Movin' On Up

AJ @ Over Analyze It introduced me to WordPress and I have decided to move my blog.

Please take a moment and click the image to the left to visit me and update the link if you've bookmarked me! ( :

Ketel One - The Devil's Venom: A Cautionary Tale

Alicia Keys performed at The Tabernacle last night in Atlanta to help two local radio personalities celebrate their ninth anniversary on the air. I attended the concert with one of my BFFs, let's call her "Elle". Neither of us are what you would consider huge AK fans but decided to go since the tickets were free.

Upon entering the concert venue, our first order of business was to get a cocktail. Elle is a Goose-n-Juice girl (Grey Goose and cranberry juice) and last night I was up for the same. The bartender informed us they only had Ketel One so we went with what was flowing. Since I was driving and I am only a social drinker, my limit was two and Elle had four. After talking, laughing, and allowing Miss Keys to bore us to death with her new material, we left and were home by 11:30 p.m.

No big deal, right? Wrong!!

Elle informed me this morning that her husband found her on their bathroom floor butterball nekkid and had to put her in the bed. I didn't have quite as hard a time but I felt "hungover" until about 4:00 p.m., behind 2 cocktails! I know Grey Goose is a premium Vodka but I had never before heard of Kettle One nor do I ever want to again. In fact, I wants no part of anything that has "kettle" in it...kettle corn, Kettle potato chips, tea kettle, kettle hole.....yeah, you get the idea.

I've Been Tagged.......

I've been tagged by AJ at Over Analyze It to participate in a meme. A meme is akin to a chain letter where I have to tag other bloggers and post 7 random and/or weird facts about myself.

Just the facts (I'll let you determine if they're weird or not):

1. I was attacked by a swarm of yellow jackets in the summer of 2006
2. I want to be featured in Essence Magazine's annual "they look good for their age" issue.
3. I love wrapping gifts and I'm good at it.
4. My favorite hobby is photography.
5. I have a mole on my bellybutton.
6. I drove my first car off the dealer's lot without having my driver's license.
7. I own 75 pairs of shoes.

Now, since I'm new to the blogging world, I don't know of anyone I can tag. So this is how you can help me out. Once you read this, leave a comment with 7 random facts about yourself as an introduction and a link to your blog.

If you want to participate, here are the rules:

• Link to the person that tagged you and post the rules on your blog...
• Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself...
• Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs...
• Let each person know that they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

Halloween Is For The Babies

I don't care about ghost, goblins, nor witches brew. But I do know that a bad day can always be made a little better by these two.

Don't Fire Your Therapist!

Granted, we all have issues and could benefit from a good therapist or most times, an old fashion prayer meeting. But I am tired of being the designated "whipping post" for individuals who decide to project their negative emotions on me.

Below is an email exchange between me and a family member that pissed me the hell off and has forced me to start the process of weeding and pruning my Loved-Ones Garden. (The real names have been deleted but the exchange is authentic). The last response made me laugh and think..."Don't fire your therapist!"

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From: Chocl8t
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 12:16 PM
To:
Cc:
Subject:

I've copied everyone on this email so as not to omit anyone. For those of you who already have XXX's contact information, pardon me. ( :

I received an email from our cousin (maybe your brother or nephew), XXX on yesterday! He wanted me to forward the email addresses of other family members that I had....so I am doing just that!

We have to do a better job of keeping in touch...yes, I'm admonishing myself with that statement!! ( :

Love you all!!!

-------------------------------------------------

From: ZZZ
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 2:49 PM
To:
Cc:
Subject: RE:

Hello Chocl8t & XXX,

I find this to be so funny..... better Job! How can one do a better job when the job responsibilities never took place.
So with that being said the statement should be "Start doing the job of communicating with your family members."
I know that I am guilty of this and to be quite frank I do not feel the closeness to do so. But I myself will have to pray on this and hope that God bestowes on me to be close. I will take the opportunity to say have a Happy and bless Thanksgiving.

regards
ZZZ
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From: Chocl8t
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 3:08 PM
To: ZZZ, XXX
Cc:
RE:

Whoa! Okay it's obvious someone has...shall I say...baggage and unresolved issues.

ZZZ, if you don't feel the need to communicate, which is a starting point to foster some "closeness", then don't. Frankly,given the tone of your email, I would prefer that you didn't communicate with me at all until you could do so without being so critical, condescending and just downright rude.

Chocl8t
-------------------------------------------------

From: ZZZ
Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 3:40 PM
To: Chocl8t
Cc:
Subject: RE:

agreed.... I would do myself a great injustice if I did not agree with you.

Hate On Me!!

I have loved Jill Scott since she first hit the scene. Her lyrics and songs gives voice to many women who live and love everyday! For any moderately successful person, male or female, there are those who will have nothing but hate for you and your blessings. Most times it's those closest to you.

Thank you Jilly from Philly for providing us with a new theme song!!

Go 'head and hate on me, hate on 'Cuz I'm not afraid of it What I got I paid for You can hate on me...



Thanks to AJ at Over Analyze It!

Faith & Hope

I started my morning with the normal routine, up at 5:00 a.m., in the gym by 6:00. Since I forgot my CD player and headphones at home, I could not tune out the chatter of the two individuals next to me (male and female). From what I overheard, both are miserably married and close to divorce. They were married in their early twenties and are now in their forties and they have seen Tyler Perry's movie, "Why Did I Get Married". Needless to say, their conversation on "marriage" was not at all positive.

As a single female, conversations like this used to leave me feeling sad, deflated, and hopeless because I do want to marry one day. I also personally know several married people who are "going through" some tough times right now and it can leave a girl feeling discouraged, that's for sure.

However, at the beginning of the year I walked away from an encounter with four friends that forced me to make a choice. In the face of jaded and cynical individuals, I chose faith...I chose hope. Faith in God and hope for what He has promised me. After hearing the gym chatter this morning, I am glad to say I made the same choices.

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On October 17th at 1:57 p.m. we welcomed a new addition to our family! Jalen made his debut into this world, and subsequently my heart, weighing 6 lbs 7 oz. I know I am biased, but this is one of the cutest babies, coming in second to his brother, Skylar. These are my great nephews. Dayum, that makes me sound old!

What To Do & Where To Go?

I've been thinking about the direction in which I want to take this blog. Although, the heading says these are "my thoughts on everyday musings and major irritations", I am considering delving into more personal topics, but I am somewhat skittish. These "personal" topics will not divulge any details about my life that will leave me vulnerable to stalkers or the garden variety crazies that you find on the world wide web, but still...my picture is on display.

Writing is cathartic for me and I've kept a journal since I was 14 years old and sometimes I like to share those thoughts. Conversations with family and friends that run the gamut from hysterically funny to extremely sensitive, and everything in between, can provide me with a ton of material.

Since I have been wrestling back and forth with this, my postings have not been on a regular schedule. Hell, I doubt that when I do make a decision if that will have an affect on my "schedule". Until then....

Hey Sister, Go Sister, Soul Sister, Go Sister!

Ms LaBelle reminds me so much of the women from my childhood who didn't "play" with children! Well this "cat" tried to get "mannish" with Ms. LaBelle and she put him in check. I'm sure he felt about 2 inches tall when she was finished.



Voulez-vous coucher avec moi ce soir? Voulez-vous coucher avec moi? Apparently he didn't realize this was a rhetorical question.

Hat tip to: Young, Black & Fabulous

Megan Williams - Torture Case Update

New charges are expected against the persons accused of torturing Megan Williams in Big Creek, W. Virginia.

Read the story here.

UPDATED: HOT WAX & URINE

"Megan Williams' statement said the defendants told her they didn't like black people and that they were going to hang her, though no hate crime charges were filed." Apparently the prosecutors are focusing on charges that will result in longer prison sentences because in Virginia, the maximum sentence for a hate crime is 10 years.

Read more here.

Karma is a BEOYATCH....

...and she has just been introduced to O.J.

The Doctor's Office & Poor Customer Service

I am fed up with physicians and their lack of customer service for patients. Therefore, I am putting them and their office staff on BLAST!

My appointment was at 9:00 am and I was instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight just in case the doctor had to do a biopsy. Also, I had to bring someone with me just in case he had to administer anesthesia. I arrive 15 minutes ahead of my appointment time to complete some paper work since I was a new patient.

Well, at 9:30, my mother and I are still sitting there in the lobby, waiting. I asked the young lady at the desk how much longer would it be. She replies, "Well, the doctor is in surgery right now so it should not be too much longer". WTH? Surgery? Okay, whatever.

When 10:00 am rolled around, I approached the desk again and asked, "Is this common practice to have a patient waiting more than an hour to see the doctor?". She proceeded to dance around the question with the excuse they were very busy this morning and the doctor should be with me shortly. I said, "Well that's all fine, but you didn't answer my question. Is this common practice to keep a patient waiting so long?". "We had three patients scheduled at 8:00 am and two at 9:00 am so we're running a 'bit' behind", she responds. Are you kidding me?

**Ahem** Excuse me, but you're not running a bit behind, you overbooked patients which has resulted in me waiting over an hour to see the doctor.

When did the doctor's time become more valuable than mine?

Is it too much to ask that the office staff manage the patient's expectations by informing them at the time of sign-in of the delay? There was another patient sitting across from me whose appointment was at 8:00 am and wasn't seen until after I left. Did she say anything about her 2 hour wait? No.

Most doctors' offices will force you to reschedule if you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment but yet you can keep me waiting for over an hour? How is that right? Why should I just accept this?

Here is a suggestion Dr. Jeffrey R. Prinsell, D.M.D., MD of Marietta, Georgia: DO NOT schedule three patients, at the same time, to see the doctor! Maybe, as a patient, I should begin billing the doctor for my time when I am not seen within a reasonable amount of time. I doubt, no, I know I will not receive a dime but I am at a loss for what else to do. If everyone spoke up and voiced their complaint to the doctor maybe, just maybe, they will begin to take note.

The Face(s) of Hatred - Is It Open Season on Blacks?

The assault of a black person at the hands of a white person is nothing new. The inequities in the American judicial system for blacks is almost as commonplace as it was during the days of Jim Crowe. However, two recent events have left me outraged, scratching my head, asking how can this still be happening in 2007?

The first one is the incident in Jena, Louisiana. You can read about it here and here. If you wish to get involved visit Michael Baisden's Mingle City and click the top header, Enough is Enough. The Steve Harvey Show has launch a letter writing campaign. Please visit his site for details. Also, over at Your Black World, they have started a Petition to disbar the Jena District Attorney, Reed Walters.

Now on to the second incident.

Here are the newest faces of hatred in America. These six sickos "allegedly" held a young black woman, Megan Williams, hostage for one week in a remote area of Big Creek, W. Virginia. Apparently they tortured, beat, and raped Ms. Williams. A part of that torture included forcing her to eat animal feces.

Where is the outrage America? If this had happened to "Man's Best Friend", there would be Peta protesters at the courthouse, chew toys made in the image of the accused auctioned off on Ebay, dizzying amounts of news coverage, and numerous suppositions by "experts".

Oh, but wait!! That did happen!! Remember Michael Vick?

Again, I ask, where is the OUTRAGE! The passionate outcry from the bowls of the American people denouncing the cruel, barbaric, INHUMANE treatment of, say, uh, a HUMAN BEING? One could draw the logical conclusion that if you are a black person in America, your life has less value than that of a dog. You could draw that conclusion and sadly enough, many do.

But I am here to tell you WE ARE WORTH MORE! OUR LIVES HAVE VALUE!! We have to speak out, spread the word, and keep this in the forefront of news. How do we do that? The same way we are throwing our support behind the Jena 6! Let's keep an eye on Big Creek, W. Virginia! Email the story. Talk about it amongst your friends and co-workers. Talk about it on the blog sites. Don't let it go.

This isn't something we should just "get over" and forget about in a couple of days.

September 11, 2001

In memory of the 2,974 people who lost their lives on this day six years ago.

We are a nation of SURVIVORS! Does it sound too much like a Miss America contestant to say I pray for world peace? Well, I do. The peace has to go beyond the borders of our nation and so does the prayers.

After we pray for the surviving family and friends of the Sept. 11th victims, take a moment to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, how your life would not be the same without them. This day should serve as a reminder that tomorrow is not promised to any of us.

Favorite Quote of the Week

"I don't believe in Al Qaeda, I don't believe in the Loch Ness monster, I don't believe in the boogie-man....I don't believe they've been to the moon...but I do believe in the Big Foot though." Mos Def on Real Time with Bill Maher, September 7th, 2007 (the other guest was Dr. Cornel West)

If you haven't seen this episode, I highly recommend that you check it out. You can find the broadcast schedule on HBO's site, http://www.hbo.com/billmaher/.

Blind Date, Bridges & Humility

He didn’t look like Denzel, Will Smith, Idris Elba, or Boris Kodjoe, although he can hold his own. But more importantly, neither did he look like Gary Coleman. The latter was a huge relief, believe me.

A big shout out to Tracey, my matchmaking friend, who was on point with her description of my blind date. He is attractive, successful, funny, and yes, he was a nice guy. We exchanged contact information and have spoken since. The conversations were not contrived nor did it feel like we were interviewing job applicants. Wherever this is headed, my intent is to get there slowly with no preconceived ideas or expectations.

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How many times have you been in your car stuck on a bridge or overpass during rush hour traffic? If you’re like me more times than you would like. The bouncing, shaking and rattling always made me wonder what would happen if it suddenly gave way. The I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis on Wednesday answered that question and reinforced my fears.

Living in a large metropolitan area bridges are like death and taxes - unavoidable. On my daily commute to work I cross at least seven bridges. Going forward, each one will be crossed with a prayer.

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Just last night I apologized to someone for something I said and the “way” I said it. On the surface this really isn’t a big deal until I tell you I claimed hell would first freeze over before I apologized.

It was a heated exchange and I went for the jugular. In my relationships, familial, platonic, or romantic, I normally walk away from debates or arguments when I’m angry to avoid such heated exchanges. But there are those rare occasions when, before I know it, I am like a pit bull on attack mode. There’s no stopping until my thirst for blood is satisfied. Yes. It can get like that.

In the ten days from when the incident occurred and the apology was offered, God convicted my spirit. How did He do this you may ask? By using my grandmother, Laura L. Sterling. I kept hearing her voice in my head admonishing my behavior, 'you know you weren't raised liked that'…blah, blah, blah-ba-dee blah. Mother, or “Mudda”, has been gone from this earth for 11 years and let me tell you, they don’t make ‘em like her anymore.

For ten days I pouted, I stomped my feet, and I stood my ground on principle. For ten nights my sleep was restless and fitful. I refused, absolutely refused to humble myself, doggone it, I was right! I have played this game of tug-o-war with God before and I have never, ever won. Thus, I relented, repented, and humbled myself.

After all, when it is all said and done and I've gone to meet my maker, I need there to be one less thing for which I have to answer to God. Besides, I needed the sleep.

Single Black Female

As the title of this post indicates, I am a single black female. Some days I consider this a blessing and some days, a curse...depending on my mood, the time of day, time of month, it may be both.

So I have a blind date on Friday. I'm excited about it. My date has been described as a successful college grad, physically active, attractive and an all around nice guy. Jokingly, another friend offered a paper bag just in case I need it to get through the date - it would be to put over his head. I've been warned to get my expectations in check and to go with the flow. Basically, prepare myself if he doesn't "measure up".

I'm not expecting him to look like Denzel, Will Smith, Idris Elba, or Boris Kodjoe, but I wouldn't be disappointed either. But if he looks like Gary Coleman...that's a wrap!!

I have some "set-up" dates that have left me scratching my head and wondering why I even bother. So I am surprised by my excitement about this upcoming blind date.

Last summer another well meaning friend set me up with friend of her significant other. It didn't go well. Actually, the date didn't end well. Upon noticing a family photo in the hallway of my home, he turned to me hands up as if he wanted to play "Patty Cake", and then in his best female imitation voice says "Oh, Miss Celie". WTF? Who in the hot-assed, krispy hell on that picture looks like Miss Celie to you? Me? My mother? My sister? Don't let the door knob hit you on the way out buddy.

On another "set up", dude showed up over an hour late causing us to miss the comedy show we planned to attend. Not a good first impression. The girlfriend who set me up with this joker said she thought he was sexy. Sexy? Nothing was sexy about ole boy with a head so big he looked like a "bobble head" toy standing on my front porch. WTH?

These are only two of many that could have been episodes on BET's "Hell Date". All I needed was the the vertically challenged person outfitted in his devil costume to jump out the closet.

Keep your fingers crossed this date goes much better!

Mike Vick vs Rabid Animal Lovers and Ronald Isley vs the IRS

As I hinted to in a previous post regarding Mike Vick, I don’t think he made a wise choice and IF the allegations are true, he is a heartless soul. The operative word being IF. Innocent until proven guilty no longer applies, not that it ever did. We’ve all formed an opinion, including me. I will wait to see how it plays out in court before demanding his employer, The Atlanta Falcons, give him the boot.

For all of those rabid animal lovers who want this to happen, I have two questions.

1. If you were charged with a crime and awaiting trial, would it be fair for your employer to fire you based on the demands of the general public?
   
2. Would you be equally outraged if the victims had been human? Or a non-white member of your community?

Moving on…

Ronald Isley is due to report to prison in 3 weeks to begin serving his 3 year sentence for tax evasion. This morning on the Steve Harvey radio show, a call in guest (Can’t recall his name. Anthony? Moses?) requested listeners and fans contact your Senators, Congressman, and even the White House to ask for leniency. Ronald Isley suffers from kidney and cardio vascular disease…overall poor health and his attorney and family thinks he will die in prison.

From what I gathered from media reports is that Mr. Biggs had several chances to pay back taxes due to the IRS, voluntarily, but didn’t. Mr. Biggs’ people, or person, on the radio show, claims Mr. Biggs contacted the IRS initially regarding a discrepancy. Turns out the IRS owe Mr. Biggs $3 million and took 4 years to pay him. Mr. Biggs’ people also site some extenuating circumstances such as the death of his brother, OKelly (he’s also charged with cashing his royalty checks after his death) and the death of two accountants while in the midst of preparing his taxes.

References have been made to Willie Nelson’s tax issues. He cut a deal, paid the back taxes and penalties and didn’t do any time. So why can’t Ronald Isley have the same deal? Different set of circumstances. Different men…Nelson is white…Isley is black.

To use a line from Morris O’Kelly, “The criminal courts system has an undeniable and irrefutable history of working to the disadvantage of African-American men.” As black people, we all know the playing field is not even. We were taught this as young children, be it overtly or subliminally. Ronald Isley, I’m sure, knows this too given time in which he came of age in this country. His plight may be due to ignorance, bad advice, greed, or a combination of all three. We, the general public will never know. Does he deserve leniency given his health?

So I ask the question…is this a cause we want to lend our voices to?

Genarlow Wilson v The State of Georgia

The Georgia State Supreme Court is hearing this case as of this morning at 10:00. I wait with bated breath to see if common sense will prevail.

Genarlow Wilson was 17 when he was convicted of aggravated child molestation of a 15 year old girl after engaging in a consensual sex act. WTH? Yes, getting blown in the state of Georgia can land you in jail. Well, it isn't that simple, but you get the point.

To read more detailed reports you can visit the following links:

http://www.wilsonappeal.com/index.php

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=Wilson

http://www.blogmaverick.com/2007/01/27/genarlow-wilson/

http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/LegalCenter/Story?id=1693362

***Photo credit - abcnews.go.com***

***The hearing has ended. No ruling has been announced as of yet and no date given of when it will be.***

Stupid is as Stupid Does

I'm sure you've heard by now that Mike Vick of the Atlanta Falcons has been indicted in VA surrounding the dog fighting ring. If the allegations are proven to be true, Vick could face actual jail time. What was he thinking?

I'm no fanatical animal lover, I despise PETA and it's tactics, I can't related to those who allow their pets to sleep in their beds, and I think you're one nasty-arse if you let your dog lick you in the face...Blech!! However, I do draw the line and being cruel to another living being whether that is a human or animal. Pitting a dog against another to fight is cruel. According to reports, if the dog didn't die in the fight, Vick's crew would dispose of the animal by shooting it, slamming it against the ground, or by drowning it. It takes a heartless soul to do this to another living creature.

Mike Vick, you have no soul and you lack any resemblance of common sense.

If you thought you were tired of his detractors' and critics' saying he was overrated and it was time for the Falcons to get rid of him, brace yourself for a long, long football season.