Fantasy Date Nite

As independent as I am and as much as I enjoy my single life, I would like to have a great date night. In a perfect world...(if this were a movie this is where the screen would go into a dream sequence)
I'd go over to see my boo who'd have an amazing place. When he opened the door he'd be so estastic to see me that he'd embrace me with a huge hug. I would be coming over straight from the store with fresh salad ingredients and a bottle of wine margarita ingredients. He'd have some food on the grill and have on ESPN...but on mute because he'd have his iPod on shuffle. I'd make us a couple of drinks and hop onto the counter and we'd talk about the day. When the meat and veggies were near done, I'd whip up the salad and set the table. We'd eat then clean up the kitchen a bit before relaxing. I'd take a shower and throw on one of his button down shirts and we'd have some more drinks and play a board game UNO! I'd be whipping his behind so he'd suggest a movie. We'd nestle in on the coach and watch something good...like LOVE JONES or FIGHT CLUB. Sigh....(and now the movie would return to real life.)

Declaring My Independence

This morning I woke up determined-I was going to get a Louisiana license and inspection sticker so that I no longer had to be afraid of "driving dirty"(driving with expired tags). I usually don't care-the reason being is b/c my not having valid registration is technically a California issue and the State of Louisiana can't lawfully arrest me on a California matter. I got a ticket this summer though (they can fine me for not switching my license plate if I'm living here over 30 days) and my Grandmother was getting so worked up about my expired tags, it was making me nervous. I was quite content and didn't let it bother me, but since I've been watching The Wire, I know how some cops can be so, today was the day.

This process has been going on for some time. (Note of caution: NEVER try to switch your tags during a Mercury Retrograde!) After months of dealing with the Louisiana DMV, the California DMV and my lien holder, I finally had all my paperwork and was ready. I got permission to come into work late and was all set. First stop, the DMV. It was quick and painless-I was in and out in 10 minutes with my new tags. A difference b/n Cali and Louisiana is that this state requires an inspection sticker (issued by local service stations). So I pull up to the service station. While the clerk was helping another customer (and older man), I popped my trunk, took out my screwdriver and switched my plates. I saw the man staring at me the whole time. When I was done, he asked if I had a boyfriend, I said no. He said are you like 22? 24? I said no, I'm a bit older. He said oh that's why you are so "independent". While he wasn't rude, his tone had a bit of concern. When I was done, I called my Granny so she could rest her nerves. She said oh great now you just have to get your uncle to switch your plates. When I replied that I already had, she said it too: "You are just so independent."She had that same kind of tone that the man at the station did, but since she always slips into that mode when I do things that are less than girl, I knew what she was getting at.

A while ago a guy friend contacted me about doing some work for him. He's a writer and was doing a project about Black love (which was a red flag since I believe there is only LOVE not to be bound by color but I digress). In our third conversation, he said he wanted to start a campaign to ban single women using the term "independent" as an adjective (example: I'm an independent woman). He said the phrase isolates men and makes it seem as if the women do not need them for anything. Because I had NO job at the time, I didn't really say how I felt because I didn't want to ruin the potential incoming business (didn't matter, it fell apart shortly after). Today the tone my Granny and the random guy had reminded me of this sentiment. I feel like they had the same type of feeling-like my independence had some effect on my being in a relationship or rather my not being in a relationship.

Here's the thing, while I truly desire and want to be in a loving, caring relationship, I do not NEED someone else for anything in my life. Need indicates a condition of lack or some requirement to make something whole. I'm already WHOLE and COMPLETE. I'm not going to sit around and wait for someone else to do things I'm capable of doing for myself. I don't want a partner who'd be anything but proud to have a woman that carries her own. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to be changing license plates forever and I'd love to be able to turn that over to my lover (and he could DEFINITELY wash my car and get my repairs done this weekend...again I digress lol) but if he were unable to do something, I'm not gonna cry. I will just get it done. I would that would be applauded.

So to that short term boss, my dear dear grandmother and to the guy at the gas station, yes, I happen to be very VERY independent, a quality in which I take great pride. I know deep down they (well actually just my Granny) are really concerned for me. I also know that my love/life partner is on the way and my independence won't deter him at all! When we meet, we'll be two complete individuals who don't NEED each other but sure will WANT each other a whole lot!

Sometimes I Do This...

Sometimes I work as a travel coordinator...here's a peak into what I do a lot of the time in that position...

I Love My Job

Since I began to work in physical production, I get to meet new and interesting people on every new job. One of my favorite people to work for to date was Clark Johnson. I served as his assistant on the pilot of DELTA BLUES (later changed to MEMPHIS BEAT). Clark is an amazing person! Super down to Earth, really engaging and definitely about supporting local businesses and workers. It was so great to work with him! I've been watching THE WIRE and started Season 5 last night. I knew that Clark had directed the show during the first season. He told me when we wrapped DELTA BLUES that I should get into THE WIRE. HE was right - I LOVE IT! He told me he made a brief appearance in Season 5. He's a jokester and his "appearance" is as one of the main characters during the season! I saw the first episode of the last season last night and he's good! (He starred in HOMICIDE back in the day but I never saw that show either.) Anyway, yet another example of an industry vet that does not place himself in a box! While there are 700,000 things that work my nerves about my career choice, opportunities to work closely with greats such as Clark are amazing. I feel so fortunate and hope that my future work somehow reflects all the great mentors I've had throughout my career!

Another Reason to Love Beyonce

You've got to know by now that I love some Beyonce...another reason why see here. Apparently this is at a block party on the street where Jay-Z's mother lives...

Just The Way I Am!!!

This morning I woke feeling extra great! When I turned off my phone alarm, I noticed I had a missed text from a friend that gave birth to a beautiful baby girl last night (welcome to the world Baby Leila!!!). That made me feel good. And our nice boost of cool fall weather made me want to sport my fav ankle boots. I decided to dress up my normal black tee and jeans and spruce up my hair and makeup a tad bit. Then I got in the car to drive to work and Bruno Mars' song "Just The Way You Are". I love love love this song! (I admit, it may be one that gets played so much that by Christmas I'll probably hate it but for right now it is awesome!) This song made me feel so good to be just as I am! I was looking in the mirror when it came on about to mess with a pimple on on my cheek but as I sang "Girl You're Amazing Just The Way You Are" I forgot about the little zit. I can tend to overemphasize the negative and get caught up in what's not right, but I'm a pretty amazing girl when I think about it!!! Here's the video-I hope you realize that YOU too are amazing right now!!!

It's Everything With Chaun Vaugh

At 6:30pm (CST) today I'll be the guest on IT'S EVERYTHING WITH CHAUN VAUGHN. If you're free check me out! (I'll go easy on drinks during the Saints game so that I'll be alert and ready to answer questions! LOL!) Here's the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/chaun-vaughn

Waiting for Superman

I've been really into The Wire lately and I'm currently on Season 4 which deals heavily with kids in the Baltimore school system. It makes me so sad about the current state of our educational system. So I was elated to see that a documentary filmmaker tackled the subject. This is a must see!!!

I'm Still Here Review

Last night I saw, "I'm Still Here," a film exploring successful actor Joaquin Phoenix's decision to retire and become a rapper. It was...actually very good-in a strange and disturbing way.I decided I wanted to see this movie when I saw his David Letterman interview months ago. The interview was bizarre to say the least. He did nothing to promote his new movie in fact, he made me not want to see it, but I wanted to know more about this rap career of his. I had hoped he'd be good. I'm a fan of people who are talented in a multitude of ways that share their talent. This was not the case. He sucked as a rapper. Like REALLY sucked. His decision to leave acting seemed not well thought either-it seemed like he was pretty jealous of Leonardo and Tobey Maguire and how they got roles that alluded him. He and his brother in law Casey Affleck (who directed the film and did quite a good job) were in a charity play and he was jealous over the amount of lines he had in comparison to Casey. I honestly feel he came up with the plot to make that play his last acting role to upstage Casey.
It took a while for me to process what I thought of the movie. On one hand it's easy to dismiss as a publicity hoax or a fraud documentary. On the other hand, it is by far Phoenix's best performance EVER! He was so dedicated to the role it was amazing. He was the ultimate asshole/insecure actor ever played on film. He was so utterly Hollywood that I think it would be hard for folk in the industry to see it because at some point he was doing some dumb thing that they do all the time. I also find it interesting that so few people were interested in seeing this movie when we watch that type of stuff on reality tv all the time.
The most compelling part of the movie was when he left The David Letterman Show. On stage with Dave he maintained the act the entire time but after you got to see some real and raw emotion. Regardless to if the film was a hoax or not, he realized that he had taken a gamble that would likely not pay off. He felt his decision to do this film and pursue JP had been a terrible terrible mistake that may cost him his career and he was afraid. That fear was so real that I was no longer concerned with the validity of the film. I had thoroughly enjoyed my experience. And I think if he follows this up with a great "regular" movie role and does everything Hollywood asks (the publicity tours, lose weight, clean up his look), his career will be just fine.

9.17.10 Fave Five Friday

I must say that this has been an awesome week full of great things/new experiences-so much so that narrowing this week's top five was tough...but I was able to get them in no problems!

1. EYE DEE KAY:
   This year I got to work with Kourtney Heart, a 17-year old singer/songwriter from New Orleans. I got to work closely with her and her manager to come up with her PR campaign. One night I had a conversation with she and her mom that made me go home and start getting my priorities in order. At 16, she told me how singing was her purpose and how she'd started off singing songs about things she was passionate about (for instance, she remixed Irreplaceable into a stop smoking song). She was so focused that I was glad to be a part of her team. This week her first EP was released via iTunes. It's a concept piece that tells the story of a young girl dealing with love. It's so funny because the songs really take me back-"Wish I Were Older" makes me feel just like I did in the 10th grade when I was digging this boy that was too old (and all wrong in retrospect) but at the time I just knew he was the one. Kourtney's future is very bright and I'm happy I got to work with her at the beginning of her career. I'm adding her to my list of "I knew them when" folk but from the music standpoint, if you like catchy pop tunes that take you back to when you were younger, check out EYE DEE KAY on iTunes.
2. BlueBell Moo-lineum Crunch: I don't buy ice cream very often but I went to the grocery store w/my Granny who encourages my indulgence when it comes to food. We got a gallon of the creamy goodness with bits of chocolate, caramel, walnuts and almonds. So so good!
3. Time w/Dominick:
   My little cousin Dominick had his first flag football game last week and it was hilarious! He's in kindergarten so he and his teammates just get out there and have fun. They run yards and yard in the wrong direction, make plays that aren't in any playbook anywhere and they get so emotionally invested...for about 2 minutes at a time! It was so funny! Then on Sunday he came over after church and we got to hang out a bit. He's very moody so he's not always up for conversation with me but this weekend we had a ball (could be that McDonald's I bought him after the game but hey!).
4. For Colored Girls trailer: I'm a fan of Tyler Perry, period point blank. And I'm really excited for his new adaptation. All these talented African-American women...EXCITING!
5. All I Want Is You: I've been hearing this song on the radio for the last couple of weeks. It's so mellow and laid back, reminds me of Mario Winans on those Diddy/Usher songs a few years back. Makes me want to put on a cute dress and go sit a bar somewhere! Enjoy:

Kimora Lee Simmons: Friend In My Head

It's been a while since I've done one of these but...I had to take a second to share. So there's a school of thought that says, "When we meet certain people, and we dislike specific traits about them, then what this really means is that those traits are what we dislike or are afraid of in ourselves." Fast forward to my latest friend in my head, Kimora Lee Simmons.

I'm a huge huge fan of class and grace. And although, I may not always display those traits, I desire to be more ladylike (I equate class and grace to being ladylike). When I see famous women, especially women of color who are considered successful I expect them to be more elegant than I am. Well, for those reasons, I could not get with Kimora. She irked the crap out of me. Everytime I saw her, I felt like she was so loud. And when I saw her home on Cribs the first time, I thought I was going to throw up. It was so gaudy. She was too much for me to take. I don't like the Baby Phat line in general for the same reasons-it used to always have some extra stuff going on-like really a sweat suit with a cat on your butt?!?! And as beautiful as she is, there was a spell when she was too hip-hop! She looked like a video chick more often than a mogul for a while there. Despite all that, the number one reason I couldn't get with Kimora was while I know she was a successful model, I feel most of her success came as a result of her ex-husband, Russell Simmons. I am all about becoming whoever I shall become by the sweat of my own brow. I can be very judgemental of women who marry well then become a mogul-I typically credit their new success in their man's field to the fact they were with their hubby.

So, one day I was watching TV flipping channels and had to watch her show. She was still all those things I felt she was before except now I saw it in a different light. She is a great, involved mother and she's really involved with the aspects of her business. She maintains a great working relationship with her ex and seems to be in a loving relationship with her new man. She is a lot but most great women people are. Most of all, as I watched that episode, it made me less judgemental of myself-I may judge others, but I can crucify myself! I can not stand that I'm not always prim and proper being ultra ladylike. I can be super hard on myself for not being the way a woman my age "should" be. Kimora reminds me their are no rules and that is why today she's a friend in my head. She's beautiful, a great mother, a philanthropist and a businesswoman. Sounds a lot like what I want to be...lol we'd probably attract a ton of attention with our loud asses at any bar or restaurant but I think we'd have some good times!



(sidenote: my one friend Mistie has said for a long time we had a lot in common. I chalked it up that she was calling me loud or ghetto-words I've used to describe KLS-but I can see some similarities.)

9.10.10 Fave Five Fridays

Sigh...it's been one of those weeks. I can tell 7500 million things I despised this week but luckily, the focus of this is 5 things I loved this week. So without further ado...

1. 4-Day Work Weeks: Thanks to Labor Day on Monday, this was a short, 4-day workweek. I'm happy about that. I can not wait for tomorrow. I'm getting up going to my cousin's flag football game, making a conference call at 1 then doing absolutely NO THING for the rest of the day! I'm gonna get lost in The Wire season 3 and the life of Dorian Gray. Can. Not. Wait.
   
2. Cetaphil: As per above, my face has been breaking out. I think the villain this time is my unbeweavable hair and the lack of a great skin care routine. I've begun one that seems pretty basic that I've read about in many fashion mags. I am using Cetaphil for my cleansing and moisturizing (of course w/SPF for the daytime) and witch hazel as a toner. I do a deep mask once a week and a deep exfoliation once a week (still use the cetaphil for the exfoliation-I just use these exfoliating cloths from Sephora).
   
3. Willow Smith: I whip my hair back and forth, I whip my hair back and forth...ahhh that song has grown on me!
   
4. Southwest Airlines: Back in the day I used to SWEAR by Southwest. I love love love a cheap getaway with easy ways to earn free flight. I haven't been traveling much (at all) lately so when I had to book a flight to Houston for my best friend from law school's wedding, I went straight to their site. DING! I got it for the lo lo lo!!! YAY!!!
5. OPI's You're A Pisa Work: I think my favorite blogger *kay had mentioned this one a long long time ago. But when she did I was on dark shades. Well, this week I was on bright colors and tried it. LOVE IT! Perfect shade of loud pink for my toes!!!

(NOTE: Can't believe I didn't press PUBLISH POST on Friday!!! Sorry for delay.)

Saints Open NFL Season

Today is such a bittersweet day. On one hand I'm uber-excited!!! It's NFL Kickoff day and the superbowl champ Saints are kicking off the festivities!!! There's so much going on in NOLA today, including a concert in Jackson Square. Dave Matthews and Trombone Shorty are performing. Good Lawd Mr. Shorty is so freakin' fine. I swear he's my boyfriend in my head but I digress. Today in New Orleans will be epic! I forgot to even mention the parade Soul Rebels are performing in. The bittersweet part is I can't go. I'm in Baton Rouge. I live in Plaquemine for 6 months, not New Orleans. This normally won't be an issue as NFL games are generally on Sundays...but kickoff is on Thursday thus I'm at work.
This is bigger than tonight's game. The thing is I'm in oblivion. This time is clearly not my time to shine, I'm supposed to be working/grinding right now. It's weird because I love love love to hang but lately have just wanted to stay in (except of course in situations like today). My energy is all off. Not too sure what's going on right now but I guess I can only go with the flow...

Roaches Are Our Friends?!?!

FROM AOL...(Sept. 7) -- Cockroaches, the creepy critters reviled for invading kitchens the country over, might be modern medicine's best option for fending off dangerous, drug-resistant bacterial infections.

For the remainder of the article, please click here.

Willow Smith: She's So Ready

Got something to say about little Ms. Smith's hair or style?!?! Ummm, why you talking bout that, she was in the studio! A GREAT place for her to be. Check it...

Urban Orleans

On occasion, some of my posts will appear at UrbanOrleans.
Check out their site at www.urbanorleans.com!

Speak It Into Existence

Last night someone on Twitter said they always laugh when The Miz is on WWE. I was blown away. Years ago, I remember watching the first episode of The Real World returns to New York. I was automatically drawn to Coral, one of the black girls, and Mike. I liked Mike because he was so funny. He said he always wanted to be a professional wrestler and his wrestler name was THE MIZ. He'd do all these skits as The Miz. I lost track of him but the tweet last night proved once again the power of speaking things into existence!

Mr. West...Again...

Mr. West.
Mr. West.
Mr. West.
So today on Twitter Kanye went on a "rant"...not surprising since many people relate to him only based on his rants. But this was different. It was a stream of consciousness via tweets. He put it all out there (as usual lol) but I guess now a days I like what he has to share more. He's revealing his journey and I'm think that's pretty freakin cool. But...we all know I'm a fan so I'll switch Kanye topics. He leaked a song from his new album. I so anticipate this next cd.

Fave Five Fridays!!!

It's FRIDAY and I'm ready for the wwweeekkkeeend baby!!! Not that I have many plans - in fact, that's the beauty of it! I want this 3 day weekend to be one where I play it by ear and take life as it comes. I plan to hang out a bit, read a bit, write a bit, clean a bit, workout a bit...yep a bit of this, a bit of that. But before the weekend official begins, I wanted to continue my excellent blog week... yep for the first time in a long time, I blogged every day this week! YAY ME! What better way to make sure I blog every Friday than to start a new feature: Fave Five Fridays. Here are five of my fave things this week:

1. THE WIRE:
   
   As you know from my many rants on SEX AND THE CITY, I did not have HBO for a long period of time. When I did get it, THE WIRE was well into its third or fourth season and whenever I attempted to watch I just couldn't get into it. Well good 'ole Netflix changed that for me. I absolutely LOVE this show. This week I started season 3 (of 5) and I'm so stoked. I can tell already that this season is going to be pivotal. Great acting, great casting, WONDERFUL storytelling/writing: I LOVE THIS SHOW!
2. Rick Ross' TEFLON DON:
   I love music and have no particular favorite genre. Currently stuck in my CD player because whenever I take it out, I feel it petitioning to get back in, is Rick Ross' TEFLON DON. I was getting my hair done and my friend/hairstylist Dana Chanel was playing it-instantly fell in love with it. Great beats, nice lyrics. LOVE IT. So laid back!
3. HOME COOKED Meals: I got a new 6-month gig 20 miles away from my hometown so I decided to move in w/my granny. There's always something to eat at her house. I have to be mindful of the portions but I love the option of having a substantiate meal at home when I get there. And it's helping me with my budget too! (I spend A LOT on eating out.)
4. BEING INKED:
   I love love love tats but made myself a promise after my first that I'd not become addicted and only get new ones when there was something major. Considering I feel like I'm a totally different person than I was a year ago, I got one to commemorate my new birth :) I put it on top of my little infinity symbol to signify that I can have infinite rebirths-love it!!! And the artist was really cool and seemed to dig my idea for the next one so I'll see him soon!
   
5. PIN CURLS:
   My stylist swears by pin curls. She talks about pin curling her hair so much that one night when we were hanging out she whipped out her stuff and pin curled her hair. She did mine and the next day my curls were so much bouncer than when I curl my hair in the morning. I imitate the way she does it and have even figured out cutesy ways to wear my hair to work pin curled (so that when I get off, I'll be that much closer to my desired look). The folk at work go crazy over it pinned up-they think it looks so retro!

So what stood out to you this week? Any fave fives?

Happy 90210 Day!!!!

9.02.10 that is :)

Dat Boy Good!!!

Check out my Southern University chum Craig Carter's new video that debuted on MTV's Louisiana Day. Craig is a great filmmaker I PRAY I get to work with soon! He did the shooting,directing and editing of "Walking Thru New Orleans".

ENJOY

Walking thru New Orleans from craig carter on Vimeo.