One Small Step

I follow an instragram account called 'pitbullsofinstagram'. It's a page and a movement to stop Pitbull hate. Pitbulls are not aggressive dogs. They don't attack unconditonally. Do you know that Pits are the most loyal dogs. The bad ones you hear about in the news are trained to be mean. Just like ANY dog, if you don't take the time to train them, then they will be wild. Pits are very lovable and are known to be huggers. They are great around kids and babies. You can't ask for a better dog.

So when I saw a post that a town in Louisiana was putting an ordinance to ban all Rottweilers and Pitbulls I had to sign the petition. People had to get their dogs euthanized or sent out of town by Dec 1st. That is the most assinine and cruel thing ever.







Couple days later, they posted that the petition and public outrage (nationwide) made them reverse the ordinance. Yay!!!







I believe that if we put your heart in it and stick up for what you believe is right, you can accomplish great things. My one signature showed I cared and it brought about a change.

I do wish we can apply this same sentiment to all walks of life. However, life is never fair.

Fashion For Action

Today my husband invited me to a charity event that his company sponsored: Fashion for Action by Housing Works. 

It was an evening to buy designer clothes 70% off retail value, silent auctions and some dining. It was an excellent party. We got in for the early admission. So we drank a little then went to shop. All proceeds goes to help fight for a cure to HIV/AIDS. It's not too often that I get an invitation to such an event. 

We picked up some accessories at the show. I wanted a pair of Diane von Furstenberg shoes but it was still costly based on how much I would wear the shoes. I ended up buying a Betsy Johnson watch and a Christmas present for my mom. 

Hubby got a bag and some designer chonies (underwear for us North Easters). When we were done, we went back to the party. That's when the action started.  I walked up to Jason's co-workers and they are having a heated discussion about whether someone was a girl or a guy. They decided to ask me to make the decision. I turn to see who they are talking about. To my pleasurable surprise, it was Isis from America's Next Top Model. She was my favorite from that season. I think she was sabotaged. She should have made it to the end. I got to take a picture with her. 

She was so pretty. Excited!!! Then the group went to take group pictures at the photo booth. After goofing around, who do I spot? None other than Miss J from America's Next Top Model. I love him. He was great! I got to take a picture with him too!!! 

I LOVE this man. He is fierce no matter what he does. I am like so star strucked tonight. I'm literally in heaven. He even gave my hubby pucture taking tips. He is a lot taller than I imagined him to be. Love Love Love. 

The night was not even done with surprises: 

Bottom guy is John Varvatos, next up is Zach Posen and The very top is Betty Smith. She's going to be on Fashion Queens on Bravo. Not a great picture because I didn't have room to go any further. There was also a runway show down those stairs. Fun Fun Fun!

It was a magical night. I must thank my hubby and his company Matthijssen Business Systems NYC for the invite. Without them, this wonderful night wouldn't have happened. 

Now let me see if I can fall asleep!!! Good night!!! 

To Be or Not

I recently been following a blog called Beyond Black & White. It is supposed to be a site for like minded people to gather to find kinship with interracial relationships. I do like the site. I just RSS their blog. I don't really go to the site itself. I do most of my reading in the subway. No reception there. Anyway, I digress. I found this site thru a friend's Facebook page after I got married. Some of the ideas I've read to date I find conflicting. I also don't like labeling interracial relationships as "swirling". Why can't it just be called a "relationship"? By naming it something different doesn't make it seem like it's something out of the norm? Something that is not allowed? We are in the 21st century now. Yes I know there's still rampant racism going on. I don't consider my relationship with my husband swirling. Hell, I didn't even know there was a movement. We were just 2 like-minded people who met, fell in love and got married. I barely notice his skin color. He barely notices mine. I just see Jason and he just sees Colette. Let me give you an idea of how I grew up.

I'm a product of a 2 children who has 2 sets of interracial parents. My grandfather on my dad's side is a Sephardic Jew from Spain and my grandmother on my mother's side is from Cuba. However, if you look at any of us, all you'll see is Black. I grew up on a diverse block in Brooklyn. My neighbor to my right was Greek and my neighbor to the left was Irish. The kids my age all ran the gamut from either White or Black. There weren't any Latinos on my block growing up. My parents taught me not to see color, but remember that I was Black and I have a lot more hardships to undertake to be treated fairly in a White dominated world. I played with White kids growing up as well as the Black kids.

Now as I got to Middle school (JHS for those of us in NYC), my block started changing to working class Black people. We still had a few White folks still living on the block. One of them was my good friend Kristin. Did I notice she was White? Yes. I never thought anything of it. We had the same likes in clothes, music, friends and hobbies. We went to the same elementary, JHS and HS together. JHS was the toughest time period for me. It was the darkest 2 years anyone could have. In the darkest hour a knight in shining armor came to my rescue. Was it a Black boy? No. He was a Latino boy. I teenage-loved (differentiated this love because it's young foolish love) that boy. He was also having the darkest 2 years too. How come I didn't fall for a Black boy? Well, you see, I was not attractive to most Black boys. I was dark skinned, skinny, with a big ass. This was not in style then. You had to be light skinned with nice eyes. But I was considered their "homegirl". You know, the best friend who was a girl.

After JHS, I dated a lot of Black boys to men as I was older. I can say, that I never had a Black guy cheat on me. I ended up being the "other" woman. In HS, I dated this 23 year old guy behind my mom's back. I got myself in trouble dating him, to find out he was engaged to be married. That was a huge blow to my ego. So after that, I never committed to anyone for a while. In my 1st college, I dated a senior seriously. I messed up the relationship because of baggage from my past. In my 2nd college, I had one of my longest relationships with a Black guy. We were together for 3 1/2 years. We ended our relationship because our paths were not going the same way. I wanted to move back to NY and he didn't want to move there.

I returned to NY and I found what I thought was a great guy. We were together for 3 1/2 years too. He ended up moving to NC. He then started claiming that our 3+ year relationship wasn't a relationship. I found out why. He was married all the while. I didn't realize that I was the "other" woman yet again. I had all of his attention and his time. After him, I rebounded with a Latino guy. We were together in total 2 years (multiple break ups). I broke his heart. He broke mine. But in the end, we still managed to be friends.

After him, I didn't bother with with relationships. I just dated. However, dating had gotten really old and annoying. I don't like wasting time on random men. I dated all races but predominantly Black, because they were more accessible. I had given up on dating right before I met my husband. My husband came out of left field. I wasn't looking for him. We just meshed because we have very similar tastes. I didn't even know how he looked at first. It was all thru a video game chat. (Yes, I'm a girl gamer and I'm Black. It's a rarity.) and we became inseparable. When I found out he was White, it didn't even cross my mind that it was taboo. I just saw Jason. I was more apprehensive about meeting his parents. They greeted me with a huge hug and accepted me as is.

So for me, my relationship is a regular relationship. I'm not swirling nor was I seeking a man from another race. I see people as people. Race is the last thing that comes to mind when forming any type of relationship. It is all about how you treat me that decides if I want to be your girlfriend (too late for this option) or friend. The argument I want to ask is; if dating outside your race is called "swirling", then having friendships outside of your own race, should that have a different name other than "friendship"?

Review: Hot Game

Hot Game by Bridget Midway

My rating: 2 of 5 stars



I finished the story. I don't like predictable books. I knew the bad stuff was going to happen to the main girl and she would easily forgive him. This author's girl characters tend to be easily gotten and they forgive horrendous shit. I admire she has delved into making interracial relationships, but she conveys that Black women are easy and can accept being treated unfairly by men. So this is a horrible love example.

Once again this is not. Book it's a novelette. It is so short. I'm glad I didn't pay full price for the story. It was not really worth my time. I lost couple of brain cells too. I would really contemplate buying another one of this author's books.



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Review: Sixth Grave on the Edge

Sixth Grave on the Edge by Darynda Jones

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I like this series a lot. I've been pretty dedicated to it. I love Charley. I like Reyes. I enjoy a lot of the characters. This book wasn't the best of the series. I didn't like the ending tho. I also don't unlike unanswered questions. Maybe the answer will come in the next book. The end of the book was a bit confusing and muddled.

I am not saying the book was bad, but it didn't give me all the warm fuzzies like books 1 thru 5.

Here's hoping book 7 will prove better.



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Review: After Dead: What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse

After Dead: What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 1 of 5 stars



I've been a big fan of the Sookie Series. So when I saw this book, I had to read it. Of course I was curious how some of my favorite characters ended up. So I thought/assumed that this would be in a novelette form. I was willing to pay the $10 for this book.

I want my money back. Not only do I feel cheated, but I think Charlaine Harris & her publishers are a bunch of crooks. Milking your fans of money for a bullshit book is bad business. I read that book during my lunch hour. All it is is a paragraph or three a page for each character. Even some characters you don't give a damn about.

I will not purchase another Charlaine Harris. I may make her lose revenue by torrenting a book from her in the future. I will not spend another dime on her. I should've torrented this book.

For those who want to read this book, Don't Waste Your Time!!!



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Kids' Answers to Questions

Read this and thought it was hilarious!!! 

Questions about love, marriage and sex were posed to kids ages 5 to 10. Their answers below are enlightening:

WHAT IS THE PROPER AGE TO GET MARRIED??

"Eighty-four! Because at that age, you don't have to work anymore, and you can spend all your time loving each other in your bedroom."(Judy, 8)

"Once I'm done with kindergarten, I'm going to find me a wife!"(Tom, 5)

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE??

"On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date." (Mike, 10)

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE??

"You should never kiss a girl unless you have enough bucks to buy her a big ring and her own VCR, 'cause she'll want to have videos of the wedding."(Jim, 10)

"Never kiss in front of other people. It's a big embarrassing thing if anybody sees you. But if nobody sees you, I might be willing to try it with a handsome boy, but just for a few hours."(Kally, 9)

THE GREAT DEBATE: IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED??

"It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need somebody to clean up after them!"(Lynette, 9)

"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble."(Kenny, 7)

CONCERNING WHY LOVE HAPPENS BETWEEN TWO PARTICULAR PEOPLE

"No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular."(Jan, 9)

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." (Harlen, 8)

ON WHAT FALLING IN LOVE IS LIKE

"Like an avalanche where you have to run for your life." (Roger, 9)

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long."(Leo, 7)

ON THE ROLE OF GOOD LOOKS IN LOVE

"If you want to be loved by somebody who isn't already in your family, it doesn't hurt to be beautiful."(Jeanne, 8)

"It isn't always just how you look. Look at me. I'm handsome like anything and I haven't got anybody to marry me yet." (Gary, 7)

"Beauty is skin deep. But how rich you are can last a long time."(Christine, 9)

CONCERNING WHY LOVERS OFTEN HOLD HANDS

"They want to make sure their rings don't fall off because they paid good money for them."(Dave, 8)

CONFIDENTIAL OPINIONS ABOUT LOVE

"I'm in favor of love as long as it doesn't happen when 'The Simpsons' is on television."(Anita, 6)

"Love will find you, even if you are trying to hide from it. I have been trying to hide from it since I was five, but the girls keep finding me."(Bobby, 8)

"I'm not rushing into being in love. I'm finding fourth grade hard enough."(Regina, 10)

THE PERSONAL QUALITIES NECESSARY TO BE A GOOD LOVER

"One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." (Ava, 8)

SOME SUREFIRE WAYS TO MAKE A PERSON FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU

"Tell them that you own a whole bunch of candy stores." (Del, 6)

"Don't do things like have smelly, green sneakers. You might get attention, but attention ain't the same thing as love." (Alonzo, 9)

"One way is to take the girl out to eat. Make sure it's something she likes to eat. French fries usually works for me." (Bart, 9)

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF TWO ADULTS EATING DINNER AT A RESTAURANT ARE IN LOVE?

"Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he's in love."(John, 9)

"Lovers will just be staring at each other and their food will get cold. Other people care more about the food." (Brad, 8)

"It's love if they order one of those desserts that are on fire. They like to order those because it's just like how their hearts are...on fire."(Christine, 9)

WHAT MOST PEOPLE ARE THINKING WHEN THEY SAY "I LOVE YOU"

"The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love him. But I hope he showers at least once a day."(Michelle, 9)

HOW A PERSON LEARNS TO KISS

"You learn it right on the spot when the gooshy feelings get the best of you."(Doug, 7)

"It might help to watch soap operas all day."(Carin, 9)

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

"It's never okay to kiss a boy. They always slobber all over you...That's why I stopped doing it."(Jean, 10)

HOW TO MAKE LOVE ENDURE

"Spend most of your time loving instead of going to work." (Tom, 7)

"Don't forget your wife's name...That will mess up the love." (Roger, 8)

"Be a good kisser. It might make your wife forget that you never take out the trash."(Randy, 8)

Original Link Here.

Blast from My Past

Apparently I did a random facts in 2009 on FaceBook. So I am going to repost it here. There are many that may be said on my previous recent posts about myself. That goes to show, that I haven't changed much. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe  you can tell me, lol.

RULES: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs (+) on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish


1. I have little patience
2. Love playing Final Fantasy XI online
3. Have a crush on Morris Chestnut
4. I love to read
5. I can be very spontaneous 
6. Looking to retire earlier than normal
7. Very few people know me very well
8. Hated JHS
9. Loved HS
10. Went to 3 different Elementary Schools
11. I am a lot more sensitive than people believe
12. I hate flaky people
13. I try to keep my word as much as possible
14. Likes to have time to herself, lately it's been a lot of time
15. I hate having to curb my conversations
16. I hate owing anyone anything
17. I am very anal about things
18. Don't like very whiny & over sensitive men
19. I can be impulsive
20. Love techy stuff
21. I used to play school with my dolls when I was a kid
22. I hate email forwards that are random and hold no significance to me
23. I have a thing about people invading my personal space
24. I hate fussing and fighting
25. Hate when my time is wasted.

Review: Sweet Water

Sweet Water by Christina Baker Kline

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I believe this book was a great read. The characters made sense to me. I understood all the complexities that each of them brought in the story. The book starts of a lost woman who's in search if herself by accepting the house and land left to her from her estranged grandfather. I loved the dialogs and the story. What I hated which made me gave this story is that at the pivotal point of the story, the story just ended. Did the grandmother talk to the granddaughter? Did granddaughter make up with her aunt? How does this family heal? So much was left out. I feel a bit cheated. If it was a completed story it would have gotten 5 stars.



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R.I.P. Phenomenal Woman!!!

Today we lost a true African-American Hero. Her voice maybe silent for the future but we will continue to have her voice in our heads and hearts.

I've never met her but I respected her immensely. When I hear her voice I stop and listen regardless of what I was doing. I'm not the greatest poet, but the following is my favorite poem. I've had it plastered in front of my desk in many of my offices.

PHENOMENAL WOMAN

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms,
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them,
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing,
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need for my care.
’Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.

Maya Angelou, “Phenomenal Woman” from And Still I Rise. Copyright © 1978 by Maya Angelou.

Rest in peace Maya Angelou. You will be missed.

I'm So Vain, I know This Post is About Me

I'm in the mood to share more about myself. Maybe people can get my personality a bit more or I just want to put it out there. Self therapy in form of voyeurism.

1. I don't do the phone. I love my iPhone. I just don't like talking on the phone. I only speak to very few people on the phone. Everyone else needs to text me or AIM me. Phone calls will go directly to voicemail. Once I listen to it, I will text or email back. In my career, you've learned the phone is NOT your friend.

2. I don't like people wasting my time. Dating was rough for me. I hated dates that led no where. I find it a waste of time. If I make plans with you don't waste my time having me wait 20 to 30 minutes without any explanation. All you do is piss me off and I won't make plans with you again. If I deem that the friendship is worth it, then I'll tell you a different time that way, when you are late, you are on time.

I started this list off with my pet peeves. Sorry, this lends to fact #3. I tend to go negative first then bring in the positive. I rub alcohol in the wound before I put neosporin and bandage it up.

4. I have a very very very over active imagination. You can tell me something and I'll be in my head visualizing it. I also have epic dreams.

5. I like writing. I have 3 stories in my head I would love to get out to the assets but time is my downfall. They need to have an apparatus that can scan your brain and type out what you want. That would make this easier. I have been published though. I participated in an anthology with my GoodReads group. The book can be gotten here.

6. Restaurant/Cafe hopping. I love trying new restaurants. As a kid, I dreamt that I would live in Manhattan and I would eat dinner at different cafés/restaurants every night. If that were true, I'd weigh a ton. Which brings me to the next point.

7. I hate exercising. I find it tedious and boring. I don't like repetitive boring things. Ugh. But alas I do it to be healthy.

8. I judge people immediately on first look. My mom always said to make your first impression your best impression so you must always look presentable. I used to hate that. How can people just judge you like that? It was unfair. I used to throw back, well never judge a book by its cover. She acknowledged it but countered that society does not work that way. They already have a prejudice to you already because you are Black. Don't give them anymore reasons to not like and respect you. So I made sure I looked presentable in the most important times. But, yeah, I will judge every single hoodrat looking guy walking on the street, hanging out at a street corner, on the train or anywhere. Race does not come into play here even though majority of the hoodrat looking guys are Black. I will not give them a positive acknowledgement. If they want me to give them positive, they must look positive. I will not talk to or hire a guy who can't wear his pants how it's made to. If not, they are a bunch if delinquents. I don't lie down with dogs because I don't want folks thinking I have fleas. I've heard the "self expression" excuse numerous times. How's it self expression when all your slummy pals are wearing the same look? Come on. Black men want to be respected by society and not stereotyped as thugs. Well do something about it!! Stop looking like one!!!!

9. I would love to live by the beach. I am a beach bum. Everyday and all day I'd lay outside on the beach relaxing and reading a book. Now that's what I call heaven. I need a beach STAT.

10. I think I my body gets depressed. There are a day or two close to my period, but not every period, (eww yucky, whatever, grow up) that I want to do things but my body absolutely won't budge. It's like my body has its own entity with its own will. Won't listen to my brain at all. But it will compromise on bodily functions such as breathing, using the bathroom. As of late these days are becoming rare.

11. I love sleeping. It is so good. I'd rather take a nap everyday but work won't permit it. Sleep is therapeutic for me.

Well I think this is enough sharing for today. There may be another fact sharing post in my future. There's so much to learn about me.

I'm Tired

I'm tired. What am I tired of? This post is me letting iff some steam. If you can't handle negativity, then this post is not for you. I need to vent and this is my forum to do so.

I'm tired of the degenerates, street trash, hoodrats, jackasses that hang out at the corner of blocks (ones that have a bodega on them). I'm tired of the folks who condone their behavior. I'm tired of the people who created this issue in the first place. I'm tired having to avoid people just to get home. I wish I had the power of judge and jury because I would send everyone of them to death row. I'm tired of being harassed by them because I refuse to acknowledge them. Why do I have to acknowledge street trash? Find someone else to peddle your illegal wares.

I'm tired of bosses who don't know how to talk to people appropriately. I'm tired of busting my ass without fair pay. I'm tired having to take shit from assholes. I'm tired having to chase people to make a decision when they want to be the person to make the decision. I'm tired of people taking my silence as ignorance. I'm very aware of what's going on around me. I just CHOOSE not to say anything until I'm fed up. I am not taking responsibility for anyone's incompetence.

I'm tired of bullshit over interracial relationships. I'm tired of people asking me if my husband is a freak as if White men all have wierd fetishes. I'm tired if Black men thinking that I'm not satisfied by my husband because he's White. I'm tired of Black men think they have the gal to try to step to me the minute my husband moves away. I have no interest in you. I'm FUCKING HAPPILY MARRIED! I'm tired of Black women asking me why I didn't marry a Black man. Seriously? Why can't I date and marry whom I love? I've dated tons of Black men. They weren't the one who captured my heart. I have very little patience for bullshit. Sorry, a lot of Black men like to bullshit. I've dated Latin men to. Same story. I've also dated White men. Same story. Dating men in General has a lot of bullshit that I don't have patience for. I'm tired of people telling me that my marriage won't last because we come from 2 different worlds. Fuck you!! I want all these negative nelly's to get the hell away from me before I give them a once more.

If you read this post. I'm sorry for the negativity and vulgarity. I just had it up to here (imagine my hand above waving above my head). Thank you tho for listening (reading).

Chris Dates a Black Girl

Sunday night I was watching a new Episode of Family Guy on Fox. It was a very thought provoking episode, hence this blog post. In this episode, Chris starts dating Jerome's daughter. If you don't know Family Guy, Chris is a White Kid and Jerome is Black which makes his daughter Black.

I'm all for interracial couples, especially ones that matches my own relationship. So I am going to briefly summarize this episode with commentary in italics.

Jerome's daughter started going to Chris' school. He meets her, talks to her, falls for her. *Chris is actually seeing her for herself not her skin color.* He brings her home to meet his family. The first thing is Peter says is he wants to see Chris in the kitchen. *I was preparing to be pissed off now.*
Peter says he thought Chris would bring home hugely fat woman. Then it cuts to a scene where Peter is directing a huge women to back up into a garage. *The fat woman issue will be another post, but what I loved about Peter's reaction is that he saw nothing wrong with this relationship.* Peter then rushes them both back into the living room because Lois maybe listing off all the Black people she knew. *I don't find this part racist. Lois is ignorant.*
After the visit, Peter, Chris and his girl go to the Clam which Jerome owns. Jerome forbids Chris & his daughter to date. It upsets Chris, his daughter and even Peter. *Why is Jerome so mad about this? Is it because it's Chris or is it his race?*Chris and his girlfriend run away to be together. Now Peter and Jerome are looking for the kids. Jerome tells Peter all the hardships of being Black and experiences some of the racisms Blacks have to endure on a regular basis. *Being a stupid person, Peter actually gets it. * They find Chris and daughter in a hotel room in bed. All they were doing was kissing. Jerome tells her that no daughter of his is dating a White Guy is plain disrespectful! Peter then asks how he felt about a Black guy dating a White woman. Jerome says that 'glorious heaven'. *Seriously? I'm pissed now. It's disrespectful for a Black girl to date White but okay for Black guy to date White? How dare Seth McFarlan agree with stupid ignorant Black folks on this topic. Is he racist himself?* Peter then tells Chris in a long drawn out over the top explanation that they had to respect Jerome's stupid wishes and that Whites need to only date Whites and never should races mix. Then Jerome's daughter asks him is this the lesson he wants her to learn. Jerome sees the error of his ignorant thinking and apologizes. *Hallelujah McFarlan saved his ass right there. I so was going to light up message boards, his Facebook page his twitter feed. The works.* So Chris and his girl gets to stay together. *I hope to see this relationship blossom on the show, but I'm sure it was just for an episode.*

This episode was a good one. Family Guy usually exasperates stereotypes to the fullest no matter of race or religion. But this episode by the end I think was a good episode, pushing BW/WM relationships as a normal in society's eyes. I hope to see more shows focus on positive looks and relationships for BW/WM.

20 Facts About Me

My HS friend Dionne is doing a blog challenge for 100 days. In last night's post she did 20 Facts About Me. So I decided to try it. This may be a daunting task since I am pretty quiet about myself. I'd rather sing the praises of others like Dionne. I admire her tenacity. So here is my attempt.

1. Was born in Brooklyn NY

2. I'm a middle child. I have an older sister and a younger brother.

3. I am currently married. If you knew me in my 20s and younger, you'd know that this is out of character for me. However, marriage seems to suit me.

4. I am highly sensitive. I don't act like it when you meet me. I internalize things and get bent out of shape in my head or when I'm by myself.

5. I don't like to share a lot. This is an admission I never really told people. Being a middle child you got hand me downs and then had to had down again. I never really got to keep much for myself. Hence, why I don't like to share. But, over the years I have gotten better at sharing.

6. I take care of others better than myself. I am currently trying to take care of myself more.

7. I am stubborn. I will admit that. I'm set in my ways. I get it from my parents.

8. I don't like to be rushed. I will slow down even worse just to spite you.

9. I don't like anyone in my personal space. I get very irritated if someone's in it. Why do I live in NYC?

10. I love curling up with a good book. You can find me in a corner, curled up with my iPad.

11. I like playing video games even though lately it's been regulated to my iPhone only.

12. My favorite and spirit animal is the Tiger. Can't you tell from my blog's name? My aim name? My email address?

13. I am an accountant by trade. But I'm so much more.

14. I've lived in California for 8 years. I hated living there when I was there, but now I kind of miss it.

15. I don't take rejection well. But I do use it as strength to prove you wrong.

16. There are days where I just want to be in my own world. Don't want anyone talking to me. Just me, the couch and my thoughts.

17. I have OCD when it comes to papers. I don't like other people writing on my documents. It bothers me to no end.

18. I HATE the cold weather. Give me 80 degrees & more any time. I can also do without the humidity.

19. I'm a gadget-aholic. I love gadgets.

20. I so want to be a vampire!! I don't want to die. I want to live forever. I think I would be a good vampire. I'd just feed off of the wicked & leave the innocent alone. In this world, I wouldn't starve.

Do you think you can list 20 things about yourself?

Worst Date In History

So I was listening to the 102.7 FM radio show the other morning. They were asking people to call in and tell them their worst date ever. So instead of calling in, I decided to write it down here for you. I am due for a post anyhow. So here it goes.
When I lived in California I didn't have a car. You needed one to get around. So I had to ask my dad to drive me around. He wouldn't let me use his car. This is a bit of back history before I delved into the story.
I met this dude. I don't remember his name, so let's call him Baka (idiot in Japanese). So, I met him at a work party. He didn't work at my company, but was a coworker's friend. We hit it off pretty well. By end of night we had exchanged numbers and he was drunk off his ass. I was sober. I don't really drink.
Two days later, Baka called me and we spoke for a while. He seemed like a good guy who partied hard. I'm not that fond of hard partiers. He invited me on a date to a friends birthday gathering. I accepted with a condition: no getting drunk. He agreed with the terms.
Saturday afternoon he calls says he couldn't make it to Oakland to pick me up because he was still doing finishing touches on his friend's birthday celebration. I told him I'll find a way there. My dad ended up driving me to the farthest part of San Francisco (don't remember the neighborhood name, maybe Sunset Park?). We met Baka outside. My dad asked if he needed to pick me up. Baka said he'll drop me home. They shook hands and my dad left.
Baka introduced me to his friends. Then I found out that the celebration was on a party trolley (like a party bus but on a cable car instead). Warning signs started to rear its head. So when we get on the trolley, I reinforced my thoughts to Baka. He said he wasn't going to drink at all. How was it, by time the trolley brought us back to the house, Baka was drunk off his ass.

Fuck me. Now I'm in middle of San Francisco I am not familiar with and my dad is not answering his phone. Fuck. So, Baka suggests I drive his "whip". I didn't know what his whip was until I saw this huge GMC SUV/truck. My mouth literally dropped when I saw it. I am 5'4". That monster was made for tall folks. I needed help getting in the truck. He gets in the passenger side. My head barely made it over the steering wheel. I had to adjust everything so I can see. I asked one of his friends how to get to the Bay Bridge.
Okay so now I'm on my way home. I got slightly turned around a bit in SF, but managed to get on the bridge. If you don't know, this bridge is 8 miles long. I'm in the right line driving because I'm not to comfortable driving this beast.

Here comes the best part of the trip. Baka asks me if he can smoke some weed while I drove. I screamed at him and said HELL NO!!! He bitched and moaned but he complied with my request. Just after that conversation, I checked my rear view mirror to see at least 3 cop cars behind me. Holy shit!! If dude lit one up, my ass would've been arrested on the spot!!!! Luckily after I got off the bridge, the cop cars turned off somewhere. I made my way home. Now the block I lived on was a 2 way but you can only park on one side. If you parked on the wrong side, it's instant towing. So I parked his vehicle in the worst part of the wrong side of the road. At this point, his ass was snoring. I shoved him to wake him up gave him his car keys. I got out of his car, went to my apartment and went to bed.
I didn't hear from Baka for another 2 days. He spoke as if nothing happened. I told him to lose my number.
This date goes down As the worst date in my history. I will always remember this day until the day I die.

The Scenario Part 1

Dating is a pain in the ass. I never liked it when I was single. I found dating to be a waste of time. I don't like people wasting my time is more like it. If you want to get to know me, get to know me and stop dicking around. I hate games and men love to play them. So do girls, but I'm not one of those. I'm straight to the point. However, I have friends who are still dealing with the games out there. I love to hear the stories that they go thru. It also reminds me of what I went thru too. So what I'm going to do is run thru scenarios that have happened and then give my advice/response.

Scenario #1
"You met dude at some bar/lounge/club. You hit it off. You exchange numbers. Then you don't hear from dude for 2 to 3 weeks. He calls you at 11 pm one night. He talks to you as if y'all were tight. And then try to make a way for a hook up."

Chica, don't waste your time. If dude was interested in you, he would've called you the next day or day after. He would not try to talk you into having a booty call. He would try to get to know you. Take you out. However, dude here is just looking for a jump off. I'm sure you weren't his first pick either. He probably found your card in his jacket pocket and assumed you liked what you saw and are down to give him what he wants. Men are vain like that. If you let 'em, they'll walk all over you.

Scenario #2
"You've been dating this dude. Nothing serious. He keeps telling you that he finds you a bit intimidating, but he doesn't elaborate on why even when you ask. He tells you he likes you and thinks there is a future together, but yet again he finds you a bit intimidating?"

This here can be 3 things. First he may be telling you to stop being bossy. He wants to be the bossy one, not you. Second, he may be used to weak women who depended on him for everything. Now you come into the picture and don't need him for everything. It's a bit disconcerting for him. He may ask himself what can he bring to the table if he isn't able to be depended on. Third, is more about him and less about you. This is his escape clause. If he leaves or doesn't call you ever again, he leaves the blame on you. He gets away scot free and you have your feelings hurt and wondering what's wrong with you. Girl, there's nothing wrong with you. He was just not for you. Trust me, there's a man out there for you. He'll make himself known when you are both ready.

Scenario #3
"You and dude hit off well. The chemistry is there. The trust is there. Everything feels like it's in place that makes you feel like a relationship can blossom. You've met his family and he yours. However, he doesn't want a relationship with you. You have random hookups and constantly hanging out with each other."

You are not the person he wants to be serious with. You have been designated as the 'good friend that I get to bang on occasion'. There is nothing you can do to change his mind. What you can do is, stop sleeping with him and just be his friend. It may hurt that he doesn't like you the same. Once the sex stops, his behavior to you would probably not change because he still sees you as a good friend and he can get sex somewhere else. Now you will be free to meet the person who will want you to be his end all be all.

What I've learned in dating life, there are a lot more frogs than princes. You may be wading in frogs for a long time before the prince arrives. Just make sure you are open to receiving the prince. Some girls miss out on the prince because they allowed the frogs to tear them down physically and emotionally. When you do find your prince, you will look back at all the frogs you dealt with and see the difference between love and lust.

Love is a wonderful thing. It is a privilege to have. Not everyone finds it in the form of a prince. They find it in the form of family and friends. Embrace it no matter how you receive it. It changes your outlook on life for the better. Hope this post helps someone.

It's Been a Long Time....

It's been a while that I made a post. Life has given me a shitload of work to take care of. It makes for no mood to write. I've had urges to write some more in my novel but it left just as fast as it came. So what have I done really?

When I get really stressed I tend to want to escape reality. I do this with either immersing myself in a game or a book. What I've done was immerse myself into a book series. I started reading Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress Series (b.k.a. Cat & Bones). I read them back to back in matter of days. I read one spin off book called Once Burned (a.k.a. The Dark Prince series). I have recently started the final Cat & Bones book but my enthusiasm has left. I don't feel much like reading a book. I've done all this on my travel to and from work. Thank goodness for public transportation.

I recently decided to take a try in selling my jewelry and other items. eBay was not a place for it. Etsy is too crowded. The easiest way so far is to try an Instagram shop. You can find mine here www.instagram.com\cleighdesigns. I got the idea from a Twitter friend (@ynotkissme). She started her own for vintage goods. I've slowly been putting up products. I haven't gotten any sales, but I really have no idea how to market it. I need followers. As I learn the ropes, I will continue to add items up with hope. Let's see how things go after a while. I'll leave it up as long as I keep my main Instagram account active.

I've embarked on a weight loss program with my hubby. We are not doing a special program like weight watchers. We are doing it using apps, videos and some of our own visions. We had a FitBit Force but we sold it before the gov't recall. We used it to track our steps, sleep and exercise. Now we just use our phone. We didn't realize that our iPhone counts our steps. It's not as completely accurate as the FitBit, but it'll do until we find another watch/band type device. Pairing these, we use the FitBit iOS app & My Fitness Pal iOS app. They are both synced together. The FitBit app tracks the steps and weight from the FitBit scale. It then sends the data to My Fitness Pal (MFP). MFP is where I have my weight loss goals. I am supposed to only eat 1440 calories a day. I log my food when I can. Since I started the program, I've lost 5 lbs. I'm doing the 1 lb per week loss. It's way too hard for any more than that. I want to eat better than anything else. It is more about portion control and regular activity.

I was talking to my friend Maha who had battled Stage 4 uterin cancer. She has changed her eating habits. I just found out that it had mastasticized to her liver and spleen. She was able to get them removed and currently in remission. She will have to get checked for the rest of her life. Her doctor told her she may need chemo for life too. She told him no. Since she changed her diet she's been doing much better and her doctor thinks so too. She plans on tweeting about her new diet on her new twitter @sounrefined. You should follow her. We also talked about her writing her biography. She has such a colorful life. She was born in Pakistan. Experienced war in her neighborhood. Moved to England. Married a diplomat. Then moved to the US. She has an adorable son (who I want to keep). I had the pleasure to meet her at my job. I'm glad I was able to meet and be friends with her. She's an awesome woman. Now to convince her to take me to Pakistan with her.

I would love to have a lot more exciting things to talk about, but I've just been so busy at work. Maybe the next post will be exciting.

Review: To Paris with Love

To Paris with Love by Carl Weber

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



So I have all of the family business books. This book is supposed to take place in Paris' past. So I am going to reveal my thoughts on characters.

Paris: I don't like to deal with spoiled ass brats especially hardheaded ones. Paris I would never be friends. I'd try to beat the shit out of her all the time. Her character is hard for me to read. I have a similar distaste to her sister London.

Rio: I always love Rio. He is one of the endearing character. He's wild but he has sense. He listens. He may not like it, but he takes it to heart.

Okay, so here's my review.

Beginning of the book begins in the present when Paris heads to Europe for a friend's wedding where she spots an old enemy. She proceeds to tell her friend the story of the situation between her and the enemy.

The book is not written as a reflection as Paris telling a story. It is written as a standard, typical novel. It should've been if you start out a book saying "girl let me tell you what happened." I expect it all to be from Paris' point of view.

The story and romance was good. I enjoyed it greatly. I even dreamed of the story. There are a lot of issues going on that keeps the story on its toes. The characters are well written. There were moments in the book that were confusing; so I had to re read the chapter because one sentence thru it off. No sweat since the chapters are small.

One thing that was really good was the imagery. I was able to imagine the Spanish farm/countryside, the yacht party and the hotel suites. Like most books from Carl Weber, there was plenty of sex. I am just curious of how Weber knows the sensations if sex from a woman's point of view.

My big disappointment was the end. There wasn't a wrap up. Remember at the beginning she was in the airport in the present? Well it should've ended there. Wanted to hear her friend's opinion and whether the enemy saw them or not. Weber could've just tied the story up. Instead he just kills off dude and that's it. No repercussions. No enemy screaming bloody murder. Enemy really didn't fuck up her family as she stated in the beginning of the book. She stopped any issues getting to them in the end.

All in all the story was a great read, but it had some glaring (in my opinion) inconsistencies. It is worth the read.




View all my reviews

Stop Dream Stalking Me, Rock

"Don't forget we've got another Barmitzvah to go to tonight" I yell to Jason from the bathroom.
"We sure have a lot of these to go to. We'll be broke by time the month ends." Jason gripes.
"That's not true." I laugh.

After a while, we are dressed and walking to our destination.

"Don't forget this is a special Barmitzvah. They will have Sari's to buy. I love Sari's." I say as we approach our destination.
"Are you saying that we should go home so you can't buy any more Sari's!" Jason says.
"Don't be silly. Let's go!!" I say grabbing his hand and pull him to the door.

We are ushered to our seats. We see a wall full of Sari's. I notice 3 that I absolutely love. I was so fascinated that I didn't notice that someone sat down next to me. Jason leaned over to tell me the The Rock is sitting next to me. That brought me out of my trance and into the reality of the situation.

"What are you doing here?" I hiss at The Rock.
"I'm enjoying a Barmitzvah and sitting down next to a sexy woman." The Rock answers back.
"You know him?" Jason asks.
"Yes she does. We enjoyed 2 wonderful years together." The Rock answers before I do.
"He was my last boyfriend before you. We broke up maybe a year before I met you." I answer Jason. Then I turned towards The Rock.
"Really, Dwayne? Why are you really here?" I ask him.
"I missed you." Rock replies.
"Too bad. I'm married." I flaunt my ring in front of him.
"Does it look like I care. I'm sure I can win you back." Rock says with bravado.
"I have no interest. I love Jason. And I won't do anything to hurt him. So you need to find another one of your exes to stalk."
"I want you."
"I don't." I turn to Jason, "let's switch seats."

We move 2 rows down as they started the sale for the Sari's. They picked up one of 3 I liked. I raised my hands to buy it. They lady came over to me and gave it to my neighbor who happen to be the Rock, again.

"Stop following me!!!!" I exclaim a little to loudly. I turn to Jason. "I just can't win. Sorry babe for all this."

"I didn't know you date The Rock. You are full of surprises. But it is what it is. We'll be home soon." Jason answers.

I put my attention back on the sari sale. I was able to purchase the other 2. Then the DJ called for all husbands to go on stage for some special entertainment. I really didn't want Jason to go. I told him my feelings.

"I wouldn't even be able to take him if it were to come to blows. I trust you." He says as he leaves for the stage. I stand up to follow him. As I stood facing the stage The Rock comes and stands next to me.

"I'll give you this sari if you will admit that all the sexy nights in Havanna meant something to you." The Rock bargains.
"It did at that point of time. I am now happily married to Jason. What we had was in the past." I answer.
"Okay. Good to know that You did have feelings for me. I can see that I thave no chance, but a guy had to try. Here's the sari." he hands me the sari and salutes Jason on stage.

As he leaves, he bends over and whispers "you'll be mine one day" and walks out.

2013 is Gone. What's on The Agenda 2014?

2013 came and went like a blur. I was so busy with my job that I really didn't get to accomplish what I really wanted. I know I shouldn't let job consume my life, especially when they don't pay what I'm worth. But there were highlights and low lights for the year.

Highlights of 2014

1. I had my 1 year anniversary with my husband. I still can't believe that I have a husband much less being 1 year deep. So for our anniversary, we took a cruise to Jamaica, Cozumel and Grand Cayman. But first we stopped by my dad's place so we could eat our top layer if wedding cake, like tradition.
2. We taken a short trip to Florida to spend with my mom and the beach. We actually left the airport and went straight to the beach. We made couple beach stops which granted us 2 stops at Joe's Crab Shack. Eating Joe's after the beach is an awesome compliment to the day. We met up with family and friends. My aunt and my mom's friend were postering who's favorite I was. Lol, never seen grown women act that way before. It was an experience.
3. We took a trip to New Mexico to visit Jason's family. Had a good time except for one day (see this post). We went to Santa Fe, the State Fair and I got my iPhone 5S. Didn't have to wait in a line like I would have to in NY. Jason got to order his because they didn't have the unlocked version yet. It was great seeing Jason's family. They are great. I couldn't ask for more. They have accepted me totally.

There really isn't any more highlights. I was spending my life working & stressing. So with that note, let's get into the lowlights of the year.

1. Lost a 20 year friendship over bullshit. (See point #3 above)
2. Spent hours of overtime at work that I will never get back or get compensated for. Frankly, I'm not appreciated. However, unless you are the CEO/President are you really?
3. My father had a stroke and I couldn't be there for him. Reason? Work wouldn't let me off and my father being stubborn and not wanting me to see him ill. Makes me realize that time is running out for my parents. They are getting to the age where anything can happen and both of them are sickly.

What do I expect in 2014? I do expect some changes big and small. So far the following are in the works:

1. Planning a 14 day cruise with my mom to Asia. Leaves Japan and ends in Singapore. I'm excited about this. The only things that would prevent this would be pregnancy and death.
2. Building my website this year for my personal consulting business; C Leigh Consulting. My company services are tax, accounting and minor computer services. I am looking forward to this site. I used to have one on Google Apps and they discontinued their services, as usual.
3. Building my company. Hoping to really expand my company. So a good focus is needed. I have 2 clients that need data entry currently. One can't be done on a regular basis. Other is starting to need to, but not enough to be my sole bread winner.
4. I also want to get these stories out of my head and onto paper (more like book). I don't want to leave this earth without getting them down. So I am going to try to write more.

Well 2014 is going to be a year of changes; good or bad. One thing for sure I'm going to live it to the best with the people who live and support me. What do you want to accomplish in 2014?

2013 Wrap Up

2013 was an interesting year for gaming and app use. I certainly started off the year gung-ho but lost steam thru-out the year due to work and stress-related laziness. So let's see what I've accomplished then move on to what I want to accomplish.

Let's start with the 2013 wrap up.

1. I bought and got swept up in Pokemon X. I finished the game around New Years. By the way, this is the 1st game I have completed in entirety on the 3DS.
2. I'm still playing Simpsons Tapped Out steadily. I finally completed 2 out many seasonal events (Thanksgiving & Christmas)
3. I did not run out and get a Wii Universe, PS4 or an Xbox One. I don't play many console games.
4. Got my character on FFXIV to level 20. Got my ass handed to me on my level 20 lancer guild quest. Currently lost in the outskirts of Uldah. On my way to getting to Ifrit dungeon. Not fond of dungeons. Would rather do quests and fates.
5. I have started FFIII and FFIV on my iOS devices. I like IV better than III tho.

Now that we wrapped up 2013, what do I want to accomplish in 2014? Let's see...

1. Waiting for PokeBank and PokeTransporter to hit the eshop on the 3DS. It was supposed to come out on Dec 27th, but it hasn't shown itself yet. Once it does, I will transfer my collected Pokemon there.
2. Plan on leveling Dragoon to Level 50 in FFXIV. This is a very loose goal since I don't play very often. Hope they introduce Red Mage. That's favorite FF Job Class.
3. Wishing and waiting for a new Pokemon game. Don't know how often they release games. But I hope for a new one soon.
4. Go back to Pokemon Black 2 and finish it while collecting more Pokemon.
5. Complete FFIV on my iPhone.

I will try to make more time in 2014 to review more games and apps. I have tried so many during 2013 that I really should write about them. It is a goal that I may not accomplish, but I will try my hardest. Wish me luck for being more productive in 2014.

Happy New Year!!