If I could take public transit every day of my life, I would be in heaven! I hate having to take care of my car and I hate having to drive everywhere I need to go! I hate being a slave to my car! I feel like it's a freakin' child - regular checkups, catering to every squeak, drip, noise. I HATE IT! Times like this I wish I was back in the Bay with regular access to mass transit.
Gone are the days I lived near over 5 bus lines that could take me anywhere in the City.
Gone are the days when I'd just hop on a MUNI line to just see different parts of the City when I was broke as hell.
Gone are the days when I'd look down on different parts of the City and figuring out how to get there by whicheve MUNI line was the closest.
Gone are the days when I would hear several different languages from all over the world being spoken next to my ear.
Gone are the days I'd watch that Asian dude walk up and down Market St. with his "Impeach Clinton, Bush, Nixon, Eisenhower, Grant" sign with his funky looking glasses and the same, curiously looking, grey suit with pant legs that ended just above his ankle.
Gone are the days I'd trudge into class late because I'd refuse to walk up the damn hill during morning rush hour because the minute I'd start, halfway through, a freakin' Balboa limited would drive past me and I'd be no where near a damn bus stop!
Gone are the days I used to get my monthly MUNI paid for by the company I was working for or get it included in my student activity fee!
Gone are the days when I used to laugh at all the people waiting in that long ass line for the cable car at the end of Powell and Market as I merrilly went my way on the Fulton or the Hayes or the F line.
Gone are the days when I took the MUNI from the fog-stricken Richmond and look towards Downtown, where the sun was needlessly bathing towering buildings so the people below could get no tan what so ever!
Gone are the days when I'd wait for the 33 Ghost to take me to our weekly family dinners with a side of Seinfeld.
Gone are the days when I'd wonder what kinds of characters would be joining me on my regular rides.
Gone are the days when I'd take the 33 Geary with my duffel bag full of laundry for the weekend to the Bart Station on Market and Powell so I could go home for the weekend to get some lovin' from my momma and jokes from my dad.
Gone are the days when I'd find new places to visit in the City just by randomly taking a new line to get to some of my usual spots.
Gone are the days when my girls and I, in our short, sexy skirts, and heels, would take the Fulton or the Hayes to get to Bahia for a night of samba, cumbia, salsa, reggae and maybe some hip hop if the stupid dj was smart and decided to spin some freestyle.
Gone are the days when I'd wait in anticipation to go to a new food venue to savor on some deletable dishes, usually accompanied by great friends.
Gone are the days I'd watch the sunset behind the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin from that cool spot at Ft. Mason.
Man, I miss the City by the Bay. Calgone...take me to San Francisco! I can never have enough time there!
But, alas...I've made my bed. I've decided to live here, where EVERYONE is a slave to their vehicles. I always wonder how long it's going to take until I get ridiculously weary of traffic-infested SoCal.
3.30.2005
3.26.2005
Pac Plunder
Last weekend was the Pacquio vs. Morales boxing match. It was disaster in the making.
I knew by the second round it wasn't going to be a good fight for Pacquio aka "The Pacman," as so lovingly referred to by his fellow countrymen...which brings me to my bigger point. Pacquio fell...hard.
After his previous fight against Barreros, which was proclaimed a draw, many believed he should have been the rightful victor, including myself. He went back to the Philippines shortly after to do some press events. He received awards here and there, recognition from Malacanang, herself, as well as a few large sums of pesos, I'm sure. He comes back to the States and does a few more press events and gains a bit more recognition. All the while, I couldn't help to think he should've been spending more time in the gym than revelling in all the praises of his countrymen. And there's the rub.
For some reason, in the Pilipino community, we love to create idols that supposedly represent all of us. Maybe it goes back to the years of colonization and the suppressed mentalities we, as a people, have cultivated in ourselves. But time and time again, we tend to raise certain invididuals to heights that they never thought they would go. When the time comes for them to get down to business, either their heads are too big for their own good, or the mass' expectations are way too high for the idol's own good.
Every round Pacquio fought was ended with a big grin on his face. In no way am I discounting the work he did in the ring but maybe he should have paid more attention to his fighting than his dancing. It was evident by the people I was watching the match with that the almight Pacman was not guarding the other half of his body when he was hitting with the opposing side. Not sure what his energy level was towards the end of the match but he would hit Morales and then would not follow with stronger blows. Um...I don't watch boxing that much but I would think that a fighter that gains a second of advantage over their opposition would aim for keeping that advantage.
In any case, I can't help to feel as if Pacquio fell into the trap of getting his ego raised to heights that it should never have reached. He's a good fighter, confirmed by many friends who watch and understand boxing more than I. Let's hope he learned his lesson this time around and will spend more time in the gym than signing autographs and taking pictures.
I knew by the second round it wasn't going to be a good fight for Pacquio aka "The Pacman," as so lovingly referred to by his fellow countrymen...which brings me to my bigger point. Pacquio fell...hard.
After his previous fight against Barreros, which was proclaimed a draw, many believed he should have been the rightful victor, including myself. He went back to the Philippines shortly after to do some press events. He received awards here and there, recognition from Malacanang, herself, as well as a few large sums of pesos, I'm sure. He comes back to the States and does a few more press events and gains a bit more recognition. All the while, I couldn't help to think he should've been spending more time in the gym than revelling in all the praises of his countrymen. And there's the rub.
For some reason, in the Pilipino community, we love to create idols that supposedly represent all of us. Maybe it goes back to the years of colonization and the suppressed mentalities we, as a people, have cultivated in ourselves. But time and time again, we tend to raise certain invididuals to heights that they never thought they would go. When the time comes for them to get down to business, either their heads are too big for their own good, or the mass' expectations are way too high for the idol's own good.
Every round Pacquio fought was ended with a big grin on his face. In no way am I discounting the work he did in the ring but maybe he should have paid more attention to his fighting than his dancing. It was evident by the people I was watching the match with that the almight Pacman was not guarding the other half of his body when he was hitting with the opposing side. Not sure what his energy level was towards the end of the match but he would hit Morales and then would not follow with stronger blows. Um...I don't watch boxing that much but I would think that a fighter that gains a second of advantage over their opposition would aim for keeping that advantage.
In any case, I can't help to feel as if Pacquio fell into the trap of getting his ego raised to heights that it should never have reached. He's a good fighter, confirmed by many friends who watch and understand boxing more than I. Let's hope he learned his lesson this time around and will spend more time in the gym than signing autographs and taking pictures.
3.09.2005
Friendster Vacuum
Damn Friendster...I turned my computer on tonight specifically to do some work and I got sucked into the Friendster trap. Damn these vices! i haven't been on that website in ages and I got hooked trying to find some peeps. Ah well. Time for bed...my mind can't think anymore.
2.27.2005
Crown me!
I've developed a greater appreciation for keeping my teeth clean and healthy. I went in to get a new crown on one of my teeth today. All the years of loving sweets have started to catch up to me. I better watch it or I may develop a minor condition of diabetes like my father. Damn my family for letting me have anything I wanted as a child, including sugar on my rice! I'd like to award my father for the grand prize of helping me develop my sweet teeth. Without him, my love for desserts would not be as potent. He still makes the best kusinta in the world!
2.21.2005
Another reason to love LaLa Land
Los Angeles Council Passes Anti-Sweatshop Ordinance
Alright folks, time to get other ports of entry in this damn nation to follow suit.
Alright folks, time to get other ports of entry in this damn nation to follow suit.
Yoga by Nike
Seems like a contradiction, doesn't it? A practice that promotes peace and unity of mind, body and community has been embraced by one of the largest mulitinational companies who is notorious for human rights abuses in their sweatshops in numerous developing countries. Where do we draw the line? For more information on the anti-sweatship Nike campaign, check out GlobalExchange.com.
2.20.2005
Denial
After a few months of denying myself anything Filipino, I have a weekend filled with nothing but Pinoy things.
Instead of taking a walk around the neighborhood today, Lola's Boy, Katscratches and I went for a walk around the Island Pacific Market Plaza in Panorama City, aka Daly City #2. As Lola's Boy was picking up Pinoy newspapers, I noticed a big poster in Goldilocks promoting a visit from Manny Pacquio, a feather weight champion boxer who will be fighting Morales, a Mexican boxer in Vegas during Vanessa's Wedding. So then and there, it was decided that we were going to come back later in the afternoon to see if we could take pictures with him, as well as have a few of our friends come out and revel in their Pinoy-ness by having their pictures taken with him. Bambu & Kiwi are apparently huge fans of Pacquio's, aka Pacman. (Not sure how formidable of a nickname that is but he's Pinoy...can't really say much else about that.)
After succumbing to the food coma brought on by lunch at Pinoy Pinay and a few hours of random house chores, we get back to Goldilocks just as Pacquio was walking out the door. I walked into the restaurant trying to look for Bambu and Kiwi but ended up losing Joe in the process. Considering his 6"1' frame, it wasn't hard to find him. This fool ended up following the crowd that was surrounding Pacquio and low and behold, Bambu & Kiwi were also part of that crowd, starting to shout out Pacquio's name. Everyone was taking pictures of him. My lovely, smart, dearest decides to get behind Pacquio while Bambu & Kiwi were taking pictures from the front. This was the first time I've ever seen Joe so star struck. Bambu & Kiwi, whom I have seen pretty cool and collected were like little school girls trying to get a hold of Pacquio's hand. AHAHAHAH! They were sooo cute! Kat, Cheryl and I were laughing hysterically at the whole thing. Lola's Boy managed to get close enough to the car so that he could bump fists with the Golden Fighter, himself. Katscratches and I were talking about taking pictures with Pacquio with signs that said, "Hi, Dad." Ah well...next time. So I don't get star struck all the time but hell, if all the people I'm with are getting into it, I guess I'll join in a little bit.
Later in the evening, we all trekked down to Carson City to attend a conference on a Philippine Studies Program, essentially an immersion program to help teach people Tagalog and be exposed to different aspects of Philippine life. I forgot we were going to a college. I also forgot that it was the first time this conference was happening. First of all, if their attempt was to get people who have never been to the program to attend it, the format needed great improvement. Joe was going to go to some of the workshops, but many of them and the attendants consisted of individuals who had already gone through the program. Big no-no when you're trying to attract people who have never been through the program or have had little to no exposure to it. Why would I want to go to an event where most people know each other already and then go to a variety show where comments are made that pertain only to the people who have gone through the program? I was willing to keep an open mind about this whole thing, considering I hadn't attended any of the workshops.
As I was sitting through the variety show, I kept thinking how we were all a product of our parents' generation. There always has to be some kind of performance related event attached to some kind of gathering, whether it be academic or not. Go figure. Each performance in the beginning was drama this, drama that. Most of the songs that were sung were slow ballads either about losing one's love or having love....da...dada...dada...dada. And, in true progressive fashion, out came the poetry readings. Lola's Boy and I joke with each other all the time when we sit through these things. We've seen so many of them, there are similar elements that are prevalent in many readings. There always has to be some kind of description of being in darkness and walking into the light, experiencing an awakening of some sort or feeling water on someone's face, washing away some kind of torment. The intonations of the voice are always the same, having that beat that sounds like many people I've heard perform live poetry. And how come I've heard hella poems about a parent sacrificing their life for their child and laying the responsiblity of carrying on "the struggles" to the child after the parent has passed. Damn those are hard challenges to take on, especially being told as a child!? I wonder what children think when they're told that. At that point, I'm sure they don't know the difference between their shoes or a new toy. All I'm saying is that there are so many similar themes that have been used in so many poems I've heard. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that but the way those themes are approached needs to be super unique for me to stand up and give a mighty ovation. I think it's just more respectable to the art that way. Absolutely no offense is meant to those who are reading this and perform poetry. I love all of you. I just think that sometimes we all get a little carried away with the emotions and don't always see how cliche our lines and themes are. I've been a victim of it, too so don't start all that head rollin'. Keep doing your thing, though because goodness knows there are way more people out there who can write better than I can.
Native Gunz were the feature of the evening, I think. Those guys are great! Why don't they have a record deal yet? Ha! It was such a stark comparison to seeing them on stage and seeing them go gaga over Pacquio. Those guys tear it up everytime they take center stage, though. I can't really say much else for their performance except that they were freakin' awesome! Thanks for letting me be a groupie for the night!
To top off our night. we decided to catch some bites at the Maynila restaruant in Carson. We were in Daly City #3, we might as well check out the digs. First we park in a lot that has a huge mural that looked like it was created by Eliseo Silva and then we hear loud ass music blasting from the restaruant. Apparently this place is open until 2am for karaoke. I was just hoping the kitchen was still open. Afte a few minutes, I knew where I was. I felt like I was sitting in a roadside restaurant in the Philippines with cold, bare floors, open air seating, and of course, listening to people sing on the karaoke machine. Except down there, I think it's called videoke. No clue as to the reason so don't ask. The food was pretty darn good especially for not having Pinoy food for quite some time. Don't know if I'll ever go back there again but it's good to know where to go when you're starving for some late night snacks.
So that was my all-thing-Pilipino Saturday. On to Sunday!
Instead of taking a walk around the neighborhood today, Lola's Boy, Katscratches and I went for a walk around the Island Pacific Market Plaza in Panorama City, aka Daly City #2. As Lola's Boy was picking up Pinoy newspapers, I noticed a big poster in Goldilocks promoting a visit from Manny Pacquio, a feather weight champion boxer who will be fighting Morales, a Mexican boxer in Vegas during Vanessa's Wedding. So then and there, it was decided that we were going to come back later in the afternoon to see if we could take pictures with him, as well as have a few of our friends come out and revel in their Pinoy-ness by having their pictures taken with him. Bambu & Kiwi are apparently huge fans of Pacquio's, aka Pacman. (Not sure how formidable of a nickname that is but he's Pinoy...can't really say much else about that.)
After succumbing to the food coma brought on by lunch at Pinoy Pinay and a few hours of random house chores, we get back to Goldilocks just as Pacquio was walking out the door. I walked into the restaurant trying to look for Bambu and Kiwi but ended up losing Joe in the process. Considering his 6"1' frame, it wasn't hard to find him. This fool ended up following the crowd that was surrounding Pacquio and low and behold, Bambu & Kiwi were also part of that crowd, starting to shout out Pacquio's name. Everyone was taking pictures of him. My lovely, smart, dearest decides to get behind Pacquio while Bambu & Kiwi were taking pictures from the front. This was the first time I've ever seen Joe so star struck. Bambu & Kiwi, whom I have seen pretty cool and collected were like little school girls trying to get a hold of Pacquio's hand. AHAHAHAH! They were sooo cute! Kat, Cheryl and I were laughing hysterically at the whole thing. Lola's Boy managed to get close enough to the car so that he could bump fists with the Golden Fighter, himself. Katscratches and I were talking about taking pictures with Pacquio with signs that said, "Hi, Dad." Ah well...next time. So I don't get star struck all the time but hell, if all the people I'm with are getting into it, I guess I'll join in a little bit.
Later in the evening, we all trekked down to Carson City to attend a conference on a Philippine Studies Program, essentially an immersion program to help teach people Tagalog and be exposed to different aspects of Philippine life. I forgot we were going to a college. I also forgot that it was the first time this conference was happening. First of all, if their attempt was to get people who have never been to the program to attend it, the format needed great improvement. Joe was going to go to some of the workshops, but many of them and the attendants consisted of individuals who had already gone through the program. Big no-no when you're trying to attract people who have never been through the program or have had little to no exposure to it. Why would I want to go to an event where most people know each other already and then go to a variety show where comments are made that pertain only to the people who have gone through the program? I was willing to keep an open mind about this whole thing, considering I hadn't attended any of the workshops.
As I was sitting through the variety show, I kept thinking how we were all a product of our parents' generation. There always has to be some kind of performance related event attached to some kind of gathering, whether it be academic or not. Go figure. Each performance in the beginning was drama this, drama that. Most of the songs that were sung were slow ballads either about losing one's love or having love....da...dada...dada...dada. And, in true progressive fashion, out came the poetry readings. Lola's Boy and I joke with each other all the time when we sit through these things. We've seen so many of them, there are similar elements that are prevalent in many readings. There always has to be some kind of description of being in darkness and walking into the light, experiencing an awakening of some sort or feeling water on someone's face, washing away some kind of torment. The intonations of the voice are always the same, having that beat that sounds like many people I've heard perform live poetry. And how come I've heard hella poems about a parent sacrificing their life for their child and laying the responsiblity of carrying on "the struggles" to the child after the parent has passed. Damn those are hard challenges to take on, especially being told as a child!? I wonder what children think when they're told that. At that point, I'm sure they don't know the difference between their shoes or a new toy. All I'm saying is that there are so many similar themes that have been used in so many poems I've heard. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that but the way those themes are approached needs to be super unique for me to stand up and give a mighty ovation. I think it's just more respectable to the art that way. Absolutely no offense is meant to those who are reading this and perform poetry. I love all of you. I just think that sometimes we all get a little carried away with the emotions and don't always see how cliche our lines and themes are. I've been a victim of it, too so don't start all that head rollin'. Keep doing your thing, though because goodness knows there are way more people out there who can write better than I can.
Native Gunz were the feature of the evening, I think. Those guys are great! Why don't they have a record deal yet? Ha! It was such a stark comparison to seeing them on stage and seeing them go gaga over Pacquio. Those guys tear it up everytime they take center stage, though. I can't really say much else for their performance except that they were freakin' awesome! Thanks for letting me be a groupie for the night!
To top off our night. we decided to catch some bites at the Maynila restaruant in Carson. We were in Daly City #3, we might as well check out the digs. First we park in a lot that has a huge mural that looked like it was created by Eliseo Silva and then we hear loud ass music blasting from the restaruant. Apparently this place is open until 2am for karaoke. I was just hoping the kitchen was still open. Afte a few minutes, I knew where I was. I felt like I was sitting in a roadside restaurant in the Philippines with cold, bare floors, open air seating, and of course, listening to people sing on the karaoke machine. Except down there, I think it's called videoke. No clue as to the reason so don't ask. The food was pretty darn good especially for not having Pinoy food for quite some time. Don't know if I'll ever go back there again but it's good to know where to go when you're starving for some late night snacks.
So that was my all-thing-Pilipino Saturday. On to Sunday!
2.18.2005
Trippy Thursday
Today didn't exactly started the way I wanted it to. I woke up way too late and didn't get into the office until 10am. Ooops. Thank goodness traffic wasn't too bad on the 405, well, until I reached the 101/405 junction. Whoever designed that portion of the damn freeway was on some straight crack. It totally needs to be redone but there is so much traffic that goes through there, who knows if they will ever touch it. Besides, all the bougie, nonpublic transit-friendly Westsiders would probably create some kind of legal prevention to stop from revamping the whole freeway. It's one of the worst ones to be on in LA!
After work, I was completely late to my meeting with Arnold and Rex. Sorry guys...I apologize profusely. It was a good meeting, none the less. I'm still trying to get comfortable in my advisor role to FAN . I just want to make sure it really does progress beyond the social part. It'd be great to get to a level where it has a nice mix of the two.
I've been preparing to transition over to SIPA, too. I can't believe how lucky I was to have landed a position with an organization that I really believe in. I'm sure the politics are going to be quite interesting. But you can't work with Pinoys without tsismis.
With the transition, I haven't felt like doing very much with my present position. I need to just organize information that whoever is taking over will need. Not sure how to do that but I'm sure I'll think of something. In the past few days, I've managed to do more organizing of my iPod playlists than anything else. Thanks to Jane for leaving the majority of her tunes in the harddrive! :-) I can't say that I'm coming away from Kaplan with a lot of bitterness...maybe a little bit but that would take too much energy that I could use for something else.
About an hour after I had gotten home tonight, Joe came and picked me up to attend a fashion show Arrian & Diane invited us to. It was in an art gallery in Studio City near Laurel Canyon & Topanga. It was quite interesting hanging out with the higher end arts fartsy crowd. We're more used to the community/grassroots arts fartsy crowd. I don't think either of us were "super fashionable" for the event but I didn't care. I wear what I like whenever I wish. If I'm not in the mood then so be it. I did manage to spot a painting I wanted to purchase. Too bad the pretty canvas was about $14,000. :-( It was a painting of a Flamenco dancer who was standing with one arm in the air and the other turned down towards the floor, each holding a corner of a shawl that she had just flung into the air. I was more enthralled in the movement of the shawl. It had flowers on it and tassles on the end, which added to its fluidity. The dancer looked too perfect, too statuesque, very unrealistic. The only real things on here were her hands. The painter managed to put the detail in her hands, showing how her fingers were tightened to keep the shawl from escaping them. The dress was the traditional red, with the ruffles at the bottom. The dancers face was flawless, like magazine pictures of models that have been Photoshop-ed. I'm not so sure the point of the painting showed through. I wasn't sure if the painter was emphasizing the dancer's stance, the movement of the shawl or her fingers. But then again, art is a person's perception. So I'm just going to continue to perceive my own thoughts.
We decided to go check out the hip hop "club" that was happening in Northridge afterwards, yes Northridge. It ended up being at some seedy looking joint on Parthenia and Nordhoff. Um...no. We didn't even dare go in. I saw a ton of rice rockets (yes, I do have to use the phrase...sorry to all those who think it's politically incorrect) and decided against getting out of the car. We could hear the music bumping from the place but wasn't too impressed. It was back home after that.
So now I'm sitting here trying to get my thoughts out and the time is flying. Thank goodness it's Friday. I've been waiting for the weekend since Monday. Think I'll play sick on Monday. :-)
After work, I was completely late to my meeting with Arnold and Rex. Sorry guys...I apologize profusely. It was a good meeting, none the less. I'm still trying to get comfortable in my advisor role to FAN . I just want to make sure it really does progress beyond the social part. It'd be great to get to a level where it has a nice mix of the two.
I've been preparing to transition over to SIPA, too. I can't believe how lucky I was to have landed a position with an organization that I really believe in. I'm sure the politics are going to be quite interesting. But you can't work with Pinoys without tsismis.
With the transition, I haven't felt like doing very much with my present position. I need to just organize information that whoever is taking over will need. Not sure how to do that but I'm sure I'll think of something. In the past few days, I've managed to do more organizing of my iPod playlists than anything else. Thanks to Jane for leaving the majority of her tunes in the harddrive! :-) I can't say that I'm coming away from Kaplan with a lot of bitterness...maybe a little bit but that would take too much energy that I could use for something else.
About an hour after I had gotten home tonight, Joe came and picked me up to attend a fashion show Arrian & Diane invited us to. It was in an art gallery in Studio City near Laurel Canyon & Topanga. It was quite interesting hanging out with the higher end arts fartsy crowd. We're more used to the community/grassroots arts fartsy crowd. I don't think either of us were "super fashionable" for the event but I didn't care. I wear what I like whenever I wish. If I'm not in the mood then so be it. I did manage to spot a painting I wanted to purchase. Too bad the pretty canvas was about $14,000. :-( It was a painting of a Flamenco dancer who was standing with one arm in the air and the other turned down towards the floor, each holding a corner of a shawl that she had just flung into the air. I was more enthralled in the movement of the shawl. It had flowers on it and tassles on the end, which added to its fluidity. The dancer looked too perfect, too statuesque, very unrealistic. The only real things on here were her hands. The painter managed to put the detail in her hands, showing how her fingers were tightened to keep the shawl from escaping them. The dress was the traditional red, with the ruffles at the bottom. The dancers face was flawless, like magazine pictures of models that have been Photoshop-ed. I'm not so sure the point of the painting showed through. I wasn't sure if the painter was emphasizing the dancer's stance, the movement of the shawl or her fingers. But then again, art is a person's perception. So I'm just going to continue to perceive my own thoughts.
We decided to go check out the hip hop "club" that was happening in Northridge afterwards, yes Northridge. It ended up being at some seedy looking joint on Parthenia and Nordhoff. Um...no. We didn't even dare go in. I saw a ton of rice rockets (yes, I do have to use the phrase...sorry to all those who think it's politically incorrect) and decided against getting out of the car. We could hear the music bumping from the place but wasn't too impressed. It was back home after that.
So now I'm sitting here trying to get my thoughts out and the time is flying. Thank goodness it's Friday. I've been waiting for the weekend since Monday. Think I'll play sick on Monday. :-)
2.13.2005
Down with technology! - Pt. 2
What the hell was Apple thinking releasing their damn version of Itunes! I've been trying to connect my Ipod to my computer all day and each time Itunes freezes as it tries to recognize the freakin' ipod and I have to restart my damn computer. My poor baby has been restarted so many damn times today. I went on Apple's website to see if there are any solutions that have been posted by Apple Support. How convenient that the one they posted doesn't work for all users! I even went on some of the forums on Apple's site and found that I wasn't the only one having the same problem with the Itunes update. I think I'll just inundate Apple's feedback messages until they send out a correction for the damn problem. Mofos!
Another Great Has Passed
Just found out that Ossie Davis passed away earlier this month. He and his wife were deeply involved with civil rights issues aside from their acting careers. He was one of the few actors that I really admire for his work on and off the screen. May his soul continue to live on and may his memory continue to inspire all to fight for equality and social justice.
2.11.2005
A weekend in the NW
My family is absolutely nuts! Take away the parentals and it get's even crazier! Despite the freezing temperatures, it was a wonderful weekend in the NW.
We got in a few days early and stayed with Dominique. It wasn't as cold as I had expected when we first got there. For some reason, Joe was still stuck in SoCal mode and decided not to take a coat with him when we went out after we had arrived at Dom's. This boy has got to stop thinking it's supposed to feel like SoCal weather everywhere he goes. He and I went touring around the university district and checked out UW. We were also able to walk around the International District, Pike's Market, the retail core and the Seattle Center. I have to say, the Space Needle is completely overrated. I refused to pay $12 to go up to the observatory, take a look at Seattle and Canada, probably for a good 15 min. and then come back down....um...no!
Had a little moment at the Wing Luke Museum. I didn't think I was going to be as moved as I was. There was an exhibit of the Japanese internment camps where one was able to walk through a small version of a bunk. The entire time I kept thinking how cruel we, as a society, can be. We let our fears take over and all our logic goes out the windows. And for those in places of power, sometimes they know they can get away with anything if they exploit their influence on people's fears.
I think I could spend two years there if I were accepted into UW's Urban Planning graduate program. The advisor I met with was pretty helpful and gave some insight to other programs available on the West Coast. It's a relatively small program so I wouldn't have to worry about getting lost in the numbers. There was this one building near their quad that looked like it was used as a cathedral at one point. It was like you were looking at a picture and trying to decide what didn't fit in the view.
It was over after we got together with il familia. The festivities began with being awestruck by Raster's cross-eyes or lazy eyes, whichever way you want to see it. HA! Poor cat...we were making fun of her all weekend. She was pretty chill and is my current desktop picture. She was probably the only sober one out of all of us the entire weekend.
Here's a view from the Bunnuelos Ranch.
Here's Raster in all her disco glory.
The party on Saturday was supposed to be a costume one. I had been too busy all week to think of one so one of my cousins had the idea of putting me in one of the sari's she had purchased on one of her trips. Though I enjoyed wearing something so beautiful for a bit, I kind of felt odd wearing it, especially since she and I were somewhat limited in our knowledge of how to wrap it. After a few more people showed up with saris, it was time for me to take it off. I just felt really odd wearing it. It was almost as if I was exotifying the practice of it. I know it's similar to when non-Pinoys wear barong tagalogs and such so I go back and forth with this thought.
The whole trip was an eating fest. I hadn't realized how much my cocousins and I had become such foodies. On Sunday, we had a Japanese spread that riveled any dinner I've had at a Japanese restaurant.
That there on the top left of the picture is my favorite yaki dish in the world - unagi! Manong Bong & John were awesome! And we continued to talk about food even after we sat down for the meal. The tapas dishes at the party were pretty damn good, too! We'd revert to talking about things that happened the last time we all got together to have a party at the Bunnuelos Ranch. All our parents kept bugging us because they didn't think there was enough food for everyone. Just goes to show that we can have our own successful parties our own way.
We topped off the trip with the Holy Grail....never again!
All came to an end as Manang Juzen drove me to the airport on Monday afternoon. It was an amazing flight into San Francisco. I hadn't realized how much I missed seeing the vistas of that city. It was absolutely amazing. There were billowing clouds sitting on top of The City and was completely clear as we touched down at SFO. Figures it would be clear south of The city. I remembered how much I despised the cloud-cover. Ah...part of The City's charm.
In retrospect, it was one of the best weekend I had spent with my family for quite some time. It didn't even compare to Christmas. Can't wait to get together with those fools again.
We got in a few days early and stayed with Dominique. It wasn't as cold as I had expected when we first got there. For some reason, Joe was still stuck in SoCal mode and decided not to take a coat with him when we went out after we had arrived at Dom's. This boy has got to stop thinking it's supposed to feel like SoCal weather everywhere he goes. He and I went touring around the university district and checked out UW. We were also able to walk around the International District, Pike's Market, the retail core and the Seattle Center. I have to say, the Space Needle is completely overrated. I refused to pay $12 to go up to the observatory, take a look at Seattle and Canada, probably for a good 15 min. and then come back down....um...no!
Had a little moment at the Wing Luke Museum. I didn't think I was going to be as moved as I was. There was an exhibit of the Japanese internment camps where one was able to walk through a small version of a bunk. The entire time I kept thinking how cruel we, as a society, can be. We let our fears take over and all our logic goes out the windows. And for those in places of power, sometimes they know they can get away with anything if they exploit their influence on people's fears.
I think I could spend two years there if I were accepted into UW's Urban Planning graduate program. The advisor I met with was pretty helpful and gave some insight to other programs available on the West Coast. It's a relatively small program so I wouldn't have to worry about getting lost in the numbers. There was this one building near their quad that looked like it was used as a cathedral at one point. It was like you were looking at a picture and trying to decide what didn't fit in the view.
It was over after we got together with il familia. The festivities began with being awestruck by Raster's cross-eyes or lazy eyes, whichever way you want to see it. HA! Poor cat...we were making fun of her all weekend. She was pretty chill and is my current desktop picture. She was probably the only sober one out of all of us the entire weekend.
Here's a view from the Bunnuelos Ranch.
Here's Raster in all her disco glory.
The party on Saturday was supposed to be a costume one. I had been too busy all week to think of one so one of my cousins had the idea of putting me in one of the sari's she had purchased on one of her trips. Though I enjoyed wearing something so beautiful for a bit, I kind of felt odd wearing it, especially since she and I were somewhat limited in our knowledge of how to wrap it. After a few more people showed up with saris, it was time for me to take it off. I just felt really odd wearing it. It was almost as if I was exotifying the practice of it. I know it's similar to when non-Pinoys wear barong tagalogs and such so I go back and forth with this thought.
The whole trip was an eating fest. I hadn't realized how much my cocousins and I had become such foodies. On Sunday, we had a Japanese spread that riveled any dinner I've had at a Japanese restaurant.
That there on the top left of the picture is my favorite yaki dish in the world - unagi! Manong Bong & John were awesome! And we continued to talk about food even after we sat down for the meal. The tapas dishes at the party were pretty damn good, too! We'd revert to talking about things that happened the last time we all got together to have a party at the Bunnuelos Ranch. All our parents kept bugging us because they didn't think there was enough food for everyone. Just goes to show that we can have our own successful parties our own way.
We topped off the trip with the Holy Grail....never again!
All came to an end as Manang Juzen drove me to the airport on Monday afternoon. It was an amazing flight into San Francisco. I hadn't realized how much I missed seeing the vistas of that city. It was absolutely amazing. There were billowing clouds sitting on top of The City and was completely clear as we touched down at SFO. Figures it would be clear south of The city. I remembered how much I despised the cloud-cover. Ah...part of The City's charm.
In retrospect, it was one of the best weekend I had spent with my family for quite some time. It didn't even compare to Christmas. Can't wait to get together with those fools again.
1.28.2005
F*@kin' USF!
My lovely friend, Ev, calls me last night and informs me that USF has ended all of the recognition ceremonies for the students of color. What the hell?! So the Department of Student Activities wants to make everyone feel as if they are "equal," huh?! Apparently, USF has grown more diverse, which in turn, is producing more alumni of color. Makes sense? Sure does to me! Let's see how they feel when alumni of color start pulling our their funds and participation if this decision is irrevocable. Time to start doing some snooping.
1.26.2005
Self Realizations
I like participating in interviews. I always learn something new about myself whenever I do one. Last night was the first night that I felt like I solidified my reason for my desire to work with the community. It stems from the fact that I was raised with the idea of having to take care of my younger siblings and basically all of those who are younger than me. This idea has extended throughout my entire life. Another major drive is the fact that i am a woman of color and it took quite some time to find my own voice and become comfortable with my own identity. To realize that my role in society is significant - regardless of my social status, ethnically or financially and being able to do my part in continuing organizations and facets in society that will foster others to find their own voices and solidify their personal identities is a powerful thing. This is my greatest passion.
1.24.2005
Down with technology!
I hate this stupid ipod! I spent the majority of my day yesterday freakin' uploading songs onto it amidst a bunch of cleaning I was doing! All that time and come to find that I was uploading songs in a format that was taking up more freakin' memory than needed! This is a prime example of how freakin' technology can complicate your damn life! And now there's this damn limewire hookup that I can't get out of my damn playlist and I can't find the damn source on my freakin' harddrive! MF! AAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHH!
1.23.2005
Is this how it's supposed to work?
I've always told myself that I would never grow too dependent on people to the point where I cannot do things on my own. When you are on the verge of being able to share your life with someone else, where do you draw the line?
I was dissapointed tonight because he wasn't going to join us for dinner. I hadn't seen him all day and I was kind of looking forward to it. Have I really grown this needy, this dependent? We spent the majority of the day yesterday. He finally let me learn how to drive his car and watched a few movies after we had dinner. Was this not enough time spent for the weekend? Was this not enough time spent for the week? How do I measure enough being enough? So, lf course, this got me thinking. How much of my time do I really want to compromise for him?
There's been so many things I've wanted to get done lately. I finally was able to purge my files today and got rid of a ton of old bills and other old documents that have been lying around for way too long. On top of that, I made a list of a bunch of other tasks I want to accomplish around the house. A few more weekends like this and my room will actually be spotless. Everytime he comes over, I feel like I have to make use of my time by myself so I can get a few things done before he comes over so we can actually hang out. Is this how it's supposed to work? Is this how it's going to be forever?
I've wanted to do a few more things to just help me be a happier and more positive person. For instance, I really want to get in the habit of making time to read more books. I figured this would be a good activity to do together and still be productive individually. So a week or so ago, I suggested that Sunday be a reading day unless other things came up. This idea hasn't really panned out too well. I want to do more walking around our neighborhood, especially when it's nice and sunny. Most of the time I've suggested this, my idea has been knocked down. I don't even mind if we go out in the evening! I feel safe doing so, especially if I have someone else with them. As the sun is staying out longer hours, I want to try to do more things outdoors. So there are many things that I'd like to do and, being the super multitasker that I am, I try to incorporate him so we can share some time. Should I even continue to make any more suggestions like the latter two if I've been knocked down a few times already? Damn...might as well do these things by myself!
So how much should I really involve him in my life? Am I being completely over dramatic about this? I think these are valid questions to ask, especially when one wants to continue moving forward in a committed relationship.
And another thing, why the hell does he feel like he always has to make things better when he really can't?! I realize there are times when I am being completely unreasonable and I accept that. Often times, it's just a way to release my frustration. I also know that the only person that can get me out of that frame of mind is me. I have to logically think my way out of whatever bummer of a situation I find myself. And there is nothing in this world anyone else can do to make me change my state of mind, not even him. We've already had a discussion about this. I told him that there are times that he just needs to let me be. JUST LET ME BE, DAMNIT! Have confidence that I know when I'm being unreasonable - at least most of the time. When I think I'm on the borderline, I'll ask for other people's opinions; and that includes him! This is the way I've always been and will most likely continue to be. I like my internal conflicts just the way they are. I think it's perfectly healthy to self-analyze. There are so many facets to my personality. I like exploring all of them in as a part of the process of building a strong character.
So where does this leave me? I'm still awake and a still a bit fuming and his ass is fuckin' snoring off in LA LA land. Serves him right to be reading this tomorrow instead of talking to me first about it. MF!
PS
No discussions will be had regarding this matter at places of employment. This definitely means YOU!
I was dissapointed tonight because he wasn't going to join us for dinner. I hadn't seen him all day and I was kind of looking forward to it. Have I really grown this needy, this dependent? We spent the majority of the day yesterday. He finally let me learn how to drive his car and watched a few movies after we had dinner. Was this not enough time spent for the weekend? Was this not enough time spent for the week? How do I measure enough being enough? So, lf course, this got me thinking. How much of my time do I really want to compromise for him?
There's been so many things I've wanted to get done lately. I finally was able to purge my files today and got rid of a ton of old bills and other old documents that have been lying around for way too long. On top of that, I made a list of a bunch of other tasks I want to accomplish around the house. A few more weekends like this and my room will actually be spotless. Everytime he comes over, I feel like I have to make use of my time by myself so I can get a few things done before he comes over so we can actually hang out. Is this how it's supposed to work? Is this how it's going to be forever?
I've wanted to do a few more things to just help me be a happier and more positive person. For instance, I really want to get in the habit of making time to read more books. I figured this would be a good activity to do together and still be productive individually. So a week or so ago, I suggested that Sunday be a reading day unless other things came up. This idea hasn't really panned out too well. I want to do more walking around our neighborhood, especially when it's nice and sunny. Most of the time I've suggested this, my idea has been knocked down. I don't even mind if we go out in the evening! I feel safe doing so, especially if I have someone else with them. As the sun is staying out longer hours, I want to try to do more things outdoors. So there are many things that I'd like to do and, being the super multitasker that I am, I try to incorporate him so we can share some time. Should I even continue to make any more suggestions like the latter two if I've been knocked down a few times already? Damn...might as well do these things by myself!
So how much should I really involve him in my life? Am I being completely over dramatic about this? I think these are valid questions to ask, especially when one wants to continue moving forward in a committed relationship.
And another thing, why the hell does he feel like he always has to make things better when he really can't?! I realize there are times when I am being completely unreasonable and I accept that. Often times, it's just a way to release my frustration. I also know that the only person that can get me out of that frame of mind is me. I have to logically think my way out of whatever bummer of a situation I find myself. And there is nothing in this world anyone else can do to make me change my state of mind, not even him. We've already had a discussion about this. I told him that there are times that he just needs to let me be. JUST LET ME BE, DAMNIT! Have confidence that I know when I'm being unreasonable - at least most of the time. When I think I'm on the borderline, I'll ask for other people's opinions; and that includes him! This is the way I've always been and will most likely continue to be. I like my internal conflicts just the way they are. I think it's perfectly healthy to self-analyze. There are so many facets to my personality. I like exploring all of them in as a part of the process of building a strong character.
So where does this leave me? I'm still awake and a still a bit fuming and his ass is fuckin' snoring off in LA LA land. Serves him right to be reading this tomorrow instead of talking to me first about it. MF!
PS
No discussions will be had regarding this matter at places of employment. This definitely means YOU!
1.22.2005
One for the portfolio
Here's an image of my future house:
We found the house in Baldwin Hills after Joe, Elson and I went to the MLK parade last week. I made Joe take a picture of it when he and Elson stopped to take a view of the city. Here's one of the views of the city from Baldwin Hills.
It's a spanish style home with a large window on the left side of the house, a patio in the front, good sized backyard in the back and sits on a small hill. It's adorable. I love the foliage in the front. I'd put a few more flowers and make the foliage a little more tropical but for the most part, it looks perfect. I think it was two stories. If it has wood floors, it's over. :-)
We found the house in Baldwin Hills after Joe, Elson and I went to the MLK parade last week. I made Joe take a picture of it when he and Elson stopped to take a view of the city. Here's one of the views of the city from Baldwin Hills.
It's a spanish style home with a large window on the left side of the house, a patio in the front, good sized backyard in the back and sits on a small hill. It's adorable. I love the foliage in the front. I'd put a few more flowers and make the foliage a little more tropical but for the most part, it looks perfect. I think it was two stories. If it has wood floors, it's over. :-)
Tourist-ing
One of my favorite buildings in Los Angeles is the Disney Concert Hall. It's this immense, shiny, wavy building that rises from the skyline as you come up the hill on 1st from Historic Filipinotown. Everything about it is gorgeous! The metal panels are laid on top of each other which allows light to be shot through the bottom of the building and through each panel. Since there is no direct light on the building, in th evenings, it looks like it's glowing. It's definitely one of this century's great works of art with great functionality.
The last time Michael came to visit, I took him over there to check out the sites. Here's one of the pictures we took there.
I absolutely adore this picture. It was up against one of the walls in the Concert Hall's garden and the lighting is beautiful. And, yes, my little brother is also absolutely adorable and comes from great genes, if I do say so myself. :-)
The last time Michael came to visit, I took him over there to check out the sites. Here's one of the pictures we took there.
I absolutely adore this picture. It was up against one of the walls in the Concert Hall's garden and the lighting is beautiful. And, yes, my little brother is also absolutely adorable and comes from great genes, if I do say so myself. :-)
Passion #101
Among the many things I'm interested in, food and spirits is definitely two things that I have quite an affinity for. After a late morning start, I turn on KCRW, as I do every morning, and begin to listen to their weekly cooking show, Good Food. I haven't had the opportunity to listen to this show in the past but, man, did this spark up a tremendous amount of creative energy.
One of the topics that were discussed was the insurgence of food blogs in the online community. I remembered one of my long time friends, Les, who added on a magazine idea to his many lists of lifetime goals just recently. And everything just came together! Blogs are free and he and I, combined, can say so many things about food places and experiences we've had in the past and intend to have in the near future. Why not start one of our own? I'm just waiting for his ass to wake up and answer all my freakin' messages.
One of the topics that were discussed was the insurgence of food blogs in the online community. I remembered one of my long time friends, Les, who added on a magazine idea to his many lists of lifetime goals just recently. And everything just came together! Blogs are free and he and I, combined, can say so many things about food places and experiences we've had in the past and intend to have in the near future. Why not start one of our own? I'm just waiting for his ass to wake up and answer all my freakin' messages.
1.19.2005
Diplomacy
There's been all this drama lately about the Filipino American Library's collection being moved to UCLA, West LA College or remaining with SIPA. I can't believe people with the library are actually scoffing at the fact that the public has been making assumptions about why things are happening. If they had put out information to the public about their potential decisions to begin with, no one would have the need to be making assumptions about anything! I've been on a string of emails about this issue and I finally decided to write one of my own summing up the major problem of the situation. I have to say that I've impressed myself at how much I was very diplomatic in this letter.
As a concerned Filipino American community member of Greater Los Angeles, I feel compelled to write this statement on my personal behalf and in response to the numerous emails that have been written about the Filipino American Library’s future and recent events.
I, too, mourn the loss of another historical monument and valuable resource in Historic Filipinotown. As various community factions have devoted some of their energy in contributing to the revitalization of the area, it is disappointing to know that a major resource will be vacating Historic Filipinotown, an area that comprises one of the largest concentration of Filipino Americans in the City of Los Angeles. This, I think, will be a great setback in the economic and cultural redevelopment of Historic Filipinotown.
Over the past few weeks, many messages have been dispersed asking for further information in the form of a community forum or townhall meeting with the Filipino American Library Board in regards to the fate of the library collection. The public’s attempts to gain more clarification on the issue have been futile as hearsay continues to be spread about the Library Board’s final decision on the collection’s fate.
The public’s concern and ownership of the library is natural considering it is a public institution. These sentiments can be likened to the LA Central Library closing or moving. Information regarding such drastic events would naturally be released to the public in the beginning stages of the plans. This would allow the public the opportunity to contribute their ideas for a solution, as well as gain further understanding of the issues pertaining to the situation. In the FilAm Library’s case, no such information was ever shared with the public except for a select number of people.
A press release or FAQ document of some sort that detailed issues concerning the move and FAHI’s final decision would have sufficed. I do not believe paid subscribers or past financial and collection contributors to the library were informed, at the very least. Why were these steps to inform the public and past contributors not taken?
If there was public notice, I am certain the community would have stepped up our involvement in order to maintain the library in its current location. How could the community know how to address the needs of the library without the direction of the library’s leadership?
In a previous email, Ms. Prosy de la Cruz stated, “some folks might be prematurely concluding, without full investigation of what the facts are.” I completely agree because “folks” were never given the opportunity to find out what the exact facts are. So those who have not been privy to meetings with the FAHI Board are left to continue to speculate until the Board exchanges communication with the public. Why has the FAHI Board not yet taken the opportunity to communicate with the public?
Below are questions that have been asked in previous emails (attached below) or from other concerned community members, which could all be addressed in an FAQ or press release, should the Board choose to do
so.
· What does the move of the FiL Am library to UCLA mean? Is this a permanent move?
· Does it mean the Board members have given up control of its management and that they are now relieved of their responsibility to operate/manage it?
· Who controls the Fil Am library now?
· Does UCLA own the Fil Am collection now & that the Filipino Community no longer has a say in library policies & procedures?
· Wasn’t there anyone among those consulted who made an offer to take over the enterprise? Not even a community campaign to save it?
· The move to the UCLA library may have been the best solution from the Board’s perspective, but it is good to hear various grievances now so we can assess the impact/consequences of the move & address them. Is there still a Fil Am library Board member who cares about this?
· It [Fil Am library] was also a venue for a number of activities among Filipinos that enabled them to share their books or gain information, knowledge & education about our community, country of origin, & culture. In that sense, the FIL AM library will be sorely missed. Is there a way we can still bring together Filipinos for similar events at the UCLA library & feel at home?
· What is the main reason the library is being under-used? Was a community education/marketing campaign created to address this matter?
· What kinds of programs has the library initiated to create more public attendance? How successful were these programs? What could have been improved in the process of initiating these programs?
Best regards,
Gerlie Collado
Thanks goes out to Jonathan for forwarding my statement to the entire Board of Directors for the FilAm Library!
As a concerned Filipino American community member of Greater Los Angeles, I feel compelled to write this statement on my personal behalf and in response to the numerous emails that have been written about the Filipino American Library’s future and recent events.
I, too, mourn the loss of another historical monument and valuable resource in Historic Filipinotown. As various community factions have devoted some of their energy in contributing to the revitalization of the area, it is disappointing to know that a major resource will be vacating Historic Filipinotown, an area that comprises one of the largest concentration of Filipino Americans in the City of Los Angeles. This, I think, will be a great setback in the economic and cultural redevelopment of Historic Filipinotown.
Over the past few weeks, many messages have been dispersed asking for further information in the form of a community forum or townhall meeting with the Filipino American Library Board in regards to the fate of the library collection. The public’s attempts to gain more clarification on the issue have been futile as hearsay continues to be spread about the Library Board’s final decision on the collection’s fate.
The public’s concern and ownership of the library is natural considering it is a public institution. These sentiments can be likened to the LA Central Library closing or moving. Information regarding such drastic events would naturally be released to the public in the beginning stages of the plans. This would allow the public the opportunity to contribute their ideas for a solution, as well as gain further understanding of the issues pertaining to the situation. In the FilAm Library’s case, no such information was ever shared with the public except for a select number of people.
A press release or FAQ document of some sort that detailed issues concerning the move and FAHI’s final decision would have sufficed. I do not believe paid subscribers or past financial and collection contributors to the library were informed, at the very least. Why were these steps to inform the public and past contributors not taken?
If there was public notice, I am certain the community would have stepped up our involvement in order to maintain the library in its current location. How could the community know how to address the needs of the library without the direction of the library’s leadership?
In a previous email, Ms. Prosy de la Cruz stated, “some folks might be prematurely concluding, without full investigation of what the facts are.” I completely agree because “folks” were never given the opportunity to find out what the exact facts are. So those who have not been privy to meetings with the FAHI Board are left to continue to speculate until the Board exchanges communication with the public. Why has the FAHI Board not yet taken the opportunity to communicate with the public?
Below are questions that have been asked in previous emails (attached below) or from other concerned community members, which could all be addressed in an FAQ or press release, should the Board choose to do
so.
· What does the move of the FiL Am library to UCLA mean? Is this a permanent move?
· Does it mean the Board members have given up control of its management and that they are now relieved of their responsibility to operate/manage it?
· Who controls the Fil Am library now?
· Does UCLA own the Fil Am collection now & that the Filipino Community no longer has a say in library policies & procedures?
· Wasn’t there anyone among those consulted who made an offer to take over the enterprise? Not even a community campaign to save it?
· The move to the UCLA library may have been the best solution from the Board’s perspective, but it is good to hear various grievances now so we can assess the impact/consequences of the move & address them. Is there still a Fil Am library Board member who cares about this?
· It [Fil Am library] was also a venue for a number of activities among Filipinos that enabled them to share their books or gain information, knowledge & education about our community, country of origin, & culture. In that sense, the FIL AM library will be sorely missed. Is there a way we can still bring together Filipinos for similar events at the UCLA library & feel at home?
· What is the main reason the library is being under-used? Was a community education/marketing campaign created to address this matter?
· What kinds of programs has the library initiated to create more public attendance? How successful were these programs? What could have been improved in the process of initiating these programs?
Best regards,
Gerlie Collado
Thanks goes out to Jonathan for forwarding my statement to the entire Board of Directors for the FilAm Library!
1.11.2005
roAR!
For some reason, this year started off with a murmer which eventually grew into a roar. There have been drama here in there about different things. Good or bad, all of them have been great reminders of how it really feels to be alive. There are sayings that urge as to live life like we mean it but sometimes we get lost along the way and wonder why we do the things we do every single day of our lives. As a firm believer that there are always reasons to why things happen, I also believe that everything we experience in our lives is just to help improve us to become the beings that we were designed to be. I have so many things to be thankful. I want to continue to give thanks for the life that I lead, for the activities that I have the privelege of performing. I thank the Most High for all of the talents I have been blessed with.
One last time I mention this...I was standing on the House of Blues stage on Sunday...the very stage Prince, Chaka Khan, Jill Scott, Talib Kweli, Gangstarr and many others have stood! Aw yeah!
One last time I mention this...I was standing on the House of Blues stage on Sunday...the very stage Prince, Chaka Khan, Jill Scott, Talib Kweli, Gangstarr and many others have stood! Aw yeah!
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