Thursday, July 08, 2010

Gillian in Georgia


Did anyone know that Jill Marie Jones has a show on TBS called "Gillian in Georgia"? It's a cute little mini-series with 2 minute episodes. All of the episodes are on TBS.com. Check it out!

Click Here for Full Episodes

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

If Jenn Was Here..


...we'd be going to see J*Davey tonight at Liv. $18 cover or not, Jenn woulda made me go and I would have a fantastic time. I haven't seen J*Davey in forever. I wish I had a personal bodyguard. I'd feel so much better about doing things alone.

If Jenn was here, we would connect over our Christian integrity struggles.

If Jenn was here, I wouldn't have to be concerned with my conduct 24/7 so as to not stumble her when I'm out an about.

If Jenn was here, I could release.

If Jenn was here, I could be the fun me.

If Jenn was here, we would be up in Bohemian Caverns every Wednesday making friends and groupie stalking the latest artistic gem at the open mic/poetry jam.

If Jenn was here, we'd be winding it up with our rasta men at the Eighteenth Street Lounge Rocker's International Night! Gosh I miss our sweatin'-the-hair-out dance sessions!!!!

If Jenn Was Here...

Two Months Down

Today is our two month anniversary. It's kinda laughable to bring it up, but I can't help but to notice. So how has it been so far? Umm... Let me see. One thing is for sure. We've had more happy moments than sad. We've had two major fights so far and they were pretty huge ones. It's funny how we often remember the bad times more than the good times. That sucks quite frankly. What I do remember though is our day together this past Monday. Simply beautiful. The highlight of it for me was the time we spent on the couch together. We read the Bible together, prepared for the Bible study and talked about our relationship and the experiences we've shared together. It's not often that we sit down and have a focused conversation about something sweet. I can now see how easy it is for married ones to have exchanges about bills, food, and to dos and forget about expressing our feelings for one another. The conversations that two people who are dating have are different than the conversations that married people have. But that shouldn't be the case. I hope to infuse more of that dating spirit into my marriage. Overall though, things are good. We have little problems compared to the things I've heard. Those little attitudes that each of us get are nothing in the grand scheme of things. I really do feel like I married the best man for me. There's no one in this world that's as j.a.c. as MJ. The love in my heart for him will never go away. I look at him often and am so pleased with my decision. When I look at him, there's no fear, no worry, no unsettling feeling. When I look at him, everything is all good. I am so thankful for that feeling. So with two months down, I look forward to the many more months to come. Happy Anniversary to me.

Update: Michyle asked, so I provide ---> Wedding Pics

Donna Summer's Daughter

Introducing Amanda Sudano-Ramirez. She's oh so fabulous.

Modeling


Singing as a duo with her husband in their band Johnnyswim

Friday, July 02, 2010

How I'm Feeling



I wish I had access to a dance studio. I would like to vent through this song. I would like to escape.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Sick?

Something's wrong with me and I can't for sure tell what it is. My energy levels are literally in the negative and I'm sleepy all of the time. My face was hurting the other day but it doesn't hurt much anymore. I had a migraine two days ago, but it's gone as well. The only thing that has stayed from beginning to end is my lack of energy. I hope that I'm coming out of whatever this is being that the migraine and face hurting is gone. I really wish that I could avoid crashing when coming home everyday. It's a pure waste of valuable evening hours with my husband. I can't even find the gusto to cook for him. I pray that I can shake off whatever I have pretty soon. I want to live again.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Goosebumps - Fantasia

Many people hate on Fantasia, my husband included, but the songs that she puts out on the radio are so perfect for her. I actually couldn't wait to see the Bittersweet video cuz that is my SONG! "When I think about you!!!!!!!" Oh goodness. She SANGs that song. I love it. This girl can sang. No one can contest that. All of Fantasia's videos give me goosebumps. Keep doing what you're doing girl. Sweet and simple tops the cake!








Pooh! Remember our memory off this one! I always think of you when I hear this! LOL.


Friday, June 25, 2010

Writing By Music

Run into the wind
Don't let the force overcome
Push your way through
At the end is your reward
Everyday there's a fight
It's so easy to tire
To give up and stand down
But stand firm for your rights
Don't let anyone tell you no
The sound of victory is coming
Be strong until you hear
Until it's blazing in your ear
Never let go Never stop Never die


You would be dumb to let this go
There's nothing more perfect for you
Tap into your heart and reveal truth
Stay away from all that is unequivical
Keep your senses and keep your love
Cuz once you leave it'll be gone
Take courage in what's right now
Nevermind what could be later
Sink your teeth into the real
Let it's juices marinate all through.


Here's the chick with the breeze
The sun, the earth and the showers are hers
She controls the scientific rythums of the planet
And decides when to allow you to breathe
There's no limit to what she can do
You must follow her commandments
The heartbeat within she can pinch to crush
She feels you without the slightest touch
Here's the woman that tells you what to do
Right left back forth
Which way do you request access
Complete mind control
Try to eradicate her forces for independence
She won't make it easy
No commitment to you, she will eradicate you.

copyright ©2010 j.a.j.

Booty

My butt is back. While I'm excited, it also means that my problems are back. I bought this beautiful, white, pencil skirt dress which was delivered to the house yesterday. I had all intentions of wearing it to the convention but as soon as I put it on, I knew that was a fail. Booty booty booty booty booty everywhere! My husband didn't seem to think anything was wrong with it. Lol. So I'm back to the drawing board. I at least thought I was going to be able to wear ONE new thing to the convention but I don't think it's going to happen. I did want some nude sandals though. Let me see if I can at least find a cute pair.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Mood: Blah

I want to keep my nose down. I'ma keep nice and quiet and do what I'm told to do. That's it. There's too much weird stuff going around to get involved. I don't even want to know. If something crazy looks like it's going down, I'm just going to look the other way. Office politics are too much for me. People get fired every month in this piece. As long as I get a check, I'm straight. (Let's see how long I can believe this.) I'm interested in job hunting again. It takes FOREVER to find a job so even though I'm not ready to leave my current position, I'd like to begin the search.

I tried to have a conversation with a younger friend about a decision I had to make. It didn't go over so well. I tried to explain my priorities and loyalties to my husband but I have a feeling she didn't really get it. I'm only interested in making decisions that are for the betterment of my family. Do you really have to be married to understand certain that? I thought it was given that in marriage your husband should come first when it comes to certain things, but maybe not. Lesson learned...

Philippians 4:8. That's all I'm trying to do now-a-days. Consider things that are true, of serious concern, righteous, chaste, lovable, well spoken of and praiseworthy. I feel like I'm tempted everyday to talk about someone or to get involved in things I should touch. My prayer is to stay grounded and rooted in the Bible. I pray to conquer all bad feelings and exchanges with love.

I'm extremely excited about my convention. I can't wait until July 15th. My husband and I will be on our way to a spiritual paradise. I can't imagine anything better than being at a spiritual feeding with the man that I love. I mean, it was great as well when I was single, but imagine how much better this time will be! I've prayed and prayed and prayed for a man who I could serve Jehovah with. Well I found him and I'm going to appreciate every moment of it that I have.

Speaking of my husband, he has another interview tomorrow. We should probably go over some ideas tonight. He got a hint to be forward thinking so we'll think of some key points before tomorrow. I'm excited for him though.

That Sky Is The Limit beat just came on. Biggie and 112. Smh. Good music. This is Cheri Dennis' version of the song. I wonder what happened to her. Oh.... Diddy happened to her. Case closed. We need more good music. I'm tired of the crap that's on the radio. It doesn't mean anything. "Music is supposed to inspire", said Lauryn Hill. Remember when rap meant something? As gangsta as it was, Pac's music still meant something. This stuff now-a-days is just bafoonery. I want something that I can listen to and feel deep within, that I can think about and have to listen to a few times before understanding it. Maybe I'm asking for too much.

This 98 degree weather would be perfect if I was by a body of water. A cool breeze on a hot day is what melting is all about. I want to melt. I want to go to my secret spot by the water. There's a lot to do this weekend though.

Alright. I'm going to do some Bible study. My temperament is a little out of wack. I need some soothing vibes. Lata.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Cut it Out

It's hot as I don't know what outside! I like it! I would LOVE it though if I didn't have this long hair down my back. It's time to cut this mess up. Here are the hairstyles I'm thinking of. They're all pretty much the same though. Short on the sides and long on the top. Let's get scissor happy!














Monday, June 21, 2010

From India to Bowie

I just read a blog by a woman on the verge of a big decision. Live in India for a 1 year assigment that she applied for or not. To me, the answer is simple. First of all, she applied. SHE applied. No one made her take an interest in the program she sought. SHE applied. Second, she listed about 25 reasons why the experience would be of a lifetime. And third, the main thing holding her back is her dog. Hmmm. I don't mean to sound hard and cold, but come on.

If I was her, the decision would be made within a millisecond. Single with a dog, acceptance from a program, and a short one-year experience in a new country... She seems set to me. In this list that I wrote a week or so ago, I mentioned that one of my biggest regrets was not going abroad. I mean, I'm okay with where my life has led me without it, but I believe that I would have done well with it too. Well... I can't say that. I don't know what would have happened if I lived overseas. I don't know where I'd be now.

I think that my lack of travel has created in me a 'talent', if you will, of seeing the beauty in the most common sites. For example, at my urging, my husband took me to the park yesterday. It was just a simple park around the corner from the house...Bowie's neighborhood pond/park...but still yet, it was probably as great-feeling as a skip in the beautiful parks of New Delhi. Well I'm not entirely sure if that's true, but I like imagining that it is. Wherever there is sun and clouds and sky, there has to be beauty.

I really enjoyed being at the park with my husband. There's nothing like it. The two of us on a blanket, me...the atypical black girl bathing in the sun, and him...the typical black man scurrying into the shade, and the musical genuis of jazz musicians and vocalists. The only thing missing was a pile of crabs or a bucket of crab meat between us. Nevertheless, I liked my glistening sun experience in God's gift of nature. Smelling the pine trees, seeing happy people, summer kissed brown skin glowing... Who can not like that?

Gosh I want to travel. Maybe I can hop on a Mediterranean cruise! Yes! That's it! That's what I want to do! OMG. I just looked up some NCL itineraries. Barcelone, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples!!!! All from $499/person! Yes! Yes! Yes!I think I just had a travel-gasm. Yes! Ok. Off to save some money!

Obedience

I like to stick to what I know
like words that are true or
knowledge that is refined or
wisdom that is tested.
Hard fast lines that lock my guide
so my flow is unable to scatter.
Freedom isn't necessary where I'm trying to go.
Strict subjection along with rules that are reinforced.
Rules that come with consequences so hard
so serious that your heart breaks under the stress.
No need to venture outside and become all brand new
like the fresh dew stretched out on a country field.
I like to stick to what I know.
In slavery is my freedom.

copyright ©2010 j.a.j.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

What's For Dinner?

I'm sitting in my car right now. It's lunch time and I have to be sure to leave the desk or people will think that I'm always available. You know how that is. I wish there was a quiet place that I could curl up into on lunch breaks instead of my car, like a couch in borders, but this will have to do.

I've been perusing quite a few blogs on interior design and DIY projects so I have a lot of ideas crowding my mind. Life doesn't stop either so I need to get to my meal planning so that I don't starve my husband.

I was really into cooking the following couple of weeks after the wedding, but now... ugh. I'd rather go pick up something everyday. Unfortunately that gets to be expensive and unhealthy. So here I am with a self-set budget of $150 and a nagging voice in the back of my head that says "PLAN YOUR MEALS". Okay okay. I'm going to do it right now as I type. Three good meals...

www.allrecipes.com, let's see what you have in store for me.

Well first things first. We gotta have some chicken. My husband doesn't like many things with a bone in it so...

Chicken Fettucini Alfredo anyone? My sis makes a great recipe. I'll have to get the instructions from her and add some vegetable, garlic bread and wine to the mix. This should carry us for a few days.




I've been longing for some gourmet burgers and french fries/onion rings so I'll use the ground chicken we have in the freezer and hook that up. Gotta do it with the lettuce, tomatoes, cheese and bacon!



What about shrimp? Eh, I don't know if I want shrimp.

A simple marinated, chicken breast dinner would be ideal. I wonder if I can hook up some mac and cheese with that. I've never done it before but I have a talent for following a recipe. And as far as vegetables go, I'm thinking that mac and cheese deserves a salad. Gotta balance out the heaviness.




And then I'll buy a few bags of steamed veggies, a frozen pizza, waffles, a bag of easy cook pasta, eggs, an apple pie and whatever else I see that'll give me some quick throw in the microwave/oven options.

If you have any, what quick throw in the microwave/oven meals do you have in your recipe book? The types you make when you don't feel like cooking... Let me know cuz I need ideas and inspiration! Thx!

Sista Inspiration - Kelly Rowland

Has anyone noticed how fabulously fly and fresh Ms. Kelly Rowland has become lately? I was watching one of her performances in London via a video blog the other day and something was peculiarly different about her. The child had a major swag on! It was like she was dominating the entire space! I don't think I ever saw her look so in charge before! This woman has definitely stepped into her own and because of that she's an inspiration. Her upbeat attitude, her determination, and her beauty.

And her new clothing line! It looks like it's going to be a winner! So much better than that Dereon crap her sister puts out. (Sorry B!) I think I'm going to look to Kelly as one of my fashion muses! Ms. Kelly Rowland has got IT. Congratulations girl!









Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Decorating: Adding a Feminine Touch - Rugs and Chandeliers

The bad news: We had a fight about how dark and manly the condo is. The good news: He encouraged me to do whatever I want to the place. Word.

BiNgO!

I found my bedroom rug! Isn't is so clean and crisp! I love this thang! This is going to add the needed breath of fresh air that I need for my bedroom. The room is currently dark and masculine like my husband, so I'm counting on this baby to light it up.


My next endeavor is to find a chandelier to add to the brightness factor. I don't want a regular lamp or light fixture. That's totally not jj. Therefore, I'm trying SO HARD to find a battery-operated or cordless chandelier that has the awe factor of this baby below. Thanks to design wonderful for bringing this gorgeous girl to my attention! I LOVE this chandelier. I almost wish I hadn't seen it so that I don't become disappointed by the more inexpensive options out there. It says to contact the dealer for a price, so you KNOW it's way out of my price range. It looks expensive! It's quite amazing though. If it was above my head in my bedroom (cuz that's where I would put it), I could lay on my bed and stare at it forever. Anyway, if anyone finds a battery-operated or cordless chandelier that's not going to break my piggy bank, please let me know!




The next thing I'm going to do is re-upholster my steel, mini, baby doll chair. I think I may find a fabric with a salmon color in it, perhaps in a striped design. The grey and black that we already have will tie nicely with salmon. I'm going to change the grey, blue and black pillows too. The right pillows do tons to a room. And then I'm looking for the right artwork to tie it all together. I'll keep you posted on what I come up with! The hunt is on!

Decorating: Aiveen Daly Furniture

Aiveen Daly makes me say aaahhh!







I had to steal this from design wonderland's site. This designer is absolutely incredible.

Monday, June 14, 2010

In Honor of the Tony's

In honor of the Tony's (which I did not see - DRAT!), I'm trying to find me a sponsor. *cue Teairra Mari*

I want to see Fences,



In The Heights,



and Fela.



Any sponsors?!

Different Kind of Music

I know I'm posting a lot today but that's okay right?

Last night I went over to my parent's and watched The World Cup Opening Ceremony and fell in love with music all over again.

There was this South African band that performed called BLK JKS (pronounced BlackJacks) that had my dad and me finding all of our natural African connections all over again. I loved the call and response part. Ta! Ta Ta! It was so right. This song reminded me the old native songs I used to dance to when taking African dance. It also reminded me of some of the music from Sarafina. I LOVED that movie. Matter of fact, I need to purchase that for my collection. I even saw Sarafina on stage with my mother, sister and best friends. That was a great memory. African music has been a part of my childhood, so this was a nice connecting moment for me. I'd like to look back and pull forward more of this. I hope you enjoy. And check the people dancing in the crowd! That would have been me, feeling the vibrations in my chest. How could you NOT move to this?



Oh and speaking of making you dance, I have to give it up to the Black Eye Peas! I must say that Will.I.Am (I'm assuming he produces the music?) knows what he's doing. There's a reason why this group has been rocking stages for YEARS and has such an international appeal. If I were an artist, I would take a page from their book. Their music choices are very smart. Get up and dance ya'll!!!

Inspire: A New Purpose

I'm always looking for inspiration. Here's today's jewel.



And on that note, I re-vamping the purpose of this blog. As Ruby said, we all have a voice and I do believe that my voice matters. I indeed have an inner artist about me that's been angered. I've kept my inner, artistic superpowers to myself and they are upset with me. I have the ability to inspire others. I've tasted approval and gratitude from my peers for speaking my mind so I know that I can do this. My biggest can of fuel is inspiration itself. So I'm looking forward to looking for gems like the above and then doing something with it whether it be transforming it into poetry, speaking to others about it or cataloguing how I feel in some other form of work. Sometimes it'll be just for me and sometimes it'll be for the public. I don't want my blog to be a source of venting anymore. (I should probably do that in private anyway.) Instead, I want my blog to push people into following their dreams and doing something more than they're doing now. My biggest challenge is laziness and complacency. But Victoria Rowell (Drew from the Young and the Restless) said something this weekend at her book signing. She said when you don't feel like writing or have nothing to write about, look outside and take a cue from God's creations. This about awesome the skyline is and then think about those who are incarcerated and cannot see the skyline. Think about those ones who have been incarcerated FOR writing their thoughts. Think about those who don't have the freedom to do what we can do. I thought that was pretty profound.

So here I am. At a new juncture with a new purpose. I pray that I can fulfill it and inspire.
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