It's been a long time. I shouldn't have left you with out a dope blog to follow to.. follow to.. OK. So, I'm not Timberland. But you get the point. It's been a while and so much as happened. First, I went to a comedy club called Ha! in Time Square with my two friends from da crib, Angel and Shayla. We were walking around Time Square like tourists when a promoter asked if we wanted to see a comedy show for 10.00 each. We paid our money and were instructed to go down the stairs. At the base of the stars, we were greeted by two people who instructed us to go around back. You couldn't hear anything....nothing, not people, laughter, or rats socializing. It seemed like we were the only ones there for "the show". My first thought was that a bum conned us out of our $30 and probably sold us for a grocery cart. Our buyer would probably kidnap and turn us into comedy slaves (Only tips would by back our freedom). Now I'm not the funniest person, but I am the corniest!! My jokes would have gone something like...Your mom is so stupid that when I answered her question, Do you live in Manhattan, with a nod (indicating yes) and reply "NOHO", she slaps me and said What...ho? (NOHO = South Of Houston Street). See? I would have been stuck there forever! Just when I was about to panic, we enter a room filled with people. Ha! It does exist. The show was hilarious with a variety of comedies, who interacted with the audience. It lasted for 90mins and the nachos were awesome. Definitely worth more than $10. I will definitely go back. However, it is not meant for the political correct.
On Wednesday, Marcia and I moved into our apartment. Besides the pit falls (my feet missing carpeted floors; management's bank, New York City bank trying to collect 3600 for a check made out for $200 3x), our place is great!! Can't speak much for management, but the community, the apartment and the people are amazing. I love it! So spacious and quiet. I am so happy to have all of my things unpacked and assembled. I no longer feel like I'm on an extended vacation. I finally feel settled. After waiting all day for three days for items to be delivered and put together, and services connected, settled, is the best feeling.
Today, Michole came over to see our place. She gave her stamp of approval. We to have a bite to eat at the 24hr diner across the street. Mind you, it had just rained and I had on a skirt and flip flops. As we near the sidewalk, I slip hard. No. My life did not flash before my eyes, but a vision of me falling on the wet New York sidewalk, mixed with rain and dogs', bums', and drunkards' urine, I quickly react. I guess I still have "it" because i somehow maneuver my body so that I fall in a plank position. Only my toes and fingers tips touched the ground. I have to give my Pilate's instructor, Kristae. I haven't tripped and actually fell since senior of high school, when my foot got caught in my throw back bell bottom jeans. Corny a bit blond is more me, NOT clumsy. I wasn't concerned that my TUSH was in the air for all to see; that my thumb was bleeding profusely nor was I embarrassed by the fall. I was just so relieved that my body and clothes did not touch any part of that side walk. Dogs literally cop a squat to perform #1 AND #2 on these sidewalks. And trust they aren't the only ones!!! My dog, Picabo, would not even walk bare foot on these side walks. After I cleaned off, stopped the bleeding and myself from passing out, I enjoyed my french toast and the company of a great friends. This week, overall, has been all goo in the hood. LOL.
(Sorry, bed time. Will proof read tomorrow. Sorry,)
Monday, July 26, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Skake The Crutches Off!
Congratulations! You took that leap of faith with the intent to land on your chosen path, motivated to reach the finish line of success. However, when you jumped did you land on one foot or two? Leaping without blinders, restricting your rear and side vision, you may land, but hard on a weak angle. Now impaired, you have a crutch of fear under one arm and a crutch of excuses under the other.
A journey on crutches is exhausting. When fatigued, maintaining motivation, vision, and perseverance are extremely difficult. Before long you're staggering and accidentally veer left onto a complacent and limited trail, with the finish line no where in sight.
What's the point of jumping if you don't land on your feet. Forget the haters! Shake the the crutches off, and replace them with blinders. So, your eyes can stay fixed on the prize.
I may be in midtown, but I'm doing the Harlem shake, baby. Today, tomorrow and the day after that, I got my blinders and I'm wearing them all the way to the finish line. Jay Z started that geek glasses trend. Join me in starting ours. Today is a great day!
Special thanks to Cathy and Marcia.
A journey on crutches is exhausting. When fatigued, maintaining motivation, vision, and perseverance are extremely difficult. Before long you're staggering and accidentally veer left onto a complacent and limited trail, with the finish line no where in sight.
What's the point of jumping if you don't land on your feet. Forget the haters! Shake the the crutches off, and replace them with blinders. So, your eyes can stay fixed on the prize.
I may be in midtown, but I'm doing the Harlem shake, baby. Today, tomorrow and the day after that, I got my blinders and I'm wearing them all the way to the finish line. Jay Z started that geek glasses trend. Join me in starting ours. Today is a great day!
Special thanks to Cathy and Marcia.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
The Cure For Peter Michael Smith
Just as I was about to write, "Its unusually quiet", I hear the 3 second taxi horn. New York surprises you sometimes with brief moments of calmness. I presume even Gotham , the city that never sleeps, needs a moment to exhale.
Aunt Flo is like a Mother-in-Law. Some get sick when she visits and others get sensitive. Well, I get the latter (not as optimist), which means Flo is near, like on 60th and 7th Ave, honking the whole way. A couple of hours ago, I NEEDED that Gotham type exhale, but Auntie Flo would not take her hand off the dang horn for me to catch a breath.
THE PERFECT TIMING OF A FRIEND:
1. At that very instant, I got a facebook notification informing me that Anshuman's (HS friend) girlfriend, Ana, accepted my friendship. With my friend request, I gave her props on her choice of music, Sounds of Blackness. Almost immediately, I received another FB notification: wall post. It read, "Hold On!! Change is Coming." The timing could not have been more perfect. My response was similar to that of my cousin witnessing the freedom of Willie. I wanted to belt out the lyrics, but I sing slightly better than Heidi Pratt. So, I went to the bathroom and started to hum, "Here's my secret, when I wanna cry, I take a look around and I see that I'm getting by and I hold on. A change is coming. Hold on. Don't worry about a thang."
Flo backs off the horn, but an hour after as I contemplate about things....hoooooonnnkkk. Ole Aunt Flo must have seen Ronnie Harris' video and started taking her Re-new You vitamins, because I promise she was already on 33rd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufx1PRwRV5U&feature=youtube_gdata
2. Ring, ring. I quickly answer my cell because Marcia is sleep. "Hey girl!" It's Michole, one of my best friends from college. I was so glad to hear her voice. She called to share a funny story. Usually, I would have been like "Oh no!" She's like me in that respect (and a little like Marcia), thinking we're funny, but in actuality, we're the only ones amused (Eventually, we get laughs. They may be laughing at us, amused we're cracking up, but laughs none the less)! However, Michole's story was hilarious. I laughed so hard, completely drowned out Aunt Flo's annoying horn. (When I tried to hide from one friend, HE sent two others, one for each ear). For the next 3.5 minutes, we enjoyed the sound of our laughter.
Did I just find the cure for Flo's brother, Pete Michael Smith?
As I smile writing this, I realize the real horns actually stopped! Another Gotham exhale this soon?. It's been almost a month and Marcia and I only witnessed one. The only noise are my fingers clicking against the keyboard and the air condition. I stop typing and enjoy.
It's been 45mins and still silent. Amazing! New York may not sleep , but does it naps?
Aunt Flo is like a Mother-in-Law. Some get sick when she visits and others get sensitive. Well, I get the latter (not as optimist), which means Flo is near, like on 60th and 7th Ave, honking the whole way. A couple of hours ago, I NEEDED that Gotham type exhale, but Auntie Flo would not take her hand off the dang horn for me to catch a breath.
THE PERFECT TIMING OF A FRIEND:
1. At that very instant, I got a facebook notification informing me that Anshuman's (HS friend) girlfriend, Ana, accepted my friendship. With my friend request, I gave her props on her choice of music, Sounds of Blackness. Almost immediately, I received another FB notification: wall post. It read, "Hold On!! Change is Coming." The timing could not have been more perfect. My response was similar to that of my cousin witnessing the freedom of Willie. I wanted to belt out the lyrics, but I sing slightly better than Heidi Pratt. So, I went to the bathroom and started to hum, "Here's my secret, when I wanna cry, I take a look around and I see that I'm getting by and I hold on. A change is coming. Hold on. Don't worry about a thang."
Flo backs off the horn, but an hour after as I contemplate about things....hoooooonnnkkk. Ole Aunt Flo must have seen Ronnie Harris' video and started taking her Re-new You vitamins, because I promise she was already on 33rd.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufx1PRwRV5U&feature=youtube_gdata
2. Ring, ring. I quickly answer my cell because Marcia is sleep. "Hey girl!" It's Michole, one of my best friends from college. I was so glad to hear her voice. She called to share a funny story. Usually, I would have been like "Oh no!" She's like me in that respect (and a little like Marcia), thinking we're funny, but in actuality, we're the only ones amused (Eventually, we get laughs. They may be laughing at us, amused we're cracking up, but laughs none the less)! However, Michole's story was hilarious. I laughed so hard, completely drowned out Aunt Flo's annoying horn. (When I tried to hide from one friend, HE sent two others, one for each ear). For the next 3.5 minutes, we enjoyed the sound of our laughter.
Did I just find the cure for Flo's brother, Pete Michael Smith?
As I smile writing this, I realize the real horns actually stopped! Another Gotham exhale this soon?. It's been almost a month and Marcia and I only witnessed one. The only noise are my fingers clicking against the keyboard and the air condition. I stop typing and enjoy.
It's been 45mins and still silent. Amazing! New York may not sleep , but does it naps?
Monday, July 12, 2010
LinkedIn Manhattan
My top cities to call home are Florence, Paris, Miami, Columbus or New York. Being raised in North Canton and Bradenton, I knew I was a city girl at heart. Some may laugh at the very thought of that statement, because I have trouble getting from point A to point B, even if point B is on the same street. As a single woman, the ideal domestic city from the three previously mentioned is South Beach. Lots to do and I have many friends and family that still live there. So, the transition would be easy. However, my desire to live without the hurricanes, hot and humid summers, and the unexpected guests of Mr. Lizard and Mrs. Roach are stronger than my fondness of Miami(S. Beach become more enticing when my sister moved to Sarasota. I thought, "If I'm to be swept away like Dorthy, at least I have my sister.") Florence and Paris are aspirational residences. A fresh start minus any friends and family requires immense courage. One day...
Last September, I met a group of friends, who I have not seen since 1995, for the US Open. We had the best time. It was as if I heard a faint breeze whispered in my ear, as I tapped my Nikes together, "There's no place like home....There's no place like home". OK, who am I kidding? There are no summer breezes in NY. From that moment, I knew New York would be home. Immediately, a plan was established and a goal set, by summer of 2010: Be debt free, money in the bank and an apartment in the city. I guess it's true what they say about a woman with a plan.
This Friday will mark my one month anniversary. What I find most amusing and amazing thus far is my sense of direction. It has taken a complete 180. I'm the girl who goes left when it should be right. When I get off any elevator, I automatically go the opposite direction. I actually got lost in Orrville, Ohio and the village only has two main streets, High and Main. It took me a year and a half to be comfortable driving to my business partner's house without the aid of Cookie (my navigation system). Now that I'm in NYC, I have not been lost once! Navigating successfully and on time (early is on time) from Harlem to Oueens, from Midtown to Downtown for interviews, appointments, events, visitation with friends, etc. Neisco and Bri: Today, if the subway doors closed with me on side and yall on the other, those tears you saw would be replace with a big Chris Rock Smile and "two thumbs up." LOL!
In the City of Cities, The Bagdad of the Subway, I make all the right turns!!I AM linked in Manhattan!
Last September, I met a group of friends, who I have not seen since 1995, for the US Open. We had the best time. It was as if I heard a faint breeze whispered in my ear, as I tapped my Nikes together, "There's no place like home....There's no place like home". OK, who am I kidding? There are no summer breezes in NY. From that moment, I knew New York would be home. Immediately, a plan was established and a goal set, by summer of 2010: Be debt free, money in the bank and an apartment in the city. I guess it's true what they say about a woman with a plan.
This Friday will mark my one month anniversary. What I find most amusing and amazing thus far is my sense of direction. It has taken a complete 180. I'm the girl who goes left when it should be right. When I get off any elevator, I automatically go the opposite direction. I actually got lost in Orrville, Ohio and the village only has two main streets, High and Main. It took me a year and a half to be comfortable driving to my business partner's house without the aid of Cookie (my navigation system). Now that I'm in NYC, I have not been lost once! Navigating successfully and on time (early is on time) from Harlem to Oueens, from Midtown to Downtown for interviews, appointments, events, visitation with friends, etc. Neisco and Bri: Today, if the subway doors closed with me on side and yall on the other, those tears you saw would be replace with a big Chris Rock Smile and "two thumbs up." LOL!
In the City of Cities, The Bagdad of the Subway, I make all the right turns!!I AM linked in Manhattan!
Saturday, July 10, 2010
New York Minute
In order to be empathetic and understanding to one's situation, I often have to reflect on my own circumstances and life experiences. In the midst of "LeBron James, The Decision" and the after math, I find myself doing just that.
To put simply, I get it. I understand his decision to leave home and his choice to reveal that decision at the final hour. I have always been the obedient little girl, who tried desperately to please and put others before self. So much so that I lost my own path of happiness. My father was an Olympic boxing champion, who initially wanted boys. What he was blessed with were 2 beautiful girls (the 2 handsome boys came later). At the ages of 3 and 5, my father was determined to mold us into tennis champions. Although, tennis provided us with numerous opportunities and amazing experiences, it was a passion that was chosen for us. Although first and often mistaken for (don't ask, I have no idea how or why), we didn't become the "well-known" sisters. When you commit to a sport as a career, you dedicate your life and the results are all or nothing.
Being the oldest of four with a sister who enjoyed working out as much as Kim Kardashian enjoyed Hockey players, I was taught never to leave my siblings behind. When I mean never, I mean never. For example, my sister honestly believed when I turned 16, 18 and 21, so did she. Being raised in Ohio (my sister and I however, in Florida at IMG Sports Academy), my brothers did not have the same opportunities to train, learn and compete with the best. So, when our tennis ceased, it was our job to teach them. Like any job, it came with sacrifices. Now, at 30 (LOL-give or take), I began to contemplate if it was me who was actually getting left behind. My sister moved to Florida and my little brothers were at that cool age, which did not include hanging out with big sis (I wouldn't have changed witnessing Ronnie transforming into a gentlemen, that can cook and pull weeds; Romie gaining manly, unstoppable confidence and Bri developing a voice and holding her own for anything).
To outsiders and heck insiders, I had the ideal life, a mortgage free 4 bedroom house, close to family, no major bills and making good money. Why leave home? I've already traveled the world and to some should be content with my life in NE Ohio. Who would actually support or understand my decision to leave and relocate to and I quote, "A crowded, dirty, roach and rat invested city, where bills are high and plenty." When I look at New York I don't see roaches (well I don't think of them). I see opportunity, intriguing people, and creativity. It represents a place to grow, overcome challenges and become my own woman. For if I can make it in NYC, I can make it anywhere. I've been planning and saving for this move for almost 9 months. I told no one until the last hour and some after the hour. Why? Because I didn't want to be consumed with negativity, doubt and limitations. Duh, there were risks, but I wanted to leave being optimist and confident. Many people never take risks because of fear and complacency.
The method cowardly and selfish? For me, possibly. I treated my family to dinner, then left on the earliest flight the next morning. (Surprisingly, my friends and family were and are very supportive). The move? No. The true New York minute is life, but instead of 60, we only get one. Don't let fear and complacency inhibit you from living your life and taking chances. If your initial plan fails, don't break down like Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give". Instead brush your self off, learn, adjust and improve. Bounce right back like J Lo at the AMAs .
We have two choices: Take the risk and have no regrets or don't and always wonder. I choose to be a risk taker and I'm loving every New York minute.
Just as I was about to close, I get a daily quote from George Foreman that sums it all up. "In all of my boxing career, what frightened me more: Not the strong men I fought, but me. I knew once I heard the bell, I would never give up. Scars, blood, broken bones, lost titles, I could live with, but not giving up. Fight! Keep getting it up. Fight again."
To put simply, I get it. I understand his decision to leave home and his choice to reveal that decision at the final hour. I have always been the obedient little girl, who tried desperately to please and put others before self. So much so that I lost my own path of happiness. My father was an Olympic boxing champion, who initially wanted boys. What he was blessed with were 2 beautiful girls (the 2 handsome boys came later). At the ages of 3 and 5, my father was determined to mold us into tennis champions. Although, tennis provided us with numerous opportunities and amazing experiences, it was a passion that was chosen for us. Although first and often mistaken for (don't ask, I have no idea how or why), we didn't become the "well-known" sisters. When you commit to a sport as a career, you dedicate your life and the results are all or nothing.
Being the oldest of four with a sister who enjoyed working out as much as Kim Kardashian enjoyed Hockey players, I was taught never to leave my siblings behind. When I mean never, I mean never. For example, my sister honestly believed when I turned 16, 18 and 21, so did she. Being raised in Ohio (my sister and I however, in Florida at IMG Sports Academy), my brothers did not have the same opportunities to train, learn and compete with the best. So, when our tennis ceased, it was our job to teach them. Like any job, it came with sacrifices. Now, at 30 (LOL-give or take), I began to contemplate if it was me who was actually getting left behind. My sister moved to Florida and my little brothers were at that cool age, which did not include hanging out with big sis (I wouldn't have changed witnessing Ronnie transforming into a gentlemen, that can cook and pull weeds; Romie gaining manly, unstoppable confidence and Bri developing a voice and holding her own for anything).
To outsiders and heck insiders, I had the ideal life, a mortgage free 4 bedroom house, close to family, no major bills and making good money. Why leave home? I've already traveled the world and to some should be content with my life in NE Ohio. Who would actually support or understand my decision to leave and relocate to and I quote, "A crowded, dirty, roach and rat invested city, where bills are high and plenty." When I look at New York I don't see roaches (well I don't think of them). I see opportunity, intriguing people, and creativity. It represents a place to grow, overcome challenges and become my own woman. For if I can make it in NYC, I can make it anywhere. I've been planning and saving for this move for almost 9 months. I told no one until the last hour and some after the hour. Why? Because I didn't want to be consumed with negativity, doubt and limitations. Duh, there were risks, but I wanted to leave being optimist and confident. Many people never take risks because of fear and complacency.
The method cowardly and selfish? For me, possibly. I treated my family to dinner, then left on the earliest flight the next morning. (Surprisingly, my friends and family were and are very supportive). The move? No. The true New York minute is life, but instead of 60, we only get one. Don't let fear and complacency inhibit you from living your life and taking chances. If your initial plan fails, don't break down like Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give". Instead brush your self off, learn, adjust and improve. Bounce right back like J Lo at the AMAs .
We have two choices: Take the risk and have no regrets or don't and always wonder. I choose to be a risk taker and I'm loving every New York minute.
Just as I was about to close, I get a daily quote from George Foreman that sums it all up. "In all of my boxing career, what frightened me more: Not the strong men I fought, but me. I knew once I heard the bell, I would never give up. Scars, blood, broken bones, lost titles, I could live with, but not giving up. Fight! Keep getting it up. Fight again."
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