The Job I Didn't Get: Part 1 (The Rejection Email)

Ok, I'm finally ready to address the fact that I didn't get the job. I'm not crying over spilled milk, though. That's not a personality flaw I posess. But, I thought I'd share the rejection email I received because it's a rejection email unlike any other I have received or heard of. Read it and tell me what you think. In Part 2 of this topic I'll tell you what took away from it and how I feel about it and also address your opinions...Thanks!

***

Hi Dynasty, I hope this email finds you well.

Thank you for your time last week in Miami. I am glad the schedule worked out so that we could interview. I enjoyed learning about (insert my company name) and your other work experiences. I learned a bit about an industry I previously had no idea about! You have obviously accomplished great things there.

After VERY careful consideration, we decided to make this job offer to another candidate. This candidate has extensive training experience and contacts with the wireless carrier stores in the South Florida area and this is very important to (insert client I would have been representing) for this position.

I also know that you were hoping for a relocation package, and unfortunately we would not have been able to offer you this. I want you to know you interviewed very well. You are extremely professional and articulate and you were carefully considered for this position. I know you would have made a great Specialist for us.

Thanks again Dynasty and please let me know you got this message. I wish you the best of luck in your job search and relocation to Miami. I have no doubt you will find a perfect situation to meet your career goals! If you want, please drop me a line and let me know where you land.

Regards,
(Insert the name of the person I interviewed with)

***

Let me know what you think...

Have a Great Weekend,
SMOOCHES ;-)

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise...

That's what I experienced today when the receptionist at my company called me up and said that I had a beautiful plant waiting in the lobby for me. Immediately, a huge kool-aid grin spread across my face as I walked/ran to the lobby to see who sent me this plant. What could it be? What kind of plant could it be? I have never received a plant before and the last time I received flowers, my Ex sent them and it was the ugliest old-fashionest (I probably just made that word up) flower arrangement I had ever seen. I was extremely disappointed because a few days before he had asked me what my favorite flower was and I specificaly told him Lilies. I didn't even specify a particular kind of Lily. I kept it real broad. If all else fails I'll settle for Roses. I should have known the relationship was destined for failure when that Negro didn't listen...I digress...

So, imagine my surprise when I rounded the corner and laid my eyes on the prettiest potted Easter Lilies I have ever seen. Two of the flowers are fully bloomed and the other two are waiting to come to life. As I approached the desk I could smell the fragrance pouring out of the Lilies. The receptionist was beaming from ear to ear telling me how beautiful they were and how someone must really like me, etc. I tuned her ass out because I was still trying to figure out who could have sent this beautiful gift. I open the card and as I read the the card my eyes immediately started to well-up. They were from the guy I was texting in the previous post Necessary Evil...

See, I received some bad news yesterday and I was extermely down and sad. I didn't get the job in Miami. That's another post. I'll talk about that when the steam stops coming out of my ears every time I think about it. He knew how important that job was to me and he tried his hardest to make me feel better about the situation. He was very attentive, apologetic (as if it was his fault) and understanding to my foul mood and deflated ego. I guess he decided to take it one step further and give me the boost my heart needed after such disappointment...I am extremly appreciative.

I know some of you are thinking...all he did was send you flowers...what's the big deal....you just mentioned you got flowers from your Ex. That's not the point. The point is that it was unexpected. The point is that when he woke up this morning or went to bed last night I was on his mind. Effort. It's the simple, unexpected, sincere things that bring a smile to my face. Things like remembering my favorite movie, color, or making me something from the heart and in this case sending me flowers to brighten my day when I feel like my parade has been rained on...

So, Text (that's the name I'll give him) if you're reading this (I recently gave him the link) THANK YOU! It really brightened my day!

Smooches :)

***Addition***
Thanks to my favorite Blogger for the funny and cute Hallmark E-card. That helped me end my day with a brighter smile than it started with...

Necessary Evil

That's what I have dubbed the (doom, doom, doom) PAP SMEAR!!!!

Yesterday was my annual check-up. I had the customary Pap Smear and HIV test. The HIV test is a whole nother can of worms. I hate needles! I am known to shed a few tears before, during and after any blood work. A few years ago, the nurse actually threatened to make me come back if I didn't let her go ahead and stick me...LOL!!! Anyway, you would think that by now I would be comfortable with this whole cervical check thingy, but I'm not. It has to be the most humiliating and uncomfortable experience I have ever had to endure.

My doctor is this Asian lady that I am convinced doesn't like me or she thinks I'm crazy. She treats me like I'm a basket case. I will admit that I am a slight hypochondriac, but who wouldn't be in this day and age of diseases and viruses. Every time I turn on the tv there is a new drug commercial telling me that if I have an itchy ear, beating heart and a cough that I need to go see the doctor. Or, there is a new study that says if you breathe air it could raise your cholestoral. So, what is a responsible person suppose to do? Go see the doctor! I have health insurance for a reason and I'm going to get my money's worth. So, Dr. Lim (that's her name) can kiss my ass while she checks my blood pressure and takes my damn temperature.

While in the waiting room at the doctor's office I was texting this guy I've recently become interested in and I told him that my doctor was an Asian woman...this fool had the nerve to say that was his fantasy. Men. I hope that during his prostate exam the tool gets stuck and scars him for life...LOL! I don't understand why men are so insensitive to all the things that women have to endure just to remain healthy and have their water head kids. What about a doctor (male or female) standing or sitting in-between a woman's legs with a bright shining light, sticking a latex gloved finger or two up inside her while the doctor pushes hard on her stomach seems fun or sexual? You know what Men on second thought...don't answer that question. I won't even mention the "duck lips". Women, you know what I'm talking about...What sounds right about a doctor scrapping a woman's cervix? Nothing, I say!!!! It's uncomfortable and embarrasing. Lord forbid that something is not alright in the vagina world...you get my drift...then, you have to look this person in the eye. UGH! It's a conspiracy I tell you...Eve and that damn apple!

Everything checked out fine. Of course, I have to wait on the results of the HIV test and the pap smear...but, those should be all good, too.

I left the doc's office with stomach cramps and spotting from the cervical brush. Whatever. My right arm hurt from the needle that at first try was unsuccessful in draining my blood. I've never understood why they need to draw so much damn blood to test for HIV in the first place...I mean prick my finger for goodness sake and tell me the scoop! I wanted to stop by the nail place to get the double whammy (pedicure and fill-in) but, I lost all energy and resolve. Besides, my belly was unsettled from the anxiety and the pushing on the abdomen to see if my uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes were in tact. (((rolling my eyes)))

What I would give to be a man for once....

NOTHING!!! Because women are the superior being. If a man had to endure what we women go through he would die a thousand deaths and then complain about it every damn day!!!!

SMOOCHES ;)

Bloggers and Readers Get to Keep Their Jobs

I thought this article might be of some importance to everyone that reads blogs and writes on blogs while at work...Enjoy...

Judge: Man Can't Be Fired For Surfing Web At Work
Web Surfing Compared To Reading Paper, Talking On Phone
POSTED: 10:52 am EDT April 25, 2006

NEW YORK -- A ruling in New York should come as a relief to people who have a habit of checking out the Internet at work. A judge has ruled that use of the Internet is no more goofing off on the job than reading a newspaper or making a brief personal phone call. "It should be observed that the Internet has become the modern equivalent of a telephone or a daily newspaper, providing a combination of communication and information that most employees use as frequently in their personal lives as for their work," Administrative Law Judge John Spooner said. Spooner gave the lightest of all possible punishments to a New York City worker who was accused of disregarding warnings to stay off the Internet at work. The 14-year veteran of the Department of Education used his office computer to visit news and travel Web sites. A lawyer for the man described the ruling as "very reasonable." Meanwhile, Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- a billionaire who knows what it is to put in a full day -- is upset with the judge's ruling. Mayor Bloomberg said city employees are working for the taxpayers, who expect people to work
He said spending hours surfing the Internet at your work desk is inappropriate.

Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Working it out...

That is what I have been doing all week to get my life in order. The bank has been helpful. They issued me a temporary ATM card until the real one arrives. They also credited me back the money the Bandit stole pumping gas!!! That was a relief. The only real problems I've had have been with the Cingular.

The problem is this: I don't have any cards...credit or otherwise...they were stolen. My phone is an IL/STL number and I live in MA. So, that means that any phone I get has to be mailed to me because I don't live in the market that my phone is "registered" to, so to speak. That wouldn't be a problem under normal circumstances. I don't have insurance because they kicked me off when i made 3 claims in a year and I never got it again when the year was over. I had this really small phone that was hard to hold on to, so I dropped it the tub, the toilit and a cup of juice. I promise I couldn't make this shit up if I tried. I digress

Anyway,

Cingular has changed their policies, so they no longer allow you to purchase a cell phone over the phone and have it billed to your account. You need to be prepared to pay with a credit or debit card with a Visa logo. I can't because I don't have one handy. So, I have been going back and forth with them to make an exception. Hell, I've been a customer for 5 years and 1 month. Never missed a payment, never had my phone disconnected, so I expect preferential treatment. Luckily, Cingular does to. They honored and recognized that I was a valued customer and bent over backwards to make this happen...I just had to go through a lot of red tape. Why you ask? It's a simple phone...WRONG! The phone I want is over $300. When they do make exceptions they have a not to exceed limit of $250. When I was done my total was $500....count in the phone, charger, Blue Tooth earpiece and leather case. I need everything to be right. So, all week I have been waiting and waiting to get them to mail it out.

FINALLY, they approved everything and mailed it out express at no charge. I should have the phone tomorrow...WHOO HOO. Here's a picture... (Now that I've learned how to post pictures, I'll never stop...LOL!)




It's like a mini-laptop....I'm a texting Wizard and I'm glued to my email, so this phone is ideal. It's kind of big for my taste, but with the Blue Tooth earpiece I won't even need to hold it...

***Haiti***

That's where the Bandit called with my damn phone. I found that out today. He called Haiti while his stupid ass was pumping gas. I'm so pissed about that. He made a 31 minute phone call at $1.24 a minute. You do the math. Thank God, Cingular is taking that off, too... I know it's not that much money, but it's a lot when you didn't make the call...you feel me.

Slowly, but surely everything is coming together. I should have all my cards by the end of next week and all will be right in my world...

Until next time,
SMOOCHES ;-)

***Update***
I recieved my phone today...thank GOD! I called to have it connected and to add the Media package and insurance. Come to find out they over charged me for my phone, so she gave me a $100 credit to my bill. That took care of my bill that was due this month and then some...So, I'm only spending $400 instead of $500 for the phone and all the accessories..Now do you see why I'm too blessed to be stressed :) I just brush my shoulders off...God takes care of his people.

How Ghetto R U?

GET A PENCIL AND PAPER BEFORE YOU START THIS JUST HOW GHETTO IS U??

1. You've ever used an album cover for a dustpan.(5 points)
2. If you've ever run a race barefoot in the middle of the street.(10points)
3. You had a candy lady in your neighborhood.(5 + 5 extra points if your house was the candy lady)
4. If you ever had to pick your own switch or belt.(3 points for each)
5. If you have ever had to walk to school or walked home from school.(2points)
6. If you have ever used dishwashing liquid for bubble bath.(5 points)
7. If you ever mixed Kool-Aid one glass at a time because you got tired of other people drinking up the Kool-Aid you just made.(5 points)
8. If you have ever played any of the following games: hide and go seek, freeze, tag, Momma may I? or red light/green light.(2 points each)
9. If your neighborhood had an ice cream man.(2 points + 2 if he rang a bell)
10. If you refer to "Now and Later" candies as "Nighladers".(5 points)
11. If you've ever run from the police on foot.(5 points + 5 if you got away)
12. If you've ever had reusable bacon grease in a container on your stove.(5 points + 15 if you still do it)
13. The batteries in your remote control ever been held in by a piece of tape.(5 points)
14. If you have ever worn any of the following fragrances Brute, Hai Karate, Jean Nate, Old Spice, Chloe, English Leather, Stetson, Charlie, or Faberge.(1 point each)
15. You've ever used Tussy Deodorant.(5 points)
16. You've never been to the dentist.(15 points)
17. If you have a friend or family member whose nickname is one word said twice: dee-dee, fee-fee, man-man, Kay-Kay, lee-lee, ree-ree, ray-ray, nay-nay, tee-tee etc.(10 points)
18. You have ever paged yourself for any reason.(3 points)
19. You've ever worn house shoes outside of the house.(2 points)
20. You add "ED" or "T" to the end of words already in the past tense(for example, Tooked, Light-Skinneded, kilt, ruint, etc.)(5 points)
21. You use 'n'em to describe a certain group of people( for example Craig'n'em or Momma 'n'em).(5 points)
22. You've ever driven on a donut more than 2 weeks after your flat.(5points)
23. Your child drops his/her pacifier and you sanitize it by sucking it.(10 points)
24. You have ever slept in a chair to avoid messing up your hair.(10 points)
25. You've ever left a social gathering with a plate.(2 points)
26. You can't hold a glass because of the length of your nails.(5 points)
27. The gold teeth in your mouth spell words.(10 points)
28. You don't have your own place but your child has a leather coat and a pair of Jordan's.(15 points)
29. You constantly hit *69 and ask, "Did you just call here?"(10 points)
30. You think Tupac is still alive.(20 points)
31. If you are going to have to use a calculator to add your points.(25points)--

Now the totals...
0 - 50 points - I guess you were raised in the suburbs
51 - 75 points - A bonafide ex-hood rat
76 - 150 points - Spent a little time in the projects, huh?
150 points or more - Still there, huh?


So, What's your score????

Cute Male Model and Me...

Isn't he a cutie? Even though the picture caught him in mid blink. He's one half of an identical twin set. They're both male models and friends of someone that Shimmy knew. We posed for this picture at the Clevelander...You can look at me and tell that I was about 2 sheets to the wind, working on the 3rd. This was taken Friday before I was introduced to the Sand Man from the previous post... Can you see my tan? Your girl is brown now!

Just wanted to share... Below is another picture of him and his brother that someone sent to me. I took the picture with the one on the right...I think

The Beach is Silent

That's the realest shit I've ever wrote. I'm going to do a quick recap of Friday and night to show you what lead me to that conclusion....

***Day***

I started the day by going to breakfast. I ordered something light. I still had a hangover from the night before, so all I could stomach was a bowl of fruit, water and an Ibuprofen. The resturant was less than satisfactory. My apples were old, Shimmy's grits were watery. Someone has a picture of them...they were that bad. I'll post it when I get the picks. After that I went to the beach to deepen my skin color. Thursday I was light-skinned...Friday I was sunkissed caramel and loving it!!! I stayed out there for a few hours reading my book and taking an occasional dip in the ocean to cool off from the sun... After I left there, me, Shimmy and Marlon went to Wet Willies to eat and drink. I know it was early, but when you're on vacation you start drinking any time after noon...LOL! If you are ever in Miami go to Wet Willies. Its on 8th and Ocean. This place has a plethora of drinks that are off the chain. I had a Grape Escape...a lot of liquor. I went back to the condo to chill and then my phone started blowing up. My girl Candice from STL wanted to meet. She has been living in Miami for a few years, so whenever I come in town I try to hit her up. Then Sexy called me wanting to meet, so to kill 2 birds with 1 stone I told him meet me up at Wet Willies.

It's funny how people change over time. I haven't seen Candice since October 2004 and the last time I saw her she was still STL. Yesterday, she was Miami. You know what I mean? She had weave, had lost a little weight and was chilling. I was shocked. She always had a good head of hair with nice length, so I didn't understand the weave, but whatever floats your boat. I found out that some more people I know from STL were also in town, so we walked down to the Clevelander and met up with them. I enjoyed seeing them and catching up. I hadn't seen them in like 3 years. Candice and her girl had to go, so I set at the outdoor bar of the Clevelander, ordered a drink and played the waiting game for Sexy. He showed up fresh to death. I mean, it should be a crime for a person to just be naturally sexy without any effort. His entire essence is just beautiful.

We sat there listening to the music, grooving and drinking. Next thing I know the sun has went down and the Clevelander dancers have hit the stage. I'm talking all glitter and glamour. They wore gold colored 2-piece mini skirt bikini top outfits with sequins and face masks. These girls were dancing their asses off...and it was hot. It wasn't a pole dance type situation. They were doing hip hop video type dancing. There was one male dancer and he was fit as hell. This dude had a straight up 8-pack...sexy, sexy. Although, he looked gay ass hell.

After a while, everyone met us there and we headed to SoBe to finish the night, which is right next to Mansion...can we say "Club Hopping". Shimmy's boy writes for the newspaper here, so we had the connect and front of line access. Sobe was off the chain, though. So, when everyone was talking about leaving SoBe to go to Mansion I wasn't feeling that. I mean, the DJ was good playing all the hottest hits, the crowd was nice and the drinks were strong. Why leave? Well they left and Sexy, Ohio, Bloomington and myself stayed behind. Next thing I know For all my Chi-town folks, there was a dude in the club with a 150 hat on...no bullshit. Immediately me and Sexy knew dude was from Chicago and he was...LOL! I haven't seen one of those hats in well over 10 years...niggas...LOL! Your girl was drunk by the end of the night. I'm talking stumbling and the whole 9. Mind you I had been drinking since like 4 in the afternoon, so come 4 in the morning I was lit. We immediately hit the closest pizza joint and of course the food was the best. I dont know if it was the liquor that loved the pizza or me, but it was the best pizza in Southbeach. Everyone else went to their respective places and Sexy and I went to chill on the beach to talk and shoot the shit.

This is where the story gets hairy...

***The Sandman***

So, it's about 5 in the morning, nice breeze on the beach, lit by the moonlight. So, Sexy and I decide to find a secluded spot to chill and talk. We post up a little far back from the water where there really isn't anyone around. We're chilling, sharing a kiss or 2...nothing major. So, Sexy suggests that we move because the beach started getting crowded where we were. I mean niggas have come down with lawn chairs and coolers laughing and what not. More couples are walking down the beach closer to the water. So, we stand up and I can't find my purse. I'm like okay...I know I had it because I just gave him a peppermint not to long ago. So we're looking and digging in the sand trying find my purse, which was a black coach wristlit. It was a Christmas gift from my ex's parents. I had $150, ID, debit card, credit card, and cell phone in the purse...all the essentials. So, imagine Ren and Stimpy standing there looking around scratching our heads like WTF!!! Did it just vanish in thin air? Did someone so boldly walk up and take it without us noticing? I doubt that one. At least I think me senses are keener than that. So, what happend?

Now it's like 6 or so in the morning and we walk back across the street to the condo. Mind you, the key was in my purse too and I don't know anyones number by heart. Who really knows anyone's number by heart anymore? So, we head out to Sexy's house to get some sleep and we'll come back in the morning. By the time we make it to his house the sun is out and I can barely stay awake.

We get up at 11 and head back to my place. Luckily, someone was coming into the building to let me in...whew, but we get to the room and no one is there. Honestly, I half expected them to be. It's 11 in the morning. I already knew they were probably out eating and heading straight to the beach and I refused to walk down Ocean looking like yesterday. Me and Sexy posted up in the hallway and had a good laugh...I couldn't make this shit up if I tried. We sat for about 10 minutes and then M-dubb came around the corner!!!! Imagine my elation. He was coming back to the room to drop some stuff off before heading to the beach. God is good.

Once inside I immediatly cancel my cards, get my cell phone suspended, call the airline, call my mother to ask her to fax my birth certificate. I would need that to get on the plane. I call the police to see what I need to do. When I called Bank of America to suspend everything and request another card they tell me that someone tried to get some gas at 8 in the morning. WTF! I didn't trip because I'm not responsible I just thought it was funny. After getting my life in order Sexy and I decided to grab a bite to eat and go to the police station which is right on 11th and Washington. This is where the Sand Man comes in.

So, we go to the police station and I proceed to file the report. Here is the conversation.

Me: Last night my purse was stolen on the beach.

Officer: (While nodding) It happens all the time. At least every 5 minutes someone comes in and tells me their purse was stolen.

Me: It vanished in thin air. One minute it was there and the next it wasn't.

Officer: Oh. (Very non-chalantly) You got got by the "Sand Man".

Me: The who?!

Officer: The Sand Man. There are theives that at night they get in the sand and cover themselves up with sand. They crawl to the unsuspecting victim and grab your belongs and you are none the wiser.

Me and Sexy in unison: WTF!!!!

Officer: They can come within 2 inches of you and you will never know.

So, I'm standing there shaking my head, mouth wide open in disbelief and chill bumps running up my arms. That's a scary scenerio to conceptualize. But, it explains why me and him didn't hear anything, see anything or feel anything. When you are chilling on the beach you kick of your shoes, hat, or whatever and lay everything to the side preparing to layout or whatever, you keep an eye out for someone coming over, but you don't think it's going to be swallowed in to the sand. On the one hand, I was relieved that I wasn't just that unaware to have someone walk up on me and take my shit. At least, I was the victim of someone complex scheme. On the other hand, I was pissed that people are running around ripping people off like that. Here is where Officer #2 enters. He had walked over to sign the reports.

Officer #1: She was robbed on the beach.

Officer #2: They just took it?

Officer #1: Nah, the Sand Man got her.

Officer #2: Ahhh...(as he nods his head in understanding) See, this happens all the time. We catch these people, but there are a lot of people out here doing this. Which is one reason we don't like people on the beach at night. Don't be embarrassed it's dark out there and the sand is all discontorted anyway and these people do this for a living and have it down to a science.

Me: After hearing this I'm just thankful to be alive.

I try to find the silver lining in everything. I got my life, I was able to cancel everything, I was with people that were more than happy to fund the rest of my weekend...not to mention all the willing men that wanted to buy me lunch and drinks and I was still happy. They stole my belongings, but they didn't steal my joy...which at this junction of my life is the most important thing to me.

The weekend continued with much foolery!!! Trust me. I'll continue to add stories as the week progresses. I don't want to write a 4 page post. This post is long enough.

SMOOCHES :)

Mangos, Petron and Niggas...

Hey Peeps, from sunny Miami....

My b-day is over is date, but not spirit!!! I intend to celebrate it this entire weekend...please believe me.

Last night was off the chain. We kicked it off by going to this seafood restuarant on 1st and Washington called Joes. The food was spectacular. My boy Sexy, that's what he is, met us there. He and I went to highschool together and I haven't seen his ass in 10 years. So, I've been trying to imagine what he looked like...is his fat, is he ugly, does he have style? So, imagine my surprise when this sexy caramel complected (sp) man walked in the restaurant. Damn.

After dinner my friends wanted to go back to the condo and relax...no one has had any real sleep this week with work and what not. Me? I jumped in the car with Sexy to paint the town. He took me on a view of the real Miami...not the tourist shit on Southbeach, did I mention that we're staying on 5th and Ocean in the thick of things? I digress....

Anyway, our first stop was this club called Mango. We kicked it off with shots of Petron...why am I up? LOL! The club was nice. There was a live band doing all the hits. I also had my signature drink...Grey Goose with a splash of Pineapple juice. After we left there we headed into Fort Lauderdale to the Riverfront Walk. This is a strip of clubs, most of which have no cover and the music is so loud that it spills out into the street. I had a ball....I had niggas buying my boy drinks by the end of the night...for real....LOL! Lets just say that I had another 5 drinks. Mind you I started drinking yesterday at about 3, took a nap and continued drinking. Yo girl could barely focus come 5 in the morning...thats when we actually called it a night. We stopped at this restaurant and I got a gyro...pretty good. I came in the house waking folks up. They say that all I kept saying was, "I'm drunk". LOL!!!! That's how you know a person is messed up when they keep telling people they're drunk. I did wrap my hair, though. You know women don't play about that hair. F the BS...I got to keep my do tight...

I'm up now...surprisingly...I have a high tolerance, so I'm able to rejuvante like that. We are about to hit the beach, though. I just bought Eric Jerome Dickey's new book Chasing Destiny, so I'm about to lay out in my bikini and read. I love the summer and the hot spots in and out of the country. I get to become brown and I think I'm rather sexy when I'm brown...LOL! Did I mention that our condo is right on the beach. When we look out the window we have straight view of the beach...just beautiful...

Until later....

WE GONE PARTY LIKE IT'S MY BIRTHDAY...CUZ IT IS!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MEEEEE...CUZ, I'M SO SEXYYYYY!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

It's my birthday everyone and I'm 27...saying "Hi" to 30...damn. I remember when this was a age that seemed so far away. I thought I would never make it here, back when I wanted to be grown. What I would give to be 17 again... I 've lived another year full of experiences I wouldn't trade or take back for the world. I'm a year wiser...trust me. My 26th year from last April to this April was both bitter and sweet. I am so ready to move on.

The bitter...My purse was stolen 2 days before my b-day last year. My daughter was hosptialized for Pnemonia (sp). Oakland (i've mentioned him in previous posts) moved to LA, which was a little heartbreaking. I had to abrubtly move out my apartment and find another apartment within a month. I slipped on ice and fell flat on my back, breaking my $600 prescription eyeglasses. I could barely move for 2 weeks. I got the flu in January.

The sweet... I went to Aruba in May and the Bahamas in August. I went to San Diego for the National Black MBA conference in October...big fun! I met up with all my line sisters in Houston in June, which was refreshing since we are spread out across the country. I started a relationship and ended it.I count that under sweet because the relationship was good in the beginning and I'm happy I kicked his ass to the curb...so, it a good situation all around...LOL! I went skiing in Maine in January. I went to Chicago in March and several other times over the year, but I mention this time because I had a really good time with my family which hasn't happened that often in the past, so it was a memorable and pleasent experience.

Out of everything, I took away valuable lessons and friendships. I became stronger and learned a lot about who I am and how I react under pressure. Again, I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

My flight leaves at 6 in the morning, stops off in DC and lands in MIAMI!!!! I may or may not update my blog while I'm gone, but I am taking my laptop just in case something happens that I just have to tell that night. Otherwise I'll talk to you beautiful people Tuesday...

SMOOCHES :)

I'M GONE PARTY LIKE ITS MY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Four Things About Me...

Having nothing else to post, I swiped this from someone else's blog.

ENJOY!!!

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Cashier at Burger King
2. Front desk at one of the dorms in college
3. Sales Rep for Cingular Wireless
4. Account Executive for Radio One, Inc

Four nicknames I've been given:
1. Dynasty
2. Platinum (That's my line name)
3. Redbone
4. Smiley

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. School Dayz (My favorite movie)
2. Office Space
3. Half Baked
4. The Negotiator

Four places I have lived:
1. Chicago, IL
2. Edwardsville, IL (about 3 hours from Chicago)
3. St. Louis, MO
4. Boston, MA

Four TV shows I love to watch:
1. Girlfriends
2. Real World
3. Family Guy
4. Deal or No Deal

Four places I have been on vacation:
1. Aruba
2. The Bahamas
3. Puerto Rico
4. St. Thomas & St. Marteen (They go together)

Four people I could NOT live without:
1. Jesus
2. My daughter
3. My family (I know that's a lot of people. Sue me)
4. Patricia

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Pasta
2. Seafood
3. Pizza
4. Chili

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. In Miami with a Mojito
2. In a deep sleep (I haven't been sleeping well lately)
3. In love
4. Winning Deal or No Deal

Four people I'm tagging:
1. Robert Mack
2. Con 1 (I know you're reading...LOL! Blog!)
3. Missy
4. Anyone else that wants to use it...

Hope you learned a little more about me...

SMOOCHES ;-)

Fight Night...

Did you guys see the fight tonight? The Mayweather and Judah fight had to be the best fight I've seen in a while. True, I'm not a boxing fanatic, but I have been to my fair amount of fight parties to have a frame of reference. I think that Judah is a very underhanded fighter that really doesn't have much skill. I mean he didn't even seem to knowing the fighting fundamentals...duck, block, connect...things you learn in Fighting 101. I guess he spent all his time in the mirror practicing looking hard. That's seems to be all that he's good at. It baffles me that Mayweather didn't try to stomp his teeth in after he hit him in the nuts. I don't have the "jewels", so I can only imagine what that has to feel like. But, if it feels like what I think it feels like the doctors would still be operating to remove my foot out of Judah's ass....

I made spaghetti for the party and if I must say so myself, it was rather good...

Youth came to the party bearing gifts. She bought me a leather paper weight from Saks that says play on one side and work on the other side. She also bought me a leather jewelry box from Crate & Barrel. I am very appreciative, but I find it quite odd that we barely know one another and she's buying me gifts. True, she did say that they were early birthday gifts since she won't be able to see me on my b-day Thursday. Don't get me wrong, she is good peoples, but she's a little weird. Or maybe growing up in Chicago has made me a bit guarded to people and their motives. I just hope this doesn't turn into some Single Black Female type shit. Remember the movie, Single White Female? I'm not going to judge, but I'll keep you posted...

***Question***

In a relationship when is enough, enough? I'm asking because I notice that in a lot of relationships people don't want to let go. They don't want to put their foot down and say, ENOUGH!!! It's almost like they are a glutton for punishment and just have to maintain some kind of connection. Don't get me wrong, I'm guilty of having stayed in a relationship a moment too long or of keeping the communication lines open long after the phone should have been dead. But, when or what event becomes the deal breaker? What does it take for you to just walk away from a person? How much drama do you need to comprehend that this person is only hurting you or vice verse? Is loneliness the problem? I'm just wondering...

First Friday's

Last night was the monthly First Friday party at this club called Whiskey Park. Well, its not actually a club...it's a big bougie lounge in the Park Plaza Hotel. Regardless, I had a good time.

See, I like going to First Fridays, Friendly Takeovers (that's when all the black people go to an otherwise white club, bowling alley, lounge or whatever and takeover in a friendly way) and DT Lounges (DT stands for Down Time. DT is a networking vehicle that brings black professionals together through what they call lounges...a party at a different location every month on a Thursday). As I was saying, I enjoy these functions because its a chance for me to see all these beautiful educated people together looking good, smelling good and mingling.

Last night was the same thing...Of course I came out with my A game, but that shouldn't be a surprise...

The night started while I was at home getting dressed bumping Mary J, drinking wine and dancing. Yeah, I dance around the house in my panty hose and underwear in front of the mirror. I feel free when I do that. A good night always has to start at home. It creates your aura for the night...My boy Shimmy came and scooped me and we rushed to the party because it was free before 10...we made it right at 10!!! I hate paying for anything in Boston and I usually don't. It's a toss up on how the night will go, so I can't be shelling out dough for a wack time....usually it's wack...LOL!

As I was checking my coat my girl Flint ran through the door trying to beat the clock. I'll refer to her as that because she's from Flint, Michigan. I've known Flint since I've been here. We work together, we're sorors and she's my mentor. Me, her and her jazzy friend made a B-line to the bar. Imagine my delight when I noticed Mojitos on the menu...whooo-hooo! I ordered one and told the chick to open a tab. She told me she couldn't unless it was a credit card. WTF! I had my debit card with the visa logo...isnt that good enough? Oh well, I paid for the $12 drink and bounced. I'm glad I didn't open a tab because I didn't need to. I didn't have to pay for another drink that night and I had 3 more. I love nights like those.

***Highlights and observations of the night***

There was this Cutie there that I scoped out 2 months ago at a DT Lounge, but I was only introduced to him. I'm too cool to be approaching men...that's not the order of things in the universe. I know this is the new Millenium, yada, yada, yada...but, I'm old fashioned. I want to be asked about, approached, courted. I want him to want me because I stopped him in his tracks, because he couldn't take his eyes off me and not because I threw myself at him and he had no choice but to notice I am a pretty person or good person. I'm worth it, dammit! So, I saw cutie last night. Cute is an understatement...brothaman is sexy, cramel complexion, nice body, full beard...damn! I'll call him Kraft, that's who he works for. Toward the end of the night I was sitting down and people were standing around me and he reached through them for my hand to pull me up and he asked me to dance. Come to find out he had been checking for me since last month and even asked my boy who introduced us about me and he told him I was taken. Which I was at the time. Me and my ex just broke up a few weeks ago. I's is free now!!!!! Kraft and I chit-chatted and come to find out we know a lot of the same people. Boston is too small, but what can I do about it. He invited me to lunch today, but I think I'll decline and ask to reschedule for tommorrow. I have too much to do today. ;)

I was standing in la la land and I observed this girl picking up this candle and looking at it. Then she starts banging it on the table. So, me and this guy look at each other and start laughing with that "this bitch is crazy", nod. So, she's banging and banging and the candle broke. WTF?! We all break out laughing and this guy asks her, "What the hell possessed you to do that?". She dropped her gum in the candle and wanted to get it out.LOL!!!!!!!! I just looked at her and shook my head...idiot!

There is this girl I met in Feburary at my boy's 30th birthday party, the same guy who introduced me to Kraft. Let's call her Youth. I know that's a crazy name to give someone, but she's 37 and she looks like she's 27...for real. When she told me her age I asked for ID. Anyway, we met because she stopped me to tell me how pretty I was and that my make-up was flawless. Yes, not all women are haters...Thank God! So, everytime I see her out we talk and laugh. So, I see her last night and its the same thing. She calls me her new bestfriend...LOL! Anyway, we posted up and talked and laughed and introduced each other to the people we knew. As the night went on I noticed that she would cock block me. I would be talking to a guy...he didn't have to be cute or anything and she would walk up introduce herself and start her own conversation. Now, it didn't bother me because I'm not insecure and my self esteem is fairly high, but I noticed it and I actually chuckled. One time she came up, inserted herself into a conversation and told him that we were going to walk around then we walked off she said that she just told him that so he would leave me alone...WTF! I'm like this chick is throwing mixed vibes...is she a man stealer or does she like me?! LOL!!! I know a few people she has dealt with, so she's not gay...I wonder what her thing is...I'll find out. My boy Shimmy invited her to his party tonight, so I'll see her tonight.

Another time I was standing and this girl was backing up on me. I put my hand at the small of her back to tell her don't go too far. It wasn't in a confrontational way. I wasn't even looking at her when I did it. It's automatic. It was in a hey my feet hurt and I don't need you stepping on them way. So, she turns around and says that she was backing up because she didn't want to be in they're way (my boy Tre and some girl). So, I said that I understood, but just be careful. She turns back around and gets all amped and starts barking like she was telling me something. I didn't even acknowledge her I tapped Tre and said, "Get ya girl before I do." and I gave her one of those over the shoulder thumb points like she was nothing. That sent her through the roof...LOL! She's yapping...he don't have to get me, blah, blah, blah. Tre immediately grabbed her and hugged her because he knows that one wrong word and it would have been some drama. Right at that instance my girl Pfizer and her girls walked over. I breezed past the bean pole that was still amped, hugged my girl and left that bitch pissed...it was too funny. Afterward, my boy L comes over and tells me that I'm funny...LOL! I'm not funny. I just wanted to give her the opportunity to calm down before she got herself in some trouble. Clearly she never had a beat down before because she was too Rah, Rah over nothing. I'm not big bad wolf. Hell, I'm not even big, but I do have a temper. I don't mess with people or start shit, but I will engage in some shit if provoked. I was giving her ass the opportunity to walk it off...I walked it off instead...See, I'm growing...

After the club, Shimmy and I went to this 24 hour dinner to grab a bite to eat. We had the liquor munchies. So, there are these guys in there waiting on a take out order. Shimmy and I are sitting at the counter, so we are right at the door and we can see all the food prepared. The guys are standing right behind us looking at the same thing. So, for about 20 minutes they are complaining loudly. Mind you, the dinner is small and its packed and there is a line outside at 3 in the morning. The cooks and waitresses are working their asses off...I'm watching. So, he finally gets his food and calls the waitress a dumb broad. So, I turn around and say damn you must really be hungry to be that pissed. He said yeah I've been waiting for a long time. I ask him was it necessary to call her a broad? She can only bring the food out as fast as its cooked. He says, I didn't call her what I want to call her because I don't disrespect women. This dude is clueless. So I say, that is disrespectful. Would you like someone to call your mother a broad? Then he gets flustered and tells me I just need to turn around and enjoy my date. I tell him that it's not a date, but I will turn around and enjoy my food, good night. He left embarrased. I know he was embarrassed because he didn't even get mad and he started talking all soft when at first he was loud and obnoxious. The waitress thanked me because she was embarassed and she didn't know how to handle him. I was embarrassed f0r him. He was a black dude, well dressed, handsome and ignorant. I always take the opportunity to correct a man and his approach or disrespect of women. More often than not, the man is apologetic or embarrased by his behavior. Shimmy told me that when I mentioned his mother that the dude said under his breath that she was at home. I wish I would have heard him because I would have said, "Let's call the broad on the phone." That would have pissed him off and drove my point home....Damn! Missed opportunity...but, I think I proved my point.

All in all, it was good night....

NBA Internship...

Hey Peeps,
I thought I would pass this on. Perhaps, you all know some kids that might be interested in doing something like this...

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is interested in
hiring students for their 2006 Summer Internship Program.
Students must meet the following criteria:
Class: Junior or Senior in High School

GPA: 3.0 or above
Majors: Communications, Marketing, Advertising or General
Business

The internship will be located in New York City for 10 weeks
beginning June 5th and ending August 11th.

Students must email resumes to the attention of Roger Lord at the following:
rlord@tmsf.org

If further information is required, please feel free to call
212/573-8548.

For further information regarding other internships and jobs
with the NBA:

goto:
http://nbateamjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/jobs/default.cfm

To Blessed To Be Stressed!

Tonight, while taking a bath, I realized just how happy and blessed I truly am. I realized just how much I love me. Not in a conceited I'm the shit kind of way...even though I am (((blushing))), but in a I'm really happy with who I am, what I've accomplished, where I come from, where I'm going...kind of way.

***The bath***

How often do you really take baths? Me? I'm more of a shower person. It's quick, fast and refreshing. 15 minutes and I'm clean. Well, tonight I decided I needed to relax, relate and release. I grabbed a bottle of White Zinfindale, which I am still drinking as I type this, lit a candle and ran the hottest bath water my sexy body could withstand. You know that kind of hot that turns the lightskinned people red...that hot! I turned on some Sade and prepared to mediate, my way.

As I sweated in the tub, yes it was that hot...I realized how happy I am. I mean...I know GOD, which a lot people can't say. I have my family and we are the tightest we have ever been in our lives. I have my health...I'm even seeing the results of working out at the gym. I have my beauty...everyone thinks I'm 21 and not damn near 30. LOL!!! I have a great job and an awesome resume. I even have a job interview with a Marketing firm in Miami next week. I'll have to keep you all posted. That just dropped in my lap. God arranged it to where I will already be in Miami while they are doing interviews next week. It's truly a blessing because they called me for a position in NYC and I was able to finagle my way into being looked at for the Miami spot!!! You all know how hard it is to get a company that is willing to fly you across the country to interview when they can look at people in the area. Companies are worried about saving money and anyone that hires me will be shelling out the dough! I have wonderful friends around the country. My bills are paid. I'm finally out of debt and I'm making better decisions. Most of all, I have my sanity!!!!!! I am peaceful...I have no drama...I have no worries...I have given all that over to the one above and I am seeing the benefits.

The list goes on and on of all the blessings I have been the receipent of and while in the tub tonight I realized that. I admired my body...from my finger tips down to my toe nails and I'm satisfied. I just wanted to share this with everyone because I thought it might inspire others to do the same thing....Relax, Relate and Release.

Never get to busy where you forget just how beautiful and blessed you are...

SMOOCHES ;-)

Photobucket

This is a test post from Photobucket.com


***Don't be alarmed. I am just trying to find out how to snaz up my spot. I think everyone that stops by here should be granted the opportunity to be enveloped in my own PERSONAL style and aura, and not Blogspot's generic template. So, I've been digging around the web and came across Photobucket, which allows you to import things directly into your blog, including posts. So, I was testing it. IT WORKS! :). Stay tuned....as soon as I figure this out it will definitely be my DYNASTY***

P.S.-Pops...if you're reading this...help a sistah out...PLEEEZZZEEEE....Thanks in advance :)

An Ode to the Christian Black Man...

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man.
Whether five-two or six-seven
Yellow fabulous or chocolate heaven.

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man.
Long and lean with deep brown eyes,
Wavy hair or dreds
With Jesus on his mind.

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man.
Bald head with goatee,
Cornrows or a fade
little thick, a little thin
Oh, the choices to be made.

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man.
Scholarly or not
Wall Street or hip hop
I'll sing your praises
To the mountain top.
Head of the home,
Provider and lover
Obedient son and loving brother.

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man.
A mighty protector you've proven to be
Sacrificing your life to keep me free
Working for crumbs when the table is bare
Praising the Lord,
leading the family in prayer

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man
Holding my hand when fear emerges
Remaining faithful, suppressing your urges
Proving your strength by turning the other cheek
Having high hopes when the situation is bleak

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man.
Treating me like the queen I was born to be
Never disrespecting, dishonoring, or disgracing me
Giving me credit when it is due
OH CHRISTIAN BLACK MAN HOW I HONOR YOU.

There is nothing more beautiful
Than a Christian black man...
I'm Waiting for You...