Digital Getdown

When I was a little girl, I loved Communion Sundays. The voices from the choir soared a little higher. The church hats were a little bigger. To a young girl who only had a bowl of Apple Jacks before Sunday School, the best part was the bread and wine provided at the end of the service. Wow, I use to look forward to that little piece of bread. No bigger than a squished skittle, this iota of bread dominated my mind through most of sermon. At the time, I didn't understand the symbolism of the bread and wine, I just knew that this treat would hold me over until the fam and I could get to Golden Corral. And when I held that small, plastic shot glass full of what I believed to be wine... it was like a whole other level. I felt like such an adult! One who grew up in the 90's would say that I thought myself to be "All That". Then one day, my elementary school teacher shattered my dreams during our daily snack time. After telling my co-classmates that we were drinking wine with our animal crackers, my teacher pulled me to the side and devastated me by revealing that we were in fact drinking grape juice and NOT a "blessed by God" alcoholic beverage. I may or may not have called her a liar. She may or may not have taken away my silver star for the day because I used the word liar. Anyway, after that, Communion Sunday's were a bit different to me. I always felt a little slighted. I wanted to tell God "Hey man! They're giving out fake wine! Your blood is being represented by grape juice!" I also tried to express my feelings to my family but alas, no one listens to a little black girl with a squeaky voice, who just learned the word "injustice".

This is the random memory going through my mind as I sit here, sipping a delicious Malbec, on a video chat date with a guy I met on OkCupid.com. I'm sure you can probably tell (from my lack of focus on the boy in question) that the date isn't going very well. The truth is, I knew this Titanic was going to sink the moment he sat down in front of he computer. Now don't accuse me of being shallow. It wasn't his looks that had me shaking my head. It was the fact that he sat down in front of the computer conveniently missing his shirt, baring his slightly oiled upper body and wearing a smirk that seemed to say "That's right gurl.... Don't fight the heat."

Him: Ehhhh sexy.
Me: Hey there buddy. Lose you shirt?
Him: Heh. Naaah. Just got out of the shower. Now I'm all clean for you.
Me:  (not able to think of how to respond to that) So fresh and so clean clean!
Him: I can go get a shirt. Or, I can not get a shirt. It all depends on if you like what's going on here.
Me: Ummm....
Him: Don't be shy. Mmph! Wit yo sexy lips.

ICEBERG.

Now, to you, that line might not sound all that bad. Well, you're right. Coming from the mouth of certain men, during different circumstances, it could be funny or flirtatious or even charming. But the delivery of his words (mixed with confidence of his smug brow) showed me exactly where this was headed. This guy was about 5 seconds away from giving me a cheesy line like "Wow baby, your boobs look tense. Want me to massage them for you?" Or, a downright rude line like "Damn gurl! You're like 9/11 sweety... You changin' my world." Ay yi yi....

 How do I even begin to explain how I got myself in this situation. I'm thinking it started on New Years Eve. In my mystery red drink haze, I decided that my resolution would be to put myself out there more. If I wanted to date, I should get into the groove and make it happen. Stop telling guys "No, I'm just dancing with my friends". Or, get rid of my "don't bother me, I'm reading" face when I'm hanging out alone in public. Be more inviting to the opposite sex. So, I got together a game plan. Go out at least once every weekend to meet men. Be a little more obvious with my flirtation. GO FOR IT! Wear something that makes you feel attractive. Touch. Smile. Wink. Cock you head to the side. All those good "How to catch the eye of another" suggestions you read about in Cosmo. And of course, find other avenues for dating. Which brought me to the cyber matchmaking machine that is the online dating world. 

 Come Meet your prince baby

Don't get me wrong, I've heard some pretty amazing stories when it comes to meeting someone online. I even know a few wonderful couples who are now happily married to a person they would have never met had they decided NOT to finish that oh so tedious online profile. I've also heard some horror stories. I mean, the TV show "Catfish" is just one shinning example of what could go wrong. Honestly it's a coin toss. But, I figured "Why the hell not?" and joined a few sites. The "Putting yourself out there" mission was well on it's way.


Creating an online profile is about as frustrating and mind numbing as filling out  a college application. You have to present all the amazing things about yourself using only a couple of paragraphs. It almost reminds me of being an Actor. Marketing yourself is crucial. Do you want to be funny or mysterious? Vixen or Sweetheart? Are you the best friend type... or the leading lady? I don't know about you guys but, I have never felt more stumped than I feel when I am staring at a blinking cursor in an "About Me" section. Don't even get me started on the profile photos. "Hmmmm... I look silly in that picture." Or, " You can see my back fat in that picture!" Or, "Oooo my smile looks awesome! This is a winner! But... it's a 5 year old picture. Hmm..oh well, they'll get the gist." Seriously! This profile drove me bananas for days. 

 Haha! Wow.. This guy...

After getting my own profile settled, it was time for fun. I searched through the men that my website had to offer. It was like my own little private version of "The Dating Game". I've actually met a few nice guys. Although none of them really led to anything, it was still nice to just meet and chat and flirt and just be single and actually kind of "dating". On the other hand, I've also met a few duds. The "Never Ever NEVER" list includes a few famous screen names like MoneyCatch2012, Vanilla_Heat1113, Huggies1972, BIGcrimeMelvin, and my all time favorite... ButtHunter69. Well, I have to admit, at least with a name like ButtHunter69 a girl can pretty much guess what type of guy she's in for. No secrets with good ol' ButtHunter. It's pretty obvious that you won't be telling your grand kids in the future how you saw the name ButtHunter and knew that you and grandpa were meant to be.

*Le sigh* Another year, another Valentine's Day in NYC. Seriously, I think that this city is it's own giant Valentine year round but, it's something about February 14th that makes it a little more romantic. I took the longer route from work on that night because I just enjoyed the energy. The Empire State Building glowed pink and red as couples strolled hand in hand, slow and content despite the cold weather. It occurred to me while walking around that my New Years Resolution was pretty ridiculous. Well, at least some of it. I still want to put myself out there. I still want to try to meet new people but, I don't want to do it as some Cosmo programed barbie doll. If I'm feeling flirtatious, then OH BOY, I will flirt. If I want to stay home on the weekends with a book and warm tea, then I will. I'll wink when I feel cheeky and smile when I want to and laugh my big hearty laugh if something tickles me. Maybe, on some days, my outfit that I feel attractive in happens to be my yoga pants and a t-shirt. No more game plan. If I'm going to meet someone, I want them to meet ME. That statement also applies to my online profile. I went back and erased the whole thing and just wrote what I felt like writing. Funny, mysterious, vixen, sweetheart... I'm all those things! No one could discover that in one paragraph. I added some pictures taken of myself recently and then stepped away. My resolution had a new meaning... "Put YOURSELF out there". Maybe I will get a lot of messages, maybe I won't. I guess we will see.

"So Kiki, What happened with the "Top Gun" volleyball scene extra you talked about at the beginning of the blog?" 

 Well, you can probably already guess that it didn't work out. But, it wasn't just me. He also knew it. The one word answers and lack luster questions between us had red lights flashing within 10 minutes. After it was obvious that this was going nowhere but off a cliff, he decided to steer the conversation to a topic that was he was sure would save the evening... cyber sex. And me? Well, I did what any woman would do when a guy, you don't want anything to do with, tries to start a friendly game of "Let's compare areolas".... I pretended there was and earthquake, shook my computer around and slammed it shut. C'mon guys! You didn't really think I was going to start dating that guy did you? Yeah right. I like my men like I like my communion wine.... Real.

Until Next Time......

3 Of My Favorite Movies About Online Dating

1). "You've Got Mail"

          I can't help it! I adore the Tom/Meg combo. This movie always makes me cry and I adore it!

2). Must Love Dogs

              Who can resist the Cusack? Seriously.

3). Napoleon Dynamite

           Kip and Lafawnduh forever.

Love Always, 

    The girl who got hit on by a with the screen name ButtHunter... sheesh.

Welcome to Jurassic Park

20 years ago my mother took me to the the movies to see "Jurassic Park". I remember everything about that night. The excitement, the danger, the music... every aspect of that movie took me in. I could barely sit still! After the movie was over, I stood on my seat and applauded and begged my mom to let me sit through the credits. I just wasn't ready to let go. The next weekend, I had a date with my father. He took me to the movies to see (you guessed it)"Jurassic Park" under the false belief(I provided of course) that I hadn't seen it yet. The second time around, I watched the people around me. I  wanted to see if they would laugh at certain scenes or the look of fear in their eyes when the cup of water vibrated from the T-Rex's oh so anticipated approach. Right then, I knew. I knew that I wanted to be apart of this world. I wanted to be a character in some amazing story that snagged the hearts and minds of an audience and caused a little girl to stand in her chair and applaud. I wanted to bring something that started on a page to life. Thus, the beginning of my urge to become an Actress. 

Oh Goldblum. Usain Bolt would have gotten away.

Cut to 20 years later.... That same girl is listening to the "Jurrasic Park" score on her Ipod as her train crosses the bridge from Brooklyn into Manhattan. I'm on my way to an interview with VOICETheatre. VOICETheatre is an amazing program that gives recognition to new artists and a stage for new works. It also allows for professional, working directors and casting directors to hold workshops for Actors as well as showcasing them to agents and other industry professionals. They look for trained Actors to showcase and get their names out into NYC. Hundreds apply and 16 are chosen.

There are several reasons that I wanted to move to NYC. I wanted to find out more about myself. I wanted to live in this amazing place where anything could happen. Most of all, I wanted to further my acting career. Of course, this was easier said than done. I live in a place where actors take over half of the population. Everyone here has a dream and a song to sing. Getting people to notice you out of a million is a pretty hard deed. But, even knowing this, I still came here to pursue my dream.
Like a bright eyed ingenue in an 80's flashback, I stepped off the bus ready to take the world by storm.

Its been an interesting year and a half. I've had some bad auditions and a couple of good ones. I've had moments where I've doubted my path and others where my path looks bathed in gold. I'm pretty sure there are hundreds of glossy headshots with my smiling face littering the local trash dump. I'm also pretty sure I've been told critiques by casting directors that would make you think the word "Actor" was just another way to say "emotional masochist".

  I'm sorry, did you just call me "Fatty Cakes" in the middle of my audition? Ummmmmmm............

 And don't even get me started on when you actually get an audition. It's like Pavlov's Dogs. You start salivating at the mouth with dreams dancing in your brain of you running through a field with a script in one hand, sides in the other while you're being chased by Ben Affleck and Catherine Bigelow. Their shouts of "I have the perfect role for you" echoing in your ears as you run towards a beautiful sunset that looks remarkably like a TONY hugging an Oscar.

Even with all the struggles and little wiggles thrown into my straight line, there is something that still tells me to keep going. Is it fate? Is it my own stubbornness? Honestly, its probably a little bit of both. All I know is that Jurassic Park loving girl isn't ready to sing a swan song. In fact, it seems I've been trying harder. Sending out more and more headshots. Submitting myself until my computer sighs and blows out hot air. I've prayed and wished for opportunities to present themselves. Which brings to me to my interview with VOICETheatre. I went in with the intention of doing the very best I could, no expectations... no Pavlov's Dog response. When I walked out, I felt so amazing. The kind of amazing that can only be found when you feel like you've conquered something. I was proud of myself. Of course I wanted to be chosen but, even if I wasn't, I still nailed it. I haven't felt that since I moved here.

2 days later, I received a call inviting me to be one of the 16 Actors for their showcase. I have no idea what this will lead to. I don't know if this will be the start of something big or if it will be a step towards supporting myself as a working actor. Hell, it may not lead to much at all. But, who cares! It's an accomplishment. And if I could give advice to anyone about living, it would be to celebrate your wins.. small, medium, or Burj Khalifa. CELEBRATE IT! Besides, you never know what could happen. In such a big city, I'm just grateful for the smallest of chances.

I have no idea why I wanted to write this into a blog. The other day a friend called me and asked how things were going and I was just so excited to have news and wonderful things to tell her. I was even more excited to hear about her amazing news. I don't know. I think 2013 is going to be the year of pursuit. Pursuit of your dreams and pursuit of the things that YOU want. There are so many people I know on the cliff's edge, ready to jump into the abyss of goals that they truly want to meet. I can't wait to hear all about it! Happy New Year all! Maybe 2013 slap you with a happy stick, light a candle in the darkness and bring more fulfillment than you even thought possible.

Until Next Time.....

Love Always, 
   The girl who can't believe "Jurassic Park" is 20 years old! And "Hocus Pocus".... and "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit"! 

Shit Actors Say

Visions Of Sugar Plums

While watching the skaters at Rockefeller Center, Haley and I saw the best sequence of events.


I swear, New York has to be one of the best places in the world to experience the Christmas season. Beautiful decorations littering every corner... the best hot chocolate places a girl could ask for. I mean, it's like you fell into the Nutcracker. Everything is so beautiful and grand and magical. Maybe its just me. I am a little over the top when it comes to this time of year. I see everything through candy cane colored glasses. Even getting grabbed by some random old guy in Union Square didn't stop the jingle bells in my head. Nor did seeing two Santas fighting near Macy's and getting hauled off in a police car. Ahhhh Tis the season. This will be my first Christmas away from home. Naturally, I was a little disappointed. After not seeing my family over Thanksgiving, I was sure that a Christmas visit was in the cards. But, alas, fate had other plans for me. So, I had to take those lemons and make sugary lemon bars. I've been celebrating with my NYC family. Old friends, new friends, Christmas landmarks all over the city. It's been a blast.

My friend and I decided to explore the city last Saturday and do it up Christmas Style. It was a much loved surprise that we shared our fun evening with SantaCon. SantaCon is a special day, celebrated in 37 countries where everyone dresses up as Santa or various other holiday favorites and hit the streets for a fun party that usually begins at around 10am. On the days of SantaCon, it's not unheard of to spot 100 Santas in one location or to sit on the train beside a huge Gingerbread Man. Plus if you will imagine what happens when alcohol becomes involved. Basically, you got yourself entertainment at every corner. All it did was enhance an already amazing night. Creamy hot chocolate from City Bakery, the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, ice skaters, enjoyable story telling holiday store windows... All I needed was a ride on the Polar Express and I probably would glazed over, drunk off the holiday cheer. Maybe next year, I will have a few family or friend visitors and I can show them all of this.

Its Christmas Eve now and I am writing a blog while sipping on eggnog and listening to Cee-Lo Green's Christmas album (awesome album btw). So much has happened over the last few weeks in our world that, I decided to write a blog and try to spread a little joy. I don't really have anything monumental to share. I just wanted to say, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

PUDGE WATCH 2012

Nothing says"VICTORY!" like looking as if a giant pixie stick factory exploded all over you. Victory is the word my brain chants over and over again as I find myself jogging in 30 degree weather with the sun barely making its morning appearance. My goal... to finish a 5K in the form of the rainbow powder extravaganza know as The Color Run. This event takes place during March in lovely NYC and to be honest, I am super excited about it. I've always been the type of person to give the "good for you" praise to anyone who dare signs up for a 5K. I mean, Its not like I would ever do it. Jog? For fun? You got the wrong feline for that business. Now, I actually want to do it. I want to cross that finish line knowing that I just tackled 3 miles and officially declare myself a true and noble BAMF. When I heard about The Color Run, I felt no anxiety whatsoever about participating. Honestly, it sounds more like a party than exercise.
The Color Run is described as a unique experience focused less on speed and more on crazy, color fun with your loved ones. Basically, at the start of the 5K, you wear white shirts and with each kilometer you jog, volunteers with shower you with colored powder (perfectly safe, duh). Once you reach the finish line, you are greeted with a huge party filled with food, music and of course, more color!

I am so thankful that I am able to do this. I don't know why I limited myself for so long thinking that I couldn't. Even when I am dead tired and cold and the weather wants to stop me from training, I keep pushing. The feeling you get when you're done is indescribable. So, If anyone is interested in joining a Color Run near you or just want to know more about it, here's the link. Warning: the energy displayed on this website is contagious and will make you want to sign up. http://thecolorrun.com/

 The Care Bear stare has nothing on this party

Until next time.....

6 Favorite Scenes: The Christmas Vacation Edison

One of my favorite Christmas movies is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. Seriously, it never gets old. I thought I would share a few of my favorite scenes. :)

1). Shopping: Clark Style

       Love this scene. I want to see the outtakes!

2). The Sh*tter's Full

      Who doesn't love Eddie?!

3). Clark Goes Sledding

     What I love most about this scene is my mother's reaction to it. It takes her 10 minutes to stop laughing!

4). Aunt Bethany

       Love this old lady. I hope one day to be mega old and be able to say whatever I want without consequences. 

5). Clark's Freakout

      Haha. This needs no explanation

6). Margo and Todd

     I have no idea why this made me laugh so hard but, I love it.

Love Always, 
   The girl who wishes you a true Christmas miracle and an amazing New Year!

Veto

November 7, 2012: The morning after the Election. I awoke to the sound of knuckles colliding with my door. It was my cooky neighbor, Reese. She earned the title "cooky" due to her random outburst of unnecessary comments. Examples include "I would TOTALLY make out with Abraham Lincoln if he visited my room as a ghost." and "I love Rhianna's music but, my vagina is more of a Joni Mitchell fan." Anyhoo, she was knocking to deliver an invite for the Obama celebration happening later in the lobby. "We gonna have a couple of pies (pizza), some music, and then... we gonna watch "The Faculty" she said. Ahhh America :). 

The evidence of last night's historical event still lingers everywhere today. Facebook is scattered with victorious comments or perturbed protests. Red, white and blue confetti scatter certain parts of Time Square. People walk around like the day after the super bowl, wearing their favorite "team" shirts, showing support for their candidate win or lose. Hopefully during the next four years, the strain on our country will ease as will this great divide between Americans right now. 

Sheesh, it's been a while since I wrote my last blog. Sorry everyone. Life's been throwing the biggest curve balls at me lately. Throw in travel, friends visiting, and psycho Sandy... well you got yourself a writing road block. 

         

Call me a "sweet little tropical storm" one more time and I'll show you what's up.

When I would get a few moments to sit down and type, I would just stare at the blank screen, the cursor blinking at me with an impatient knowledge that I had absolutely nothing to say. The truth is, things have been rather difficult for me lately. I didn't want to write about that. I wanted happy, witty, fun entries. But, when I started this blog, I promised to write about the good and the bad. So, let's get a little honest right now. 

The past 6 months have been...interesting. While on one hand I am happy, healthy and continue to add to my list  wonderful memories, the other hand holds a seemingly never ending pile of occurrences that constantly test my optimism and confidence.

The word "No" is like a cockroach that just won't die. You get one, you get twelve more working against you to make your life miserable. It seems that every venture I've taken lately slaps me in the face with a big fat "NO". No from the job you applied for. Nay from the agents you sent your headshots to. Nein from the weight loss scale, NIET, NIE, NON, NI, NOPE, HUH-UH, NEVER, ABSOLUTELY NOT, MAYBE AROUND NOT GONNA HAPPEN O'CLOCK. I have to admit, the constant rejection starts to weigh on you. At first, the "I'll get um next time" attitude flows out easier than a smile. Then, the negative effects of the word begin to fog your rose colored glasses. You think "I can't handle another no." But alas, you can. Here's 5 more for your trouble and one giant NO to make sure you're knocked on your ass. As you can probably guess and most of my friends probably know, this put me in a funk. Not just any funk... ohhhh noo... the kind of funk that makes you sympathize with the Wicked Witch of the West (Well, the b*%ch dropped a house on her sister and then STOLE her shoes! I'd try to kill her too!) Yeah, that kind of funk. 

I always knew that this time in my life might occur. I chose a career that's synonymous with the word struggle. My professors warned me that there would be 1000 no's before I heard 1 yes. Hearing these warnings definitely prepared me but, living the warnings is a whole other ballgame. The way that I look at it, I have 2 choices: A). I could continue to let the "No" pull me further and further underwater. Or, B). I can fight my way to the surface for air. Over the last few months, I've chosen answer A, giving in to a kind of "What's the use" type yielding. I still try of course, but I try with the insecurity of a person who doesn't expect to hear a yes. That's almost worse than doing nothing at all. 

Here's the thing about the word "No": It can be a negative burden on your shoulders making you slump over in defeat, or, it can piss you off. One day after yet another no from a job I submitted for, the usual aww poo feeling didn't fall over me. I started to feel angry. Anger is a powerful motivator. It can give you an 80's movie montage type of determination.  I was done with letting the rejections make me feel inferior. I chose answer B. After choosing to fight for what I want in life, getting up everyday has been different. Its almost like I can't get up early enough. Yes, I've still been getting rejections but instead of backing away, I take the time to lick my wounds and move on. My best friend told me that God is trying to teach me something with this experience. Maybe I need to learn to be stronger. Maybe this is a test in faith. Maybe its showing me to appreciate what I have right now to further appreciate privileges in the future.  I honestly don't know. But, I am trusting that going through this is going to benefit me greatly. 

 Hopefully you don't find this preachy or "after school special-like" (if you do, oh well,  to the dogs with ya... I have to say this) but, I want everyone going through difficult struggles at the moment to know that the term "This too shall pass" is popular for a reason. This journey that we all go through to discover our character has so many bumps and bruises attached to it that you look like a battered solider when you come out of it. But when I see so many of my friends living their dream jobs, getting married, buying homes, having children, traveling, pushing, living, loving and celebrating... I know we are all due victories. With all the "No" in the world, that 1 yes is gonna taste sweeter than a Paula Deen desert. 

*Sigh* adulthood. Sometimes I wish I could just lay on the floor and throw a Veruca Salt like tantrum when I don't get my way. Now, my tantrums include knitting, wine, watching " The Princess Diaries" and listening to "That's Life" by Frank Sinatra. But, ya know what? Maybe there's something to this "Not giving up" thing. I just heard a YES today. An editor has offered me the chance to write for an online magazine. I sent in my first article and she loves it. Someone's about to be published! Here's a link to my very first article (yippee!!!) at Thalo.com. 5 Paintings The Would Make Great Movies By Makia Martin

 

Freeze Frame Air Punch!

Until next time......

The Word No: 5 Of My Favorites

1). Micheal Scott's reaction to Toby's return - The Office

 Everytime I see this, I crack up. Love it.

2). Elizabeth's Rejection - Pride & Prejudice

Basically she said no. (Its starts getting really good at around 1:24)

3). Chang's Breakdown - Community

Perfect, amazing show. *Sigh*

4). Hitler's Rant - Inglorious Bastards

    

5). Dr. Cox says No - Scrubs 

 

   

   Love Always, 

      The girl who will soon be watching a 90's teen movie in honor of Obama.

Put A Little Love In Your Heart

I've never really been in love before. I've never felt its pleasures or pains or deep devotion. But, when I hear the beautiful, tragic lyrics of the song "How Can You Mend A Broken Heart" By Al Green, I feel like I have. I remember the first time I heard it. My grandmother was having her weekly card game and I, the little adult that I was, wanted to hang with the older crowd. So, I quietly sat on the floor near them, observing and trying to remain inconspicuous. I watched my grandfather get up and change the record. And there it was, my introduction to Al Green. Through all the noise of the gathering, I heard nothing else but the music. That was my summer that year. Laying on the floor, listening to my Grandfather's records and feeling like I finally understood Love. Motown, and golden oldies expressed nothing but the absolute epitome of the word. Even as a preteen, I had a flare for the dramatic, haha. Sometimes it feels like I learned the way I want Love to be from movies and the way Love really is from music.

Fast foward years and years later and here I am in Brooklyn, still sitting on the floor and listening to records.When I heard the amazing Al Green would be playing in NYC, I didn't hesitate to give him and Ticketmaster my hard earned money. Usually when a show comes around that I wanna see, I prowl  around and try to recruit lucky individuals to share the show experience with me. For some reason, this time, I didn't really mind getting one ticket. This was something for me. Do you have a Concert Bucket List? Ya know, people you wanna see perform before you go to that great Ice Cream parlor in the sky? Well, I do, and I wasn't going to miss the chance to see one of my list patrons. Carpe Diem and all that :). Honestly, you know how the show turned out. IT WAS AMAZEBALLS! Absolutely incredible.


The opening act was a cool and funky cat by the name of Charles Bradley. Haha, I honestly don't know how to express the sheer joy this man brought to the audience. He was a combination of James Brown, Randy Watson from "Coming To America" and Prince (back in his "Get Off" days). I couldn't even record a performance because I was so caught up in the crazy.

 The fun starts at about 2:45...

After Charles Bradley brought the house down, it was time for the one and only Rev. Al Green. It was like watching a Disney character come to life. I couldn't believe he was real. He came out, just a smooth as can be and started handing out roses to women in the audience. Then the music started and it was just me, my glass of wine and the lyrics. It amazed me how many different types of people loved Al. It was probably the most diverse group of people I have seen at one show. And we were all there for the same reason, to hear our favorite songs from the voice of the man who was partially responsible for the baby boom of 1972. His voice is so classic and commanding and he sounded better live than coming out through my speakers. I enjoyed every second of it. I wish there was more that I can say about it but, if you are a fan, you know I didn't nothing but spend 2 straight hours in a groove induced haze. My videos kind of sucked so... unfortunately, uploading them would be pointless. But, just so you get my drift.....

I enjoyed all this music while sitting behind a woman who told me this was her 2nd Al Green concert. Her first was in 1974. Wow. I wonder if I will be like that with Muse. Old and gray and still pumping my fist in the air to "Unnatural Selection". Hmmm.....

Pudge Watch 2012

Hi mom, I'm a vegan. Can you hear the laughter? I did. Yes, I am still eating mostly vegan. Its been interesting. Not as hard as I thought yet, not as easy as it was in the beginning. I think my body went from "Ok, she's just doing this for a small period of time", to realizing "Holy bananas, she means to make this a lifestyle change". Its starting to become harder and my body really wants to resist. I've of course backslid a couple of times. But, to be honest, I really don't feel all that bad. Going from eating meat and dairy and hardcore junk food everyday of your life to eating a little meat or dairy every couple weeks or so is a pretty awesome accomplishment. No one said this would be easy. That's what I keep telling myself when I want to bang my head against the wall. My weight is being really stubborn right now. Although the scale tells me I have lost weight, my image in the mirror still says "Hi! My name is round tummy, and I'm not going anywhere". Patience. I have to have patience. I feel the change in me. The visual just has to catch up. I have to say my 2nd biggest support system has been coming from the blogs on Tumblr. When you see someone who was once 300lbs now wearing a bikini and doing Insanity, it motivates you. Reading the things that those people went through, I know that I'm not alone. They get it. One of them is even a vegan and she puts up awesome recipes. It reassures me. It's possible to do this. Patience. 

Oh well kids, I just really wanted to share my concert going experience with everyone. Fall is ready to began and thus starts Harvest season or so a good friend told me. There are a lot of really amazing things in the works for me. I can feel them flowing through my motivation to workout, I can feel them coming out of my fingers when I write a script, I can feel the energy of it when I meditate. I'm really interested to see what kind of creative changes will happen in the next few month.  I'll keep ya posted, as always. Until next time. ....

Top 5 Favorite Movie/TV Scenes Featuring An Al Green Song

1). Notting Hill - How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

         Hugh Grant's character finds his lady love with her boyfriend (which he didn't know she had). And then he has to see her everywhere because she's a mega famous Actress. Le Sigh. 

2).  Munich - Let's Stay Together

        Ugggg! I can't find this scene to post. It's my favorite scene in Munich. Two enemies stuck in a safe house listening to the radio. They both go back and forth, changing the station because one doesn't like what the other one picks, blah blah. The both get in each others face, nose to nose. Finally, before tensions mount, Daniel Craig stumbles on a station playing  "Lets Stay Together". The both eye each other, smile and turn away from each other walking in opposite directions, back to their corners. They found comman ground in the Green. Classic.

3). On The Line - I'm So Tired Of Being Alone

      A member of Nsync on a train, singing Al Green. Of course I adored this scene.

4). Sex And The City - Can't Get Next To You

       I love this song and I loved this episode. A nice, lovely gentleman persuades Carrie to cut a rug. Sassy.

 Awesomeness starts at 6:40

5). Love And Basketball - Love and Happiness

       Ok, so the opening isn't exactly a giant scene but, when those first few chords of "Love and Happiness" start and you see that New Line Cinema logo, you just get excited. Plus that song sums up the movie perfectly.

Love Always, 

   The girl who is ending this blog because "New Girl" is on.

Downton Kiki

... 16, 17, 18...19. 19. That's how many boxes I currently have sitting in my empty bedroom in Bushwick. All of the packed. All of the waiting to go on a new adventure. I was able to yank these lovely cardboard wonders from the grocery store around the corner. It saved me from going around New York, stalking everyone's recycling bends. 19. Its amazing how my entire life fits into 19 boxes. At 28 years old, I thought there would be more. I thought I would have more things that were important to me. HA! On the other hand, while packing my 19 boxes, I didn't understand why there wasn't less. "Why do I have so much SH*T?!" This question was asked about 50 times while my roommate and I were packing up. But, there it is... all taped and bubble wrapped and ready to start another new chapter in my life. This chapter is titled "Getting your own place in Fort Greene".

With my roommate of 6 years moving to Inwood, Manhattan with her awesome Manfriend and me moving to Fort Greene, Brooklyn with my awesome record collection, it was finally time to detach myself from the hip of one of my best friends. It was kind of like the last scene in the opening credits of 90210 (circa the 90's).  Ya know, when Kelly and Donna are holding hands... walking in opposite directions... holding on until finally, with a smile and a twirl, they let go. The theme song ends  and a new episode begins.

Did they seriously believe they could pass off Andrea as a teenager?

Looking for a new place to live in NYC is about as much fun as banging your head against a brick wall. Besides searching for the right apartment in your price range, you also have to worry about location, the true vibe of the place, and... weirdos scamming for dates disguised as a "roommate wanted" listing. Seriously, it happens. You see a listing for a roommate... not too expensive... great neighborhood... basically, everything looks perfect. Then you click on the pictures for the place only to get this:

This guy does NOT look like a 1 bedroom in Bed Stuy.

No Me Gusta... at all. Lucky for me, fate slipped in a wonderful opportunity to live by myself in Fort Greene Brooklyn. Fast forward a few weeks and here I am... standing in my very own tiny box no bigger than my old dorm room in college. Actually, I think its smaller. Other downfalls? Well, the lady down the hall from me likes to chat (or banshee shout... it's really your perception) on her cell phone in the hallway. She either wants everyone in on her convo about Tia Mowry's baby or she just doesn't have any reception in her apt. Also, the hallways on my floor kind of smell like old....... something. Old lady... old pasta? I don't know what it is but it's got an aged quality to it. Even with that being said, I am falling in love with me new tiny compartment.

My Little Kingdom

Yes, it's tiny. But, to be honest, I really enjoy the simplicity in that. I got rid of things I didn't need and now my apartment is just decorated with things that really matter to me. That make me smile looking at them. Just the bare essentials. Simple, relaxed, colorful, romantic... me. Right now, that's all I need.  The weird smelling hallway? Well, it really doesn't matter. What matters is what I smell when I open the door to my apt. Fresh peaches with a hint of the wild flowers that I got for myself at the flea market on Saturday. And old cray cray cell phone chick? Yeah she chatters a lot but, I've also discovered that her name is Renna and she loves talking to her twin sister who lives in Seattle. Its the only thing that helps her get over feeling home sick. She's friendly as can be. There's also a lady that lives above me who practices dancing for a salsa club she's apart of. So at least twice a week, I can hear the sounds of Buena Vista Social Club above me for about an hour. This may annoy some. To me its kinda fun. Its usually around the time that I like to cook so, you can imagine the serious dancing I get into while chopping my veggies. This place has so much character. Its nice to add a little of myself to it.

My neighborhood is pretty much amazeballs. Fort Greene is one of the most beautiful places in Brooklyn. I love how I feel here. It's filled with cute little coffee shops and boutiques and enough side walk cafes (with lanterns) to rival the most romantic of novels. Sometimes walking around, you forget that you are in the busiest city in the world. It pretty quiet without being overly boring. Not as eccentric  and artsy as Williamsburg but, still filled with an air of creativity that only places in NYC can give. Plus there are houses! Actual huge, beautiful, vine covered homes with porches and yards. It takes you off guard when you walk around the corner and see a grand house with the Chrysler building barely visible across the river in Manhattan. Fort Greene just feels like an actual neighborhood. Like you could live there for a long time. Sometimes in the city, things feel temporary. Your apartment or your job. Things that you are just holding on to until something better comes along. This place feels like an area where people actually settle down for the long haul. I like it. I like the security guard at the first floor of my building. I like my mailbox. I like my rooftop view. I like where I am right now. Sitting here on the floor typing this blog with my bowl of grapes, Otis Redding spinning on the record player... how can I not be content?

Well, the Otis Redding record stopped. Hmmm I think I'll listen to Elvis next. No one will care. It's my place. Hehe, I can do what I want.

Pudge Watch 2012

So, I'm kinda going through a separation right now. After thoughts and research and discussions, I thought it would be best if meat, dairy and I took a bit of a break. That's right folks. I've turned Vegan on ya. Please don't frown at the screen or laugh at me (which is actually a reaction I received after telling someone of my diet change). The decision was made after I watched a movie on Netflix instant called "Forks Over Knives". *Sigh* stupid movie. It's the movie's fault... and Stacey Cook... jk :).  The truth is after declaring my war on weight last year, I've been doing a pretty ok job. I stepped up my exercise and tried to watch what I ate. But, it wasn't enough. I still felt sluggish and I just needed to try harder to take care of myself. When you have a family with a huge history of diabetes and heart disease, seeing that you have high blood pressure and hearing yourself wheeze after climbing the subway steps can scare the hell out of you. I don't want that for myself. I want more. And since I was having trouble with food and balancing healthy and unhealthy foods in my life, I was in the search for something else... another solution. The movie "Forks Over Knives" was suggested to me. I did NOT want to watch this film. I didn't want to sit for a hour and have some loser tell me what I should not eat. But, I watched it. And for some reason... that movie hit me like a baseball bat. It made sense to me. I don't know why and I couldn't believe it but, I found myself wanting to follow a whole foods/plant based plan. Everything just clicked for me. I decided then and there "Ok Makia, just give this a shot. Give it 30 or so days". Its like my body just followed my decision. Its been exactly a week now. I'm already noticing a difference in my body. I know it sounds ridiculous and trust me, 2 weeks ago I would have said the same thing.  Its not as hard as I thought it would be. I'm eating healthy foods and I'm learning a lot of new recipes. I think I only had one day last week where I had my nose pressed up against the window of a bakery around the corner from me.  I gave dagger eyes to this lady sitting at the table eating a chocolate cupcake with raspberry icing. It was like seeing your recent ex boyfriend with a new lady. But, I pulled it together and went home for some vegan ice cream (which is delicious by the way). I don't know if this will be my diet forever. My ultimate goal is to learn balance when it comes to all food. But, I do know that for now... I feel like a Champion. I'm gonna see this through for a while because it's working. It's working and I am so proud of myself for doing what needs to be done. I'm NOT looking forward to going home for Thanksgiving though. It's not just the food. I'm more nervous about my family's reaction to me going vegan, meditating and doing yoga. Sheesh.... that's gonna be fun to explain... especially to my uncle June.

Until Next Time.....

5 Movies About Moving

1). Moving - Richard Pryor stars as a mass transit engineer who moves his family from New Jersey to Bosie Idaho. I love love love this movie. Its my favorite Richard Pryor.

2). The Money Pit - Tom Hanks +Shelley Long + A terrible purchase = side splitting laughter. Trust me.

3). Footloose - You move from a big city to a small town where dancing and music are against the law? WTF?!

4). Toy Story - *sniff, sniff* I can't. I'm crying just thinking about it.....

5). The Lost Boys - Before you move to a new town, make sure it isn't plagued with mysterious disappearances and vampires with leather jackets. Just sayin'.

Love Always,
     The girl who's getting healthier by the day