So many good things

have been happening as of late. Its definitely because I am appreciating the little things more these days, got accept my blessings whatever form they come in, you dont send gifts from Dios back.

Aside from work still not being my dream job, yesterday was a GREAT day! The French Open is on TV and I rose early specifically to watch it. Gracias Dios por el Chanel Del Tenis! In the early evening I had a tennis meeting so I was lookin forward to that. Got there and ended up hitting with someone else who was just waiting around for someone to hit with. He was pretty good, so we exchanged info so that we could get together again. The guy I was supposed to meet showed up so I hit with him for a little and then we played a set. I won because he was rusty and unable to move very well, he was overweight and a smoker, ha. Anyway thats all for now. I am sure there is more I was thinkin at the time I started, but you know me and my ADD. Peace

Tis the end

to many things, but foremost it is the end of a good weekend. Went to Georgetown last night and hit up a few of the bars ran into a few harrin. It was an all around good time. Despite my best efforts I was unable to injure myself so that I might take pictures of it and post them on facebook for all to see. HAHAHAHA. Te Amo Mono!

Spent alot of time with the family this weekend and I think that made my father immensly happy. He wont say it but he gets all mopey when I dont come around. I also played tennis twice and stood someone up for tennis once, oops. Lots of eating took place on my behalf, but I did run 8 miles on Saturday morning before I played tennis for two hours so I think I have the calories to spare.

Moving forward slowly in getting things together in my life. I think I told myself I was going to get my resume together today for my push to get a part time job with a hotel, but that didnt happen and I think I will watch a movie tonight to cap things off. Rising early (5am) so that I can catch some live tennis coverage, ROLAND GARROS! If I knew French I would say something fun in it.

Thats it for now. Peace

The Circle of Life

exists even for iPods. The death of one iPod (color/photo) has restored life to a previous generation. My first iPod has started working again out of the kindness of its cold metalic heart. How long will the new found life last, I am not sure, but I do know training for this marathon will suck should it die. Though my means do not necessarily allow it, I think its time to invest in the next generation of Apple. This time I will be fully protected. Should this beloved buddy decide to get sick, best believe I will be taking him in for a check up, quick, fast and in a hurry.

Theres nothing like

talking about finances with a friend to make you realize how broke you are. I wish I had something more poetic to say but I really dont. I will fight the battle as long as I can, but I think it is a lost cause. I am afraid that I will eventually have to get a credit card to survive. Yes this basically means I am living outside of my means, but tell me how that is any different from at least half of the US right now.

There is a struggle taking place that goes unmentioned. The struggle to stay afloat in a capitalist, consumer-driven, materialistic society. Who are the Jonse's and why do we strive so to achieve this "idealistic" state of life. Can we not be satisfied by the wealth we have in natural resources, family and friends. I realize the true solution to my problem is to shed myself of my material needs, much easier said than done.

Things arent much better

this morning. The cacophonous noise of the city in the morning, the sound of its cars, people and life in general is poison when compared to the joyous tunes and sweet melodies that once filled my ears. Why must my iPod continue to forsake me? Did I not show it love, care and devotion? Did I not elevate its status as a friend above real human connection. Now at a time of greatest need it has deserted me again, leaving me to wallow in the harsh real world with nothing to motor my day. No theme music for me. Has the end of my random street grooving been brought to an end. Will prayer resuscitate the holder of my musical fortune?

The day will not be a total musical loss however; when I arrive at work I will be able to block out the dirty convos of my perverted podmate thanks-in-part to VSpot and Pandora. He is a topic for another day though, let me preview but telling you that he regular makes me want to throw up or drive the lone pen on my desk up my nose into the frontal lobe of my brain!

Back to work for now. Edits to come.

Just as things

were starting to look up, my FUCKING iPod decided to die again tonight. I swear Steve Jobs created the glorious malfunctioning pieces of machinery just to fuck with us musically dependant people. An entire week of blissful listening after its last aneurism and just as I was thinkin there was nothin but blue skies in store for the two of us, it goes fucking catatonic on me.

UUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHH. Right after I came into a collection of great new music too.

How the hell am I going to train to run a marathon without theme music. Rocky didn't run up the Philadelphia Art Museum stairs in silence. He had the bum, ba bum, ba bum behind him to push him.

The only solace I can take out of this whole damn thing is that it worked long enough for me to get my run and work out in today. Which by the way I may not have done where it not for some much needed nagging from a good friend who only wants the best for me. Just to spite them I came home and ate a huge slice of the DAMN good Pineapple filled Coconut Cake I baked. But I did resist buying the 600 calories per serving Entenman's Grand Cinnamon Buns I love so dearly when I went shopping this evening. SCORE ONE FOR THE DOMINATOR.

I know this is pathetic because its like 7 hours away but I know what I am having for breakfast and I cant wait. Toasted Bagel with Cream Cheese, Glass of OJ and Maybe a scrambled egg or two. Aside from the eggs all were purchased on this evenings shopping excursion. It was a rather productive evening. Did I mention how much I LOVE getting off work early so I can do what I want to do. And it is possible to live off of rice, noodles and oatmeal if you want to.

Thats all for now. I better go to bed before I try to dissect my good for nothing iPod. I hate my technological dependencies.

Let me catch you up

on some things that have been happening. Last time I was on here I couldnt think straight cause there was so much goin on in my head. Still tryin to put those thoughts together in an organized fashion but it is getting better.

First and foremost is my discovery of last night. Outside my window is a mini patio. All down the block people have comfy chairs for sitting and suning. Not a bad idea if I were white, but I dont know what I would look like. I have decided to use it as a city garden. I will plant some tomatos along with the rosemary tree I planted last night. My cousin gave me the great idea to put, some astroturf out there. GENIOUS. Maybe I did spend too much time in Iowa but I dont care.

Next issue: I AM HOUSE BROKE. I may live in a damn nice place but that is about all imma do. I now see why you are only supposed to spend a third of ur paycheck on rent. As a result I have thought about getting a new credit card. Some major financial decisions to make over the next couple weeks. Especially since I am still trying to add things to the apt.

Yes the last entry wasnt a lie, I am running a marathon in 5 months. Training has started but like it should. I know it is one of the goals for this year, but I am wondering if it was the best decision so far. This is going to be a major time commitment. BLAH

I dont know what else I was thinknin about, so thats enough for now. The saying is true though: "there arent enough hours in the day"

How long

will my training last. It started this morning with a 7am run I think it was about 3 miles and it took me about 45 mins. The plan is to get up every morning and run before work and then every evening play tennis, weather permitting of course. Why so much activity you ask, its mostly cause I am worried about ending up like the rest of my family. Plus I have so many goals that I am trying to achieve.What a hectic thing...so much going on in my mind I cant think straight enough to write in this...ah...maybe clearier thoughts will come in thr future.

Joy to the world

for I have theme music again. How long will it last this time I am not sure. I will be so happy tomorrow morning on my walk to work as I listen to it. Even sans earbud for listening comfort, it will be worth it to have my music again. I am so happy. Register for the Marine Corps Marathon tomorrow and then its 5 months of training till the completion of my one of my gaols for the year. Night for now

Was it...

averted? Who knows but my anger has been abated for the time being. I found the best way to address the situation without being overly aggressive or confrontational. I mentioned that I was angered by the situation and how it had caused me stress and prevented me from sleeping when I wanted to. Apologies were emoted and the surging anger continue to subside. The reading of the email was not brought up because I felt that no positive would come of it. Per my grandfather's suggestion I put a password on my computer, so that would prevent such future situations. Only time will tell the true ramifications of the incident, but near future plans include the purchase of a personal computer, so as to not be "reli[ant] on others."

I think I did a pretty damn good job of controlling my emotions and using problem solving skills I was taught to handle the situation. Sure it would have felt better at the moment to yell and pee on a toothbrush, but we cannot live for a moment of pleasure if it will mean an hour of pain.

Only two more days to my much anticipated reunion with pals at school. Means 4 nights of fun, and though some believe I have a drinking problem, I will stay well within my means and try not to injure myself. Or at least I wont tell them about it if I do. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!!! HA! Paz y amor mi gente. Gracias por su adviso

So annoyed

after having a good night. I come home to find that my cousin and new roomie has been on my computer cause we have no cable cause she is too lazy to call the cable guy and get it hooked up. Using my computer without asking is not a big deal, after all I do have a younger brother and it wouldnt be the first time it had happened. What is annoying and pissing me off at the same time is that she read my email in the process of using my computer. Now I WOULD NEVER EVER read her email let alone use something of hers without asking. I am considering peeing on her toothbrush and takin a dump on her bed. I am tired and I cant even get to sleep cause I am so pissed off at the situation. I know she read the email because it was sent at 630 tonight when I was playin tennis and unable to check my email, but it said it had been read. Plus she signed into limewire and messed around with AIM. Should I confront her on the issue or should I just be vindictive and read her emails since I know the password. Weigh in on this people, I need some help cause I am too angry to think straight right now!
LORD HELP ME

Moving

sucks. Now I remember why I hated it doing it twice a year for the past four years. I thought I had it bad when I had to move in the dorm with the little bit of furniture that I had. Trying moving into an apt. there are so many things to be responsible for. While I am happy to be in the situation that would garner such responsibility, it would be nice if I could just snap my fingers and everything would be done. The big task at hand will take place on Sunday. Fortunate for me I have a cousin that is willing to help with the move-in. Some of the stuff wont be so bad, but there is this one piece of furniture that I am dreading.

Lots of things that I am in the process of rebuying because my move across country saw me donate most of everything I owned. trip to Target tonight to procure some items, maybe Home Depot as well, depends on the time. I am going to miss living con mi abuelos, perro soy bien.(I have been delinquent in my studies, so I felt obligated to do that part)

Thats it for now.

I GOT A HOME

Thats right, I have an apt now. Cant go into details now, but more are to come. Just wanted to put it out there. Check the pics below if you havent done so yet. Keep eyes and ears posted about house warming party.

Nothin like a run

I did it and it felt great. Came home today and ran. 16 & Roxanna --> 16th & Van Buren --> 3rd & Van Buren --> Eastern Ave --> 16th & Roxanna. Dont know the distance but it took me about 50 mins so I am guessin about 3 miles. It did everything I hoped for: got my mind of a few things and helped to burn so much needed calories. I have been feeling quite lethargic. Working out once a week is not enough for me, way too much energy. Besides I have a marathon I am training for. Unfourtunately once the run was over and all washing was done, those things I was running from caught up to me...Sleep and pray on it I will. Hopefully it will all be resolved in the morning.

Peace Out Yo

Running

is good for you so thats what I am going to do. As of late I have been eating up quite a storm and not using much of the energy for good. No, I have not gained weight, but I believe I have lost fitness. I will run not only to start training for the marathon in October, but also to get things off my mind. So many things to think about over the next couple days its just easier to put on some good tunes and run until my feet are sore and my lungs burn. Maybe NYC this weekend..Day Trip. Who Knows. Only God! Out for now

Let us bow our heads

for the victims and their families of the VTech school shooting today. At least 33 people have lost their lives in another senseless act of violence. While details on the shooting are still fuzzy, what is clear is that many of these people were killed for no reason and with no provocation. I thank God that I have never had to experience such cataclysmic loss in my own life. Even if your not relegious or lack faith, have hope that those affected by this event can piece their lives back together.

More to tell about my day, but for now a moment of silence.

So many things

have changed in the few days since my last post. First my iPod has seized up and decided to die again. I am working on getting my money back or getting it fixed again for free. I was so overjoyed that it was working and then it started to freeze up and die and now it is giving me the sad iPod face again. But alas I digress from this issue, onto the good.

Things are looking up in the apt search. I went and viewed a unit on 17th and U St on Friday evening and have fallen in love with it. For starters it is a two level duplex with 2 master bedrooms and an extra half bath. The rent is $2475 a month and doesn't include utilities but does include a parking space. There is a redone kitchen, a fireplace, a small deck out back and a small perch outside the front window of the smaller master bedroom. Initially pets will not be allowed but that can be negotiated later and we would have to sign a two year lease. We will find out this week if we got the place but things are looking up due to several things that have gone our way. If we do get the place look forward to a house warming party where you will be required to bring small tokens of appreciation such as toilet paper, paper towels, dishwashing liquid and other inexpensive but necessary tokens items. I respect the fact that you're poor too. Here are some pics to wet your pallet. Say some prayers for us and I will be sure to let you know the result as soon as I do.


On another note there are several issues at the forefront of the national attention that have me concerned. This week you couldn't walk ten feet without hearing something about the "Imus story". While personally I have taken his comment and turned into a term of endearment to use on female friends(hypocritcal I know, but more on that later), I know there was no endearment as the words "them some nappy-headed hos" left his mouth. The resulting fallout is very intriguing.Should he have been fired for what he said. I don't think so. Unfortunately the ignorant bastard has some rights to free speech based on his constitutional right. The line is crossed when what is said is done so with malicious intent and creates a hostile environment. What I believe he was truly fired for was that he could no longer produce a desirable product as sponsor of the show pulled out in order not to alienate enraged consumers of their products.

On another face of the story are the "champions" of our cause Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson. In my opinion hardly moral posts to whom we should anchor ourselves as a race still looking for racial equality and progress. As one Joe r. Hicks (glad that ain't my name) of the Washington Post writes "we are confronted with the specter of individuals who have little in the way of moral credibility...no presenting themselves as arbiters of public morality and good taste in broadcasting." He could not be more dead on. These two are notorious for finding issues that have a racial tint and using it to their personal advantage for self-promotion. It was gratifying to read in the very same article that "Polls have shown that only about 2 percent of blacks view Sharpton as their leader." These are the same people who have made racially insensitive statements about Jews on two separate occasions.

The good that will arise from this incident is the attention it brings to our community on the double standards about the negative images we place on our own community. As a consumer and perpetuator of some of these negative images I am far from taking the high road on this one. "Make it Rain" is an addicitingly great song but the lyrics are far from positive. Lupe and Common are equally addicting and spin positive images of life in the community. I guess I need to make a stand.

Spotlighted again this week is the Duke Rape Case; you know the one of which I speak. All charges against the three players have been dropped due to lack of evidence. While I believe that the three young men are innocent of the crimes they were charged with, the case is still an example of privilege in America. These young men were in a situation of their own choosing. Notorious for partying and causing trouble they have little space to say they were unjustly vilified. These men could have just have easily gone to a strip club for this entertainment, if it was an absolute necessity. However this is another example of The Reverends have used an issue for their own promotion. (When will the media realize that the majority of the black community doesn't give two shits about what these men have to say?)

THE RESTORATION...

to my world. Once again I have my iPod in working order which means my musical companion will ensure I do not have to listen to stupid people on the train or sing songs that I wish I were listening to. O, boy...I can buy CDs again. O HAPPY DAY!

P.S. I baked a cake last night and it was good. my grandma said it was really good but I think that was just her being nice. Cause it was good, but I have had better (though that better wasnt made by me). However, if your a diabetic you might want to stay away from the icing, its a tad bit sweet....still workin on the spanish. Mi amigo y yo, esta hablamos el espanol en 2008

Thank God the good does not always come with the bad

Today I got some of the best news I have had in a long time. After waiting all weekend to hear, the owner of the apt we viewed last week called to inform me that she wanted to extend an offer to us. This was on top of the already good news I had received from my permanent position that they wanted me to start working on Monday. I would have my own place and I would be able to afford it. Here I am on a high of my own manufacturing, E aint got nothin on me when I am in a good mood.

Shortly after this phone call however I sank down to the low I should have known was coming. Relaying this good information to my cousin was going to be depressing cause I knew she was not very interested in the place. Though I do not agree with her reasons I at least respect her opinion and want her to feel comfortable in her life. It is number 2 on Maslow's Hieracrhy of Needs. So now I sit waiting for the call to tell me she doesnt want the place and then having to make a call of my own and tell the one lady who was willing to give us a chance that we are not interested in taking it. What I have to believe is that this is what the Lord wants from me.

If as I suspect my cous does call and tell me that she is not interested in the place, I have formulated a new plan of action. Though I dont think I will be the happiest I can at home I will suck it up and deal with it. Second part will be to put as much of my earnings as possiblt to paying off my student loans. My parents want me to save, but personally I think debt elimination is far more practical than saving. Having nothin and owing nothing is far better than having something and owing a lot. I will be no one's slave! This part of the plan calls for spending as much as half of my earning on debt repayment.

I figure the longer it takes us to look for apts and the more time I spend at home the greater desire I will have to flee this city once more. I love my family to death, but its something about living at home that just makes me want to pack up and leave. Come December, if I am still living at home dont be surprised to hear I have picked up and moved to Seattle, Austin, San Diego, Houston, or even Miami. I will miss DC but the seperation will be exhilirating.

Three more days on the temp job, hopefully some tennis this week and weekend. And onwards and upwards from there. God grant me strength, wisdom and peace. Buenos Noche Mi Gente!

What Does the Future Hold?

Today I went and looked at apts again with my cousin. And I am still in love with the place on Holmead. Here is the link if you care to look. We submitted the application today and we should find out before the weekend is over if we will have a new place to live come April 1st. I am pupmed about the possibility, but hesitant due to my recent history on applying for units. The cous is not too happy about the place for her own reasons but I think its a great place to live. O well updates to come when I get them. Weigh-in my people...what do you think?

I Did Not Lie

I told my grandparents the truth of my booboo and all was well in the Lipscomb household. Today is better as a result. Thats two things I didnt lie about. My grandfather doesnt want me to try and fix it myself cause he doesnt want more damage done, which I understand, but I wish he would let me try.

Supposed to play tennis this evening with a young lady I met through a tennis ladder so that should be fun. Barring of course that it doesnt rain. Went and looked an apt last night that I have like second most of all. Here is the order in case you were wonderin:

1341 T Street NW

3321 Holmead Place NW

1301 T Street NW

1325 13th Street NW

Google them, but if I found out that you had something to do with me not getting them "I WILL CUT YA!"

I really liked the place but there are reasons my cousin has reserves about moving in that I can understand. Here is why I am enamored with it. Two full baths. Elongated layout (bedrooms on opposite sides of the apt). City Living (imagine scenes of Brooklyn from the movies). Possibility of Pets (can you say woof or arff). Last but not least, the lady seems to want to help us get the place (I am tired of rejection).

But alas I will wait until we look at the other places to decide. Details to be divulged later. Buenos dia mi gente.

Fear of the unknown

As the day has worn by ever so slowly, I have been unable to do anything except fear the worst. I know they are only material objects but I wish so hard for the whole event to never have happened. If only I had paid attention. Right now the worst part is not knowning how bad the damage is. Will I be able to fix it? How upset will people be? How much trust will I lose as a result? Too many repercussions to think about and the stress is killing me.

This is not going to bode well for my health. I have prayed at least 100 times today that the damage isnt bad and the situation fixable. Lessons are great for the future, but in the present they suck. I am sure tomorrow will be better, but with so many things to do in the coming days I have to find time to make sure I fix these problems.

Life truly can be a house of falling cards. One piece falls out and the whole house comes down. Currently I am in a not so great streak, but I am sure that I will come through stronger than I was before. GOD superpowers or second chances would be nice right now. I just want 2 mins to do over. This morning from 8:29-8:31 ::SIGH::!

I am out for now. Will sign on tonight with an update on the whole situation. It might be a restless one!

I hate my car

because I get in so much trouble with it. Not even 2 hours into my day and already my dumbass has done something I will regret. Once again I got behind the wheel of my car and wasnt paying attention and as all you drivers out there can attest to this is a deadly combination. I was in an accident. Thats right people, count them we are at 2 self damage, 2 fender benders, and 1 junker. Three while in parking lots or parked car situations and four in the last 12 months. Laugh all you want. They were all done due to careless rushing the latest to my grandmothers car.

Today I was backing up so I could turn around to go my normal way to work and wasnt paying attention. As a result I went up under her car (she has a SUV). As a result I broke the clear plate cover she had and put some nice scratches on her car, but I dont think there were any dents. I cleaned and fled the crime scene too fast to actually know for sure. After surveying the area to make sure none of her neighbors had witnessed the incident and could report it to her before I did. My car has a nice volleyball size dent on the rear hatch and some serious scratching. UUUUGGGGHHH.

Now I know this is wrong but there were several positives I could take from this. I was blessed it was a family members car cause that allows me to correct the situation without the need for insurance and increased costs. I was happy (not really blessed) that my grandparents werent home at the time. This gives me all day to figure out my approach on telling them of my boo-boo, and do some research on how to correct the problem. Unless they discover it on their own, which is a possibility, but I am hoping they wont. I am also fortunate that I was going 5 mph or less as I hadn't pressed the gas had merely taken my foot off the break it could have been so much worst though, the slow speed is why I wasnt paying much attention in the first place. Oooooh the obscenities I shouted when I realized what happened.

So far I have found out that if things are only as bad as I think they are, It should only take about $20 and some elbow grease to erase the damage I have created to both of our cars. Most importantly hers. A little car polish and car wax, some fine grit sand paper, a damp sponge, dry towel and a lot of effort. Please pray for me that this combination of ingredients works in my favor.

I swear one of these days I am going to realize that you have to be aware 100% of the time when you're driving so I can stop getting in these stupid accidents. I know some of yall are gonna sound off on me or fear riding with em in the future with the new knowledge, and I understand. I would be scared to ride with me sometimes, if I wasnt driving.

The Search continues

and its not as fun as I hoped it would be. Who wouldve known how frickin competitive hunting for a decent place to live in the city could be. Its exciting finding places that are nice but they are ineveitbaly compared to past viewed locations. And though I doubt I will be able to afford a puppy, I no longer want to live some place where people wont tolerate pets. HELLO...Pets are known to prevent suicide amongst their owners, I think renting a place where someone blew their own brains out is alot more difficult than cleaning up any signs of animals. But thats just an opinion of mine. And dont be crazy yall I aint considering suicide.

I think my new hobby, which I fully dont have enough time for is going to the bookstore. I LOVE IT SSSSSOOOO MUCH. I would like the library equally but they never have what I want to read there. I am starting to be able to play tennis more and I am doing really well aprendido espanol. Last noche yo aprendido el parts de body. Come May 9, I am trinaing for the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28. I know its hot as hell in DC over the summer, but thats when I enjoy training cause I will run early in the morning or the evening outdoors when its not as hot, but not freezing cold like it is during the winter time.

My request still stands. Help me practice my Spanish. I am commited. Marathon and Spanish at the same time. Watch Me!

Read the fine print

Doing so can save you alot of grief in your life. While today still doesnt compare to yesterday, it just got a little shittier over my lunch break. Becuase I didnt read the fine print when I consolidated my federal unsubsidized student loans, I am now forced to start paying them back 3 months earlier than I had originally planned. That means there is an additional $146.13 a month MINIMUM that I must now come up with. That is if I want to be making that payment for the next 20.75 years and have paid almost as much in interest as the principal. Are you FUCKING KIDDING ME!!! I better make some damn good money from this fucking education. O did I mention that was just on my federal Loan. I still have a minimum payment to make on my Private Loans. I know its too late for me, and I was good about barrowing, but they really do need to have a class about financial planning and the implications connected with barrowing, I am in full support. Either that or we need to convert to a socialist republic so we can all be poor. I am tired of Paul Wall runnin around with a mouth full of diamonds while I might be subjected to eatin Ramen, and others are forced to rummage through garbage.

I am puttin every damn free dollar I can to get this debt out from under me. Any additional money that I make outside of my current salary will go towards paying off these loans. Lottery Win (unlikely) = student loans. Inheritance (Highly Unlikely) = student loans. Become rich old womans Cabana boy (possibility) = the high life. HAHAHA. Debt free living has to be far more exhilarating than a week in St. Tropex! This affirms it; I will be acquiring a second and maybe third job in the near future. Keep your eyes and ears open for night time shifts and dont be surprised if you swing by Domino's and see me making your pizza. I promise I wont include my "secret" topping with yours.