Happy Birthday Jesus!

Nothing says "Holiday Season" like laying on your living room couch wrapped in a cozy blanket and watching 12 straight hours of "The Lord Of The Rings" Trilogy. This is how I spent one of my lovely Thanksgiving break days. *Sigh* It was magical. How did everyone else enjoy their Thanksgiving? My holiday was wonderful. Food, friends, family and foolin... the whole works. It took a little detour for the worse when I caught some sort of a monster plague that left me sick as a dog and unable to fully enjoy my family's famous dressing and gravy. I spent 3 agonizing days in bed until I got up enough strength to move to the couch (where said "Lord Of The Rings" marathon took place). I was so sick that, just for a minute, I believed I was watching an actual account of our world's history; And that I should be thanking my lucky stars, Frodo, and the Riders of Rohan for my existence. 

 Thank you Frodo! Because of you, I can watch "Glee" every Tuesday without the fear of Sauron's wrath.

Even with that slight misfortune, it was still wonderful to be back in the south for a bit. Porches, pie, nighttime silence and all the "Honey-child's" you could ask for. A place where the sweet tea and Bojangles never stop flowing.... ahhh... love it. I may be in the Big Apple now but, I don't think I will ever lose my southern peach. Hmm... that sounds weird. :/

Like a shaken snow globe, Christmas has exploded all over New York. With one flick of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree switch, the city was thrown into a fun-loving Hallmark Christmas film. When I returned home, I couldn't believe that I'd only been gone for a week and a half. Entire blocks were covered with lights and I could hear the sounds of the salvation army bells on every corner. A nice Brooklynite helped me carry my suitcase up from the subway. When I said thank you, he said "Absolutely! Merry Christmas to you!" I couldn't help but smiling all the way to my apartment as I rolled my suitcase behind me. Even the church bells around the corner play "O Holy Night" every night at 6pm.  I know its obvious from my rambles but... I adore it.

 Christmas has always and will forever be my favorite holiday. Ever since I was a little tater tot, I loved every aspect of it... from the religious to the fantasy. I remember when my Gran-Gran told me the story of Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. It was so beautiful to me. I would look up in the sky and find the brightest star ( now i'm pretty sure it's a planet :/ ) and tell Jesus happy birthday. And of course, who could forget the excitement of Santa Clause and his crazy Reindeer. Lets not forget how many years I fell asleep clutching  The Polar Express book in my arms. Christmas was magic. I'm 27 years old now and even though I've past the age of sleeping with one eye open, trying to catch Santa, I still feel that "magic" this time of year. But now its about different things. Yes.. of course it's still about Jesus to me. Yes.. I still love the anticipation of ripping open the wrapping paper of a gift (who doesn't). Now, it's so much more. Its about seeing my mothers face when she wakes me up on Christmas morning, happy and excited about sharing the day. Its about seeing my cousin Dadrian get loaded down with gifts (even though he has enough stuff... seriously, he has too much stuff!) and how happy he is to show me his presents. Watching my non-sentimental stepfather's face light up whenever I'm eating the Christmas dinner he spent the night before making, and I tell him its delicious. Being frustrated while out shopping amongst the cray-cray crowd and hearing your favorite Christmas song and immediately feeling... happy, hopeful. You don't know why, but you feel it. I don't know. Things are just so much closer to my heart this time of year. Its like you have extra permission to dream and believe in miracles. Its a feeling I try to keep with me all year. But here, in December, it like my body is a live wire to optimism.

In the great tradition of Christmas, I spend the entire month watching "Happy Holiday" movies and baking yummies that would make my Weight Watcher scale give me the stink eye. This year was no exception. Last night my roommate and I decided to Xmas it up around the city before we both head home to our families. We joined in the classic NYC tourist tradition of visiting the Rockefeller Christmas Tree. I will never get over how beautiful that tree is. All the lights and the huge star at the top... it steals your heart. The Area was surrounded by beautiful angel sculptures playing horns and toy drummer men. 

Off in the distance, the Empire State Building glowed green and red while the Saks Fifth Avenue store played a Christmas projection story on the side of it's building (it's hard to describe.. but it was cool!). Haley and I watched all the people ice skating for a while. Which was fairly entertaining for an event where people just go round and round in a circle. We watched as young girls twirled pretending they were Kristi Yamaguchi. Others around them weren't as graceful. People were always falling left and right, laughing their asses off as they tried to get up. We even got to see a proposal (How's that for magical?). Seriously, it was so cute it might make you gag. The newly engaged couple circled the skating rink with the biggest smiles I've ever seen. And ohh yeah (this is for you Jen Brett), I had pretty much the best hot chocolate EVER!. It was called "The Italian Thick Hot Chocolate" made with vanilla cream and white chocolate. After having that hot chocolate, I walk around for an hour with a post orgasm look on my face. I think I may love that hot chocolate. I think I may rename it "The Stallion" or maybe Clive Owen... he's not Italian but, still... you get what I mean.

Yes, i'll have an apple cinnamon muffin and a grande Clive Owen with a dollop of whipped cream. Thanks, merry Christmas.

After all that wonderful awesomeness, it started to get mighty cold so, we ventured back to Bushwick to have our annual "Love Actually" night. Basically once a year (Christmas time) we watch "Love Actually" with and without commentary, cry alot and eat yummy foods. Its one of my favorite days of the year :).

Anyhoo, that's pretty much it for me. Tomorrow I will be returning back to NC to celebrate with my family and friends. If I don't write again until January, have a great time ringing in 2012! I personally can't wait to discover what lies ahead next year. 2011 has been nothing but amazing to me. Its been the best year I've had in a long time and I will be sorry to see it go but, new memories are ahead! If you're into making resolutions, make it a good one. Not just "lose weight" or "stop being obnoxious". Make it something grand and specific. Focus on it and make it happen. Last year my resolution was move to New York... this year, i'm not sure. I'll keep ya posted on that one. No matter what you believe in or celebrate... or even if you don't celebrate at all.. I hope you have a wonderful Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa..... basically have a great couple of weeks. Talk to ya when I return.

PUDGE WATCH 2011

Things have been going great on the weight loss end of things. I joined a gym and I am so excited about it! This place makes me feel comfortable and also has amazing classes including Zumba! I have an appointment with a personal trainer when I get back from the holidays. My trainer told me to visualize goals I want for each month. One of them includes a killer dress to ring in 2013 with. Ahhhhh! I am so ready to shed these pounds! 

Love Always,

      The girl who still hears the bell (Polar Express...forever and always).

10 Things I'm Digging On At The Moment: Christmas Edition

1). National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

        I love love love this movie! Whenever I hear the intro, I automatically start laughing!

2). Elf

      This scene always makes me happy! I love Zooey Deschanel's voice and I love "Baby It's Cold Outside"...even with it's slightly "date rape" lyrics.

3).Nsync "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays"

          Yeap.

4). Merry Christmas Charlie Brown

        No need to explain :)

5). Mariah Carey "All I Want For Christmas Is You"

      One of my favorite Christmas songs

6). Scrooged

       This movie is a classic!

7). "All I Want For Christmas"

         Wonderful movie staring Thora Birch, Ethan Embry and the great Lauren Bacall. I've always loved it since I was a little girl. Its amazing.

8). "A Christmas Story"

           Every year TBS shows this movie for 24 hours. And I watch it... for 24 hours :).

9). "The Preacher's Wife"

        I went to go see this in 7th grade and I've loved it ever since. This version of "Joy To The World" gives me chills

10). Christmastime Is Here

        This song by Ray Charles is probably my favorite Christmas song. Its so beautiful. Give it a listen. You'll see.

 

 Bonus: "Christmas Is All Around" by Billy Mack
                        Just a little Christmas tune for the road. 

              

THERE MUST BE SOME TOROS IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Nothing says New York like falling asleep to moderately nice weather and waking up to a snow storm. On October 29, 2011, I woke up to an Antarctica covered Brooklyn. Seriously, where's my fur coat and Turkish Delight. I felt like I'd pricked my finger on a spindle and awoke to a new time.

GOTCHA!

Although I found myself in a small state of panic ( I haven't even unpacked my scarves and my chosen footwear at the moment are a pair of Toms), I couldn't help but to notice how incredibly beautiful it was. So, I opened my curtains, snuggled down with a hot cup of tea and watched the winter sweep through the city. Ever since that day, mother nature or sister weather or whatever you want to call her, has been behaving like a fickle woman. One minute she's shining down her warm and lovable sun rays and the next you feel the wrath of her cold stare, forcing a pink tint onto my African American cheeks (yes, it's possible). Being a woman with a strong stubborn streak myself, I can sympathize with good Ol' sister weather. I just wish she would have a pint of ice cream and stick with one temperature. A couple of nights ago it was just way to cold to ignore the heater in the corner of my room. Simba, it was time, time to get a little machine made heat in my home. It was a little scary at first. Not only did my heater fill the air with that "I haven't been touched in months" burning smell, but it also made a few abnormal noises. I sat on my bed watching it like a hawk. I had the cat in one hand, my computer in the other and a bag at my feet carrying all seven Harry Potter books should this crazy heater decide to burst in unnecessary flames. Tomorrow it will be 63 degrees. See... fickle.

It's been a lazy few weeks for me. After finishing my work on my last film, I spent the next week in a state of hibernation. It was nice to just relax a bit. One thing about NYC I have to make myself understand is that you don't have to always go go go. Yes, the city is always moving and changing, but its ok to just sit still for a minute and savor. After the week in my own little world, It was time to get back outside. 

Did everyone have a nice Halloween? My first All Hallows Eve in New York was quite entertaining. I met my roommate in Union Square to attend the famous NYC Halloween Parade. I've been hearing about this parade for months. Every New Yorker saying the same thing, "You have to go at least once". So, I put on my angel Halo and wandered out in the ghoul filled city. People really work on their costumes in this city. And then again, you have some who's costumes are so simple, so thrown together, they're brillant. (A person wearing all black while adorning a bright red dot on their forehead and calling themselves a pager for example). The parade was pretty amazing! The street filled with creative, elaborate costumes while skeleton puppets danced over your head (knocking my roomate's Bumble Bee antenna headband clear off)  and drag queens sashayed on floats BLASTING the latest hits. 

It was like a city wide block party that wouldn't stop giving. My favorite part of the parade was the giant "Thriller" dance lead by a person who pretty much embodied Michael Jackson (complete with coat and makeup). IT WAS CRAZY!! Hundreds of people in costumes doing the Thriller dance perfectly. They even had a girl dressed like the "Thriller" music video heroine running around screaming. Man, I couldn't stop my body from mimicking them. 

After they had frolicked down the street a bit, I got a second surprise. A mini dance to the sounds of the "Heads will Roll/ Thriller" mash up from Glee! *Sigh* Loved it! When my roommate and I had our fill of costumes and glitter thrown in out faces, we grabbed a bite to eat and headed home to enjoy our favorite Halloween pass time... eatin' snacks and watching "Scream". Halloween just isn't Halloween without Sidney Prescott and "Red Right Hand".

The next week I ventured out of NYC to Washington DC for As Was Written. This event showcases talented writers and performers. My friend from UNCW (SEAHAWKS!!), John Mark Davidson and Tim Hopkins are the co-founders. I gotta say, I feel this this one was the best yet. All the performers were wonderful! Its so refreshing to see creativity at its best. Cheers to JMD! Here's the website for As Was Written if you are ever interested to know more about it. http://www.aswaswritten.com/ 

I spent the weekend in DC touring around and looking at all the memorials. Getting to see the Declaration Of Independence was a pretty amazing experience for me. I also wandered down by the White House and I was pretty disappointed that Michelle Obama didn't come out to give me a high five. Oh well, next time. When riding back into NYC, I felt a since of coming home. It hit me so suddenly. Looking at the lights and well know silhouette of the Empire State Building, I was anxious to get back to city to continue my journey. The next day, I started another chapter.

You are now reading the blog of a Costuming Assistant. :). I started interning with a costume designer on an independent film. So far, its going well! As I said before, NYC is full of opportunities. I've always been interested in costuming. Not only do I get to learn a new trade in the entertainment industry, I also get to be onset alot. I love watching all the aspects that go into creating a film. My favorite part was of course watching the actors work. It just made me itch to be in there, learning lines and conveying the story. Sometimes I just wanted to shout out adjectives (you actors will understand) at the actors when they were struggling with lines. The best part about acting are those discoveries that you make about your character on your own. So, I sit silently and watch that flash of understanding wander across the actor's faces. Sometime, I swear I love this industry. It hard, competitive and can stomp on your nerves while ruining your spirit. But, there are times when you are so happy to work in it, your smile just can't stop spreading. I'm sure when I start auditioning again I will be singing the "I'm moving to Italy and opening and B&B/ Destination Wedding company" tune. Ahhh acting... it just keeps tugging on my heart strings like a first love that you just can't forget. 


Next week I'll be traveling back to North Carolina for a couple of country weeks with my friends and family. I'm sure I will have stories about the fam in my next blog. Hehe, they crack me up, my family. I couldn't love anything more. Anyhoo... until next time.

PUDGE WATCH 2011

First of all, I would like to say thanks for all of those wonderful messages of support I received after my last blog. You guys are amazing and It only motivates me more. I weighed myself the other day and it came up to 279. Not a big difference but, still down. My thoughts, I can do better. But, I also have to remember that every pound lost is a victory so. CELEBRATE (insert funky chicken here) Starting the war on my own will power during the holidays was probably a bad idea. But, I am confident that I can do it. Raise you glass of water everyone... here's to resisting my Aunt Kat's pound cake.

5 Things I'm Diggin' On At The Moment

1). Thanksgiving

        I love my family. Even though I don't tell them enough... even though I don't see them enough.. they are what keeps my heart beating. Every year around August, I start counting down the days when I can hug my Gran-Gran, hear my Uncles talk about sports and share random laughs and stories with my cousins. It just doesn't get any better. 

2). Kindle

       Ok, so I was against this little monster from the word go. However, after researching it, I've decided that I may have to invest in this mini library. But, I will not say goodbye to books. NEVER. I will still buy regular books that will inhabit the library in my dream home one day.

3).  Breaking Dawn Part 1

        I care not about your scoffs on this subject... I'M PUMPED! I have been waiting years for this movie and now, it's here. I will be joining my Wilmington, NC crew at the midnight showing on Thursday night. Its about to get epic.

4). "Love In This Club" The Rock-afire Explotion

       I'm not that into this song but, when a friend showed me this video... it made me cackle.

5).  The Hotness of Brad Pitt

          It comes in and out of my life. One minute I'm watching "Thelma & Louise" crushing on him... then I forget about him in favor of the likes of Alex O'loughlin... then there he is again.. years later.. just as foxy. And the older he gets, the foxier he gets. THIS IS MADNESS! I love Jenifer Aniston. She is so beautiful. But next to The Pitt, she looked ragged. I wouldn't want to stand next to Ol' God was in a great mood the day I was made Pitt.

 Love Always,

    The girl who's heater sounds like a step show. 

Weight A Minute

Since I was a little girl, there are 5 things that have remained true about me:

1). My voice still gets ridiculously loud when i'm excited about the subject.

2). I still love plain vanilla ice cream more than any other flavor.

3). My naïve, optimistic impressions of how people fall in love (thanks to Beauty and the Beast and any other magical Disney cartoon).

4). How incredibly stubborn I am… then, now... always.

5). The FACT that I have been and continue to be overweight.

My weight has always, in my mind, been this giant electric pink elephant in the room. As a younger girl it was something that was pleasantly picked on by my family. They thought it was cute. Nicknames like chubby come to mind followed by someone poking me in the stomach waiting for me to giggle. When I entered middle school, the beautiful, skinny girls with the amazing hair and the newest Sketchers used my "fatness" as a form of comedy. Even my first official boyfriend in middle school commented about the “meat on my bones”. Yeessh, people of North Rowan, why did you let me date him? Anyhoo, High school came and I just stopped caring about what people thought of me. It earned me respect and a bucket load of friends. The name calling stopped and my high school years were pretty groovy.

Even though the comments from others stopped, the comments coming from within myself never did. My confidence dropped and I started using comedy to cover up for my weight. College went on the same way, low confidence, high happy personality. That seems to be me till this day. Don’t get me wrong, I have a happy life. I love the people around me, I love the fact that I am doing something with my life. Wonderful things and amazing moments have happened to me and they have done nothing but enrich my heart. But, I have always felt like there was something missing. I would attempt weight loss, only to relapse and go back to my old habits. I’ve done everything from Diet pills (made me feel crazy) to the South Beach Diet (made me feel dizzy). I’m sick of it! People who are close to me have heard this time and time again. I would get motivated… then I would just sink, like a boulder to the bottom of the river.

A few years ago, I lost my Grandmother. She was one of the most amazing people I've ever known. I was holding her hand and watching her last breath when she passed. My Mema had type 2 Diabetes, something that runs in my family. Her health was always a problem for her. In the end.. it took her from our family. I had a dream about her a couple of nights ago. In the dream we were running and laughing. It was great. She looked so healthy and free and it shook me. I woke up with a need to make myself better. I need to get healthier . Forget all the magazines and models, and Kardashians... whatever they are. I'm not doing this to become more like them. I need to do this for me. The reason I am writing this in my blog is because despite the fact that I want to accomplish this on my own, I need help. Maybe that has been my problem all these years. I've been afraid to admit that I need help with this struggle. You guys are amazing. I have said it before and I will say it again.. I have the best friends in the world. I always have support, always have friends who tell me how beautiful and special I am. And I know they mean it with all their hearts. I want to see what they see. I want to believe what they believe. I want to be able to simply say “thank you” when someone compliments me instead of making a joke. So here it is everyone… the truth.

-I am 284 pounds.

-I have high blood pressure.

-I hide half my body behind people when taking group pictures. (A very impressive talent that I have worked hard to perfect).

-I love clothes but hate shopping.

-I get winded when walking up a flight of stairs. Hell, to be honest, I can't remember the last time I did more than casually stroll. No power walks.. don't even mention jogging.

-Sometimes my eating can get out of control.

-I'm scared that if I don't stop this now, my life will be consumed by obesity.

I’m not writing this to make people sad or feel sorry for me. I am not depressed and on my last leg. I am happy with the way things are going in my life… I just think its time for me to take control of my weight. I know I can do this, and to be honest, it’s time. It’s time I was not only happy with the environment around me, but happy with myself. I will be posting my progress on this blog because I want to be held accountable. Plus, when I DO beat this obesity, I want to look back and know I can conquer anything. Who knows, maybe I’ll motivate someone else in the process. So from now on, each blog will have a “Weight Progress” (hopefully I can come up with a better name than that... it's boring) section at the bottom, showing what’s up!

I currently have some time off and my main focus is going to be me. I’ve joined and gym and I’m also a weight watchers member. I have an appointment next week to see a nutritionist and I couldn’t be more excited. I can’t believe I just said that… I’m excited. :) Once again, thanks for reading. Until next time…

5 Things I am digging on at the moment: Weight Loss Edition

1). The Biggest Loser

     Ok, I am the first to admit that some reality TV shows get on my nerves. Not this show. I love it! These people motivate me so much. I cry almost every episode. Bob Harper has to be the coolest dude around. I know that if they can do it.. so can I.

2). Body Idols

      So here's the truth. In order to do this I need something to work towards. I don't want to be a skinny model, I just want to be happy with my body. I decided to pick body idols... women who motivate me because they are independent and proud of their curves. A few of my body idols are:

                

 Christina Hendricks- This woman is curvy and beautiful. Every time I see her, I get a since of pride. She isn't afraid to just be her.

Jennifer Hudson- I know alot of people who thinks that she looks weird after her weight loss. I don't see that. I think she looks happy. She is motivating women all over the country and I admire her spirit.

Tara Lynn - This wonderful woman is a plus size model. She is one of the only high fashion plus size models out there. I can't help but to look at her and feel like I can be curvy and confident.

3). Weight Watchers

        I have a food addiction. That is the truth. When alcoholics want to get better they go to AA meetings. There, they can find the help and support they need. Other people are there who understand how hard it is for them. Being there helps them stay motivated and on the right path. That's what weight watchers is for me. 

4). Lucille Roberts Health and Fitness Center

         I've found a gym here in NYC that's affordable and caters specifically to women's health. They have a fully equipped gym and fun classes. Look out Zumba... here I come!

5). Running

        One thing that I have never been is a runner. I want to learn. I love to watch people run. I can't wait until the day when I can put on my itunes and just run. Nothing but me and the wind. I admire those who can run and hopefully, one day soon, I will be able to run a mile.

Love Always,

   The girl who's boss offered her a freshly baked doughnut 5 seconds after she wrote this blog. (Seriously... its like she knew. I am proud to say that I turned down that delicious ball of glaze and opted for baby carrots...... stupid carrots :/ )

FANCY A SCONE?

     
Here it is ladies and gents... the keeper of Halloween, the presenter of falling ruby colored leaves, the acceptable time to BUST OUT your favorite Uggs.... my favorite month and yours...OCTOBER (insert applause here)! Seriously, I know its only the 2nd day of the month, but , you can already feel the change. The weather was so B-E-A- Utiful today! The sun and the amazing breeze floating in my window this morning refused to let me be a lazy bum. So, I put on my "The Big Chill" record and got dress for a day out in the city.

I decided to head over to central park to find a nice rock to sit on and read my Nora Roberts novel (don't give me face about the Nora. I'm planning on reading Stephen King's Misery next. So... I kinda wanna read something right now that I am 100% sure will end with ridiculous, unapologetic happiness). I got off the subway at 50th street, right in front of the Gershwin Theatre (home of "Wicked"). After taking 10 minutes to talk myself out of buying a ticket to see "Wicked" right then and there, I walked down to 59th street, Columbus Circle. I've discovered the secret to bobbing a weaving through the crowds on the street. Now, read this very closely because I'm only gonna write this once. The secret to getting through the crowds without a fuss is..... Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy". No, I'm serious. I put my Ipod ear buds in and BAM, I was strutting up the street, floating through the crowds without even so much as a shoulder graze. 


After getting to the park, I settled in, excited about taking in the sun rays. Not five minutes later, a lovely gentlemen with a cooler asked me if I would like to buy a Sam Adams Octoberfest. I figured, why not... Cheers. So, I sat in the sun, with my illegal beer and, in true Makia fashion, opted for people watching instead of reading.

The park was packed with beautiful cliche images of sunny days. Dad's playing catch with their sons. Little girls running around squealing and chasing one another. Individuals laying around in the grass. One in particular with a book over her face taking an afternoon nap. An incredibly good looking man playing fetch with his dog. *Sigh* He was really cute. Why oh why was I born without flirting skills?  Anyhoo, where was I... oh yes, couples cuddling on a nearby park bench, holding hands and staring at each other as if the park belonged to only them. All of this, happening over the sounds of a young musician covering Rolling Stones' classics on his accordion. Yep, it was that cheesy... and that wonderful. 


After a lovely couple of Central Park hours, I wandered over to the village to meet my roommate for a late lunch. We decided to go to Tea & Sympathy. This place is amazing. A "must see" of NYC. Its a little cafe where you can have an amazing British tea along with delicious scones and alluring entrees. Everything in this place makes you feel like Kate Middleton having a proper tea time in London. Right down to the amazing ladies who run the place. Today, I had the Rose Petal tea (yummy), scones with Raspberry Jam (extra yummy) and sausage with mashed potatoes (Explosion of yum). The entire place is decorated with cute little tea pots, lacy table cloths and pictures of British icons. Love it! Here's a picture of the amazing spread my roomy and I had. 

                             Alice in Wonderland tea pot... cuuuute.

www.teaandsympathynewyork.com  Seriously, if you are in NYC, go there!


During our amazing late lunch, the rain started to come down. It was time to go home. But, I will have plenty more beautiful days before the dreaded New York winter weather hits us. As the season changes, so does my current path. The movie that I've been working on is coming to an end soon. Normally, I would be terrified. "What am I gonna do next?" would be the constant question plaguing me. But, for some reason or another I don't feel worried. Maybe its the excitement of the city or maybe my optimism is on overload at the moment. There are so many opportunities here that I have a feeling more than one will be knocking on my door. And I, the gracious hostess that I am, will open the door with fresh baked cookies and a welcoming smile. Until next time....

                            What I’m Diggin’ On Right Now

1). Fall TV shows

          Thank you so much TV Gods. Most of the brand new fall shows are amazing. "New Girl", "Up All Night", "Panam", and "Revenge" are just a few of my new jams. Ohhh boy!!

2)."Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close"
          Has anyone seen this trailer? It should be named "Uncontrollable tears and Ridiculous amounts of Oscar Buzz". I can't wait to see it!

3). Pinterest
         Pinterest is basically an online pinboard where you can collect the things you love and "pin" them to your profile. Basically another way for me to waist time at work. LOOOOOVVVVVEE It!


4). This random, AWESOME, dance scene in "Footloose"

           With the release of the "Footloose" remake upon us, I couldn't help but to watch the original. This scene pretty much cracks me up and makes me want to dance at the same time. If they mess this up in the new movie.... (shakes head). 


5). Piper.
       I really just wanted an excuse to put up a picture of her. Isn't she cute?

6). Halloween specials/movies and Horror classics

        Tis the season to watch cheesy halloween specials on tv, watch "Hocus Pocus" about 3 times and scare myself silly by watching "Halloween" and "The Exorcist". 

7). My mother's visit
        In just a couple of weeks, my mom will be visiting me in NYC! I can't wait to show her around and impress her with my new Yankee lingo. 

                                My mom, my aunt and me :)


8). Stephen King
           I've never read a Stephen King novel before. I've decided to get pumped for Halloween by freaking myself out and reading "Misery", "The Shinning" and "It". Why would anyone do this to themselves?


9). Fall Fashion
        sandals out.... awesome new boots and tights in. Summer is not an easy time for a plus size girl. Bikini's... nope. Cute shorts... nope. Strapless top... don't make me laugh. That's right skinny girl on the train, I look just as awesome as you today. BOOM.



10). Warm beverages.
              Goodbye cold lemonade. Hello to warm tea, hot chocolate, Butterbeer and Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Don't call it a comeback... i'm not gonna. 

Love Always,
      The girl who cries during "Let's Go Fly A Kite" because she knows it's the end of the movie. :(

The Longest Day

Ten years ago today I woke up with a bad cold. I remember getting dressed that day, sniffling and coughing, determined to go to school. I had an amazing story to tell my best friend that just couldn’t wait. I was a senior in high school. The most important things in my life at that moment was trying to loose weight before Prom in May,  my essay’s for my college applications and whether or not that call from Marcus meant he liked me or not. *Sigh*, high school.

I ended up turning around and going right back home before my 1^st period class even started. I thought, maybe I could take the morning off and go to my afternoon classes. Like I always did when I was sick, I climbed the stairs to my mother’s room and crawled in bed beside her. My mother always made me feel better, like magic. She was up, her back resting on the headboard watching the news. She shook her head and told me “I hadn’t graduated yet and I should be in school”. I pouted, the move that an only child has perfected by the age of 3 and settled in beside her. My mother knew I wouldn’t just skive off school so, she sighed and let it go. Just as I was falling into a nice sleep, I heard my mother gasp. “Mick! Look and the TV! A plane just hit the World Trade Center!” I turned to see Good Morning America showing live footage from NYC. I asked my mom “How can a plane smash into a building like that? Don’t they have radar or something?” My mother shushed me and we continued to watch. She flipped channels to other stations reporting the same news. Out of nowhere, on live TV, my mother and I watched as the second plane hit the south tower. My world started to shatter. I remember feeling myself shake and my eyes wide enough to cause a headache. The News reporters on TV were screaming and crying. My mothers muffled sounds of “Oh My God” where barely audible to me. This was deliberate. America was being attacked.

I sat with my mother all morning watching the coverage. Next thing we hear, a plane crashed into the Pentagon. More chaos. There were reports on another plane that was taken. People were sure the plane was headed for DC.  I couldn’t believe it. It looked like some crazy disaster movie. I was waiting for Will Smith to utter some one-liner any second now. But this was real.

The main coverage stayed on the two towers. I remember the horrifying drop in my stomach watching people jump from the buildings. It scared me. “Why won’t someone help them?” I asked. My mom grabbed my hand and told me that she knew God took their souls out of their bodies before they hit the ground. “But why?” I remember asking this a lot. My mom said the only thing she could “I don’t know”.

When the South tower collapsed, my mother screamed. She started crying. I remember our phones ringing off the hook. Watching that tower fall took my breath away. Hearing the screams and seeing people running for their lives and knowing that whoever was around and in that tower… they were gone…. That feeling will never leave me. When the North tower fell, I was numb. Everything that I knew about this world fell with them. Yes, I knew there was war and that not everything was peaches and roses but, I had no idea that there was so much hatred. Enough hatred to cause something like this to happen. In school we learned about past wars in past times. I don’t know, a part of me never imagined that this could happen now. That a place as wonderful and beautiful as NYC could be harmed. That America could be a war zone. I didn’t cry that morning. I don’t think I cried at all that day.

I got in my car and drove to my afternoon class. As soon as I walked in we heard that classes were cancelled. People were crying and hugging each other. I remember a friend telling me “Isn’t it weird that it happened on 9/11? Our emergency number is 911.” Another drop in my stomach. How long had this been planned? My best friend found me outside the school and jumped in my car. She burst into tears as soon as the door closed. People were in the parking lot holding hands and comforting each other. Across the lot, a fight broke out. I don’t remember who or why and at the time I didn’t care. I just couldn’t believe that on a day like today there could be a fight. I wanted to shout at them for fighting. I wanted to tell off the people egging them on. Don’t they realize what’s going on right now? My best friend came back home with me. We sat on my floor and watched coverage for the rest of the day. I remember falling asleep and having nightmares of falling. I woke up to replays of the towers, people holding hands as they jumped to their deaths… The Pentagon and the plane crashing in Pennsylvania… the one heading to DC. I couldn’t take my eyes away. I didn’t eat dinner that night. Couldn’t. I don’t know what happened the next day. I don’t remember if we had school or the next day reactions on the news. But, I do remember every second of 9/11. I never got to tell my best friend that story. I’ve forgotten what it was about.

 Last night I went out on the roof of my Brooklyn Apt and stared at the Manhattan skyline. It was beautiful. Clear and sparkling with lights. Over on the left I saw two extraordinary beams of light. Those lights are the tribute lights for the two towers that fell. The shot up into the sky...up, up and away as if shining into space. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. That’s where the towers would have been in my view. If they were still here. I sat on my roof and stared at them. Ten years later, I finally cried. I watched those lights and the skyline for two hours. Then, they just disappeared. Nothing.

No matter what your politics are or your opinion when it comes to how others are running this country, I know you all were affected by what happened 10 years ago. If I have learned anything from that day it’s to live life to your fullest, and love completely. Little things, they will always matter because we’re human and we can’t help it. But, don’t let it take over your life. Live. Live as much as you can without regret. Do something today. Anything that makes you feel alive. I’m going to hang with the people I love. Even though police are everywhere in NYC and people are especially nervous and suspicious, I am going to get on that subway, go hang with my friends and Live. I cannot be afraid. And you should not be afraid to live either. Until next time… kisses, hugs, and high fives.

XOXO,

  The girl who thanks God everyday for the people in her life.

 

Ehhhhh.... How 'Bout Those Mets?

Hello all! Its been a while since my last blog and so much has happened! NYC is rolling into fall… I couldn’t be more excited! It’s actually nice to walk around the city without layers of sweat resting on me. You are a liar Britney Spears’ “Slave 4U” video. Sweating is not sexy. It’s not sexy when I have to go to work and have 7 to 10 minutes of cool down time. And, it’s not sexy when an equally sweaty person on the subway ends up smushed onto you. So, I welcome fall and its many adventures with open arms. I can’t believe it’s September. This time last year I was stuck in rut trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I still don’t quite have an answer but, I know I am much closer to that discovery. Hmmmm… what have I been doing since my last post?

Well, as many of you may know, I have become a major Mets fan. Seriously, I think I love those guys. I’ve been to two games now and the more I learn about the players and the game, the more I adore it. All that I really knew about the game of baseball came from “Rookie of the Year” and “The Sandlot”. Ahhh my first crush… Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez.

                                  Wasn’t he a Sweet Potato?

My first game was Mets vs. The Atlanta Braves. I was pumped! Mets hat….check. Poncho… check. Equally as excited companion… check. Experience…priceless. The Mets clobbered the Braves that night. We got to experience several home runs and sang “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” while actually eating peanuts and cracker jacks. Do you know that during the 7^th inning stretch, everyone actually stands up to stretch… BANGERANG!

                        Me, my roomy and my awesome Mets cap

                            Citi Field.: Where the magic happens

I started falling for all of the players. Angel Pagan, David Wright, Josh Thole (or as my roomy like to call him, Thole, Tholi, Tholy), Justin Turner, Jose Reyes…. My new homies. Football season’s here. Its time for me to say nighty night to the Mets and stake my claim for the Jets or Giants. I’m kinda leaning toward the Jets because of “West Side Story”. That first Jets song is pretty much snap worthy. I don’t really have another reason :/. I just need to see which team throws me the best vibe.  Hmmmm…. We shall see.

  Angel Pagan. What I imagine Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez grew up to be

My roomy and I went to a very last minute show at the Brooklyn Bowl to see the Naked And Famous. Wow, it was amazing! I had so much fun just jumping around and getting to know new music. I’ve only heard one song from them, “Young Blood”. Now, I have their whole album and I love it. It’s always great to see a band live and then have a new obsession for a while. If you guys haven’t listened to The Naked and Famous… trust me, they are worth it.

                                   The Naked and Famous

In Labor Day weekend news, my wonderful Wilmington, NC friends came to visit and conquer NYC. We had an amazing time!! My first guest, the great Valarie Robinson, arrived on Thursday and we got this party started with a little Booooooowwwwwwl Train. For those who have no idea what I’m talking about, Bowl Train is held every Thursday night at the Brooklyn Bowl. Basically, they show old episodes of Soul Train on giant screens while DJ Quest Love (yes, that’s right… Quest Love) spins phenomenal jams for us to dance to. Mixing “I’ve had the Time of My Life” and Marvin Gaye is pretty much genius.  On Saturday, the lovely Leigh Wiley and Karen Gardner joined the party and our first order of business was “The Lion King” on Broadway.  Wow, I don’t have enough time to give you the play by play on how amazing this show is. Imagine that feeling you had the first time you saw “The Lion King”. The music, the emotions connected with the story. Now, amplify that by 100. Costumes… wonderful. Set… spectacular. Voices…. Haunting. If you haven’t seen “The Lion King” , DO IT NOW!!!!  

The weekend went by in a blur and before I knew it, the time came to say TTFN. They brought a little slice of home to me if only for a minute. Love those girls. Here’s a picture of us having Sangria’s and good times. Isn’t that just a table full of fabulous?

Everything on the normal side of life has been great. I adore my job and I’m pretty proud of the film I’m working on. It’s only been over 2 months since I became an official resident and I already notice how happy I am. With the fall coming, I am confident that I will have new and exciting revelations to share. Stay tunned.

        5 Things That I Am Digging On

1). Natural Hair

      I recently decided to let my hair grow out naturally. Its going to be a long, hard road but I am excited about trying something new. For those who want a glimpse of the natural look here are a couple of pictures. My hair may not look like that but, it gives you an idea.

2). Emma Stone

Love her.

3). Fall

     I can't wait to experience Fall in the city. I've been told it will be magical.

Central Park in the Fall

4). Don't Breathe A Word by Jennifer McMahon

             This is the book i'm reading right now. Its super creepy. I had to sleep with a light on for a night ( or two) after reading the prologue. I can't wait to see what happens in this story.

How creepy does this girl look?

 

5). Fashion Week

        Ahhh yes. The time has come. Fashion Week will begin on Sept. 8, 2011. I have been hearing about the mythical creature known as Fashion Week since I was a youngin’. I can’t wait to stalk the tents. Anyone hove bail… ya know, if I’m arrested?

Love Always,
        The girl who refuses to watch "A League of Their Own" past the locker room scene with Betty Spaghetti.(You know which part... soooo depressing. )