What Next?!?

Check out that picture...know who it is? That's James Franco...Yep this James Franco from Spiderman (and way too much else to list). Anyway, when I saw this pic, it embodied what I'm experiencing today. I want something else. I can't quite describe it but my current situation is simply not enough. I have a ton to be grateful for and I realize and acknowledge that but I am ready for something...else. I am sure I don't want to be a man (as Franco became a woman for this pic) but I just want to have a different experience. There's nothing more I can say that wouldn't be repetitive so I'll stop now. I just want what is next...

Is This My Renaissance?!?!

When I moved to New Orleans in February of 2009, my creative interests were been sparked. There's something about that city-it's like magic, but that's far too cliche' a term to describe how I feel there. Hmmm...I guess a better way to describe it would be that when I drove into the city for the first time en route to move into my apartment I felt a part of me wake up. That piece of me had made brief appearances throughout my life, but never long enough for me to tap into it... I was probably pushing it away before. This time, it was alive and vibrant-speaking to me and guiding my steps. No longer was my long list of goals and deadlines the priority, I was no longer in charge...this piece of me not only woke up but it took over. Everything I had dreamed of was starting to happen and FAST. My senses were so alive...everything I saw was live and in color, I heard notes of music I'd never experienced (even on songs I'd heard a million times), food tasted amazing. Even sex was different...EXPLOSIVE! LOL! I met random strangers I felt like I'd known for years-I swear I met someone from a former life! I was living in abundance-for real I paid all my bills for months working as only a waitress, got to take classes, started a business and came up with so many creative ideas, I couldn't keep up. Things were going beyond well in my creative life but it didn't seem "well" at the time. In fact, if you've read my blog, you know I was kicking and screaming and not so pleased with the state of my world.

At the time, I saw this as "magic" as a diversion from the plan so I was swimming against the current. I mean, I had never imagined spending my life in La., I was so determined to be L.A. and live among the awesomeness of LaLaLand. It wasn't until my birthday this year that I realized how I had been crapping on the opportunities that lie in front of me. I made a decision and told the Universe that I was ready for whatever it had in store (literally-lol! I'm one for ceremony!) I felt like something happened to me instantly in that moment,and unlike before I didn't feel the urge to question or fight it, I just let it take me over. And I'm glad I did.

In the last week I've had so many great opportunities come my way to just be creative which is all I've ever really wanted to do anyway. The most profound was that I became a part of a writer's group. For quite some time, I've desired to be a part of a group of authors who'd help support one another in their literary endeavors. I didn't have to find a group-it randomly found me. And as I sat and listened to the members share the stories they'd been lead to pen, I had an epiphany ...New Orleans was to me what Harlem had been for the creative community of the '20's. I'd found my renaissance and that thing I felt come alive inside of me in '09 was evidence of my rebirth. As I stared at my fellow writers and thought of all the amazingly talented musicians,/producers, actors, playwrights, chefs, etc., I'd come across in the Big Easy, I wondered if this rebirth I was experiencing was not just a unique me thing and we are all were a part of this movement. I mean did Langston Hughes and Billy Holiday really know their artistic contributions would become the Harlem Renaissance at the time or were they just pursuing their art?

I guess the point for once I should just create. And that's exactly what I plan to do...

Let Me Work With You

Before I moved to L.A., I read a book about landing your first job in Hollywood. It said the way to any longevity in the city, one had to go the assistant route. It said once you become an assistant, you must do your job to the fullest - and even more importantly, let your boss be the boss. Master being a great understudy and refine your leadership skills by serving great leaders. I took those words of advice to heart. When my boss(es) would do crazy stuff to get on my nerves, I'd let it ride and clean up his(their) messes because that's what a great assistant does. Being as humble as possible, I was a damn good assistant. Even the brilliant crazy azz BM said so (and he NEVER gave a compliment that wasn't well deserved!)! Problem is I never wanted to be an assistant - I went to pursue a career as an executive. I just got caught up in the assistant lane because I'm good at it and it was safe (someone is always looking to hire a great assistant) .

How's it safe? Well,the thing about Hollywood is it is the one place where no one really wants to be the person who can officially say yes...until they know that yes is going to pay off. I mean imagine being the guy who says yes to a $100,000 budget to a movie that flops! It can be a scary thing. Ironically no one wants to say no either - lol the agent who turned down Julia Roberts has a great career BUT no longer as an agent! Starting a business there is damn near impossible unless you are independently wealthy and that still doesn't guarantee anything. Being a great assistant is like a safety net - everyone is always looking for one. You get all the perks with fewer risks (you get everything your boss and their clients get and you have an entire network of people just like you!). Yes you do have to protect your boss at all times but that boss is the one who has to make sure the bills get paid and the lights stay on. Talk about pressure-making sure you, your clients, your family and your employees all eat and do well is MEGA pressure.

Staying in that assistant lane is very tempting but after the monotony of it, I felt myself ready to branch off. The average amount of years an assistant is an assistant before making the leap is at least five. The recession made that amount of time become unpredictable. In general, you pay your dues learn the biz for that allotted time and you'll eventually move up. I was quite frustrated because once I'd master the desk, I'd get so bored. (And after doing it for a while, it didn't take much time to master a desk.) I vowed when I came to New Orleans, I'd be an executive NOT an assistant. But my pattern was the same.

I find as I pursue my goals, it is easy for me to want to work for others. Instead of saying, "this is what I can do," I generally ask, "how can I help." Many folk I've attempted to "help" didn't get it and the situations didn't work out. I'm extremely fortunate because one of the people I wanted to "help" and work "for," was instead looking for people to work with to achieve his goals. That situation taught me to switch my question to "how can I work WITH you." That type of attitude is providing many great opportunities across the board and exciting things are happening!

Things are looking better!

Introducing ... Coco

A week ago everybody at work started calling me Coco. It was so funny because my friend Chante used to call me CoCo when we'd go out - she said I came out of my shell when I knocked a couple back. I don't know if I "got it" back then, but when my co-workers started to say it (and I was sober, I began to wonder what if DaVida Chanel (a whole 'nother alter ego -its just so on all the time folk think it is the real) became Coco?!?! Sooooo .... last week I did some things I think my Coco alter ego would enjoy! (And she I mean me I guess I mean WE are having a ball!)

1. Watch a Foreign Film - I want to go on a trip SOOOOOO bad but right now I'm really busy at work (both my job job and my job building my company). I love foreign films. Not only do you get to know great new characters like in every movie, now you can explore foreign lands as well. Coco loves new and different places!
2. Rent Coco Before Chanel - I LOVE THIS MOVIE! (and it jus' so happens to satisfy no. 1). Her impact on fashion is clear but this movie deals with her BEFORE all that. Something about her felt so familiar. Maybe it was b/c she was different and folk didn't quite understand her, maybe because she was so content on never getting married, maybe it was b/c she had no shame or guilt in her game or maybe it was her burning desire to be better than she was-whatever it was I felt very connected to her story. Such a great movie!
3. 
   Get a New 'Do - It just so happens that in the movie a character commented that when a woman cuts her hair she gets a new life. Well I decided to the do the opposite - I got A LOT of new hair! LOL! And I love it! It gave me a new take on life. I'm not sure why - I have always had "hair" but lately it hasn't been behaving well (still adjusting to being back south I guess). So a new do has definitely given me a new perspective on life!
4. Dress for Your Shape - My body is an X shape. This is the "ideal" body shape for a woman. The problem is I don't like MY X shape. I like my body better when I'm slimmer. While I'm taking steps toward that, I've decided to embracing the curves that I generally try to hide (having a big azz is not always the business trust me! Sometimes I feel like the world is staring at my behind and I hate that!). But I've found that embracing this body right now has helped me feel more comfortable with it (big butt and all). Find out your body shape and do things to accentuate it!
5. Work Out -
   
   
   
   I hate, loathe and detest working out but I recognize the best body I ever had was when I worked out with Scott Parker. I was very fit and slim and felt great. So I got back into the workout groove. I got a video tape (Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred) and I've been getting it in. (I have even gotten that cute little line down the middle of my belly I so love!).
6. Spend time with Younger Folk - young people have an entirely different energy. Switching up the energy every now and then is a great thing!
7. Do Things That You Think Are "Crazy" - meditate, visualize, astro travel, lucid dream, dance under the moon, spend some time with tarot cards ... all those things folk say is "crazy," try 'em just to see what happens. (I did and came out a whole new identity!).

Stay tuned, I think Coco might be hanging around throughout the summer!

Who Gonna Hustle Like Me?!?

Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle. ~Abraham Lincoln

Even as far back as the Lincoln days, ole' honest Abe knew the importance of HUSTLE. I'd say it proved successful for him-he's considered one of the best presidents in history after all!!! The dictionary defines hustle as "getting by trying hard". I define hustle as "getting by DOING hard". (Nothing beats a "try" like a "DO"!) I feel like when I was in L.A. I was always surrounded by "the hustle". EVERYBODY was hustling ALL THE TIME! The industry there is serious and there's a gazillion people equally as qualified as you are that have all the same credentials. Now that I'm in New Orleans, there is a WHOLE 'nother type of hustle. There is a huge music scene here - so many emerging talents it is ridiculous. It is so much going on, so many ways for someone with my career experience to get involved. I want to just sit back and watch but my hustle won't let me! LOL! I've landed smack dab in the middle of a talent explosion. You think I'm gonna wait for the leftovers?!?!?

Fitness Challenge

I have long struggled with my weight/body. When I was young my issue was feeling too thin. I was straight up and down-since I had a crap load of hair I felt like I looked like Diana Ross but not glamorous, just ridiculous. I remember a boy I liked told me I could get fine if I ate potatoes before bed-CRAZY I hate potatoes every night for a month NOTHING! I filled out more in college. In fact I think I was MOST happy with my body then. I was still on the thin size but a perfect size 6 (and I like thin so I was fresh in my opinion)! Everything was where it should be. I had a perfect sized butt, nice hips and it was all proportioned to each other. I did feel like I could have a better midsection if I worked out but I was satisfied. I even did pageants where I had to wear swimsuits in front of everyone w/no issue! Then something weird happened.It began when I graduated from college. I had this one boyfriend and all we did was go out to eat, watch movies and do it. I REALLY filled out. He would always tell me how fine I was then all of a sudden he wouldn't. My clothes fit tighter but they still fit so no big. I moved to Indiana and I still didn't work out much. My roommate was tiny but had a big appetite so we ate A LOT! We loved food!!! Then one day I went to put on a pair of pants (I'll never forget some grey Polo slacks). Those pants had always fit me rather baggy and I liked it that way. Well this particular day they were TIGHT! I mean can't sit down right tight!!! LOL! I was BIG! No more size 6 either. When I went to get new work pants I tried on an 8, then a 10 and finally FIT a size 12! I refused to buy them! That was big for me and I didn't not accept that! When I looked in the mirror all I noticed was how big my face was! How had this happened?!?!

Over the next few years, I became a bit compulsive about my weight. Obviously I couldn't depend on others' assessments - those were the people who were watching me blow up and weren't saying a word!!! Plus they didn't know my goals so it wasn't their responsibility. I did everything - you name a diet, I've tried it.

My biggest body break through came when I met Scott Parker in L.A. He changed my life. He taught me so much about how MY body works which is not always the same as the bodies of the women I read about (interestingly enough black and white women's bodies process food and fat differently and most fitness books at the time spoke only to white women). He got me set up on a plan that really worked. I HATE working out but he helped me get more focused on achieving my goals. The biggest thing he taught me was to stop comparing myself to others and do what works for me. Also in general, living in Los Angeles was better for my food related goals. There are a lot more affordable options for healthy food there and even when I went out to eat, I was rarely eating the type of stuff I indulge in here at home.

I moved back to Louisiana a year ago and have lost my "healthy" mind. I LOVE food and LOVE the food that my state is famous for. I've got to do better and as a part of my goals for Lent, I'm working on doing better for myself. I'm lucky because I still have Scott for help and now I'm doing a challenge my line sister, Erin has developed. I already know what to do and what to eat, and now I feel like by saying it on my blog, I'll be encouraged to really reach my goals - which unlike before aren't a passing thing. This goal is to become more healthy for a better quality of life. (And although I think Amber's ass is banging, I think this goal will garner the REAL results I seek-so no more Amber Rose Challenge for me...even though I think I can be THAT fine!)

So think you are up for Erin's challenge? Follow the Fit by Erin page on Facebook! When I reach my goals I'll post some before and after photos! Here's to a healthier lifestyle change

Giving Up Not Always Bad!

Ahhhh, Mardi Gras 2010 is over and today begins Lent. Lent is a forty-day period before Easter. It begins on Ash Wednesday. They skip Sundays when counting the forty days, because Sundays commemorate the Resurrection. This year Lent begins today and ends April 3, which is the day before Easter.

Each year I talk crap about folk who participate in Lent. I mean what's the point of not doing you fill in the blank for 40 days if the other 325 days of the year you do? I am approaching it differently this year (New Orleans has a huge Catholic population and I'd like to be more respectful of their traditions. PLUS my revelation makes it a win for me.) This year did not get off to a great start for me. Most of all because of my attitude about certain things happening (rather not happening in my life). Well, I'm still alive, have not gone hungry yet and still have my apartment - all cause to be grateful. And what if instead of giving up something because I thought it was so horrible, what if I did it simply to get closer to my purpose (perspective is key in these type of situations!).

So with that said this year, I'm giving up something AND picking up something. Over the next 40 days I'm giving up activities that do not get me closer to my purpose. The first and biggest thing I'm giving up is sleeping late! It seems small but so not helpful. I slept til 11 so many days last month (oh and that one day I didn't get out of bed til 2:30 pm!!). I'm an early riser - always have been so I am getting back to that. I'll be up early during this 40 days! The second thing is poor eating. My life is so not aided by crappy food. It strips my energy, messes up my shape and skin and then screws w/my esteem bc I look crazy bc I ate crazy! LOL! When I lived in L.A. I developed some awesome eating habits-time to get back to those. Finally, the last thing I'm giving up is sex. Okay I know I said here that I'd give it up for 365 days but I've decided to start w/40. I don't think sex is bad but for me it can become all-consuming. I'm a passionate person who gets all caught up in the lovin' I can forget how to focus (I apologize for such blatant TMI). So no getting it in during Lent.

The good news I'll be picking up some good stuff during this time. First up exercise for the sake of getting moving. I don't like to work out but this weekend of Mardi Gras transpo by foot reminded me how much I love to walk. Instead of setting some random workout schedule that I find difficult to hold onto, I'll get walking 4 times a week. Simple because I walk around my neighborhood ALL THE TIME! Another is good ole' H2O. Water is so good for us and I don't hate it so over the next 40 days I'll be chugging the clear stuff in abundance. Another thing I'm picking up is MINDING MY OWN BUSINESS! LOL! I can get so into other people's stuff it is unbelievable! So instead of inquiring about people's stuff, I'm going to refrain from needing to know every detail and take what is given. Finally, I'm picking up affirmations. I'm a believer in the power of words so I'll be speaking some stuff into existence!

In conclusion, my good friend Winston shared w/me that someone shared w/him that in order to receive blessings you must give up something. It can't just be anything but something that the most high knows is hindering you. I believe that I've eliminated some key things that are hindering my success (or blessings if you will). What about you? Do you believe in or participate in Lent? What things are you giving up (or picking up) this season?

It's Not ALL Bad ...

I've been so icky lately that I haven't been celebrating anything. Everything has not been horrible as my blog may have indicated. Here's a little bit of what's going right ...

Let's see - I'm always complaining about work. I do have a job (I complain because its not a "real" job but its real indeed). Once a month I teach self development/esteem to teenage girls. The classes run in six month intervals and my first class ended last weekend. This weekend I'm training to be director for the city of New Orleans. I was named a star instructor! I begin training for director this weekend. YAY!!!! I've been applying for some gigs too, one that is ideal for my goals. So now we wait for responses.

Speaking of work, I've worked A LOT since I've been here. I worked all year in 2009. I waited tables at good ole' Houston's (and ate my share of spinach dip!), worked on two distinct projects and even worked at the Essence Festival. I got my grind on. Yes I spent time on the sofa but I wasn't the slug I make it sound like I was.

I'm being creative. I'm writing my play and soliciting support from people I feel can really help me produce it (I have targeted two co-producers and met with one who is on board; I'll see the other soon). I've collected all the material I need to do a new wave of vision boards. I'm set to do one for my career/creative endeavors and a fashion/style one. Exciting.

My apartment is going through changes - the owner is renovating like crazy which sparked me to do the same. I'm turning my blue office into my blue living room, my bedroom into a sunny office and my current living room will become my huge new bedroom. Very exciting stuff!

A big part of my "thing" is helping others. I've been able to help my friend get her pilot in the hands of the right people. Who knows how it will work out but its such a good project, its easy to pass it on. My other friend wanted to get some work on sets and I helped her find a nice, long stand-in gig.

Other people don't think I suck as much as I've made it seem either. My hot girls are coming to New Orleans for our reunion this summer! That makes me so happy!!! And somebody thinks I'm pretty cool because I got purty flowers for no reason at all.

Life isn't so bad after all.

Oh Well ...

Yesterday I had an epiphany.

I started a new job being an assistant to a director, producer and head writers on a TV pilot. I LOVE IT! This type of work invigorates and motivates me. I always feel great in these situations. BUT I messed up my scheduling. I thought I was coming in to just fill out start paperwork but when I arrived I ended up staying on until 9pm. Problem was I was supposed to go to my waitress job at 5:30. I called and tried to get off the schedule but management couldn't help. So I did the unthinkable (well for me that is) ... I no called/no showed. I felt really bad for a while (afterall, this tv job is only throughout the end of the year). I also felt super scared (what if I don't get a gig in January?) Money and security issues began to cloud my head.

Then I realized that this is my time - I made a decision that from my last birthday until my 35th bday I'd really pursue what I loved. Working in film, tv and entertainment as a whole MOVES me. It always has. So with that, I'm done with that particular restaurant (lol! and now I can't go to that location anymore). Over the last month, I've been working on a plethora of creative projects. One is my documentary and the second is a new stage play I'm writing. I'm very excited and really pursuing the things that drive me. I also got a great new hairstylist! She shaped up my inverted bob and it is pretty fab (pics to come).

The thing is that I know I'm creative and have some great ideas. I also realize that my goals and dreams are non-traditional so I may have to do things differently to achieve those dreams. I have been blessed that whenever I "need" a job, I get a job. I've always had one. It is just difficult sometimes to let go and let things manifest - I can be controlling. Well now is the time to just let things be. My job now is to really dedicate myself to my desire and let the Universe take care of the details. So no more being sad over that waitress job - that was never my destiny.

It is funny how things work out and happen. I got a text from my friend late last night that the new moon was in Scorpio. This is what that astrological occurrence has in store for me (Click here to see what it means for you.) Interesting huh?

New Moon in the 1st House
A new moon in the 1st house bestows a renewal within the self. Reinvent yourself. Try new things. Be bolder, more confident. Start new projects. Begin walking, talking, thinking, acting, and being the version of yourself you envision. Go on, try it out; see how it feels.

My First "Movie"

As you know I have a ton of creative ambitions. I want to make films - I want to tell stories that affect change and make people really think (and by make I want to produce, write, edit, all of it). It is of extreme importance to me to become abreast of the process of being a filmmaker. I want to learn everything I can. While in L.A., I worked with so many talented writers and saw how the story came together on the page. I decided that at this stage in my career, it was time to learn how to "show" the story. I am seeking all I can about the various programs to make films. A friend of mine shared his Adobe Premiere package (I can go to his office and practice). I was extremely fortunate that a workshop was being offered her in Final Cut Pro. I've learned so much in my time here! So I wanted to share with you my first ever "movie". It is a two minute story. Take a look and let me know your thoughts. (I know some of the transitions are cheesy but I had to for class!)

I Want To Be Recognized

As you know I love love love Oprah. What you may not know is that I'm fanatical over personality tests. What better than a test from Oprah!?! Its like the best of both worlds. This month the Oprah magazine asks, "Who Are You Meant to Be?". Its filled with information to help you realize your potential and help you discover the path to your destiny. She offers a great quiz to help you determine who it is you are striving to be (you can click here to take the test).

More...I was excited to take the test and felt a huge "a-ha" moment when I got the results. According to the test, I'm most striving to be recognized. The explanation for that answer was very revealing. It says "You are an achiever: Ambitious, competitive, and hardworking: That's you. With a clear image of who you are, you work tirelessly to make sure your accomplishments are recognized. Your drive for success extends to your family, and you invest a lot of energy in helping them live up to your expectations. Thanks to your knack for diplomacy and abundant charisma, you often inspire others."

WOW! Such a huge insight. Of course I want to be recognized - let's review: My huge part of me wants to become a reality TV star. I come alive in front of cameras. I've had a personal website since the days of geocities. Now that I have a blog, its entire focus is to share stories about my life and my pursuit to become the person I desire to be! The fact that I have a blog (and Twitter and Facebook accounts) all point to my desire to share my life with people. This desire has been longstanding - I've always enjoyed doing things in such a way that others would be able to see and recognize. I'm moved by living aloud - I don't consider my "accomplishments" to be so great if they aren't big enough to make people take notice. I do well in jobs where my contributions clearly make a difference (that's why being a good Hollywood assistant was right up my alley-if you assist your boss well, everyone they work with will know! And just to take it a step further, this desire to be recognized is even visible in my astrological chart - my chart is ruled by the sign Leo (all about recognition). Want one more illustration? If you take a look at some of my idols, they are a group that has no problem being seen (Presidnt Obama, Victoria Beckham, Kanye West, Kobe Bryant, to name a few).

So what's the problem? Well behavior that brought focus to self was not really encouraged in my home growing up. It was ingrained in me that no one likes people who stand out too much or that really like being seen (look at my idol list - those folk don't always get portrayed in the best light). In my house it was encouraged to be more modest. I was taught that it was better to let go of the desire to be recognized and be more subdued. At school, I seemed to always be in trouble when I was bold or outspoken. I learned to simply tone it down and be a "good, nice" girl. Now as a woman, I often find myself playing it cool, being good and doing "right". But what I realize is that the desire to be recognized hasn't gone away simply because I've repressed it! It won't ever go away, it is a part of who I am.

I'm grateful to live in a city like New Orleans where creativity, spontaneity and simply being yourself are encouraged. I think here more than anywhere else I'm able to fully be myself (trust me my boldest doesn't hold a candle to the many people I meet here!). I'm clearly see that I want to be seen and that is just fine! I accept my desire for recognition and unlike the past, I'm ready to move into that space!

Clearing Out the Old for the New

So ... my blog goes live RIGHT NOW! YAY!!!!! I'm really excited. I need to learn editing but I'm excited to share a little of me with you. I'm learning the editing software but in the meantime ... enjoy!

New Month, New Mission

Ahhh, August 2009. How quickly this year is flying by!!! I'm really excited about this month. I've got so many projects going (in my head) and it is time to get them going. Something feels good about August - it always feels good at this time of year. Maybe it is because I'm used to the going back to school season (I attended 13 years of school, then 4 years of college, then taught school, then worked at a university, then went to law school for 3 years so I'm pretty conditioned to the "new year" starting in August.)

I've been feeling so unclear and confused as to how to proceed with my life. I decided to go on a mind, body and spirit cleanse. August is all about opening myself up for what is to come. I'm doing the 10 day master cleanse. I've incorporated prayer and meditation w/the cleanse. I read 15 chapters of Psalms daily, "Science of Mind" and Wayne Dyer's "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life". I do affirmations in the morning and journal throughout the day, and take a 30 minute walk w/Joel Osteen and Marianne Williamson podcasts in the evening. (I'm even working while I sleep. I read about this process of asking the Universe a question at night and receiving your answer in your dreams. First thing you do in the AM is record what happened in your dreams.) After that 10 days, I plan to incorporate other methods of prayer/meditation (I learned this great concept 70x7 where you say an intention 70 times a day for a week). In regards to my career, I recognize I'm at a point where I need some help. It is pretty out of character for me to seek help because I'm so independent, but this time I did. I'm meeting this week with several folks: one organization helps small business owners become equipped for their endeavors and the other is someone I think is going to be pretty influential in my goals (more to come later).

As you can tell, I'm pretty excited! I know some big things are about to happen this month and I'm going to be ready! Speaking of big things happening this month, shout outs to two of my favorite K's: Happy Early Bday Karla and *Kay!!!!

Review List for Year 32

Ahhh, I'm having a lazy daisy day. The plan was to get up early and clean up my place. Nope didn't happen. I woke up around 8 but immediately went back to sleep. I woke up around 11:30 but laid around until 12:30. Talked on the phone, got up made something to eat, and then began to chill out even more. No cleaning has been done. So I decided I needed to do something ... clean up? Nope, blog! LOL! But what to write? I didn't know so I opted for a list. W/o further ado ...

DaVida Chanel's Highlights of Year 32

(of my life):

I picked this since at midnight tonight (more precisely at 1:46pm tomorrow),

the year of 32 will end!!

• I brought in the official bday w/one of my fav activities; talking, eating cake (red velvet cake no doubt) and drinking wine w/my old roomie/friend Ms. Bianca.
• I got to work for my this guy (the lead singer) ... I literally feared his presence, even over the phone ... :
  
  Apollo .Astro Disco.1979
  Uploaded by capitainfunkk. - See the latest featured music videos.
  
• I went to back to my college homecoming (it was 10 years after I'd graduated).
• I left L.A. - destination unknown; I officially moved to New Orleans in February.
• I have a thing for live music. This year I got to see Iyanla Vanzant , Nelly, LL Cool J, Neyo, Solange, Estelle, Babyface, Little Freddy King, Erykah Badu, Better Than Ezra, Dave Matthews Band, Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker, Talib Kweli and my favorite new artist: RYAN LESLIE
  
• I attended a women's conference/retreat in the woods!
• Went to the Price is Right.
• I experienced the death of my younger first cousin; first time I ever lost someone so close that was younger than me. I had to speak at her funeral and I did so w/o breaking down.
• I worked on set for a major motion picture - first time having a job that required me to be on set the entire filming process. (I have worked on movies before but not in this way.)
• Meet a spiritual advisor/teacher.
• For the first time ever, painted a wall in an apartment I am renting (always wanted to but always felt it wasn't worth it since I was just renting).
• Got the IPhone ... finally.
• I got to celebrate my friends: 3 got married, 2 had babies, 1 opened a salon, 1 bought a house, 1 got a new job as a Physician's Assistant at a great hospital, 1 is shopping around her script - good stuff all around!
• Had a professional photo shoot.
• Started a company thus becoming a brand.
• Waited tables again ... as my one job (not like a PT job thing, I was only a waitress).
• Got laid off for the first time ever and had to get unemployment (I used to think that was like welfare, now I know it is not b/c I paid for it over the years).
• Got more of a web presence.
• Fell in love twice. One love was not returned (in fact that love was crapped on) and the other love was mutual (even though situations caused made it impossible for anything to develop from it).
• Took a meditation class, an astrology class and a soul development class.
• Read a ton of books and got into Deepak Chopra.
• Found my inner rock star and let her come out to play a lot more often!

It Is A Lovely Day

A couple of weeks ago, I broke away from work for a quick break in a co-workers car (shout out to Aquiles - never have I had a co-worker so equipped w/good tunes and computer knowledge. He Rocks!). He played Bill Wither's "Lovely Day" which reminded me how much I love that song! I love hearing it early in the A.M. When I look in the mirror I tell myself the lyrics. This is a great feel good song for a Friday like today. I'm really excited for the weekend. First up, my snazzy business cards are en route via FedEx as we speak! You can glimpse in my right side bar but b/c I know it is early and you may be feeling lazy, here's a sneak peak!
Last night I launched my starter website which you can visit here. Today an old friend I met in Indiana is coming to visit ... and she's a hot girl too! We're going to be rockstars today and in rare form - I haven't seen her sincce the Miami bday celebration nearly 3 years ago!!! I'm working promotions at the festival on Saturday and Sunday, but today, I'm just hanging w/my girls and doing the darn thing. We're going to the the seminars this afternoon and we'll get to see my favorite reality star, Ms. NeNe from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta". Steve Harvey will be doing a relationship forum and my old flame Malik Yoba will be on the panel (he doesn't know he's my old flame but he was regardless if he knew or not!). Tonight is the highlight, we are going to see Beyonce in concert! I'm also super excited because in addition to "the baddest chick in the game" Solange Knowles is in the Essence Super Lounge (I saw her live a few months back and she ROCKED it). So yes, I'm having a lovely day. Wishing you one as well!!! Enjoy Mr. Withers!