Welcome to the Winter White Party

White Partyesque.

If you ever saw that movie White Chicks you would remember that the movie culminates at this White Party where everyone is dressed in white and the White Chicks get to walk on the runway. There’s some type of altercation and then, Terry Crews says at the unveiling of the true identity of a black chick, “Didn’t they tell you it was an all-white party?”

I thought, White party. Very interesting. A party where you ask your attendees to dress in all-white. How awesome! I know Diddy used to throw one every summer in the Hampton and now, Atlanta was having one. A Winter White Party. Just a couple of blocks from my home at the beautiful Historic Georgian Terrace Hotel. I thought, why not? It’s almost Christmas, haven’t really been to any Christmas Parties lately, so why not this one? I paid the price of admission which did not include food or drinks but a strong mandate to dress in all-white, and I was psyched to go. 

Mind you, my hair was in a funk. Yes, it was during one of my nappy interludes. And knowing Atlanta, even though it claims to love the nappy chicks, it is not polite to them at social events. So I did what I really shouldn’t have - I wigged it up - with a safe wig! I have my crazy Afro wig and my crazy Afro curly wig. Both of which I have worn when the mood hits me, possibly on a Saturday afternoon when I am bored out of my mind. But this time, not wanting to attract undue attention (what was I thinking it’s an all white party, all you want is attention) I chose my safe, go-to-work-if-your-hair-looks-bad wig. Not good. My outfit too, didn’t help because it was a summer long dress that just seemed to blend in. I keep saying the word blend in this post, because as soon as I got there, I quickly realized that this is not the place to just blend in with the crowd, If everyone is dressed in the same color palette surely you want to stand out from the “sameness” the monotony if you will. I didn’t know that. This is my first White party and as I gathered from the looks of the attendees, not their first.

To say people were dressed to the nines is an understatement. It was a delightfully colorful event with frosted hair, frosted lips and frosted jugs, people on stilts, masks, and big hair made multiple appearances. Who knew there were that many shades of white, so many versions and takes of how you can wear white? You know that bridesmaid outfit that you have in your closet that is not so white, just a little off-white, somewhat stylish and you’ve often wondered so where else can I wear this to, well, this is the event. People broke out the white ball gowns and the big hair and the white wigs (much to my dismay) and hey, just became somebody else for just one evening. One evening with Santa close by, they all dressed in white (or off-white) and just let it all hang out. It was a “colorful” eye candy event. I had a great time on the dance floor and otherwise, just watching all the awesome eye candy. It was bumper to bumper people, like human traffic but it was bumper to bumper extravaganza, so worth the price of admission. I would so go again in a heartbeat with my white wig (or frosty wig in stow). 

So until next year I can check it off on my to-do list that I have been to an all-white party. They told me it was and I came in white, a subdued white but it was white. I want to thank the organizers for doing such an awesome job of this, apparently this is their 4th year, I keep wondering, we should have more of these in Atlanta, like Underground white parties, underground Holiday parties (maybe they ave them and I am just not cool enough to get invited), but we should have more of them. Judging from the crowd you can tell people of all ages want to get their white freak on at Xmas, so break out the cool DJs, and hopefully some complimentary drink sponsors and let’s party. Things like these make me wish I lived in NY. But hey, you make your bed where you lay. Now, this is my solo observation from my first white party - if you’ve never been to one, please just GO. It’s a must-see. And if you’re fortunate enough to live in one of those cities that throws one at the drop of a hat, you should be a pro at this. You won’t feel lonely or left out, comon, look at everyone dressed in their wedding white, even the guys is enough, plenty, beaucoup to entertain you. It did me. Shoo, it was the highlight of my Xmas. 

Me - attempting to snap a pic with this puppet bird man on stilts. He was rather popular. 

They made it rain faux snow on us - see the go-go dancers in the window.

Awesome looking spread on her wedding dress. Notice the frosted eye-lashes. 

Quick Jaunt to Albuquerque

During the first week of December, I travelled to Albuquerque to visit the family unit. As this was not characteristically a solo trip I don’t want to say too much about it. I travelled alone so I had the opportunity to make my usual solo observations of the trip. Before the trip I was somewhat excited as I have never been to the Southwest (unless you count Vegas) so I was looking forward to it until I checked the weather. Snow, snow and lots of snow, days of continuous snow and -1 degree weather which I have never encountered. I instantly thought I am screwed. How will I do some sightseeing? 

But no offense to Albuquerque, I found out soon enough when I got there that there’s really nothing to see. It’s just boring. There are acres and acres of rolling hills and flat land covered with red dust, though during my trip it was masked by the snow. Then, the short clay covered houses, as they call them homes built southwest style. I asked to see the downtown area expecting to see high-rises but instead was met with a couple of mid-rises and some more Southwest themed restaurants and bars. Don’t get me wrong, the rolling hills were serene and tranquil, but then, it gets old after a while, at least for me, sometimes you just want that vibe that comes with living in a city, the hustle and bustle New York style vibe. But this was non-existent. Some cities have their own vibes I guess. 

The part that puzzled me the most out of everything was the undue attention me and my lengthy braids seemed to garner everywhere. It started from the grocery stores to the restaurants, then the TSA agent couldn’t get enough of it as he compared it to the picture on my ID and then of course their body check scanner had to pick up on it, and ask for a manual body scan. I kept thinking, “Is it really that deep that you’re going to have a lady riff through my hair for objects, okay then.” And as she did the male TSA asked again, “So how long did it take you to get your hair done?” Not like it matters, but 6 hours...that was the 2nd time in a 5 minute span someone had looked at it with “awe” I guess. My summary of this is simply that there are not that many black braid wearing people in Albuquerque. The Southwest with its crude immigration laws and very poor economy must have shooed them away. Otherwise, why would they be looking at my hair as if it’s some type of anomaly. At some point, even though I love attention it just got annoying. One of the few times I’ve actually truly missed Atlanta. 

Winter Wine Highway - 2011

I went once again as my Christmas treat to Dahlonega for the winter wine highway weekend. Since I've been twice already this year, there really wasn't much to see, just the usual stumping ground - Montaluce Winery for Brunch (and to taste their god-awful wine), Wolf Mountain Winery to take in their picturesque sights and taste some of their so-so wine (they do better at sparkling wine by the way) and then, Dahlonega Town Center which as a special treat this year, it just happened to be their Christmas Parade.  

That is my nice summary of events - captured even better in pictures.

Few Highlights

1. I bumped into these older ladies (grandma demographic) at Wolf Mountain with Barbie Doll doppelgängers to represent each of them. According to them, they travel everywhere, and they take their Barbie's with them. And wherever they go, they set the Barbie's down to chill, relax and take in the view, just as you would a pet per se, not a toy.  The Barbie's have been everywhere, Egypt, Paris, Morocco, with them on every one of their adventures. Weird, you think? Probably not...at least I didn't think so at the time. 

2. Dahlonega, unbeknownst to me after all these trips, is not a very diverse environment. It's just one population, and it's white. So me with my shoulder length braids was quite an attraction, sometimes I feel not in a good way. Some bothered to compliment the braids and others, were so nice to assist me with my wine selection - and the others, well, they just stared, befuddled. I kept thinking, "Where are all the black people?" In the words of Kanye West paraphrased of course, "Dahlonega, don't like black people."

The Scene from my rooftop view at Wolf Mountain Winery - a wedding party was setting it up. Quite the scene. 

Befuddled Santa

Caught a glimpse of Santa at the Christmas parade in the town center. Notice how shocked he looks at the sight of an actual black person. Like, "Who Dat?"

Montaluce Winery - quite the holiday tradition. This place is 9 parts ambiance, 1 part food. The lobby is one of the 9 parts. 

Montaluce Brunch

The scene at Brunch. Love the hardwood table and the mini jug of creamer. Cuute!!

What's with long face, Anita? After all that food and wine, comon, let's put a smile on that face?

Thanksgiving Solo...Not Bad At All

As suspected, I ended up spending Thanksgiving alone.

Somewhat by choice. I was hit with a terrible flu on the Monday of Thanksgiving Week, and I thought that would be a good time to go get a flu shot. Then, the flu shot just exerted the flu and it got worse, filled my lungs, uurggh! So I couldn't travel and I couldn't go visit anyone, for fear that I would give their entire family my flu/sinus infection. I just had to stay home and nurse myself to health. Good thing CVS was open otherwise I would have been shit out of luck.

How was it staying home alone on Thanksgiving? Not bad at all. I watched so much TV on the Wednesday that I had all the Black Friday ads completely memorized. It was intense, my couch and me, sitting still watching non-stop TV and my favorite foreign movies. I did a lot of soul searching, reflecting on the single life, questioning some of my personal decisions, wondering, when this solo trip would end. The world was suddenly very quiet on Thanksgiving Day, you could hear a pin drop all morning. Good day to just grab a cup of coffee and sit out on the balcony and commiserate - which I did. Inasmuch as I love my peace and quiet and solitude - I don't get to argue with anyone about anything trivial or otherwise - I don't know if the reverse would be so bad. It would have been nice to have someone nurse me back to health. But what can I say, the peace and quiet becomes so addictive at some point that when I visit family I feel like I am cheating on my alone time.

I would say this, if you by chance find yourself alone on Thanksgiving or any holiday of some sort, take that time to reflect, meditate and become one with yourself. Like a famous painting write up once said, "Sit with yourself." In that you'll find a peace that would fill you more than any Thanksgiving meal. And by all means treat yourself to your favorite thing ever. I think in all the hustle of Black Friday shopping frenzy we neglect the most important person of all, ourselves, knowing ourselves and what we want out of the holidays. I've always wanted to have peace in my home and I guess this is my way of having it, double doses of it.

So in the short span of a year, I've succeeded in spending Thanksgiving and Christmas alone. If that was a life goal, I surely didn't know about it.  

Solo Thanksgiving

As suspected, I ended up spending Thanksgiving alone.

Somewhat by choice. I was hit with a terrible flu on the Monday of Thanksgiving Week, and I thought that would be a good time to go get a flu shot. Then, the flu shot just exerted the flu and it got worse, filled my lungs, uurggh! So I couldn't travel and I couldn't go visit anyone, for fear that I would give their entire family my flu/sinus infection. I just had to stay home and nurse myself to health. Good thing CVS was open otherwise I would have been shit out of luck.

How was it staying home alone on Thanksgiving? Not bad at all. I watched so much TV on the Wednesday that I had all the Black Friday ads completely memorized. It was intense, my couch and me, sitting still watching non-stop TV and my favorite foreign movies. I did a lot of soul searching, reflecting on the single life, questioning some of my personal decisions, wondering, when this solo trip would end. The world was suddenly very quiet on Thanksgiving Day, you could hear a pin drop all morning. Good day to just grab a cup of coffee and sit out on the balcony and commiserate - which I did. Inasmuch as I love my peace and quiet and solitude - I don't get to argue with anyone about anything trivial or otherwise - I don't know if the reverse would be so bad. It would have been nice to have someone nurse me back to health. But what can I say, the peace and quiet becomes so addictive at some point that when I visit family I feel like I am cheating on my alone time.

Since this is not a pity party blog but one that celebrates the single status, I would say this, if you by chance find yourself alone on Thanksgiving or any holiday of some sort, take that time to reflect, meditate and become one with yourself. Like the painting said below, "Sit with yourself." In that you'll find a peace that would fill you more than any Thanksgiving meal. And by all means treat yourself to your favorite thing ever. I think in all the hustle of Black Friday shopping frenzy we neglect the most important person of all, ourselves, knowing ourselves and what we want out of the holidays. I've always wanted to have peace in my home and I guess this is my way of having it, double doses of it.

I, thankfully, have a couple of trips planned.

Raise The Maccallan Event on December 1.

Dahlonega for Winter Wine Highway Weekend this Saturday, December 2nd.

I'll let you know how they all work out. Until then, by all means, do "YOU" this Xmas, because if you don't, no one else will. :-)

2011 Promises (contd)

One of the 2011 end of year promises was to try YOGA for the first time. And yesterday morning I got a chance to do just that. Like I said about these promises, these are just items I've often wanted to do but never got around to, I just got distracted or lazy but now with a clear mind, I want to do them, as a promise to me, yours truly. 

So, back to Yoga. Why Yoga you'd say, not boxing which I've been wanting to do, but more on that later. Well, from having sex (a lot) this year, I realized that I am not as aware of my limbs as I would like, I want to be able to move flexibly in bed (and out of it) most importantly, to be feminine and elegant in seducing my lover whatever size I may be. What else will help you do that, except for Yoga. I mean, I do, Spin, aerobics, and kickboxing, but never done Yoga, so obviously my body needed to be aware of its limbs not only when it's lifting weights. In bed, where it's important (say this in a British accent and it's just brilliant). 

Back to Yoga on a Saturday morning after going out on a Friday night. Aaargh, torture! Not recommended. And I made the mistake of not informing the instructor that it was my first time so she kept coming to adjust my pose, and I kept muttering to myself, "Girl, I am still hungover, you need to back off me." But I made it. And my body hurts like shit. In the end, I coughed up that it was my first time and she asked me to try it again and hopefully my poses (or my center in Yoga speak) would be better, I hope. Everyone in the class was so friendly and non-judgmental, I found that so pleasing especially for a beginner like myself. It was a nice way to start the Saturday, get the weekend rolling, I would most certainly do it again. After that I treated myself to Brunch, yum! 

A day later and I still hurt in places that I never knew could hurt. If I had a lover I would tell him I am taking the night off to recuperate. Will this help for future lovemaking prowess? I am hoping it does, and I am willing to invest a couple more Saturday mornings to figure it out. So my next lover better beware, I'll be slithely and fit. And he better be packing (fingers crossed!)

I think this picture says it all!

Yelp's Stylin' Shindig

I keep meaning to blog about Yelp's Stylin' Shindig event that I attended on November 13, 2011, but it's just skipped my mind.

There's really nothing much to say. I had an awesome time. Was having a crappy day via uncomfortable evil ex drama (some evil exes just do not want to go away) and I needed the boost to lift my spirits. The sign in this picture I took in the OMG Booth and the pout explains it all - Help Me - screaming, "Dear Life, save me from relationship drama."

However the event did it's job. I didn't drink quite as much of the free beer and rum as I should have considering (I don't know why I must be loosing my touch) but I danced my ass off on the dance floor as DJ DiBiasie controlled the 1's and 2's (and my mindset) for a full hour.

The thing I love about Yelp events is simply this: when you attend them you just have to bring your childish fun loving self with you, leave the responsible (otherwise heartbroken) adult at home and just let it all hang out. That way you are guaranteed a wickedly awesome time.

Definitely recommended for singles in need of a good time.

Thanks to Yelp and OMG Booth for these wonderful pictures!

End of year promises

You know how people make New Years Resolutions, well, I've decided this year to make some end of year promises...to myself. I even made a nice nifty list of things I want to accomplish before the year runs out...all 6 weeks of it. Each week I tackle one thing, or with the scarcity of weeks until the end of the year, I might have to take on more than one item per week. These promises are mainly personal goals that I always meant to tackle all through the year but never got to...was too distracted, or heartbroken with the direction the year was going. This time I get to choose how the year ends, knowing that I've made a list of what I to accomplish and promising myself that I will keep to it. 

One of them being to rid myself of all negative people, people that make me think negative thoughts, or just irk me in the worst possible way. A friend of mine once said, "Don't talk to people on the phone unless you know that phone call will leave you with a smile on your face." That way you are guaranteed of some peace and tranquility in your dealings with people. I know when it comes to work this cannot be accomplished, but in your personal life, just strive to keep the positive influences closer to nourish you. I've tried this along the year and failed here and there, what can I say, the negative suckers just keeping making their way back to your lives, persistent fuckers. But this time it will be different because now I am promising myself...me who is the most important person in my life, because truly I know I can never disappoint myself. I made a promise to me to rid myself of the craziness and to keep to it.  Here's looking at me...Anita!   

Bill Lowe Gallery - Irascible Muse Opening

I spent the evening of 11-11-11 at the opening of the Irascible Muse at the Bill Lowe Gallery. This is the second time I've been to one of their openings in the last quarter, and some things are pretty much the same from my last visit. But I won't bore you with the details since this is a repeat location for an event that is somewhat the same. You'd think it'd be somewhat of the same observations from the last visit, and more or less it was, same swanky Buckhead art elitist crowd, except for the following:

1.  Those same swanky Buckhead art elitist crowds can actually be very rude and obnoxious when there's a buffet table in front of them on a Friday night. My oh my, was there a scramble for the buffet line, the only thing ignored was the wine, (which sadly was still Trader Joe's), but everything else was devoured with reckless abandon, with no courtesy to other less-hungry guests. People saw food on a Friday night and their manners were quickly thrown out the window, jumping in front of me in line, reaching for the mini sandwiches by hand without using the pitchfork, double dipping into the guacamole dip with the crackers...this last one just blew my mind. It was a food frenzy art event. One time I stood still and observed from the 2nd floor as a new tray of mini triangular sandwiches and party crackers were laid out and in less than 15 minutes, the tray was all gone. Phew! I guess everyone had nothing better to do on the sanctimonious 11-11-11. 

Buffet Table - Scene of the crime

2.   In between my observation of the food fetish (mildly-interested-in-art) crowd, during that 15 minutes of respite that I mentioned above, I happened to have a conversation with a nice British chap who was here on vacation on a stopover from his trip around America. He was couch-surfing his way across America. He had quit his nice cushy job as a Risk Management executive to, I guess, "find himself". His trip had taken him through New York, where he lived on a couch for 6 weeks, Knoxville TN and now Atlanta, from where he'd head to Coral Gables, Florida or something. For that 15 minutes where we stopped to talk it was quite illuminating, like a breath of fresh air, amidst the food frenzy at an art event. We talked about feminism (his sister is a feminist), the war and how the Newspapers try to make us "pro-war" as he termed it,  and how his ambition as a wartime blogger may be fun and fulfilling but not financially rewarding. I agreed with that one. Wouldn't I love to leave the 9 - 5 to do this blogging schtick full-time? I feel bad I never got his number or his blog address just so I can observe his blog musings of his trip across the US. I didn't even take a picture with him! I found him really intriguing...wish I had requested that information. Don't be like me, when you meet intriguing people, ask for their information. Please. You might never get to see them again! It's so funny the people you meet at these things, you might want to meet them again but can't. At least this way, you can at least hear from them again. 

Bird's eye view of the art

3. Then, there was this piece. I had been thinking of this all through the week of 11-11-11. I had been thinking of sitting still, being one with myself and just observing the quiet of one's life, taking a breather from it all to just exhale. Then, I attend this opening and bump into this...it just made everything stop for a second just so I could assimilate and exhale. If we could only tear ourselves from the food long enough to appreciate the art, there were quite a few moving pieces.

Of course, it won't be an art event without THE ABSOLUTELY FAVORITE PIECE OF THE EVENING. There she is below...so perfect, so sublime, so pristine, so bourgeoisie, so breathtaking! Oh, how I just love her breasts :-P

11-11-11

Still

I am still even though my heart speaks a trillion languages.

It beckons me to take heart at the solitude 

I have confined myself to. 

It asks me to make friends with myself 

To meet me in a form 

I never knew existed. 

It speaks as if I were someone else 

Who had no hand 

In the destiny 

That the voices 

Have convinced me to partake. 

It begs me to be still 

That its’ guiding light, 

Is for one who has no stake 

In the confusing loss 

Which our rambling hearts forever partake; 

It is a voice speaking in the dark saying: 

Do nothing. Be still. 

To which I respond:

I am still. 

Please be still with me. 

This is one of my favorite poems written by yours truly. The highlighted section is actually inked on my body. Just to remind me to be still and wait on God to tell me something, a sign, provide some direction that may alleviate the confusion and anxiety of life. In light of the events of this past year, I always have to remind myself that perhaps I am doing too much at once, that perhaps I should just chill and let God do his work and not force it. But this reminder mostly occurs after I've made a hasty attempt and gone on and done too much. But there's peace in waiting, however, I keep thinking, so what if nothing happens? Or what am I waiting on exactly...to be honest, I know I am not good at it, and it's shocking that my rowdy self came up with this poem. It just goes to show you that I've been thinking about it for awhile.


So on this momentous day that occurs once every century, it begs repeating that now is the time more than ever when we need to be still...I ask you all to be still with me.

Weird defeat

Today is weird. 

Had a dream about Trouble. Don't remember much about the dream except that he was super skinny and he was in sales (which he is) but he was selling something weird. Then the dream kinda woke me before the alarm went off... it led to the morning so to speak. I woke up and then watched the sunrise...which he had asked me to do once upon a time. This time I actually got to do it. Weird.

Then, looked at some job positions for my friend at work, bumped into the profile I had created for him back in April ...uncanny right. With all this weirdness what comes over me, gulp, the urge to call. Yep, I did after 5 months, on a weird Friday in November I dialed that motherfucker's number. You go through all these months without being so much as tempted to dial that ridiculous number and all it takes is a series of unforeseen events to offset that, to offset your seemingly unshakable root. I just thought maybe God wanted me to reach out to him somehow. I know...that's reaching.  

Yep, it's been a pretty weird day so far!

Halloween 2011

So Halloween 2011 does not quite compare to Halloween 2010 but it came somewhat close. Face it, Halloween 2010 had a pleasurable trip to New York, change of scenery, shopping, breakfast in Pershing Square...it will be hard to top that. 

Okay, so current year. Bummed that I was not taking an exciting trip this year, I stayed home on Friday night, watched the tube and reacquainted myself with my couch, you know how that goes. Received several texts from friends that were out and about wondering why I was home. What can I say, I've lost my edge?

I did not want Saturday's fate to meet Fridays so I was dressed and out of the house with no known destination except to drive out of my home. It took everything in me to get out of the house, in fact it took me two hours to get dressed and I wasn't even in costume! I just got really comfy with my home digs, not good. I decided to go to P'cheen and have a "quiet" drink. It was early, the bar doesn't get really busy until about 10pm, so I thought just sit at the bar have a nice drink, nice dinner, and just chill in an atmosphere that is not my living room. 

However as I arrived at P'cheen all hopes of having a "quiet" drink were out the window. I got there at about 7:15 just in time for their Hell on Highland Halloween party. Yep, you heard me right, Halloween party. They went all out too, free buffet for a couple of hours, free beer for an hour, ghouly decorations, silly string, bar staff in costume, and 10 DJs rotating spins all night. They took it really seriously and apparently they do this every year. I had no idea. Well, I should have had some type of idea...it's Halloween weekend, tons of parties, tons of people dressed in costume, everyone, perhaps except me and about 7 other people (I counted!). 

So I chilled and had a pretty decent time at the gig. Amidst all the funny costumes, men dressed in drag, disco glam outfits, pimps, angels and the ever popular Village People, I ended up having some intellectual conversations with some people. One who works as an international contractor in Africa (and has been to West Africa several times) and a lady (with a pink wig and pink tights nonetheless) who goes to law school part-time. Day jobs from people in drag, who knew! 

Sometimes you bump into events that fate has destined for you to enjoy, and you just have to be open to possibilities for experiences, to say, "So this wasn't what I planned but I am open to where the night takes me." That's one of the advantages of being single: being spontaneous. To tell you the truth, I've never been to an actual Halloween party. I've been clubbing on Halloween weekend and most of the people were dressed in costume but not an out and out Halloween party. To attend one without ever planning to go one, was pretty spectacular, this one's for the record books. It was a fun night filled with many oddly dressed people...I particularly enjoyed the gentleman in the Gaddhafi outfit, I thought that was a nice touch. And the bishop with the incense chalice...seriously dude, that was a trip! 

I thank the fate gods for putting together a fun evening and I didn't even have to get dressed for it. I wish I had pictures of all the funny costumes but some things are better recorded in your memory.

To everyone...Happy Halloween. 

Reminisce

I stayed up late last night reading my blog, my past entries. I read up on the trying times of 2007/2008 when I had just finished my Master's Degree and had applied to so many jobs and got turned down. It was one of such rejections that put this blog on the map. Every one else had been turned down by that particular company so they came to my blog for solace. This time also lead to so many comments, so many judgmental people, people criticizing my life choices, my decisions, which I deserve because I was putting so much of my self out there, on here. But at the time no one else except me was reading this shit, but once that review of that company came up, I was now center stage, that and the Yelp incident just set my life on blast, and then of course, the "attorney guy" incident, and just everything just imploded.

I realized based on people's comments and my reading of my thoughts years later that I have changed considerably. For me to read those thoughts and think they must have represented thoughts of someone else, that means those no longer represent my thoughts. Some salient changes not a lot. But what I mostly noticed is that in as much as I write about my disappointments and sadness and constant melancholy on here, I never write about my joys, which to be honest with you do exist. Anyone reading this must think what a sad, sad girl, I mean she is on an "eternal man hunt", "eternal job hunt" she wants to move to Iceland, she hates Atlanta, she is just so negative, what a sad, sad girl. That is... true, but I am also a happy person, if I may so. I guess I didn't open a blog/journal to celebrate the happy happy things that happen to me, quite the opposite, I thought it'd be a good way to release tension, of all the sad sad things that happen to me. I mean life is a constant search for meaning, and this blog represents me searching for that meaning, for the focus to my love life, my home life, my career, my internal peace. 

There have been times, not that many, but there are times when I feel really blessed, and I won't deny God His praise, there are times when I think Oh, God you just saved me from that shit, I thank you, OR, Oh God, this just happened, I can't believe this just happened to me...Thank you so much for that, It felt good. Like every time I've been on vacation, every time I've gone on vacation by myself and have come home safe, every time I've walked on a street in a different city not knowing where I was, at night and somehow still made it home safe. Every time I've had a plan, like drive from Santa Barbara to LA by road, or eat fish tacos by the beach while you watch the sunset, every time I've made one of those type of plans or dreams and they have come to be, it's a good feeling. Every time I get an offer for a job and they say on the phone, we want you to start on this date and the pay is this...I think Hallelujah, how did that happen to me. Passing my International Tax law exam when I was out of a job...that was God's hand right there. Getting a job just in time for my brother's visit to America - I so did not want him to meet me unemployed. I did end up getting 2 jobs actually, which I worked back to back...that was a momentous occasion. Then, finally, going to New York last year for something as frivolous as getting a tattoo...waking up in Atlanta, making it to the plane 5 minutes before they closed the gate, and arriving in New York just in time for breakfast...it just made feel like a baller. 

So it's not all doom and gloom. There have been sad moments I know. There have also been moments that I've chosen not to write about maybe because they were not my proudest or maybe because I would rather keep them to myself. Like making an obscene pass at "Trouble" in a bar while I was wasted out of my mind...exchanging angry texts with him like a child...actually thinking he gave a shit and making plans to spend his birthday with him. Pffttt...what can I say I am not proud of those moments so why put them down on paper. 

As a promise to myself and this blog, and to me who happens to be the only person reading it, I promise to be more positive, to always see the glass half full, to celebrate the good times as much as the bad, and to bore you all with news about the good times as much as the bad. Yes, Iceland sounds great but they don't have 90 degree weather which I love, so hey, it's not all bad in Atlanta. It's not all bad in my life. :-)

All in a nights work

I did a "three-fer" on Thursday night, commonly known as the act of visiting 3 places in one evening. Yes, me, and on a school night nonetheless. Gosh, I can't believe I did all that and made it into work this morning no questions asked. Not even hungover one bit.

I have been home since returning from my trip to Miami. You know I often or not suffer from vacation blues, otherwise described as once I taste the sweetness of life outside Atlanta, I feel oh-so-sad to come back to my routine ATL life. It is a sickness, also known as "vacation withdrawal."

I decided to shake that off this Thursday and took in a three-fer, would have been a "four-peat" but, the last place has parking issues and I didn't feel like dealing with all that - on a school night - nonetheless.

First location.

I attended the opening of Derek J (of RHOA fame) salon in Buckhead, The J Spot Salon. This had been advertised as having an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, hair demonstrations and a DJ. They had me at open bar regardless. The event itself, of course, being a hair event was filled with all the best looking African American gay men Atlanta has to offer, clad in their funky supposedly "fashion forward" outfits. The women were fashion forward too, a bit too much for a week night for me, but I am old so, anything short and daring in the Fall (weather was rainy and clocking in at 60 degrees) is a bit much for me. But I must commend the good hair that was on display. The open bar was sponsored by The Perfect Bartender providing all the Remy Martin variations they could think of. Using one bartender for a thirsty crowd is quite a stretch, it was hard for her to meet all our thirsty demands so the line for drinks was always quite lengthy.

The event itself was not a whole lot of fun but it was eye candy worthy. The fun factor was strained by the nicely dressed people standing at corners, pouting like Derek Zoolander, not being friendly just because they wore their Sunday best. Comon people, when you dress up you don't have to accessorize it with an attitude, seriously, it is really not that deep! I said Hi to a couple of people and instead of responding, they moved away from their tables causing me to think, oh well. Derek J walked in and hugged everyone in attendance, including me. I thought that was so sweet. I don't know him at all, and he came up to me and said "Hi Sweetie" with a hug. That made me feel good. Upon leaving they handed me a goodie bag, a choice between Phyto products or natural hair care products from Miss Jessie's. My nappy haired self chose Miss Jessie's. The goodie bag was packed with a punch, lots of hair goodies thanking me for just stopping by...that made me feel good too. I promised I would give his salon a shoutout for such an awesome well planned event. Asides from the surly folks in attendance, it was not a bad time at all. Good luck to you Derek J.

Derek J from RHOA

Second Location

Live at Loews. Some unknown band playing covers. They covered Jason Mraz, I'm Yours and it sounded bad. How can you mess up that easy song, how hard is it? This was a bust. Ended up chatting with some guy on a work trip from Oregon who just absolutely adored our wonderful city. It always amazes me when people rant and rave about how awesome Atlanta is...is it really? But I digress.

Third Location

Kat's Cafe. Open Mic set at Kat's Cafe on Thursday nights is usually a riotous time. It's always a lot of fun, with or without a crowd. This night there was no crowd and I still had an amazing time, dancing to amazing renditions from a quality band, everything from Chaka Khan to Michael Jackson and of course, John Legend. You dance, drink, laugh hysterically at some foolishness, it's a good time. I also had the pleasure of meeting Tony Terry (which I had never heard of until I googled him) on his way out. I embarrassed him by asking him who he was since everyone seemed to be coming up to him to introduce themselves to him. How could I not remember him...it's age I tell you, you loose your marbles.

So, suffice it to say that my three-fer night went well. I have the goodie bag from Miss Jessie's and signed autograph from Tony Terry to prove it.

Vacation withdrawal gone. 

Exhaustion

I'm exhausted. You know sometimes you can get literally exhausted by the state of things, not just physically exhausted, but emotionally, personally and professionally exhausted. I'm exhausted just thinking about all the things that could exhaust me.

Meeting new people doesn't excite me as much as it used to. Perhaps that novelty wore off, I don't know. But when I go out and people talk to me, I just keep shaking my head in my mind, thinking, I am exhausted and whatever you're selling, I am not buying...and that's that. I just think people are exhausting...spend all that time getting to know people, acting like you care and oomph, they are gone. It's exhausting. Plus, the people in Atlanta think they are the shit. Exhausting folks, the lot of them.

I should have a better mindset considering that I just got back from a 5 day trip to Miami. Miami Heat as they say. Even that was exhausting. The airport was exciting though. I love travelling, the excitement of taking off and arriving in your destination, going through a strange airport and then, making your way into the city, your mind filled with butterflies and lots of glee. It was a fun trip but I didn't party at all by choice. I just wanted to chill and take in the day by blogging, sipping pina coladas by the pool, cuddling up in my hotel room and eating very good Italian food (which there is a huge amount of in Miami BTW). And I did all that. It was excellent fun, fun under the sun. As the last day quickly rolled around my stomach started to turn, Oh-er, it's time to get back to reality, get back to Atlanta (and it's exhausting needs) so after I took in the very best I could of Miami on that last day (the 1st of October BTW)...took one long lingering look at the palm trees, I knew it was over.

And we're back. Back to Atlanta, a week later, and I am just running out of energy. I can't really compare the 2nd half of this year to the first part which was so fun and flirty. This 2nd half, so far, is disappointing me...even with the Miami trip. But in a keen effort to stay optimistic, I will not complain, just hope that more fun latently lies ahead.

Miami Recap

I just returned from a 5 day visit to Miami.

What can I say? Miami, as exciting as it sounds is like a deep dark (or sunny) hole that just sucks your money, gives you a little fun and lots of sunshine in compensation, but it sucks you dry nonetheless. I came back with an empty purse, this is even after I begged myself to keep my money very close during the trip. The last time I went to Miami was 2 years ago, and even then I vowed to not come back until I've lost 50 pounds and can comfortably wear a bikini. You would think, why go back so soon after, with the pounds still in existence. Well, my sister was on a business trip with the hotel paid for until Friday so I thought, why not, I deserve a break from the Atlanta social scene (which is getting rather tired by the way), and I could use some sunshine.

So I guess writing about my trip would not really work for this site as it was not an entirely solo trip per se. At times I was accompanied by my very married (oddly conservative) sister. During the day I was by myself, but at night we roamed the streets of Collins Avenue, Lincoln Road and of course, Ocean Drive. Ocean Drive, oh how I've missed thee. This was a much quieter version of Ocean Drive if I may so. So quiet that I could walk comfortably on the narrow paths of the street without bumping into people, without being propositioned by drunken men, without being shoved by women trying to find a spot to barf! Not sure I like this version that's devoid of theatrics. Maybe, this is Miami in the off-season, with as much sun but not as much color, no frills, just derelicts. Perhaps, this would be a good time for me to unleash my non-bikini ready bod at the beach. Hold on, not so fast.

This trip also afforded me the occasion to visit with other sides of Miami. The down town area, Biscayne Boulevard and Coconut Grove. All of which were all artistic driven - or artsy-fartsy as they say. The downtown area with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Arts, also took in the random Mona Lisa Exhibit, then Coconut Grove and the Coco Walk Art Walk that very conveniently occurs on the first Saturday of the month. Now, I can place the crazy side of Miami with the artistic side, which is an unknown side to Miami.

All these people gathered for a free HIV test. Nah, just kidding...it was Oktoberfest.

Downtown Biscayne Boulevard and 2nd Ave

Adrienne Arsht Center Downtown.

The View from my downtown hotel room at the Hilton.

The intersection of Collins Avenue and Ocean Drive.

My last glimpse of Coco Walk.

Miami Heat

Me after one too many. There's a theme in there somewhere.

Coconut Grove...Boats on the Bay. How tranquil.

A few observations as I spent my days roaming the streets.

1. Coconut Grove I suppose is the Buckhead/Ikoyi end of Miami. Very quiet and withdrawn with yuppies on their bikes or their boats along the bay. Interesting turn. You always think everyone would want to live close to the beach because that's where the action is...after experiencing this place and it's welcome quiet, I would take this over the beach chaos. It was a refreshing pace to Miami.

2. Biscayne Boulevard - Whilst on a a leisurely stroll through Biscayne Boulevard, I bumped into Lil Wayne's official tattoo artist - Dow Hokoana (a very big tatted up, long dreaded having blonde lady on a Harley, yep, screams do not mess with me). That was unexpected.

3. Coco Walk - Art Walk - Unlike the art walks in Atlanta where the wine flows freely because there are hardly people in attendance. Miami's Art Walk is packed. 30 minutes after start time and the wine has run out and the food was following closely behind. Either people came just to eat and drink or they really do love the art. Can't decide?

4. Miami folk are not very chatty. The Bartenders probably don't even know what it means to be personable, maybe cause they force feed you with the gratuity charge every where you go, or the fact that for most of their wait staff English just may be their 2nd language.

5. I was surprisingly the only Nappy haired chic within a 100 mile radius. Folks even stared at my Nappy Do as if I had lost my mind. I guess, the Nappy haired movement hasn't made its way to Miami. Or, the black chicks have to stay trendy and on point to compete with all the bodacious Latinas, beats me. But seriously until I got to Atlanta, I still hadn't seen a sista with Nappy hair throughout my 5 day stay.

6. The gentleman at dinner at Lulu's who just happened to be celebrating his birthday that night. We were talking about looking your age and getting older and he just casually mentioned that that day, Saturday, October 1st was his birthday. It just caused me to look twice at him and think, this is no different from what I would normally do on my birthday. I would sit at the bar of a restaurant and order some very good food (he had steak tips) to enjoy with some wine while people watching and taking in the day and the long year ahead. He didn't as much as want to tell the bartender that it was his birthday, which I would do to score some free booze. He just wanted to sit there and drink rum and cokes, and rest and commiserate about the year ahead all by his lonesome self.  It got me wondering that if men can sit alone on their birthday, why is it such a big deal for women to do the same.

7. Finally, another gentleman at dinner (yes, I had dinner twice on the same night) who mentioned something rather memorable. He said, when you take pictures, even if it's just a hobby, it should have a theme. He said he has a friend who takes pictures of strong women, and another who takes pictures of homeless people...all such valid themes. I take pictures but I don't have a theme. I just take them to match the mood I am in, at that moment, especially if the scene is something I want to replay forever. I guess, I probably should think about a recurring theme.

So that's Miami in a wrap. Fun times. This time I promised that if I ever go back (along with loosing 50 pounds) I would stay close to Coconut Grove to take in the tranquil palm tree lined streets but also close enough to feel the heat and excitement of South Beach.

Dreams and things...

A couple of interesting things...

1. My co-workers have been trying to hook me up with this guy in our office. Every time he appears, I disappear, and they keep smirking to themselves about this "hot guy" that I just have to meet. So I meet him today. I've been seeing him around so it was not my first meeting. However, the real kicker is he looks just like Trouble. Funny, that my co-workers could pinpoint a guy that is seemingly my type without even knowing what my type is...So yeah...but he's married. I spotted the ring the first couple of times I noticed his hotness...but they didn't. I was on it way ahead of them. And during the Trouble days whenever I'd bump into said co-worker I'd mutter something along the lines of...I have one like you at home... :-)...and now, I don't. :-(

2. Speaking of exes, a couple of days ago I got an email from "Attorney Guy". Nothing major. He was inquiring about a job in a company that is across from my office. Perhaps he had me confused with some other chick that works for that company, or he got my company's crossed. I don't know. It was a very formal email as if we were strangers..."Hope this email finds you deoing well...I am inquiring about a job in X company..., can you let me know anything about it. See job posting below."

I let this simmer for a while. I wasn't disappointed, just stupified. Last time I saw him (in which he looked like shit by the way) he couldn't wait to get away from me, and now he wants me to help him get a job in a company I don't work at. I told him simply...I don't work there. This is where I work and these are the positions we have...knock yourself out. I sounded just as formal as he did without as much as a hint of familiarity.

But then, last night I dreamt about him. The dream was weird. I dreamt that we were to be "friends with benefits" and that I presented him with the offer and he willingly accepted. He agreed with so much zest he couldn't wait to take his clothes off, and then, we couldn't get some privacy to...ahem...consummate the agreement so to speak. We kept shooing people away from my apartment but just as soon as one person leaves, another person shows up until we had a ton of people in my place. This kept happening until...thankfully, I woke up. I just thought it was weird. Weirder because we've never actually slept together. Maybe it's the curious cat in me that's having that dream. But when I saw him he did not look enticing enough to want to sleep with so I'm not sure why I had that dream.

Michael Habachy and...me

Had an awesome time at the Michael Habachy Event on Friday, September 9th. I came across this invite by chance - a co-worker forwarded me a very busy email filled with events in the Midtown area, and after sifting through all the crap on the email I picked this one out. It was titled Fashion's Night Out with Midtown Pop Up Shops, featuring The Collective by Michael Habachy. The little section (in the busy email) on Michael Habachy intrigued me so much to want to attend, and I am glad I did. Plus, this was at the 999 Peachtree Gallery that I have been looking for an excuse to visit. 

Swanky and fashionable people made the rounds along with aspiring artists/models, jewelry designers and of course, us Midtown folks. There was free food (which was good Turkish food but cold as ice) and wine from Cakebread cellars. There was also vodka but I didn't really notice that until later. I had a blast mingling, chatting, interacting, however you choose to term the art of chatting while enjoying quirky art, that's what I did. I had so much wine that I fear I must have made a fool of myself in front of the fashionably elite. Plus, I was not prepared to be in their company.

Word of advice to all those who dare to venture out alone - be prepared. 

Dress like there's a party going on and you are the host to this exclusive event. Because being alone you are apt to be stared at for having a "Negative One" when everyone else has a "Plus One" and more. So if they are going to stare and make you the center of attention, my goodness then, you must look good, you must look very good. You must look so good that it causes them to compliment something about your look, perhaps your dress, your nails, your hair, by all means your shoes, and of course your posture, anything and from there, that begins the conversation. That's your opener, the icebreaker, the key to ignite their interest in you and much more...and once you get their interest, there you have it, make the best of it...and hopefully if you are (unlike) me you will not be too wasted to make good on that conversation. 

There's the Solo Tip I should probably remember for myself, pretty obvious from this picture.

Labor Day Weekend 2011

I went once again to Dahlonega to spend (a lazy) Saturday afternoon. I'm sure you're thinking, Dahlonega again, isn't this the third time in a year? Yep. This is also the 3rd season there; I've been there in the Winter, then Spring and now Summer, albeit late Summer. The last remaining season - Fall, which my cohorts and I promised to conquer once Falls rolls around. 

There's something about the Georgia Wine Country that can't be beat that keeps me coming back and leaves it as the sure filler to my "don't-have-plan's-weekend." It's not just the view, the ambiance, but the tranquility of the place, coupled with the alcohol and the enjoyable intelligent company of like minded wine enthusiasts, all that infused into my thoughts always confirms that this is a much better way to spend my afternoon than say, catching up on shows on Hulu. So armed with that, I willingly take the hike, all 50 plus miles of it to Dahlonega and let me just tell you it is never cheap. It's a treat that can only be done between seasons, not too soon.

This time around I made the hike with a couple of people (strangers to me) but members of my Wine Meet-up group. They wanted to carpool so I joined them. I thought it would be a different take on my last 2 trips, at least this time I get to do it in a car full of people I may not know now but will get to know as we make the journey together. It's all part of the exploration expedition. 

In the end, it was fun, an immensely fun afternoon riding in a car with strangers and talking about how we want to live our lives and what brought us to love wine (or not), and, at least want to dedicate the afternoon to exploring wine. With wine lovers asides from the wine, there's always another hobby you share - be it love of good food, good company, music, art, travel, etc. With these folks it was the love of travel and adventure. Thus, we spent it talking about places we've been, would like to go, and plan to go (when life throws us a bone). Fun stuff. So with talk like that and feeling uninhibited from the alcohol, quality yet humorous conversation was not lacking at all. I spent a good part of the afternoon laughing in between...indulging in lots of wine.   

In the end it was a good day. I, and my travel mates, concurred. It was a perfect day spent exploring Georgia wine country (again) in good company. We went home feeling accomplished. Me a little broke, but accomplished. I spent the rest of the weekend trying to balance my checkbook, but that's just me, I love doing my own accounting.