Shoe Shine?

I will never proclaim to be the smartest person in the world. In fact, I do realize that we in fact learn something new daily. Yet, last night, I saw something I never thought I would see.

My friend Cathy and I went to Jokes and Notes for What Dat Do Wednesdays with Lil Rel. The evening was cool, the crowd last night wasn't that great, but Rel killed as usual. However, the real spectacle occurred when we left out of the club.

Just outside the club there is usually a shoe shine man looking to shine up your shoes for the weekend. Well we leave out last night, and he isn't shining someone's work shoes, dress shoes or gators. No, he is shining this dude's Air Jordan's! WTF! I was flabbergasted! I can honestly say I have never seen anything like that before. So, to commemorate this ghetto event, I took pictures with my camera phone.

First Fridays at the Rink!

I haven't been to the Rink Fitness Factory in years! It used to be the spot when I was in high school, but since then I have ventured off to other places because I am older and can get into clubs, bars, etc.

However, I came across this video and it is cool to see that we still have a plethora of amazing skaters in the Chi. Check it out...

First Fridays Flashback


If I tried to any of these tricks, I would be in therapy!

Memorial Day Recap!

Okay, so Sunday was really, really nice. I'm talking 77 degrees and of course in Chicago, it was windy as hell. I felt like I was stuck in a Beyonce video as my hair blew all around my face. All I needed was some high heels and a Versace dress (not to mention her shape to go in the dress). We had dinner at my grandmother's house. It is so weird only having one grandma now, but I have definitely learned to cherish the moments I spend with my family.

Dinner was nice, the usual fanfare with my mother, little cousins, aunt and my brother and his wife, who were in route to spend the day at Great America - my brother is such a kid at heart.

Memorial Day!

I slept in without a care in the world. There is just something about a holiday being on a Monday that just warms me. I finally came out into the land of the living around 1:00, and my mother was on her way to the store to get charcoal! I went up to her apartment, and to her defense she had all of the meat cleaned and seasoned, but by then I half expected everything to be done. The highlight of my day was sharing the Thriller album with my little four year-old cousin Isaiah. We danced around my apartment and sang "Beat It" like we were in the video. Oh the joys of actually listening to good music with today's youth. I was so pleased. My other little cousin, Jonee and I played Blackjack, of which at nine, she is getting very good at.

At one point Isaiah and Jonee were playing around on the ottoman and I noticed something. I think he has a foot fetish! At four! Just little things he has done over the past couple of years, but mainly he seems fascinated with feet. So he wanted his turn on the ottoman so he could fall off and hit the floor hard (must be a boy thing). Well Jonee spent a minute too long on the ottoman and he decided to help her out and push her off. He grabbed her legs and began pushing. Jonee took her feet and began pushing back, yelling, "Smell them." Isaiah laughed and proceeded without hesitating to put her foot in his mouth. I about died. Jonee writhed off the ottoman, spasming from being grossed out, as Isaiah victoriously jumped on the ottoman laughing before falling off with a thud. I will keep a watch on that development. I have a male friend who has a foot fetish, and once I asked him when did it start and he responded at five. I thought that's impossible, but now I am not so sure.

Overall, my holiday was fun and relaxing and the weather was perfect. Memorial Day brought a whopping 83 degrees and breezy in Chicago.

Today....I woke up and padded to the television wondering what the temps would be. I figured it would be a bit cool in the morning, and maybe we would have a high of about 75. The weather lady on WGN news said the high would be 51. I changed the channel. CBS, ABC, and NBC all predicted a high of around 50 degrees. I was still in denial. I decided to open the window and see for myself. I opened up the window and a big gush of COLD air came blowing into my apartment. I quickly shut the window and with disdain, got ready for work. As soon as I stepped outside, my cape flew up in the air and cold air assailed me. Who in the hell left the gate open? What happened to my beautiful summer??? Less then twenty-four hours earlier, it was beach weather!

Well that's it for now. To all of the military men and women, I pray that God keeps you safe, and that you have enough warm memories and inner peace to sustain you!

Miscellaneous Randomness...Memorial Day Edition!

Okay, so I am happy to say that I finally washed my car this weekend. It was with much procrastination and pep talks that I finally got off my arse at 7:00 pm Saturday evening and washed it. Sad, yes I know, but it feels good to finally have a clean car. Now I am in the club...LOL!

My last random post, I said I was sick of Hillary Clinton, but at this point I just wish this chick would just move to Canada or something. Oh where to begin...let's see she put her foot and her ankle into her mouth on Saturday by explaining her reason for still hanging around in this race being due to RFK's assassination occurring in June of '68! What??? Everyone is trying to understand what that has to do with anything. Is it her way of saying June is the proper time to move on? Is it her subtle way of suggesting to her racist pundits and supporters that maybe Obama should be 86'd by then? Or was it her classless way of somehow reverting how incredibly ridiculous it is for her to still be in this race. Her campaign is $31 million dollars in debt, and if no one offers to cover the debt, it could cost American taxpayers....WTF!!!!!!!! Then, if that's not bad enough, this witch gets on stage in Puerto Rico on Sunday and blames her stupid RFK remark on the Obama campaign, apparently everyone being shocked and appalled by it is completely due to the Obama campaign taking it out of context.

Alright, it is time for the truth to come out. This chick is on ridalin! She has to be, because there is just no way a sane, intelligent woman would open her mouth and say the things that have been flying out of Hillary's mouth. At this point, I personally feel sorry for her supporters, especially all of the women whose dreams and hopes were to see her as the first woman to be president. In the words of the Three Stooges, "IT AIN"T GONNA HAPPEN!"

The Feds arrested 400 immigrants in Iowa. 400! That is unbelievable. I personally think it is harsh for that to occur. I mean these are men, women and children facing prison time for being illegal. But, what if they have been trying to become legalized? Clearly, prison is too harsh.

I decided to do some last minute grocery shopping for the holiday. Get some hot dogs and what not, and as I was making my way back home, I made a stop off South Chicago. For those not from the windy, it is a cross-street on the Southside that runs NE to SE. In the summertime, you may find a lot of bikers along South Chicago. But today, in the midst of our first big warm day, it looked more like Crenshaw in South Central, Los Angeles. Cars sitting on power truck tires were double-parked, females were sitting (crack-out) outside of windows and moonroofs. Men were leathered up on motorcycles and I felt so uncomfortably out of place, I was counting the minutes until I was away from the melee. It was something to see, but it looked like a drive-by waiting to happen. You know that feeling that you get when something bad is about to happen. I practically floored it to the crib.

I counted almost seven muffin tops today. Why do females with guts refuse to wear pants/skirts/shorts that fit their bellies. That too tight, too small look never worked! Speaking of style, I saw a guy on the bus Thursday with a busted high-top fade circa 1990. I didn't realize my mouth was open until it began to feel dry. He reminded me of this boy I graduated from grammar school with. His fade was always off, like his barber didn't realize the amount that should have been cut close and the amount that should remain on the crown of his head. It was even leaning a little bit, I had to blink and check my cell to make sure it was 2008.

For all of those who have family in the military or had them active at some point, I wish you a peaceful Memorial Day! I truly pray the safety of those still overseas, wherever they may be.

Blah Blah Blah! Miscellaneous Randomness - 05/21/08

Okay, so I have been trying to wash my car for like a month...LOL! That is so sad to say, but either it rains or it is too cold to be at the car wash holding a sprayer. The funny thing is I wasted ten dollars by going to one of those drive-through joints only to realize I needed change to dry my car. I had no change and it was so crowded I didn't even bother trying to park the wet car and find the change machine, so I drove off hoping the wind would dry my car, but I was left with dry wet spots, and the freakin leaves have had a field day with my car. Why is this so hard? I think because I haven't had to do it in a while. I went three years without a car before this year, and prior to that, I always went to the car wash with a guy who would end up taking over and washing it himself...(TO DO: Find male friend to go to the car wash).

I am just wondering if the Celtics will win this series with Detroit. Although they got game one, the last two series, they didn't win one road game, if that continues, then this series will go seven games. Can you imagine having to play 21 games before you make it to the Finals???

The Chicago Bulls got the Number #1 draft pick in the NBA draft this year and I couldn't be happier. This year's draft won't be as good as last year, so those first ten picks or so are important. Not to mention, after the way they ejaculated away this past season, they needed some good news. Now all they need is a decent coach.

I was walking down the alley by my crib today on my way home from work. And as I was walking I saw a car approaching so I moved over to the left. Well the neighbors who live behind where I live, they have a big tree that spills over into the alley, and right when I reached it, a huge bumblebee came flying out of it. At the same time, some old dude in a beat up car comes slowly driving by with the window down talking about, "Hey baby!" Arrrggghhh! I am trying to keep from getting stung, and he is trying to holla...speaking of which. I have a bad history with bees. One time when my mom and I were going into Sears, a bee flew up my dress in the parking lot and stung me on my breast. By the time I got that bee away, I was standing in the parking lot in my slip clutching my left boob...LOL! Yeah, it's funny now, then I was not a happy camper.

Why the hell is Hillary Clinton still in the damn election??? I mean at this point I am just sick of her arse. I am sick of her talking about it's not over and pasting on that fake smile while she "donates" yet another several million dollars to her campaign. All I have to say is a real lady knows when to take a bow.

Yesterday, I went to Walmart with my mum, no I'm not English, I just like the way that sounds. Anyway, I went to purchase a new vacuum, and as we were getting in line, some dumb cashier wouldn't take us, because her girlfriend, who had gotten out of line, left her cart off to the side, had reappeared. In fact, she waited for her to come back and then gladly told my mother and I that we HAD to let her girl go first because she had been there before us, even though she left the line. I was livid. My mother went to get the manager. We ended up in the next line over from hers, and when the manager approached her, she flat-out lied on us. I yelled from where I was standing that she was lying, and we had words. I hate to get loud for any reason, but I can't stand when people do things they know are wrong and then try to act like it's your fault in the end. In fact, she can kiss the left cheek for her horrible customer service.

It's official, my kitty cats are spoiled! Rotten! They have completely taken over my apartment, and traipse around as if they own the joint. But, I love them to pieces, they are so cute.

I will be so glad when I get off of work on Friday. I pretty much like my job, but this week has been especially difficult because I have a project that I will be glad to say goodbye to.

Okay, that's enough randomness for today, wait...

The Chicago police finally arrested Drew Peterson. I mean come on, three mysteriously dead wives and he's walking around like nothing is wrong? If he was black, he would have been buried under the jail. These idiots are talking about seeing soft dirt in the back yard, that should have been checked before now, I can't take it!

Okay, this is enough for real!

Hard Candy = GOOD MUSIC!

So, I bought this album off of my favorite download site, MP3Fiesta.com. I downloaded it to my comp and then to my Itunes, and had it in my Ipod for about two days before I gave it a real listen.

Then on the bus Friday, I decided to listen to it on the way home. I was bobbing my head and found myself singing along several times. I have to say this album has pleasantly surprised me. I know that Madonna is the queen of reinvention, but she hit this one out of the park. I mean freakin slam-dunked it.

The entire album features platinum production from Timbaland and The Neptunes, with the Neptunes completely outshining on each of their tracks. Madonna returned to her R&B/dance hits that initially made her successful. This album is timeless, there is no way anyone from a hip-hop head to a punk rocker couldn't listen to this and find at least half of the tracks worthy of being in their MP3.

I won't give a complete album review, but I would be remissed if I didn't at least mention the standout tracks. I will admit that when I first heard "4 Minutes" I didn't like it, because we have been almost force-fed music from the Timbaland/Timberlake team for the past year-and-a-half. But, thank goodness on HC, there are only two tracks that heavily feature the Timbs with "4 Minutes" being one of them.

Heartbeat - a Neptunes track, with heavy beats has the synth imogulation you hear on Usher's "Love in This Club," however, the overall melody of the song gives it this 80's feel that is so catchy, you will definitely be singing this in the shower.

She's Not Me - another Neptunes track is incredibly edgy, sexy and an ode to a man who may have moved on, but Madge reminds him repeatedly that the new chick is not her. This is going to be a popular track if she decides to release it. Guitar riffs and handclaps are very reminiscent of Nile Rogers of Chic.

Incredible - wow, another Neptunes track...this is a true pop dance cut, but it has flashes of this futuristic disco sound to it. There is a break down in the song that will have you booty shaking if you weren't already.

Beat Goes On - staying with the Neptunes, this is quite possibly the best track on the whole cd. Featuring Kan the Lous Vuitton Don, it is very urban. The black radio stations will most definitely be rocking this one. This is one of those cool tracks you want to play in the car.

Spanish Lesson - is a funky spanish-influenced track where Madonna comes in and out saying things in Spanish and then translating in English. Whatever, the beat is so hot and SEXY, you almost don't even hear what she's saying. I can't wait to hear this in the club! Oh, and if you were wondering, yep, this one is the Neptunes too.

So cop it if you love good music. Whether you dig Madonna or not, you can't lose with this one. Hard Candy is the business!

Fashion Forward - Alicia Keys!

Okay it is no secret that Ms. Keys has upped her fashion game since she first sang, "I Keep on Falling..." But who knew that she would tear the roof down. These are pics from her appearance on the Tonight Show with David Letterman last week, and can I just say that her shoe game is phenomenal!!!!!



Umm, is it me or is dude in the crowd photographing her bum??!!



Just absolutely flawless!



And she is representing for the big legs out there...

Faithful????

"I used to take 'em out to eat but they wasn't really eatin'
Mighta got a little head but I wasn't really cheatin'"
It's hard when your lady don't believe what you say
And what you did in the past you gotta live with today
She asked if they could spend the night together
He thought, and said, "I'm tryin' to get my life together"
Went home to his lady, these were his confessions
"Baby you a blessin' and my best friend"

- "Faithful" by Common

Well I want to start this one off by asking the question, is oral sex non-sex enough to not be considered cheating?

I was talking to a male acquaintance yesterday and we got into an interesting debate on what should and should not be allowed in the context of a relationship and/or marriage. Like the infamous Common line above, to him head is not considered an act worthy of being labeled cheating.

In fact, his words were, "Men have needs, real talk. If the opportunity presents itself, then it really isn't a big deal, because well, it's just head."

So I had to ask, "Does that work both ways?" He said that it did. Which led me to this post. I have had a chance to sleep on it, and again I wonder why do people enter into these jiveass relationships unfulfilled or with other agendas. The whole point of a relationship is exclusivity. You are exclusively seeing one person (well, unless you live in Texas and Utah). You are exclusively sleeping with one person, etc. So why then, get into a relationship, or worse marriage, and then decide to dip out and receive oral favors from other people? Wouldn't it be easier, not to mention a lot less messy to just be single and get oral gratification from whomever you please.

What drove me to that conclusion is when my friend said, "just don't get caught...just don't tell." That implies that you are doing something wrong, which is a contradiction of his earlier statement. If it's "just head," and it doesn't mean anything, what are we keeping secrets for? Not to mention, this just opens pandora's box for more actions that will eventually ruin whatever you have with that person.

Case in point, a girlfriend of mine was in the same situation. She found out from sidepiece A that her man was getting oral favors from said sidepiece. Oh, and just as an aside to any men reading this, sometimes women will set you up. Be a little leery of women too eager to do favors when you are in a relationship because that could be a true hater. She could be someone who knows your woman, and you may be unaware of this. And, as soon as the deed is done, she is skipping to tell your woman what has gone down, so be careful with the sidepieces. Back to my friend. She found out from her man's sidepiece that he had been getting oral favors. She confronted him about it, he brushed it off as though it was nothing. Then when she threatened to walk, he apologized and gave her the "I'll never do it again," script. So a few months later, she finds out that it has happened again with a different chica. Well at this point, I am pretty sure she is going to walk, but instead she stays with him. However, she launches into a barrage of oral exploits with several men who have been trying to get with her, but she has turned down due to her relationship. This went on for years! What a waste.

I consider myself a pretty good actress when I want to be, but not in my real life. I can't be around a man that I know I am dipping off on, his family, friends (including a few I have dipped off with) and pretend like we are just a happy couple. That's crazy! So, I say, if you want a little head, maybe you shouldn't be tied to anyone if you feel the need to have a variety. Afterall, that's the joy of being single!