A child at heart...

I had a house guest recently, and their visit illuminated a very interesting story arch in my life.

Growing up, I was kind of a quiet kid. I was outwardly sociable; I had plenty of superficial friends at school and had an enthusiastic personality, but somehow I usually ended up playing at home alone on weekends. I had all the cool toys and games. I had the Nintendo w/ the Power Pad and the Power Glove, I had the Super Nintendo with the Super Scope. If there was a hot board game, I had that. Top of the line swing set, and a killer sandbox, but usually I found myself playing in it by myself.

Having all the greatest toys and owning the top score on all the games is pointless when the most fun/challenge is had with 2 or more players.

So recently I had a house guest and with "childlike enthusiasm" I showed him some of my favorite toys and we played a few of my favorite games. I think I proved that I'm nice with a joystick and I can rope it up w/ the best of them playing cowboys and indians... I love role playing games.

I've never been one to "bribe" my way into friends. I don't openly advertise the attractions at Cherry's playhouse. It is not Six Flags; everyone is not invited. As a kid I never walked around going "I have this game and that toy and a jungle gym this big and huge maracas..." (Okay so maybe I do admittedly flaunt the maracas a bit, but can u blame me... they are pretty awesome) ;o)

Anyways... I think my playroom is full of fun surprises for those who venture inside.

I had grand fun, but now things have see-sawed back to normal....

Now that my play date is over, it's back to playing alone in my sandbox, and that's... sad.

NEW POSTING POLICY

Okay so I've been TERRIBLE at this whole blogging regularly thing. So I've decided to set new rules for myself. Originally my concept was to blog weekly and post every Sunday. What I've found however is that it's impossible for me to just set aside time to write on Sunday and then post. So... from here on out I'm just going to blog when the spirit moves me, but post primarily on Sundays. I think that will work much better for me :)

I Should've Had a V8...

So after 4 months, 2 weeks, and 3 days, I finally gave in...

I know, I said I'm brand loyal, and I'm definitely a Coke drinker but dammit I needed a soda!!!

So... I finally said fuck it!  Well, not quite... I didn't run out and pick up a Pepsi.  It seems so popular nowadays but it's too sweet.  I also wasn't going to run out and grab a Shasta or Safeway Select brand cola.  I can't just drink anything.  I couldn't bring myself to event consider a Rock Creek cola... it's way too hood.

Then I happened upon an RC Cola.  I remember back in the day I used to really liked RC Cola.  It felt really outdated, but I looked at it like vintage as opposed to a throw back.  I rationalized that sometimes it's good to take it back.  Maybe I should reminisce a bit... WRONG!!!

At first it seemed cool...  The idea of an RC Cola sounded tempting.  It had been quite some time since I had one and I remembered a time when I was all about RC Cola.  I knew exactly where to find it.  Then I was over it and I stopped drinking sodas alltogether for a while.  But then earlier this year I got on a Coke kick and decided that was what I liked.  Don't get me wrong, I'm a cola girl, but every cola has a different character to it.  Subtle things that make one better than the other... and Coke just seemed to have all the right features.

It might be because I had an RC and kinda expected it to be a Coke or maybe they're just not making RC like they used to, but it just didn't hit the spot.  

I drank it.  I finished it, but... I knew like two sips in that it was not what I wanted.  

I like a cola strong.  One that has a kick to it.  I like Coke cause it catches you in the chest.  Every sip makes you pause and consider it.  You can't 1/2 mindedly drink a Coke.  It commands your full attention.  It's a bold drink.  It's forceful.  It has staying power, and keeps it's fizz.  It's also quenching.  It satisfies.  It doesn't need any bells or whistles... it doesn't need a twist of lemon, or even ice for that matter... (though I'm known for putting a cherry on top mine, but that's just cause everything is better with a cherry ;)

The RC was kinda aiight... I guess.  The first sip was good, but then it kinda fell flat from there.  It wasn't how I remembered it, it just turned out to be not what I wanted to drink but it was there,  it was open, I was super thirsty, so I half-heartedly finished it and then tossed it out.

*SIGH*

If nothing else I think it kinda killed my craving for soda all together for a while.  I find myself quite disillusioned and considering cutting back again... 

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas...

It's the most wonderful time of the yeeeearrr!!!

Okay, so I have a confession to make... I am the biggest dork when it comes to Christmas. They say it's was better to give than receive ::pause:: but I'm a big fan of giving and receiving ::double pause::.

Monday I curled up on the couch and watched A Charlie Brown Christmas. Yesterday on my way home there was a doowop caroling group assembled on the platform where I transfer trains. Though they sounded a bit like they were rehearsing for Cadence: The Christmas Special, it still put a little bounce in my step. When I arrived at home I was pleased to find my first Christmas card of the season in my mailbox.

I've been feeling a bit behind. I just ordered my Christmas cards yesterday and normally the would have been in the mail. I'm not as close to done with shopping as I'd like and my house is free of fa la la la. Starting on Friday however, I plan to let my cup of holiday cheer runneth over!

I'm getting up bright and early to order some last minute gifts for the kiddies from Amazon. I also need to renew my Rhapsody subscription, at least for the month, so I can get my Christmas music on (check for that blog this weekend). Then, after work I'm headed to finish off my shopping and pick-up some wrapping and decorating supplies. I'll hit up Whole Foods for some fresh garland (yes, real live pine, not that artificial shit) to wrap around the porch. When it warms up against the lights the whole front of the house smells like a pine cone. Then I'll go by the Container Store to pick up boxes and ribbon (I bought my wrapping paper 3 weeks ago... DON'T JUDGE ME!). Yes... I make my own bows by hand for my gifts... I take pride in my presents and I wrap with care.

Saturday I'm taking my niece to take pictures with Santa and then to the ballet to see the Nutcracker! It's her first time :) I love the Nutcracker!!! Afterwards, when I get home, I'll put up my tree and get to decorating the house for the holidays and wrap up all my gifts.

Oooo... and I need to pick out my holiday party outfits. So far I have 4 to go to. Yay Christmas!!!

Press Play...

::Cue Ms. Jackson::

Tired of being number 2
I can do what she can't do
So much betta I'm for you
So so much betta I'm for you

Why, oh WHY?!? Do men choose to date subpar women?! I'm tired of being passed over. Most of the men I've kicked it with in the the last few years have decidedly not wanted to persue anything serious with me and then within months end up dating some random ass chick. What is that about? And to add insult to injury the turn into long term entanglements, and I'm looking at the girl, and then at myself and find myself saying "are you fucking kidding me?!"

Prime example. This kid I used to be into was dating this one girl off an on for years. He has aspirations of being a lawyer or even President someday but he stayed dating this balled-up brawd and I keep thinking "how does she really fit into your future?" You can't take a chick w/ a gel weave to the office holiday party and introduce her to the firm partners as your "better half".

Forget your basic upgrade... let me revitalize your circumstances. Is your life stagnat, well instead of letting that mosquito of a girlfriend suck all the life force out of you ::pause:: let me help you help yourself. The season isn't over, let's review the tape, pull out the play book and plan our strategy. I'm allergic to mediocrity, if I catch you slippin I will help you step it up. At the same time if you're on point I will be sure to have my shit together. I always play my position. Need me to be eye candy for evening... got you. Need me to be a boss and bad bitch my way into that item the store said was unavailable... no problem.

::cue Kimmy::
Does she do it like me?
Does she work that body?
Throw that ass like pu-pump-pump-pu-pump that hottie...

Why are you calling me, texting me, emailing me, smoke signalling trying to get in my panties if you are so happy with your girlfriend, wife, boorilla, whateva? Dating someone who can't float your boat is stupid. My platinum walls are plush, my lips are lucious and my liquids are libatious. I'm the big body benz, I'm an investment, 20 years from now you'll still be jocking my sleek lines, cushy interior and dazzling headlight. However you cheaped out and bought a Hyundai... no matter how you look at it it's still a Hyundai.

::cue Fionna::
I'll let you see me, I'll covet your regard
I'll invade your demeanor
And you'll yield to me like a scent in the breeze
And you'll wonder what it is about me

Please don't confuse me with dog, I'm different... My thoughts exactly Jay. I may not be your typical type. I many not have been what you were looking for at all but admit... you still like me. Just go with! I'm not typical in any way or fashion and men seem to run away from what isn't the norm. Why is that? I don't have a problem with letting you me, flaws and all. I'll play into whatever game you like to play. I love being submissive and I'll give you all of my attention... but don't get upset when I know you like the back of my hand and can see through all your game and bullshit. That's the way it works. The mirror goes both ways. The more I let you see of me, the more of you I get to know.

Most bitches can't hold a candle to me. Fact. I have a certain je ne sais quoi and you won't ever forget me.

::cue Badu::
If you want too feel me baby
Better be divine
Bring me water for these flowers
Growing out my mind

Give me nothin' just be gentle
Breathe love in my air
Use me, don't abuse me, love me
Cause these herbs are rare

I found myself sitting on my couch this weekend, and took stock of my life. I'm 27, college educated (at one of the top 3 schools in my field no less), gainfully employed and have no kids. I'm well rounded, not hoodie but street savvy. I can throw down in the kitchen, in the bedroom, and in the boardroom. I take care of myself, I try to keep it taunt (we're working on tight), I take my vitamins, keep my hair, nails and toes, correct. I'm sweet, thoughtful and caring. I like sports, I like the arts. Though not a home owner, I will most likely inherit the building I currently occupy... so... where's the down side? Why am I still single?

I dunno why but I do know I'm not settling for bullshit. I don't kick it to just anyone. It takes someone special to catch my interest which is why I think I find it so disappointing when I find someone I think is a contender, who will really challenge me as a partner, decides to take a lower card when they could be in the title fight. I want someone who will nurture me as I nurture them. I'm special so I want someone just as special...

In closing I will quote myself from an away message I crafted in undergrad:

What other woman do you know can hold her own in any conversation from discussions on the latest hip-hop battle to Lysistrata and classical greek literature.  Can recite the first 16 bars of Nigga What Nigga Who, or the first 16 lines to Chaucer's Canterbury tales in Old English.  Loves Bvlgari jewelry, but can't live w/o amber & silver rings.  Loves indie and foreign flicks, but would be content watching Xmen on the WB saturday morning.  Who is comfortable enough to go out and buy porn and dare someone to say something, but is still wholesome enough to introduce to your moms.  Who else can cook a gourmet meal and find you the best Chardonnay you've ever had for less than $20.  A chick who doesn't talk shit, just does her thing.  In Biggie's words "heard she can suck a good dick and cook a steak up"

Brown Paper Packages Tied-up w/ String...

So the Christmas season is upon us and I have begun my shopping. I always get a little sad when Christmas shopping because I always see great men's gifts with no one besides my Daddy to give them to. I've already hooked Dad up with a fly ass wool 3 button Ralph Lauren Top Coat. Now if only I had a stocking to fill for someone special...

I think I have a talent for gift giving. It's one of my favorite things to do. To me it's the best part of Christmas (yes even better than receiving). There's nothing more awesome to see someones face light all up and knowing that you put that glow there.

Since I don't have anyone significant to lavish upon, I figured I'd put together a quick guide to some of my favorite gift ideas for those who are gifting challenged:

To me the key to successful gift selection is honing on the things your boo loves then most and then finding the best whatever that is... here are some examples -

Hood men -
Does your sweetie rock a hoodie 24/7, 365? Is he the type that will throw on a hoodie over his dress shirt? Why not take him to the next level w/ this:

Juicy Couture Reversible Fleece and Rabbit Fur Hoody - $675

Walk Softly (but carry a big stick) -

I'm a big fan of slippers and I know quite a few men who are too. There's nothing like rolling through the grocery store in sweats and slippers. My philosophy is that if they didn't intend for you to wear them outdoors, then they wouldn't have put rubber tread on the bottoms. If your honey's pair are looking raggedy around the edges, treat his tootsies to an upgrade:
Sampson Slipper by Ugg - $104


or if he has the swag to pull it off, opt for these:

Stubbs & Wootton Slippers - $350

Legalize it -
If you boo likes to take a toke, instead of a Zippo lighter that he's likely to loose, opt for these:

For Your Party Monogram Matches - $48/Set of 50

Stuntin is a Habit - Are you dating a brotha that stays dapper. Trump that tie clip he bought himself and they cuff links you picked up for his birthday by dazzling him with these pimpish male furnishings:

Tateossian Mother of Pearl Collar Stays - $48/pair

Gym Rat -
Are you dating a muscle man who lives in the gym? Does his body look great but his gym bag looks like he'd been using it as a punching bag? Do you just have a bunch of extra cash lying around? Then this gift is for you (for him):

Marc Jacobs Luxe Gym Bag - $850

Protect Yo Paper -
I had a Black man explain to me recently that men (or at least Black men) are impervious to water (this was after I inquired as to why he was walking out in the rain w/ no umbrella and why he refused to stand under mine). While he maybe be waterproof, I'm pretty sure his canvas messenger bag was not. If you're dating Aqua Man, get him some waterproof gear to go with his natural suit of armor:

SealLine Urban Bag - $149.95

I have more where this came from... check back for updates throughout the shopping season!! :o)

Curl Up With a Good Movie?!...

There are some movies that just speak to me...

Today I called in sick and spent then day in the house.  I just needed a "me" day.  It's been so long since I've watched my soaps that I struggled to really pay attention.  I decided to curl up under the covers and pop in a good movie.  I've been feeling lonely lately.  Something about the winter always makes me wish I had someone to cuddle up with.  Since I've been feeling less than optimistic about my love life I figured I'd watch my two favorite movies about love:

Kama Sutra:  A Tale of Love - 

This is a movie about a woman and her journey to find what love is and isn't.  It's also about the haves and the have nots.  Yes, it's sexy and there's plenty of T&A, but if you can look past the jiggly things on the screen there's a really touching story there.  Every time I watch it I end up balling my eyes out at the end but it's dear to my heart and I could watch it over and over again.

One my favorite quotes is from this film - "Knowing love, I can allow all things to come and go, to be as supple as the wind and to face all things with great courage. My heart is as open as the sky..."

Here's a peek:

the other movie I watched was...

Secretary -

This is a super dysfunctional love story that proves there's someone out there for everybody.  Yes it's dark, yes it's deviant, but I absolutely think it's one of the most romantic movies I've ever seen (<---- that statement, once you've seen the movie, may make you think I'm nuts but I don't care).  I think everyone wants to be accepted, flaws and all, and there's a great quote from this movie that embodies that - 

"Each cut, 

each scar, 
each burn...
A different mood or time.
I told him what the first one was,
told him where the second one came from.
I remembered them all...

And for the first time, I felt... beautiful,
finally part of the earth.
I touched the soil,
and he loved me back"

Take a gander at the opening (what?!, I said it was deviant):