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April 21, 2007

So simple then....

This really made me smile...

I may be romanticizing this time frame (yes, the 'good ole days" show my age), but can we go back to the days when a man could wear platforms, a jumpsuit and do high kicks, and no one questioned his sexuality? A singer can wear an ankle length skirt and keep her boobs covered, and still be sexy as hell? I am so missing Soul Train lines, and dancing, and seeing black people on TV who really seemed to like each other...

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April 17, 2007

Don Imus & Rap in the Crosshairs

*sighs*

I'm going to try to tackle this one briefly, but I just can't keep ignoring this.

I don't care to comment on Dom Imus' comments, the response, his firing, etc. It's been overexposed, and as of today, it's a done deal. He was wrong, and he's suffered the consequences. My problem was never the word, but the feelings & emotions underlying it, and the fact that he felt as empowered to use that word, as Michael Richards did using the *N* words. Moving on...

What is this other deep-fried madness surrounding this issue? It's the rapper's fault? Are you f*cking kidding me?

Don't get me wrong - I have my own issues with the current state of hip hop. And I do understand that in lieu of our parents and our community raising and nurturing our children, the streets, the music and the sub-culture(s) are having their way with them, no doubt.

But you cannot convince me that Don Imus listened to Mims, and suddenly felt like he could use that phrase, and feel empowered doing it. GTFOHWTBS.

racial fundamentalismm:: as I alluded to before, was introduced to me by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson on his show, when discussing the Banning of the N-word as a result of the Michael Richards incident. The idea, is that we (black people, collectively) have/are allowed one fundamental "right" viewpoint, that we're supposed to adopt, support, and promote when it comes to the issues of race in this society - or face questions aboout race loyalty, and the desire for the betterment of our people. We should ALL want to ban the use of the *N* word. We should ALL want to ban the use of the *B* or *H* word. Yeah, right. The idea inhibits healthy debate of the issues that hit closest to home, and prevents creating viable solutions as a result of the forgone discussions.

I've heard Rev. Al Sharpton, Stanley Crouch, Steve Harvey, Rev. Jesse Jackson, NY Post columnist Michelle Malkins, Kansas City Star columnist Jason Whitlock, Bryan Monroe of the National Association of Black Journalists and Carol Swain of Vanderbilt University recently speak on the controversy, blaming the rappers for their derogatory language and creating an environment or culture that basically empowered/allowed the Imus incident to occur.

Again, GTFOHWTBS.

Can I go in a meeting, and tell my boss, that the spic faggot*** that is testing my application is a lazy beaner a$$hole***, and that if it weren't for my subscription to digital cable and the Comedy Channel or Sirius Radio I wouldn't feel like I could use that language? Right.

Don Imus knew better, just like Michael Richards knew better. But I don't even care to address the overall culture (at a societal level, outside the black community) that empowers anyone to say such things about people of color. My focus is on rap, and these "crosshairs' it appears to be in.

When Essence started Take Back the Music, and when Ebony ran articles also charging the industry to become more responsible, where was the punditry? When Spelman was protesting Nelly's appearance because of Tip Drill, despite the charitable nature of the event, where was the punditry. Right.

We need to clean up our act, not by banning words or blaming whomever. We need to educate and enlighten the musicians to make them want to become more creative, and lteach them the power and influence their words hold.

A a lover of un-censored hip hop and a proponent of creative empowerment, I have to play Devil's Advocate. Sure, go give Mims a hug, talk directly to Snoop, teach the brethren that the ripple the words are to them can/has caused a tidal wave. But do it because our community needs it, not to get a byline or press. And not to provide justification for Imus' behavior. Do it because that's the right thing to do, not because it's becoming popular to do so. Teach the listeners to demand more creativity, and less derogatory references to women. Demand that the entire industry (not just artists) portray women in a more responsible manner. And like Mapplethorpe's Piss Christ, let the viewer of the work, the audience, decide whether/not it has merit.

***ETA: I HATE that kind of language, but it was added to illustrate a satirical point. It truly wasn't meant to be offensive.

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the Angry Black Woman, revisited?

If you're unfamiliar with what an Angry Black Woman is (or what she's perceived to be) you can read one characterization here: The Angry Black Woman

And my original response here: The Myth of the Angry Black Woman

Caught up? Already familiar? Good, let's move along.

I'll put it up-front - I'm not changing my stance, but I have a newfound understanding of this whole thing.

what happened?:: I spent some time with some black women. Online time, offline time, work time, school time, play time. No formal polls, no surveys, no solicited responses. I just listened for a while, to these women directly, as well as indirectly - by talking to my homeboys about their relationships, etc.

Guess what?

We can be f*cking brutal.

Not brutal in the sense of intentional cruelty - which is why I have such a problem with most men's articulation of the ABW syndrome. Most of the men I come across that speak publicly on the subject tend to lump ABW's in with the Romans, sending the Black Man into the Lion's Den. I mean brutal in the sense that Black women can be impossible to be around. Seriously. An example: one of my homeboys, a relatively innocent homeboy, got laid out by his girlfriend for an inappropriate relationship with a coworker. Laid out, publicly - neck rolling, loud voiced, cursing him out in front of his people laid out , ya feel me? Turns out this homeboy was completely innocent. Do you think that got him off the hook, though? No, his girl never truly apologized - her reasoning was that if he'd never put himself in the situation to be accused, she wouldn't have accused him. What the f*ck?!!!

Alright, I'm rambling. Let me give you some other examples.

getting ethnic:: BTW, that's a Jennifer Lewis line from a movie, but I'll be damned if I can remember which one (homegirl works her a$$ off). But here's the stereotype: it's the whole, eye & neck rolling, attitudinal, verbal dissection of an individual who is perceived to be wrong. Think Gabrielle Union in Deliver Us from Eva as well as Vivica Fox in Two Can Play That Game. The perception is that if you cross an ABW, there will be hell to pay.

The reality is that if you cross an ABW, there will be hell to pay. I've observed sisters, demure, well-intentioned sisters, blow the proverbial gasket, when they got pissed off. Over the slightest infraction. Dressing on the salad, instead of the side - they want to talk to the franchise founder. Negative feedback from their boss at work, they want to get physical with the boss (or let their brother handle it). Meeting goes off the agenda, or someone raises an issue that involves them, and they take it as a personal attack. Someone cuts them off in traffic, they want to run a *B* ova (oops, that would be me...).

And don't let a brother approach them talking out of the side of his neck - he will straight get sliced. I know. I've done it.

the Competition Continues:: between all women, and between black women in particular. I took an undergrad class a while back, "African-American Male/Female Relationships". One of the topics we tackled was the hyper-competition amongst all women, and black women in particular. In theory, our over-sexualized society objectifies us (women). In order to carve out our own identities (and to attract a suitable male), particularly as black women, we tend to become highly competitive(consciously/sub-consciously). This can/is expressed in many forms - a whole lot of which you can see when you turn on the TV. Think Rosie fighting Elizabeth on The View as well as Krystle and Alexis .

In reality, how often do you hear black women say "I don't have many female friends". Waaaay too often. I say it myself, sometimes proudly. But there's something inherently wrong with that. The hypocrisy, the phoniness, the back-biting, the crabs-in-a-barrel mentality, the "I'll take your man", the ultimately "mmph, giiirll"-ness of black women can be a whole lot to swallow.

Why are we so judgemental? Why are we so self-righteous? Why do we engage in 'racial fundamentalism' (thank you, Dr. Dyson for familiarizing me with that term)? Collectivism in and of itself isn't a bad thing. But we (ABW's) use it to not only instill strict moral values on ourselves and our collective community, but also as the barometer to which we measure our own, and each other's self worth. And we aren't all designed to measure up.

An example: I have another homeboy whose wife shares the same profession. Same credentials. Same education (even the same school). Same position at different organizations. Similar money. Similar background, traditional gender roles in a close-knit family. Problem is, wifey isn't having that - and she lets him know every chance she gets. She won't be the stay-at-home mom. Okay. She ain't cooking everyday. Okay. She has no interest in cleaning house after a long hard day at work. Fine. All those things can be managed as a couple, without impacting her career or their marriage. But homeboy is TRADITIONAL, as was she until she started making the $$$. They agreed on the life they wanted before her career, and now her career is impeding their ability to achieve that life. But he loves her, and supports her career. The line doesn't get drawn in the sand with her stances. The line gets drawn at her attitude. They're both pounding the corporate pavement, so how is it that he can leave that type A dude at work, but she can't? And if she can't - how long do you think homeboy will endure being the brunt of it when she gets home? She's demanding, and he...he's thinking about greener pastures. He simply doesn' t have any desire to compete with her in their own house.

thePerspective:: to give all this perspective, the thing is, given a choice - I don't know that I would date a black woman. I know some decent ones, some pretty ones, some fly ones, some down-to-earth ones. I gotta be honest - you don't actually want me to pay to get beat the f*ck up on a date, do you? And that's the barometer (real or perceived) from which some men (in general), and some black men (in particular) are operating. They just want to live, man - and to live/breathe/thrive without a whole bunch of drama.

I can understand that. Yes, I am one of them SBW's (strong black women) that happens to occasionally be an ABW. And yes, I tend to run on all 8 cylinders all the time (see the Cult of Type A post). And yes, it's hard as hell to go from 60mph (or 80mph) to 0 in 0.00000025 seconds. So, yes I am aggressive and yes, it is hard to switch. But that doesn't necessarily mean that any brother will stick around while I struggle to put on the brakes. And yes, that means when a brother says to me "I'mma need you to put away ya dyck...and ya balls" that along with giggling (that shyt still kills me it caught me so off-guard) I may not get offended, because I know exactly what he means.

I'm not saying the characterization (or caricature) of the ABW/Sapphire is correct. I'm just saying that I do get some of it. And on a personal level, I'm making the SBW and the need to be an ABW, less of a priority.


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April 16, 2007

Right-brained vs. Left-brained

I like to think that I'm as analytical as creative, but I guess not. You tell me...

You Are 40% Left Brained, 60% Right Brained
The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.
Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.
If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.
Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.
Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.
If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.
Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.
Are You Right or Left Brained?

To da left, to da left...ok, that was SO lame I can't even continue. Nix the creative side...lol.

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April 15, 2007

cult of type A personality

Warning: this post is rated M for Mature, and may contain strong sexual content and drug references. Viewers please be advised.

stress.gif I'm beginning to understand why some Type A personalities smoke rocks...are sex addicts...or use prescription drugs....

So, I'm task-n-context switching from work (and its associated set of stressors) to head to class (a whole different set of stressors) after a long day. Starting with a mild road rage incident (yes, I was the agressor), my being trapped in a parking space by a N. Fultonite who happens to be a Georgia Tech Grad (which is only slightly less maddening than being trapped by a UGA Grad), typical corporate politricks involving brown-nosing, back-stabbing, finger-pointing, blame-laying and the shuffling or work to maneuver positions, etc, etc, ad nauseum. You know the routine. But I have to get to class, and I need to focus on the way.

So, I get in the car and call Sadat X to assist me in the switch - and as he picks up, I have an epiphany:


me: "I could really use some a$$"
Sadat X, without missing a beat: "yo, um... I gotta girl - so I really can't help you with that."
me: "Don't flatter yourself. No, I mean like I really could use some a$$..." And I detailed what I meant....

theJumpOff:: I needed a jump off. We women really get upset with men when they talk about this. Some random, commitment-free head under the desk. Sneaking a random nut in a bathroom stall. An episode against the wall of a (hopefully) empty stairwell. A full blown round in the car. Getting some a$$/head in an incredibly open and public place, maybe with people watching. You get the idea.

me, literally: "I'm beginning to understand why some Type A personalities smoke rocks...or use prescription drugs...."
Sadat X: "ok, yeah - get some a$$ - please"

Do you remember Type A personalities depicted in movies set in the 80's? Less than Zero, with its ridiculously excessive drugginess? Gordon Gekko and Bud Fox's extreme lifestyle? American Psycho's doing poppers and cocaine use? Well, my workplace isn't nearly at that $ level, but I know of quite a few coworkers with, er, some issues with some substances. And I've always thought that the reason was an overwhelming desire for that "rush".

(Aside: if you didn't know, the administrative asisstants tend to always know where the bodies are buried. On Secretaries Day, you should take one out to lunch and allow her to vent.)

But back to my epiphany - I figured out that their drug use was to help that context-switch. A lil weed to mellow me out. Uppers to get me up in the morning, and downers to allow me to sleep at night. Designer crack, maybe? Some Xanax, Zoloft or Paxil? A jump-off.

Yeah, it was at this point in my argument that Sadat began to think some random a$$ was a really good idea.

I'm not about to go off on designer drug tangent-land (have you heard that Crack is da bidness in some circles? can you say hell-to-the-no?). But damnit, I could stand to have an emergency d*ck mounted somewhere in my car, in the break glass case. Am I wrong for wanting to, er - handle some things at work - to release some pressure?

theKoolAid:: I've tried hard for the last few years at theGig, to not drink the Kool Aid. To not buy into the hive mindset, to not exhibit that excessively indulgent, superior behavior, and to resist the trappings and privileges that working at theGig and making thatAmountofMoney can afford. But an occasional pssssssshhhh from the pressure cooker that is my life can't be a bad thing, can it?

Or can it? I sorta feel myself sliiiiiiiidin closer and closer to that Type A guy. Constantly pissed off for no reason. Fighting more and more aggressively to get to the next level of their career, sacrificing first his own needs, then that of his family and friends, to ensure career "success". Employing whatever means/methods are necessary to continue achieving. Then (ultimately) sliding towards negative behaviors to make things happen. No, I won't give in to the "maintenance man" thing again, since I KNOW that's not what I want. Or crack, or pills, or self-indulgence. But it is a fight, let me tell you.

Sometimes I quite *literally* hear Pink Floyd singing: "We dont need no education. We don't need no thought control..."

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April 09, 2007

I Love Baton Bob

ecl-baton bob.jpgYes, I do love Baton Bob (click the pic for more information). For those of you not familiar, Bob Jamerson is an Atlanta legend (previously a St. Louis legend), a seasoned floral designer, and the talk of many an internet legend, and just f*cking fierce. He is the "Ambassador of Mirth", and began twirling his baton as a response to the depression/recession following 9/11, as a way to spread joy to his fellow STLiens, then later to his fellow ATLiens. I first learned of Baton Bob from (of course) an email foward, and have since seen him featured in the AJC.

why you ask? why do I love him? did'ja read the previous post? Bob brings joy - is another reason necessary? What other reason is there? No, I don't know Bob. No, I never met Bob. But I've seen Bob from afar, and admired him as others around me poked fun at him. I challenged my friends with his "mirth" telling them that he's making himself happy, and I can't be mad at him for that. My reply to the email forwards: "Bob's handling his joy. How's your joy doing today?"

slightly offtopic:: This is related, but has nothing whatsoever to do with Baton Bob's sexuality. I know a lot of men, particularly black men always ask women why they have gay friends. I have a theory. Women (particularly black women) are ridiculously catty and judgemental towards each other, because women are so dayum competitive. To make a sweeping generality, their identities sometimes tend towards being relative to where their point of reference is. i.e. I'm cute because I'm cuter than ___. I'm smart, because I'm smarter than ___. I'm worthy because I'm worthier than ___.

Gay men don't have that hang up. Their identities (methinks) are carved from their self-valuation. They don't have that reference point, because their "coming out" tends to rip it from them. As a sweeping generality, gay men (despite their penchant for snarkiness) tend to come from a place of love, even when they criticize...not from trying to "outdo" women. So if they say "girl, you need to retire that dress, it is too small for yo big a$$ and about 5 seasons ago", it's not because they want to wear it. It's because they want you to do better. I've had black women say the same thing, and then try to put the dress on in the next 5 minutes, m'kay? Gay men offer a (relatively) unconditional acceptance that women (particularly black women) just don't always have in them.

But back to Bob:: I love that he's coming from a place of love, to bring joy to those willing to accept it, in the fashion that he can, with the tools/skills he has access to. Let me repeat - to those willing to accept it. Say it with me now - Acceptance. Bring Joy - and Accept Who You Are, Unconditionally. And accept who others are, unconditionally. When I grow up, I want to be that dayum free.

disclaimer:: Again, I don't know Bob personally, have never met him, and am not trying to make any statements about him or his sexuallity. I don't know what his preference is, and don't care. I just dig what he does, and my correlation between that and my gay homeboys is only to illustrate the marching to your own drum, and accepting yourself point. Anything else that you assume from this is on you...

p.s. I also love that he has a beautiful set of gams....I need to be out there marching and twirling with him ;-)

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April 08, 2007

I Just DGF

DGF.jpg DGF = Don't Give a F*ck. Or Flying F*ck, really. And I really don't, and I honestly don't think that's necessarily a bad thing. Let me 'splain.

theSpark:: One of my homeboys and I got into a heated discussion recently, about this very blog. There are some things written here about him, while very true, may not be 100% flattering. Accurate, but not always nice. Not always unflattering either, but that's no consolation for him. He's not happy about me just "putting it all out there", and frankly when I tried to 'splain to him why I did it, we had to agree to disagree. He doesn't "get it".

theCrux:: of the matter is whether we (as individuals) care what other people think. He does. I don't. Don't get me wrong - I do have an approval button. I do have some strong ideas about decorum, etiquette, manners, and doing the "right" thing. But that button is driven by what I think, what I care about, and my integrity. I do GF about being true to myself. I push it to please me, not to please others. Not anymore.

I *used* to have an almost overwhelming need for approval. A lot of my life was driven by trying to earn approval from others. Trying to get them to like me. Trying to win their favor. Sometimes it worked. But in one life-changing case, it failed so miserably that it taught me a whole lot about self-validation and self-love. And to look inward for approval. And it erased my regret and shame hard drive, so that I typically don't have an external barometer for my behavior. If I embarass myself, it's because I did something that shocked me, not someone else. Hence me pushing that button. I do have common sense, but...

IJustDGF:: what other people think, feel, say, repeat, gossip, discuss, etc. about my actions or me as a person. 'Specially DGF about the opinions of people I don't know. People will gossip regardless of what I do. Well, for the most part I DGF. I'll give in to the occasional self-doubt, but end up kicking myself back into DGF mode: "da hell are you thinking - snap out of it!"

I know my coworkers consider me a maverick - I don't seek out their social circles, but don't consciously avoid them either. I have fun when we're out, but don't nurture social relationships at work. They think I'm "anti-social". I'm not. Just indifferent. I JustDGF to 'socially network' in that environment, with people I DGF about. Bleh. School - now that's another matter entirely. But for both - I do what I gotta do, and only if it serves me. I could give a f*ck about what anyone else thinks. Honestly.

And as far as you, kind readers - I do care whether/not you read, return. But not enough to cater solely to what you want me to write about. I care more about the truth that I need to tell, than boosting readership. Trife, maybe - but it is what it is. Please, send me ideas - no doubt. I appreciate that, 'specially in the writer's slump I've been in lately. Just know that I'm a narcissistic blogger.

theArrogantBytch:: that may be a problem, though. It comes off really ARROGANT and self-centered. Arrogant in all caps. Like "I DON'T GIVE A F*CK WHAT ANYONE THINKS!!!", when it's really more like "eh - who cares?" But I ran into another old friend yesterday, and she said "yanno, you've changed. You are way more arrogant than you were when we met...." And that was never my intent, yanno? So I'll take it down a notch. I'm non-plussed, not anti. I just don't understand why people put so much emphasis on impressing the world at large.

jamerson.jpgImpress yourself, yanno? Wear blue hair, and legwarmers with no panties, and fake eyelashes, and shave your balls. Twirl your own baton and march to the beat of your own drum. Pierce random parts of your body, get breast implants and dance like an a$$ in the middle of the floor, by yourself - if that's what makes you happy! Just f*cking do it.

At the end of the day, who tucks you in at night, and makes sure you feel safe? Who pays your house note and car note? Whose a$$ will be hurting if you slip and fall and bust it? If you're giving an important presentation and forget a word, whose *bad* will it be? Yours and yours alone. Mine and mine alone. So why GF what other people think of your f*ckups or achievements? Your happiness is yours to create and yours alone - so we'd all do well to stop giving a f*ck what people think, and snatch that happiness outta thin air every chance we get.

theBalance:: or what I do GF about. I have a close circle of friends that hold me down, like my family. I have my kids. I have a few good men, who may try to get at me, once they understand that if they hang in there long enough - I will GF about them, and that me GF about them is the best investment they'll ever make in their llife. And that's the most I GF about.

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Girl Power!

bottega_veneta.jpg my latest obsession: the dress!

I love that the designers, fashion magazines and buyers have embraced the re-emergence of the dress as RTW and wear-to-work. Nothing says hot shyt to me, than to put on a something that accentuates my curves, and go to work ready to kick some a$$!

I mean, yeah - we can all wear khakis and button-downs. But in a room full of power suits, a woman who is unafraid of her own sexuality, her cleavage, her curves - and can still manage to look sexy and professional while kicking a$$ and taking names is that bytch, mkay?

This Bottega Veneta is my one of my spring faves. From the portrait collar, to the cleavage-hugging top, to the full and graceful skirt, And the color - I am having a love affair with nudes this year, from buff to eggshell, to brimstone and all the buttery neutrals in between. Give me an ecru dress, a python print bag to match, and some blush rose patent leather peep toe shoes, and I'm in absolute heaven from now through September.

There's more dresses and spring looks in my Style.com lookbook. If you find more interesting looks, holla back.

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April 06, 2007

Grey's Diagnosis

greys3_damico.jpg


I must admit that Grey's Anatomy is one of my few indulgences. There's no better way to de-stress from a hectic schedule, than a good dose of Grey's (alongside some Grey Goose, but I digress...).

And yes, Callie is my favorite character, as a delicate balance between strong and adventurous, yet still passionate and empathetic. And a smidge needy, despite her obvious "I-don't-give-a-shyt-what-you-think" exterior.

She's like the Lady Justice balancing the scales between Grey's uber-sensitive "I-have-to-have-a-man-in-my-life-to-validate-me" wishy-washy-ness, and Yang's "I-don't-need-anyone-'cause-I-really-don't-like-anyone" cool bitchiness.

And I think she's way prettier than the other characters, even smile-less. That doesn't sound like anyone you know, does it?

Just glancing at the characters, I knew who I was most like, but I took the quiz anyway just to confirm. And the results are:


You're Callie.

You are very direct and sometimes that is a bit much for people to handle, but you just call it like you see it. Life's too short not to be lived to the fullest, and if that scares some people, then who needs them? You're an all-or-nothing person, so people who can't commit have no place in your life. You deserve someone who loves and lives just as hard as you do.

Nope, nothing like me at all, right? {-_-}

But um, er, uh - how scary is it that her character's dating ad sounds a whole LOT like mine? And it reads kinda desperate, so uh.....let me go handle something real quick...
*logs off to delete dating ads*

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April 05, 2007

Characters, welcome...




The pics, courtesy of Big Baby Jesus (click on the pic for more). No seriously, that's what he calls himself. He's a preacher, spreading the word....in busted open Nike Airs, a cape, and a headfull of nappy hair drawn up in several nappy-tails.



"Imitating me is like imating Jesus!" Reh Dogg, you have been warned

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April 03, 2007

NYC Trip 4/2007

Ok, so I'm back from NY again, and some random thoughts:

why the foot pics:: I have a serious shoe fetish, and this is my latest acquisition. And despite my Jimmy Choo taste, I'm on a Nine West budget - hence the Bandolino's you see picture. $34.99 no less - sweet!

why NYC:: hm, try uniqlo's explorer, real ethnic food cooked by people that are actually from the region they're claiming to cook, H and M (yes, I LOVE cheap, trendy clothes that I can toss with no qualms when it's played out), drivers who know what the hell they're doing (WTF is Sunshine Slowdown, and whycome only ATLiens suffer from this?), music released within the last 12 months - from the other 47 states of the union (other than Georgia, Mississippi and Alabama), the shopping in Chinatown and Flatbush Ext, Junior's Cheesecake, bars and clubs that stay open past 12, etc...etc...ad infinitum.

But beyond superficial stuff, it's the people. People who are non-plussed if my hair is lime green and violet, and I wear legwarmers and no panties. People who drop the *f* bomb like it's nothing, and let me know up-front how they feel about me (so I know exactly where I stand). Men who ain't scared to approach me. Women who keep it real and tell me exactly how they feel. To my face. And not to our mutual friends, hoping it'll get back to me. Atlanta is aight, but frankly I'm completely over the South. Completely.

why NYC repeatedly:: yes, if I could afford to, I'd move in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I'd have to give up my fat a$$ crib to do it, and that ain't happenin'. So I'm indulging my lust for everything NY-related with the occasional weekender. For now at least...

why my phone-MP3 player is disturbing my coworkers:: everytime I go to NY, I come back with a new list of songs on repeat, that don't get radio play here. Even if it's only a few songs and even if those songs are old, I gotta have them on my phone instantly:



Oh, and yeah - I got all of those songs as the most ridiculously hip-hop ringtones ever, thanks to ej and Dexster. Even as a 40-yr-old, I refuse to give up my hip-hop card.

Oh and the rest? I'll try to upload pics later - right now my camera is taking a dirt nap -> f*cker. If anyone knows how to unfreeze the lens on a digital camera, holla....

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