What do you do to recover from a broken heart? For me, I focus on me and work on what I'm successful at since relationships I am clearly not successful at. So my latest solution for a broken heart is a new hustle.
That's right, by day I'm working at a magazine and by night I'm working my regular job. I don't have time and I'm far too busy to be lonely or broken hearted. I know y'all are going to tell me that this is probably not the best way to handle the situation and I'm probably going to burn out but it's in my genes.
I was talking to my mom about it and she said I'm just like my dad in that when the going gets tough you work harder and find new avenues to release your energy. That's exactly what my dad would do.
And don't get me wrong, I'm happy for Trinidad Brotha. I'm glad that he has realized his true feelings before things between us went any further. But at the same time, I'm human. I'm not going to say it doesn't hurt...I still miss him...even if in my mind I know it's for the best my heart still yearns to love and to be loved.
I know God is working on me and he ain't done yet. My day of not always being the sacrificial lamb will come...I still have hope...I still believe that God has a divine plan for me.
So for now I'm excited about the new job opportunity. I have never worked at a magazine before so I'll get a chance to see what that is like and gain some experience and also do something I don't do every day in my regular job. I'm also contemplating going back to graduate school and pursing a master's degree online. But that's another topic for another entry.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
F.I.L.A.
Forever I Love Atlanta! I'm a FILA all day, every day. I love Atlanta and I don't think I will ever truly be a New Yorker cause my heart is in the ATL.
I'm so excited about seeing the movie. I'm going to be sure to support the film on opening weekend. And I'm not really a T.I. fan but I was so tempted to buy the CD.
When I went down to Atlanta last week I hated to have to leave. I was so excited to get home, cause home is where your heart is, that I made it down there in 12 hours, 30 minutes...no stopping except to get gas. I was beasting the highway. Back in college my friends would call me Richard Petty, Road Warrior, Trooper, Knight Rider, etc. When I'm driven my professional driving skills come out of hibernation.
Two things I had to get when I got down there...some chicken from Harold's and a frosty from Wendy's. You just don't know how hard it is to find a Wendy's up here. And I was so saddened to find out that MY WENDY'S (the one I always went to buy the crib) had closed down. Not like there aren't 5 Wendy's between my house and my old job but that was MY WENDY'S. So I had to pour a little frosty out in honor of the dearly departed.
Surprisingly I didn't make it to Dave & Busters. I didn't even make it to that side of town. But that's aight because when the D&B on 43rd Street opens I will most definitely be a regular.
Unfortunately these trips to ATL have been mainly for business purposes. Although I don't think my friends realize how much I enjoyed our emergency happy hour because I was in town and to watch 24 and TIVO'ed episodes. It felt like I never left. I'll be back this weekend, short business trip again but after this I promise the next visit will be for pleasure.
I would like to fit a visit to the piercing shop and Inserection before I roll out again. I really want my eyebrow re-pierced and possibly my tongue. If I can feasible figure out a way to work and not talk I'll get my tongue done. And the Inserection visit is because I think I'm finally ready to break down and buy some toys...on the real. Cause coming home every night to my DVD's and an adult beverage is just not having the effect it used to have. Might be time to upgrade my leisurely activities. But if I don't get a chance to get the stuff on this trip I'll have Mz.B make a run for me before she comes up for her visit ;) That will be one butterfly and one rabbit, please...and get the crew to put $5 on it.
I'm so excited about seeing the movie. I'm going to be sure to support the film on opening weekend. And I'm not really a T.I. fan but I was so tempted to buy the CD.
When I went down to Atlanta last week I hated to have to leave. I was so excited to get home, cause home is where your heart is, that I made it down there in 12 hours, 30 minutes...no stopping except to get gas. I was beasting the highway. Back in college my friends would call me Richard Petty, Road Warrior, Trooper, Knight Rider, etc. When I'm driven my professional driving skills come out of hibernation.
Two things I had to get when I got down there...some chicken from Harold's and a frosty from Wendy's. You just don't know how hard it is to find a Wendy's up here. And I was so saddened to find out that MY WENDY'S (the one I always went to buy the crib) had closed down. Not like there aren't 5 Wendy's between my house and my old job but that was MY WENDY'S. So I had to pour a little frosty out in honor of the dearly departed.
Surprisingly I didn't make it to Dave & Busters. I didn't even make it to that side of town. But that's aight because when the D&B on 43rd Street opens I will most definitely be a regular.
Unfortunately these trips to ATL have been mainly for business purposes. Although I don't think my friends realize how much I enjoyed our emergency happy hour because I was in town and to watch 24 and TIVO'ed episodes. It felt like I never left. I'll be back this weekend, short business trip again but after this I promise the next visit will be for pleasure.
I would like to fit a visit to the piercing shop and Inserection before I roll out again. I really want my eyebrow re-pierced and possibly my tongue. If I can feasible figure out a way to work and not talk I'll get my tongue done. And the Inserection visit is because I think I'm finally ready to break down and buy some toys...on the real. Cause coming home every night to my DVD's and an adult beverage is just not having the effect it used to have. Might be time to upgrade my leisurely activities. But if I don't get a chance to get the stuff on this trip I'll have Mz.B make a run for me before she comes up for her visit ;) That will be one butterfly and one rabbit, please...and get the crew to put $5 on it.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
That Just Ain't Me
One thing I could never understand was women who let men buy them things...a lot of things...expensive things. That just ain't me.
My feeling is that I don't want to owe no man nothing. I am an independent, financially stable woman that don't need a man to pay for my hair to get done, my nails did, etc. A movie, dinner, date associated activities okay.
But somehow I always date guys that I NEVER try to use for their money but immediately following me they will get with gold diggers that try to take them for their loot. No they don't look like the typical gold diggers but let's look at the logic. Why does a grown ass woman need you to pay for her plane ticket to come and see you? If she really wanted to see you and times were hard she would at least OFFER to pay for half even if you paid for it all. What happened to women offering to pay the tab or at least pay the tip.
I have two exceptions to my own rules. On one occasion when I let a guy pay for a trip. He knew it was a booty trip, I knew it was a booty trip...it was booty, booty, booty, booty, booty rocking everywhere. And the other is my one that got away. I know his financial situation and he means enough to me that I will buy a plane ticket, within a reasonable price bracket, in order to see him because we always have a good time together.
But even when Hurricane would pay for plane tickets for us to visit his family in NOLA or something like that I would pay him back in my own way. Do the laundry, tidy up his apartment, bring home something to eat...I did something...I did my part... whatever it was.
Guys please, open your eyes...do not let these gold digging women take advantage of you. They fugg it up for woman like me who don't want nothing from you but you...meaning 100% of you at your best...your love...your attention...your dedication and devotion...and those things have no monetary value.
My feeling is that I don't want to owe no man nothing. I am an independent, financially stable woman that don't need a man to pay for my hair to get done, my nails did, etc. A movie, dinner, date associated activities okay.
But somehow I always date guys that I NEVER try to use for their money but immediately following me they will get with gold diggers that try to take them for their loot. No they don't look like the typical gold diggers but let's look at the logic. Why does a grown ass woman need you to pay for her plane ticket to come and see you? If she really wanted to see you and times were hard she would at least OFFER to pay for half even if you paid for it all. What happened to women offering to pay the tab or at least pay the tip.
I have two exceptions to my own rules. On one occasion when I let a guy pay for a trip. He knew it was a booty trip, I knew it was a booty trip...it was booty, booty, booty, booty, booty rocking everywhere. And the other is my one that got away. I know his financial situation and he means enough to me that I will buy a plane ticket, within a reasonable price bracket, in order to see him because we always have a good time together.
But even when Hurricane would pay for plane tickets for us to visit his family in NOLA or something like that I would pay him back in my own way. Do the laundry, tidy up his apartment, bring home something to eat...I did something...I did my part... whatever it was.
Guys please, open your eyes...do not let these gold digging women take advantage of you. They fugg it up for woman like me who don't want nothing from you but you...meaning 100% of you at your best...your love...your attention...your dedication and devotion...and those things have no monetary value.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Twenty Years
As I was driving down to Atlanta I had a lot of time to think. And one thing I remembered was Sunday was the 20th anniversary of my father's funeral. TWENTY YEARS...I can't even believe that much time has passed. So much has happened in 20 years.
I think the saddest thing for me is that in 20 years I have not found anyone to love me as much if not more than my daddy. It's just one unsuccessful situation to the next. But as tough as dating and relationships have been I still remain hopeful. God has someone out there for me.
I think the saddest thing for me is that in 20 years I have not found anyone to love me as much if not more than my daddy. It's just one unsuccessful situation to the next. But as tough as dating and relationships have been I still remain hopeful. God has someone out there for me.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Weekend Recap
I actually had a pretty good weekend. It turned out to be way better than I expected it to be.
Friday night I got an email from a friend/former co-worker. He was in town on assignment and wanted to hang out. I was surprised T.B. was kind enough to give him my email address. I really did appreciate that.
After work I met him at a hotel near his to hang out and then we went back to his hotel and talked for hours. It was great. We talked about Atlanta, sports, the future of journalism, etc. We talked so long we didn't even realize how late it was.
He had a rental car so he was kind enough to give me a ride back to my place. As I was getting out the car some guy opens the back passenger door, looks in and then says my bad. We crack up laughing because we seriously thought dude was about to jack us right in front of my building.
Saturday afternoon we met up for a movie...V for Vendetta...and then got something to eat at TGI Fridays before I headed to work.
Saturday night I went home and slept. I was still tired from staying up so late the night before. Actually my body is just tired...mentally, emotionally, physically tired.
Sunday I took my niece to her first Nets game and the Nets blew out the Mavericks so it wasn't as good of a game as I hoped. But at least I got to meet some UNC black alum. It was a black alumni chapter event. Unfortunately the Tar Heels loss...but we can't win them all. I'm still really proud of the team for making it this far. They were a team of freshman and personally the highlight of the season was when we beat Duke at Duke.
After the game I took my niece home and picked up my mom to bring her to my place. She came and spent the night with me. She really helped to get the majority of my unpacking done.
When I took my mom home on Monday I picked up my nephew and brought him back to my apt. He helped me to do some measuring for blinds and for shelves for my closets. And he helped me do some electrical stuff like set up my DVD players and put together some lamps. We watched a movie together and that was cool cause my nephew and I have not chilled or hung out together in years...not really since we were kids. He said he'll help me with more stuff in the coming weeks.
So it wasn't the most eventful weekend but I still really enjoyed it. Just spending time with my family and then getting a surprise visit from my friend.
Next weekend one of my friends from college will be in town for the weekend so we'll probably do lunch on Friday before I go to work. And then Saturday when I get off of work I'm headed to ATL. Unfortunately this won't be a pleasure trip. I'm going to take care of some business pertaining to my house and my car. And I need to get my stuff out of the honey comb hideout as both my sisters are relocating. But I'm still looking forward to the trip.
Road trips always help me to clear my mind and to get things in perspective. It's just me, the car, the highway and my CD's. To be alone with my own thoughts...not sure if that will be a good thing or a bad thing...but I'll be sure to have my paper and pad ready.
Friday night I got an email from a friend/former co-worker. He was in town on assignment and wanted to hang out. I was surprised T.B. was kind enough to give him my email address. I really did appreciate that.
After work I met him at a hotel near his to hang out and then we went back to his hotel and talked for hours. It was great. We talked about Atlanta, sports, the future of journalism, etc. We talked so long we didn't even realize how late it was.
He had a rental car so he was kind enough to give me a ride back to my place. As I was getting out the car some guy opens the back passenger door, looks in and then says my bad. We crack up laughing because we seriously thought dude was about to jack us right in front of my building.
Saturday afternoon we met up for a movie...V for Vendetta...and then got something to eat at TGI Fridays before I headed to work.
Saturday night I went home and slept. I was still tired from staying up so late the night before. Actually my body is just tired...mentally, emotionally, physically tired.
Sunday I took my niece to her first Nets game and the Nets blew out the Mavericks so it wasn't as good of a game as I hoped. But at least I got to meet some UNC black alum. It was a black alumni chapter event. Unfortunately the Tar Heels loss...but we can't win them all. I'm still really proud of the team for making it this far. They were a team of freshman and personally the highlight of the season was when we beat Duke at Duke.
After the game I took my niece home and picked up my mom to bring her to my place. She came and spent the night with me. She really helped to get the majority of my unpacking done.
When I took my mom home on Monday I picked up my nephew and brought him back to my apt. He helped me to do some measuring for blinds and for shelves for my closets. And he helped me do some electrical stuff like set up my DVD players and put together some lamps. We watched a movie together and that was cool cause my nephew and I have not chilled or hung out together in years...not really since we were kids. He said he'll help me with more stuff in the coming weeks.
So it wasn't the most eventful weekend but I still really enjoyed it. Just spending time with my family and then getting a surprise visit from my friend.
Next weekend one of my friends from college will be in town for the weekend so we'll probably do lunch on Friday before I go to work. And then Saturday when I get off of work I'm headed to ATL. Unfortunately this won't be a pleasure trip. I'm going to take care of some business pertaining to my house and my car. And I need to get my stuff out of the honey comb hideout as both my sisters are relocating. But I'm still looking forward to the trip.
Road trips always help me to clear my mind and to get things in perspective. It's just me, the car, the highway and my CD's. To be alone with my own thoughts...not sure if that will be a good thing or a bad thing...but I'll be sure to have my paper and pad ready.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Ultimate Hustler
I met the Ultimate Hustler yesterday. His hustle(s) are so tight that Damon Dash should have had him on his show.
First off it's like this dude doesn't even exist. He claims to have boxed as an amateur and he goes by several alias. I was not able to find anything on this man. Nothing at all under any of the pseudo names he gave me. But I'm not too concerned cause I'm not trying to really be that tight with this guy. Just another interesting person you can run in to in NYC.
So over a fish sandwich and some tea he explained to me how he turned a DVD hustle in to his ultimate empire. I was actually amazed that he was able to turn a slightly illegal hustle (it's not like he's selling drugs) in to some legitimate businesses like a barbershop, a small restaurant and a few properties. He has his DVD hustle, ladies handbag hustle, etc., etc....not trying to give away all the man's secrets. In a way, he is a business man.
But he got me thinking...cause all black people have a hustle. This J-O-B is my legal, taxable hustle but I damn sure wouldn't mind having a hustle on the side to make some of that tax free money that could go straight towards paying down some debts...but there I go being way too money conscious again.
Shout out to all the hustlers striving and surviving...you got your hustle and I have mine.
First off it's like this dude doesn't even exist. He claims to have boxed as an amateur and he goes by several alias. I was not able to find anything on this man. Nothing at all under any of the pseudo names he gave me. But I'm not too concerned cause I'm not trying to really be that tight with this guy. Just another interesting person you can run in to in NYC.
So over a fish sandwich and some tea he explained to me how he turned a DVD hustle in to his ultimate empire. I was actually amazed that he was able to turn a slightly illegal hustle (it's not like he's selling drugs) in to some legitimate businesses like a barbershop, a small restaurant and a few properties. He has his DVD hustle, ladies handbag hustle, etc., etc....not trying to give away all the man's secrets. In a way, he is a business man.
But he got me thinking...cause all black people have a hustle. This J-O-B is my legal, taxable hustle but I damn sure wouldn't mind having a hustle on the side to make some of that tax free money that could go straight towards paying down some debts...but there I go being way too money conscious again.
Shout out to all the hustlers striving and surviving...you got your hustle and I have mine.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Harlem U.S.A.
I got my keys and I have officially started moving in to my apartment. I'm now living in Harlem U.S.A. and trust me there is no place anywhere like it.
My furniture doesn't come until Wednesday or Thursday but I don't care. I will be sleeping on the floor tonight with my pillow and blanket. I've already paid the rent so why not sleep where my money has been spent.
For my first full day in Harlem I'm going to do a little unpacking, see the Dave Chapelle movie at the Magic Johnson theater on 125th street and then later hit a spot on the east side with some of my friends before catching Desperate Housewives.
So look at your calendars and start picking some dates to visit. I have Mocha Angel and Velvet Sting down for May 4-8. Rekkidbraka needs to look at a Yankees schedule so we can pick a date to catch a game. Who else trying to make their way up to the big city for a visit?
My furniture doesn't come until Wednesday or Thursday but I don't care. I will be sleeping on the floor tonight with my pillow and blanket. I've already paid the rent so why not sleep where my money has been spent.
For my first full day in Harlem I'm going to do a little unpacking, see the Dave Chapelle movie at the Magic Johnson theater on 125th street and then later hit a spot on the east side with some of my friends before catching Desperate Housewives.
So look at your calendars and start picking some dates to visit. I have Mocha Angel and Velvet Sting down for May 4-8. Rekkidbraka needs to look at a Yankees schedule so we can pick a date to catch a game. Who else trying to make their way up to the big city for a visit?
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Money Matters
Do you ever think you are too concious about money?
I think I have become more money concious than usual. I have excellent credit. If I wanted to buy another house or a new car today I could with no problem.
I have been trying to pay off stuff since I graduated college and even though NYC is expensive as hell, I think I'm finally in a position to do that.
I paid off my Capital One card to be able to transfer the balance of my MBNA credit card. I transferred my MBNA loan to my Discover card. And I changed one of my Wells Fargo loans in to a cash on demand card so I could get a lower interest rate. I just want to have less bills so I can pay more to each account. I eventually want to close the MBNA accounts but given my debt to credit ratio I need to keep them open at least until I pay more on my other existing accounts.
Don't ask me what has kicked me in to high gear on paying stuff off but every dime of overtime I earn I try to figure out what to put that extra money towards. I'm tired of being in so much debt. I realize it is unrealistic to not be in at debt at all but I would love to get to a point where my only debts were my student loan and my house...and those are good debts. But all the other stuff I want to be rid of.
Anyone else feel me on pushing yourself to rid yourself of debt?
I think I have become more money concious than usual. I have excellent credit. If I wanted to buy another house or a new car today I could with no problem.
I have been trying to pay off stuff since I graduated college and even though NYC is expensive as hell, I think I'm finally in a position to do that.
I paid off my Capital One card to be able to transfer the balance of my MBNA credit card. I transferred my MBNA loan to my Discover card. And I changed one of my Wells Fargo loans in to a cash on demand card so I could get a lower interest rate. I just want to have less bills so I can pay more to each account. I eventually want to close the MBNA accounts but given my debt to credit ratio I need to keep them open at least until I pay more on my other existing accounts.
Don't ask me what has kicked me in to high gear on paying stuff off but every dime of overtime I earn I try to figure out what to put that extra money towards. I'm tired of being in so much debt. I realize it is unrealistic to not be in at debt at all but I would love to get to a point where my only debts were my student loan and my house...and those are good debts. But all the other stuff I want to be rid of.
Anyone else feel me on pushing yourself to rid yourself of debt?
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Over Before It Started
Question: Will the five weeks hurt us or help us?
Answer: It hurt us. It was just too soon in our budding dating situation for us to be apart for that long.
I hate to write this entry because I don't want to admit it's true. But Trinidad Brotha and I will not be getting in to a relationship beyond friendship. It's hard because there are a lot of feelings on both sides but we have our issues as well. It's probably better to just stop things now before we get in too deep.
I felt I had to do this post because there is no point in pretending that him and I are moving towards a relationship when we are not. He is still a great guy. I still love him a lot. But I guess this is for the best. It's better to know now that we aren't right for each other than to get in a serious situation and get caught up in emotional attachment and time vested.
Maybe in the future we can try again but I'm not holding out for the future. At this point in my life I just feel foolish to hope cause hoping only makes it harder to move forward.
Answer: It hurt us. It was just too soon in our budding dating situation for us to be apart for that long.
I hate to write this entry because I don't want to admit it's true. But Trinidad Brotha and I will not be getting in to a relationship beyond friendship. It's hard because there are a lot of feelings on both sides but we have our issues as well. It's probably better to just stop things now before we get in too deep.
I felt I had to do this post because there is no point in pretending that him and I are moving towards a relationship when we are not. He is still a great guy. I still love him a lot. But I guess this is for the best. It's better to know now that we aren't right for each other than to get in a serious situation and get caught up in emotional attachment and time vested.
Maybe in the future we can try again but I'm not holding out for the future. At this point in my life I just feel foolish to hope cause hoping only makes it harder to move forward.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Birthday Recap
The day started with birthday greetings by email, IM, phone calls, text messages and blog posts. I can definitely say I was feeling the love on my born day.
But it really was an uneventful day and that suits me fine too. I'm just thankful to God to see another year and I really can't ask for more because he blesses me everyday.
I joined the Latin Dance Club at my job and the first lesson was today. So every Wednesday at 1pm I will be getting my dance on. I then went to the main NYTimes office in search of my birthday present from Trinidad Brotha. He got me a video iPod which was the #1 present on my birthday wish list. Well #1 next to having him here with me. He is the best boyfriend I never had and I can't wait for him to get home so we can make things official.
I then treated myself to an late lunch/early dinner before work. I had mentioned to someone that if I was in ATL I would have gone to happy hour at D&B and then for dinner at one of my favorite spots Loca Luna or I would have had drinks and dinner at Houstons (3 martinis for $7). So I got on city search and I found some place I could get paella and it was only a few subway stops away.
Now I'm one of those people that HATES to go out to eat by myself. I just feel lonely and uncomfortable. But I said what the hell, it's my day, can't wait around for others to celebrate me and I'm old and old people go out to eat by themselves. The place was nice and I definitely have to go back. I enjoyed my meal as I tried to make my way through this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly. Of course they gave me more food than I could actually eat so I brought a doggie bag to work.
When I get off of work I will go back to Trinidad Brotha's apt, take a nice hot shower, get in my PJ's, curl up on his couch and watch a movie as I enjoy a slice of Carvel Ice Cream cake.
Happy Birthday to me.
P.s - I'm still accepting gifts off of my wish list :)
But it really was an uneventful day and that suits me fine too. I'm just thankful to God to see another year and I really can't ask for more because he blesses me everyday.
I joined the Latin Dance Club at my job and the first lesson was today. So every Wednesday at 1pm I will be getting my dance on. I then went to the main NYTimes office in search of my birthday present from Trinidad Brotha. He got me a video iPod which was the #1 present on my birthday wish list. Well #1 next to having him here with me. He is the best boyfriend I never had and I can't wait for him to get home so we can make things official.
I then treated myself to an late lunch/early dinner before work. I had mentioned to someone that if I was in ATL I would have gone to happy hour at D&B and then for dinner at one of my favorite spots Loca Luna or I would have had drinks and dinner at Houstons (3 martinis for $7). So I got on city search and I found some place I could get paella and it was only a few subway stops away.
Now I'm one of those people that HATES to go out to eat by myself. I just feel lonely and uncomfortable. But I said what the hell, it's my day, can't wait around for others to celebrate me and I'm old and old people go out to eat by themselves. The place was nice and I definitely have to go back. I enjoyed my meal as I tried to make my way through this week's issue of Entertainment Weekly. Of course they gave me more food than I could actually eat so I brought a doggie bag to work.
When I get off of work I will go back to Trinidad Brotha's apt, take a nice hot shower, get in my PJ's, curl up on his couch and watch a movie as I enjoy a slice of Carvel Ice Cream cake.
Happy Birthday to me.
P.s - I'm still accepting gifts off of my wish list :)
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Birthday Wishes
I usually don't do the birthday wish list thing because why should I set myself up for disappointment if I don't get anything. Please believe I'm very appreciative of all the birthday greetings but it would be nice to get a gift on your special day...the one day and only day where it is 100% okay to be selfish and celebrate yourself.
I'm going to try and look at my wish list as a future shopping list. I can treat myself to something off of my list every now and then. Because what's the point in working if you can't enjoy what you earn sometimes.
26th Birthday Wish List
1. Trinidad Brotha here with me to celebrate (not gonna happen but I can dream can't I)
2. Video iPod (I guess it's about time I get up on the latest technology.)
3. Digital Camera (I hate taking pictures but I need to get better about that...plus I want a nice picture of me and Trinidad Brotha together so I can put it in a nice frame on my desk at work and my nightstand when I move in to my apt.)
4. Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset)
5. Sex and the City Essentials (There are 4 of them and this is the low grade cheaper gift with the best of romance, lust, mr. big and breakups.)
6. The Da Vinci Code: Special Illustrated Edition (You don't know how hard it is to find this book and I want to read it before the movie comes out this summer.)
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) (As much as I love Harry Potter I never bought or read this book although I partially know what happens in the book.)
8. Victoria's Secret gift card (Want to complete my garden collection and would be nice to by a new panty set...I always feel so sexy in my Vicky's.)
9. FOOD (Someone please take me out to dinner...McCormick and Schmick, Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Olive Garden...SOMETHING)...although I do have plans to go to dinner with my Mom at some point.
10. TIVO with recordable DVR (I'm not even sure if a TIVO with a recordable DVR exists but if it does I want it...it's about time I start saving some of the shows I'm missing when I'm at work.)
Well that's enough wishing for today...above all else I just want to have a nice birthday. I just want it to be a good day for me and I'm going to make the best of it. Although I think there should be a rule against having to work on your birthday.
I'm going to try and look at my wish list as a future shopping list. I can treat myself to something off of my list every now and then. Because what's the point in working if you can't enjoy what you earn sometimes.
26th Birthday Wish List
1. Trinidad Brotha here with me to celebrate (not gonna happen but I can dream can't I)
2. Video iPod (I guess it's about time I get up on the latest technology.)
3. Digital Camera (I hate taking pictures but I need to get better about that...plus I want a nice picture of me and Trinidad Brotha together so I can put it in a nice frame on my desk at work and my nightstand when I move in to my apt.)
4. Sex and the City - The Complete Series (Collector's Giftset)
5. Sex and the City Essentials (There are 4 of them and this is the low grade cheaper gift with the best of romance, lust, mr. big and breakups.)
6. The Da Vinci Code: Special Illustrated Edition (You don't know how hard it is to find this book and I want to read it before the movie comes out this summer.)
7. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Book 6) (As much as I love Harry Potter I never bought or read this book although I partially know what happens in the book.)
8. Victoria's Secret gift card (Want to complete my garden collection and would be nice to by a new panty set...I always feel so sexy in my Vicky's.)
9. FOOD (Someone please take me out to dinner...McCormick and Schmick, Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster, Olive Garden...SOMETHING)...although I do have plans to go to dinner with my Mom at some point.
10. TIVO with recordable DVR (I'm not even sure if a TIVO with a recordable DVR exists but if it does I want it...it's about time I start saving some of the shows I'm missing when I'm at work.)
Well that's enough wishing for today...above all else I just want to have a nice birthday. I just want it to be a good day for me and I'm going to make the best of it. Although I think there should be a rule against having to work on your birthday.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
What Lies Beneath
I am really amazed by my new hair color. Everyone thinks it's my natural color but it's so unique to me that you'll never find my color on the shelf of your local hair supply store. Illumination naturally lightens your hair color by 2 shades. The color that comes out is what is within you. So when I have kids and if they come out with my current hair color, I won't be surprised.
All this thought about my hair made me think about all the things that lie beneath the surface within each and every one of us. I'm a tough cookie on the outside because inside there are so many wounds and scars from past experiences. Sometimes I think underneath it all I'm still just that 6-year-old girl hiding under the bed crying and talking to God...asking him why is he punishing me...what did I do wrong that he took my Dad away from me.
I'm heading in to a rough month. The beginning of March is my birthday...but the end of March marks the anniversary of my father's death. TWENTY YEARS...I can't even believe it has been TWENTY YEARS. My dad was so sick and he knew it. He once told my mom he knew he wouldn't live to see his daughter grow up. I told her well then he should have never had me. My mom got so upset with me for saying that. But if I knew I was going to die I wouldn't bring another life in to this world. Because after experiencing growing up without my father I would never want the majority of my children's lives to be spent without me here to guide them and watch them grow.
There is a huge gap in my life from losing my father so young. Some days I'm better at hiding just how big of a gap it is...but today doesn't seem to be one of those days.
All this thought about my hair made me think about all the things that lie beneath the surface within each and every one of us. I'm a tough cookie on the outside because inside there are so many wounds and scars from past experiences. Sometimes I think underneath it all I'm still just that 6-year-old girl hiding under the bed crying and talking to God...asking him why is he punishing me...what did I do wrong that he took my Dad away from me.
I'm heading in to a rough month. The beginning of March is my birthday...but the end of March marks the anniversary of my father's death. TWENTY YEARS...I can't even believe it has been TWENTY YEARS. My dad was so sick and he knew it. He once told my mom he knew he wouldn't live to see his daughter grow up. I told her well then he should have never had me. My mom got so upset with me for saying that. But if I knew I was going to die I wouldn't bring another life in to this world. Because after experiencing growing up without my father I would never want the majority of my children's lives to be spent without me here to guide them and watch them grow.
There is a huge gap in my life from losing my father so young. Some days I'm better at hiding just how big of a gap it is...but today doesn't seem to be one of those days.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
The New Mia
I mentioned last entry that I was in a makeover phase.
First I got a new job. Moved to a new city. Found a brand new apt. Got me a man (and he's so cute). And I have been working on my external self.
I now have gel nails even though I have been a die hard about keeping my fingers and toes natural. But UV gel nails do look natural, I have them cut short and they are a lot less harsh on my nail bed than acrylic nails.
I went to a spa a few weeks ago for a facial and waxing. I hadn't had that done since my girlfriend's wedding like 2 years ago. So I have made a mental note to myself to do a better job of taking care of my skin and going to get waxed regularly so it won't hurt like hell when I go.
I went on a semi-shopping spree with my mom when I got my first paycheck. I was trying to upgrade my wardrobe to look a little more professional and a lot more NYC. But that was kind of pointless because I could literally wear pajamas to work and no one would give a dayum. I work in sports and sit in front of a computer for 8+ hours....no need to look fashionable. But I do try to look nicer than normal at the weekly staff meeting.
Actually dating Trinidad Brotha has been a huge part of the new Mia. He has helped me to get over some of my rules and to seriously rethink my logic on dating and relationships. I can't say it has been easy. But it has been a learning experience for the both of us and we are growing and learning together.
The last thing to change was my hair. I was going through a braid phase when I left Georgia. Bad idea. Those braids ripped up my hair. As my stylist put it, my ends looked like they had been walked on. So I got my hair cut and colored. I love the color... I hate the cut. So I'm trying to figure out what do with my hair.
I've already made an appointment for a spanish curly weave before Trinidad Brotha gets back. He says to not get that done before he can see this hair I keep complaining about. He also suggested that maybe I should lock my hair. Now I have been giving some thought to that for quite a few years....actually since I first started going natural five years ago. I like being able to twist my hair but when I want it straight I can straighten it. I don't know if I can make the commitment to locs. I can see myself doing that after I get married but given that marriage is like some distant pie-in-the-sky thing I don't think locs are going to happen any time soon.
As much as I work on my outside I can't say there is much for me to work on, on the inside. I love me, inside and out. But I will say, no matter how much I improve on myself my addiction for movies will never die. And my man is accepting of my one obsession/compulsion/addiction so I guess it's all good.
I'm always open to suggestion because I am by no means perfect. So if you think there is something I need to work on externally or internally, let me know.
First I got a new job. Moved to a new city. Found a brand new apt. Got me a man (and he's so cute). And I have been working on my external self.
I now have gel nails even though I have been a die hard about keeping my fingers and toes natural. But UV gel nails do look natural, I have them cut short and they are a lot less harsh on my nail bed than acrylic nails.
I went to a spa a few weeks ago for a facial and waxing. I hadn't had that done since my girlfriend's wedding like 2 years ago. So I have made a mental note to myself to do a better job of taking care of my skin and going to get waxed regularly so it won't hurt like hell when I go.
I went on a semi-shopping spree with my mom when I got my first paycheck. I was trying to upgrade my wardrobe to look a little more professional and a lot more NYC. But that was kind of pointless because I could literally wear pajamas to work and no one would give a dayum. I work in sports and sit in front of a computer for 8+ hours....no need to look fashionable. But I do try to look nicer than normal at the weekly staff meeting.
Actually dating Trinidad Brotha has been a huge part of the new Mia. He has helped me to get over some of my rules and to seriously rethink my logic on dating and relationships. I can't say it has been easy. But it has been a learning experience for the both of us and we are growing and learning together.
The last thing to change was my hair. I was going through a braid phase when I left Georgia. Bad idea. Those braids ripped up my hair. As my stylist put it, my ends looked like they had been walked on. So I got my hair cut and colored. I love the color... I hate the cut. So I'm trying to figure out what do with my hair.
I've already made an appointment for a spanish curly weave before Trinidad Brotha gets back. He says to not get that done before he can see this hair I keep complaining about. He also suggested that maybe I should lock my hair. Now I have been giving some thought to that for quite a few years....actually since I first started going natural five years ago. I like being able to twist my hair but when I want it straight I can straighten it. I don't know if I can make the commitment to locs. I can see myself doing that after I get married but given that marriage is like some distant pie-in-the-sky thing I don't think locs are going to happen any time soon.
As much as I work on my outside I can't say there is much for me to work on, on the inside. I love me, inside and out. But I will say, no matter how much I improve on myself my addiction for movies will never die. And my man is accepting of my one obsession/compulsion/addiction so I guess it's all good.
I'm always open to suggestion because I am by no means perfect. So if you think there is something I need to work on externally or internally, let me know.
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
My Thoughtful Valentine
This was almost the best Valentine's Day ever. The only thing that would have made it better if my funny valentine was actually here :(
For Valentine's Day I bought Trinidad Brotha Alicia Keys Unplugged CD. That's the only woman he is allowed to love more than me ;) But his computer doesn't have a CD drive so I bought him a portable CD player and the batteries. And of course I put a card with a very heart felt message. Don't ask cause I'm not telling you what I wrote. That is a special and private, personal message for him. I FedEx-ed it to him in Italy and it arrived right on time. After he got in from a long day on the mountain, my present was waiting for him.
One day we were in Sams Club (one of his favorite stores) and I was randomly running my mouth like I usually do. I started searching Sams Club for Rosa Regale, my favorite sparkling wine, thanks to the advice of the cultured wino. And I mentioned that it goes well with strawberries and chocolate, as I also learned from the cultured wino.
Well his ass was actually listening and paying attention to my random ramblings. He went on the internet, found and researched my drink, (he researched it to make sure that it does actually go with chocolates and strawberries), had his boy deliver a bottle of it with Godiva chocolate covered strawberries to my job.
I wish I wasn't so busy that I could actually go home, take a long hot bubble bath and enjoy my chocolate covered strawberries and Rosa Regale as I watch a DVD. That would make for an almost perfect Valentine's evening. But instead I'll give my baby a wake-up call. Tell him how much I love him again and head to my momma's house to crash...but not for long, because tomorrow the rest of my makeover/transformation continues...more on that later.
For Valentine's Day I bought Trinidad Brotha Alicia Keys Unplugged CD. That's the only woman he is allowed to love more than me ;) But his computer doesn't have a CD drive so I bought him a portable CD player and the batteries. And of course I put a card with a very heart felt message. Don't ask cause I'm not telling you what I wrote. That is a special and private, personal message for him. I FedEx-ed it to him in Italy and it arrived right on time. After he got in from a long day on the mountain, my present was waiting for him.
One day we were in Sams Club (one of his favorite stores) and I was randomly running my mouth like I usually do. I started searching Sams Club for Rosa Regale, my favorite sparkling wine, thanks to the advice of the cultured wino. And I mentioned that it goes well with strawberries and chocolate, as I also learned from the cultured wino.
Well his ass was actually listening and paying attention to my random ramblings. He went on the internet, found and researched my drink, (he researched it to make sure that it does actually go with chocolates and strawberries), had his boy deliver a bottle of it with Godiva chocolate covered strawberries to my job.
I wish I wasn't so busy that I could actually go home, take a long hot bubble bath and enjoy my chocolate covered strawberries and Rosa Regale as I watch a DVD. That would make for an almost perfect Valentine's evening. But instead I'll give my baby a wake-up call. Tell him how much I love him again and head to my momma's house to crash...but not for long, because tomorrow the rest of my makeover/transformation continues...more on that later.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Breaking All the Rules
The fact that I am head over heels for Trinidad Brotha goes to show that rules are made to be broken. As my bloggers have always told me I need to loosen up on my rules and I have slightly and I am so glad that I did.
Rule #1 : Do not date another journalist
After my experience dating Hurricane I just didn't want to date another person in the industry because there is only like two degrees of separation in journalism so everyone knows everyone or knows someone who knows someone else.
Rule #2: Do not date a co-worker
Trinidad Brotha not only works for the same company but we work in the same department, Sports. It's cool now because we work in separate buildings and I don't foresee it being a problem when we move in to the new building next year.
Rule #3: Do not date another member of NABJ
This rule should be amended to don't date another high profile person in the organization. I can't hate on NABJ because I wouldn't have met Trinidad Brotha almost 5 years ago if it wasn't for an NABJ convention. I just don't want him to be overly scrutinized by people that knew me when I was with Hurricane. It has been three years and all parties involved have moved on.
Rule #4: Do not date someone younger than yourself.
Trinidad Brotha is three years younger than me and in some ways his youth is obvious but for the most part he is a hell of a lot mature than guys that I have dated that were older than myself. I mean he didn't get to where he is professionally by acting like he's in romper room. His youth is an advantage in that he is not as experienced or jaded as I am in terms of dating and relationships so he gives me a fresh perspective and has renewed my hope in dating and relationships.
Rule #5: Do not date guys with hair longer than yours.
This is a completely superficial rule but he has these long, soft, sexy locks that I love running my fingers threw. He takes extremely good care of his hair and I love how they smell.
Rule #6: Do not date guys from the Caribbean or Africa
It's a well known stereotype that Caribbean and African men can be domineering and have serious attitude issues. But Trinidad Brotha has just enough attitude to keep my New Jersey Drive in check.
In some ways Trinidad Brotha has showed me that some of my rules are just stupid. I was using them as a guideline but he has slipped under the radar and captured my heart.
Rule #1 : Do not date another journalist
After my experience dating Hurricane I just didn't want to date another person in the industry because there is only like two degrees of separation in journalism so everyone knows everyone or knows someone who knows someone else.
Rule #2: Do not date a co-worker
Trinidad Brotha not only works for the same company but we work in the same department, Sports. It's cool now because we work in separate buildings and I don't foresee it being a problem when we move in to the new building next year.
Rule #3: Do not date another member of NABJ
This rule should be amended to don't date another high profile person in the organization. I can't hate on NABJ because I wouldn't have met Trinidad Brotha almost 5 years ago if it wasn't for an NABJ convention. I just don't want him to be overly scrutinized by people that knew me when I was with Hurricane. It has been three years and all parties involved have moved on.
Rule #4: Do not date someone younger than yourself.
Trinidad Brotha is three years younger than me and in some ways his youth is obvious but for the most part he is a hell of a lot mature than guys that I have dated that were older than myself. I mean he didn't get to where he is professionally by acting like he's in romper room. His youth is an advantage in that he is not as experienced or jaded as I am in terms of dating and relationships so he gives me a fresh perspective and has renewed my hope in dating and relationships.
Rule #5: Do not date guys with hair longer than yours.
This is a completely superficial rule but he has these long, soft, sexy locks that I love running my fingers threw. He takes extremely good care of his hair and I love how they smell.
Rule #6: Do not date guys from the Caribbean or Africa
It's a well known stereotype that Caribbean and African men can be domineering and have serious attitude issues. But Trinidad Brotha has just enough attitude to keep my New Jersey Drive in check.
In some ways Trinidad Brotha has showed me that some of my rules are just stupid. I was using them as a guideline but he has slipped under the radar and captured my heart.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
First Snow
Silly of me to think that I could get through my first winter back up north and not have to deal with any snow.
It started to snow Saturday night but initially it did not stick to the ground. But by the time I got off of work at 3 a.m. Sunday morning the snow was coming down steadily and sticking.
So I woke up Sunday morning to a white, winter wonderland. Snow is okay if you don't have to shovel it, dig your car out of it or walk long distances in it. My older nephew was nice enough to walk down from his apartment to shovel the ground for my mom and clean off her car and mine. Mommy, being the great mom and grandmother that she is, rewarded him with some homemade chicken soup that she prepared as he was doing all that shoveling.
I had a spa appointment set for 10 a.m. I made the appointment days ago not knowing snow was in the forecast. I know it's winter and I usually don't shave but at the request of Trinidad Brotha I was gonna get the works...lower legs, underarms and brazilian bikini. And I have been so stressed lately that I was also going to treat myself to a facial. I have been working every day straight, no days off, since the Super Bowl because right after the SB, the Olympics started. So my life right now is work, go home, maybe watch a dvd and sleep, when I get up it's time to go to work again.
I tried calling the spa at 9:30 and 9:45 to see if they were going to be open...so I assumed they were not going to open when I did not get an answer and when they didn't call me back. But Trinidad Brotha was persistant...he called at 10:24 and told me to try calling them one more time. He said, "Baby, I don't mind hair down there but you need to get your underarms done." That's why I like him...gotta respect his honesty. To please him I did call the spa again...and dammit they were open. So at 10:30 I was out and trudging through the snow.
By no means was I prepared for the snow. I'm staying at Trinidad Brotha's apt and I didn't bring a lot of clothes with me. At one point I was leaving clothes at his house but we were having problems. I think dating each other and living with each other was getting to be too much so I returned to splitting my time between my mom's house and his place to avoid conflict. But today I was regretting that move. I had no boots...only my Timberland SNEAKERS...and I'm not even sure if I have boots at my mom's house or if they are in storage in Atlanta. I found a pair of his sweatpants to put on over my jeans so my jeans would not get soaking wet in the snow. I did have my big leather with fur lined jacket and the scarf and gloves my mother gave me when I moved back home since living in the south I was no longer properly prepared for facing the winter weather up north.
Luckily I only had to walk two blocks to get to the underground subway tunnel. I hopped on the train and 2 stops later I was at Central Park. People were in the park having snow ball fights, making snow angels, skiing...yes skiing, snowboarding and riding tobbagins. I had never seen people actually ski through the streets of New York so that was a sight to see.
I had to walk 4 blocks with the wind blowing the snow in my face. And I was mad when I got within one block of the spa and saw there were several subway lines I could have taken that were closer to the spa and I wouldn't have had to walk through the snow so much.
As a woman I still don't understand why we put ourselves through so much pain for the sake of beauty. I can handle getting my legs and underarms waxed but the brazilian bikini wax is torture from start to finish. My specialist Poline (pronounced Pauline) is Russian and she offered to shape my landing strip in the shape of a heart but I said no thanks, maybe next time. And facials are painful too...but only when they get to the deep pore cleaning portion of the treatment. So after all this pampering, if that's what you want to call it I had to face the wind and the snow again.
By the late afternoon the snow finally stopped but about 2 feet of the white stuff had accumulated on the ground. Walking is treacherous and tomorrow, when some of the snow freezes in to ice, it will be deadly. I might have to stop past Modell's on the way to work and pick up a pair of boots.
It started to snow Saturday night but initially it did not stick to the ground. But by the time I got off of work at 3 a.m. Sunday morning the snow was coming down steadily and sticking.
So I woke up Sunday morning to a white, winter wonderland. Snow is okay if you don't have to shovel it, dig your car out of it or walk long distances in it. My older nephew was nice enough to walk down from his apartment to shovel the ground for my mom and clean off her car and mine. Mommy, being the great mom and grandmother that she is, rewarded him with some homemade chicken soup that she prepared as he was doing all that shoveling.
I had a spa appointment set for 10 a.m. I made the appointment days ago not knowing snow was in the forecast. I know it's winter and I usually don't shave but at the request of Trinidad Brotha I was gonna get the works...lower legs, underarms and brazilian bikini. And I have been so stressed lately that I was also going to treat myself to a facial. I have been working every day straight, no days off, since the Super Bowl because right after the SB, the Olympics started. So my life right now is work, go home, maybe watch a dvd and sleep, when I get up it's time to go to work again.
I tried calling the spa at 9:30 and 9:45 to see if they were going to be open...so I assumed they were not going to open when I did not get an answer and when they didn't call me back. But Trinidad Brotha was persistant...he called at 10:24 and told me to try calling them one more time. He said, "Baby, I don't mind hair down there but you need to get your underarms done." That's why I like him...gotta respect his honesty. To please him I did call the spa again...and dammit they were open. So at 10:30 I was out and trudging through the snow.
By no means was I prepared for the snow. I'm staying at Trinidad Brotha's apt and I didn't bring a lot of clothes with me. At one point I was leaving clothes at his house but we were having problems. I think dating each other and living with each other was getting to be too much so I returned to splitting my time between my mom's house and his place to avoid conflict. But today I was regretting that move. I had no boots...only my Timberland SNEAKERS...and I'm not even sure if I have boots at my mom's house or if they are in storage in Atlanta. I found a pair of his sweatpants to put on over my jeans so my jeans would not get soaking wet in the snow. I did have my big leather with fur lined jacket and the scarf and gloves my mother gave me when I moved back home since living in the south I was no longer properly prepared for facing the winter weather up north.
Luckily I only had to walk two blocks to get to the underground subway tunnel. I hopped on the train and 2 stops later I was at Central Park. People were in the park having snow ball fights, making snow angels, skiing...yes skiing, snowboarding and riding tobbagins. I had never seen people actually ski through the streets of New York so that was a sight to see.
I had to walk 4 blocks with the wind blowing the snow in my face. And I was mad when I got within one block of the spa and saw there were several subway lines I could have taken that were closer to the spa and I wouldn't have had to walk through the snow so much.
As a woman I still don't understand why we put ourselves through so much pain for the sake of beauty. I can handle getting my legs and underarms waxed but the brazilian bikini wax is torture from start to finish. My specialist Poline (pronounced Pauline) is Russian and she offered to shape my landing strip in the shape of a heart but I said no thanks, maybe next time. And facials are painful too...but only when they get to the deep pore cleaning portion of the treatment. So after all this pampering, if that's what you want to call it I had to face the wind and the snow again.
By the late afternoon the snow finally stopped but about 2 feet of the white stuff had accumulated on the ground. Walking is treacherous and tomorrow, when some of the snow freezes in to ice, it will be deadly. I might have to stop past Modell's on the way to work and pick up a pair of boots.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Half-way there
Right now I'm "half-way there" on several things in my life.
I signed a lease today so I'm half-way not homeless. But I can't move in until March 10, at the earliest. I'll probably have the movers come on March 13. Shout out to Hurricane for giving the Mia Homeless Fund a loan. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad people can come to the rescue at the oddest times...just goes to show that good people some times make very bad decisions. I think Hurricane is still trying to redeem himself for how fucked up he was to me.
I've been dating the Trinidad Brotha so I'm half-way in a relationship. If his ass wasn't in Europe for the next five weeks we might have made it official. Now it's a matter of waiting and seeing. Will the five weeks hurt us or help us?
I say all this to say that I probably won't be settled in NYC until April or so. That's a damn shame that it's gonna take me 4 months to get settled here and even then I proably still won't be completely settled.
I signed a lease today so I'm half-way not homeless. But I can't move in until March 10, at the earliest. I'll probably have the movers come on March 13. Shout out to Hurricane for giving the Mia Homeless Fund a loan. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad people can come to the rescue at the oddest times...just goes to show that good people some times make very bad decisions. I think Hurricane is still trying to redeem himself for how fucked up he was to me.
I've been dating the Trinidad Brotha so I'm half-way in a relationship. If his ass wasn't in Europe for the next five weeks we might have made it official. Now it's a matter of waiting and seeing. Will the five weeks hurt us or help us?
I say all this to say that I probably won't be settled in NYC until April or so. That's a damn shame that it's gonna take me 4 months to get settled here and even then I proably still won't be completely settled.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Tax Season
It's that time of year...the dreaded tax season. Well tax season does not have to be a drag if you get the right person to handle it for you. So here is my plug for my Tax Man/accountant Shawn Miller.
As some of y'all may know Shawn and I have gone at it from time to time but personal differences aside the man is on point about tax preparation. When I had to pay taxes last year I knew it was time to seek professional help. It is February 2 and Shawn has already filed my taxes. He pays attention to detail and tries to get you as many deductions as you can possibly qualify for. He's even given me some tips and ideas for how to get ready for the 2006 tax season and start getting my paperwork in order now so I can have all the necessary receipts and documentation.
And the best part of all he only charges $89...that's right...$89. You will not find a better tax service that will give you the high quality work and attention for that cheap. So screw H&R Block...don't go to Jackson Hewitt...hit up Shawn Miller at Financial Freedom Tax Group and support black business.
As some of y'all may know Shawn and I have gone at it from time to time but personal differences aside the man is on point about tax preparation. When I had to pay taxes last year I knew it was time to seek professional help. It is February 2 and Shawn has already filed my taxes. He pays attention to detail and tries to get you as many deductions as you can possibly qualify for. He's even given me some tips and ideas for how to get ready for the 2006 tax season and start getting my paperwork in order now so I can have all the necessary receipts and documentation.
And the best part of all he only charges $89...that's right...$89. You will not find a better tax service that will give you the high quality work and attention for that cheap. So screw H&R Block...don't go to Jackson Hewitt...hit up Shawn Miller at Financial Freedom Tax Group and support black business.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Almost not homeless
So after waiting 12 days...almost 2 weeks...I finally get the good news. I was approved for the apartment I applied for and I will move in Monday March 13...maybe.
See there is still this ever so slight problem. I need to come up with $4,785 like yesterday in order to sign the lease. That's the broker's fee, security deposit and first month's rent. NYTD has still not given me my moving money and today my new tenant is supposed to pay her rent.
So I need everything to fall in to place ASAP so I can get all these certified checks and sign on the dotted line. I'm taking donations if anyone wants to contribute to the Mia Homeless Fund...help Mia get a home.
As far as why I have to wait another month to move in is my unit is in the process of being gutted and renovated. The unit will have brand new everything from hardwood floors to a new kitchen and bathroom. The reason I was interested in the place was because I knew it would be brand new and no one will have used the bathroom or any of the appliances before me. You can check Lenox Terrace out for yourselves. The place does actually look like the pictures. When I checked out the place I spent 2 hours at the complex. I looked at the model, I looked at the potential apts I could have gotten in their gutted form and I looked at units that were in the middle of renovation or just completed within the last week or two before I applied. I talked to the construction workers and the doorman so I got the complete 411 on the place. I even talked to a resident who is also a young, female, black professional and she had nothing but good things to say about the place.
Wish me luck in my endeavor to raise the funds. Something has got to come through. Maybe I should play the lottery today since I am feeling lucky :)
See there is still this ever so slight problem. I need to come up with $4,785 like yesterday in order to sign the lease. That's the broker's fee, security deposit and first month's rent. NYTD has still not given me my moving money and today my new tenant is supposed to pay her rent.
So I need everything to fall in to place ASAP so I can get all these certified checks and sign on the dotted line. I'm taking donations if anyone wants to contribute to the Mia Homeless Fund...help Mia get a home.
As far as why I have to wait another month to move in is my unit is in the process of being gutted and renovated. The unit will have brand new everything from hardwood floors to a new kitchen and bathroom. The reason I was interested in the place was because I knew it would be brand new and no one will have used the bathroom or any of the appliances before me. You can check Lenox Terrace out for yourselves. The place does actually look like the pictures. When I checked out the place I spent 2 hours at the complex. I looked at the model, I looked at the potential apts I could have gotten in their gutted form and I looked at units that were in the middle of renovation or just completed within the last week or two before I applied. I talked to the construction workers and the doorman so I got the complete 411 on the place. I even talked to a resident who is also a young, female, black professional and she had nothing but good things to say about the place.
Wish me luck in my endeavor to raise the funds. Something has got to come through. Maybe I should play the lottery today since I am feeling lucky :)
Friday, January 27, 2006
Only in New York City
Time for another edition of "Only in New York City...."
Only in New York City would the bus driver on your express in to the city get pulled over for almost taking a cop out.
Because I'm living at home in New Jersey I will take the 165 Express bus in to the city. But it is anything but an express ride. The schedule says it should take 30 minutes but it can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to get in to the city on the bus.
I normally catch the bus outside of the Hackensack police station where my Mom drops me off when she gets off of work. She thinks that is the "safest" stop because it's right by the cops. Well for some reason a cop car is always illgally parked outside the station and usually near the bus stop where the bus needs to pull in to pick up passengers. So once again a cop was parking illegally near the bus stop and the bus driver damn near took the cop and his car door off. It wasn't totally the bus driver's fault. But the cop calls all his cop buddies and there is a cop pow wow in front of the station. They hold up the bus and everyone on it and give the driver a ticket. So of course my express bus was even later than normal.
Only in New York City would Starbucks run out of the strawberry stuff for my strawberries and cream frappaccino.
As most of y'all know I'm not a coffee drinker. But there are two drinks I will get at Starbucks...a chai tea latte or strawberrry and cream frappaccino. Well I have been having a strawberry and cream frappaccino craving and every Starbucks I went to was out of the strawberry stuff so I had to order something else...but I still had the craving. I went to the Starbucks on 43rd and 9th...they were out...the Starbucks on 42nd and 8th...they were out...the Starbucks on 38th and 7th...they were out...I finally found my drink at the Starbucks on 39th and 8th.
Only in New York City would I be able to walk to four Starbucks in search of my Strawberries and Cream Frappaccino.
Yes I have become a Starbucks addict. And there are so many of them that I was able to purposely walk a route where I knew I would pass at least 3 of them. The fourth one turned out to be a charm. But just goes to show it's a damn shamw how many Starbucks are in NYC and what a craving will drive a person to do. I wonder if there are more Starbucks in NYC than there are in Seattle.
Only in New York City can someone charge $1275 for a 450 sq ft, 1 bedroom apartment.
My apartment hunt continues. I have put in an application at one place but as I wait for them to process my stuff (which it has officially been a week) I'm still looking at other places. When I call or email someone from Craig's List I always ask the square footage of the apartment because I'm not going to waste my time seeing an apt that I know will not even fit my bedroom set. So I responded to one ad and the guy wanted $1275 for a 450 sq ft, 1 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. I think he was charging so much because of the location. It's in a new building in an up and coming part of Brooklyn near a new Target and all kinds of shopping places. But I'm not going to pay that much to live in Brooklyn when I can pay the same amount for a bigger spot in Jersey City. Equal distance if you ask me....but not equal cost.
Tune in for the next edition of "Only in New York City..."
Only in New York City would the bus driver on your express in to the city get pulled over for almost taking a cop out.
Because I'm living at home in New Jersey I will take the 165 Express bus in to the city. But it is anything but an express ride. The schedule says it should take 30 minutes but it can take anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to get in to the city on the bus.
I normally catch the bus outside of the Hackensack police station where my Mom drops me off when she gets off of work. She thinks that is the "safest" stop because it's right by the cops. Well for some reason a cop car is always illgally parked outside the station and usually near the bus stop where the bus needs to pull in to pick up passengers. So once again a cop was parking illegally near the bus stop and the bus driver damn near took the cop and his car door off. It wasn't totally the bus driver's fault. But the cop calls all his cop buddies and there is a cop pow wow in front of the station. They hold up the bus and everyone on it and give the driver a ticket. So of course my express bus was even later than normal.
Only in New York City would Starbucks run out of the strawberry stuff for my strawberries and cream frappaccino.
As most of y'all know I'm not a coffee drinker. But there are two drinks I will get at Starbucks...a chai tea latte or strawberrry and cream frappaccino. Well I have been having a strawberry and cream frappaccino craving and every Starbucks I went to was out of the strawberry stuff so I had to order something else...but I still had the craving. I went to the Starbucks on 43rd and 9th...they were out...the Starbucks on 42nd and 8th...they were out...the Starbucks on 38th and 7th...they were out...I finally found my drink at the Starbucks on 39th and 8th.
Only in New York City would I be able to walk to four Starbucks in search of my Strawberries and Cream Frappaccino.
Yes I have become a Starbucks addict. And there are so many of them that I was able to purposely walk a route where I knew I would pass at least 3 of them. The fourth one turned out to be a charm. But just goes to show it's a damn shamw how many Starbucks are in NYC and what a craving will drive a person to do. I wonder if there are more Starbucks in NYC than there are in Seattle.
Only in New York City can someone charge $1275 for a 450 sq ft, 1 bedroom apartment.
My apartment hunt continues. I have put in an application at one place but as I wait for them to process my stuff (which it has officially been a week) I'm still looking at other places. When I call or email someone from Craig's List I always ask the square footage of the apartment because I'm not going to waste my time seeing an apt that I know will not even fit my bedroom set. So I responded to one ad and the guy wanted $1275 for a 450 sq ft, 1 bedroom apartment in Brooklyn. I think he was charging so much because of the location. It's in a new building in an up and coming part of Brooklyn near a new Target and all kinds of shopping places. But I'm not going to pay that much to live in Brooklyn when I can pay the same amount for a bigger spot in Jersey City. Equal distance if you ask me....but not equal cost.
Tune in for the next edition of "Only in New York City..."
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