Anger Management

I guess as I get older, I get more frustrated and angry. I was frustrated this morning when I couldn’t find anything to wear. I was angry at myself for running late again. I was mad at the world for having to go to work in the first place. I was pissed at the people who feel the need to hold up traffic by backing into their spots in the Metro parking garage...just pull in and keep it moving! I was upset that I have to pass by all of the empty parking spaces on the reserved levels of the parking garage until I can find an empty spot, way up on level 5. I was dreading the fact that the elevator will probably be broken again in the garage which means 5 flights up and down today. I was cursing when I had to squeeze my big SUV in between 2 other SUVs that surrounded the parking space.

I was devastated when I had to stay at work for a whole extra hour because the website went down.

I smiled and laughed when I finally made it back to my car to see this note on the windshield: “The next time you park this damn close to my truck, you will have four flate tires. I have your tag number!”

‘Flate’ tires…learn how to spell biatch…LMAO!

To take the time to get out a piece of paper, write that note and stick it on my car means that you have SERIOUS anger management issues.

….I did check to see if she had keyed by door though….LOL

'Suppose' to be doing?

I haven’t posted in a while. I guess I’m still recovering from CBC weekend and of course I’m sliding back into career crisis mode...:-( I really need to figure out what I am suppose to be doing! I have so many ideas, but can never get motivated to initiate any of them. I feel like I am all over the place, but moving no where. I was just telling someone that maybe I have ADHD. Are there any books out there with any motivation on how to jump start a new career? Or to at least help with figuring out what it is suppose to be? I would love to hear some stories and testimonials from people who LOVE their jobs….lol
It’s not like I hate mine, it is pretty cool…it just does not feel like what I am ‘suppose’ to be doing.

Anyway, as far as the CBC is concerned, I don't really feel like doing a recap. I did attend the Kappa reception on Friday. Check our the Angry Black Woman's blog for her recap...it is hilarious and pretty accurate.

I will just say that you have to have a special gift to locate and attract the attention of a Que at a Kappa event....aint that right Que Tip? You have the magic eyes...lol

Don't drink the water!

My Mood: Happy (It's almost 5:30!)
What I'm Listening To: Michael Baisden

WARNING....do not drink from public water fountains! I was walking to lunch today and took a shortcut through the Law Enforcement Memorial. My eyes fell upon a homeless man who was dressed in one of those shiny weight loss/make you sweat/plastic tops. His hair was very nappy and matted to his head. I watched as he pulled out a comb and started to scratch is scalp, really rough...to the point that his head was probably going to bleed. All of this is being done while he is standing over the outdoor drinking fountain. He then proceeded to dip water in his hands and wash his hair!! He had a jug of something that may have been shampoo, so he was using the drinking fountain to get a lather and then rinse.........Only in DC.

Part 1: BY 30, YOU SHOULD HAVE...

BY 30, YOU SHOULD HAVE:
(See the post before this one for the complete list)

#2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.

Although most of my furniture was never previously owned by anyone else, I am most proud of finally being able to replace the full-size mattress set that had been with me since before college, then on to my college apartment, then to my apartment after college and finally to my current place. Turning 30 requires a pillow top, king-sized mattress set...I have arrived!

#3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.

I have the employer outfit covered since I do have a few suits that I can still fit even though I have gained about 30 pounds since turning 30. As far as the man of my dreams...ha ha...no matter how large or elaborate a woman's wardrobe may be, an event such as this will always require a trip to the mall.

#4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.

As surprising as it may be, I have never owned a real nor fake designer purse...no Coach, Fendi, Louie, nada. I just can't bring myself to spend that type of money on a purse. The best that I can do is a Nine West from Hechts which only cost about $30.00....lol If you have seen my purses, you know that I get my money's worth too....I carry them until the straps fall of or the seams burst, whichever happens first.

Umbrellas, I have that covered. I have many small and large black umbrellas that are in very good condition. I have graduated from carrying the ones that got caught in the wind and are left with the silver spokes sticking out. And no, I do not carry the Sorority umbrella on a regular basis, only at Sorority functions...the novelty has definitely worn off….right ‘Tickle Me’?

I don't own any designer luggage, but I recently purchased a nice set that will be the envy of the 'gang'....LOL

#9. A résume that is not even the slightest bit padded.

It's a good feeling to be able to drop all of that junk and fluff off of your resume because you actually have real-live, substantial work experience...YES! I'm even to the point of having to cut back on listing some of the unpadded stuff too. I wonder what having too many jobs can signal….

The List: "30 things every woman should have and should know by the time she's 30"

My Mood: Blah and Bored
What I'm Watching: Sat Night Live - Yuck!
What I'm Reading: "Whispers Between the Sheets" (it's ok, kind of slow though)

It's Saturday night and I am bored as you know what! I came across this article from Glamour Magazine entitled "30 things every woman should have and should know by the time she's 30". After a quick scan of this list, it look likes I may be right on the mark with some of these and so far away from others. I'm going to dedicate my next few postings to each item on this list, in no particular order or grouping.

I am curious to see if there are any trends as far as how the majority of us measure up....and how that relates to our current ages...whether it be 21, 25, 30, 25, 40, or 80!

BY 30, YOU SHOULD HAVE:
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you're content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you're looking to forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you.
9. A résume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it.
13. The belief that you deserve it.
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

BY 30, YOU SHOULD KNOW:
1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.
6. The names of: the secretary of state, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
7. How to live alone, even if you don't like to.
8. How to take control of your own birthday.
9. That you can't change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
10. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.
11. What you would and wouldn't do for money or love.
12. That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
13. Who you can trust, who you can't and why you shouldn't take it personally.
14. Not to apologize for something that isn't your fault.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

Yuck Mouth

At a recent 'Hen' Party, a friend told a story of her weekend online dating disaster. He sent her the pic, it looked fine. She met him face-to-face, and his teeth looked like a Piranha! In her words, it looked like someone had taken a beer bottle and slapped him in the mouth with it. His teeth were chipped, jagged and discolored (brown and green like army camouflage).

I have been told that your teeth can get this way if your mother placed koolaid in your bottle when you were a baby.


Now I do feel bad for this guy, but we were just wondering, how does it get this bad? What causes such decay? Can't the decay that is dripping all in his mouth poison the rest of his and organs system?

She is disgusted and he keeps asking “You don’t find me attractive, do you?”
DUH!?

How Ironic

Bags On Wheels

My Mood: Irritated
What I’m Listening To: The hip-hop music this is blasting from someone else’s earphone
What I’m reading: Nothing, going to get a new book from the book man on the corner during lunch…any suggestions??

As a daily DC Metro rider, I always thought that the folks who pulled around those little bags on wheels were nerve-racking. Some people have gone above and beyond...they don't just pull the backpacks on wheels or the laptop bags on wheels. Some have bought out their travel luggage on wheels, for daily use....pathetic.

On my current work assignment, I am required to bring my laptop in everyday. I have a widescreen, so it is rather heavy to carry and has began to affect my shoulder and back. I also carry a purse and another bag with just everyday junk in it. I always look like I'm struggling…a true ‘bag lady’.

Anyway, I had to finally jump on the bandwagon and get a 'wheelie bag' to drag all my stuff around without all of the strain on my back.

I was sitting on the train this morning, wondering if I had become a part of a large problem and nuisance.
So far, I have had two people that were running to get on a train trip over the bag.
I can only sit in certain seats on the train now because my bag is too large to fit on the floor at my feet. If I do sit in a seat that is not at the front of the row, I am forced to place my bag in the isle, and people always trip over it.
I still have not figured out how to use the wheelie on the escalator...should I place it in front of me, behind me, beside me?

With the increasing number of wheelie bags, I'm sure that some wheelie bag etiquette or protocol needs to be created.

For those who are new to driving their wheelies, perhaps we need to place bumper stickers on our bags, like the ones the student drivers use..."Student Wheelie". Perhaps that would alert people to proceed with caution around us and to keep the sighs and nasty looks to themselves and to exhibit a little patience.

I am also wondering…will the vibrations from rolling over the sidewalks and other surfaces affect my laptop....hmmm.....

Online Dating

These cartoons are too funny. I know that online dating is the hot thing, but does it just show how desperate people are these days? Is there ever really a happily ever after? Any experience and trends..good and bad??

Leave the veil at home....

My Mood: Boarder-line Bored
What I'm listening to: Nothing


This cartoon speaks volumes! Especially for those thirty-somethings who think that they are on the perfect date and the evening ends on a good note....only NOT to receive a call back. Or maybe you are lucky enough to make it through 2 or 3 dates and then all of a sudden, the disappearing act. Stop asking your friends ‘What went wrong?’!

Could this be why? Are some of us this obvious? How many of you are planning the wedding in your head, during the first date…lol

Thanks DCBlogs.com

Thanks for the shout out KOB - http://www.dcblogs.com
"The goal of DC Blogs is to help draw attention to bloggers who tell us something about the place and times we live in."

"And you got a gas bill due...Washington, DC came through!"

My Mood: Hopeful
I am reading: Today’s edition of the Washington Examiner

We went back to the Armory last night, loaded down. This time we were a group of four, plus ‘Baby C’. We each took one of Lilly’s and Emily's family members and went out and purchased things for them which included clothes, shoes, underwear, etc. We also took a large bag of professional women's clothing and some new stuff for men too. And of course, we had the most important request, Popeye's Chicken!

When we arrived, we found out that the family had just left to go look at an apartment that someone was offering, so we decided to wait. I saw another 'renegade' volunteer that I had met on the previous night and she too had come loaded with things for the family, including Popeye's Chicken...LOL I guess they really "Love That Chicken From Popeyes!"....

Anyway, while we waited, we were able to provide clothing to a teenaged boy, another family who had just purchased suitcases to replace their plastic garbage bags and several men and a couple, where the woman is three months pregnant. She really had us cracking up. They told us that they had just got on the Metro for the first time and someone had the nerve to call her a 'refugee'. I guess he selected the wrong one to piss off because she emphatically told him, "I didn't swim here from Iraq or somewhere, I am a US citizen!"...LOL She was also proud to tell us that she heard the baby's heart beat for the first time today. I asked them of they planned to stay in the DC area, and their answer was, "yes".

While we waited for Lilly and Emily to return, the evening was kind of slow because the new 'renegades' that were with me were a little leery about approaching the hurricane victims that we saw, but once we got started, we had given out our goods in a flash.

There was one teenaged boy who was playing football that we gave a lot of jeans and t-shirts to. Being a young boy, I knew that he wouldn't want to leave the game to go inside to take all of his new clothes, so I told my friend to ask him to go get his mother. After some thought, my friend said "What if he is here without his mother?"...a sad, but good point. He did end up leaving the clothes with his friend's mother to watch for him, so that may mean that she was his current caregiver.

Lilly and Emily finally did return, with fresh new hair styles. A local beautician had come by earlier that morning and took several women to the salon with her and did their hair for free. They said that the apartment that they went to view was a little small, but they had a lead on a five bedroom house that they would go see today. They were happy to get all of the things that we bought, including the chicken!

From the previous night, I had remembered Emily asking if we knew the name of a certain gospel song, and the song that she was referring to was "Jesus Can Work It Out". Another renege volunteer bought the song, along with a CD player to Emily last night. As we left, Emily was sitting on the steps outside of the Armory, blasting the song and singing along. If you have heard that song, you know that it will cause you to get the holy spirit. It was funny when she started replacing the words, saying "And you got a gas bill due...Washington, DC came through!". What was funnier was the look on the faces of those unconcerned individuals who were happily leaving the baseball game, without a care in the world, looking at her like she was drunk or crazy. They didn't look like us, and could not even begin to understand what she was singing about.

We are Renegade Volunteers!

My Mood: Good…for now

The renegades that we are, we did not let the restrictions established by the Red Cross deter us. We all know that people need help NOW...not once FEMA or the Red Cross figure things out. We also know that the hurricane victims look like US, so why should they be surrounded and directed by those who don't? I understand the need for the Red Cross to keep some order and coordination of the volunteer efforts and the many donations that are coming through, but to be directed to drop off your donations at the local fire station just seems a little discouraging.

'Halo" and I went down to the DC armory last night to provide some hand-to-hand and face-to-face relief. We took zip lock plastic bags and filled them will all kinds of toiletries like mouthwash, toothpaste, deodorant, lotion, hand sanitizer, pink oil moisturizer, sanitary napkins, panties and more. As we walked up to the building, there were a good number of people outside. People just like us who took it upon themselves to take matters in their own hands. A few people had bags of clothes and were helping some of the victims sort through them to see if they could find their sizes. That was so depressing to see them have to do that outside on the sidewalk.....

The thing that really got me was to see the thousands of baseball fans going to and leaving from the game...passing right by all of this and not even acknowledging it…right on the same sidewalk. From time to time, you would see them peek over, like they were watching a circus or something. This can be expected from some people, but it was really hard to see US walking by, just chillin...not even bothering to say 'hello' to our guests.

I did see a few people stop...one lady asked a victim, " Are you from New Orleans? Well let me give you a hug...". Another guy stopped and slipped some money into the hands of a victim.

Anyway, 'Halo' and I did get to pass out the little baggies that we made. 'Halo’ also purchased some battery-operated touch lights that could be useful in the shelter since they turn the lights off on them at 10pm.

We made friends with two evacuees, sisters Lilly and Emily. Lilly is 24yrs old and has about three small children, including a one year old toddler. Emily is in her late 30s/early 40s and has two children...one 20yr old daughter (who she is separated from) and one 12/13 yr old daughter, who will be starting middle school in DC today. Emily also has a husband in the shelter. They have a large family, but the others are stuck at a shelter in Texas. Lilly told us that when they got on the plane, no one told them that they were coming to DC until it was time for take off...they thought that they were being reunited with the family in Texas! Now they are trying to figure out how they will get them here. She says that she likes it in DC and her and Emily would like to relocate to Maryland.

We stood out there with them and other renegade volunteers for hours. Even with all that they have been through, they are very friendly and upbeat...more so than us. They are also VERY appreciative of everything that people are doing for them.

Some of their immediate needs are:

Suitcases with wheels (so that they don't have to tote all of their belongings around in plastic bags)
Mens items (Shoes, clothing, etc)
Plus size Women clothing
Linen (Sheets, blankets, towels, etc)

I'm going back today because I promised to bring some Popeye's Chicken to Emily and Lilly...lol

I'm going to also go purchase some clothes for the middle school girl. I felt so bad when I saw people giving her old clothes from the 1920's. I know that their hearts were in the right place, but we also need to think about how delicate this situation is for a young child. She has to go to school and be able to blend in with her peers. Even though the clothes were old and the shoes too big, she still graciously took them.

I know that people will give what they are able, but if you are able to purchase a NEW outfit or two, that would be great way to help these victims make a new FRESH start.

If you have a lot of old things, it may be a good idea to send them to Texas or other places since the victims in DC are getting a lot of what they need. They are the lucky ones since they don’t have to compete with thousands of others. They are getting pre-loaded debit cards, so they may not be in such a desperate state for a lot of old clothes right now.

It’s best to go down there, find someone and ASK them what they need.

Excuse all typos….this is a blog, not a term paper….lol

'Halo' chime in if I have left out anything about last night.

Where's the money?

My Mood: Pretty Good...feeling optimistic
I am listening to: The news...

I was just listening to an interview by a hurricane victim who is now located in Houston. What she said has confirmed my suspicions. She said that she has been watching TV at the shelter since she has been there. She sees ALL of these donations that should be coming in, but her question is "Where is the money?", "Why aren't we seeing any of these donations?"

That is exactly why I would prefer to make my donations DIRECTLY to the victims, almost to the point of hand-to-hand. That is the only way that you can be sure that it will really go towards helping someone who needs it. Not in some administrative account, not paying some non-profit director’s salary.

The lady that they were interviewing has NO money in her pocket. But look at ALL of the dollars that have been contributed by corporations, other countries, Diddy, Jay-Z, etc to the Red Cross. If you are able, go down to the shelters and make your contributions directly to those who need the money RIGHT NOW. Those who can not afford to wait for days and weeks for FEMA and the Red Cross to process their paperwork.

Hell on Earth! Right here in America...

Memorable Scenes: Katrina
http://www.nbc10.com

Zuri Franklin's feet are wrinkled from days in the water, in the attic and on the roof of her family's New Orlean's home. She and seven other family members were plucked from their roof by a rescue helicopter.

A collection of scenes that have amazed, impressed, and horrified us over the past few days:

• At least seven dead bodies were scattered among the thousands of storm evacuees who'd been waiting for days outside the New Orleans Convention Center. One man, pointing to a dead woman in a wheelchair, said, "I don't treat my dog like that. I buried my dog." An old man lay dead in a chaise lounge in a grassy median, as hungry babies wailed around him.
• The Coast Guard said that when helicopters tried to take people out of New Orleans hospitals, they were shot at by people demanding that the choppers come to rescue their own family members.
• In coastal Mississippi, refrigerated mobile morgues cruised around like garbage trucks, picking up bodies left on sidewalks and in front yards. Family members tried to treat the bodies with respect, wrapping them in curtains or sheets they can find in the debris.
• For those who sought refuge in the New Orleans convention center, it became just another part of the nightmare. Police Chief Eddie Compass said some of the thousands trapped there are being raped, and others beaten. He says hotels have sent away their tourists and are being "preyed upon." The chief says he sent in officers to quell the situation, but they were quickly beaten back by an angry mob.
• The street outside the New Orleans convention center is choked with dirty diapers, old bottles and garbage, and it smells of urine and feces. People chanted, "Help, help!" as reporters and photographers walked through. The crowd got angry when journalists tried to photograph one of the dead bodies, and covered it over with a blanket. A woman, screaming, went on the front steps of the convention center and led the crowd in reciting the 23rd Psalm.
• A visiting sheriff's detective from Florida says he saw people wave down a squad car near the convention center last night. The car slowed down, and the crowd swarmed -- causing the officer to drive off and return with other officers. He says the officers told the crowd, "Everybody down, or we're going to shoot" -- and the people scattered.
• One looter sobbed as she took items from a store's shelves and put them into plastic garbage bags to take to her shelter. She was taking children's clothing and snack foods, but couldn't find any water. Another woman on a bicycle rode up to a drug store and asked if people were being arrested. When told that they weren't, she said she was a diabetic and that she needed test strips.
• A tourist trapped in a New Orleans hotel says "No one really knows what to do." Susan Dewey says "The people who are left are just going and breaking into stores." She says you see people dragging bags of shoes, then later, "you would see piles of shoe boxes." Dewey thought she'd found a way out when she banded with hundreds of other tourists to hire ten buses for $25,000. But, after waiting hours, they learned government officials had commandeered the buses to evacuate others.
• There are also acts of kindness. One woman was seen using a broken-up soda carton to fan a woman in a wheelchair, trying to keep her cool. In an apparent bid to lift her spirits, she kept asking the woman if she wanted ice cream, or a cola. Someone commandeered a golf cart from the convention center and drove off, carrying the woman in a wheelchair.
• For the evacuees arriving at the Houston Astrodome from New Orleans, a shower in one of the stadium's four locker rooms was a welcome relief. But for Audree Lee, it was a relief as well to hear the voice of her teen-age daughter for the first time since the storm. She says she and her daughter both cried, and that the girl asked about her dog. She says, "They wouldn't let me take her dog with me...I know the dog is gone now."
• Reporters and politicians in the area devastated by the hurricane are being begged by survivors to pass information to their families. Louisiana's Lieutenant Governor Mitch Landrieu had a pocket full of scraps of paper on which he scribbled down phone numbers. This morning, he contacted a woman whose father had been rescued, and told her, "Your daddy's alive, and he said to tell you he loves you." He says the woman started crying and said, "I thought he was dead."

Get Them Out of There!

My Mood: Disappointed
I am listening to: The news...CBC News Conference on Katrina

I have tried hard to reserve my comments concerning Katrina, but I can't hold it anymore. I have become obsessed with watching the news...just like I did on 9/11...maybe that is part of my problem. When I look at those photos, I can not believe that this is a city in America....it looks like a third-world country.

I am just so tired of hearing about and seeing the same photos and reports about the looters! Let those people take as much food and supplies that they can carry! Why should it just sit there and rot. Those stores will not be opening anytime soon, if ever again. For those taking the TVs and sneakers...who cares! The merchandise is already ruined and will just be written off on insurance anyway. I cannot believe the Mayor ordered a large number of officers to leave the search and rescue efforts so that they could stop the looters....WTF?

Some of these news commentators who are covering this seem so patronizing and cynical. All that they keep showing over and over again is all the unlawfulness. It has gotten so bad because there does not seem to be anyone in charge. These people are desperate and not receiving any information or help in an organized manner....how else do you expect them to act?!

What if you had no food, water, electricity, cell phone and no outside communication with the world? All that you can see is what is around you. You do not have the slightest idea what is going on and how to get out of there...and no one is telling you. All that you see is cops and National Guardsman rolling up with rifles drawn...

These people have no idea that we are watching and that we care and are trying to do something.

The government keeps saying...we are getting ready to do this and that....but we can’t get down there....well, how in the world are all these news people getting down there to broadcast???

Jesse Jackson made a statement saying that instead of worry about someone looting a TV in New Orleans, we need to be worried about the looting that is occurring at the gas stations across the country! Did you know that gas went up to $6.00 in ATL yesterday....price gouging at its best.

They are planning to bring about 400 folks here to stay in the DC Armory. I will be getting together all of my clothes that I plan to donate and find out how I can take them to the armory this weekend. I also plan to donate some toiletries. I just keep thinking about the women...I mean we have person needs to take care of....how are they coping?

The government and big corporations need to get moving…
Get these bottled water companies down there!
Get Southwest, Delta and these other commercial airlines down there to fly these people up out of there!
Get Gerber down there to give food to the babies!
What about the Cruise ships? Get those people out of there!

Age ain't nothing but a number...right?

Mood: Blah!
I am listening to: ‘Pieces of Me’ - Go-Go Version
I am reading: Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Finally!)

I just finished reading "The Interruption of Everything" by Terry McMillan and it was great! I think that it started a little slow, but picked up quickly. The plot was a nice change from the usual black fiction themes. If you're looking for something else to read that's not centered on the usual, I would suggest "72 Hour Hold" by Bebe Moore Campbell.

As progressive black women (no matter what age), is it realistic to think that we can date someone within the same age range and be compatible? Is it really true that both sexes mature at different levels? If so, should we aim to date someone older or younger? I have heard younger in order to be more compatible in the bedroom...supposedly men are at their peak earlier than women. I have also heard that we should date older...in order to find a man who is more stable in his career and ready to settle down. Supposedly, women get to this peak first.

No matter what the answer is to any of these questions, I think that it should be my choice. I don’t have a problem with an age difference. I have dated someone 10 years older....but...I didn’t know he was that much older until a little while into it. And this was not because he lied, it was because I assumed. He seemed my age, so I didn’t bother to ask. When I did finally ask...I was shocked. Eventually, I think that it did make a difference, but that’s another story....lol

Since then, I have never assumed age and always asked. But what should you do if you do ask, and are told an untruth that is discovered later? The issue is not with the age difference, but with the deception. The age difference is such a minor point, it makes me question what major things you would feel necessary to hide?

Anyone have any tales of age deception?...By you or someone else?