Please Leave A Message After The Beep

Hey everyone!

I decided I need a break (mentally and physically) for a while so I'm going to take the next week off from blogging. My departure from work has provided a week before school begins so I'm going to use the week to catch up on personal items, job hunt, clean house, practice, and simply relax.

Furthermore, I want to thank those who have commented over the past month as well as the two SGL authors (Ross & Smith) for contributing to my blog and adding an extra flair!

I hope everybody is enjoying their summer vacations as well and I'll return in September!

Free At Last, Free At Last ...

I'm free,
Praise the Lord, I'm free
No longer bound,
No more chains holdin' me
My soul is a-restin',
Yes, it's a-blessin'
Praise the Lord, hallelujah, I'm free!

(Traditional Negro spiritual)







To all my past and present Uncle Toms co-workers and slave driving managers:

It's been absolutely horrible grand and I curse you to hell thank you for a miserable wonderful five long years of torture and nightmares memories at the plantation Fund that I'll dread cherish for the rest of my mentally disturbed life. I double curse you wish you only the worst best in whatever direction hopefully a disastrous and tragic death life takes you. F*** Thank you again!

Sincerely,
Kunta K.C.

In memoriam:

Weezy (aka The Great White Wizzle, aka Poundcake), The Beast From The East, The Pit, The Don, Mr. Burns, Aunt Thomasina, Gaia, TV Queen, The Freak, Wolf Man, The Mouth Of The South, Fat Boy, The German Shepard, Braveheart, Auntie, The Muffin Club, Flanders, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Shotgun, The Treasure Troll, Russian Bomb Squad, Crazy Debbie, The Diary (Of A Mad Black Woman), Little Winky/The Pitbull, Bush's B****, The Hunchback, Nerd Turf, Zelda, Hair Bear, The Hoz, The Mafiosa Wives Club, The First Ho, The Butt (nuff said!), Bob (doorman), Magneto, M. Night Shyamalan, and Mo (R.I.P.)

Any Final Words?

I've only one thing to say as I walk out the door today and I think Miss Houston phrased it best!

... Such a gentle, beautiful creature!

You Should See His Truck!

I guess I'm coming to the end of the road and it's all quite surreal and tremendously emotional.

I took yesterday off to have my hair twisted. I stopped by UMB (I hoped I wouldn't see that place until September) to have some papers signed by a former professor and then met up with Twists late last night. Yeah, I know, I said some stuff regarding him in a previous post and I've decided he will be my distraction for the next week or so; at least until I return to school. I'm not conceding to bitterness but I know what I want ... and he's certainly not “the one.” He’s a nice guy but just not on my level. I'm beginning to feel like Kenny in Right Side Of The Wrong Bed. More on that in a subsequent post.

We had Verizon's FiOS installed yesterday. For years, Java-Mama and Rugrat operated with dial-up (Wilhelm scream!) while I had DSL since 2001. The technician explained that Verizon is gradually phasing out DSL and utilizing fiber optic and cable networks. Let me tell you: FiOS is really worth the investment! DSL was fast but there's no comparison. My old DSL modem exhibited connection problems however, I haven't encountered any significant malfunctions (so far). Yeah, I know, give it time; I'll let you know in a few months how I feel. My mom and brother are equally impressed, especially since they've existed in the Stone Age of online connection. Nevertheless, I'm feeling a bit ripped off! I didn't see any ethereal light emanating from our FiOS box! I want my money back!

I've been talking to The Executive for the past few days, one of the few X-Men I converse with. He's still dysfunctional. That song, Whenever You’re Around, from Jill Scott, keeps running through my head when I talk to him. Trust me, there will be more posts concerning him later ...

Meanwhile, my cubicle is empty, my desk is as butt-naked as the day I moved in and my computer is all cleared out. It's almost time. I even received a going away card and money from The Don (my brother and I had nicknames for nearly every co-worker). The best gift of all? Not seeing that witch (Aunt Thomasina) for the past two weeks! Priceless! Talk about a great way to depart The Fund!

Reading Corner: The Moanin' After (Part 2)

Last week, I finished the novel, The Moanin' After, by L.M. Ross, and thoroughly enjoyed it to the last drop! Delectably delicious!

“Please sir, may I have some more?”

Now, I don't want to tarnish the ending for those who have still not purchased the novel however, let me first say that people are sleeping on an exceptionally talented author. During my e-mail correspondence with Ross, I discovered the book was not selling favorably. So on that note, here are links to Q-Boro books, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble and Borders Books & Music. There are no excuses! Go buy the book and support this gifted writer!

In The Moanin' After, Ross focused primarily on David Richmond, dancer extraordinaire, fashionista and former member of the boy band Da Elixir as well as exclusive heir to the group's royalties. He is haunted by the passing of his best friend as well as the “hemorrhoidic” desperate Faison "Browny" Brown, another member of the group who will do anything to achieve fame and fortune. While contemplating the meanings of life and love, David is reunited with Bliss Santana, a tortured soul who comprehends his pain but embodies secrets of her own. Lastly, David’s sanity is challenged when he meets Kindred, a vision of purity, like sunshine after a fresh spring rain. But is he genuine or simply a manifestation of David's grief?

The last few chapters were so powerful that I simply cannot give anything away. The story line and plot twists added a fourth dimension to the characters and reached the depths of my soul. Ross evoked strong emotions, something that NEVER happens when I read a book. Most emotional scenes merely scroll insipidly past my eyes but throughout those last chapters, I stopped reading and began FEELING! I experienced a mental orgasm of sentiment, an authentic catharsis and I’m left in absolute admiration and amazement!

Ross informed me that the book was structured such that first time readers weren't left wondering about the first book, Manhood: The Longest Moan. The flashback scenes were particularly beneficial as I read his previous novel a year ago. While there were numerous grammatical errors (he addressed that in our correspondence), Ross surpassed his peers and shined through with an astounding story and extraordinary prose. His poetic roots were woven throughout the story and he succeeded in crafting a thoughtful and eloquent conclusion worthy of the greatest writers.

I really can't type anything more except go buy this book! The length of both novels may discourage some unsophisticated readers however, if one is willing, you won't be disappointed. L.M. Ross has done it again and I'm quite sure this will not be the last we hear from him!

Conversely, I've begun reading Right Side Of The Wrong Bed by Frederick Smith, author of the previous novel, Down For Whatever. I've only just cracked the first chapter (I honestly didn't even know Smith had a second novel out!) so it'll be a week or two before I get something posted. Nevertheless, I enjoyed Down For Whatever and this novel is starting out real juicy so I have a feeling I won't be dissatisfied!

Ode To Twists

He couldn't love me without shame,
He only wanted me for one thing,
But you can teach your girl to do that

Can you love me without shame?
I need you when I feel pain,
And now you want to f*** around

(Me'Shell NdegéOcello - Barry Farms, Cookie: The Anthropological Mixtape)

Cameras, Breakups and Independence! Oh My!

Hmmm, let's see. My weekend didn't turn out as expected but I certainly did some soul searching ...

Friday: I came home and enjoyed doing absolutely nothing. The end.

Saturday: I had a doctor's appointment and everything checked out fine. I'm down to 203 (I lost two pounds so I'm feeling motivated!) I had blood extracted and hopefully they'll be able to ascertain whether my cholesterol is normal enough that I can come off these damned pills (I hate pills; I'd rather find natural alternatives). After an especially lengthy wait, I finally met with the dietician. And of course she was as skinny as a broomstick! I was familiar with the general procedure since I took a nutrition course two semesters ago. She examined my weekly meals and snacks and suggested three key modifications.

1. Elimination of excess calories
2. Portion reduction (that will be the hardest obstacle since I love to go back for seconds)
3. Sugar cutbacks (i.e. less juice, no more Honey Nut Cheerios, no jam on toast, etc.)

While we discussed much more, these were the crucial areas we focused on. In preparation for this visit, I altered my diet several weeks ago and she was reasonably satisfied with my food choices. I'm already extremely opposed to fast food and soda so I've got a small advantage. My target weight loss goal is 190 and she said about 2 pounds a week is a good pace. I'll let you know how it proceeds!

Twists still wasn't back from his vacation so I ended up spending another night home.

That night, I received a text from Thai Guy. He said he’s been in Toronto for the past few months and has been doing some personal reflection. He claims to miss our friendship and hopes that “all is forgiven.” I responded with very few words. I’m not sure I’m ready to forgive although grudges are bad for one’s karma. Just ask Sarah Michelle Gellar! What should I do?

Sunday: Following my second job, I returned home and prepared to hang out with Twists. There was a severe lack of communication and I was left feeling a bit pissed off and anti-social. I found out Twists was cruising for guys again. I didn't need anymore hints. He's “just not that into me” and I've decided to drop him. I was a bit upset but thankfully not heartbroken. Furthermore, I've resolved to stop pursuing a relationship as my priority for a while will be school and finding a job. :: sigh :: well, it was fun while it lasted!

Java-Mama had a Mother's Day gift card from Best Buy and took advantage of the tax break weekend. I wasn't in the mood to accompany her but I'm awfully glad I did. It brought me out of that funk. The moral? Shopping with someone else's money is definitely the cure for the breakup blues! She purchased the Nikon Coolpix 8.0 megapixel camera and absolutely loves it! Monkey see, monkey do: I want one now. My birthday is coming up in a few weeks … hint, hint! Wink, wink!

Unfortunately, the weekend was peppered with some tragic news. Last weekend, I mentioned that The Divo's friend was sick and not doing well. Sadly, she passed away early Sunday morning and my deepest sympathies go out to his friend's family and to him. I did not know his friend at all but I know he possesses wonderful memories and she meant more than I can ever know. A new star is definitely shining in the heavens this week.

Lastly, I was still feeling a bit down Sunday evening and Java-Mama and I had a heart to heart regarding independent living (aka moving the hell out!). I was browsing through Deonte' K's blog and noticed a post concerning his move back in June. Needless to say, it got me thinking. Java-Mama knows that I'm unhappy, especially since living at home is a bothersome obstacle while establishing a relationship and social circle. She shared her experiences and insisted that I not hold back out of familial obligation to her and Pops. She suggested using my CD's and other savings and begin searching for my own place.

My perspective? I'm all for it! I'm an introvert and much of that has to do with living at home. My parents are very liberal however, there are still certain restrictions and frustrations that emerge from time to time. Living on my own would allow me to come and go, explore my neighborhood, join organizations, socialize, date freely (among other things!) and experience a sense of responsibility and maturity. I've gradually earned responsibilities throughout the years (e.g. my first car) and now I'm ready to move to the next level (no pun intended). Independence isn't easy. Just ask the French! (okay, that was lame!) The economy isn't great and school is financially draining. Nevertheless, my first priority is securing a job and then determining if this proposal is even financially possible. I love my family undeniably but I believe it's time for me to be on my own. Ideally, I'd prefer to have a boyfriend to move in with, but I’m sort of deficient in that department. However, being truly independent means depending on me, and only me. I'm going to let the vision simmer in my head a while. I'll let you guys know what I decide.

Today: I had a great morning run (3.25 miles) however, Lil' Ronnie was MIA. Where in the hell is my muscle-bound daddy?! That definitely did not start my morning off right! ha ha! Additionally, it seems that Aunt Thomasina is out again this week which is fine by me! Between her absence and the bright sunshine (evil can’t exist in sunlight!), my last week is off to a great start! Have a good week everyone!