"Exactly...NFL stands for Not For Long!"

This was Marquise's response as to why you have to stack money as fast as possible if you make it in the pros.

I was shocked to hear the news. It's still is so surreal. Marquise is gone. Damn.
Even though I hadn't spoken to him in at least 4 years I often talk about this dude as if it had been more recently.

I promise this dude was one of the funniest people on this planet. Dude was so hoodrich way before he signed that deal with the Patriots.

I remember going to visit this negro in the tiny ass apartments at LSU. The rooms were basically 4 seperate dorm rooms, each equipped with a desk, xxl twin bed, a closet, bookshelf and chair...This negro here had done took the doors outta his closet to stuff all the furniture in so that he could fit his big ass 70something inch tv in the room. I swear even when we sat on the bed which was on the opposite wall, there was only like 5 ft of space between you and the tv...and this was before flat screens LMAO

Oh, and to watch Cheaters with this dude!!!!! Hilarious.

And I can't forget about the cd cleaner that was suppose to eliminate scratches...WITH WATER...YEAH RIGHT DUDE...I still don't believe you

Dang, Marquise...this shit is soooo freaking surreal. You was like that dude I always wanted to be around. And ya girl knew we wasn't trying to get at each other so she was cool we me...I thank her for that cause you were in my life at the time where I needed you the most. I swear, I don't think I ever heard you complain about a thing. Your sincerity inspires me. Your joy for life encourages me to be able to get through this.

I'm grateful that God allowed us to cross each others path.

Your are loved and will be deeply missed.

Marquise Hill
1982-2007

This nicka always keeps the good beats for himself

Ladies and gentlemen...I gots me some frienemies

someone who is both friend and enemy, a relationship that is both mutually beneficial or dependent while being competitive, fraught with risk and mistrust


I guess it's all in a days work

i'm so not laughing

the game continues

The Best Week Ever!!!

Well except for the fact that the Sopranos isn't coming on this week...Damn U HBO!!!!
Now what am I suppose to do Sunday night from 8-9pm???? Huh...Huh??!?!?!?!

All I know is...Pirates of the Caribbean 3 was on it!!!! I don't care what ya'll think

Go Capt. Jack Sparrow...I halfway want a Jamician/Caribbean accent so that I can do my Callipso imitation....So ju wanto travel ta da endz of da eaf huh?




plus...deez boys done did it again...kinda can't get past track 6

It won't be soon before long

and didja see the season finale of law n order with Luda Crest LOL

oh it feels good to be outta school...at least until the 7th

*****WARNING*****

Majority of the residents of New Orleans housing projects were poor Black Women. They aren't allowed to return.Poor Black Women are not welcome to return HOME to New Orleans


All the Women are White, All the Blacks are Men, but Some of Us Are Brave: Black Women’s Studies

I wanna read this book just cause I think the title is SOOOOOO dope!

I'm definately feeling this new L. Boogie joint!!!

Lose Myself


"I had to lose myself so I could love you better
And that’s just the way it is…"

Why is that?

"I had a paralyzing fear of facing failure
And I couldn’t love you perfectly with fear in my head
So I peerlessly had to face the danger
So I could come back and love you whole instead
All of your soul I said!
So I could make it better"

And there goes.. a black girl.. lost

"Diamonds all shinin, lookin all fine
Pretty little face, get a little high
Young girl stugglin, tryin to survive
Mother of the Earth, she made you and I
Just tired of playin the same ol' games
Messin with my mind, emotional thangs"

I agree with emphasizing the collective whiteness in doing antiracist training with white people irregardless to gender but I feel it is highly critical to interconnect systems of oppression such as race and sex when doing antiracist training with Blacks. I feel without the initial interconnection of oppression based on sex as well as race, race will trump gender, thereby perpetuating systems of sexual oppression for the sake of undoing racism. Someone I know used the example of a four way intersection, as she drives her car out into the intersection she gets hit and injured. When the police and medics come to help her, their immediate response is to treat her irregardless what part in the intersection she was injured in.

Having the Black church as the center of my life while simotaneously beginning to develop a deep racial analysis, I sometimes am unable to always see the interconnections of gender and racial oppressions based on the emphasis of the collective Blackness. Continuing to only have a deep racial analysis can consciously & unconsciously perpetuate my own oppression. The structured Black experience is Deeply patriarchal, while every other aspect conflicts with the white gender norms.

I feel like the single use of race irregardless to gender in the initial intervention is highly effective in whites because of the use of white commonality/white privilege to get to the core of racism in a colorblind world. While it is EXTREMELY detrimental to antiracism programs with Blacks because of the systematic invisibility of sexism and the hyper visibility of racism within the Black community.

They say I walk around like i got a "S" on my chest

What up B.F.?!?!?!?!?

Gosh, I really feel like it's been a minute...eh, well, maybe it has been.

Ooh great, Blogger saves my drafts automatically!!!!! Do you know how many a blogs have been mistakenly deleted before I hit the "publish post" button...whew!!!

My first semester of grad school has finally ended and I feel free in every sense of the word. I can just be at peace in whatever I'm doing without the worries of weekly briefs, readings, papers or damn SPSS assignments!!!!!!

and in case u ain't know...4.0 baby! I have never felt as proud of any one single accomplishment as I do over that. Ya'll just don't know!

This week I started my research/organizing project. One of the greatest divides is between the university, or yet, Black students in the university and their communities. More often then none predominant universities are in close proximity to lower class Black communities. This is often no coincidence but yet historical patterns of racism, housing segregation, gentrification, etc. There is great intimidation, lack of knowledge and understanding of what goes on in both communities by the other. Why is that? I think that's an all encompassing question but I take it as one of personal accountability. As I was browsing my documents on my computer I came across my statement of purpose to grad school in which these statements stuck out to me:

"As a native New Orleanian, I have witnessed first hand the devastation of institutions such as the public school system, prison system, and gentrification. Over these years, I have watched the people who are affected by these injustices silenced...I would also like to be actively committed to working directly with community and grassroots organizations in the renewing of the communities in New Orleans"

In that same thought I've been thinking about Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man (ummm, i can't underline) in which the protagonist states in the prologue:

"I am an invisible man … I am a man of substance, flesh and bone, fiber and liquids – and I might even be said to possess a mind. I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me…When they approach me they see only my surroundings, themselves, or figments of their imagination – indeed, everything and anything except me.”

We acknowledge the poverty, crime, shitty school systems and institutional racism, but we aren't taught to look within and see the individual behind all those headlines. How can I proclaim to be a fighter for the people if I don't know the people...and the people don't know me....some fight huh?

"when I look at you, I see my reflection
So I offer my love, affection and protection"

I'm not perfect...but my G.P.A. is!!!! What!!!

Now who wants to join me for a drank!!!!1

I can see clearly now,
the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright),
bright (bright)Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Look all around, there’s nothin but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin but blue skies

"We have to invest in our prison system because it's costing us more and more money because of the high recidivism rate," Schwarzenegger said.

California stand up?!?!?!??!

Really, like invest as if it were a for-profit business? Naw, we're not capitalizing off of the perception of rehabilitation, eh?

"We are not treating a symptom, we are proposing a cure, said the bill's co-author, Greg Aghazarian, R-Stockton. Republicans wanted to make sure that any plan to ease prison crowding would not include provisions to put dangerous felons back on the street."

So, you're saying the cure couldn't be proactive? Like investing it in public education, health insurance, etc? Or is there a reason for us to wait until this point to intervene and say that the problem exists in overcrowded prisons?

The nation's prison industry now employs more people than any Fortune 500 corporation except General Motors. Is prison labor rehab or corporate slavery?

Oh, okay...so now do I still look like the crazy girl juxaposing prison with slavery?

Did You Know?

The state of California operates the third largest penal system in the WORLD
California’s inmate population ranks behind only China’s national correctional system and the United States’ national correctional system.

California’s inmate population has exploded by 554% since 1980 (from 24,549 to 160,655) ...now what epidemic exploded in the 80’s????? And the war on drugs is overwhelmingly targeting what group(s) of people

California’s inmate population growth (24,569 to 160,655) over the past 20 years represents a 554% increase.

In the same 20 year span, the number of correctional facilities in California has nearly tripled, growing from 12 to 33.
-Number of prisons in 1980: 12
-Number of prisons in 2000: 33

The proportion of male inmates incarcerated for drug offenses rose from 7.4% to 28.3% between 1983 and 1999. During the same period, the proportion of women inmates incarcerated for drug offenses rose from 12.6% to 43.9%.


From 1980 to 1999, the female inmate population has grown 850%...check out the change in drug laws as it refers to marginalized groups

How ironic is it for me to have this book on my kitchen table right about now???



Well, I've really said all that just to say this:

Let her a$$ do her time

Ahhh less than a week til I finish!!!!!

I can almost see the forest despite the trees!!!!!

I'm on a countdown ya'll

Finished a paper plus the phyahman was singin that Tpain song through his phyahmask LMAO...he told me not to post it on myspace...this ain't myspace LMAO

I participated in a conversation that allowed my anger to be emancipated from my spirit. I am grateful that God allowed these obstacles so that I may be in great appreciation for the words of wisdom and the most sincere feeling of comfort today.

I am Blessed.

I am Grateful.

Going hard again!

Even when the condition is critical, when the livin is miserable
Your position is pivotal, I ain't bullshittin you
Now, why would I lie? Just to get by?



I got a part to play
we going hard these days
fuck the harder way, we doing it the smarter way
To my god I pray
that's how i start my day. The bullets start to spray the revolution starts today
i say the shit these people. Aint got the heart to say
fuck the harder way, we doing it the smarter way
To my god I pray
that's how i start my day.
The bullets start to spray the revolution starts today

You say you never scared
there's kids in other countries making jerseys, jeans,
and sneakers they could never wear
parents never there
They're busy building homes they cant affod to buy
Cars they cant afford to drive, working jobs that dont support their life
You busy screaming gangsta gangsta all that talk is trife
you already lost the fight if you dont know the cost of life
These kids are forced to fight a war they cant outrun
aint got no shoes but got a gun now where the fuck he pulled that out from
people ask me how we wearing diamonds
when theres little kids in Sierra Leone losing arms for crying while they're mining
probably an orphan whos momma died of AIDS
he built a coffin working often but he never paid
forever slaving in the world thats forever cold
becoming the man of the house at 11 years old
this reality rap i get inside the mentality that
terrorize you like a cowardly act

I was sold to a sick European by a rich African battling
middle passages i cant go back again battling
years of denied history, lies and mysteries
wives with misty eyes watching their husbands be beaten viciously
battling the wilderness of North America
run by the river only stopping to pray chased by predators
terrorists with etiquette who vote and kill their president
their capacity for evil so evident and prevelant
aint no hesitation involved a nation dissolve
when we sit back waitin to evolve
those who trade in freedom for their protection deserve neither
not a name, not tradition, religion you learn Jesus
turn the other cheek inherit the earth just stay meek
fuck the way you speak. you try to run we chop off your feet
fastforward to 2004 we selling raw
yo this aint what im settling for
i want more

I'm so New Orleans like 1825....Tulane!

As I sat back to my New Orleans version of a complete dinner listening to The Drought 3 I started to think "How New Orleeeens am I?"


I reps...I reps HARD

And I'm straight from Claiborne nicka just ask Liz! what

this is My I heart da N.O. post...trust this is a form of therapy for this semester!!!

Ooh the summer before senior year started in high school...ooh da afterpartys "Welcome 2 Tha Nolia" is my ish! what!

let's reminisce together

I've been the angry Black woman this week. I'm disappointed with myself concerning certain issues Plus finals are coming up, Plus i have 5 more papers to finish...or start before then, Plus Jazz Fest is going on and I don't think ima be able to go >:(
I know I'm suppose to but I just can't find the silver lining here. Oh yeah Plus one of my bosses told me she just hasn't figured me out yet? Why are you trying to?
Ughhh

I'll holla at ya'll after finals

in the meantime i'll try to keep my head up and right fist raised

duece

Woke up this morning...wrote myself a blog...wrote myself a blog

“We’ve got to air our dirty laundry” I’ve heard this comment surface by numerous Black professionals during the course of the last two weeks regarding the accountability of misogynistic lyrics in hip hop. Is that really OUR dirty laundry, or just the colored clothes in a hamper full of dirty laundry? I have been so fed up over the entire Imus situation because I know that we are not ready to hold the correct parties accountable for the sake of being politically correct. We see the effects of historical white privilege and racism in all institutions today but will not make a direct correlation between it and the music industry...mainly hip hop. We acknowledge that most commercial rappers (the ones who Imus listened to calling women “nappy head hos”) were most likely raised in improvised neighborhoods, educated in an inferior school system, in a single family household...etc. We can clearly see their childhood is consumed with the results of institutionalized systems that produce racially disparate outcomes with ideologies of “Get Money” by any means necessary.

“My mother gave birth but she really never had me
Left to the hood to play daddy
Raised by niggaz named Butch through the bay bay”
- Common

"They say my ghetto intrumental, detrimental to kids
As if they can't see the misery in which they live
Blame me, for the outcome, ban my records - check it
Don't have to bump this but please respect it"
-Pac

Hip hop and it’s environment are mutually exclusive. We can’t demand a change of the lyrics when it’s a direct reflect of a racialized environment. But oh, I forgot...racism ended after the Civil Rights Movement. Riiight. And let’s not make the connection between the American Identity and the historical accounts of the attack on the Black female body. Dorothy Roberts sums that up in here
I’m not as offended by racial/sexist slurs when I know that their are systems of institutions that have systematically neglected to include me. Not saying the words don’t hurt but I’m a big girl and I understand the sticks and stones cliché

"In time I learned a few lessons
Never fall for riches
Apologizies to my TRUE sisters
Far from bitches
Help me raise my black nation
Reperations are due
Its true
Caught up in this world
I took advantage of you
So tell the babies how I love them
Precious boys and girls
Born Black in this white mans world"

Gaining One's Definition

I think inspiration always comes when you need it most and exactly from whom you need it.

This week I've gone through more emotions than my Katrina week, but even in that example I know that things can only get better.

I've been disappointed in people when I shouldn't be. People are just that...people. Beings that are constantly learning from trials and mistakes.

I have to start praying to be more obedient to God's will. You know my constant praying during Katrina was to be obedient to God's lessons during this time in my life. I used to pray for God to walk and talk with me during the day but then I started to analyze that I was just asking for God to be God...in which He could be without me. So then my prayer started to change to ask for Him to help me be the person He wanted me to be. To be constant and obedient to his daily callings for me.

It's an everyday battle. But the reward is so much greater than the struggle.

My cuz played this song for me like 50 times today (we'll that's how many it seemed like) but it was exactly what I needed to hear and know:

You can spend your whole life building something from nothing
One storm can come and blow it all away
Build it anyway
You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach
and you know it might not ever come your way
Dream it anyway
God is great, but sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray it doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway, I do it anyway
This world's gone crazy and it's hard to believe that tomorrow will be better than today
Believe it anyway
You can love someone with all your heart,
for all the right reasons, and in a moment they can choose to walk away
Love 'em anyway
You can pour your soul out singing a song you believe in that tomorrow
they'll forget you ever sang
Sing it anyway, sing it anyway
I sing, I dream, I love, anyway,

***Spoiler**** Random ranting blog

When someone's got something on their mind...they are gonna let u know...even when it is 5 months later.

I've taken my own advise and really try to get to know my neighbors. I've been living at my place for almost a year and still haven't had a conversation with my neighbors. I mean, I'm not rude and all, I throw the dueces or a "Hey dere!"...it's a New Orleans thang! Well, I have some firemen who stay directly next to me. I think I was a lil intimidated and then that perpetuated a limited version of a conversation to just "whassup" every so often. About a week before my b-day I started inviting random people to my party so I sent a message through one of them that I was having the b-day bash of the year (OH my dear and indeed it was!) Well I didn't think they were gonna come cause the dude just hit me with a lil "fo sho, we'll pass through" and off he drove to save the city from it's burning self. The night of my party I was getting ready and some friends passed by my house before going to the club. As I was walking them out my neighbors were all out like "Whassup with the party tonight...why u not dressed?" as grown as i was I laughed and asked them the same. Long story short they passed through but I was too through to notice lol. Okay, long story even shorter. I just sat with one of em for 2 hours talkin bout Everything and in the middle of the conversation he said, "Oh yeah, that's cool. You ain't have to invite us to your New Year's Party. I ain't tripping though"

LMAO.

New Year's was a good nite.

LMAO

Moral of the story is: Invite your neighbors to some of ya lil get togethers every now and then...specially if they some cute, fine firemens...LOL

Understanding and wisdom became the rhythm that I played to And became a slave to master self

One of my friends became a Mother yesterday. It was only likely that we reminisced on our college days and how far in life we've come since then. As we talked and joked about the Summer of 2000 (water balloon fights with the neighbors in the adjacent apt...on the second floor! lol her teaching me how to drive in someone else's car LMAO, summer flings, late night conversations, roommate fights, love & basketball, Nickas who wear Timbs in the summer lol) I had to take a step back and acknowledge the strength of our friendship. From dumb ass fights to real ish she's had my back through it all and even though she's an hour away I know she'd be here if need be.

Since that Summer of 2000 I've experienced both ends of phucked up friendships. I've had to learn to forgive myself for my phucked up actions to acknowledge the lessons that ultimately had to be learned in order for me to grow. I still phuck up from time to time but that's just because I'm stubborn...well maybe strong willed lol.

I believe that friendships are seasonal and some expire once certain life experiences are completed. Everyone is in our life for a reason...Yes, even ________(fill in the blank):( but don't get caught up in the hype trying to predict people through tomorrow's situations...enjoy who you have today and let that ish just Be!

"Never looking back
or too far in front of me
The present is a gift
and I just wanna BE"

Un-shun:::insert silly comment:::Re-shun LMAO

So I'm bloggin straight from the biblioteca.

I am proud to claim the day productive!!!! Yeah! Solo weekend #1 is halfway over...only 3 more to go...eh, with the exception of a little time at Jazz Fest :)

Overall yesterday I left work feeling satisfied with some things and unsatisfied with others. I had a client that I initially met eh, a week ago. I finally spoke to her yesterday to get some additional documents and she ended up coming by the office to talk to me. For those who don't know I work with a non profit agency that helps families facing eviction and/or homelessness (well, that's one of my jobs lol). I don't agree with some of the tactics, requirements and bullish that clients have to adhere to but I really think I'm there for a reason...even if it's to emotionally comfort the client while serving them. Anyways my client came over and we just had a real conversation. She's 28, has 2 children, facing eviction, disconnection of utilities, unemployed, and also has severe phenominia (she also died on the emergency room table during her last hospital stay two months ago).
By the end of the day Friday I was able to stop her landlord from persuing her case legally and able establish two contacts in the city that MIGHT be able to help with her utility bill. While waiting for my contacts I decided I'd try to call the utility company to see if I could get an extenstion for my client's disconnect date. Here's how the conversation went:
Me: Hi, I'm the Minority Reporter, I work for a nonprofit agency and I would like to make a pledge on a client's account and ask for an extension of disconnect
Da Utility Co: Oh, that's no problem at all. I just need your information and the account number of your client. You don't need to ask for an extension. When a nonprofit pledges an account we take the disconnect notice off and basically tag the account as "paid"
Me: Oh really, okay, here's the information
D.U.C.: Okay, thanks, MR, I just need to transfer you so that you can get this settled.
D.U.C.#2: Good afternoon, how may I help you
::::I repeat all that was said to the previous person and was given the same information and transfered:::
D.U.C. #3: Good afternoon, how may I help you
:::I try not to be fustrated this time and again repeat all that was said to the previous person:::
D.U.C. #3: Oh, I'm sorry. I can't help you with that. You would need to call the finance department, they handle pledges.
Me: What's their number?
D.U.C. #3: Your director should have that phone number?
Me: My director? She is telling me that she doesn't have the phone number. What is the issue that you can't supply me with the number?
D.U.C. #3: It's a security precaution, ma'am
Me: Wait, are we talking about a Phone #?
D.U.C. #3: Yes, ma'am
Me: And NO one in your department has this number that MY director is Suppose to have?
D.U.C. #3: No, ma'am
Me: So, I have a client, who has two young children, has a pledge to relieve her from disconnection of her utilities and it can't be done because you don't have the number to the finance department?
D.U.C. #3: Umm, yes ma'am
Me: You know this is bullshit right?
D.U.C. #3: I'm sorry ma'am

:::hangs up the phone disguisted *&%(&#*(&$#*&$#(*$#)_(@)#(@*)*%)(&%#*)&#)$*#)*)$*#@*@*#@:::

I get a call from the Jesuits saying they might be able to help out and pay it directly.

Eh, it was a good day. One could only hope what Monday will bring.

"I’m a good person that said a bad thing" and i quote

I love working at a school...double Spring Break!!!!!

So, in the spirit of Spring Break I didn't wake up until 9. The morning routine starts with a prayer, roll over to check my phones and turn on the t.v. to catch the weather and some of the Today Show...oh ish! Where's my remote, I need to record this:

“…and believe me, I know, that that phrase didn’t originate in the white community. That phrase originated in the Black community. And I’m not stupid, I may be a white man but I know that these young women, young Black women all through THAT society are demeaned and discouraged and disrespected by their own Black men and that they are called that name. And I know that that doesn’t give me obviously doesn’t give me any right to say it but it doesn’t give them any right to say it” -Imus

“but the problem is We are the price of tuition. Black people’s lives become the tuition for the learning of America. The question is, “Is that too high a price to pay?” It’s a teachable moment but at what expense?” - Michael Eric Dyson

I keep hearing how this situation is opening up room for conversation about racism and sexism...uh, didn't we think Katrina would do the same? Shock, outrage/anger, protest, apology, Ooh did you hear, they announced who Anna Nicole's babydaddy was. (the latter can be replaced by any media/celebrity phenomena of the day) What I can't seem to understand is how this situation is viewed as if racism is only practiced by certain individuals and can be reprimanded by public apologies...as if the media as an institution doesn't practice racism/sexism. As if employment diversity within this industry doesn't practice racism/sexism. We, as a nation are not willing to come to terms with our history or our present. We think that in order to be a racist you have to ride around in the night on a horse with sheets burning crosses. The sheets have long ago been replaced with business suits and those crosses...well those are our segregated houses, low wage jobs, unemployment, dilapidated schools, the 9th ward, GEE/LEAP tests, etc.

arite on to something else

As I read through the blogs I notice a certain theme...we are all on the home stretch. Our sanity and happiness lies between now and finals...let da grindin begin!

"I cried because I had no shoes, 'till I met a man who had no feet"
Over Spring Break my Stats teacher emailed us our test grade and midterm grade...dammit! Thanks Outlook for showing me the email without me having to open it! Although I really didn't study as well as I could've for the test, I thought I still would've done better than I did...damn C...so I was kinda bummed to know I had a B at midterm...til I got to class today and found out that damn near half the class had a C for midterm. Eh, that's the purpose for the quote.

"Do I sound stupid, or as if I don't know what I'm talking about?"
I'm taking this one undergrad class for grad credit and some of the students in the class aren't aware. After chatting with "da crew" after class I ran into this guy from our class. He immediately asked me what I got on my paper (we received back today). I chucked and told him I got an A. "How'd YOU get an A?" My immediate reaction was to pop da piss outta him...but i thought...what would Jesus do? Obviously this story doesn't end in me whaling on him...but "watch ya back son!"

Blog fam…it feels good to be back! I’m feeling like the prodigal blogger now. LMAO


Independent Lens has a new feature tonight called Black Gold, you should check it out

Hey, where did my Spring Break go?!!?!?!

Is it me or is time moving at a pace that I can't seem to keep up with? I feel like I'm making the best use out of my time but as soon as I turn around something new is always at hand. I guess that's living huh?

We're working out the home stretch for this semester...a month and counting...down! Plans for the summer might change...but then again, they might not.

R. Kelly songs really do bother me. I mean the man is an awesome artist but some ish I just can get past. I feel guilty when "im a flirt" comes on in the club and i find myself groovin to that ish. damn robert kelly.

Happy Resurrection Day!

It's cold and raining outside today :( what's up with that? 43 degrees & light rain today and back to 80 degrees on friday, eh?

well, I'm finished burning my scalp under this hair dryer so I'll throw the dueces until later

Oh I forgot...I woke up this morning...got myself a gun....LMAO jed.

"Is This IT?"

Somebody get Mary Landrieu on the phone...(504) 589-2427

and tell her to support and introduce H.R. 1227 to the Senate

H.R. 1227: Gulf Coast Hurricane Housing Recovery Act of 2007
To assist in the provision of affordable housing to low-income families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Go to... Bill Status Summary Amendments Floor Speeches Other Info

Bill Status
Feb 28, 2007 Introduced
Mar 16, 2007 Scheduled for Debate
Mar 21, 2007 Passed House
- Voted on in Senate
- Signed by President

This bill has been passed in the House. The bill now goes on to be voted on in the Senate.


Who has the right to return home to New Orleans? Clearly if you are Black, poor, live in the projects and have been the result of systematic abuse of power and institutionalized racism HUD and HANO has singlehandedly tried to reject your right to return. Justifying their decision based on historical racial projects ending in self prophecy of the demise of the inner city Black, HUD has sought to demolish 4 of New Orleans housing development under the HOPE VI program...oh did I mention this project of decentralizing poverty while introducing and revitalizing a mixed income neighborhood was first introduced under the Clinton "our first black president" term?...just thought i'd mention it.

Shout out to Maxine Waters...Mary Landrieu, stand the _______ up! I know you can do it...well at least that's what you made me feel when your brother was running for mayor. Look at the example of the St. Thomas....what happened with 1 to 1 rebuilding there?????

The St. Thomas Housing Development in the Irish Channel area of New Orleans was home to 1600 apartments of public housing. After St. Thomas was demolished under Hope VI, the area was called River Gardens. River Gardens is a mixed income community - home now to 60 low income families, some middle income apartments, a planned high income tower, and a tax-subsidized Wal-Mart! Our tax dollars at work – destroying not only low-income housing but neighborhood small businesses as well

Get at te Advancement Project and just in case the Senate chooses not to pass this Bill we got a Plan B

It's a celebration Biiiitches

and i don't mean bitch in a disrespectful way. I mean it in a general way to describe ___________ lmao..

Party tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I been waiting 25 years for this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Top 10 songs I wouldn’t tell Pearl Cleage I know…some word 4 word:

after commenting on Back Packer Week Presents: The Back Packer Box Set this blog idea cloud hit me

Get Low (Lil Jon & dem boyz from da eastside)
Nasty Bitch (Buckdown)
Take It Off (dem underground Kings)
Bomb A$$ P*ssy (Dogg Pound)
Ain’t No Fun (Snoop D-O-double G)
Call Me (Lil Kim n Too $hort)
My bad…all of Hardcore (Kimmy)
Bitch I don’t need ya (Trina & Papi Trick)
P Poppin (Luda and DTP)
Everyday I’m F*ing Him (Remy Ma)

believe it or not it only took me a couple seconds to come up with this list

Cause she's my favorite rapper. Period!

Now why has it taken everybody so long to figure out how dope Jean Grae is?!?!?!

I love this cornbread so much, I want to take it behind a middle school, and get it pregnant.

this is my Favorite show ever...fool!

Ah, the beginning is nearer than we think...or is it the end...either way I got myself a gun!

So I thought my clock would automatically change it's time...it didn't

I also thought my phone's time would be correct when I look at it...it wasn't

Thank goodness for Directv...now where's that credit on my bill lol

Ah, long week fam

Yesterday was the fair at school...it felt like a mini Jazz Fest. It was good to finally meet and sit down and talk with some of the parents...instead of the quick "bonjour" during the morning rush. One of them even invited me to their house in Switerland this summer while I'm in France...I'll take them up on that offer!

I have a ish load of reading to do within the next 24 hrs. aghhhhhh (that's my tired yell)

im sorry ya'll...this blog is representing where my head is right now...everywhere. I'm gonna take a walk and holla back later!

First off I'm bout my dough and cheese..just call me a slice of pizza LMAO/And the countdown begins...

Okay, so we've set the date...March 24th...it's going down!!!!! 26 will be brought in rizzite!!! lol that was lame...but u get me.

damn 26

Eh, never mind.

Oooh, I got to leave these four walls last night and socialize! That's what was up! Sorry for those who didn't get the msg...but here's the new one...DA 24th (Blackarican, this is 4 u! pass dat ish on to the rest of the cingular heads out there)

and what the heck is up with these bruises on my forearms? that's not what's up...I wish I could remember what happened last night!

And ain't that a female dog. I'm just realizing I don't get text msgs from people who don't have Sprint of Nextel...I wonder if there is a -ism for dat

Throw some D's on dat .....!

oops, I'm throwing D's everywhere.

Isn't "What goes around" "Cry me a river" part dos...either way...dat's my ish!!!! esp. the last 2 minutes...JT is all like "Wait B, I ain't even much finish, let me throw some d's on u" then he continues on to have the last laugh.

Andre 3000 is the ish!!!! I been knowing this but his latest appearances on the Walk it out Rmx, Want You rmx, and Throw some d's rmx just proves that he will always be one of the illest from the south...I swear he's the only reason I listened to these songs...well, I must admit I do like to walk it out...It's a down South thang!!!!

I said, "what time you get off?"
She said, "when you get me off"
I kinda laughed but it turned into a cough
Because I swallowed down the wrong pipe
Whatever that mean, you know old people say it so it sounds right
So I'm standing there embarrassed, if we were both in Paris
I would have grabbed her by the waist and kissed her, but
We in the middle of whole foods, and those foods
Ain't supposed to beef, but you'd think I hate tofu
Check-out line got rowdy, my vision got cloudy
I started seeing some circles like some Audi Emblem,
I'm hearing them say, "come on man
Do this own your own time, get the hell on, man"
I walked out, hm, I got bout
Half-way to my car when I heard shorty shout
"3000, forgot your credit card, smart move
By the way, my little sister loves your cartoon
Well, here's my name and numb
If I ain't the one, lose it, if I am, use it"
"If a man chooses, and he can, do's it
And he don't, don't take it personal, he might be might be swamped"
"With making mozzarella"
"No, making worlds better
Cheese will come, believe me, I'm,
never focused on the cash
Ask Mel Gibson, Jesus Christ, I'm bout the pass...ion"

Lo siento...por ti

Why is it that we are complacent in a society where we have been socially constructed to accept "Better late than never" as the normal response for gov't phuck ups and their delayed reactions/responses/etc. Then to make matters worse, WE’VE internalized this message and use it to justify our own shortcomings...towards ourselves as well as others.

I guess it's the readings in school, my return back to the city, shit, it could just be me realizing there's only 2 days left in Black History Month that's got me on edge. But damn... Better late than never??????????????

Naw…u gotta come better than that

tell that to the people who were in the Superdome, Convention Center, under their refrigerator in their flooded homes, left in the nursing homes, hospitals, the 9th wd, tell that to the bodies that'll never be found floating in the Mississippi, tell it to that motherless children that are walking around

lost.

While in Costa Rica, I came up with a saying "Lo siento...por ti" translated "I'm sorry...for you (if that’s the way You feel). I'm coming across as "the angry Black woman" right now...and that's cool with me...I AM. I'm tired of the lies and bullshitting that's been going on about my city, even though I tend to sometimes perpetuate em...the truth hurts. Someone asked me about the city the other day and I said, "It's coming along" I had to return to that person 5 minutes later to tell him the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I heart The Boondocks, and one of my favorite episodes is The Return of the King. The most profound quote from that show was when Huey told MLK that he needed to tell people the truth...and not the pretty truth. the ugly truth that makes people angry and makes them get out and do something (i am sooo paraphrasing).

The truth huh?!?!?!?

Let me say Lo siento...por ti, if you feel that every one of my blogs focuses on the dark side, lack of recovery and negative aspects of New Orleans...that's what I'm living...Everyday!!!!

But let me also say that if I didn't feel I could make a change, I wouldn't be back here...in New Orleans. But in order to rebuild, we must continue to reveal the harsh realities of racism and classism that Katrina exposed. That's hard...especially when some people think racism is a thing of the black & white pre-technicolor "I have a dream" past, not linking it to the prison industrial complex that is overrepresented by Blacks and Browns especially when Blacks, Browns and whites commit crimes in proportion to their population, or that toxic sites are in majority Black/minority neighborhoods, or when a War on Poverty systematically criminalizes people who have been shut out of the work force due to the deindustrialization, or the outsourcing of jobs etc...just to name of a few of the ways that the prejudice and racism of the jim/jane crow era has reinvented itself to the institutionalized racism of today.

Vacation is over...time for da grind to commence

I've been this close:: holds thumb & index finger about a centimeter apart:: from saying one of the best angry quotes of all times:
"Die bitch nigga die I hope you bleed a lake
I'ma play x-ray, helpin' y'all see the fake" -Weezy "F" Baby...please say da baby

but I ain't gonna go there. Ain't no need. Just gotta sort through the emotions and make it to the other side of this here dilemma.

Holla!

Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans

It took FOREVER to get to the airport this evening...TRAFFIC ALL through the town.

I shed a tear with a stranger while on the plane. Listen up, don't be fooled and think Katrina was something that happened August 29 2005. Shit is complicated, but I shed a tear over something so simple...the right to return home. Again, don't be fooled because you see the city putting on Mardi Gras...TRUST! If you do your research on who puts on majority of these parades that are a part of PRIVATE organizations who pool from their OWN money...you wouldn't be that suprised to know those are the same people who were/are able to return to New Orleans without the assistance of federal monies. PEOPLE ARE NOT ABLE TO RETURN HOME New Orleans is so much more than the titties and Bourbon st, the french quarter, the multi million dollar homes on st. charles. New Orleans was founded upon a culture different in every aspect, french, catholic, check your slave history, check ya Treme history, check ya jazz history, check ya blues history, etc.

The right/option to return HOME

I've seen this sign all around the city since I've been back



Uh huh, I do...but I don't have to miss here from so far away. I wanna give other people that chance.

And PLEASE understand...there's a 9th ward, downtown, extreme poverty, racism,etc. in your city...What's your Katrina? What are you doing to prevent it from reaching Catagory 5 levels?

Mardi Gras '07

now let me try to get across town to catch my plane...holla!

 

AHh we partied like it was 1999

It was something like a high school reunion last night. 8 years since I've seen most of those people. good times. good memories. eh, good drinks...gasoline lolLOL, i think that really could run in my car

Ah, yesterday coulda lasted forever and it would've been good with me. I chilled and got some me time in.

And last night. Ha! I felt like a local celebrity...and please believe ya girl represented with her A game! shout out to my designer, my makeup artist, my hairstylest and so on and so on

hahahahaha

tony soprano is the king of bacchus (sp? eh, don't feel like lookin it up) this year, i wonder if he'd make me an honorary made chick?!? eh, doesn't hurt ta ask

One more thing before I begin my vaca

HBO documentaries are always on point, When the Levees Broke gave HBO my full loyalty.
Bastards of the Party is no exception

Raised in the Athens Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, Cle "Bone" Sloan was four years old when his father died, and 12 when he became a member of the Bloods. Now an inactive member of the notorious gang, Sloan looks back at the history of black gangs in his city and makes a powerful call for change in modern gang culture with his insightful documentary, BASTARDS OF THE PARTY.

I'm on Vaca(tion)!!!!

*****disclaimer*****
It's been a long semester already and I still got both my jobs (Ima husta...ask about me)! All that being said...I'm resting up tonight, cause starting tomorrow it's gonna be on like a pecan pie on the dessert table at Thanksgiving dinner! YA HEARDS ME!!!!!

And on that note

I'm out!

Once again its on!

The rain was falling and I couldn't see the seasons changing and the vibe slipping off its axis

aka some nickas recognize the light but they can't handle the glare

Intimidation is as double sided as a Sacagawean gold dollar.

But I see how intimidation can be confused with displaced anger from low self esteem.

I refuse to take blame for your misuse of words and your inability to correctly acknowledge and express your feelings.

You're meeting me at the time in my life in which I'm straight with ME. I still got a few hangups and insecurities (who did I steal this line from? eh) but I’m cool with 'em cause 99% still shows me that still have so much to be obtained in that mere 1%

Maybe I'm just like my father...too bold

So I'm known to hop on a plane, throw you the dueces and reveil my location on a casual phone call. Saying all this I am a regular on the following sites: kayak.com, jetblue, southwest and ticketmaster...in no particular order.

After much excitement over Prince's gangstarism during the Super Bowl halftime show (and NO, I am no bandwagon fan, I came outta da womb on Prince's Controversy) Ooh, long story short. I was on ticketmaster.com peeping the shows at 3121 and found the following:


Look For PRINCE : Live in concert at 3121 Tickets

Additional Information: IMPORTANT : Doors open at 10:00pm Prince does not have a scheduled time that he will perform.This is a GA show. No cameras or audio/video recordersUpscale Nightclub attire requiredMust be 21 or older with Photo ID to attend this event.

THIS EVENT IS WILL CALL ONLY * PICKUP YOUR TICKETS DAY OF EVENTAT RIO ALL SUITES HOTEL BOX OFFICE at 3121Only the Card Holder with Photo ID may pickup tickets. Must have credit card used and ALL guests in the party must be therein order to pickup tickets.Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

"no compass comes with this life, just eyes"

I've compromised my sanity for the week for a half day of relaxation. Ah, Mardi Gras Break next week...just enough time to catch up.

I went to a party the other night and felt sorta outta place at first. Was it the fact that I was the only black person there...naw...they were real cool people. But I was the only meateater in the hizzouse, half were vegetarian and the other half were vegans. Deep conversations about their choices, all in which i respect...but damn u Danielle for your visuals!!!! I threw away damn near my entire steak today after thinking bout that Alice Walker, eyelash/eye quote!!!! lol...but not really

The book for the day is...drum roll please...Iron Cages by Ronald Takaki. Republican purification and regeneration through violence...sounds kinda familiar in 2007, considering the fact that these were the words of "our" founding fathers to enforce (with a "new" american confidence) the termination and extinction of Indian tribes


isn't it ironic that R. Kelly would be featured in the Make it Rain Rmx...after all, isn't rain one of the reasons he's facing charges????

i'm just asking



I just can't sync my damn bluetooth with my phone ;-( and i lost my other phone...well, not really lost, but I REALLY can't find it....i promise, I have looked EVERYWHERE!!!!

well my new phone is da ish!! it does everything...even read my blog!!! lol

oh, i said i would take more pics this year...

i made some bbq shrimp last week..BOMB!! Ima fool in the kitchen

Only in New Orleans can you see a parade on your way to walmart

eh, that's a week in my life...or maybe that's all that i can remember

Support Our Troops!!!!!

Well, what if I want to support this one?

A conscious nicka with mac like steve jobs...oooh

unfucwitable.period.

now i got lots-o-reading to do

so i'll holla

Ya girl's doing it real BIG this summer!!!!

Just in case ya'll needed something to get into this weekend

Race, Gender & Class
Annual Conference at New Orleans
February 1-3, 2007

Race, Gender, and Class Solidarity across Borders:
Natural and Social Catastrophes



The 2007 Race, Gender, and Class Annual Conference is co-organized by SUNO RGC Project and ASA SWS Sociologist for Women in Society,
and sponsored by UNO RGC Studies, the Asia Baptist Church at New Orleans, and SUNO Student Government Association


Hurricane Katrina has been called one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. The aftermath of the storm, however, uncovered human-made disasters of equal magnitude. As the world watched, the economic, political, and social systems of the U.S. were exposed, and amid this chaos glaring questions about race, gender and class inequalities became evident. What were also evident were the efforts of ordinary women and men to rebuild. And natural catastrophes, such as Katrina and the Tsunami – with their televised images of poor people left to fend for themselves provide a reminder that there are still race, gender and class issues in America and around the world, as well as what a vision of what the consequences of such RGC inequality can cause. This conference proposes to examine those issues across borders (U.S, Latin America, Asia…)


The struggle is always there.

It gets discouraging sometimes. It gets very disenchanting sometimes. Some of us are trying to build a society of social justice. We struggle against racial, gender and class inequality, but it seems that our head is going against a concrete wall. It seems to mean nothing … Well, that is the story of life. And the thing that makes us happy is that we can hear a voice crying though the vista of time, saying: “It may not come today or it may not come tomorrow, but it is well that it is within our heart. It’s well that we are trying.” We may not see it. The dream may not be fulfilled, but it’s just good that we have a desire to bring it into reality. It’s well that it’s in our heart.

Adopted and modified by Jean Ait Belkhir from “Unfulfilled Dream,” by Martin Luther King., April 3, 1968, in The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., edited by C. Canon, 1998, p. 356ff

A little Bee told me

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

The series of events that has shaped my life up until this very moment had me doubting and feeling inadequate for the turns (for the best) my life has taken. I often think I am not worthy of these blessings. I often sight my faults even when no one else can see them. I often feel that my hard work and determination are not worthy of the praises from others. It sometimes seems selfish of me to accept these praises and blessings when I know personally how others have sacrificed for me to be in this place. I say Thank you. Publicly, privately, spiritually I thank God for each and every one of you.

I am exactly where I need to be, to get to where I need to be going. I am full off of what I've learned but yet hungry for the lessons that are yet to be revealed.

I'm having nightmares...sometime i be 'noid

cause this thing...when plugged reacts to my tv remote

ish was spookin me out until i realized what it was

now i just unplug dat b! how u like me now!

I'm taking my freedom, puttin it on a chain, wearin it round my neck

Church was powerful

Prayer Always works

God Never fails


*********************************************************************************

I stepped out of church to this



A second line

....an Uptown second line...there's a difference

anywho, I decided I would take more pictures in the city...oh i mean in general

here are the ones for today











This guy just wanted me to take his pic...I LoVE New Orleans like i LoVE Black people...unconditionally. "Rebuild it again and again, the city never sleeps...Cause I don't wanna fight or attack no one. Just wanna write and give back to the city I'm a factor of!!!!" Damn, Jean be stealin my words lol. I'm on my New Orleans Shit!!!!!



after the uptown second line i headed downtown

HUD wants the sights of poverty in New Orleans gone. Out of sight, out of mind doesn't allievate a problem

These are pics from the Lafite projects. Their future is up in the air. Now I've seen vacants before...sorta just put a piece of wood up on the door. This my dear is a message...WE DON'T WANT YOU BACK is what it yelled to me

PHuck Statistics!!! and i mean dat ish too!

Stand Up NOLA...JAzz feSt is back in a BIG way!!!!

Harry Connick Jr., Rod Stewart, Steely Dan, Norah Jones, ZZ Top, John Legend, Van Morrison, Brad Paisley, Jill Scott, Ludacris, Dr. John, Bonnie Raitt, New Edition, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Irma Thomas, Jerry Lee Lewis, Counting Crows, Allman Brothers Band, Allen Toussaint, George Benson, Pharoah Sanders, George Thorogood, Stephen Marley featuring Jr. Gong, Better Than Ezra, Joss Stone, Banda el Recodo, Calexico, Taj Mahal, Johnny Rivers, Lucinda Williams, Branford Marsalis, Richie Havens, Soulive, Cowboy Mouth, Percy Sledge, Tony Joe White, Gillian Welch, Bobby Jones & the Nashville Super Choir, T-Bone Burnett, Rebirth Brass Band, Galactic, Mose Allison, Marcia Ball, Roy Hargrove, Chuck Leavell, Arturo Sandoval, The Holmes Brothers, Snooks Eaglin, Dr. Lonnie Smith, The New Orleans Social Club, James Carter, The Radiators, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lucky Peterson, Darrell McFadden, Sonny Landreth, Danilo Perez, Ivan Neville, Dottie Peoples, Davell Crawford, Ba Cissoko of Guinea, George Porter, Jr., Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste, Tab Benoit, Les Amazones of Guinea, World Saxophone Group, John Mooney & Bluesiana, Buckwheat Zydeco, Anders Osborne, Elder Baab & the Madison Bumble Bees of Winnsboro, Eddie Bo, Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys, Rosie Ledet, Amanda Shaw, The Iguanas, Marva Wright, Walter "Wolfman" Washington, Deacon John, Donald Harrison, Nicholas Payton, Terence Blanchard, Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews & Orleans Avenue, Bob French, Elysian Fieldz, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Ellis Marsalis and over 500 more groups.

http://www.nojazzfest.com/

February 20, 2007...it's going down

When I say Mardi Gras thoughts of under da bridge, lafitte projects, treme and mardi gras indians probably don't get mentioned or come to your head.

mardi gras is more than a marathon of showing titties and ish

it's a celebration of the perseverance of a community of the systematically oppressed

Racial autobiography

Who are you?

No really, who are you?

Name 5 things off the top of your head that describes you.

finished?

Did one of those answers refer to your race or ethnicity?

What is your race?

How long did it take you to answer that question?

How did you know how to answer that question...??? Clearly you know, without doubt what race you are...so how'd u know? Did someone ever sit you down and tell you, "Yes my dear, you're _____" I'm sure 9.9 times out of 10 this didn't happen. So how do you know.

What's your racial autobiography?

Woke up this morning...got yourself a gun

Where ya at Tony???? Huh????!!???!?!

dance like rudy huxtable scoring a touchdown, hands in the air, knees in knees out

I ought not to be allowed to talk on the phone...seriously. I just called someone and had a whole conversation with them...after i hung up I realized that I wasn't talking to who I thought I was talking to...The two people had nothing in common with each other. He doesn't even live in Louisiana?!?!

yeah, allow me to reintroduce sleep to my life

finished my books, now only my brief remains...so let me be (brief)

i begin my venture in the nonprofits tomorrow.

the more homework i have to do, the more i think of other things i could be doing

and the more i venture off into those "things" but don't fret...i'ma "Watch out" i ain't gonna let dem thangs get all up in my way. Okay, so something is wrong with my return key. It won't return to the next line...ain't this bout a b*tch. One book down...2 mo' 2 go. i'll get started on the brief tomorrow. damn, i really hope the Saints win tomorrow. Cuz drove to the Chi for da game....Don't forget the Garretts popcorn Garrett's caramel popcorn is the ish!!!!!

ooh..da return button has returned!!!! so that means i better return my ass to da next book so i can watch da game tomorrow

Step into the bad side, step into the baaad side

School's in!

Social life's out!

Saints are gonna kick ass this weekend!

Sheed, Purple, Black & Gold!!!!

Can't wait for Mardi Gras Break. I was gonna do the travel thing but it's going down in da city.

damn...i forgot all about spring break

i opposite heart tyra banks...and her little show too

ooh my guilty pleasure is on...The Best Week Ever!!!!

Eff what Paula said...she was on something "I'm a dancer"

Just in case ya'll are interested...these books are on it

i think i heart this man in a way that would be discribed as disrespectful to some LMAO...

MLK Convocation - Lecture
McAlister Auditorium
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
07:00 PM - 08:30 PM

21st ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. WEEK FOR PEACE ACTIVITIES JANUARY 15-19, 2007
Theme: "Defining Our Citizenship: Uniting Communities"

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Cornel West
One of America's most gifted and provocative public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel West's writing, speaking, and teaching weaves together the American traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. Dr. West graduated from Harvard in three years, magna cum laude, and Martin Kilson, one of Dr. West's professors, recalls him as "the most intellectually aggressive and highly cerebral student I have taught in my 30 years here."

Also
-- Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award recipient announced
-- Student Community Service Award recipients announced

Admission is free of charge. This event is open to public. For more information, call 504-865-5181. The event is being hosted by: Multicultural Affairs Office, and is sponsored by: Dillard, Loyola, Tulane and Xavier Universities.


Event Status: Confirmed

eh??? "b4 steve jobs made the ipod" (c) hov

ya know, just incase ya'll wanted to get me a june/july '07 middle of da year gift




and Stop callin me...I know The Wire comes on BET tonight...I signed da contract!!! I'm on my bring Avon back for season 5!!! holla if ya wit me

Heavy, heavy. You got so heavy on me.

I know I'm not the only one that breaks into songs from Dreamgirls at random times throughout the day "step into the bad side. step into the baaaaad side"

omG, school starts next tuesday...that means it's going down this weekend!:::does the zoom zoom:::

"what about what I need? what about what's best for me?"
In the midst of the funniest pedicure I caught a glimpse of the nightly news that featured a section on New Orleans. Brian Williams began to report New Orleans had more deaths (by murder) in the last week than in Iraq. Wow.

interesting

i guess this is the part where i go on and rant and rave on how effed up life really is down here. how some things haven't changed. how people are Pissed off down here. how we are still facing the same problems pre-katrina but with the added adversities of rebuilding, shitty, ruthless, theiving contractors, family members scattered throughout the U.S., and now 14 murders and we're only 7 days into the new year.

it's not that i neglect to blog about these issues b/c i'm ignorant to the facts and choose to focus on something else worth writing about.

it's just that

this is life. this shit here is real. this is what I'm walking out my front door to. it's surreal at times.

but i guess that's why i'm looking forward to school starting. talking and working in a setting that directly has a positive effect my community is the dopest part of the m.a. program i'm in. working with professors and faculty who are Really out in the community (pre and post katrina) making a difference

shit, don't let the blog fool ya. my crew is unfucwitable

"look at me. look at me. I am changing"

speaking of...isn't that the dopest song

All of my life I've been a fool
Who said I can do it on my own
How many good friends have I already lost?
How many dog nights have I known?
Walking down that wrong road
There was nothing I could find
All those years of darkness
Looking for some light
But now I can see


girl testify!

today was indeed better

today sUcked. Tomorrow will be better

curse u with 1 less finger than oprah, to danny glover in purple, ya purpose is over

Over a post midnight girls talk Peaches told me a was a borderline gangsta. I was laughing my AO as I thought of this today. She said my tattoo on my shoulder is close enough to my neck to consider me one. LMAO. I'm so glad for the people God has allowed to become a part of my life...at least for the present season. If ya'll don't know, Peaches is one of the Dopest poets outta New Orleans. She's also has one of the dopest spirits I've ever encountered. Thanks for being my friend, my sister, my buddy who I can email all the day long...and she'll reply even longer.

So I've officially sold out and joined blogger beta, and look what I get...an unjustifiable margin blog...SOmeoNe, AnYonE HElP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sometimes I keep it simple, f*ck what da nerds say; I ain't trying to impress you with the intricate word play

If we call this one "deaf"



Should this one be called "blind?"

LMAO

Wow. Happy New Year!!! didja do everything you set out to do in 06?

Me, well I never make New Year's resolutions...why? eh, doesn't really make sense; they're not too practical to me. trust, I don't mean to go all army on ya'll and say "be the best you can be" but hey, daily choices lead to those long termers and well, I gotta focus on the present and I just gotta be, be, be, be ...dun nun nun nun nun nuun.

I brought in the new year with da fam again. it's cool. Damn you katrina, teaching me lessons on how to appreciate my time spent with da fam. Naw, for real, I'm blessed. I thank God for blessing me with another day that just so happens to be the beginning of a new year.

School starts in 14 days...Eek!!! Alas, the grind is about to begin again. I was just suppose to take a semester off to recharge the batteries, but uhhhh well, if ya'll been reading, ya'll know the story. Things don't always go according to the plans...or do they?? I don't really question the order of things over the last year and a half...kinda just lived life while the motions were happening. I wasn't even suppose to be back in the city after the storm. Plans were to move to the Chi and begin grad school there. Cold feet, homesick, unclaimed responsibility...I had decisions to make. I'm satisfied and confident with the decisions I've made.

My gosh, I turn 26 this year eeekkkkkk!!!! naw, I'm kidding...no I really turn 26, it's just that I don't get turned off by the numbers game...and No, Jiggaman's "30's the new 20 anthem" didn't give me this confidence...Life and wisdom begat that ish!
Speak on it, speak on it...and i'll get back atcha when I wanna LOL