FAMILY REUNION:
This past weekend my family reunion took place at Anacostia Park in D.C. It was nice to be around family (you know, that one time per year that a slacker like myself is around) and see everybody again. I couldn't help but feel like I am an underachiever when it comes to staying in touch with family and strengthening bonds with my family members. Am I so busy that I can't keep in touch with my own blood? Why do they love me so unconditionally even when I haven't seen or talked to many of them in a year's time?
That's LOVE!
It's funny how even though some members of my family don't get along with one-another, everyone seems to be able to get along with me. I can't help but wonder sometimes if this is because I'm removed from family functions to the point where everybody just likes me by default b/c they don't know me well enough to see something that they may not like. Not that I think I am a bad person by any means, but I sometimes wonder if I came to more family functions and did more stuff with my family...Would I be in one of the family "cliques"?
I love my family and I was happy to see that everyone was there and having a good time, even if it did seem a little sectioned off (if you know what I mean). But the two constants in my family are my mother and grandmother. Grandmom is the pillar of the family. She holds everything down, organized all the events, rewards the kids with Certificates of Accomplishment for good grades, cooks, directs her family helpers, and makes sure we're all having a good time.
My mother is like her understudy. She's grandma's wing-woman. Whenever you can't talk to grandman you can talk to cousin-/aunt-Joyce. And my mom is always moving at 100 miles per hour in an effort to make sure everything is in order and everyone is enjoying themselves. I admire this in my mother. She makes sure everyone else is having a good time before she thinks about herself. The wonderful thing about it is that my mother can still see someone who intends to take advantage of her kindness from a mile away. Saavy, strong, intelligent, giving, and happy. Those are the things that come to mind when I think of my mother and grandmother. What more can you ask for?
First Time Car Buyer:
Also this weekend, my younger brother went to North Carolina with my stepdad and bought his first car. 2002 Honda Accord with all the nice amenities a young man wants in his ride. I am happy for him beyond explanation! I know how I felt the day I bought that crappy 1994 Ford Taurus (my first car). What's great about my brother's situation is that he got a good car at a good price and it'll probably last him a lot longer than that Taurus lasted me (rest in peace...LEMON!).
He's coming to Bmore today to sign-up for his courses at Morgan in the fall. He said he'll stop by my job to let me see the car. But something tells me he'll head straight to Morgan and let the ladies see what's he's pushing now...I don't mind at all (I remember those days).
I'm proud of him. Quite proud. He doesn't know it yet, but one day he'll be doing better things than me and he'll surpass me in his accomplishments in life. That's the day I'll really feel like I did my job as a big brother.
Monday, July 18, 2005
BOXING ONE-ON-ONE: Hopkins vs Taylor
As much as I hate to admit it, Bernard Hopkins lost that fight Saturday night. He wasn't beaten badly or even convincingly in my mind, but he was beaten. Going into this thing, I definitely thought he would win a close fight. I had never seen Jermain Taylor fight but I'd heard lots about his power and his "bad intentions". But Saturday night I got to see him bring out those bad intentions.
The kid can fight! With every round I gained more respect for him. Hopkins did his usual thing and laid back for the first half of the fight waiting for Taylor to tire. But this kid tired almost at the end of the fight. He was the agressor for the majority of the fight. Hopkins took over as the aggressor toward the latter rounds.
But in the end, the kid had shown enough to the judges in the first few rounds to win the fight on a split decision. He deserved it. He fought hard against a proven champ and dominated.
Check out a recap of the fight.
I bet this rematch will be really bloody!
The kid can fight! With every round I gained more respect for him. Hopkins did his usual thing and laid back for the first half of the fight waiting for Taylor to tire. But this kid tired almost at the end of the fight. He was the agressor for the majority of the fight. Hopkins took over as the aggressor toward the latter rounds.
But in the end, the kid had shown enough to the judges in the first few rounds to win the fight on a split decision. He deserved it. He fought hard against a proven champ and dominated.
Check out a recap of the fight.
I bet this rematch will be really bloody!
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
DEDICATION: Luther Vandross
As a child who grew up in a household where my mother was a HUGE Luther Vandross fan, I gained an indirect appreciation for his music at a young age. This was the time when "Big Luther" was in full effect. Singing his way into the hearts of most women I knew. The man was simply "THE MAN" back then. I can remember my mother singing Luther and Freddie Jackson all the time.
Luther Vandross recently passed (not a newsflash, you'd have to be under a rock not to have heard about it) and it was good to see how much people showed love and appreciation for what he had done during his lifetime.
So, like those people, I show my appreciation for Luther's soulful sounds:
Luther's Music
Luther Vandross recently passed (not a newsflash, you'd have to be under a rock not to have heard about it) and it was good to see how much people showed love and appreciation for what he had done during his lifetime.
So, like those people, I show my appreciation for Luther's soulful sounds:
Luther's Music
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
How far are WE from London?
What I mean is, are we next? I know we have not had many bombings where people get on buses or trains and blow things up, but I haven't heard of that happening in London before either. That is, until last week.
Article on London bombings
So my question is, how far are we from London?
Article on London bombings
So my question is, how far are we from London?
Monday, July 11, 2005
I'm getting old...
My homeboys are getting married left and right...My homeboys are having kids...I am really starting to like the club atmosphere less and less.
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?
More important than that...I am now completely comfortable with spending a Friday or Saturday night in the house. AND, I'm comfortable waking up every Saturday morning and cleaning up my crib. WTF?
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?
Somebody send me back to 1997 or 1998...PLEASE!!!
"Have you seen my childhood?" - Michael Jackson
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?
More important than that...I am now completely comfortable with spending a Friday or Saturday night in the house. AND, I'm comfortable waking up every Saturday morning and cleaning up my crib. WTF?
WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?
Somebody send me back to 1997 or 1998...PLEASE!!!
"Have you seen my childhood?" - Michael Jackson
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
PHOTOS: Fourth of July Weekend
This weekend was filled with a lot of activities and a lot of fun. Friday night, T and I went to the movies and caught Mr. and Mrs. Smith. This movie was okay. A bit unrealistic towards the end where they're in the middle of a gun-fight and seemingly performing ballet moves while killing tons of people. It was a bit much for me, but overall it was a pretty good movie. I can't hate on it and tell you not to see it.
Saturday B, Kev, and I held the Sweetest Taboo party at B's place. The theme of the party was a dessert party along with Taboo! (the game). The turn-out was less than expected (shocker) but the dozen or so people who came had a good time. Shot out to everyone who came. Shot out to Kev on the punch and B on the wings!
Sunday morning T and I went to church with JRock. First time I've been to church in a minute. They have a nice church (the Metropolitan Baptist Church in D.C.) and the service was nice. Afterward we all went to brunch at Potowmac Landing in Virginia where we met up with a bunch of other friends and had MIMOSA's (YES!!!!) and a brunch buffet. This brunch was to congratulate my man JRock on his engagement. Congratulations again homie!
Here's a picture of Teia before we left for church Sunday morning...
After brunch, T and I hit the road for Williamsburg, VA for two days at Busch Gardens and Water Country. It took us about 3 hours to get there and once we arrived and checked in at our hotel, we headed straight for Busch Gardens to get on some rides. I now realize that I enjoy riding roller coasters much more at night than during the daytime. There's something a little more scary/exciting about riding at night and not really knowing what's coming up next. Sunday night was cool. We rode the Big Bad Wolf and the Alpengeist (my favorite at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg).
Monday (July 4th), we went to Water Country USA once we got up and checked out of the hotel. Water Country was actually a pleasant surprise for me. The last time I was there I thought it was a tad bit small, but they must have added some attractions since the last time I was there b/c it definitely seemed bigger. We hit the wave pool that they have there. I thought T was gonna drown a couple times (JOKE) out there, but aside from that, it was fun! And of course, we got on several water rides. Being out in the sun for so long kinda beats up on you so eventually we got some frozen lemonade and found some seats in the shade. "Chillin in the shade, drinking a lil lemonade"...Shot out to Dougie Fresh...We left Water Country and headed to Busch Gardens for the remainder of the day. We hit up all the rides we missed the prior day and watched the fireworks show.
Here are some pictures:
Got me petting this big-a$$ horse. Fellas, I was scared as hell. I can't even front!
Teia making some wine...
Busch Gardens had a VERY nice fireworks show. This was another pleasant surprise. I was impressed.
Overall it was a VERY nice weekend! Seems like the summer is almost over. Or maybe it's just me. I've got a decent amount of plans to look forward to before Labor Day so I should enjoy summer and then...."Dear Summer, I know you gon' miss me..."
Saturday B, Kev, and I held the Sweetest Taboo party at B's place. The theme of the party was a dessert party along with Taboo! (the game). The turn-out was less than expected (shocker) but the dozen or so people who came had a good time. Shot out to everyone who came. Shot out to Kev on the punch and B on the wings!
Sunday morning T and I went to church with JRock. First time I've been to church in a minute. They have a nice church (the Metropolitan Baptist Church in D.C.) and the service was nice. Afterward we all went to brunch at Potowmac Landing in Virginia where we met up with a bunch of other friends and had MIMOSA's (YES!!!!) and a brunch buffet. This brunch was to congratulate my man JRock on his engagement. Congratulations again homie!
Here's a picture of Teia before we left for church Sunday morning...
After brunch, T and I hit the road for Williamsburg, VA for two days at Busch Gardens and Water Country. It took us about 3 hours to get there and once we arrived and checked in at our hotel, we headed straight for Busch Gardens to get on some rides. I now realize that I enjoy riding roller coasters much more at night than during the daytime. There's something a little more scary/exciting about riding at night and not really knowing what's coming up next. Sunday night was cool. We rode the Big Bad Wolf and the Alpengeist (my favorite at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg).
Monday (July 4th), we went to Water Country USA once we got up and checked out of the hotel. Water Country was actually a pleasant surprise for me. The last time I was there I thought it was a tad bit small, but they must have added some attractions since the last time I was there b/c it definitely seemed bigger. We hit the wave pool that they have there. I thought T was gonna drown a couple times (JOKE) out there, but aside from that, it was fun! And of course, we got on several water rides. Being out in the sun for so long kinda beats up on you so eventually we got some frozen lemonade and found some seats in the shade. "Chillin in the shade, drinking a lil lemonade"...Shot out to Dougie Fresh...We left Water Country and headed to Busch Gardens for the remainder of the day. We hit up all the rides we missed the prior day and watched the fireworks show.
Here are some pictures:
Got me petting this big-a$$ horse. Fellas, I was scared as hell. I can't even front!
Teia making some wine...
Busch Gardens had a VERY nice fireworks show. This was another pleasant surprise. I was impressed.
Overall it was a VERY nice weekend! Seems like the summer is almost over. Or maybe it's just me. I've got a decent amount of plans to look forward to before Labor Day so I should enjoy summer and then...."Dear Summer, I know you gon' miss me..."
Friday, July 1, 2005
Weekend is near
It's Friday. This is probably my favorite day of the week. Not really sure why though. Maybe it's just knowing that I don't have to come back to work for a couple days. Maybe it's because I usually do something fun on Friday night with T or with the fellas. I've never really given it much thought though. Just enjoyed it.
Why do you love FRIDAY?
Today I'm doing much of the same. Enjoying that it's Friday and I know I'll be havnig lunch at Fortunato Brother's Pizza in Towson (this is religiously an every Friday event for my co-workers and I) and I'll be going to the movies tonight with T.
T.G.I.F.!!!
Why do you love FRIDAY?
Today I'm doing much of the same. Enjoying that it's Friday and I know I'll be havnig lunch at Fortunato Brother's Pizza in Towson (this is religiously an every Friday event for my co-workers and I) and I'll be going to the movies tonight with T.
T.G.I.F.!!!
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
BET AWARDS 2005...BLACK STAR POWER
By far the best BET Awards show I've seen. Not that the others were bad, but they definitely had their bad moments. LOL. This one was pretty good all the way through. I was thoroughly entertained. I think they did a GREAT job. Kudos to BET.
Now, the highlights of the show for me (not in order of preference):
1. Seeing Alicia Keys. No matter who else is there, I want to see her! And she did not disappoint me last night.
2. Laughing at everybody talking about Beyonce's lap-dance. Nobody mentioned Kelly seducing Nelly (where's Ashanti?) on-stage or Magic laughing his way through Michelle's lap-dance (Cookie had nothing to worry about). Now, I think Terrence Howard was really itching to do some things to Beyonce. He always got that glassy stare in his eye, but last night I could have sworn he had a lil porn-star in that look he was giving her. He made ME nervous looking at her that way...Like I was about to see something on BET I was supposed to see on some of the channels that are "higher up" on the dial (if you know what I mean. Anyway, that was a great part of the show for me. And there wasn't a man in that room (married or not) who didn't want to be on that stage with Beyonce catering to him. Man, that just sounds great to say!
3. My man John Legend taking home a well-deserved Best New Artist Award. Even though he had some flat-a$$ loafers on and took his time walking to stage like his back was aching, he humbly accepted his award that I believe he had locked up! Now sicne I cut my hair a minute ago, I hope I don't hear anymore John Legend look-a-like jokes.
4. John Legend's performance with Stevie Wonder. Easily the best of the night.
5. Ciara's performance. That's my girl and I love to watch her dance. But I am still trying to figure out who actually sang a single note...Her or Mr. Ohhhhhhhh-marion. Omarion can dance like hell! Man I hope I can never dance like that!!!! And Luda ripped his part of Ciara's performance.
6. The opening of the show with the FUGEES! That was great. Even though Lauryn Hill seemed to struggle through some of their old stuff, you gotta love that they came back together and did it on such a big stage. Even though I usually HATE on Wyclef, I can't and refuse to do so. Great way to open the show BET. What happened to Lauryn's World Premier performance though? That was str8 false-promotion! The only part of the show I can say was a disappointment
7. Will and Jada. I am so glad that after all the rumors and ridicule they get that they came together to host this show as a couple and not two separate entities. Their Mr. and Mrs. Smith skits were hilarious. Will is one of my idols and his marraige is what I look at as the model of what I would want mine to be like (minus whatever rumors we all have heard or may believe). It's great that BET took an aim at families in the hosts they chose for the show. And the Coming to America intro was HILARIOUS! Why they have spinning rims on the horse and buggy ya'll???? LMAO!
8. Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry. Need I say any more.
9. Tom Cruise getting on stage giving props to Jamie Foxx and not mentioning Katie Holmes FOR ONCE. THANKS!
10. Still tipping on 4-4's, wrapped in 4 Vogues...That song is HOT!
11. Gladys Knights performace. Man, she still got it! I wonder if Faith and Toni Braxton get along...Hold up...next number...
12. Toni Braxton. Is it me or does she come to every awards show with an outfit on that you cannot take your eyes off. She knows how to get some attention, I swear. Oh yeah I forgot, she's from PG county...That explains it. Our PG county women know how to look good! Yessir!!!!!
13. GAME's performance. DREAMS is my song. He just trips me out how he always talking gangsta about people and dissing dudes then he go everywhere with his son. Not a good move for your son's health GAME. I hope you got some good security. And Mary does what Mary does when she gets up there...Rips it!
14. What was up with Mariah Caery? Looked like she was having trouble walking and she was definitely having trouble singing!
15. What did FREE have on during the pre-show? It was ugly, but no matter what she wears, somehow she always looks good. And fellas, you know what I mean.
16. Ray-J...Man, this is the funniest dude I have ever seen in my life. Why does it seem like he's trying hard as hell to fit in and be like everybody else. That's like me tryna act like I'm a thug! It just don't work Ray-GEEZY! LMAO! Man, where's Russ Parr when I need him?
17. Tito Jackson. I dunno why, I just felt the need to say his name!
18. Steve Harvey. For shouting out brothers with suits on. Fellas, we gotta step our game up and present ourselves professionally if we wanna "move up". Everybody can't be P Diddy, Dame, Jigga, or Master P. And I bet even they don suits every once in a while.
19. The Dame Dash and 50 Cent commercials. I had to admit it, but 50 Cent is now an entity. He's far beyond just music and has successfully marketed and positioned himself to be an icon of hip-hop like Jigga is. Nothing's special about that commerical for his shoe other than he's got Manny Ramirez, Winky Wright, and McNabb in it. He's tapping all sorts of demographics and markets! And Dame. "You gotta know how to Pop Tags and be Young Fresh to Def" This dude's got his own language. I know what you mean DAME, but could you break it down for those who might not know????
20. ALICIA KEYS...Man she is FINE!
Now, the highlights of the show for me (not in order of preference):
1. Seeing Alicia Keys. No matter who else is there, I want to see her! And she did not disappoint me last night.
2. Laughing at everybody talking about Beyonce's lap-dance. Nobody mentioned Kelly seducing Nelly (where's Ashanti?) on-stage or Magic laughing his way through Michelle's lap-dance (Cookie had nothing to worry about). Now, I think Terrence Howard was really itching to do some things to Beyonce. He always got that glassy stare in his eye, but last night I could have sworn he had a lil porn-star in that look he was giving her. He made ME nervous looking at her that way...Like I was about to see something on BET I was supposed to see on some of the channels that are "higher up" on the dial (if you know what I mean. Anyway, that was a great part of the show for me. And there wasn't a man in that room (married or not) who didn't want to be on that stage with Beyonce catering to him. Man, that just sounds great to say!
3. My man John Legend taking home a well-deserved Best New Artist Award. Even though he had some flat-a$$ loafers on and took his time walking to stage like his back was aching, he humbly accepted his award that I believe he had locked up! Now sicne I cut my hair a minute ago, I hope I don't hear anymore John Legend look-a-like jokes.
4. John Legend's performance with Stevie Wonder. Easily the best of the night.
5. Ciara's performance. That's my girl and I love to watch her dance. But I am still trying to figure out who actually sang a single note...Her or Mr. Ohhhhhhhh-marion. Omarion can dance like hell! Man I hope I can never dance like that!!!! And Luda ripped his part of Ciara's performance.
6. The opening of the show with the FUGEES! That was great. Even though Lauryn Hill seemed to struggle through some of their old stuff, you gotta love that they came back together and did it on such a big stage. Even though I usually HATE on Wyclef, I can't and refuse to do so. Great way to open the show BET. What happened to Lauryn's World Premier performance though? That was str8 false-promotion! The only part of the show I can say was a disappointment
7. Will and Jada. I am so glad that after all the rumors and ridicule they get that they came together to host this show as a couple and not two separate entities. Their Mr. and Mrs. Smith skits were hilarious. Will is one of my idols and his marraige is what I look at as the model of what I would want mine to be like (minus whatever rumors we all have heard or may believe). It's great that BET took an aim at families in the hosts they chose for the show. And the Coming to America intro was HILARIOUS! Why they have spinning rims on the horse and buggy ya'll???? LMAO!
8. Gabrielle Union and Halle Berry. Need I say any more.
9. Tom Cruise getting on stage giving props to Jamie Foxx and not mentioning Katie Holmes FOR ONCE. THANKS!
10. Still tipping on 4-4's, wrapped in 4 Vogues...That song is HOT!
11. Gladys Knights performace. Man, she still got it! I wonder if Faith and Toni Braxton get along...Hold up...next number...
12. Toni Braxton. Is it me or does she come to every awards show with an outfit on that you cannot take your eyes off. She knows how to get some attention, I swear. Oh yeah I forgot, she's from PG county...That explains it. Our PG county women know how to look good! Yessir!!!!!
13. GAME's performance. DREAMS is my song. He just trips me out how he always talking gangsta about people and dissing dudes then he go everywhere with his son. Not a good move for your son's health GAME. I hope you got some good security. And Mary does what Mary does when she gets up there...Rips it!
14. What was up with Mariah Caery? Looked like she was having trouble walking and she was definitely having trouble singing!
15. What did FREE have on during the pre-show? It was ugly, but no matter what she wears, somehow she always looks good. And fellas, you know what I mean.
16. Ray-J...Man, this is the funniest dude I have ever seen in my life. Why does it seem like he's trying hard as hell to fit in and be like everybody else. That's like me tryna act like I'm a thug! It just don't work Ray-GEEZY! LMAO! Man, where's Russ Parr when I need him?
17. Tito Jackson. I dunno why, I just felt the need to say his name!
18. Steve Harvey. For shouting out brothers with suits on. Fellas, we gotta step our game up and present ourselves professionally if we wanna "move up". Everybody can't be P Diddy, Dame, Jigga, or Master P. And I bet even they don suits every once in a while.
19. The Dame Dash and 50 Cent commercials. I had to admit it, but 50 Cent is now an entity. He's far beyond just music and has successfully marketed and positioned himself to be an icon of hip-hop like Jigga is. Nothing's special about that commerical for his shoe other than he's got Manny Ramirez, Winky Wright, and McNabb in it. He's tapping all sorts of demographics and markets! And Dame. "You gotta know how to Pop Tags and be Young Fresh to Def" This dude's got his own language. I know what you mean DAME, but could you break it down for those who might not know????
20. ALICIA KEYS...Man she is FINE!
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