Hello all…what’s going on?

OSF Announcement

The theme this week is Break Up Songs…oh, boy…lots of memories on this one. I’ll try not to cry when I visit and view your picks.

Girl Power

I like how Alicia Keys goes about this girl power thing. Her latest vid, “Superwoman,” contributes further to her Girl Power evolution…and it includes one of the TMV Icons. I literally got chills watching it because I feel like this sometimes…check it out. You can watch it here. 

NFL Gang Members

Today, the NFL said that they are going to be cracking down on players who they think are flashing gang signs during celebrations or whatnot…excuse me, maybe I’m naive or just plain blind to the fact, but are their gang members in the NFL? So when somebody flashes his Omega Psi Phi fraternity greeting, or Alpha Phi Alpha, or Kappa Alpha Psi, or whatever…will that be considered a gang sign and the offending person be eliminated from the league? I don’t think the NFL has a clue what they are doing, and furthermore, I don’t think they have a clue on how to distinguish between a gang sign and a simple affiliation sign. Most of this will be directed toward the Black players (tell me the last time you saw Peyton Manning flash a hand sign? I’ll wait…) and it will be a long and uneasy day in hell when they fine the first person.

Next Up

The next movie on my radar…The Dark Knight. I am totally caught up in all the hype with Heath Ledger’s death and the possible Oscar worthy acting…the trailer looks fantastic and of course, I’ve been inundated with it. What intrigues me most, is the storyline. This Batman actually looks interesting, and you know I love a superhero. I’ll let you know what I think; I’m going to see it Friday.

Cougar-itis

I know I mentioned this last night, but I’ve been thinking more about it today and I really think that I’ve ventured into Cougar-dom. What is the age of a Cougar? What is the true definition? I feel as though I’m younger than I am and why should I be relegated to older men who I don’t really like? They do seem to be the ones who holler, and I always roll my eyes. What I look like with a 50-year-old man? No thanks…give me half that please…tee hee hee…I won’t even get into why.

 

Hello people! Thanks to all of you that have left messages for me…I walked in yesterday from work bone tired and crashed…it was a good day, and I felt like my head was just going to explode! I am sitting through training, learning what I am eventually going to train to the folks and it is just a lot of information. Today I met with my manager and we went over expectations and just sat and talked…oh, how I appreciated that! Right away it established something for me to go by, and I feel like I am being incorporated into the world, little by little.

The VP of the group brought me a plant for my desk and laid a big hug on me this morning (she was out yesterday)…these folks are just exceptional! I sat in the staff meeting this afternoon and was asked for my opinion on certain things to make sure that I felt included and I tell you, it just feels right. So even though I feel bone tired—being off for three months and sleeping whenever I wanted to was something that is hard to give up—I am happy and at peace.

So I just wanted to check in and let all of you that checked in on me know that all is good. My posts will be sporadic, at least until I can get my schedule right. I will be back definitely for OSF…it’s Old School Hip Hop this Friday…I will not miss that!

Tee hee hee…y’all know I can’t stay away…I’m still here, lurking on my own damn blog!

Mike caught me with this meme and I thought I’d play along; eh, what the hell; I’m really not doing anything else but trying to get my mind right to go to work next week (man, that sounds good).

Here are the rules:

“List seven songs that you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now, shaping your spring summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.”

My seven songs:

Desire…by Raheem DeVaughn 

Can I just say that this is lap dance music? The kind you put on when you know you want to get busy?

No Matter What…by T.I. 

Man, I just dig this dude. If he was about a foot taller…

Sometimes…by Bilal 

You ever have one of those days when you feel like telling everybody off? This song says everything you ever wanted to say, but didn’t…

The Cell…by Erykah Badu 

This chick is just bad…that is all.

Blue Magic…by Jay-Z 

I told y’all I’m a Hip-Hop head…Jay is my man…

My Love…by Jill Scott 

August 7th…I can’t wait!

Never Would Have Made It…by Marvin Sapp 

My mantra, my anthem, my message…it’s all good.

I’m not tagging anyone…feel free to play along if you like!

Peace!

I have some amazing blog friends. I would like to call your attention to two of them in particular.

The first is Ms. SjP who has gifted me with her Helping Hands award. SjP is celebrating her 6 month anniversary (congratulations!) and wanted to do something to say thank you to those that have helped her in her blogging journey. And I was on that list! In this world of blogging, it is sometimes hard to tell if your comments on other’s sites are helping or hurting, but I am glad that SjP knows that I support her. I am humbled that she even thought of me, and that she is a regular visitor here. She has fast become one of my blog sisters, and one of the blogs that I look to for inspiration and words of encouragement…

I am to pass the award on, and will do so once I finish making my list up. SjP, thank you…I can never tell you how much it means to me!

The next is Ms. Regina. I received an e-mail about a month or so ago asking if I would take part in her Words of Wisdom guest post series that she holds on Tuesdays. I of course did not hesitate. My post is up today, and it is about writing (what else would I talk about?). You can read it by clicking here. Being asked to share my voice on other blogs is exciting and a little scary. I mean, I say whatever the hell I feel like saying over here, because this is my space. I do what I want to. But elsewhere, I have a responsibility. I am thankful that Regina was even interested in the first place. Thank you, Ms. Regina!

As you are aware, this blog participates in a monthly posting that brings awareness to the plight of our brothers and sisters in other parts of the world. This month, I want to bring your attention to the wonderful job that the organizers of this movement have done and guide you to the e-book put together for the month of June…go here to download and read it.

In the e-book you will find information on how the voices have been heard and how the work has moved some hills; there is still work to be done, and we won’t stop. Period.

 

I took a personality test (thanks to Cynthia for the link) and the results say that I am an ENFJ…here’s what that means:

Even more than the other Idealists, Teachers have a natural talent for leading students or trainees toward learning, or as Idealists like to think of it, they are capable of calling forth each learner’s potentials. Teachers (around two percent of the population) are able - effortlessly, it seems, and almost endlessly-to dream up fascinating learning activities for their students to engage in. In some Teachers, this ability to fire the imagination can amount to a kind of genius which other types find hard to emulate. But perhaps their greatest strength lies in their belief in their students. Teachers look for the best in their students, and communicate clearly that each one has untold potential, and this confidence can inspire their students to grow and develop more than they ever thought possible.

In whatever field they choose, Teachers consider people their highest priority, and they instinctively communicate personal concern and a willingness to become involved. Warmly outgoing, and perhaps the most expressive of all the types, Teachers are remarkably good with language, especially when communicating in speech, face to face. And they do not hesitate to speak out and let their feelings be known. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Teachers will voice their passions with dramatic flourish, and can, with practice, become charismatic public speakers. This verbal ability gives Teachers a good deal of influence in groups, and they are often asked to take a leadership role.

Teachers like things settled and organized, and will schedule their work hours and social engagements well ahead of time-and they are absolutely trustworthy in honoring these commitments. Valuing as they do interpersonal cooperation and harmonious relations, Teachers are extraordinarily tolerant of others, are easy to get along with, and are usually popular wherever they are.

Teachers are highly sensitive to others, which is to say their intuition tends to be well developed. Certainly their insight into themselves and others is unparalleled. Without a doubt, they know what is going on inside themselves, and they can read other people with uncanny accuracy. Teachers also identify with others quite easily, and will actually find themselves picking up the characteristics, emotions, and beliefs of those around them. Because they slip almost unconsciously into other people’s skin in this way, Teachers feel closely connected with those around them, and thus show a sincere interest in the joys and problems of their employees, colleagues, students, clients, and loved ones.

Mikhail Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, Pope John Paul II, Ralph Nader, John Wooden, and Margaret Mead are examples of Teacher Idealists.

source: http://keirsey.com/handler.aspx?s=keirsey&f=fourtemps&tab=3&c=teacher

Hmm, interesting. I say that because something that reads me like a book like this tends to make me a little nervous. I don’t like to be pegged, but I also can’t ignore something like this. It is also interesting because I have spent the past two months trying to rediscover what it is that I love to do, and had come to the conclusion that I got the most enjoyment and overall satisfaction in my role as a Trainer during my tenure at the company I was laid off from. But when I got laid off, because of all the anger and bitterness I felt, I buried all that and momentarily forgot the things that brought me joy. Because I wanted to disassociate myself from that world completely, I buried everything. But that wasn’t fair to me.

Long story short, the world of training and development is where my career is. Whether it be through my writing or through public speaking, interacting with people and helping them reach their goals is ultimately what I want to do. And it is what I am going to do. I have found a new job, folks…as a Trainer in an organization that recognizes the importance of finding the right person for the job. I went through 4 interviews (including a 30-minute presentation) that allowed me to get to know the people that I was going to be working with, and gave them a chance to get to know me. It helped me to put rational and concrete thinking into this decision, and not just jump into it with my eyes closed.

I am so excited that I can barely stand it…because I know that I was led to this position; this is my path. Overcoming resigning from a job that I knew was not for me, and living for two months unemployed, without any thought as to how and where the next job was coming from, was tough. But faith gets you through things. I am a true testament to that. I feel so blessed right now, yet I am so humbled by the fact that little me has been given this much. My heart is full, and I am happy and at peace…life is good.

Yeah, I know…she’s so oversaturated the music scene that you are tired of her. For a moment, entertain me…

I don’t understand it, but I like her. My admiration for Beyonce’ has more to do with her work ethic than anything else; I have watched her work her ass off to get where she is and Bey shows no signs of stopping. That may be both a gift and a curse, as she could be wearing herself thin, and she may have rose so quickly that she never got to enjoy life. But who am I to say this? I don’t know…when you have a passion for something, you will do whatever it takes to achieve it…Beyonce’ has definitely met this qualification.

Hate her or love her, Bey has shown herself to be a mostly positive role model for young girls. She has shown that hard work and perseverance pays off. She has also shown that you can use what you got, but you don’t need to show it all to everyone. She has a unique voice; I say that because she doesn’t sound like anyone I’ve ever heard. Bey’s stage presence is awesome…I’ve never seen her in concert, but having seen her on awards shows, the pure electricity is translated through the tube and you can tell that she is well-organized and maintains a routine of perfection. Bey’s career moves have not been anything to sneeze at either: starring in Dreamgirls, her CDs, the clothing, and probably most notably, hooking up with Jay. Jay gave her street credibility, even more than she had, and cemented her place as the “hottest chick in the game.” On a personal level, the two of them are a true power couple. I happen to think he’s perfect for her…he’s the man who can handle that his wifey is more famous than he and remain cool with that. He also has been in long enough to recognize what she goes through, so the level of support is high. On both a personal and professional level, this was good…

Beyonce’ is a huge talent; so far, she has done good…I hope that she continues to use her head and make decisions that boost her. I could stand a Bey hiatus, as I’m sure we all could. You can’t hold some people down, though…she will continue to do what is best for her. I like that in her…

 

I spent the weekend, mostly glued in front of my television, watching movies. TVOne had some awesome movies on this weekend, and I just went along for the ride. I am fighting some anxiety (more on this later), so I needed to chill out, and these movies did just the trick…

Claudine

The incredibly beautiful Diahann Carroll, the talented James Earl Jones, and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs at his best…Claudine is one film that should be on everyone’s list to see. Claudine is raising six children, and is on welfare, when she begins a relationship with Rupert (Roop), who is a garbage collector. The thing is, if “they” find out that she is even dating him, her welfare benefits are reduced and if they get married, then they can’t afford to raise the kids without her benefits. Talk about complicated…the kids don’t like Roop, and the oldest (LH-J) is just downright nasty to him, because he thinks that Roop will be like the other suckers who have come into his mother’s life and left her there all alone with the kids.

At the core of this movie, though, is the strength of Claudine. She is a single mother who is doing the very best she can to keep her children together. The bond is strong, and so is she. Life doesn’t always guarantee that things will be rosy and bright, but it does teach us to make the best of what we have. I think that is the lesson that I learned from Claudine. And, the music is out of this world! Curtis Mayfield wrote and produced, Gladys Knight and the Pips sing…it is heavenly!

Uptown Saturday Night / Let’s Do It Again

I remember spending the night at my granny’s house and her laughing so loud in her bedroom that she woke the whole house up…when we went in to check on her, she was laying in her bed, holding her stomach, with tears rolling down her face from laughing so hard. She was laughing at Let’s Do It Again, with Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby…when I finally saw for myself what she was laughing at, I had to admit that it was pure comedy! Sidney is excellent as the straight man, and well, Bill was at his comedic best. In Uptown Saturday Night, Wardell (Bill Cosby) convinces Steve (Sidney Poitier) to go to this uptown nightclub. While there, they are robbed and Steve’s wallet is stolen. Steve finds out the next day that he has won the lottery and the wackiness ensues!

Let’s Do It Again takes the cake though. I think I laughed from the beginning of this movie until the end. It’s kinda like Richard Pryor’s Which Way Is Up? (a true classic) in that the funniness never ends. This time, the two are trying to raise funds for their brotherhood club. They decide to fix a boxing match, with none other than Jimmie J. J. Walker as Bootney Farnsworth. It is also worth noting that James Evans John Amos is in this film as Kansas City Mack and fine ass Calvin Lockhart stars as Biggie Smalls (yeah, this is where Biggie got his name from).

Purple Rain

What more can be said? The acting is terrible, save for Clarence Williams III, but the music is phenomenal. The storyline is easy to follow, but I think the draw is Prince himself. It is easy to believe that he went through some of these things, and to feel his angst and frustration. Troubles with his parents, with his girl, competition with the other band (I think it was hater-ade myself…Morris was jealous)…all of this combined to make him push even further. But once he finally opened up and got with the program, the ending was incredible! I could watch Purple Rain over and over again, if for the music alone.

So that’s my weekend in a nutshell…what did you do?

Ms. Regina has yet again graced me with an award. The award is called “Arte y Pico” and has made its way around the blogosphere. There are conditions attached to this one:

1. You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2. Each awardee has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4. Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award: http://arteypico.blogspot.com/.

Regina has followed this blog, through all of its ups and downs and changes, from almost the beginning. She is my blog sister, and I love her for all that she continues to give to me. She is an inspiration to me, and I thank her for always thinking of me…so to show my appreciation, I pass this award to 5 of my fellow bloggers:

1. Black Kool - A truly inspiring collection of pictures and articles dedicated to uplifting…truly a gift!
2. Wonderland Or Not - The musings of a highly intelligent woman, I have loved this site since I first laid my eyes on it…and it has been a while!
3. Skoolboi’s Playground - I’ve never met a man so open with his feelings, and it has been so refreshing to watch him on his recent journey of finding love…he has made me believe…
4. From The Battlefield - The passion and sisterhood found on this site are just inspiring to me…
5. Urban Observation - The writing on this blog is just splendid…

Please drop by and give these ladies and gentlemen a shout out!

A commemoration of the announcement of the abolition of slavery, Juneteenth is celebrated on this day every year. For some of us, it is merely a day to spend in the park, barbecuing and playing games. Keep in mind though, the thought of freedom. Freedom has brought us to this day, this moment in time, this period in our lives when we are facing one historic moment after another. Thank those that have come before us.

“Now is the accepted time, not tomorrow, not some more convenient season. It is today that our best work can be done and not some future day or future year. It is today that we fit ourselves for the greater usefulness of tomorrow. Today is the seed time, now are the hours of work, and tomorrow comes the harvest and the playtime.”

~ W.E.B. Du Bois