So as I was walking back to my office after the 11am showing of the Sex and the City movie (shush it was a slow day at the office and the Georgetown movie theater is only a block away), after replaying some of the quotes in my head... I stopped in the middle of K Street to wonder...

Does Mr. Big have a Mr. Big?

For those of those who aren't familiar with Sex and the City and who the hell Mr. Big is, this will catch you up... Mr. Big meets Carrie (if you don't know who that is just skip to the next post) in the very first episode of the series and gets his nickname not because of anything sexual but because he is a wealthy business man on his way to being the next Donald Trump. After running into each other over and over again during the first few episodes the two begin a on and off relationship until the series finale six seasons later.

Mr. Big is totally emotionally unavailable and a commitment and intimacy phobe. And these issues cause several breakups and the start of several relationships in between their madness. But there is a chemistry and a love that brings the two back together time and time again.

So we know Mr. Big has his Carrie... his true love that seems to understand him and even when they lived on separate coasts their sexual chemistry seems to remain the unspoken storyline and their friendship never remains strictly platonic. To me Carrie seems to be that hopeless romantic that needs the love, attention, and protection that Big could give if he wasn't just always out of reach, but yet she seems to always be there ready when he will ever be.

So I wonder does or did Big have the one that he loved but was not ready or maybe just not able to be that one?

The thing I miss the most about my former career in event management was all the travel. I use to be on the road to some city somewhere at least once a month and often up to 12 days a month. But the new J-O-B only has me travelling much less than I would desire. Even my own personal travel has suffered as of late... but I am about to work on that.

Seeing that I haven't been to New York since relocating back to DC this past fall... I am over due for a trip up there and SoHo is overdue abusing my Visa. So I just booked my room and will be booking my train ticket later for the last weekend in June... which happens to be NYC Pride weekend... definitely looking forward to that parade. But I will not be walking from the Grand Hyatt on 42nd to Christopher St with a few stops in between like I did last time with my boy Tim and crew. I hate that my friend Kris left NYC... I was always up for a quick weekend getaway when he was there. Now I only know people that always come to DC to stay with me but have excuses when I want to go up... had to end that quickly.

Later in the summer I will be venturing out to LA or Vegas to kick it with my best friend and of course a year wouldn't be complete without a trip back to St. Kitts.

OK back to work...

Fox News jokes about Obama being assassinated

At minute 1:30 Liz Trotta makes a joke about killing both Osama and Obama "if we could".

Please email Fox and let them know that their Republican slanted news has gone too far once again. yourcomments@foxnews.com

Oh Morehouse...

I was quite surprised to be reading the paper online and see that Morehouse College was graduating its first white valedictorian in its 141 years of existence. Joshua Packwood grew up in a poor neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri and told CNN that he had attended a predominantly black high school, and that trouble within his own family led him to live for a time with the family of a black friend. Joshua turned down a full scholarship to Columbia University to attend Morehouse because he had become interested in African-American studies. He said his experience at the college had been overwhelmingly good, and CNN described him as popular among his classmates. However this post isn't about Joshua and how some people didn't feel it was right that a person who earned and maintained a 4.o should be valedictorian because of his race at the historically black college...


This post is about yet another surprising article I was sent this week. The LA Times' article Morehouse College faces its own bias -- against gays, was quite a surprise to me because while recently living in Atlanta I had began to think that the school was finally becoming more progressive in its thinking. Especially with the number of gay students that attend Morehouse. To me it began to become a joke any young college student I met when I first moved back to Atlanta whether it was at the park, at a club, at the mall or online they were all students at Morehouse. Even my neighbor that I blogged about a couple times was a gay student at Morehouse.


Anyway this article by Richard Fausset asks the question can a gay man be a Morehouse Man?

AnImBack...

yeah yeah ok shush I have been crazy busy with work for the past two weeks was to work and sleep and eat. But all that is over and I took off today to catch up on sleep but there were a lot of thoughts going through my head over the past two weeks, so I will get them all out now...

• Oooooo R Pissy makes me sick. Defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. said the reason the alleged victim never told the witness she was having a sexual relationship with Kelly was because there wasn't one and "because it's not her on the tape." "Are you asking or telling me?" Jamison shot back. Adam also showed pictures of a shirtless Kelly and asked Jamison how she knew it was his body on the video. "His head was attached to it," she responded, drawing laughter from several jurors. Please go to jail... directly to jail... and do not collect $200.


• No more recaps of Real World. I use to be really into that show but over the years it has lost its appeal to me.


• Butttttttttttt.... my show So You Think You Can Dance is back!!!! Still lusting after that Danny Tidwell.


• I see Hillary is really trying to set herself up for 2012 in case Obama doesn't win in November. All about self.


• Now that McCain has a crazy preacher behind him... maybe we can finally move past Jeremiah Wright.


• Gas prices and the grocery store are kicking my ass!!! I can't even do home delivery grocery because the delivery rates keep going up.


• I think I have deferred my student loan payments as long as humanly possible... I just got my bill for next month.


• The Game was really good this season... lets see if CW gets rid of it too.

Just having a moment...

... my day in court will come one day.

So Usher Wants to be on Bottom...

From SandraRose.com...

In this new track leaked from Usher’s upcoming CD “Here I Stand”, Usher wants you to treat him like he’s your bottom bitch. Is this the “new direction” Usher said his music was going in?

In “Trading Places, Usher sings about switching roles with his date who treats him like a sex object (not unlike the way he treated women before he met Tameka):

You get on top, tonight I’m on the bottom

‘Cause we trading places,

Now put it on me baby ’til I say, ‘ooh wee!’

And tell me to shut up before the neighbors hear me

This is how it feels when you do it like me

We’re trading places

Usher also sings about making the bed up in the morning and fixing breakfast for his date, going shopping so she can drop 6oK on him and “spend it like you really love me”.

Listen: Trading Places

FInally...

My Friday morning breakfast is usually 2 eggos, lite syrup, 2 slices of bacon, an orange, and a glass of orange juice... but this morning I want to have a little grey goose and cranberry to celebrate jury selection in R Pissy's trial.

But just a reminder on why I want this bastard to serve just a little time...

Why R. Kelly Should Go To Court?

Chicago Tribune's story today

Real World 20:3&4

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 3 Where's Joey?


Yet another episode totally consumed with alcohol and drinking. I am just waiting on one of these former roommates hasn't sued MTV yet for turning them into alcoholics. So as they had to the bar roommate Joey finds his former alcoholism at a conflict with the roommate lifestyle. "I can have fun without it as he downs drink number 3," says the fool. So Joey and former stripper Brianna start making out on the dance floor then she turns and kisses some random girl in the club. Only to realize the girl had been doing coke... which she gave up 2 months ago. And then drunk Joey turns into suicidal Joey.... draaaaama.

Since the crew is in Hollywood there will be no job but instead the roommates will be taking improv classes to put on a showcase at the end of the season... "Florals for spring... groundbreaking."

So most of the show was about addictions, drugs, and drinking... but I am sure they will be at a bar in the next episode. Episode 3 and I am already getting bored with this season.

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 4 Joey's Intervention



So the show opens with former stripper Brianna and resident cutie Will heading back to Philly so she can face a warrant for her arrest, as Joey sits at the kitchen table longing to be with her. She isn't out of the door 5 minutes before the female roommates start dogging strippers out.

So as soon as they get to Philly before the boy can even shower... Brianna takes Will to this dive of a strip bar, that looks like it is a double wide or something. As the roommates on the other coast go where..... yep to a bar. Which the night ends with Greg and Joey getting drunk and bringing home 2 unattractive girls to spend the nite.

The show ends with Joey going crazy in his drunken stupor and the producers convincing him to go to rehab for 30 days, which he agrees. Scenes for next week episode includes the roommates out drinking yet again...

No Words: Ride MARTA... It's SMARTA

From Sunday's Washington Post:

Channel Changer
Three Years Ago, Reggie Hudlin Came To Save a Troubled BET. But Has He?

Random Thoughts...

1. Why is Jeremiah Wright more important than the economy, New Orleans, Iraq, and gas prices?

2. So now that AT&T is going to offer the new 3g iPhone for $199 with a 2 year contract... are the $499 people pissed yet? I think I may hold out for the $99 special.

3. If you’re truly ‘safe only,’ then why do you get HIV tests and post the results in your profile?

4. When will people stop looking for Hannah Montanas to raise their kids? Her posing nearly nude is a chance for you to teach your bratty ass kids a lesson.

5. Just when I was about to break out the fatigue shorts and flip flops... winter came back.

6. Anyone know of Spanish lessons in DC for less than $325 a quarter?

7. So You Think You Can Dance???? Guess I will find my new Danny... May 22

8. As if plane tickets weren't already sky high... with the possible consolidation of 4 airlines is only going to make this worse.

9. What was the point of invading Iraq if we weren't going to get cheaper oil? I mean damn you could at least get something out of this stupid war.

10. So happy my bestfriend is coming to visit from Cali next week... I need some time with the person that knows me best.

The NEW LAPD

Remember back in the day getting caught by the LAPD was a sure bet that you would get your ass beat, hopefully a little camera time, maybe a little sympathy outside of your community, and of course a couple sinister smiles from officers that knew they were going to get off.

Well the NYPD has become the new LAPD. In the case of Sean Bell...

“The defendants are not guilty of all charges,” Queens Supreme Court Justice Arthur Cooperman declared. “The burden was on the people to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Each defendant was assumed to be innocent.” Cooperman said
justification was used as a defense, he had to consider the “mindset of the defendants, not the victims. What the victims did, was more important to resolve the issues at hand than what was in their minds.”

Click here for the full story and back story.

Real World 20:2

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 2 Let's Not Get Ghetto

The second episode was all about two people totally disappointing me. First was the resident cutie Will. I find it incredibly disturbing when someone actively pursues someone that is in a relationship. And Will has done just that, even went as far as asking another roommate to help him get this girl. Out of all the available people in the house and in Hollywood why would you pursue someone you have known for less than a week and truly have no connection with. All I could think of is if he would do this to someone in a relationship... what would he do when he is in one.

The second incident revolved around our southern belle, Kimberly. In the midst of an arguement with stripper/singer Brianna over the number of house guests, Kimberly says, "Let's not get ghetto." I tell you one of the draw backs of pop culture is that it affords people the right to say ignorant shit without even knowing the meaning behind it. Later on as she is discussing the incident with Sarah she makes yet another grand statement, "I don't care where you are from... the most inner city, blackville, you don't act like that" "I didn't mean it as a racial thing."

The drama was later squashed at least for now by the help of none other than Mr. Arrogant himself, Greg. Which I found quite surprisng that the self centered "model" payed that much attention or put that much energy into helping bring two roommates back together at least for now.

Of course the other 30 minutes of the show were all about the roommates partying and drinking. Makes me wonder what the hell the roommates are doing during the day that MTV chooses not to show that.

No Words

What does Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Foxxy Brown have in common?

They all will turn church into a photo op.

Real World 20:1

“This is the true story... of seven strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens when people stop being polite... and start getting real...The Real World.”

Can you believe MTV's ground breaking series the Real World is on its 20th season? Now I haven't watched a full season of the Real World since RW15 Philadelphia... and probably only 12 of the previous 19, but for some reason this commercial for this season caught my attention.

Real World: Hollywood Ep. 1 Welcome To Hollywood

So this season began last night with a new twist. While producers chose 6 of the 7 roommates the last roommate was chosen in an online competition where fans of the site were allowed to vote in the person they wanted to see. And apparently they did a good job because their choice Greg is already rubbing the roommates wrong with his super arrogant persona and the fact he refers to people around him as "peasants", and to women as "associates". Then there is Joey the very muscular Johnnie Bravo look a like... who looks like while he can be deep at times may have some emotional issues. And surprisingly at the age of 24 had never left Illinois until now. Will is by far the most captivating for me. I am a sucker for the smile, but he seems a little pressed seeing he has liked 2 different roommates in the first two days of living in the house. Brianna the stripper and aspiring singer from Philly... already has drama on the first episode because before unpacking she finds out there is a bench warrant for her arrest back in Philly. But Brianna's legal troubles may be the clue to why there are rumors about 2 replacement roommates this season.

Hopefully this season will keep my attention... and hopefully it goes beyond the continuous arguing and constant drinking and partying. I mean damn don't people who live together for 2 months do more than that???

Painting Obama

Tim Toles for the Washington Post

One ole Long Ass Moan

So April's discussion centered around LM Ross' Manhood: The Longest Moan. The book is a story of four high school classmates all on a mission to be stars. Ty the writer, David the dancer, Browny the singer and Face the actor/model; all start in a short lived boy group that breaks up and sends each boy in search of their own fame and manhood. They all find unplanned surprises in a 20 year story that uncover the truths about friendship, trust, lust and sex. The back of the book asks, "In a twenty year span, who among them is destined for true greatness?"

Unfortunately Manhood: The Longest Moan was one ole long ass moan. I never made it past page 171 of a nearly 400 page novel. By page 171 I was not invested in any of the storylines, well maybe the story of Face, but every time I walked past the book I would think, "XX number of days till the meeting... I'll get to it later" And apparently out of the 12 people that made it to our meeting... 10 agreed and the other 2 are cordial with the author. I still never got an answer which of the four made it to greatness.

I don't think the book was bad it just didn't pull me in. Several people said the best part of the book were the last few chapters, to which I responded, I may never know then. Others mentioned that you had to get into the flow of the book and once you did you would love it. So when I asked when this flow began, we all assumed it was after page 171.

I may eventually finish Manhood, but for now I will turn my focus to Sister Souljah's Coldest Winter Ever.

Random Questions...

1. Why does every lil gay boy want to be a model or thinks they are a model?


2. I wonder why my birthday is quickly approaching, this Friday and I am unphased and don't really care?


3. Why do people at church assume that me and my friend I attend with are dating? Why can't people just be friends? Why must people always assume the extreme?


4. How was I convinced to go see Prom Night? Another hour and half of my life I will never remember.


5. OK... why is the Pope trying to hem up my commute on Thursday by holding mass at 830am at the new stadium by my house.


6. I want to get into tennis and spanish lessons this spring/summer. Anyone want to pay?


7. Why does doing favors for friends often bite you in the ass? You thought I was evil before but no more favors... unless it benefits me.


8. Book club "after the show" discussion was quite enlightening... topics of sex and sex practices opened my eyes to some friends I have known for almost 7 years. Do you really know your friends?


9. Are you burned out over this election yet?


10. Why am I not as excited about my pending freedom as I thought I would be?

The Hidden Racisim

A week ago today my Regional Director about the assassination of MLK and how things have and haven't changed in the last 40 years.

Sometimes our opinions flow along the same line and for most of this conversation it did. But what never ceases to amaze me is how some white people really don't have a huge grip on the real reality. Especially when it comes to institutional racism, which is where our opinions separated... not because he didn't agree, but because he didn't realize.We both agreed that yes we have come quite a long way but there is still a long way to go.

To drive home my point... I attempted to give him a few examples of institutional racism:

1. Have you ever noticed when it comes to the traffic report on the news, that they only focus on predominantly affluent or white traffic patterns and neighborhoods. The only time DC news stations even mention Prince George's County is if there is a major accident... even when 270 from Gaithersburg is free and clear.

2. The tying of school funding to their neighborhood property values instead of set rate per student across the board.

3. Or because the terrorist that are believed to have brought down the Trade Center... now never can an Arab American fly on a commercial flight without stares and eyes of wonder.

4. To bring the point home a little closer, I brought up a situation that happened last week when an existing client was reassigned to me because the organization delt with African American athletes. I was told, "I am sure you can get these guys to produce more than what they have in the past." However I don't think there was a malicious intent behind this and let him know that.

I think we have come a long way from April 4, 1968 but I often wonder will we ever live in a colorless society?

No Words

Hate is such a strong word... but this fool comes awfully close.

Orbitz Commercial featuring Marcus Patrick

A lot of words...

No Words

No Words

Sometimes I come across things... and simply have NO WORDS(Click Image to see Larger)

Discussing Pregnant Men

Sometimes when I am having lunch with my hetero friends, I feel like I'm in a zoo, better yet I feel like I am at a Senate hearing. Just replace my plate with a mic and my friends with a bunch of stodgy old white men.

The conversation today centered around transgender and the story that has been all around the news and even on my girl O's show the other day. I hadn't even taken two sips of the diet Coke before the first question was, "What is up with this woman who is a man having a baby?". The course of the meal was me talking and them and the table next to us listening...

I have never understood the transgender mentality or life. I have never once in my life had the desire to be a female. Never once thought my gayness was me being trapped in the wrong body. But I also told my lunch partners something I heard at my church... never judge someone else's struggle in life, you don't know where they are coming from or where they are going. And with that in mind regardless of how I really feel about it and its affects on others... I say to each their own.

We talked about how does a lesbian go to being married to a transgendered man. And to that again I do not understand either. But one thing I always give my hetero friends to think on is... "Are you straight because you have sex with the opposite gender, or is that just something you do because you are straight." I think that if people would remove sex from the equation and focus on the love... it would normalize things a lot more. I have had sex with women before... that doesn't make me straight. I nor is anyone I know gay because they enjoy sex with men but because they are attracted to them emotionally.

As for the child that will come from this situation... I honestly feel quite sorry for the child. I think a lot of times people make decisions that will affect others because they simply have the right to. Yes you have the right to reproduce because it is your body. But why bring someone else into your madness. People are just getting use to the idea of gay parents and even still with that children are taunted and teased. But can you imagine explaining your daddy is actually your mommy?!?! I think with everything people have to deal with in life sometimes we have the ability to limit the harm we bring on others.

Hopefully our lunch opened their mind to different things. Even if they don't agree or do not like we all should be respectful to other's decisions to live their life.

Why Corporal Punishment Should be Back in School?

Cops Say 3rd-Graders Plotted Attack
By RUSS BYNUM, AP

WAYCROSS, Ga. (April 1) - A group of third-graders plotted to attack their teacher, bringing a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape and other items for the job and assigning children tasks including covering the windows and cleaning up afterward, police said Tuesday.

The plot involving as many as nine boys and girls at Center Elementary School in south Georgia was a serious threat, Waycross Police Chief Tony Tanner said.School officials alerted police Friday after a pupil tipped off a teacher that a girl had brought a weapon to school. Tanner said the students apparently planned to knock the teacher unconscious with a crystal paperweight, bind her with the handcuffs and tape and then stab her with the knife.

When I was in elementary school... I was worried about winning the relay, the upcoming Christmas play, if i could make my hand turkey better than last year. When we cut up it was taking too long in the restroom... pushing someone at recess... or ignoring the safety guard. In my day there was corporal punishment... you acted up you were taken to this closet and spanked with a paddle after your parents were called.

What the hell is going on with these kids?

Does This Girl Ever Rest...

Listen to Beyonce - Beautiful Nightmare

Don't Meet the Browns

Dear Tyler,

That was some bullshit and you know it.

I have never been a huge fan of yours and often rejected this notion that you are showing black America on film. In fact the only thing missing from this film was a monkey and black face. But after your last movie, Why Did I Get Married?, I thought your craft was improving. And then you went and created this bullshit.

It was too my horror that my favorite Emmy and Academy Award-nominated, and Golden Globe winning actress who has flawlessly played many great characters was reduced to star in this film. It truly must be a hard time in Hollywood for black actresses. And for the record she is the ONLY reason I went to see what I figured would be total nonsense.

I haven't seen all the many Madea plays but even I noticed you made Mr. Brown's wife his daughter in the movie... and what was the point of Medea and the car chase, that had absolutely nothing to do with the story and seemed like a last minute chance for you to dress in drag yet again. The storyline was so predictable and unbelievable at the same time. For example, it just so happens the person recruiting Lance Goss' character in Chicago happens to live down the street from your family in some small ass town in Georgia. I could go on and on.

The directing of my high school musical my senior year was ten times better... the editing was choppy.. the storyline was unrealistic and not believable at all. Tyler you owe me $11.25. Actually seeing the beautiful Angela Basset was probably worth $3... but I want my change.

CBW

Where Da Hell You Been?!?!

Yeah I know it has been a week but hell I was busy with family and travelling.

So I actually decided to go to the nonsense wedding I blogged about last month. Flying to the middle of west Texas is always an excruciating experience. And when I tell you it was a complete and utter ghetto mess. OOOOOO I wish I had taken a picture or two of this. And most of you may think 'this bourgeois asshole would call anything ghetto' but when the usher is walking down the aisle with one of those Bic Lighter guns with a ribbon tied around it... what else can it be.

So of course my first question to my mother when she told me my 26yo cousin with no career, no degree, and removable gold fronts was marrying a 36yo woman was Is she pregnant or desperate? Well seeing her waddle down the aisle answered both questions to the affirmative. I just looked at my cousin from Florida and mouthed... told you so. So after the wedding I tell my mother... I told you she was pregnant, I get a response well we didn't know she was always shaped funny. At that moment I was officially done and ready to fly back to Dallas.

Now don't get me wrong the highlight of the trip was definitely seeing my mother, grandparents, great aunts and cousins... but the Erykah Badu concert featuring the Roots was everything. I had just seen Erykah six months ago at the Verizon party at Love Nightclub here in DC. But when I tell you Badu carried on and on. It is rare when a true R&B singer gives you a show at a concert and that is definitely what she does. She is so entertaining to watch and wonder what her crazy ass is going to do next.

The next 3 days were filled with scheduled meetings which all could have been condensed into a day and half but I won't complain since I was staying at the amazing Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Collinas. The amazing weather (less the never ending rain storm on Tuesday) allowed me to sit poolside up until 9pm each night. Damn.... I am loving this new job.

Standing on my patio every morning looking at this course had me wishing I knew something about golf.

Good times but definitely good to be back in DC... see Texas in another 3 years.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 times I have witnessed perfection

Tonight's concert was phenomenal. No more needs to be said, but check this concert when it comes near you.

Finally A Reason to Subscribe to HBO...

Yes another post this week about my girl Jilly from Philly (Did I mention I am going to see her tonite?!?!?!) Well HBO has picked up the adaptation of the best-selling books "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith.

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" stars my favorite singer Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, the proprietor of the only female-owned detective agency in Botswana. Two other favorites, Anika Noni Rose who plays her quirky secretary in the series and Idris 'damn he is sexy' Elba star in the show as well.

HBO has partnered with the Weinstein Co. and the BBC on the drama series, ordering 13 hourlong episodes to begin filming in the summer. That's in addition to the two-hour pilot that Minghella recently shot in Botswana. Finally something new and different... I mean when was the last time, let alone the first time, you have seen a drama series set in Africa. Many thanks to HBO for adding some color to the television.

Jill, Erykah, Momma, and Me

This is going to be a great week...

It started today with a great day of work visiting clients with reps from two of our European properties. I love networking with other sales managers from all over our company... at the end of 2009 I will be calling upon some of these contacts to help me secure the next position.

Sunday, Mister Selfish aka X surprised me with tickets to see the Jill Scott concert at DAR Constitution Hall this Wednesday. In case you didn't know I am a huge Jilly from Philly fan. This will be the 8th time I have seen her live and I think it was a very thoughtful gift. I never mentioned I wanted to go but three weeks ago when we were out having dinner he asked me what was my favorite song as of late and on that conversation he took it up on himself to give me a early birthday gift.

I like a man that pays attention.

I've been talking to this man... He's been saying what I like and
He makes me smile, When I'm down, so down
He says sweet things in my ear... All the things that I needed to hear
But that's as far as it's gone... I promise, I promise
- J. Scott, Whenever You're Around, "The Real Thing: Words And
Sounds Vol. 3" (2007)

But the week gets even better. I already blogged about the nonsense wedding that my fam is having this weekend in Texas. I decided to go but not so much for the wedding but to see my mother and grandparents and nephew. I haven't seen them in forever and my grandparents aren't getting any younger. And anytime I can see my mother I am all over it. The fact that I also have to go to Dallas for a business meeting starting on Sunday doesn't hurt... especially since they are picking up the tab for the flight already.

But the highlight of the trip other than seeing my moms is none other than getting the opportunity to see Erica Abi Wright aka Erykah Badu. Another friend that knew I was coming to town and that my birthday was coming up soon secured "great seats" (as he says) for her concert this Saturday. I just saw Erica in concert in September but with the release of her new album just two weeks ago I am even more excited to see her perform some of those new songs live.

I am a huge fan of Common, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott and the only thing that would make this week even better is if someone surprises me with tickets to see Common... feel free to take that hint!!!

This past Saturday, Cover to Cover met for the 6th time to discuss This Place of Men by Doug Cooper Spencer. While I have had the book for about a month... I didn't start reading this interesting 360 page story until the week before the meeting.

This Place Of Men explores the lives of two men who struggle with truth and sexual identity. As teenagers the two main characters, Otis and Terrell, were lovers until they were torn apart by Terrell's father and his pastor causing the two men's live to take two different paths. Otis returns home twenty years later to confront the family that turned their back on him and the lover that denied him. While Terrell confronts the life that he chose and his true identity that he has denied himself for twenty years.

The story to me was new and different from any other gay novel I have read... however it was often anticlimactic. Poignant parts of the story that you look forward to happening were often mentioned as an after thought or never explained. The story was also convoluted with unnecessary characters that didn't add much to the story or its purpose. I can think of at least 4 characters that could have been left out and 4 that could have been explored more.

I think for the most part the entire group agreed that it was a good story with a disappointing and rushed ending.

The group's discussion as usual ended up being a party with plenty of alcohol and food, a deck of cards and music... good times. Sorry I will miss the sports outing this upcoming weekend.

Next month's book is Manhood by L M Ross or The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah... can't remember we chose April and May last night.

Dumb Ass Tattoos

It was probably about 2 years ago now, when me and my two friends D&D ended up at a tattoo parlor in College Park, MD picking out tattoos from off the wall. Somehow they had finally talked me into taking the huge step that I had been contemplating for awhile.

After an hour of waiting, I picked out the Aries symbol I thought I wanted, sat in the chair and prepared to have my upper back tatted. I had been going back and forth the entire hour but it was hearing the needle turn on that made me think, "Do I really want this on my body for the rest of my life..." The same thoughts that had been preventing me from getting a tattoo before.

I have always said when I can think of that one thing, I will do it. I am still tattoo less today.

But what got me thinking of this is all the dumb ass tattoos I have seen lately. Mind you this is my opinion but as the blog headline states... "my thoughts, my opinions...." Take for instance dumb ass tattoo #1.... 38yo with a tattoo of an ill drawed cartoon character, when I asked him what it meant he said "nothing I was just young, I got it when I was 27." Tattoo #2... 27yo with wings... on his chest. Tattoo #3... 21yo with his ex's name on his back... how fucking dumb can you be.

I think some tattoos can be very beautiful pieces of artwork. And often ask to get a closer look when I can. But some shit like Eve's titty tatts and Angelina's 2nd or third ex husband's name make me just shake my head and wonder.

Radom News Stories...

This has been a very odd week of news stories in the media. Just reminds me of my aunt walking away from the TV shaking her head muttering, "... in the last days, in the last days!"

• Everyone has heard about the two gay porn star twins breaking into the roofs of businesses in Philly... I have met Keyon a couple times including at the first and only ball that Frank took me to, I would have never guessed that this... let me leave that alone.
• Media Fake Out has led many DC DJs to speculate and have conversation about Kelly Rowland doing Playboy... First I don't think Matthew would allow it and second I think she has better sense to think posing nude and showing her vajayjay is not gonna sell any more albums.
• So gas is going to $4 a gallon... as ExxonMobil post billions and billions in profits. Looks like I will be in the market for a new car sooner than I thought. Maybe I will get a Mini to drive to work.
• So now that Obama and McCain are in a sissy fit fight over Iraq... does that mean the race is over for Hil.
• Speaking of sissy fights... I don't get the point of all these debates and squables. Nothing is ever new said at the debates. And we already know McCain is for seeing the war out and Obama wants out... can we move on and discuss other things like gas prices, unsafe food, and a recession... where do you guys stand on that.
• So this exchange student goes to Egypt and is starved by his host family... but yet stays for 4 months and loosing 60 lbs, now while my first thought was biiiiiitch that is one ole diet, my second thought to his quote, "I wanted to stick it out for a year.", makes me think what kind of dumb shit are you on.
• I swear this idiot lives in a fairyland...
• And I am not going to even comment on people trying to scare people from voting for Obama with that whole Somolian dress picture... I would say how dumb do you think people are but...

A Raisin in the Sun

Even when I was on my way to the theater to see A Raisin in the Sun on Broadway I had my doubts... I thought would Diddy taint the wonderful and amazing acting that I knew would come from Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald, and Sanaa Lathan. After the play, we met friends at a bar in Chelsea and the first questioned they asked was how was Diddy.

My simple reply was, "Diddy wasn't in the play but Sean Combs did a great job... No Sidney but a great job."

Of course I will be watching Monday night on ABC at 8pm to see how well this cast and this version will translate to TV.

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-- And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?

Or crust and sugar over-- like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?

- Langston Hughes

My client had confirmed that she could do lunch next Thursday at noon. I chose a resteraunt that was close to her office and had an amazing stuffed sole. I was going through the many emails that had come in over the night, as I dialed the number to make the reservation. That is when I heard his voice.

I hadn't talked to him in close to two years. We weren't on the best of terms when I moved to Atlanta and since his cell number had changed like it had so many times before. I checked up on him via email a few times... but the cold shoulder could be felt even through AOL.

He was always the most special to me. I was young and he was younger when we met and our off and on affair began. We always had fun... rarely any stress... great conversations. When other relationships with CLK, KCK, and the Prez all went south... he is who I turned to. His smile and his humor always made me forget about what was going on. And the sex... well the sex was everything.

He had answered the phone like he had so many times before. I instantly looked up from the computer screen but the only thing I could bring myself to say was wow.

After listening to me only being able to say wow for two minutes... he laughed out a hello. We exchanged pleasentries... asked about the fam and still all I could say was wow. Totally caught off guard and ready to end the call, he reminded me that I called for a reason. I made the reservation and got his new number. It has been almost 24 hours and when I think about it I am still speechless.

Where Will Life Take You...

I love this commercial

Covering the Right Side of the Wrong Bed

My book club, Cover to Cover, has been going on 4 months strong. While the book selections have been all over the board in terms of literary work to bathroom reading, the conversations are always most enlightening.

This month's meeting was of no variation and probably brought about the most interesting conversation to date. This past month Right Side of the Wrong Bed by fellow blogger Fredrick Smith was chosen. We tend to start the meeting by allowing every member to give just two words on what they thought of the book. Most of the group agreed and my two words kept getting stolen from others in the group so when it finally came to my time to speak the only words I could use that hadn't been used were.... eh & draining.

I had read Smith's first book, Down for Whatever, and thought the characters and the story were pretty well written. However in this book I found the characters annoying and by chapter 15... I was like damn I am not done yet. The book's two main characters are the type of homosexuals that irk me the most... one a caniving liar trying to get over and the second and most annoying a passive, desperate grown man. The endless circles of nonsense that these two go through extends chapter after chapter... making you wonder if any real 30something can really be this stupid. I don't know anyone like this however other book club members could identify through some of their personal experiences. I myself tend to cut people from my circle who display such a character flaw. There is enough to deal with in life, to have to deal with blissful ignorance which most of the 30 chapters in this book were, which is what made it painful to read.

But the good thing about this book is that it brought up an insightful conversation that had each of us sharing experiences about what we can and can't deal with and how age and experience seems to blur that line to find reality. Our conversation was the most real and most telling... of the four months I learned more about my fellow book club members that one afternoon than any other. So while I went into the meeting thinking it was actually the Wrong book for the Right Club... it turned into being a great conversation starter.

Next month's selection is This Place of Men by Doug Spencer Cooper.

Sean Does it Again

Rapper... producer... restaurateur... actor Sean 'Diddy'Combs remains to be one of the most talented men in the game. In 1998, Combs added designer to his list of monikers with the launch of the Sean John clothing line for men. However 10 years later Sean is still making a big impact on the often lily white Mercedes Benz Fashion Week by having a show that featured only African-Amercan models.

This man keeps amazing me...

Did You See Girlfriends Monday?

Well if you did or didn't that was the last episode... after several months of speculation that this was going to be the last season, the CW network has decided not to even shoot the remainder of the season.

Does Aaron die in Iraq or return to finally marry Joan?

What does William's baby look like?

Does Maya 'the authoress' write another book... have another child or adopt?

Does Lynn ever get a clue?

Now I was not a fan at first of this show... I hated the way they kept showing Joan talking to herself in that little bubble. But once I saw Jill Scott on the show I immediately started watching. Anyway for the rest of the story check out the Jawn Murray story over at Blackvoices.

I have often alluded to my paternal side of the family throughout this blog but today the thoughts in my head are about my mother's side of the family. The only person that I am really close to on that side of the family is my mother. There are occassional interactions with other members but that is few and far between. I haven't seen any of them face to face other than my mother in probably 2 years now. And I usually get my family news from my mother.

So for the past three weeks the story I have been getting is about my youngest cousin getting married. At first thought weddings.... marriage... isn't this great. Shouldn't we all be so happy?! Yeah everyone but me because I seem to be the only one that calls out the bullshit on this side of the family. So let me outline my issues with this marriage:

1. My grandparents' pride and joy has two children and two baby mothers... neither of which he is marrying.
2. He never graduated from college, doesn't have a job to take care of 2 children let alone a wife.
3. His wife to be is 3o something (everytime I ask the number changes but remains around 35)... he is in his early to mid 20s.

I keep asking everyone what does a mid 30s woman see in a 25ish boy that still walks around wearing gold fronts, with 2 baby mommas and no real career. The response I keep getting is I know, I know. But yet no one has talked to him about it. Regardless of the fact if they change his mind but at least address the issue at hand.

So today my cousin calls me and says he hears that I will be in Dallas the weekend of his wedding and wonders if I could come over for it. "Maybe you can read a poem or something"... seeing that everyone else has already been asked to be in the wedding in some capacity.

In all honesty I don't want to go... and hadn't planned on going until he called me. I didn't see the point of spending money on a plane ticket for such foolishness, especially for family members I rarely talk to. But since my grandparents are getting up there in age maybe I should go at least to see them and get out of having to go for Xmas for another couple years. Oh well we shall see... anyone with a Continental, American, or Southwest Airlines hook up let me know!!!

Obama: One Voice

For the first time we are having a Potomac Primary. And for the first time our voices are really important. After Saturday's primaries Clinton 1100 vs. Obama 1039...

Damn You Target...

If you are keeping up by now you know I love Saks... French Connection... Crate and Barrell.... Barney's CoOp... but my favorite store is Target or as Jackie Washington would say Tar'Get.

As I was driving the short few miles to Potomac Yards... I looked over my list at least twice. I love Potomac Yards because they have everything I need for a Saturday shopping trip. Target sits next to Best Buy, which is right down from Barnes and Noble, which is next to Shoppers Food Warehouse which sits next to Pier 1. As I pulled up to Target, I reminded myself I am just getting the basic necessities. You know body wash, Olay Cleansing Pads, Tide, baby oil, and a candle or 2... $15 or 20 at most. But in the midst of our idle banter, Chris had put my last item in the bag and told me $62.20. His facial expression in response to my now frowned up face was a simple What??

It never seems to fail... those damn Target executives are smart or I am just weak. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have been able to go into Target and spend less that $50. This time it was new baking pans, a cell phone case, and new socks. Last time I think it was Tshirts, towels, and a dvd.

I see now Target isn't the store but people like me walking in. I am now putting myself on a once a month Target diet.

YES WE CAN

Can We?

Erykah Badu's new video Honey

I love it

Random Thoughts this Wednesday Evening

1. Sherri Shepard is now synonymous with BET to me. Every time I hear it or see it... I cringe and feel we have been set back another 10 years as a people. The now 41yo has never voted. Seeing she has missed the past 5 Presidential elections alone was bad but her comment that she never voted because she "never knew the dates or anything." just made me hang my head in shame.

2. Why do people always compare artist against each other as if you can only like one or only afford to buy one CD? ie: Beyonce vs. Janet, NeYo vs. Usher, Danity Kane vs. ok let me stop...

3. I was thinking that I wouldn't have anything to watch on TV with this writer's strike but I am actually quite fine. Don't get me wrong I miss some of my shows but I don't think their strike is working.

4. No John Edwards... Super Tuesday may be the real Super Bowl. It will at least be an interesting day.

5. Damn... I'm hungry.

6. So the late Dr. King and Coretta Scott King are finally going to be grandparents... even if posthumously. We know the child isn't coming from good ole Dexter or loud mouth Bernice... but from MLK3, who happens to also be the only married King child.

7. After visiting ATL a few weeks ago I realized I don't really miss the city but just my crew. Not surprised seeing I felt the same way about DC when I originally left.

8. Analysts, on average, expect Exxon Mobil to report earnings of $1.95 per share and revenue of $114.89 billion during the fourth quarter, according to a survey by Thomson Financial. Gotta love that Bush!!

9. I wonder can I squeeze Blogtopia and Cat on the Hot Tin Roof into the same weekend.

10. If everyone who owes me money would pay me back... I could afford to buy the new LCD for the living room, get a new set of mattresses, pay for my trip to St. Kitts... but it was just a random thought.

Shit Your Mother Should Have Taught You #4

One reader who I met while living in Atlanta and that I stay in contact with via Yahoo! IM, has constantly complained about his teaching job in Bumfuck, GA. Week after week it always something about his class or school...

For the past six months an acquaintence has been dating this one guy, that I have yet to meet but you would think I knew him for years. For the past four months I have had to hear about how emotionally unavailable the guy can be; how he is always out partying with his friends to only call him afterwards so he can cum through; how he wishes there was more time for him between the guy's busy travel schedule; and the list has gone on and on since October...

For the past two years my cousin has complained about how the family is rude to his fiance and how they really don't accept her. (I could do a series of posts on the Baptiste-Williams and their standards of dating and maybe one day I will.) Recently after spending the holidays in St. Kitts with the rest of the clan... his fiance called off the wedding (I'm not surprised) ...

We all go through shit and need to vent from time to time. Sometimes we have one of those days were if just one more thing happened or one more person would have said something... it would have been on and poppin'. Hopefully we all have someone we can vent to whether it is your partner, friend, or mother... but there is one thing your mother should have taught you...

No one and I do mean no one wants to hear your ass complain constantly about the same thing.

Especially me... I, like most people, have enough shit going on in my own life to want to hear anyone constantly complain about the same thing over and over. Especially if they are not making moves in their lives to change what is upsetting them. Don't you think I have worked a job that I was unhappy at? Don't you think I have had a current that needed to be an ex? Don't you think this family gets on my nerves from time to time. But instead of complaining and nagging off someone's ear all the time... I prefer to make changes so that I can cope and deal with the situation if not eradicate it.

Don't take this the wrong way... we all got things we have to release and just vent about. And if we are friends I will listen... but you also know as friends I am going to be the first one to tell you stop fuckin complaining and do something about it... and if I ever slip up and forget what my momma taught me I hope you remind me as well.

Powell's 13 Rules to Live By

In my early years of living in Washington... on the third day of working at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts... I met a man that I had always admired; one of the most powerful black men in America; and a man I felt was one of the most brilliant men in Washington. As we were setting up for the event, out of the elevator banks and around the corner came General Colin Powell. I had been in Washington only a few weeks and always wondered if I would run into any politicos... and the first one I did meet was one of my heroes. Over the next few years of working there I had the opportunity to talk with him several times and really get to know his fabulous wife Alma Johnson-Powell.

Well the past few days I have been playing catchup on all the shows I DVRed and I got to see Secretary Powell's appearance on the View (guilty habit just to see Sherri Shepard piss me off once again). During his appearance he mentioned his 13 Rules to Live By that I had heard once and keep at my desk...

1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.

2. Get mad, then get over it.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

4. It can be done!

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.

8. Check small things.

9. Share credit.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

11. Have a vision.

12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

An Extended Weekend

Wednesday, January 23, 2008... back to work and tired. This past weekend was full of activity from flying Delta... to hanging out with friends... meeting new people... and trying to at least see some of my old friends in ATL.

Three from Jersey, me from DC, the three ATLiens, and our Iraqi transplant made it a full weekend even though we only hit up 2 house parties and 2 clubs it seems as if we were going nonstop. Friday we hit up Trademark at the former Palace. Due to the abnormal cold weather we skipped the general admin line, for the VIP line which we were told as we got in it would be $20 admission. Two minutes later as we stood at the cashier we were told ummm no $25.

So while waiting for some drag queen waitress (sorry if that isn't the proper term) to bring back some drinks for my friends... this attractive short guy that I will call Esquire grabbed my attention, we talked for a few, exchanged numbers and decided to meet up later in the weekend. After several hours of dancing, drinking, and sweating... we decided to bounce hit Checkers and call it a night.

The club promoters gouging the kids for all their leftover holiday money left a bad taste in our mouths and prompted us to skip going out Saturday and just check out a house party or 2. When we finally made it to subdivision where the first party was located it was quick to see this is where everyone was.... cars were parked everywhere. When we made it to the door... we were told no more people could go in because it was crowded. I informed the doorman I was an invited guest and threw out the name of one of the residents and me and the crew walked in. As soon as the door opened I realized the party wasn't crowded. It was absolutely crazy. There had to be at least 400 people in this house. No Way in Hell I would ever have that many people in my house!! Ever!! We were there less than 30 minutes when the cops came and put everyone out... just in the nick of a time seeing a fight was about to ensue right in front of where we were standing. So with the help of some queen with an annoyingly screechy voice we all flooded out of the house and off to the next party. We never made it because the party was in a new subdivision that even GPS couldn't find.

Sunday we went to see DJ Sedrick the District House Mutha at Club Europe. That is where I met Baller... a mid 30s ex pro athlete. Our eyes met when we first walked in but I like to check people out and see how they act and interact with others before speaking. As I exited the restroom after what had to be my third drink... Baller grabbed my arm and struck up a conversation. Exchanged numbers with the promises to get up later the next day... which never materialized but I did get a phone call explaining why which at least showed he was considerate of my time.

Monday was a pretty chill day... tried to visit a couple friends and lunch out with my boys I came to hang out with. Something told me to check my email before I started packing for my 6am flight the next morning to see... Delta cancelled my flight and others due to weather (mind you there was no bad weather out) and rescheduled me on an 8pm flight that evening. How you go from a 6am to 8pm I still haven't figured out but after talking to two CSRs I was finally rebooked on the 220pm. The delay in flight was a good thing it allowed me to have more time with Baller and Esquire. But while I love ATL and enjoy my friends... I was ready to get back to DC, my own bed and my own bathroom... always good to be on the go but even better to be able to go home!!

Off to spend 4 days in the A with my boys... partying, hanging out and of course remembering the dream. I am sure I will have something interesting to post about on Tuesday when I return to DC.

Other MLK weekend posts:

Welcome Back to Atlanta

Is It Time for the Gay Pride Travel Tour Already?

Growing Out of Addictions?

Ok so I was going to post on something else but as I was signing into Blogger, a news story came across the screen about the cause of Ike Turner's death last month... a cocaine overdose. Immediately images of Lawrence Fishburne as Ike doing a line of coke in What's Love Got to Do With It, came through my mind.

The second thing that I thought of was do you ever out grow your addiction? Do you ever become just too damn old to be doing the same bullshit? Whether it is cocaine like Ike or alcohol or shopping or eating or unhealthy relationships, not only a date but friendships as well... do you ever get old enough, mature enough, or wise enough to say enough is enough.

Just like I can't imagine my grandfather snorting coke at his age... I can't see myself in a relationship where I am not getting as much as I am putting in. I can't see myself in a relationship where I don't feel complete. I can't see myself in a relationship where I feel the only thing that we have is the time we spent together and as friends. So what a better wake up call for myself and maybe for you to remove some of those addictions out of your life. And what better time of year.

When I called my mother to tell her about good ole Ike Turner, the first thing out her mouth was, "At his age..."

Shit Your Mother Should Have Taught You #3

We already know how I feel about passive people, but nothing irks me more than someone to ask me, "When are we gonna...". That question is usually ended with go out to dinner, hang out, go to a movie or something. But the way the question is asked just pisses me off to no end.

The statement "When are we..." suggests that I know your schedule, I know your commitments, or I can just pick 8am Monday morning and it will be cool with you. So in case your mother or father never told you how to ask someone out... let me pitch hit for a minute. The correct way is "I would like to... when is good with you." or even better, "Would you like to... on Friday." Stop being a passive ninny passing off what you want to do on the other person. Man up and just ask!!

New Year... New Start

A friend emailed me to say one aspect has been missing from HisStory for a minute. I think "so wassup with my life..." were his exact words.

To say I am somewhat of a control freak can be an understatement at times. But when things do get out of hand or out of my control... I tend to put them away and think about them only when I can solve the issue. Bills are a great example of this. If I can't afford to pay it why open them... I just throw them in my nightstand and get to them when I am able to. No sense in looking at an outstanding balance I can't pay. Luckily for me I haven't been in this position in awhile.

But to say my personal life has been in a little disaray the past two years is quite the understatement. If you been following HisStory... you only know half of the story, its been a lot worse than I have written about but somethings are reserved for my journals. The transition back to Washington has not been as seemless as I thought it would be. Work and the social life have had a few bumps in the road but it is what it is and Xs are Xs for a reason. A new friend of mine wrote in his blog:

Would the world go on without me?
How would the grass continue to grow?
Could people survive without me?
Or am I to them the Sun?
Of course things would continue without me
And though I am just a minnow in this sea
Even minnows make waves - DL 8/24/2006

But with the new year the waves are becoming a lot calmer. In the past few months I made the change and finally left the nonprofit world and ventured into the world of hospitality. The job change isn't unfamiliar territory, I am actually going from client to supplier. And I am loving it. In 18 months, I will be up for a promotion and more than likely I will be leaving Washington once again. My mentor/supervisor told me being open to move anywhere would be best for my career, so if that means I have to move to our property in Paris well hell so be it!! LOL

Redating an X has proven to be a difficult situation. While we never gave a title or definition to what we were doing... we were doing a lot of it. When he told me that he wasn't able to fully committ till things that were going on in his life that were out of his control were back in order... I heard but I didn't listen. So once again, I put myself in a position of giving more than I was getting and not being totally happy. While things are still in a awkward state, I have allowed myself to be open to meeting new people.

And so I did... one person, TheNutCracker (if you saw his thighs you would understand), actually the one's poetry I referenced above, I had actually talked to on IM before leaving DC however we only met face to face in December. He is definitely the type that grabs my attention: intelligent, great conversationalist, sexy thighs, committed and thought provoking. The only bad thing is that he is in a relationship so we have both remandided ourselves to being friends.

Then there is Texas not sure what I want to write about him just yet but he is cool and I definitely see a good friendship there.

This past Sunday I did something I wouldn't normally do. I went out by myself and actually had a good time. I know a lot of people so even when I do go out with friends... I am always off in a conversation with someone I didn't come with. But I don't like going out alone because I always think who will I sit there and talk to. Well with the few people I knew and the new cutie I met, I wasn't at a lost for conversation the entire night.

But for the most that is what has been going on in my world. Oh yeah I saw The Great Debaters yesterday (still upset at an $8 matinee) but it was well worth it. Excellent movie you all should see... especially if you are tired of the typical, nonsense black movies out there like that Santa movie with Gabriel Union and Morris Chestnutt (yeah I slipped that jab in for you NutCracker)

Lessons Learned in 2007

Like I said last year, Life is nothing but a string of decisions. Some decisions can make it better, some can keep it from growing, and others can change things for the worse. 2007 was definitely yet another of decisions and revelations.

Just like us, friendships evolve and change as well. At first I was hurt and dismayed when two of my four closest friendships changed for the worst in the past two years. But now when I think back on both of them I only think of all the good times and years we had. People grow and change over time, we can't expect our friendships not to evolve as well.

Faith goes beyond a church, a religion, and a Bible. My grandfather was a minister so church has always been a constant in my life. Twice on Sunday and every Wednesday for Bible study. Since leaving home my belief system has changed much to the dismay of my mother. I finally believe that the Bible is a good guide but it was written by man; i choose to be more spiritual than religious; and finding the right church that gives you spiritual nourishment is important regardless of the denomination.

HIV is real. Simple enough we have gotten careless and often think never us. HIV isn't the same disease it was in the 80s and early 90s and because of that many gays don't think about it as much as we should. In the past 2 years several friends have came out to me as being HIV positive... in the past 3 months, I have learned about 2 very close friends. HIV is real and we need to take it serious.

You can't plan life. One of my favorite movie quotes comes from Love and Basketball, when the character Monica says, "It's a trip, you know? When you're a kid, you-you see the life you want, and it never crosses your mind that it's not gonna turn out that way." The past two years of my life have made me realize that and I think this quote summarizes my 2007.

Hope all of you have learned some lessons that will help you get through 2008. Happy New Year!!