Adventures of a Fitness Diva

Happy Holidays! ;)

2011-12-31T10:07:00.001-08:00

Winter Wonderland - Vote for my rendition!

Making Me Laugh Today

2011-07-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

Just a random loop of some clip I found that makes me laugh harder the longer I look at it. You know how that goes. At first, it's cute or amusing, then it's actually pretty funny, then next thing you know, the longer you watch it, the more you start to LOL and then tears are running down your cheeks from laughing so hard. Yeah...... :)

Yvonne's "Oh So Sinful" Baked Macaroni and Cheese

2011-03-11T15:10:00.000-08:00

I'm making this right now, so I thought I'd share! ;)

Ok, this is a sinful, cheesy delight. No health food here... this is comfort. And it's so simple, you won't believe it.

You will need:
a 1 lb bag of elbow macaroni
4 eggs
half to 3/4 cup of milk
3 packs of sharp cheddar cheese (doesn't matter what brand - I go for the discount "generic" brand)
a square tin pan ---- about the size of your laptop monitor (10 to 15 inches long or so, 8 to 10 inches wide and at least 3 inches deep. You know, a big old tin baking pan! ;)

Cook your macaroni on the stove in boiling water till it's "al dente". Drain and set aside. In the meantime, cut up all your cheese into strips about 1/4 inch thick and set them aside in a container. In a small bowl beat the eggs, add the milk and also add some salt and some pepper (I put about a teaspoon of salt, half that of pepper) . Mix that all together well.

Now...this is just like making a lasagna.... not that I've ever made one, but I know how they do it! Layer, layer, and layer.
Cover the bottom of the pan just about all the way (it's okay to leave an open spot here or there) with one layer of cheese. Pour in a layer of macaroni enough to cover all the cheese. Spread it over with a spoon or spatula to even it out. Then, place another layer of the cheese. try to get all the edges covered and then cover from the middle on out. Wherever you really want there to be cheese when you bite into it, put it! ;) Another layer of macaroni (use all that's left) and then, top it off with the final layer of cheese. Once again, even out the macaroni, cover your corners and edges with cheese and use everything up. The trick here is balancing everything out so you still have enough cheese to cover the top layer.

Preheat your over to 400 degrees.
Now, stir your egg mixture a bit more, because it's been sitting for about 10 minutes or so. Fluff it back up a little and now pour it over the macaroni and cheese. I try to cover the edges, the corners, and then pour in between all the cracks and rows of cheese so that just about every bit of it gets touched by the egg. This is what holds everything together, so try to spread it all around.

Put your pan of mac in the oven, close the door and just wait for the magic to happen! Takes about 20 to 25 minutes for the cheese to melt and the egg to thicken, depending on your oven. Times on that will vary. I've had it in there up to 30 or 35 minutes, but you know by looking at it that it's pretty much done because the top will start to darken just a bit when it's just about time to take it out.

Take it out, let it sit for about 10 minutes, and boom -- you've got baked mac and cheese for days! lol! It's the absolute best and easiest thing to do to come home, just take out that pan of mac, scoop out a few slices of it (like cake) and pop it into the microwave or stove. Yum! The first day is the best, but still dam good on days 2 and 3!

Happy 2011!

2010-12-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

More Orkut Scraps at GoodLightscraps

here's hoping we all have a great year~! ;)

A Snowy Day In Astoria

2010-12-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

My own attempt at some photo caption humor. Enjoy!

Mistress Of The Light

2010-12-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Does your cat do this? Mine is addicted to the light that I keep on my coffee table. It's the craziest thing. She will sit on top of this light and just bask in the glare of it for various lengths of time. She looks like she's trying to tan, doesn't she? LOL! "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the newest innovation in cat grooming, the cat tanner!" Yes. We'll take two! ;)
I just hope it's not ruining her eyes, because she really seems to love doing it!

Share your fluffy friends with us every Friday! Whether it's a favourite stuffed toy or an adorable pet - basically anything fluffy, we'd love to see your pictures & stories! Leave ONLY the POST URL here and grab the Fluffy Friday badge at Meow Diaries. Any unrelated links will be deleted.

Good Luck Marathon Runners!!

2010-11-06T17:26:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is the New York City Marathon (now called the ING New York City Marathon - I guess you can buy anything these days!). I am really excited because one of my friends and gym members will be running in the race tomorrow, and I will be there to cheer her on! I've always wanted to do the marathon, and one of these years when my life slows down a bit, I will. However, preparing for it requires such a disciplined regimen of training and all these different runs in the months leading up to it. I just can't commit to all that at the moment. But hats off and big KUDOS to all those who did and will run tomorrow! God bless 'em! It's gonna be about 40 degrees out there, so I will be sure to layer up, ya know? Should be a real party after the finish, and I will be back with pics!
Good luck to all the runners, and GOOOOO, KERRI!!!

I'm Smart, Yeah, But Not THIS Damn Smart -- YET!

2010-11-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

When I say I have homework, TRUST ME, I really have homework!! Passing all these damn classes on my way to my IT degree is no walk in the park!! They make us work like dogs for those A's!

This is the type of stuff I'm expected to know how to do IN MY FIRST YEAR!!! This is my latest assignment. They must think I'm a frickin' scientist!!

********* ********** ***********
The following assignment contains a required library research element. You and your team are now at the final stages of preparation for the development of V-Machine's database system. You are asked to create a report that offers an overview of languages, grammars, and automata theory. Write a report that describes and discusses the following terms. Include an example of each. Be sure to cite all references in APA format.

* Create a deterministic finite automata (DFA, or FSA) for the following scenario: A coin-operated vending machine sells candy for twenty five cents. The machine can receive nickels, dimes, and quarters. The candy comes out of the machine when exact change is entered. If more than 25 cents is entered, the change is returned, and one must start from the beginning. Describe how this FSA works.
* Formal languages and language set notation. Define what is meant by formal languages, and give an example of one. Describe the relevance of formal languages to finite state machines.
* Backus-Naur form (BNF) and grammars. : Suppose that ID codes for your company are in the form of a ten-digit number, with each digit being a number from 1 to 8. Use the Backus-Naur notation to write a grammar for the unique key requirement. Explain the BNF form – including the notation – and how it works.

I will be in my house buried in books for a week. Don't call, don't come by! ;)

So, I Have Begun Learning Java....

2010-07-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

..and I have just stepped into a whole new world...

I am also astounded and amazed at what I am about to learn here. This is part of the curriculum that I'm learning on my way to my IT degree, and can I just pause here and say "O...M...G!"? I mean, seriously, this stuff looks pretty daunting, doesn't it?! Ayyyy! I'm really going have to put my thinking cap on and screw it on really tight. No more Sunday brunches with unlimited frozen margaritas! I need every single brain cell I have to be in perfect working order to absorb all of this intricate code! Oh, and then know what the hell it's doing! Yep!

A brief definition of Java from java.about.com

"Java is a computer programming language that enables programmers to write computer instructions using English based commands, instead of having to write in numeric codes. It’s known as a “high-level” language because it can be read and written easily by humans.

In the early nineties, Java was created by a team led by James Gosling for Sun Microsystems. It was originally designed for use on digital mobile devices, such as cell phones. However, when Java 1.0 was released to the public in 1996, its main focus had shifted to use on the Internet. It provided more interactivity with users by giving developers a way to produce animated webpages . Over the years it has evolved as a successful language for use both on and off the Internet. A decade later, it’s still an extremely popular language with over 6.5million developers worldwide."

I am about to be SO in the loop! I'm too excited! ;)

another example of Java code:

public class Bicycle {

// the Bicycle class has three fields
public int cadence;
public int gear;
public int speed;

// the Bicycle class has one constructor
public Bicycle(int startCadence, int startSpeed, int startGear) {
gear = startGear;
cadence = startCadence;
speed = startSpeed;
}

// the Bicycle class has four methods
public void setCadence(int newValue) {
cadence = newValue;
}

public void setGear(int newValue) {
gear = newValue;
}

public void applyBrake(int decrement) {
speed -= decrement;
}

public void speedUp(int increment) {
speed += increment;
}

}

This that you see above is actually a simple bit of Java code. I've seen a few far more intricate examples that will completely twist your brain into neat little knots. Now, all you veteran coders will look at this and say "oh, how easy". But, Just remember how you felt the first time you were exposed to this, though, okay? You weren't quite so smug and confident, I'm sure! ;)

Not to be confused with Javascript (a fact I also just learned), Java is a programming language used in many devices, both online and off.

This is only my second week into my Java class, and so far I've written my first program (a seriously easy-peasy one!) and have begun learning the specifics of input, output, variables, strings, args, arrays, yada yada yada....

My plan is to lock myself in my apartment and not see my friends for about six weeks. No TV, no phone, but I will still take out a few minutes every now and then to bathe... and order sushi from Kumo. I will completely shut out the outside world and will not leave my place until I know this stuff backwards and forwards.... or until I grow a beard, whichever comes first! ;)

At the end of my first Java programming class I'm going to be able to:

* List and describe problem solving steps and processes.
* Describe the basic concepts of object-oriented programming.
* Design, code, test, and run simple programs.
* Describe the fundamental datatypes.
* Demonstrate how to set up expressions and equations using variables, constants, operators and the hierarchy of operations.
* List, describe, and use the four logic structures: sequential, loops, decision, and case, and use them to develop problem solutions on the computer.
* Explain the use of functions and parameters.

...And after all is said and done, I'm also supposed to be able to create and program a simple, online game. COOL! :D

Wish me luck on my Java journey. It....just....got....SERIOUS!!! I hope I make it. I am pushing for an A.... ;)
All you veteran programmers out there, any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Basic Java fact: ***Java is simple, easy to design , easy to write, and therefore easy to compile, debug, and learn than any other programming languages.*** -- yeah, so they say.... I'm not buying it!! ;)

You can learn some Java, too!:

Java University

* * * * * * *

Want to learn Java but don't have the time or money to invest in school? Here are some easy learning books I've found out about that will provide you with you some Java knowledge:

Head First Java, 2nd Edition

Sam's Teach Yourself Java in 24 Hours

The Math Diva??

2010-07-13T21:21:00.000-07:00

So, It turns out that I love math. Who the hell knew? It took me going back to school after all these years to discover this. I have evolved for sure, because math absolutely was nOT one of my favorite subjects back in the day. Math was one of those classes that I performed just well enough in to pass. I didn't exactly suck at it, but I know I didn't enjoy it. I was an English, Creative Writing and Biology girl. Top of the tops in those classes. But math? Hell to the no!

Being back in school and now suddenly being faced with some serious, high level algebra, I actually had to go back and relearn a few basic things just to be able to do the equations and problems now being presented to me. It was quite shocking to me to discover how much I'd forgotten over time when it comes to math. It's true what they say, "If you don't use it, you lose it!". With math, this is true big time!

To catch up quickly, I kept my head stuck not only in the college level algebra books for my course, but also a pre algebra book at all times. The pace of the class was so fast, I actually had to live, eat and sleep algebra. It was crazy! I took any spare moments I had to work through matrices, graphing, equations and inequalities. Relearning how to factor and also to deal with decimals and fraction laden math problems. Holy shit, who in their right mind invented all this crazy math???

Along the way of remembering old things and learning new ones, it dawned on me -- I actually enjoy doing math, especially algebra. Could have knocked me over with a feather! ;)
I will now actually whip out my books and handouts and do various algebra problems in my spare time. Don't tell anybody! D Telling people you want to go home and just do some math doesn't go over that well, and folks do begin to think you're a bit strange.... ;)

I'm so inspired by my newfound love of math actually, that I now want to build a really cool math website in the near future where math nerdies like me can come and find all types of cool stuff to do, problems to solve and things to practice and also to challenge ourselves. By the time I get my IT degree, I'll hopefully be able to create the applications and programs that I'd like to have on my math site. Now, who the hell saw THAT coming?? Me, not only a future software designer and developer, but also a budding, wannabe mathematician! Just goes to show you that you never know what might happen when you decide to walk through a whole new door. I would never in a million years even have BEGUN to have such thoughts and plans had I not gone back to school. Going to school because you want to and not just because you have to is a totally different animal and can really teach you more than just the subjects at hand.

Independence

2010-07-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

The past holiday got me to thinking about 'independence' and what it really means. If you ask me, it should be my middle name. My Mom will tell you, I started fighting for my independence when I was only 4. I finally gained it totally when I left my parents house on my 18th birthday and got my own place. Yep. I had to have it THAT bad! ;)
I've always been a person who needed to do it on my own, and I have. I just really don't see any other way to live, and I thank God daily that I am a woman that was born in a country that allows me to be who I want to be and to plan and live my own life, good or bad. There are so many people, especially women, in the world who are not fortunate enough to have such freedom, and I'm aware of that constantly. I make the most of my complete freedom, and live my life to the utmost.

One thing I've never been able to understand is codependency. People who are unable to do anything at all by themselves! I don't think I'm superior to such folks or anything like that, but I just don't get it! I have traveled the world both on my own and with company, and either suits me just fine. In the meantime, I have friends who wont even go out to have dinner or to get something to eat unless they have someone with them. These people hear me talk about how I went to Spain or Italy all by myself, and they react as if it's as amazing a thing as going to the moon. I laugh at that! I think it's hilarious. I see people that can't even go to the store to get toilet paper alone -- they have to bring the whole family! I have jokes about that, and if I ever get to do standup comedy, you'll hear 'em! I know that part of that is cultural upbringing, but still, don't get the need to be in a group of people all the time. Hell, on occasion I even go to see a movie by myself. Have you ever done that? Even though I have friends that will go with me, sometimes I just feel like doing what I need to do without rounding up the troops. Ya know? I like to be around people when I feel like it, and not a moment before! That's crazy in its own way, because when I go to work, I'm usually dealing with a room full of folks. But then, I'm teaching and having fun, and I'm also the boss of the situation...so....it's pretty cool in its own way! Hate crowds, love solitude. That's me! :)

I have been both married and single, and let me tell ya, single is IT! I love coming home and not have to worry about what anyone else wants, needs or thinks. My home is my haven, and when I feel like it, I'll let someone in! lol! Until then, I'm as happy as a clam doing my own thing the way I want, when I want. I'm guessing that being an only child until I was 6 (when my brother was born) must have helped shape that independent mindset. Even as a child, I had my own room, and all I needed was some crayons, paper, my television and my window to look out of. I always jokingly say that I could live in a cave as long as it has internet access and I can get food delivered!

Anyway, even though Independence Day in America is now over, I have to say I sooooo appreciate all the wars and struggles that have been fought here to make sure that I get to have this freedom! I appreciate every person that stood up and did what they had to do to gain it. God Bless them all! ;)

Big Booty B*tches

2010-06-16T08:38:00.000-07:00

Tasteless and crass, yes, I know....but this video is really making me laugh this morning!!! Passed on to me by a good friend. ;)
I used to be a big booty b*tch myself, but then I started working out. Now, that bootylicious, bodacious boondah I used to have is only half the butt it used to be. Oh, well, guess I missed the boat on being one of the girls they're singing about...... Boo hoo! ;)

Wating for Summer.....

2010-05-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

I can wait for summer to get here! I miss wearing shorts, T strap tops and flip flops. Hurry up already! ;)

The Big Countdown...

2009-12-05T10:50:00.001-08:00

Yep, it's almost here. Can you believe it? Time just seems to pass by SO fast!

Missing Michael...

2009-06-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

Everywhere you go right now, you'll hear a Michael Jackson song playing, either from a passing car, in a store, on the radio, or even blaring from the ear phones of someone's ipod. Sometimes the songs catch me by surprise, because sometimes it'll be one that I'd completely forgotten about or haven't heard in years.
Beyond just acknowledging the magnitude and depth of the genius of this man, it also makes you realize what an endless body of work he was able to complete and bless us all with during his brief time on this planet. Wow. The song list is endless.

One thing you do know is that Michael will NEVER be forgotten, and will always be part of our lives in one way or another. I remember exactly where I was and what I was doing the very first time I heard the song Billie Jean. I knew immediately that that song was something amazing and that it was going to change the way I listened to and felt music from that day on.
I can say the same about many of his songs, and they always take me back in time to the era in my life when I was listening to a particular song, and a picture of what I was doing back then when it was out. It's as clear as a photograph, the way some of these songs take me back.

I, like most of the world, am sad to see him go. But thank God, Michael Jackson will always be a part of me. As long as I can hear his songs, he will stay right here in my heart forever.

An Ode to Gray's Papaya

2009-05-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you have this hot dog chain where you are, but in New York, Gray's Papaya has held the distinction of having the tastiest, cheapest, grilled hot dogs in NYC. For years, I have gone to this place, and usually pick up the two hot dogs with a drink special that has always been on the menu. I don't eat hot dogs from any other place in the city, and especially not from hot dog vendors (ewww). Anytime a frank passes through these lips, it was made at one of the many Gray's locations found throughout the city.

Thing is, though, the dogs are getting to be not so cheap anymore! Years and years ago, you could get two franks for $1. Let me tell you, that place with that price was my oasis on many a broke day when I was out and about and wanting to get something to eat on a low budget. Then, they went up to .75 cents a frank. That lasted for a long time.

Imagine my horror when I went the other day, since I just happened to be in the neighborhood on 72nd & Broadway, and discovered that one Gray's Papaya frank is now $1.50!! Oh no, say it ain't so!! Apparently, this recession is hitting everybody, including popular joints like Gray's. They can no longer provide us with the cheapie cheapie franks, because the cost of commercial space has become a real bitch!

Ah, well.... I still bought two. What the hell? It's still worth it, and if that's what we gotta do to keep these guys in business, that's what we'll have to do.
I can't even begin to imagine the southeast corner of 72nd & B'way without good old Gray's Papaya. I will try to do my best to make sure it never happens. Two franks at a time! ;)

The Craigslist Killer - Another Sick Puppy

2009-04-22T18:24:00.000-07:00

Dang. I was just on here posting about creepy guys on CL offering apartments and rooms in exchange for sex. Adventures on Craigslist have become downright dangerous.
This guy was engaged and in med school. Who would expect someone like that to be a homicidal psychopath?

According to Yahoo News:

"Philip Markoff seemed to have a good life: The handsome, clean-cut, 23-year-old medical student was planning a lavish beachfront wedding this summer to a beautiful woman. But authorities say his computer and surveillance video paint a picture of a suspected serial criminal who targeted women offering erotic services through Craigslist. Now he's accused of killing one and suspected of robbing and tying up another.

And police have said there could be more victims.

"This was a brutal, vicious crime — savage, and it shows Philip Markoff is a man who is willing to take advantage of women, to hurt them, to beat them, to rob them," District Attorney Daniel Conley said Tuesday. "He probably thought he was going to get away with it. He thought he was too smart for us."

Authorities refused to comment on reports that Markoff might have been seeking money to pay gambling debts, but a Connecticut casino confirmed it was cooperating in the investigation.

Markoff, a second-year medical student at Boston University, appeared in court Tuesday on charges including murder, kidnapping and armed robbery. Dressed in a wrinkled button-down shirt and khakis, he said nothing during the brief hearing and was jailed without bail."
Read the rest HERE...

Stay safe, ladies. Stay off of Craigslist!

I Love New York!

2009-04-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Even on bad days when it's crowded, loud and rude, I still love this crazy city of mine. I'm ALWAYS in a New York state of mind! ;)

Just F.Y.I., I have NO idea who the people in this video are. I guess that's part of the fun of getting something off of Youtube. But they took some great shots of the city, and the main girl looks like she could be my cousin anyway, for real! Enjoy! :)

Why I Love Warrior Type Men

2009-04-12T14:01:00.001-07:00

Because they are fearless and crazy! You had me at "Owwwwwww!"

Shaolin Wu-Shu Warrior held aloft on the points of spears

The Obamas.....Hit or Miss?

2009-04-09T21:41:00.000-07:00

These are the new wax figures of The Obamas unveiled by Madam Tousseaud's Wax Museum this week. I've gotta tell ya, I'm not too crazy about them. Michelle's looks quite a bit off, IMO...

photos courtesy of Kris Connor/Getty Images

Michelle Obama

First of all, why's her skin so damned light? I know they can't get it perfect but, if I were her, I swear I'd be asking for a recall!

President Obama

The Prez's gets points for realism. You can see they really tried to make it look as if he's actually alive and breathing! I've seen him look way more handsome, though!

The Obamas

Gotta admit, though, they got Obama's cross armed stance dead on!

What do you think? Are these wax figures a hit or a miss?

Oops! ....... and then OUCH!

2009-04-08T22:13:00.000-07:00

Is it really worth the risk???

Got Me a New Cam! Yay!

2009-04-08T06:48:00.000-07:00

I could not go one more day without a camera. So, here's my new one:

Yeah, another Sony, but I know how to use these with my eyes closed, and the software for downloading pics is the same from cam to cam. The less I have to fiddle with or learn, the better!
They need to stop with discontinuing models, though. The last one I had, the W150, which I bought back in November, is already discontinued! They make sure you have no choice but to buy another when one breaks down (the cost to fix them is also nearly the cost of the entire camera).
These companies have a great thing going with that little tactic...

Anyway, I'm just glad to have a camera again! My inner artist can now be unleashed! ;)

Working With an Asshole - A Survival Guide

2009-04-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

Ok, no matter who you are, or what you do, eventually you're going to end up having to work with one someday. An asshole. You might be working with one right now, or several, even, depending on what you do for a living.

I purposely chose a profession that allows me to not have to sit or be around the same folks all day every day to avoid people bullshit, but unfortunately, with the asshole population ever expanding by the day, hour and minute, occasionally, my luck runs out, and I still find myself in a "dealing with an asshole on my job" situation. Lovely!

I now have a new asshole! An arrogant jerk who's been at one of my work locations for a few months now.
Luckily, I only have to encounter this person once a week, but the kicker is, the person is a low level manager who could make just a bit of trouble for me in the form of getting the class I teach there reassigned to someone else, or take it over hmself, etc. He's rude, arrogant, and very unprofessional. At least to me he is. I have no clue how he treats other people.
I am the type who usually calls people on their rudenesses, but realize that in a work situation, you really have to pick your battles CAREFULLY. For me, it is seriously a case of "down, girl! Just let it go!" in certain moments when dealing with difficult, psycho people. Although I'm one who will usually call people on their bullshit, I can't do it here. It would be counterproductive and will only shine a bad light on myself as an employee. So, note to self: put ego aside, remain professional, ignore all the BS, do not feed into this person's negativity. At the end of the day, it's not about who's right or wrong; it's about keeping your livelihood intact. In other words, don't let some dysfunctional bozo cause you to lose your paycheck! Yep!

So.....I came up with a couple of defense mechanisms to help me totally block out any thought or reaction this rude person might make me want to have. First of all, when I'm done teaching my class, (he teaches right after me - there is no avoiding him), I don't dally, I pack my shit and get the hell out of there. I've even started ending class early to avoid any contact with him. I received a really mean, nasty look from this person yesterday, a look full of venom. I don't know why this is. Done teaching, I looked up from packing my work bag, and he was standing outside the room, leaning up against a wall, watching me with this mean, cold, deadpan look and an almost sneer on his face. Don't know what I did to incur THAT reaction, but okay. I'm not effin' with it, y'know? Maybe he's on medication or has mental problems. And (shudder) he's a manager!

Other than clearing out of the room quickly to avoid contact after my class is done, I have begun to sing a little song to myself (silently) as he and I cross paths. It's set to the tune of "Brass in Pocket" by the Pretenders. Here it is:

My ego - in pocket
I could fight you, but I ain't gonna do it
...Ignore you
Cause you're not worth it!
Gonna make you, make you, make you nothiiii-in'

You're a psycho
That much is clear
I don't know why..... and I don't caaa-aare
...Avoid you
And handle my business
Gonna make you, make you, make you nothiiii-iin-in'

Gonna use my mind
Gonna keep my head
Won't play your game
Cause I'm too crafty
Gonna be the win-ne-er-er
Gonna use my...my...my...determination
Ohh ohhhhh, cuz I'm
gonna make you seee,
you little asshole
you can't f*ck with meee-eee

I'm special, so special.....

Ok...that's about as far as I've gotten with the song! LOL! However, it only takes a few bars before he's no longer in my range. And you know what? When he says or does something assholeish, I play that little song in my head, and then I end up having to try not to smile! Because it's SO funny! And the last thing you ever want to do is to let a psycho see you laughing at him/her. Especially if it's a boss/manager psycho that can give you problems at the job! ;)

Next time you find yourself dealing with one of these types, make up a song or mantra to play in your head whenever they come near. Instead of getting mad, you might end up laughing your ass off! Works for me! :)

Get Free Rent for Sex in New York

2009-03-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I know you're not surprised. This kind of thing has been going on since the beginning of time, no?

According to Ananova.com, a daily news ezine, wealthy New Yorkers are advertising rent-free rooms to women in exchange for sexual favours.

excerpt:
'The New York Daily News reports the trend and lists a number of ads on the popular Craigslist.org website.

One, entitled "Take Care of My Needs and Live Rent Free", offers: "All you have to do is take care of all my urges, and I'll let you live in a one-bedroom apartment I own rent free."

Another ad reads: "All I am looking for is an attractive, playful, and submissive woman who is uninhibited to my proposal... substituting rent for sexual encounters."

In the posting, the 33-year-old man living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, adds that the room comes with a TV, DVD player, internet-ready computer and a phone line.

"I don't need the rent but would like to fill it up with a woman who would love to show her appreciation for my generosity," he wrote.

But Deputy Police Commissioner Paul Browne warned that the advertisements amounted to prostitution.

"It is illegal to trade or solicit sex for monetary consideration or other consideration," he said.'

Ummmm.....I think I'll just be keeping my job and paying the rent myself. Ewww, sounds creepy, and the guys placing these ads sound like straight pervs. Some of these girls might wake up and find themselves chained to the bed. Careful, girls! Don't do it!

Not Having a Camera is Cramping My Style!

2009-03-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

I swear, since I lost my camera up at Hunter Mountain, life has not been the same! I miss being able to just whip my camera out of my bag at any moment whenever I see something cool or amazing that I want to snap. I'm going to have to go ahead and spring for a new one, because I'm really not happy without one.
Funny thing, though, is that I have a Sony Camcorder that I never take the time to really learn how to fully use. My Sony Cybershot was just so simple and easy to operate, and it took great pics.
I'm too lazy to try to learn this other cam I have. My camcorder takes still pics, too, but I don't want to lug that thing around with me all the time. Also, I can't just plug it into my comp and download the pics quickly, because I can't seem to find the right cable for it. It's also a bit bigger than my old Cybershot, and more expensive. If I ever lost it, I'd really be pissed. That other little digi cam could slip into any little pocket or bag that I had, and I took it with me everywhere. I miss it!
I'm going to have to break out my emergency fund! ;)
This will be my 4th time buying one of these damn things! The Sony Cybershot is a great, easy to use camera, but will go dead on you at any time. And I do mean DEAD.
First one decided to die after my warranty and service agreement ran out.
The second one, I bought on Ebay, and it died about a year later. The last one (which I bought the extended warranty for so I can get a replacement when it dies), I lost while snowboarding. Am I just not meant to have this damn cam?
This will be the last one I buy, I swear!

Hopefully I will have another digital camera in the next couple days. If not, I'm gonna go nuts!

Celebrities Without Makeup

2009-03-27T13:39:00.000-07:00

This vid is pretty funny, simply by virtue of the flawless musical production.
Actually, some look just ordinary without their makeup on, but some of the others look straight busted!
Most women can't talk, though..... half of you won't step out of the house without your greasepaint on! I will at least go to the store without mine....and look just a bit busted on my 'off' day! Haaaa! And you girls with a full face of make up on at the gym.... ????
Men are the only ones that really keep it totally real in the face department (well, except some of these new 'metrosexual' men).
With guys, what you see is what you get. But with women? Hmmmmmmm....... ;)
Check out some of the "most beautiful" without their crutches!

Bring the Warm Weather Already! Brrrr!

2009-03-24T22:02:00.000-07:00

Okay. I am SO over winter already! Weather here in New York has become unpredictable the past few years, and what should feel like winter feels like the fall, and what should feel like spring still feels like winter. Know what I mean?
Anyway, the past couple days have been COLD, and it's putting a cramp in my plans!

I used to want to live in Florida so badly because there it's warm most of the year (I imagine). I might still have to think about the Florida thing, because I'm definitely a warm weather baby! I crave the days when the sun beats so warmly that the only thing on your mind is finding the nearest beach or pool. Whenever I visit Florida, I swear, I feel right at home.

Hurry up already, spring! I'm waiting.....!

Okay...Stop it Right Now!

2009-03-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

OMG.... Alright. I'm not going to act like we didn't pretend to smoke as kids. Hell, they even invented candy cigarettes because of the popularity of us kids trying to pretend smoke candies. Remember the cigarette shaped candy gum, that looked so real it scared your mother when she saw you with it? These facts, however, do not make this video any less shocking to me!! This kid has now forever tainted my innocent memories of eating Smarties!

Easy Come, Easy Go...

2009-03-17T18:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's all officially over, this 4 way love affair between the Girls Next Door and Hugh Hefner. I have to admit, this show was one of my guilty little pleasures. I first tuned in out of curiosity. A, to see just how this arrangement works, and B, to try to decipher if these girls were faking it or were they really in love with the well known 80 year old Hef. Also, I was curious to see, just how do three women go about sharing one man without jealousy, cat fighting and the occasional trip to the ER?
From there, though, I got pulled in by the girls personalities, and I must admit, living vicariously through them the opulent Playboy Mansion lifestyle. It was all about being sexy all day long, having the most incredible parties right there where you live, meeting all types of celebrities, fabulous trips all over the world, and having every want and desire of yours taken care of, not to mention being waited on hand and foot. And all you had to do was shack up with (and share) this 80 year old famous rich dude! LOL! Well, that definitely would have been the hard part for me, but these girls made it look easy and genuine, even.

But the part that flipped me out a bit was how these girls families made it all seem so 'normal' for their daughters to be living "in sin" with 80 year old Hef, sharing a man, and routinely being seen on TV in all stages of nakedness, and posing for the mag whenever the occasion came up. Hell, these girls even became VIP citizens in their home towns during the Girls Next Door run, making it seem like this really was the thing to aspire to be! Yeah, that's MY daughter!!! I don't know about you, but MY Dad (not to mention my SUPER judgemental Mom) would NOT have been bragging to the neighbors about the whole deal! However, I'm guessing the families were a bit star struck, and also, Hef was helping out a family member or two behind the scenes if needed. Everyone knows that Kendra's mom's plastic surgery makeover was done courtesy of Hef. I'm guessing that a lot of green can go a long way in buying some respect and a closed eye or two!

Well, no matter...it's all over now. Bridget, Holly and Kendra are all moving on. Kendra is now married to NFL player Hank Basket and has her own reality show coming up, Bridget got her own show "Bridget's Sexiest Beaches" (not so great, btw, I caught an episode this past weekend...it won't last), and once Holly figured out that Hef couldn't give her the baby she wants (he's got no "swimmers" left in the old sperm), she quickly changed her future plans and has lately been linked with Criss Angel and is openly available. Wow! What an ending!
You've gotta admit though, these girls made out pretty well sticking with this whole scene for as long as they did. It made them famous, got them more opportunities, and pretty much put them on the map. They're now recognizable anywhere they go! Small price to pay for all that, huh?
Also, now that they no longer have to smile phony smiles for the reality show cameras, all kinds of dirt has come out about the relationship. Kendra mentioned in an interview that she used to sneak out of the mansion to have sex, and that she only had to "go" with Hef once a week. The rumors about her and Holly not getting along have been confirmed, and also the fact that Holly is more about business than she lets on is of course now nakedly obvious! And you thought they all were really in love???? Haaa! I guess Hef wasn't the only one that got taken!

Anyway, looking forward to seeing what's next for the girls and how well they swim on their own. Kendra is my favorite, and I think that with her effervescent personality, she will probably be seen popping up in all kinds of things as time goes on. As for Hef, he's gone and gotten himself 19 year old twins to play with. I have to admit, though, on the last episode it was kind of sad watching all the girls say goodbye to him. He looked sad, tired and VERY old. Oh, well.... can't feel TOO sorry for him, right? As long as that man lives and breathes he will have young blonde bunnies lining up to be the next girlfriend installed in the Mansion....for whatever reason. Opportunity abounds at the Playboy Mansion. As long as you're young, blonde, busty, and willing to get naked! Just ask Holly, Kendra and Bridget! ;)

No More Opie and Anthony in the Morning! Waaahhhh!

2009-03-10T20:39:00.001-07:00

Damn! Now, who's going to help me wake up laughing every day???

I've been waking up to Opie and Anthony for about a couple years now, and really looked forward to my alarm going off because of them. Their low brow, over the top, balls out humor, while somewhat juvenile on certain days, most of the time gave me belly laughs while I was laying right there in my bed. Opie's kind of the dumb one, and Anthony...well, Anthony's got problems. With a lot of things. Nevertheless, I'd listen to them from the time I woke up until their show went off at 9 am. They have made me laugh myself to tears and into convulsions on many an occasion, and the frank honesty of their views on all kinds of things made me want to call in and argue with them on many a morning. (I never did).

So, I wake up today, hoping to hear their usual craziness, and instead of my usual dose of O&A, music is playing! OH NO!! That is NEVER part of the format! After a few more minutes, I realized that the rumors that their show was being yanked were more than just rumors. They've been canceled, and the new format of 92.3 KRock will now be changed to a top 40 station, no talk, just an endless rotation of pop music. Yuck!!!

Awww, mannn..! They were such a big part of my morning! I'm not going to wake up laughing anymore!! What am I gonna do??? Who's going to make me laugh until tears come out of my eyes now??? This seriously, seriously SUCKS! I'm really going to miss them!

Bloggin' Ain't Easy.....

2009-03-09T21:46:00.000-07:00

....especially when you truly are dedicated and trying to have a blog that's interesting, entertaining, fresh and updated regularly, and a cool place for people to visit. There are a ton of blogs out there now, and multiplying by the minute! Who knew that blogging would become this HUGE and widespread? Heck, there are even 5 year olds out here blogging these days! *wink* to the 5 year old Blogger on Entrecard. ;) When I'm not out here working on some aspect of blogging, I'm reading a ton of other people's blogs! I wonder where the time magically comes from that allows me to do this!

I have more than just a few blogs, but now am concentrating more effort on a select 3. I started this blog here as a place for me to come and relax, have fun and air some laundry every once in a while! However, after dropping a couple gazillion cards the other day, I almost had to smack myself! Like "what the hell are you doing??" I am in sooooo deep! But I can't help it! This blogging (along with promoting these blogs) is like crack! ;)

And, to tell you the truth, if I could, I would just blog and play on the net all day long. Between meals and workouts. And the occasional party. But, unless I find me a sugar daddy, or some rich uncle dies, that just ain't gonna be happening any time soon! LOL! I do have fantasies of lounging on beaches all over the world in a bikini, with a laptop in my lap and a frothy umbrella drink at my side, though. All year long. A different beach for every month of the year. Hey...you've gotta have goals, right? ;) Still workin' on that one!

In the meantime, thanks to all of you who have dropped by and checked out my new digs and showed your support in one way or another. Appreciate it much! Feel free to play some of the games on my sidebar, check out some cool destinations from my travel links, or share my foreign language fetish with the study tools I put up on here. None of those are affiliate links - they're just there because those are the things that I really like and recommend, and I love to share! Ok...I gotta get some sleep!

See you all around the blogs!

Spring Has Sprung!!

2009-03-06T10:19:00.000-08:00

Well, almost...! It's definitely getting warm here pretty fast. I really don't remember the last time we had such a warm February and March! Today I saw people walking around wearing windbreakers and light jackets. No more down feather jackets and layering! Unfortunately, though, for me and my friends, it also means the end of winter sports. No more snowboarding! :(
So, now it's time to get back in the park and back onto the tennis courts. I already bought some new balls. I can't wait!
I will also be out and about in the city taking some great pics and cool vids. Here is a pic of the boats docked down at Battery Park City. I will do a more detailed pictorial on that area later. Enjoy the coming spring! ;)

No More TOP CHEF - Waaaaahhhh!

2009-03-04T19:21:00.000-08:00

So, now what am I gonna do? By the way, what the heck was up with Carla shooting herself in the foot for the finale like she did? Talk about the big choke. Not to take anything away from Hosea, who did his thing, but Carla could have taken it. God only knows what made her listen to Casey telling her that it was a good idea to cook a steak in a bag and do a souffle for the last challenge. Have you ever cooked a souffle? Risky as hell! Definitely would not have been my choice! And to cook something in a way you have never done it before..... well, anyway...

So, I'm guessing that a new season of Project Runway is coming up next, and I love that show, too. I love doing my Heidi Klum imitation "you're either in, or you're out" (sorry, you are so missing my on point Heidi accent here in print!). Can't wait to see the new talent they dig up for this go round.

Right now I'm watching "Make Me a Supermodel" with Tyson Beckford and am damn near falling asleep. None of these people look like supermodels in the making if you ask me. Then again, what do I know? But, the girl that won the first season doesn't look like one either. What IS the criteria?? Aren't you supposed to be kick ass like Naomi Campbell or Gabriel Aubry (Halle Berry's hot as hell baby daddy)? I don't get it at all! Only about 2 out of the 16 look like they should even be there trying to win this. :O
I am about to change channels....

Ooohhh, wait....they're making them strip down and are doing the inch by inch body critique. Okay, after this segment! lol
By the way, no one is perfect, not even these models. Gotta love that! ;)

My Morning Laugh - You Gotta See This!

2009-03-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

I laughed so hard that I almost ruined my laptop watching this thing (I was drinking some juice at the time). I actually saw it on TV first, and then found it on Youtube. It just doesn't get any better than this! Watch! :

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2009-03-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

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Wall St. Scene

2009-02-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Once a week I get to work on Wall Street, and it's one of my favorite parts of the city, so it's always a treat for me, especially in good weather. Battery Park City and the West Side Highway bike paths are both right there, so I get to roller blade there after I'm done teaching my classes. Gotta love this city! :)

I work across from the NY Stock Exchange

The flag out front is gorgeous!

It's not often that you get to see George hangin' out with Abe...

The oh so famous Wall St. Bull.
Tourists will kill to get a picture with him.

To get a perspective on size here, look at the size
of the woman on the left's head and then compare! ;)

A nice police horsey! I wanted to pet it, but doubt
that the lady cop would have been happy about that.

The National Museum of the American Indian. Below are some of the statues outside representing the sea powers of Europe. Yes, I agree...that's a bit of a contradiction, since it IS named the museum of the American Indian. Go figure!

Just another day on Wall St.

I love working down here once a week. Years ago, my Mom worked here too, in one of the banks. They're selling apartments down here now. Wish I could get one! ;)

I Am Under Renovation Right Now!

2009-02-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

As you can see, things look a bit unfinished at this moment, and that's because they are. I felt the need to switch up my theme, because while the deep red template that I had before was beautiful, it really was a bit too dark and cramped for what I want to express here. I felt that I needed a more wide open, bright space to play around in.
So, now I'm tweaking this lil' template here, and will hopefully end up with something I can be satisfied with. I'm already teetering dangerously on the edge of too much hot pink girlyness on this thing as we speak, but no worries....I will pull it back before we go too far down that road! ;)
I'll be back to post a new post with some new pics as soon as all this is done!

Another Gorgeous Day

2009-02-22T13:02:00.001-08:00

Me and my friends hit the mountain again yesterday for some snowboarding, and it was another, beautiful, awesome day! I would have posted at least one pic of it, but I lost my camera at Hunter Mountain! Waaaahhh! At the very least, I can feel good that I did download the last round of pics I shot onto my comp before leaving to create some space on the memory, so all is not lost. Now I have to go and get another cam. I think I might be able to get a replacement according to my service warranty....we'll see. At least that's what I think that salesgirl said to me at Best Buy when I bought the thing about 2 months ago. If not, I'll just have to spring for another one. I now cannot live without a camera! Gotta have it! I hate losing stuff, but hey, that's life, eh?
I was telling my friend yesterday "it's better to lose a camera than to lose an arm or a leg, right?" (this said as the paramedics were carrying some poor skiier that took a bad spill on the mountain off on a stretcher with only God knows what injuries).
Yep. As long as I look at it that way, I can't complain! ;)

Awesomely Creative and Freaky

2009-02-20T09:49:00.000-08:00

I've been watching America's Best Dance Crew and am rooting for this hard core break dancing group of girls named Beatfreakz. You HAVE to see these women go! One of the girls can spin on her head better than any guy I've seen...for like 5 minutes!
Anyway, that got me out here digging for any videos of their performances. I came across this little gem done a few years ago. This vid is SICK!!! For one, how they managed to gather all THIS talent in one room and pull it all off is amazing. Watch - you'll see what I mean. And I'm not just talking about the dancing, either. Watch through to the end. You will be very entertained! ;)
More on Beatfreakz later.

Okay, Blogger is Playing with Me...

2009-02-19T22:49:00.000-08:00

Upon posting that last post two seconds ago, everything showed back up. But my posts were gone for like a half hour. I guess it will be a nice surprise if they're still here in the morning, eh? I'm not playing with this thing anymore. I'm going to bed NOW..... ;)

All My Damn Posts Disappeared! Nice!

2009-02-19T22:45:00.000-08:00

Okay.... I should've left well enough alone, but i'm always trying to tweak the template. Got it all done, saved and published, and while going to replace one last widget, my posts disappeared. I don't know what the hell made that happen. Apparently, it's not an isolated incident - other people have experienced this in the past couple days. Now, I can see my posts when I switch to the edit side, and everything is there. They're just not showing up on the blog!

I'm too tired and done to deal with this right now. I'm going to bed! :(

What the Hell???

2009-02-18T21:27:00.000-08:00

Big story in the news the past few days is this tragic incident where this woman's pet chimp attacked, mauled, and ripped the face off of one of her friends in her driveway. A crazy, horrific thing to even know happened to a person, and senseless, if you ask me. Why the hell is someone keeping a grown, 200lb chimp as a pet in their home? Absolutely crazy and ridiculous!
Anyway, the New York Post, one of the main papers here in NY decided to run this cartoon following the incident:

Okay, the absolute and utter stupidity and tastelessness of making light of such an incident at all is one thing, but the blatant racism displayed by one of our main newspapers (a-the person who authored it, and b-the paper for actually approving of and running it) just leaves me stupefied. I'm beyond shocked. Somebody needs to be fired, here. Are you kidding me???

A Beautiful Day on Windham Mountain

2009-02-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Was a gorgeous, clear day on Windham Mountain Sunday.
Best snow board and ski day ever!

Mid morning, nice clear sky!

On a holiday weekend, it tends to be crowded - REALLY crowded!

the lines to get on the lifts were sooo long.....

but in the end, it's ALWAYS worth it!

Windham has a ton of other cool things to do, too
...like the rock climbing wall...

...and this crazy bungee, trampoline thing
There's also an outdoor bonfire, and a live DJ playing outside all day long
Windham Mountain is really a great place to go!

I will be back! ;)

My Sweetie Pie

2009-02-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

This is my little honey poo. My booby, booby, baby. Love her to death, and she loves me, too. Loves me a little too much, actually! Won't stay offa me, wants to lay on me ALL the time. I'm not complaining though....when my leg starts to get really numb, I just kick her off onto the floor before all circulation ceases completely. ...Kidding! ;). Look at that face, though. Isn't she a sweetie?

OMG, Who Took Away the Warm??!

2009-02-12T16:10:00.000-08:00

I don't know what the heck happened between yesterday, when you barely needed to wear a jacket outside, and today, where the wind blew so viciously and strong that it almost gave you frostbite! I damn near got blown off the pier in Long Island City trying to snap some pics.

View across to Manhattan from City Lights Pier
Note the angry, angry sky!

View of Manhattan from north end pier.
Was so windy, my camera was trying to fly out of my hand!

View across to the Trump and Citicorp buildings in Midtown

I Love Being a New Yorker

2009-02-10T20:11:00.001-08:00

As much as you hear me complaining about this city being overcrowded, somewhat rude and a bit too loud in some places, I really love being from here. To me, NY is just the center of the world. Here, you will find any and every kind of food, person, culture, custom, manner of dress, style, attitude; EVERYTHING that exists on the planet can be found here. I love having grown up in a place that exposed me to so many different peoples, languages and cultures from such an early age. In some states, they still only have 'black, white and mexican, or 'black, white and Native Am'. My brother used to truck all over the country and told me of how lacking in diversity some places in this country still are.

For the longest time, my cousins from North Carolina called all Asian people "Chinese". They just didn't know any better.... there have only begun to be a diversity of Asian people in the part where they live. They had no clue what Arabs were unless they saw them on TV. Hell, I get to live, work and interact with ALL peoples on a daily basis. I feel so blessed! I knew from kindergarten that there were Filipinos, Chinese, Japanese, etc, because my classroom had a rainbow of different races. That's why I'm most comfortable and happy living in a totally diverse neighborhood like I do now...it's what I've known from the very beginning.

I can speak 4 languages now, and I think that being a New Yorker has helped to fuel my desire to learn how to speak some of the tongues I hear on a daily basis.
I first learned Spanish in grade school, but took lessons later in life to really learn it. I speak pretty good Italian after studying it for a good 3 years, and now am working on my Mandarin Chinese. I LOVE Chinese! It's so hard and challenging, and I love the fact that I can both read, write and understand many Chinese characters. In my opinion, that is one of the fiercest things about me right now!

My next language (once I really get the Chinese down) will be Arabic. I want to know all the major ones, although I plan to skip French. Just not into it! ;)

On a daily basis I might hear 20+ different languages being spoken here as I go about my life. That's just the way it is in New York. I always get excited and happy when I can understand what someone is saying in a language other than English, which does happen more frequently now that I've put so much time and effort into studying languages.

Anyway, I enjoy being a hard nose, street smart, somewhat cocky, savvy, multi talented, bad ass, multi lingual, New York City woman! I wouldn't have it any other way! :D

Can You Spell 'Envy'?

2009-02-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

Hot off the presses, this is the latest celebrity gossip, confirmed with an audio clip. Etta James has decided to have a bug up her ass because Beyonce' got to sing her song "At Last" at President Obama's Inauguration. I can somewhat understand her feeling a bit dissed; if i were the originator of the song, and still alive enough for you to wheel me up there to sing it, I would think it appropriate to at least ask me to sing my classic song that is still well known and used in pop culture to this very day.
However, I'm shocked and very dismayed at the comments Etta James made about Beyonce' about all this. The complete lack of maturity and class is just unbelievable. For her to even be speaking of 'beating somebody's ass' at her age, not only shows a lack of class, but pure jealousy and envy. Shame on you, Etta! A woman with your years show just know soooo much better. And, I'm sure that Beyonce has never said a bad word about this woman, and was probably very honored to get to play her in the movie.
These are some real sour grapes on the part of Miss James. Just listen!

Black Women vs Black Women

2009-01-29T19:29:00.000-08:00

I don't think I'm the only one that experiences this, but I have to now question out loud why there is this air of hostility between black women who don't even know each other in public? Here is what I'm talking about....

I can get on a bus, train, walk into a store, or just pass by a sister on the street, and when our eyes meet, there's this mean, hard, nasty look directed at me.... like it's a challenge. There's pure hostility in the eyes of this stranger, another black woman just like me, who doesn't even know my name, but from those daggers she's shooting, you'd think we had some type of violent history and were sworn enemies. Now, I need to say, this is not the case with all sisters out there, but with enough of them to have me here talking about it. This is something I've experienced for YEARS.

Like today...I go to get on the M60 bus, and as I step on and glance at people I'm passing in the aisle, my eyes meet with those of three different black women...and there's that same mean, hard look as they look back at me...and it's like WHOA! As many times as I've experienced this, today it really made me think. Why are sisters so hostile towards each other? Is it just a New York thing? I can also tell you that sometimes when I sit across from a group of BW on the train or bus, this shit starts... where they start talking about me, my hair, my clothes, my shoes...and just loud enough for me to hear it, and I'm like WTF?? What the f* is this? Once again, something I've experienced innumerable times. Other black women have told me similar stories.

So. I just have to ask...is your insecurity really that deep? I don't get it, and another thing I observe is that white women don't do this shit to each other. White females ride the bus, train, walk down the street, go about their business and barely pay attention when another WW is in their presence. It's a non event. They're busy reading their book, playing with their Blackberry or staring off into space. I don't see these dagger looks pass between them, and even when a group of them are together, I don't see them singling out some lone chick on the train to try to start some shit with.
What's up with this, sistas? And you KNOW who you are, the ones that engage in this type of behavior. What's up with the constant hostile rivalry? The looks? The comments? What are you really trying to prove?
Why do we treat each other this way? I really don't get it. This is one reason why I won't live in a black neighborhood. I know I'd be fighting silly bitches from sunup to sundown. On one side, I'm dealing with the disrespectful guys harassing, catcalling and talking about my ass every time I walk down the street, and on the other, I gotta deal with chicks with ridiculous attitude problems. Why? Why does it have to be like this?

Back to the sistas...

Now, when you're shooting me that mean hard look, hell yeah, my face hardens right back at you. When you stare me down like a psycho, I give it right back (although, nowadays I mostly just don't even look at most sistas too hard...for these same reasons). But I'm thinking "WTF is your problem"? Do you even know me? Guess what, girl..
I am NOT the enemy. I never was. And if you took the time to think, you'd realize that we have much bigger fish to fry than to be out here hating each other and trying to tear each other down with a sharp stare, acid look or snarky comment. There are plenty out here that would rather see us disappear completely off the face of the earth. We CAN'T be trying so hard to be enemies. Sometimes we are all we've got.

I've actually had discussions with other black female friends of mine about this, and it's something that happens with more regularity than we'd like to admit.
My friend Amina and I talk about this a lot. She gets it, too. And my girl is one of the nicest, friendliest people you'll ever meet. We just chalk it up to "bitches be hatin'". But seriously? What the f* for? I'm not a millionaire or some big star. I'm just another person out here trying to make it another day, week, month, and if I'm lucky, year of life. Just like you. So what's the damn problem? Trust me, it's not me. I'm not the one that's making your life hard. From what I see, you're capable of doing that all by yourself.

Get it together, black women that are out here acting out. You know who you are, and you need to stop. Uplift yourself, educate yourself, learn some better things to DO with yourself, and you won't be out here acting so damn silly.

Let the Obamathon Begin!!

2009-01-14T15:23:00.000-08:00

Well, as anyone not living under a rock knows, the biggest and most anticipated presidential inauguration in US History is a mere few days away.

Can you feel the excitement? I can, and my email inboxes are filled with invitations to Obama inauguration parties, get togethers and all types of Obama events. Restaurants, bars, lounges and other venues are planning to show it on large screen TV's, just like the Superbowl! Have you ever in your life? WOW! All for the inauguration of Barack Obama, the soon to be 44th president of the United States. I'm starting to get goosebumps just off of everyone else's excitement!

Whatever you're doing on Tuesday, January 20th, be sure to tune in for a bit of awesome, Hollywood couldn't have scripted it better, history. I know that I will, whether it's in a bar, pub, ballroom or just in my living room. Should be quite a day!

Here is but some of the preparation already going on

Dirty Day in New York

2009-01-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

Is it my imagination, or is it getting dirtier and grimier here in the Big Apple? It snowed a bit, and after the slight melt off, I couldn't help but to notice that the sidewalks were downright nasty as I walked to and from work today. I made sure (like I always do) to wipe my feet thoroughly on the carpet in our lobby before coming into my apartment. No telling what nasty, slimy horror you've picked up on the bottom of your shoes...

I swear, I know it's never been pristinely clean here, but I don't think it's been like this, either. Trickle down effect of our bad economy, perhaps? I'm guessing that street cleaning would be among the first things to go when they start making those budget cuts...

When Your Dysfunction Meets My Dysfunction...

2009-01-09T19:54:00.000-08:00

.....it is flat out gonna be a WAR.

I have a hard time dealing with other people's bullshit. That, in itself, is my own bullshit, and I find myself expressing it more frequently than I'd like. I think that it's a bit cliche to just say "well, I have issues". Duh, we all do, and just making that declaration still doesn't solve anything.... so why even bother saying it? Question is, are you going to do something about them, or what?

I realize that being perfect is an unrealistic aspiration, and wouldn't be the least bit interesting an existence even if you could achieve it. Yet I still do strive for it in so many little ways. I guess that's one reason I'm such an overachiever. I've been one for as long as I can remember ....hell, even before I got my first sibling. From the very beginning, I've been competing, even when there was no one there to do it with.

My issues? Need of total control. Intolerance of the imperfections of others. Lack of empathy or understanding of another's weaknesses..... I hate what I perceive to be weakness in other people. I'm harshly judgemental in that respect. "Just who the hell do you think you are?", I have to ask myself on certain days. At times, I can find myself looking upon others from such a high perch, all the while knowing that I am flawed as hell, myself.

Anyway, I can blame my parents for the dysfunctions that reside in me. Can't everyone?
However, my blame is legit. Although I now know that they did the best they could with what tools and knowledge they had, it didn't make my upbringing any less harsh. Both of my parents were stricter than today's laws would allow, and demanded perfection of me...even when it was not possible. One abusively dominant, the other, jealous and passive aggressive, it's a wonder that I turned out half way sane.

Anyhow, from that whole period that was eons ago in my life, I still have issues. So, what to do about that? I hate having to point to the past to explain why I'm still acting out or displaying a behavior that I can rationalize and know both the causes and consequences of, such as my ever lingering, underneath the surface, anger. I'm able to control and achieve so many things in my life, but although I'm getting a better handle on it, there are still those moments when that beast completely escapes my grasp and rises up, ready for destruction.
That's what happens when I encounter YOUR dysfunction. Your rudeness. Your thoughtlessness. Your selfishness. Your arrogance. Your disrespect. I'm ready to tear you apart, even though somewhere in my mind, I realize that you're just another damaged person trying to make it through the day, the week, the month, just like me, and you're probably subconsciously angry about some shit that happened to you eons ago, too. Or even yesterday.

Funny how you can rationalize it to death, but can't ever seem to fix it! ;)

On some days it's hard to be a human, isn't it? Perhaps it's better to be a cat. Eat, sleep, and constantly be petted, loved and adored. They don't ever look like they have the least bit of worry in the world...

Black Woman Walking

2009-01-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

This is a major peeve of mine, and something that I fight and rage against daily.
On the street harassment from men. In urban areas, it's an albatross that hangs around most women's necks, and can also lead to violence or bodily harm. This is something I experience almost every day, if and when I go outside of my neighborhood (which is pretty civilized - the men where I live don't act like this). These women in this video are actually being a bit soft about it, if you ask me. They are tiptoeing and being careful of what they say about the subject, and how they say it. I need to make a video about this myself, and turn it on full blast. We do not deserve to be treated this way, and somebody needs to pay some serious attention and effort towards putting a stop to it. This video is a good first step.

I personally won't even go into certain neighborhoods and areas because of it. This is no exaggeration....it happens to many women, and not just Black ones, every day. It's not because of how we dress. It's not because we ask for this attention. It's not because we deserve it. It's intimidation, oppression, and violence, and no woman should have to be subjected to it.

Black Woman Walking

Beware of Buying Domain Names from Yahoo!

2009-01-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

I am a domain name buying junkie. I have about 70 of them now, with most having been purchased on Godaddy, and some on other registrars. I bought my first 3 over 5 years ago on Register.com, and at that time they were 29.99 on there. Then, along came Godaddy, selling at 8.99 per name, and I found a new love.

Anyways, just to diversify who's holding all my little portfolio shares, I decided to buy a couple names on Yahoo last year. I only paid for a year, knowing I'd renew when the time came up. Well, don't you know that Yahoo jumped the price on their domains from 9.99 to 34.99???!!! I mean, DAMN!!! So, here I am with 6 domain names I purchased on them, and it's time to renew. I am PISSED!!!
I solved the problem by just transferring 4 of them away to Godaddy before they expired, but two that I lost track of and did let expire, I'm just gonna have to lose, because I REFUSE to be so scammed by Yahoo! Lucky for me, those two names aren't majorly important to me....I got out the ones that really mean something, and that I plan to use for business. But, wow, Yahoo, way to treat your customers!
I will never buy anything from them again.
If you're into buying domain names, steer clear of Yahoo. Use Godaddy, Netfirms, Lunar Pages or any other number of sites where you can get your domain names for 9.99 or less. IMO, Yahoo has truly lost its damn mind!

We Rock!!!

2008-12-31T14:54:00.001-08:00

As I type this, I'm still trying to recuperate from last night's "New Year's Eve Eve" party, given by a cool friend of mine. It was a local affair, with my favorite neighbors, who also happen to be my gym peeps.

Me and my crazy friends

Can I just tell you that fitness folks party like it's 1999? I swear, you never saw people just shove food and drinks down their throats with as much reckless abandon as we did! It was just so out of control! We had all manner of food, ranging from Thai, Filipino, Italian and good old American, as well as the usual party platters of veggies and fruit. I think we ignored those last two, though! lol. Except the fruit, which is damn yummy after a few more drinks. I preferred mine in the sangria.
My contribution to the buffet was a huge baked macaroni and cheese.
Yeah, that's a GOOD fitness instructor for ya! ;). I make sure my people get all the calories they need! ;)

The most fun was when we started the drunken karaoke and the craziness began! I love karaoke, cause I'm good at it! lol. I always pick fun songs, though, and not just ones to show off (like SOME people do). We were on the floor laughing, it got so crazy. I do a mean "Like a Virgin", by the way..... ;)

Me and my friend Maryann, striking a "fierce" pose!

Later on we began playing Guitar Hero World Tour (on Playstation 2). Have any of you played this game! OMG!!!! It is SO off the chain AMAZING!!! It's like karaoke, but you perform together as the band. You get to be the singer, the guitarist, the drummer or the bass player, and they have these sensored guitars, and a little mock drum kit that is connected to the game. An incredible song list that you get to recreate with everything from Bon Jovi, AC/DC, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, to Nine Inch Nails and beyond! You get to cover these songs, but you have to rock it out, or you get booed off the stage! It is too fun and hilarious! And unlike regular karaoke, you have to work as a unit with your band members, all trying to get the notes right and rock it your hardest.
One of you messes up, it's over! The game stops, and you have to start again.

We had such screaming fun playing this thing, that I'm gonna have to go and buy it!
It's supposed to be available on Wii soon, so that will also give me another excuse to go buy a Wii system. I already want to get one for the boxing and the tennis, so if they put Guitar Hero World Tour on there, you might as well go ahead and call it mine, cause I'll be getting one.

Some of my friends were really good at the guitar, and I was so amazed and also jealous! I can't play guitar at all!
I can sing, but I decided to rock the drums on one song, and I kept messing up! I am dying to practice the guitar parts and drums for some of those songs! If I get this game I bet you I'll be rockin' it at the next party! LOL I can't wait to drive my neighbors crazy practicing for my next gig! :D
Guitar Hero World Tour has such an electric feel and vibe to it, that it's more than just a game....it's an experience! You HAVE to try it!

Anyway, me and my crazy gym friends had a ball, and waking up this morning was an experience, to say the least. It took me half the day to get myself all the way back together....
But it was all worth it. Good food, good drinks, good friends, and a GREAT Rockin' time! Nothing could be better!

Legendary Diva Eartha Kitt Dies at 81

2008-12-25T15:45:00.000-08:00

Born in South Carolina in 1927, Eartha moved to Harlem, New York when she was 8 years old, and later began in the performing arts when she was in high school.

She later became a featured dancer for the Katherine Dunham Dance group. Discovering that she enjoyed singing more than dancing, she soon began touring and performing all over Europe as both a singer and a dancer.
She has worked in films, on the Broadway stage and on television for decades, becoming a diva legend with her trademark clipped accent and unforgettable cat growl.

Her filmography includes:

And Then Came Love (2007)
On the One (2005)
Holes (2003)
The Emperor's New Groove (2000) (voice)
I Woke Up Early the Day I Died (1998)
Ill Gotten Gains (1997) (voice)
Harriet the Spy (1996)
Unzipped (1995) (uncredited)
Fatal Instinct (1993)
Boomerang (1992)
Ernest Scared Stupid (1991)
Living Doll (1990)
Erik the Viking (1989)
Master of Dragonard Hill (1987)
The Pink Chiquitas (1987)
The Serpent Warriors (1985)
All by Myself (1982)
Friday Foster (1975)
Up the Chastity Belt (1971)
Onkel Toms Hütte (1965)
Synanon (1965)
Saint of Devil's Island (1961)
Anna Lucasta (1958)
St. Louis Blues (1958)
The Mark of the Hawk (1957)
New Faces (1954)
Casbah (1948)

Kitt has also written and published 3 autobiographies.
There is, and will never be another like her! R.I.P., Diva!

I Am Offended By This Cheese!

2008-12-25T10:14:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know you've all seen the ad by now, with this goofy, Flava Flavish homey in a clown pose with a stack of bills in his hand, "Chedda"

I was at first, like, this has got to be a joke. Well, in a way it is. It's a joke on anybody who forks over some money to get down with Chedda's "get free money from da man" program.
The ad offends me because it obviously has been targeted to appeal to a specific group, and strives to be just "street" enough and speak the language that it assumes that all low income, ethnic people speak. Street slang and ebonics. They also made sure to inject a few misspelled words into the ad copy.
It also speaks to lower level "hood" aspirations like having a "cool ride", a "blingin' $15,000 watch" "bein' a playa" and "hustlin". Gotta love the thought process behind this one!

To tell you the truth, I seriously doubt that "Chedda" wrote this ad at all. This is the brainchild of some non black internet scammer that has just found a new, and I must admit, clever way to get people to fork over some money, buying into the idea that they can be just like Chedda.... hell, he's not even going for a million or anything, the amount of money he's trying to get puts him squarely in the middle class. An attainable reachable aspiration, to say the least, and on that level, quite attractive to anyone that's scratching by to make a living at the moment.
In other words, if Chedda can get this money, so can you. Should be easy!
I swear, these internet marketers get trickier and savvier every day!
I wonder where the real "Chedda" is and how much he got paid to pose for these clown pics and participating in this whole "homey from the hood makes good" scenario they painted here.

What do you guy think about it? Think "Chedda" is for real? Here is some of the copy from his ad that's all over the internet right now. Tell me if you think this came from a geniune person and not just some savvy internet marketer.:

"Chedda's" Bling Blog
Written by Russel aka 'Chedda'

How I Hustled A $12,000 Check From The Government and got $5,000 a Month From the Man

Yo, my name is Chedda and I made this site to let my boys know how I went from being a broke-ass nigga to paying off all my debt and banking 5 gs a month by filling out some forms online.

My Quick Story:

In about 30 days I got a $12,000 check from the government which I never got to pay back, and started an banking a cool $5k a month with about 12 hours of work each week. No joke. All I did was fill out 2 forms online for free grants (government money):

Step 1: Free Grant Kit - Costs $1.99 for shipping.
Step 2: Government Grant Connect - Costs $3 for shipping.

It was pretty much a cakewalk. I got my grant money within 30 days and paid off all my debt, and between both of these sites I get like $5,000 a month from the government. The thing is, the government is all about giving away grant money to brothers and sisters, and most of them know nothing about it. All I did was sign up and pay for the shiping (like $5 bucks total for both of em) and they got back to me within a few days with their decision (this was the initial $12,000 check). It's like scholarships or something. Affirmative action, baby!

The Full Scoop

Note: I hate all those "get rich quick" schemes you see on TV where they tell you that you're going to make thousands on real estate investing or some other crap. Don't fall for that crap, it costs hundreds to get started and is usually a scam. The stuff I did here is all free to get started and took me a long time to research.

So over the past couple a years, I ended up running up a ton of debt (partying, girls, clothes, ya know) and didn't have a good job to pay this off. On top of that, I had my rent and car payment to worry about. I was working at Foot Locker making like $10 bucks an hour, so I needed to find a way to get some money.

I started to do some research and found out that a ton of government money is given to 'minorities' each year. The money can be pretty much used for whatever you want as long as you fill out all the info they need (your name and address, what you want to use the money for, any school you been to (i only finished high school)). I told them I wanted to start my own clothing line and needed to pay off my debts first and that was it. After a few weeks I got my first check and since then its been steady chedda for Chedda.

Step 1:
Get Your Free Grant Kit - This was the first site that I signed up for. It costs like $3 bucks in shipping to get started, but for real, for the amount I got back from this, it seems like a joke to me now. After getting this program, I was able to apply for thousands of grants that most people don't know about. It was really little trouble and I was amazed that more people didn't know about it. With just 1 application I was able to get a check for $12,000 which I will never have to pay back. It helped me:

Pay off my credit card debt
Pay for some new tattoos
Buy a new car with some 'shoes' (i posted a pic of it below)
Buy my girl a tiffany watch
Buy myself a $15,000 jacob timepiece

Here's a picture of the ride I got:

Step 2:

Get the Government Grant Connect - This is the second step that I took, and prolly more important than the first one. This second site is the one that distributes monthly government grant checks. The checks aren't as big as the first site, but this one comes every month so its pretty tight. Gotta keep that hustle on, ya heard? This is the money that I'm using to live day to day and hopefully get my clothing line, Chedda Threads, going. I'm gonna set up a Myspace page for the clothing line soon so I'll post that when I get it up. I think this site also costs a few bones to get started, but again, the paper you get makes it worth it. You can get yours here.

My Life Now:

Thanks to the cash I got from the government, Chedda be banging. I quit my job at Foot Locker and am working on setting up my clothing line with the $5 gees Im geting a month. I also, keep my girl pretty happy

So anyway, for any of you playas that want a piece of the pie, hit up the following sites:

Step 1: Free Grant Kit - $1.99 for shipping
Step 2: Government Grant Connect - $3 for shipping

Stay Hustlin,

Chedda

And no, I'm not "knockin' some brother's hustle". Point is, I don't think this is done by a brother at all! And I wouldn't be happier if it was, either! It's STILL offensive!

8 Year Old Girl Denied Being able to Divorce 58 Year Old Man

2008-12-24T11:12:00.000-08:00

Okay, CRAZY!!! What the hell goes on in this world? I know my opinion should not be decreed law in other parts of the world, but COME ON! What the hell's goin' on in Saudi?

From the article @ www.telegraph.co.uk:

The divorce plea was filed in August by the girl's divorced mother with a court at Unayzah, 220 kilometres (135 miles) north of Riyadh just after the marriage contract was signed by the father and the groom.

"She doesn't know yet that she has been married," the lawyer said then of the girl who was about to begin her fourth year at primary school.

Relatives who did not wish to be named told AFP that the marriage had not yet been consummated, and that the girl continued to live with her mother. They said that the father had set a verbal condition by which the marriage is not consummated for another 10 years, when the girl turns 18.

The father had agreed to marry off his daughter for an advance dowry of 30,000 riyals ($8,000), as he was apparently facing financial problems, they said.

The father was in court and he remained adamant in favour of the marriage, they added.

The mother's said he was going to appeal the verdict at the court of cassation, the supreme court in the ultraconservative kingdom which applies Islamic Sharia law in its courts.

Arranged marriages involving pre-adolescents are occasionally reported in the Arabian Peninsula, including in Saudi Arabia where the strict conservative Wahhabi version of Sunni Islam holds sway and polygamy is common.

In Yemen in April, another girl aged eight was granted a divorce after her unemployed father forced her to marry a man of 28.

Unfortunately, in many places in the world, daughters are sold off to settle a father's or a family's debts. Yep. And nobody even blinks an eye about it.
I really just have NO words. I SO thank God that I, as a female, was born in the country I was born in! Amen!

The Joy of Being Single....cont'd

2008-12-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

Ha! Knew that would get your attention! ;) By the way, I changed the title so that Google doesn't think I'm up to some tomfoolery here... ;)

However, this IS more of a personal post, and not my usual offering of weight loss and fitness tips that you usually read here. Actually, this blog started out on a VERY personal note, and then somehow evolved into the fitness blog that it is now. Hey, might as well blog what you know, right?

Anyway, as I read a multitude of blogs out here before the holidays, I see that many of you are enjoying the whole family angle of these last days of the year. However, my family (the bulk of it) is in North Carolina, and I, at this time, am a happily single woman.
So. What do single people do during the holidays? Hmmmmm...? Wouldn't you married, house full of kiddies folks like to know? Maybe you could care less, but I'm gonna share anyway!

Before we go there, I first need to color in a few things. The FD (me) has been happily single for a while now. I was once married years ago, and have been divorced for over 10 years now. No regrets on the marriage or the divorce. It provided a great life experience for me, and my ex husband is a good person - we were just not the right people for each other. We figured that out after tying the knot. I wish him well. No bitterness on either side. He rocks, but I wouldn't marry him today if he were still single. We're just too different. Attraction, lust, need and curiosity at the right time and place brought us together. The reality of who we really are (and were) tore us apart.
Outside of that marriage, I was also later engaged to be married. That ended up not working out, and did end bitterly. C'est la vie.

I've been in both good relationships and bad ones. The bad ones, I got out of quickly. Always been a smart girl in that department. I, being the force of nature that I am, cannot be with anyone that is controlling, manipulative, disloyal, misogynistic, dishonest, incompassionate or insecure. I am kryptonite for those types of men, thank God! ;)

I don't ever want to be married again. Not that my marriage was bad. I just know who I am, and who I am is a person that LOVES being single. Having had a taste of both, I know exactly what works in my life. And being single is IT.

What I love about being single:

Being able to wake up whenever I feel like it
Not having to cook unless I want to
Not having to look sexy and cute until I feel like it!
Not having to worry when I gain weight, or hear about it
Having sex on MY time schedule (I know some of you ladies feel me on that!)
Not having to clean, wash dishes, do laundry or cook until I decide it's time
Always getting to watch ALL the shows I like on TV ALL THE TIME
Not having to pick up and clean up behind another grown person
Not having to answer questions about why I do anything that I do
Making decisions about my life and time without having to confer with ANYONE
Never having to explain - ANYTHING! ;)
Getting to eat what I want and like for breakfast, lunch and dinner EVERY DAY (and all day long)
Not having to hide in the bathroom or discreetly step into the next room when I get gas
Not having to worry or be self conscious when I get my period
On that note, being able to belch, fart, and just be all out GROSS when the moment dictates
Not having to entertain another's opinion on the direction of my life
Being able to have a cat, dog, or whatever the hell I want (my ex hated cats)
Not having to worry about what mood he's in, and why, what more I need to do to please him, the state of our relationship, or how to keep the excitement and magic alive.
No changing of diapers. For ANYONE, young or old.
Being so free and unencumbered that it should be illegal (and actually is for women in certain countries)
I could go on....

I feel blessed to be SINGLE! And that's no bullshit, folks. I tell you the complete, unedited TRUTH!

Now... I do keep a 'friend'.
A cool guy that has to travel for work once or twice a week. A banker, hanging on tooth and nail right now to his job. A good lookin', easy going, slim bodied, accomplished man that makes no demands on me, 'cause he can't. He's too busy in his career, jumping through hoops to keep his job, working to ascend the corporate ladder and please his bosses. And who accepts me just as I am. Doesn't try to change a thing about me. Is ridiculously excited to be with me when we're together, and has no hesitation about showing it. Will stay overnight, or leave if I ask. Is always a gentleman, no matter what. Gives me whatever I want when I ask. LOVE that!
I know I sound spoiled, but hey, I'm a Diva, remember? ;)

That's all I ever want on occasion! Someone who isn't up my ass about what I'm doing, where I'm going, where I've been and who I'm with when he's not here, and vice versa! The only commitment here is that of mutual respect. No expectations, no demands. And that's how I like it.
Our alliance works, and before him, there was another just like him. That one ended up moving to Cali. For his job. I purposely pick those types, because I know that I don't want to be in a relationship, and it works! ;)

I'm still human.... I DO like to have someone calling me and checking up on me at least once or twice a week, but just do not need that 24-7. Also, I'm a girly girl, and like to get sexy when the mood strikes (after I'm done blogging!). I enjoy having someone to be a little excited about. I like knowing that someone I feel the same way about is thinking about me occasionally, calling to check up on me, and salivating over the next time he sees me.
I LOVE being kissed. Being pursued... Being wooed a bit... WITHOUT all the baggage of a relationship.

I enjoy the anticipation and excitement of being with my guy 'friend', when those times come. Sometimes it's a casual meeting, and sometimes it's fireworks. Whichever mood strikes. We hang out, sometimes just chill, all around enjoy each other and then... we part ways, and it's out of my system, and can I go back to trying to conquer the world, my mind totally free and clear of emotional nonsense. I don't worry about the what, when, where and why of anything regarding him. I don't have to!

If all relationships really could be that simple, I'd have one, but they're not, and so I just have no desire to be in one. I come home at night, lock my door, plop down on my comfy couch and not one line of worry crosses my face. Except about the bills! ;)
People always ask why I look so young, what am I doing. "I stay single" is my reply!
You betcha! ;)

I like the dynamic that goes on between men and women. There are elements of it that I really enjoy. But just like at a buffet, I just prefer to pass on certain selections on that menu. Like, having to worry about what someone is thinking all the time. Now, here's the part where my mother would say "well, life is just not like that!". Well, for me, it is! I make the rules! ;)

I know that I'm a woman ahead of my time on that. Many of my friends are either married, looking to be married, or are in relationships that take up SO much of their energy and spirit that I pity them, actually.... Many of my girlfriends are in unhappy relationships, but are so afraid of being ALONE and MANLESS (the social stigma for women aka "what's wrong with you?"), that they put up with all kinds of crap just to be able to say that they have someone.... Sad. And NOT my cup of tea!
But a core few of us get it.... the joy of singledom! Being able to do it successfully and happily is an art. Only a few can master it. And I have...

So.... How will I be spending the holidays? A couple parties, a visit to my brother, his wife and my 2 nieces and nephew in the Bronx (my surrogate kids - I get to spoil them and be the cool auntie that teaches them how to roller blade, throw a football, snowboard and build their own websites), a couple nights with my banker friend, and a whole lotta optimism for the upcoming year! Who gets what I'm talkin' about here? Talk to me, single, happy people! Seriously! I'm gonna have me some balls to the wall fun over these holidays! Aren't you?

For all of you that are married, in relationships and enjoying the holidays with your children, know that I get that, too, and am not knocking it! Been there! It's just not for me!

However, I want to wish ALL OF YOU a MERRY CHRISTMAS and DAMN HAPPY NEW YEAR!

For me, the BEST is yet to come! I believe that with all my heart and soul.
Whether you're single, married, with a house full of kids, or still just figuring it all out....

Happy Holidays, everyone! :D