Kiki From The Block

Sometimes there's nothing more refreshing than the color green. Green seems to be popping up everywhere these days. The official color of St. Patrick's Day.... the mellow and enchanting color of Springtime..... the color of money that you win and/or lose because you failed to pick the right teams for your bracket, *sigh*. This thrust of grassed colored extravagance can only mean one thing....It March!. It seems that Madam Winter decided that she would take a break from giving us the cold shoulder this year. Don't get me wrong, my first winter in the city wasn't all TOMS and jean jackets. There were a few days where I felt Jack Frost purposely doing the Cuban Shuffle all over my face. But, it definitely wasn't as bad as I anticipated. Fingers crossed that God doesn't send a random April blizzard. He has a since of humor, that Holy Ghost.... but an snowy April (and unpacking my sleepingbag-esque coat fondly known as "Big Rick") would just be mean. 

"What's been going on since your last post?" you ask. Well, I've entered the wonderful world of television, currently working on a new pilot for CBS called "Elementary". It's basically Sherlock Holmes meets the Boss streets of New York. I would tell you more but, I don't want to upset the CBS Ninja. So, you'll just have to hope it gets picked up and watch it :). Other than that, it's been pretty tame. Eat, sleep, go to work, dance around my room to MGMT. Eat, sleep, go to work, pout because it's not yet time for the 3rd season of  "Downton Abbey". Ya know, the usual. In fact, things have been so uneventful that I wasn't sure what I would write for this lovely blog. After a bit of thought and also taking into account several suggestions from my friends, I've decided to tell you a little about where I live. 

NYC is composed of 5 boroughs: Manhattan, The Bronx (Jenny-Lo once inhabited a block there... or so I was told), Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island. When my roommate and I first moved to NY, I was determined to be a Manhattan girl. I wanted to be the black Carrie Bradshaw(Shaniqua Bradshaw if you will). Visions of myself strutting up and down the Manhattan streets, charming everyone with newly found city girl wit stopped me from even considering another location. After searching and searching in 90 degree weather and fluke rain storms, my roomy and I decided on an apartment in another borough. I've been here for 9 months my heart has done a complete 180. My borough and I are in love and we may marry, if Rick Santorum will allow it. Some hipster must have spiked my Whiskey Sour because I am, without apology, a full fledged Brooklynite. 

Ahhhh Brooklyn.... the Bridge, the flavor, the fact that your name is said like a trillion times in the hit LL Cool J song "Doin It". There are so many reasons to adore this area. 

The People: Brooklynites are some of the most interesting people around. There's so much creativity bottled in this borough and you can see it everywhere from the clothes to the graffiti, to the musicians on the corner. My first thoughts about Brooklyn patrons were that they were trying to be cool, different, non conforming to the point of being false. But, since hanging out and about I'm starting to feel a bit different. Brooklyn is like a blank canvas and the people are the paint brushes. The people here create an atmosphere so alluring and potent that you can't help but be completely taken over by it. 

Activities: It's kinda hard not to go to Manhattan every weekend in search of the next great adventure but, when I don't, I'm always surprised at all the entertainment around me. There are so many museums! You have the Brooklyn museum, the Botanical Garden, the Underground Railroad (go ahead, make a slavery joke. I know you want to). And if you aren't in the mood for museums, there's plenty of music halls, theaters and of course, The Brooklyn Brewery. Lets not even get started on the yummy eats around that place. Everytime I eat in Brooklyn, the food is amazing. You have everything from Brooklyn's famous pizza, to Nathan's Hot Dog, to oh so delicious Thai Food. 

Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending a whole Saturday in Williamsburg (a sub-neighborhood of brooklyn). I went to Nitehawk Cinema for a special showing of  "Point Break". It was apart of a month long event called "Crazy For Swayze".

Basically, every weekend this month they show a wonderful classic film starring Patrick Swayze. Some of the films included comedy commentary from a duo called "The Raspberry Brothers". It was hilarious! I left out of there with watery eyes, a laughter cramp in my side and a pleasant relief that Keanu Reeves could never really be an FBI agent.

 P. Swayze PBR Commercial 1979. Sheer comedy.

After the movie, I walked around a bit and just took in the beautiful day and atmosphere. 

The Atmosphere: Brooklyn is a lot more beautiful than people think. It's just a different kind of beauty. In a way I feel like it's one of the main reasons people are attracted to that area. Manhattan is Paulina Porizkova. Brooklyn is Agyness Deyn. While out and about, I managed to take some pictures. Now be nice.... i'm no Annie Leibovitz.

I live in a little sub-neighborhood of Brooklyn called Bushwick or "The Bush" if you're feelin' fresh. My home resides in Bushwick, on Bushwick Avenue on the Bushwick-Aberdeen L train stop so, yeah....I'm pretty much in the heart of it.

I live in a 3 story apartment building next to a small bodega. When my mother came to visit, she would happily get coffee from the bodega every morning. She became friends with the guy that worked at the counter and before leaving, she happily informed me that the charming man behind the counter was in a biker gang and agreed to keep and eye on me and my roommate. So rest easy you guys. For all you Veronica Mars fans... I pretty much have my on PCHers so... booya. 

This is my super Robbie. He's pretty much one of the more interesting characters in my area. Its hard to describe him. He always has a story to tell and always seems to be in a jolly good ol' mood.  Robbie kind of sounds like Gary Busey if Gary Busey grew up in the heart of Venezuela. 

 This is my apartment. If someone were grasp a cube on opposite ends and pull it, stretching it out to capacity, that would pretty much describe my place. But what can I say... it's my haven. Home is where the heart is right? When I'm sitting in my apartment, listening to my records with the window open and a book in my hand, everything feels peaceful. It almost reminds me of those perfect, porch, summer evenings of the south.

The living room and kitchen

My Sanctuary 

So, there it is... a little bit about the place I call home. Just a tiny part of this grand mass of a city. A part that's burrowing into my way of life. Even if I don't settle here, It's definitely an amazing chapter that I'm sure I will take with me where ever I go. Now, please don't mistake this blog for a "Brooklyn Only" exhibition. New York has so many different regions, within a region, within a region that I'm sure everyone falls for tiny pieces of  it at a time. Who knows where I will be next year. I may be writing a different blog about my love for Harlem or Astoria. A woman's heart is an ocean of mystery and there are many places, people, and events that can reside there. An ocean of mystery? Did I just quote the old lady from "Titanic"? Yeah.... maybe it's time for me to go to sleep. Until next time.....

 You really can't get any cooler than that.

Pudge Watch 2012

Things are going ok with the war against weight. I need to get a little more motivated. My workouts have become a bit lull which means that I've hit a sort of workout plateau. I'm thinking it's time to get some new music. So, if you have any songs to suggest please let me know. It's time to liven this sucker up.

5 Things I'm Digging On At The Moment

1). The Shoes "Time To Dance"

             This music video stars one of my many admirers Jake Gyllenhaal playing a Hipster murdering Sociopath. Now trust me guys, this video is a little harsh and hard to watch but, from an actors view... it's amazing. The vacant look in his eyes is just haunting. Plus, the song is pretty awesome, it will be going on my workout mix.

2). Busty Girl Comics

           A friend of mine introduced me to this website and boy.. it's hilarious, and  annoyingly accurate. http://bustygirlcomics.com/

3). The Hunger Games

             Yeah, I know... I'm always into The Hunger Games. With the release of the movie less than one week away, my love for the mockingjay has gotten a little out of control. I am eagerly awaiting this movie. I know Jennifer Lawrence will be amazing and I can't wait to see such a haunting story on the big screen.

4). The Beach Boys & Garbage

          Ummm yes, I know that these 2 group of musicians have nothing in common,  *gasp* or do they? Well I am here to tell ya they both have something in common and that thing is ME! I will be attending both The Beach Boys: 50th Anniversary Tour and the 1st Garbage tour in 7 years this year in May. I won my tickets for the Beach Boys on the radio. *Sigh* I think this is gonna be the best concert year since MUSE.

 The Beach Boys minus honorary member Uncle Jesse *cough* I mean John Stamos

Garbage.... Oh boy I can't wait!

5). I Want You To Be My Second By John-Mark Davidson

              This book is a collection of short stories and the first book by John-Mark Davidson. I just got the book a few days ago and I've already breezed through it. When I read these stories, they play like a film in my head. John-Mark does a wonderful job of allowing you to into the situation. I hear the words and see the expressions and jesters between the lines. It's honest, humorous and evokes emotion. Trust me guys, get it... read it.I Want You To Be My Second

Love Always,

    The Girl who does indeed love Brooklyn but does not love it enough to tattoo it on her body.

Exibit A

        

Rose's Are Red....And So Is A Stop Sign

OooK so, people making out in front of a "Crumbs".... The Empire State Building is glowing red... young chick carrying a gargantuan white fluffy teddy bear...  homeless guy throwing rose petals... lush bearded gentleman playing "Careless Whisper" on his sax... OOOWEEEE heart candy! Don't worry everyone, I'm not describing a  rave. IT'S VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!

New York is a giant love parade today, practically buzzing with romance. It's like someone decided that the song of the day would be "Can You Feel The Love Tonight " and everyone is waltzing to the beat of it. Ok, maybe not everyone... The lady on the train today who told this guy "GETCHO UGLY F*CKING BALLOONS OUTA MUH FACE!"... yeah, she probably wasn't that into Valentine's day. But hey, that's ok because most of the people I observed today to were.

February 14th is always and interesting topic to discuss. People either love it or they don't. They either celebrate it or repel it. I myself think it's a cute holiday. While I agree that you should show your loved ones how you feel about them 365 days of the year, it's hard for me to argue against a lovey, gooey, mushy day dedicated to romance. There's something so childlike and adorable about it. It's a day to amplify your ridiculous romantic notions. The only thing about Valentine's Day that bugs the top notch fool out of me is that it reminds me that I am seriously, unquestionably, absolutely (dum, dum, DUM) S-I-N-G-L-E.

Being single in New York is no episode of "Sex and the City" my friends. Mr. Big isn't bumping into me and delighting me with afternoon flirts. Aiden isn't charming me into spending the weekend in his country cabin. This city has over 8,000,000 people in it and I... just happen to be one of it's lone wolves. I'm not bitter or crying about it. I sing "All the single ladies" with the other unattached felines while out dancing. It's just hard to "Put your hands up Oh Oh Oh" when you're alone on Valentine's Day.

 BOOM

Connecting with someone here has it's challenges. People move quickly around here with little time, only concerned with the destination. Sometimes you forget to slow down the journey and just say... hi. Don't get me wrong, I've met a few lads out and about. Let's see, there was the "physically attractive but mentally a super jerk" guy. Oh yeah... and the "mentally stimulating and cute but I have a girlfriend" guy. Ooo and here's the cake topper: I seem to attract the "Return Of The Mac" type guys. For those of you who are thinking "Hey Makia, what's a "Return Of The Mac" type?", I would be oh so happy to enlighten you.

Return Of The Mac Guy

1. Usually starts out with "Ehh Gurl" or "PssT!"
2. Probably old enough to be your dad but missed the adult train
3. Kind of reminds you of a 70's pimp 
4. Blast 90's R. Kelly tunes while slowing down vehicle to "holla" at you when you are walking home.
5. Has gold somewhere... on his chain, on his cane, in his teeth

Basically.

Let's just say that I'm not really into that type. Walking around today, it was hard to see all the love and not have someone to share it with. Who doesn't want to hold hands around Central Park with a wonderful "insert sex here"? People like me, the romantics, the foolishly amazed, the daydreamers... we wait for those moments. We consider sharing your life with someone a beautiful accomplishment and we yearn to begin that life. And you know what, that's ok with me. I enjoy being that person. One day I will be part of a we on Valentine's Day and I think that will be pretty awesome. But for now...I'm a me. If living here has taught me anything, it's definitely taught me that living in a selfish faze for a while is A ok. I get to learn what I want, enrich my life open my heart to the possibility of being enthralled. Yes, it sounds a bit "self help book" esk but, it's too true. The one or him or the person for me... I don't think it's my time to be swept away just yet. Now this isn't an anti relationship post for all you lovers out there. Hopefully one day I will meet someone and join that "googly eyed, over the moon, can't breathe, can't stop smiling, love to argue because I know we will make up" cult. And when I do, you can say I told you so :).

When I woke up today, I decided to go roaming through the city today by myself. I had a yummy lunch and also saw "The Artist" at the Paris Theater on 5th Ave. Going to the Paris Theater is like entering a time machine. The actual theater is so beautiful.  I sat in the Balcony even though there were only a few people around. They played classical music for a bit and then the big velvet curtains parted and the show began. Loved every second of it.

I left my Parisian time machine and went Central Park to read and enjoy a warm cider. After a while I realized that I had be out alone all day without my phone, without anyone beside me. It was kinda nice.

Valentine's Day is also an excuse for delicious treats. After my moi date day, I decided to go home and make something that would make weight watchers angry. I made chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies (lovingly named Dunga Doo Balls) and Strawberry Love Hot Chocolate. Did I just hear a collective mmmmmmm? Ohh boy was it good. I may have to work out like a crazy person for the rest of the week but... yeah, I do believe it was worth it.

 Strawberry Love Hot Chocolate

http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/02/red-velvet-hot-chocolate-recipe.html

Dunga Doo Balls

http://morganmoore.typepad.com/one_more_moore/2009/04/when-its-too-hot-to-bake-we-nobake.html

Add in a little "Gilmore Girls" and I have to say it's been a wonderful day. I didn't have to wear black and curse love to enjoy it. It was nice to just... be. "Sex and the City" had it right with with the soulmates thing. I have soulmates. People in my life that I said "I love you" to today and meant each word. Honestly I have more Valentines than I can count on both my hands. Alone? Please... not even close. Until next time kids.... the lone wolf says goodnight. 

Pudge Watch 2012

Things are going alot better since my last post. The crazy beast is gone and Cheer Bear has returned.. I've been going to the gym and eating better. I've even got a few friends helping me out in the process. Its crazy how good you feel after accomplishing something like a simple 1 minute jog. "I did it!" that's what's going through my head. And even if the crazy beast pops through a couple of times, I know from experience I can beat it :).

5 Fictional Valentines 2012

1). Mr Darcy

 

 Intelligent, gorgeous, hard on the outside, but soft and compassionate on the inside.

Quote: "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

2). Murphy Muldoon from "Born In Shame" by Nora Roberts.

          Sorry. I'm reading this right now and I am crushing on this Irish, awesome guy.

3). Prince Eric

        I blame my overly  romantic outlook about love on Disney movies. I blame my crush on dark haired blue eyed men on Prince Eric.

4). Noah Calhoun

         Don't get me started. 

5). Alcide from the Sookie Stackhouse novels or Trueblood

      Bill or Eric.... Eric or Bill......Forget them both I will take the foxy werewolf. 

Love Always, 

       The Girl who loves "Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden

Don't Feed The Bears

There's nothing more terrifying than a hungry obese chick longing for a chocolate cake. When approaching this creature, proceed with caution and avoid eye contact if possible. Your life is a stake... because all she wants is a steak, with mashed potatoes and creamy gravy and a couple of buttered biscuits with a glass of wine and apple pie for desert. Mmmmm... *sigh*... (Insert angry scream here).

Seriously.... It's been a really bad day for the food addict. I've confined myself to my apartment for the day, because when I woke up this morning, I felt.. weak. I felt that if I were to go out today, I would not be able to refuse unhealthy options. When I declared this war on my weight, I knew that it would be hard but... man, it's really getting difficult. In the beginning, I was riding on a wave of motivation and thoughts of me, one day, in a two piece or flirting with a foxy guy while wearing a sexy dress and heels or bending over to pick up something from the floor without holding my breath. When the holidays came around, I allowed myself to indulge in sweets and eggnog and alcohol  and it was ok... because I still felt in control. Now, its a new year and I'm back in NYC and instead of getting a boost from the promise of a new start, I've entered the "withdrawal" phase of my weight loss. Welcome to The Suck.

I wanted my first post of 2012 to be uplifting and enlightening. I wanted to discuss simple things like... my thoughts on the movie "Young Adult" or the fashions of this year's Golden Globes (Emma Stone... your dress was 'Bout it... yes, I went there). But, I've decided to share with you the truth: Weight loss is STUPID! 

Ok, ok... it's not always that bad. It just feels that bad at the moment. When studying the effects of drug withdrawal in my high school health class, I never thought that the bullet points beside the picture of the the person sweating, shaking and crying in a corner would apply to me. But, here I am, feeling like I'm about to cry every time I see commercial for Applebee's on hulu. If I were in a movie, I'm sure me pressing my nose against the window at Crumbs bakery would be funny... right now, it's simply frustrating. I've gone all my life pretty much eating what ever I wanted. Now, this abrupt stop to eating habits of mine has kinda made me a bit loony over the last couple of days. I've been told by alot of people, "this is the hard part"... "this is the part you have to fight through"... "after that, things are easier". I know that they are right and I know that I can win the war... I just have to conquer this battle. I never knew how much I depended on certain foods until this moment. It's kind of shocking really. 

My workout routines have also hit a bit of a snag. At the beginning of January, I decided that by the summer , I would run a 5k. That might not seem like much to some, but to me... it would be an extraordinary accomplishment. Training myself to run has been hard. I've been getting tired so easily and struggling with keeping a good pace. I know its just the beginning, but, it's just a kick in the face to get so winded after only jogging a minute.

And, to be honest, I haven't really be helping the situation. My thoughts have starting following my urges. Instead of lifting myself up, I've been kinda down on myself lately. Which is why I wanted to write this blog. Its therapeutic to share how hard this is. This is the point where I usually quit. I've told you, I have tried to loose weight and get healthy several times. When I hit this point I would tell myself, "Oh, go ahead and order a pizza... you can start back tomorrow" or  "Don't go workout today.. you can go tomorrow". I would just get stuck. Well, I promise that this time is different. I'm not going to fall back into my old ways. Even though things at the moment seem as if I won't get past it... I know that I can. I also know that I wouldn't actually give my left boob for a platter of Chick-Fil-A nuggets.. so, I should probably stop saying that :). 

"Loving you, is easy cause you're beautiful...."

This blog is gonna be kinda short, I just wanted to let everyone in on my "misery" at the moment, haha. I also wanted to say thank you to my friends and family who continue to motivate me during this journey. You guys are my fuel. I can do this... I can do this... I can do this.... I'm just waiting on my body and mind to catch up with my heart. Until next time folks....

3 Blogs That Really Motivate Me...

1). Runs For Cookies

                This 29 year old went on a mission to lose over 100 pounds. 16 months later she was 125 pounds lighter.

   http://www.runsforcookies.com/

2). A New Beginning: My Journey To Avoid The Knife
           I love this blog. She lost over 100 pounds and is currently documenting her journey to tone and avoid a tummy tuck. She give great pointers and revelations.

3). My fitspiration 
          Olivia, season 11 Biggest Loser and Hannah, runner up are wonderful. They started out near my size and I was able to watch the through the process. 

Olivia

Hannah

Love Always, 

    The girl who will be 80-100lbs less in a year.

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.