunday morning at 330am. I will wake up again. Novak Djokovic, aka The Djoker versus Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, aka - French Ali . Being the higher seed and more experienced player (he made it to the 07 US OPEN Final where he lost to Federer) Djokovic will be the favorite to win the match, but the way Tsonga has been lighting up higher ranked players this tournament, almost all bets are off. I am torn between, who I would like to see win as I like both players, they have great game and great personalities, but I hope the match play is good and one for the books. Either way we will have a first time slam winner, and the possible emergence of a new force in tennis. (as a side note, there is a possibility that we will have two Serbian Grand Slam Champions should his compatriot, Ana Ivanovic, win the women's final to be played tonight locally) This is GREAT for tennis and its fans!

NOVAK
"The Djoker"
Djokovic
VS.

Jo-Wilfried
"French Ali"
Tsonga

Sunday, January 27, 2008 @ 330AM on ESPN2

Aussie Open: Day 11 Recap

2008-01-24T09:11:00.000-05:00

The end is drawing nigh for this tournament but there is still quite a bit of entertaining tennis to be seen. Three semi-final matches were played last night, both women's and the first men's, but only one was worth watching. There was good, bad and ugly in these matches.

The first Men's Semifinal between the the Spanish Caveman and French Ali was a sight to behold and well worth the sleepless night it would produce. In stunning fashion, Tsonga stepped on to the grandest stage at the Australian Open and dominated the world's number two tennis player from the word 'go'. No matter what The Spanish Caveman tried to do, he couldnt put a dent into Tsonga's flashy, powerful game. In the end Tsonga emerged a straight sets winner and continued the streak of relative unkowns in the Aussie Open final. If the Djoker can pull off the upset tonight against Federer, the final on Saturday night could be spectacular, guaranteeing a first time grand slam winner! I am gittery from the mere thought of it!

I dont even feel like wasting space on the women's matches, (sadly cause most times I prefer the drama and matches on the women's side over the men's, but not this tournament) but in an effort to provide somewhat fair coverage I will briefly discuss these beat downs. The Shrieking "Princess" beat the eldest of the Serbian Vitches in the same dominant fashion as every other player who has crossed her path the tournament. The girl is determined to avenge her embarrassing smackdown in last years final. (More interesting than the match is her psycho father and his antics in the stands. I am a firm believer that this man needs help, maybe even medication.) Unlike some of her peers The Shrieking "Princess" did not crumble under the expectations now that she is the heavy favorite to win the first Grand Slam of the year and her third; should she win the final the only one missing from her collection will be The French Open, and as a self-described "cow on ice" while playing on clay there is little to no chance she will carry this one home.
Even more dissapointing than the first women's semifinal was the second. The veteran player Hantuchova continued her antics as usual and choked just as the final was within reach. Credit to the younger of the Serbian Vitches for hanging in there and forcing Hantochova to win, but this was ugly tennis and unless she steps her game up tremendously, there will be another rout in the final on Friday night; the Shrieking "Princess" would be on the opposite side though.

If you dont work, or just love coffee and tennis, be sure to wake up at 330am to catch some thrilling tennis. I know I will, which means an early bed time for me tonight. Look forward to reporting on it tomorrow.

G'Day Mate

Aussie Open: Day 10 Recap

2008-01-23T19:12:00.000-05:00

Living up to its nickname as the Oz Open, the upsets kept coming on the women's side. Picked as a favorite to possibly win the whole thing, The Goddess fell in straight sets to a hard hitting and more athletic Ivanovic than she had played in their previous 4 meetings. The youngest of the Serbian Vithces, came out firing from the start and The Goddess, heavily strapped on the thigh, looking lost and confused at times couldnt get her stuff together; He serve was off, her shots werent penetrating, her volley's were a flub and she wasnt moving as well as normal.

In the other women's quarterfinal match, two little known players slugged it out and the elder stateswoman, and veteran, Daniella Hantuchova emerged the victor to make it to her first Grand Slam semifinal. Ms. Hantuchova and Ms. Ivanovic will take the court tonight and I predict (and hope) the Serbian beauty will emerge victorious again.

On the Men's side The Djoker played a Spanish scrambler and won another match in straight sets with ease. He nor The Fed would have any of the "upset bug" that was going around on the women's side of the draw. While Blake gave the Fed more of a fight than Djoker's opponent did, he still sent the Harvard Powerhouse packing like the rest of the American men (and women for that matter)

Tonight should be fun, and thanks to a little thing called the common cold, I will be all caught up on my tennis! Off I run, doubles is on Tennis Channel

The Boondocks - "The 'S' - Word"

2008-01-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

I believe that The Boondocks is an excellent piece of social commentary. I dont get to read the strip often anymore, but I do occasionally catch the show. Monday night, I caught what has to be one of the best episodes ever. Enjoy and comment

::UPDATE:: If you have tried you know that the above video doesnt work....apparently Cartoon Network and Adult Swim are not down for copyright infringement. To catch the episode you gotta go here

Enjoy!

Aussie Open: Day 9 Recap

2008-01-21T22:45:00.000-05:00

Major Upset ALERT!!!

The Diva just fell in straight sets to the eldest of the Serbian Vitches. She didnt look herself in the loss, and her usualy dependable serve deserted her. What could be the deal? More to Come....
The house of cards continue to fall The Little Bitch That could was beaten by the Shrieking Princess! The tennis gods are appeased.

Today shall be called Upset Tuesday...

The men continued the trend with Jo-Wili pulling the upset over Mikhail Youzhny. The big hitting, flashy French player KO'd the Russian in straight sets and doing so emerged from the shadows of his young fellow Frenchman Gasquet and Monfils. A self professed Mohammed Ali look alike, Tsonga now moves on to face Nadal in what is sure to be an interesting match to say the least. Breaking the trend by beating his little known opponent with ease, Nadal will enter as the heavy favorite and might do to Tsonga what the Frenchman has been doing to his opponents all week, get under his skin.

Aussie Open: Day 7 & 8 Recap

2008-01-21T20:30:00.000-05:00

I thought the long weekend would be a good time for me to catch up on some of the tennis that I have been missing out on thanks to my social life and the time difference. I was wrong. My recap of the past two days is largely what I have read on Tennis Magazines website or the snippets that I was able to catch in the windows of free time that I had.

No more big upsets on the women's side with the number 1,3,4,5,7, and 8 seeds all in the quarterfinals which start on Monday night here in the states, but are played Tuesday in Australia. I am uber excited about the match between the Shrieking "Princess" and the Little Bitch That Could, because it means one of them will be out of the tournament as a result. As the lesser of the two evils I am hoping the Shrieking Princess can pull it out (as stated in my earlier post) but either way the tennis gods will be slightly more at peace.

The mens side has a couple of great stories and just as a good matches in store as well. Novak "Nole" Djokovic dispatched the hometown favorite, Hewitt, meaning that only the good guys are left in the tourney. Blake will face the Fed who should be newly determined to reassert himself as the firm number one. Djokovic will face the spanish grinder Ferrer, but with his sturdy play should be able to pull of a 4 sets or less win. Tsonga, the for sure break through player of the tournament will play a sometimes beautiful player in the Russian Youznhy that could be another great late night match (gonna set the DVR extra long for this one). Nadal is playing no one of consequence and should make it easily into the semis.

Only a few more days of this before my nights are empty again. Havent decided if that is a good or bad thing yet. But I will let you know in about 4 days!

Will try to recap day 9 before day 10 starts but makin no guarantees here!

Aussie Open: Day 6 Recap

2008-01-19T14:09:00.000-05:00

Its the weekend down under and mother nature conspired to ruin tennis, but the Aussie Open unlike the other tournies has two roofed courts to ensure play continues. What an AMAZING day of tennis it was. Play did not finish for the day until 4:30am in Melbourne!
The Tennis Reel:

Though play took place all day on Rod Laver and Vodofone Arenas the action was pretty mundane. The women's side had two "major" upsets with the Spanish Russian and Chakvedatze going down in straight sets to fledgling opponents. With The Goddess dominating the talented Indian, Mirza, the rest of the women's matches that got on court were pretty mundane.
As a side note, how exciting is it that they are providing coverage of the women's doubles match The Diva and The Goddess have been playing? Watch out field, they have two titles as a team already, looks like three is a serious possibility.

If your even the slightest bit of a tennis fan you know of the theatrics of the night on the men's side. The formerly untouchable, unless its on clay against Nadal, FedEx was pushed to a super long super thrilling 5th set. So amazing! Tipsaravic, an unsung Serbian grabbed the control from Federer and was the aggressor for the majority of the match. In the end after the longest match of Federer's career that wasn't in a final he pulled out the win. Later that night Baghdatis and Hewitt had another thriller setting two records for Grand Slam matches along the way: latest start at 11:45pm and latest finish at 4:30 am. A true test of endurance and stamina, Baghdatist gave Hewitt everything he had but in the end, the heart and hometown crown would pull their favorite son through to the next round.

Hopefully there is more good tennis in store for week two of the tournament as nothing but the best of the best are left. I cant wait for the action and drama.

Aussie Open: Day 5 Recap

2008-01-18T10:47:00.000-05:00

I think Steve Tignor over at Tennis Magazine summed it up best, in his post Late Night Blues, when talking about the adventure Aussie Open watching can be:

"Did I say I liked watching the Aussie Open at all hours? Can I revise that statement? It’s not that I don’t like it, exactly, but it does kinda get in the way.
If you're out at dinner past 10... you’ve missed a good three hours of banter between Martina Navratilova and Bill Macatee. Or if you need to get to work at a respectable hour, forget about taping and seeing all of [the late late matches]. I’m not complaining, just scrambling to find a way to fit all this tennis—as well as a good, old-fashioned mace job in the stands—into my routine."

Truer words could not have been written. As I left for work this morning, The Roddick v. Kohlschreiber match was still on LIVE and would not finish until almost 10am EST! The dissapointing part of it is that as a unabashed Roddick (The Fratboy) hater, I would have loved to see him get demolished at the hands of the "talented" shot makig German.

Alas, on with the rest of the recap...

Another night, means another Williams sister match and tonight The Diva showed up on court and ushered the hard hitting, fleet of foot Belerusian out of the tournament. One break in each set was that was accomplished, but it was enough and Serena kept the errors down and moved well.

Mauresmo continued her abysmal free fall from the upper echelons of tennis with ouster at the hands of hometown favorite, Australian Casey Dellacqua.

The Little Bitch That could was pushed, by the fun Italian Francesca Schiavone, but pulled off another straight sets victory. I am hoping her and the Shrieking Princess cross paths in the quarters and that the Shrieking Princess emerges victorious. (Lesser of two evils) However, should TLBTC make it to the semis and the The Diva did too, I am confident the result will be different than the last three times.

Other big names made it through in pretty simple fashion as well - The Eldest Serbian Vitch, The Czech Beauty, and of couse The Shrieking Princess

The mens side provided more excitement with the aforementioned Roddick lost. Always good news for a tournament if you ask me. Mikhail Youzhny and Nikolay Davydenko both pulled off wins but American Mardy Fish will have to pack his bags for Florida now.

One of the best stories of the tournament has to be Jo-Wilfred Tsonga. He is and athletic French player whose biggest win to date was against Murray in the first round. I love to watch him play cause he enjoys it so much. Last year he was sent home by Roddick (ugh) but if things keep going well for him, he could be this year's Aussie Baghdatis or Gonzalez.

Friday night means I will have to decide between tennis and being social, but the DVR will be set to record the Mirza vs. The Goddess match (a battle of big hitters; Mirza's forehand is amazing) as well as the Baghdatis, Hewitt Grinder.

Tennis, I will be sad when you leave me again.

Aussie Open: Day 3 & 4 Recap

2008-01-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

Things have been hectic this week so as a result I have been behind with my updates this entire week. As I recap day 3 at the open I am watching the day 4 matches, what am I gonna do about it, so sue me. I am working two jobs and trying to be social, its not easy!

The biggest match of the day was a night match between the Comeback Mom and The Shrieking "Princess". Unfortunately the outcome wasnt what I hoped and I will have to endure at least one more round of her ear drum ripping squeals.

Other matches included a win by Roddick, easy wins by The Diva and The Little Bitch That Could. With so many seeds holding true to form, there hasnt been alot of excitement in the first week of tennis and I refuse to bore with the meaningless details. Robredo was the only seeded male to fall, and at the hands of American Mardy Fish no less, while Swiss Patty Schnieder tumbled to a lower opponent as well.

Day 4 Matches:
The Goddess
The Spanish Russian
The Czechian Beauty (Vaidasova)
FedEx vs the Magician (could be a good one)

::Update:: I realized after putting up what I thought was 'day 4' that I had somehow jumbled things all up and skipped a day somewhere or combined two days. Anyway, corrections have been attempted, but the past is behind me and thats where its staying. Ill do better next time

Aussie Open: Day 2 Recap

2008-01-15T23:58:00.000-05:00

The "Happy Slam" is two days done and going pretty much on course. I know that it would cost a few thousand bucks to get there and enjoy the event, but I would gladly trade the cold windy days here in the Cap City for the warm summer days Down Under.

A few upsets on both sides of the draw but still nothing big yet.

Women:
The Goddess pulled through with a decent win again a double fisted Chinese opponent. She is in great shape, and I hate picking against her sister The Diva, but I think she has a good shot at the title. The Younger Serbian Vic thrummed her opponent and the Spanish Russian was decisive in her victory as well.

The Diva is back tonight, along with the headline night match of The Shrieking "Princess" vs. The Comeback Mom. I might wake up early to catch this one live.

Men:
The Djoker and the Fed won easily against non-formidable opponents, no stomach problems stopping him today.

Hmm, there are no big name men playing today. Or at least none that I really care about. You want the up to the minute info check out ESPN2 or the Tennis Channel. Off to more tennis viewing.

Aussie Open: Day 1 Recap

2008-01-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the current seeding system, the first week of the Grand Slams can be pretty boring. With 32 seeds, the top players dont face "real" danger until 3rd or forth round. The exception to the rule however tends to be the Australian Open; as the first big tournament of the year, players arent always in the best shape or mentally prepared for what is ahead. And on with the recap we go.

Women's recap:
Holding to form all of the big name women made it through to the next round. Decisive wins came off the rackets of both The Diva and The Little Bitch That Could.
Match of the day on the women's side has to go to surging teen Paszek of Austria and the eldest of the The Serbian Vitches. After 3 hours, 3 set, and countless breaks of serve, the Serb pulled out the win in some thrilling tennis. Her prospects dont look good for the rest of the tournament due to the back and leg injuries she will have to battle along with the person across the net.
Matches for tonight include The Goddess, and The Spanish Russian: Kutzy.

Men's Recap:
Unlike the women, the men's side had some upsets and some real challenges one day into the tournament. The Scott: Murray got ousted by French stud Tsonga and Moya got bounced by an Austrian Journeyman (hoping to catch the former on Tennis Channel today). Nadal was pushed hard while Gasquet and Nadal had relatively easy wins.
Matches tonight from The Djoker, The Aussie Asshole (Hewitt), The Fed, The Argentine Crusher (Nalbandian), and The Harvard Scholar (Blake).

With such a full night of tennis, not sure how I will get anything productive done, but life will be there after the open.

When does sharing someone become competing for their attention?

2008-01-13T13:37:00.001-05:00

All relationships are give and take - friendships, marriages, kinships - they have to be in order for them to work. Going into a relationship knowing balance is necessary can prevent some of the pain that is often associated with relationships. When we were kids we tended to horde our friends and hated sharing them with anyone; as we grew older most of learned that it was impossible to be the center of everyone's universe (some people still havent gotten the message however). The problem becomes however, how much sharing is too much? When it comes to relationships, serious or not, when is it ok to say I'm sharing you too much?

In my relationships, I have always been more that willing to share the people with whom I associate; i like to think I do a good job picking my friends and if they are good enough for me, other people should be able to benefit from there company as well. My problem comes when I have to share someone with material things. Hobbies are healthy, but when they become obsessions and affect our relationship is when I don't have time. I don't need to share you with with your car, your house, or your internet addiction. If you are not smart enough, mature enough, or aware enough to realize that what you are doing is wrong then we need to move on.

I am not going to compete for attention.

MTV Why Must You Lure Me Back???

2008-01-12T21:47:00.001-05:00

I thought I had gotten to a point where I would no longer watch your mindless programming. I thought I had matured to a point where there was nothing you could do to get me to watch what has to be programming geared towards 17 year olds. Then you do this:

and even worst you do this:

The Gauntlet and Making the Band!! You know I have no self control when it comes to these shows, one a dramatic social trainwreck the other self promotion at its best. Now I will have to watch you twice a week for an hour each ensuring my brain will start to leak out my head again. Chain me to the couch and hit me in the head with a mallet why dont you?!?!?!?

THANKS. :-(

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie....

2008-01-12T19:22:00.000-05:00

Oy, Oy, Oy!

As a tennis fan these are the events that you look forward to. Being there to see it in person, but the next best thing is catching it live on TV for sure. Labeled as the "most fun" Slam, the Aussie Open starts tomorrow night locally (Monday morning in Australia) and it could be one of the best slams in a long time.

As each Slam comes around I like to express my hopeful out comes; they aren't predictions cause they often err on the side of long shots, but thats the beauty of being a fan and doing this for fun.

Women:
The usual suspects of the last year are back and looking strong --- The Williamses: The Diva and The Godess ( I dont think it should be hard to discern which is which), The Serbian Vics, The Little Bitch That Could (Henin), and The Shrieking "Princess" (Sharapova).
A potential interesting matche would be the second rounder between TSP and former Australian Open winner Lindsay Davenport (The Comeback Mom). Agnes Savay has great game and could create problems with the legion of young players emerging from eastern Europe. I think Mauresmo had her moment of superiority and will fade from here, and Kutzy will just under perform as usual.

I would love to see an all Williams Final, and thanks to some decent play last year their rankings would allow for it.

Men:
A little more stable than the women's draw, serious male contenders are few and far between --
The Master/FedEx, The Spanish OCD Bull, the Djoker and maybe Roddick. However there are a few youngin hoverin right below these guys who could finaly show us what they got.

I think this is Djokic's tournament to lose but Fed is going to put a fight on his way to eternal greatness.

What will transpire? Not Sure, but believe that the next two weeks I will be GLUED to the television in my free time.

A Life Affirmation

2008-01-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

Inspiration can come in different forms; tonight it comes via another blogger. Her words

A Post Like No Other?!?!

2008-01-04T13:45:00.000-05:00

Unlikely, I am sure. Today the media and bloggers alike will be all abuzz with the news from last nights Iowa Caucuses. Coming as a shock to many, Barack Obama took Iowa by storm and blew his competition out of the water. After years of social strife and interracial unease, is the country ready for this change?

My celebratoy dance (its the Carlton) might be a tad bit preemptive due to the forthcoming primaries in other states and how quickly things can change in politics, but I don't care. Tonight history was changed in a positive way. Everyone says we should "look pass the color of [the] skin, but instead at the content of [the] character", but this is America and I know the truth. That is why tonight I dance; a black man is one real step closer to a nomination for presidency. I am so excited I can barely contain myself.

Blog Merger Creates Synergys

2008-01-04T10:49:00.000-05:00

To understand everything that is taking place in my head you might have to go around in circles before arriving at a final destination.

Today after much frustration I have decided to streamline the dissemination, of my thoughts, to the masses. Up till this point I was completing and monitoring two different blogs. Why do I have two blogs you ask? Well that is a long story in and of itself that made me think about something I learned in college....

I can clearly remember sitting in my Marketing 340 class being distracted by Jorge and what other "shiny objects" crossed my path, when we discussed diffusion. The topic was interesting so I decided to pay attention to what was taking place. After 10 minutes discussing the various stages, I came to a self-realization; as a consumer and in life I was a member of the 'early majority'. Nothing life-altering or earth shattering, but at least there was a name for people like me. I hated thinking of myself as a 'follower' of anyone else, but who was I kidding; I lead alot subtler than most, and was damn fine with that.

....anyway getting back on track to the story of two blogs. I started my primary blog because my best friend Monkey had one herself and suggested it as a good means to self-medicate while far away from my family; that was a little over 2 years ago. It rarely served its purpose till a few months later when life threw some curveballs at me and I needed some place to talk about it and save for future reflection. I never loved the site but it served its purpose and quite a few friends had it so it was easy to keep up with the goings on.
This blog was started for similar reasons. After graduation I moved back to DC and made some new friends that I could play tennis and hang out with on a regular basis. C.Heights, one of the newly acquired friends, had alot on his mind and was frustrated with aspects of his life so I passed my friend Monkey's advice on to him, "blog about it". He chose this site because of its affiliation with all that is Google and I created an account to keep up. While I was at it I couldn't resist the temptation to have another blog. And that is how one blog grew to two.

Thanks to my frustrations with my other blog I have decided to cut ties with it for now and attempt to merge the two. I will try to connect the two but I dont know how seamless the integration will be. The synergy created by the merger will benifit all parties involved.

Feel free to look at the posts below and see the evolution that took place. I will decide how best to integrate the odl stuff from the other blog. Let me know what you think.

Can you sit still for one second Dammit!?!?

2008-01-02T16:57:00.000-05:00

I know this aint breaking news to no one unless you dont know me, but I have a hyperactivity issue. I know it aint ADD or ADHD or any other acronym-ed "disorder", I just got the "jitters". If I put serious effort into it I can be a somewhat normal (you cant erase 23 years of nature and nurture with out some serious medicine, therapy, torture or combination of the three so yall are stuck with me till then) well adjusted 23 year old, but alot of the time I can come off as a smart 16 year old on speed. I know that is a kind of blessing because it helps to off-set my ravenous appetite (Lord, please help me when my metabolism slows down. I dont want to be a 300 Lb. man like my father) and makes me alot more interesting to hang out with, but damn I know it gets annoying sometimes even to me.

How many blogs do I start with the desire to discuss one thing, only to be inspired to write something else half way through? Lets just say there is a good thing there is a private feature on xanga. This year I resolve to grow a little more and try to "slow the fuck down" as my father would say. If only I could clear the clutter in my head, I might start making sense more often.

O well its kicked in again and I am tired of this post. On to other shiny objects

Another Day in the Life....

2008-01-02T02:26:00.000-05:00

...another year gone by. What would be a year's end without a little reflection? I wish I had the ability to reflect comparatively from year to year in my life, but large swaths of time elude me. Despite this I can say with confidence that 2007 has to have been in the Top 5 of greatest years of my life; this is largely attributed to how much growth I believe occurred during the year. I dont want this to get boring so you get '07 in a nutshell:

The year started with a job hunt and some temp work, it ended with me landing a new job and holdin down 3 gigs to get by and get the things I need/want. I ran the marathon like I said I would even if I didnt do it faster than Oprah. I moved closer towards my goal of moving to Spain in 2010 by improving my Spanish and acquiring my passport. I threw down in the kitchen too, mastered a meatloaf and a Cheescake.

I dont think I started out the year wanting to meet new people but I definitely made some life long friends and worked on relationships that I hope to have forever. It wouldnt be friendship without some trials and tribulations but the real ones are there in the end and I think I did a damn good job of picking them.

Whats in store for 2008? I am not sure, but I am hoping to maintain the balance in my life I have had over the past year. I will resolve to go out and eat more often, I am content to eat at home but there is so much I can get out hanging with friends and enjoying new culinary experiences. I am going to work on being less self-centered and openly opinionated so that I might be a better more supportive friend. Other goals include working on upping my tennis game, maybe enter a tournament by the years end.

I will continue the struggle to further separate myself from my parents financially so that I can ignore them when I want to which as it turns out is pretty often. Love em to death, but I need my space. Today my mom threatened to disown me cause she hadnt seen me. I saw her last night and everyday for 9 days before that. And they wonder why I am not well adjusted.

I dont need a road map for the year, I am just happy to be taking the trip.

A Positive Perspective on the Continous Debate

2007-12-17T01:36:00.000-05:00

There are a few topics that you can count on being in the forefront of news these days, war in Iraq, national health care, and of course immigration. The last topic tends to garner the widest range of opinions and generates the most heated debates. I understand why its such a heated debate, its hard to peg down what is the best option for this issue. Its always interesting to see where people stand on the spectrum and I was excited to see that there was a feature opinion in this weekend's Washington Post. The writer acknowledges both sides of the debate, makes a personal connection to this issue and then offers a couple solid ideas on how to fix the "problem". They are not the perfect solution, but they are starting points and that is better then the current position we are in.

I will refrain from exerting my own points opinions for a later date, so that you too can read the article with less tainted eyes (outside of your own opinion). I want to know how you feel after reading it, no judgments will be cast, but a discussion will be started. We are the future and it is our obligation to fix this "problem".

So this is how they spend tax dollars...

2007-12-12T14:47:00.000-05:00

This week I started a new job with the General Services Administration, Office of the Inspector General as a Management Analyst and now I know why the govt takes so much damn money out of my check every pay period. I have an all expense paid trip for a a week of orientation and training in Annapolis at the Marriott with a room to myself. I know its not exatly a $600 toilet seat but I got some number flyin through my head. Now imagine that on a state and federal government wide level.

Yeash.

The job is promising and that is exciting. I feel bad leaving my co-workers in the hell hole I escaped from, but we cant all be Harriett Tubman. I am doin my best impression though by staying on with the company part time so I dont make their jobs any worst than they already are. My hope is that it doesnt become overwhelming and that I can pay off some bills in the process: High interest credit cards first, and then moving on to the student loans....Thanks for the deliverance.

::UPDATE:::The pics of the room are below. The room was great. Wouldnt you know that the weather would get nice the day we leave. Cruel, cruel world!

Another one bites the dust...

2007-12-09T00:31:00.000-05:00

Almost a full year has passed since I graduated from college and moved into the world of working. At the time it was very exciting and terrifying all the same. The key was to find a job that was related to the experience and knowledge that I had gained and be useful. Coworkers would be great, as would paid bills, but the focus was becoming a positive contributor to the workforce and the US GNP.

I started my first "real" job in April after spending a little time relaxing, and a couple months temping. DSA Inc. A information technologies company that contracted for the federal government. My duties as a "travel coordinator" would be to facilitate the extradition of illegal, and mostly dangerous, aliens. The job seemed interesting, the hours were flex, the work simple, and the people okay. This was going to be a great experience.

Time passed and the bitter taste in the mouths of most of the employees about increased responsibilities but not increased compensation would wear. The "happy-go-lucky" person that many of you knew and loved would disappear for stints, in his place was a very embittered cynical asshole. Through it all I did my job, cause thats how I was raised. And if I may say so, I did a damn good job. Diligence and hardwork is rewarded and it is with that belief I carried on each day.

My exit came up quicker than I had originally anticipated, but it is accepted all the same. I will be escaping the confines of contract hell and moving to the green pastures of fed. gov. Since I have known my entire demeanor at work changed. I wish I could start an underground railroad of my own and get the others out, but I will tread lightly till I know what the deal is.

News did break that I will be working part time, so I might be getting less sleep in the coming months but at least those bills will keep getting paid. A couple nights of celebrating were appreciated. Thursday night's Holiday Party with the cous, and last night I drank for 12 hours and didn't throw up or end up spooning a shower curtain. Last night's discoveries:I am uncomfortable being a token in a bar full of drunk people ( No Lucky Bar for me) There is someone that walks faster than meI can moderate myself and have a great time in the process.

The night didn't end on the note I had hoped but "you win some, you lose some" but you keep fight cause dying is not an option.

An Ode to My Friends

2007-12-05T13:53:00.000-05:00

With my newly reduced workload in the waning days of my job, I had time to be inspired to express to my good friends out there how I feel about our relationship. Yall know who you are, and though I didn't say it during our "Day of Thanks", please know that I am thankful everyday for your presence in my life....

Yesterday you just wanted to talk with me
But I was “busy” and you know how my life can be
So then you said “just hit me up later on”
“Nothing really important, we can catch up when you’re done”

So now you got me wondering if something was goin on
And I become consumed with how bad of a friend I can be
But then again you titan’t really sound bad/mad/sad
Could’fe been bored and just needed some time pass

Though my whole world won’t stop for you
Cause you’re my friend I'll do all that I can do
And I appreciate how you respect my ways
But every now and then I’ll need you to put me in my place

If there’s anything that you want, you need
Don’t be afraid to ask cause you’re my friend
I will always have your back through times thick and thin
I am glad to have you as a friend

The Love "Bug"

2007-12-05T02:11:00.000-05:00

We are 23 year old young professionals with college educations; we are largely independent, socially nimble, and professionally driven. At what point did we become romantically consumed? It is like the frickin plague around here. There was a time when so many of us were content with our romantic independence, now everyone is "looking for love". I have nothing against having someone to share time with or shower emotions upon, but is it a switch that clicks on around age 23? Or is it now that we have started completing many of the other things dictated as normal by society, we now feel the need to move on to the next logical goal, finding a partner? At 23 is our biological clock ticking that much louder, or is our brain picking up on pheromone that previously went unnoticed? Will we spend the rest of our 20's looking for love, or is this "bug" beatable?

Sporting Epiphany

2007-12-04T22:33:00.000-05:00

This evening I realized that I didn't have to focus this blog so narrowly. There are so many more things that can be covered in the space than my tennis experience. I can cover my second love running, and why not all things sports related while I am at it. I know in the future it would be cool to reflect on my athletic experience.

Firstly, though in the days following my running of the 32nd Annual Marine Corps Marathon I was grossly unsatisfied with my accomplishment, I have now accepted the event for what it really was: a monumental undertaking that I completed. From New Years Resolution to Registration in May, Training all summer, and the Running on Halloween weekend. I made a promise to myself and I followed through.

As a competitive person it sucks to take more time than Oprah to complete a marathon, but in the grand scheme of things who gives a shit? This was for me, I did this so that I could prove to myself it could be done, that I could put my mind to something and see it through. This wasnt the Clarinet in 7th grade, or CYO Basketball in the 8th. This was running in the prime of my physical ability and I could do this.

I beat myself up a little after the race and swore that I would do it again, only next time I would do it better. This despite my initial promise to myself I would only subject my body to this grueling task once. I knew my body needed a break from most physical activity to fully recuperate.

Last week I jumped back on the horse because running isnt just what I do to stay fit, its what I enjoy when the world starts to weigh on me. I know the escape is temporary, but its also euphoric. I am not one of those people who clears their minds while they run either; I process. Constantly. I take in my surrounding, the people, places and things I pass. Events of my past and future. The big picture, grand scheme of things, meaning of life. It all passes through my head. While at the same time keeping pace with "4 My People" by Missy Elliott.

The only downside to running is that it is hard on my genetically predisposed to damage knees. The constant pounding of my foot to the ground puts unnecessary amounts of pressure on my knee. Currently my left one is giving me some problems. I am working with my stride some to see if that can help to lessen the pain, but ultimately I think I will need to see a doctor, maybe even start wearing a knee brace for support. Step one will be to get a new pair a shoes and then to keep on running.

Thank God for my health.

Just Remember to Breath

2007-12-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

Saturday at 330pm and I am starting to let some of my thoughts overwhelm me. These arent thoughts of life or death, financial stability or morally bearing; no these are mostly trivial issues that I am instead focusing on. A classic case of "making a mountain out of a mole hill." Whenever this feeling overcomes me I like to turn to music for solace.

A favorite song that helps in times like this is Singing My Song performed by Christina Aguilera. I know this is not the most masculine song, but I can accept that because it is uplifting and calms me down. I know I have quoted the song wrong but when I first heard it seemed so true, when everything in life gets you down "just remember to breath". In the end for the grace of God things will work themselves out.

I know I have divulged this to some if not all, but sometimes I feel the need to cry, just cause. Bambi's mom getting shot usually works for me, but occasionaly triumphs of the human spirit do it as well. I feel one of those moments coming on so I am gonna take some "me" time and let it out. I dont have much energy or motivation today and I am gonna enjoy being alone for the moment. Its just a mood, I am ok, dont worry about me and dont feel bad. Equate it to how some people have to smoke a cigarette after a bad day, even though they are not smokers.

Fix Me

2007-11-27T16:24:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been doing a lot more thinking than I had in previous months. (I think I might be finally coming out of my "I am not in college and therefore no longer need to ponder" phase, which is kinda refreshing.) Par for the course, my entire world influences what I am pondering at the moment; you know, you typical cause and effect rule. Today's thoughts have been consumed with me as a person.

I like to believe that I am a fairly reflective person, I try to step back from time to time and look at the "man in the mirror", just so I can see what other people do. I wouldn't want to walk around my entire life with my head up my ass. Besides, I feel, that only through self analysis and reflection am I truly able to be the best person I can be.

There are certain things that I know to be true about myself that I have come to accept and even appreciate to some degree; there are other things that I have worked diligently to change or have changed as part of my natural growth. For instance, I know that I was ANNOYING AS HELL when I was younger, it wasn't a conscious decision to be annoying and there was no epiphany about the whole thing, but as I got older I realized I had annoying personality. (Everybody I know telling me so might have been a clue too.) With age I made conscious efforts to be less annoying, temper myself, "act civilized", but as I aged I also know that maturity came as a natural part of my growth. Please do not get me wrong, I know there are times to this day when I am still ANNOYING AS HELL, but I would like to think I have changed for the good.

The problem I have with my self reflection/analysis is I don't know when to stop. Where do you draw the line at qualities to keep and ones to change. Is it possible to be take a real look and not hate yourself in the end. Inevitably there is always someone who doesn't like some part of you, mind, body or soul, whose advice and direction do you take. This is where my relationship waters get murky. I don't think I trust people and I keep distance between myself and friends. There is not one person on this earth that I feel 100% comfortable being myself around. I even keep me from me.

I think this winter I am going to spend alot of time rebuilding me. This isn't like one of those remodels you see on HGTV where they gut the whole house. I liken it to an episode of "What Not to Wear" on one of those women's channels; I am getting rid of all the shit in my "wardrobe" that isn't flattering, keep the pieces that are good for me, and try to add something new and appropriate for who I want to be. Not who I want to portray, who I actually want to be. In reality there are far too many things about myself that I would like to see changed, so I am gonna be reasonable about it; mostly cause things like stopping driving and becoming a vegetarian don't seem practical to me.

Yes this reflection always saddens me to some degree, and end up being a tad dramatic about the state of things, but I will be ok. Dr. Xanga is gonna help me through this and I will be better because of it. Don't worry peeps, this isn't a sex change operation, just a touch up here and there.

MY PASSPORT to Freedom...

2007-11-26T00:58:00.000-05:00

Over the Thanksgving weekend I got my US Passport. This is great; I can now travel anywhere in the world at a moments notice and I just might take myself up on that offer. I would love to use it before next May, when I plan on road tripping to Canada, but due to a lack of leave and funds, that might not be possible. This is so exciting! I dont know what else to say but....YAAAAAAAAY! I really want to get on a plane and go international, mught have to check the rates and see what is out there. so many thoughts. yeash

The Power of the P-U-P-P-Y...

2007-11-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

...or Puppy Love. Whichever you want to call it, doesnt matter to me cause, the result is the same. I dont know what it is about "man's best friend" but I cant get enough of them. I knew that having a dog is something that would be rewarding and filling in my life, but I also knew that as a "young professional" with limited funds and limited free time it wouldnt be fair to either one of us to right now. Even more so than a child, owning a puppy is a real commitment cause at no point in there life are they able to provide care for themselves; this is a bond that is forged from adoption/life to death. The dog walking gig while time consuming is fufilling and it pays (rather well during holidays). These are just some of the pooches I have walked.

They range from caffinee crazed psychos to geriatric furballs, and I love them all. I think a dog will be good when I move to Spain cause I dont think that I am adventerous enough to just go out and meet people. Plus I can practice my Spanish with it.

As I Am...

2007-11-23T14:56:00.001-05:00

Alicia Keys - Like You'll Never See Me Again video (Common)
Uploaded by heyrox

This will be an evolving posts as I profess my love for the album and Alicia Keys as an artist over the remainder of the day. The video above is for the latest single and I know why DD likes the song; the music and the lyrics are on point and in a time of over produced and edited sounds the rawness I realieving. No her voice isn't perfect, but if MJB can make a ton of albums screaming her heart away, so can Ms. Keys. The video is a visual treat, especially since Ms. Keys is in it.

For now I think I will spend the rest of today at work watching this on some type of loop. Look for the updates tonight if you peep this early in the day.

UPDATE:

I know this is later than I had originally planned but I have finally found the time to continue gushing about the newest auditory pleasure. As I Am. The album is mostly a great listen. As I stated above, I know that the vocals are stretched in places, but that is what makes it beautiful; she is not screaming or hollaring, she is belting from deep within the emotions that she has. As is the American way I have tried my best to rank the songs in order of my preference
Where Do We Go From Here
I Need You
Lesson Learned
Wreckless Love
Like You'll Never See Me Again
No One
The Thing About Love
Go Ahead
Superwoman
Sure Looks Good To Me
Prelude to a Kiss
Teenage Love Affair
Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)
...The first five are really a toss up on any given day depending on my mood. Props to you Ms. Keys, you have a fan in me, even if you arent single and writing on the floor half naked simulating sex for my visual pleasure. This album makes me so happy to listen to I cant even formulate supporting evidence for my statement; I dont care what other people think of it or me for liking it. I am not stopping my auditory love affair for anyone! (I will refrain from typing the lyrics to the track from the album that would so aptly fit right here)

who am I kidding

People keep talking, they can say what they like...
No one can get in the way of what I am feeling...
No one can get in the way of what I feel for you....