Baseball Anyone?

I forgot how much fun baseball games can be. The O's/Yankees game was my second of the season and it was a blast. For a moment, I thought the game would be cancelled because of the rain, but the rain cleared up and it was batter up time. We had box suite tickets, which I had never experienced before. The funny thing is we went to the wrong suite and I just kept looking for our friend or any familiar face, but I didn't see anyone. They were looking at us like we were nuts, especially when they asked who we were with, and we couldn't really say - the brain just shut down. Then they glanced at our ticket and let us know we were on the wrong side of the stadium. How embarassing! But it was cool. Once we got to the right suite, everything was all good.

A box suite is a different way to see a baseball game. I think everyone should experience it at least once. Admittedly, at first I felt a little isolated from the crowd and the game atmosphere, but the crab cakes made it all better! There is a private bathroom and the food comes to you. Appetizers, main course and dessert and a few choice spirited and nonspirited beverages. There are also two monitors, one is real time (which is outside) and the other is cable, which has a slight delay.

The game itself was a lot of fun. I am a Yankee hater and I have become a little fond of the O's. It was great because my friend loves the Yankees, so there is a natural rivalry. The O's started off the game by giving up two runs. They stayed down for most of the game, but they had an 8th inning rally which tied the game at 4 a piece. The game went into extra innings and my Yankee loving friend left just before the bottom of the 10th. I bet he hadn't made it to the parking lot when the first pitch was thrown and Brian Roberts belted it out the park for the O's. The fact that the O's won was great.

The game was a lot of fun. I enjoyed hanging out with my buddy and even better picking at my Yankee loving friend and watching the Yanks go down! Maybe I'll give this live baseball thing a few more tries this season.

Stay American Baby

The Dave Matthews show was awesome! They looked like they were having so much fun on stage. The videography was fantastic. I couldn't help but notice. I would have loved to be on camera for that, they got some awesome shots. Drunk white people dancing - hilarious! It was good times. Except for one thing...there is no way ever in the world that I will ever go back to the Nissan Pavilion! That was the most ridiculous traffic debacle I have ever seen. Getting there was a feat, we missed part of the show. Then they only had one line open at the ticket counter and getting out - well I actually thought the sun might come up before we left. We sat in the parking lot for 2 hours - just waiting. We didn't move, we just idled. Oh and there is only one way in and one way out and even better it is a two lane road. Who in the world planned this? It was one big cluster (you know what) I don't care who is playing there, I won't be catching them there. I got home a little after 3am, but I couldn't sleep because I was so afraid of oversleeping. I set the alarm, but for 7pm, but fortunately I was already awake. That would have been disastrous. Miraculously, I made it to work on time. I think God took pity on me and gave me one of the best commutes ever. Even more miraculous is that I stayed awake all day and managed to be coherent. I don't want my new co-workers thinking I am some sort of basket case.

Dave and Band, please, please, please next time go to MCI or Meriweather. I love you, but I can't endure that type of misery ever again.

Now it is off to sleep.

Me and Dave

I had pretty much given up, but Ali convinced me to look online for tickets. They were sold out earlier this week, but they must have released a few more and we got pretty good seats. In just a few hours, I will be headed to the Nissan Pavillion to see The Dave Matthews Band. I am pretty excited. I was going to go to the African Festival in Baltimore instead, but now that I have these tickets, I will have to wait until next year for the festival. I am so excited.

This has been a fun weekend. I went to the Nationals game with some of my softball team and a special someone and had a great time. Then it was good times at Susanna's Studiowarming party. She has a great place. Right in the heart of the city and she decorated it so cute. It was good seeing everyone again, if only for a moment. I went to FAMU's alumni picnic and it was a little awkward because I didn't know a lot of people there, but after playing spades it was ok.

I rested last night - I am not as young as I used to be and certain people like to keep me out way past my bedtime, so I haven't slept in awhile. I am going to rest up for tonight in between looking for a place.

Between You and Me

Thanks for telling me. I already knew, or at least strongly suspected, but I am glad you trusted me enough to let me know. As long as you want it to be a secret, it is safe with me.

Please Validate Me

I thought it was interesting that someone was peering through my CD collection and saw a copy of The Backstreet Boys - millennium. I sensed that this was not acceptable to the person as she shrieked in horror and said, "I thought I was weird"

Since when did I become the measuring stick for weirdness? You are weird! And that has nothing to do with me. Yes, I am a little different too, but it is those differences that make me who I am. I would never use a word like "weird" to describe me, it has a negative connotation and suggests that I should not be ok with my uniqueness.

And yes, I like the Backstreet Boys. A couple of their songs work well for me. I am not going to apologize for it. I am not a member of their fan club, since I think that is juvenile and I have better things to do with my time (like blogging).

I like all kinds of music, always have. I guess that did make me strange that I liked more than just rap and r&b as a teenager. Besides, I am black and apparently I am only allowed to like black artists. That seemed to be the unwritten rule for high school and maybe even college, at least in my region.

I have always been an independent thinker. There is no way I would have ever (or will I ever) allow someone to tell me what I should or shouldn't like (except advertisers - they are pretty clever) I like what I like. I don't expect everyone to like what I like and vice versa, but I hope we can accept each others' differences without resorting to name calling.

It's Official

I am addicted to caffeine. I have been depending on it to get me through this time transition and I didn't have any this morning and voila - a headache. As soon as I had my tea, I was back to normal.

Headlines

Supreme Court Rules Cities May Seize Homes

WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court ruled Thursday that local governments may seize people's homes and businesses against their will for private development in a decision anxiously awaited in communities where economic growth often is at war with individual property rights.

The 5-4 ruling - assailed by dissenting Justice Sanday Day O'Connor as handing "disproportionate influence and power" to the well-heeled in America - was a defeat for some Connecticut residents whose homes are slated for destruction to make room for an office complex. They had argued that cities have no right to take their land except for projects with a clear public use, such as roads or schools, or to revitalize blighted areas.

As a result, cities now have wide power to bulldoze residences for projects such as shopping malls and hotel complexes in order to generate tax revenue.....

Isn't that nice? The government can take "your" property when ever it wants to for apparently whatever it wants to....

To see the rest of the article, please click: http://news.yahoo.com/fc/us/supreme_court



Ex-Klansman Gets 60 Years for 1964 Murders

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS, Associated Press Writer

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. - One-time Ku Klux Klan leader Edgar Ray Killen was sentenced to the maximum 60 years in prison Thursday for masterminding the 1964 slayings of three civil rights workers.

Circuit Judge Marcus Gordon on sentenced Killen to 20-year terms on each of three counts of manslaughter. Gordon said the terms will run consecutively.

Killen, 80, was convicted Tuesday, 41 years after Michael Schwerner, James Chaney and Andrew Goodman were killed.

Killen sat in a wheelchair as the judge announced the sentence. The judge said he took no pleasure in the task and said the law makes no distinction on the defendant's age at the time of sentencing.....


What can I say about this one? Better late than never....I don't think so. This dude is 80 years old...he has already lived out most of his life. This sentence came 41 years after the murders occured. This sentence is clearly symbolic, because there is no way Killen can serve the entire term.

The thing that upsets me about this one is I don't feel like justice was really served. I am glad that he was convicted, and I am glad they have acknowledged the lives of his 3 victims. But as a member of the KKK, there is no telling how many people Killen victimized throughout his miserable life and it is unfortunate that he was allowed to continue living out his normal life for all these years.

If this sounds harsh, let me offer a little background. My family was relentlessly threatened, harrassed and pursued by the KKK back in the 1940s. My grandpa feared for his life and eventually moved our family from Alabama to Florida. My family was uprooted because of a bunch of criminals; but sadly there actions weren't even considered a crime. But I digress

For more of the article, click here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/06/23/AR2005062300295.html

It's Been a Long Time

I know it has been awhile since last I wrote. The truth is I have been busy and when I haven't been busy, I have been asleep, and when I wasn't asleep, I was tired. There is much to tell and I am not sure where to begin.

First the new job: It's cool. I am learning a lot. I'm learning more about this one particular program than I ever wanted to know ;). I like everyone, so that's cool. I had one crazy shoot on Friday - I felt myself getting an attitude, so I had to step outside for a little air. But other than that, things have been good.

On to other things - Are we....dare I say it....dating? If so, I didn't get the memo. Things are real cool with us, we are spending a lot of time together and I am ok with that. The D word scares me a little, because I wasn't really planning on it. I think I will chill for a bit. Besides, I am enjoying getting to know you.

Mr. Wonderful, Can you please stop calling me? I don't care if it is just to talk. What in the world do we possibly have to talk about? I am sure I said I don't want to be friends. So...are you just going to ignore that, like everything else I've ever said to you. I don't want to work anything out. I am so far past that point.

Busy as a Bee: My weekend was packed. Friday - happy hour and film entitled "flip the script" It was fun. I ran into Latoure, which was less than pleasant, but I got through it with my dignity intact. Softball on Saturday, which was a debacle considering I struck out and what's worse is I play for my former company and we were playing my current company. How embarrassing! We lost horribly. Actually it took real talent to lose both games the way we did... Going away party for a friend - she is moving to NYC. Hung out until the wee hours of the morning, but not with her the whole time. Then Atlantic city on Sunday with Ali and Diane*. That was interesting. The thing is, I haven't really seen Diane since college and she hasn't changed a bit. It was a little scary since I haven't been in college in 10 years. Things that are cute in your twenties don't necessarily cut it in your thirties, but that is quite another story. Got home so late, I was a mess on Monday.

Thought I was going to the Dave Matthews concert this Sunday and I was really hyped about it, but my plans fell through. I have to make or buy potato salad for the alumni picnic Saturday. Chances are, I will be buying it, since I think potato salad or anything made with mayonnaise or mustard is disgusting and I have never made it before. So gross. I wanted to bring ice! Oh well, it should be a good time.

My body is still adjusting to the new schedule, but I am slowing feeling normal. Looking for a new place and possibly a roommate. We will see. Ali has potential, because I wouldn't have to use my car, but that room is kinda small. I have to give that a little more thought.

That's the skinny for now, I have more to tell, but for now this will have to do.

Natural Wonder

I am so tempted to get a relaxer. I just don't know what to do with this stuff - if I could just make it through the summer....

Back to the Real World

It was hard to leave home this morning. Even though it wasn't a vacation for me, it wasn't easy to leave my mom. I wanted to stay until she was back to her normal self. She is doing much better than before, she is eating full meals and even cracking a joke or two. I hope that everything goes well with her follow-up. It must have been difficult for her to rely on someone else. She has always been so independent. I have to admit, there were times when I was a little afraid - like when I couldn't get her to eat, but soon her appetite returned and all was better.

I haven't watched as much tv as I did this past week. I fell in love with The Next Food Network Star and I watched more MTV than is believable. MTV is genius television. The productions are cheap yet entertaining.

Now I must get ready for my last three days, but I'd rather sleep.

Meet the Local DryCleaner

I guess it is official. I now have a job which will require me to visit the drycleaners every now and again. I have been spoiled up until now. Jeans was my wardrobe staple and even now I find myself searching for them as I browse for a couple of new career outfits. Although I was told that the dress is casual, most of my new co-workers dress professionally, so I will have to kick it up a notch.

I haven't even started my new job yet, and already I have made plans for my first Friday night out. I am so excited, I don't know what to do. I am also planning on taking a dance class, because if you have ever seen me dance....it is hilarious. I am thinking either salsa or ballroom. Maybe a pottery class and then in the fall, I will join the kickball league. I will be able to meet with people after work and maybe just maybe have a real date! It will be great to have more of a life outside of work.

Although this job will move me out of my comfort zone a little and I am sure seems like a crazy move to some, the possibility of enhancing my personal life is worth the risks. The expectation level is higher for me, but I have always loved a challenge. I love television, and I feel like this brings me one step closer to being the next super producer/showrunner.... Who knows where this can lead?

Under the Radar

Today, a close friend of mine revealed something to me that surprised me. I am glad she told me and I am glad she is taking steps towards healing. I marvel at how I didn't see this coming. When I think back on some of our past conversations, the signs were there, I just didn't solve for x. How could I have not realized....I was so focused on one of the symptoms, a very disturbing symptom, but it still didn't get to the root of the problem.

I know that the first step is often the hardest when taking on a problem or starting a journey. I wish I could be there with her, but I hope she knows that I am with her in spirit. I am proud of her for taking that first step and I will support her as she and God work through this.

God Bless the Child

I am completely obssessed with my finances and my singleness, and I haven't allowed much time for anything else.

I hate to admit it, but I had second thoughts about going to the wedding because of the financial aspects of it. I am happy I went, but there were times when I had ruled it out.

My numbers are starting to make more sense and I am starting to see a light at the end of a very dark tunnel. I have been playing catch up for so long, it seems like I am finally starting to make progress. I have officially paid off one of my credit cards! One down, one to go. The thing is, the one I just paid off is offering 0% balance transfers until June 2006 and a low fixed rate afterward, so I am thinking I should transfer my other balance and close that account.

Since I took a new job, I now have to figure out what to do with all my 401K contributions. I now have 2 and I have to wait 6 months before I can contribute to my new job's plan. In the meantime, I wonder if there is a way I can contribute to an IRA pre-tax. Retirement plans confuse me somewhat, I just know I need to sock away as much as possible. I don't really want to lose 6 months.....

Of course, as soon as I get a raise, I get a notice that my rent will increase $100/mo with the renewal of my lease. I couldn't quite wrap my brain around that, considering, I will now have to commute longer and I did actually want to keep some of my raise for myself. So I put in my 60 day notice, so I will have to move again...closer to the city.

It would be a great idea for me to get a roommate, but I have fallen in love with living alone. I forgot how great that was! Everyone that I would have wanted to live with have just moved, so my timing is just a little off... I may try to find a roommate, I can only hope they are clean, sane, responsible and someone with whom I can be friends. My friend suggested roommates.com, so I suppose I will check it out. The thing is, despite my obssession with saving money, I want to live with someone that I will consider a friend. I like harmony. I don't want to feel like I have to lock my door or hide my food - I have had some gruesome roommate drama in the past. Granted, my last roommate was fantastic. She was a godsend. If I can find someone like her, then I would consider myself lucky. Well I have until August to figure it out.

I haven't been the best friend lately, but sometimes I feel like I have to get myself together first....

Since I have spent the last two days almost 100% focused on someone else, it has changed my perspective somewhat. It gives me a tiny glimpse of what parenting would be like. It's not that bad, but it seems a little scary to know that you are solely responsible for the well-being of a another human being. I have a whole new respect for single parents.....

Back in Bush Country or Home Sweet Home

Everytime I come home I am reminded just what the world of rednecks, pick up trucks and the Bible Belt can do an area. It's like walking into a time warp. Even still, this is home - a place I will always remember as home because my heart is here. But it doesn't matter how much my relatives suggest that it would be a good idea to move back, I can assure them that unless there is some sort of catastrophe, the chances are slim that I will ever move back here. I don't want my children growing up in the Bible Belt, nor do I want to subject myself to such lunacy. I want them to be exposed to all kinds of people and learn to co-exist with people of other cultures, creeds and faiths.

That is not to say that I don't enjoy my visits. A well-timed visit is perfect. My mom had a medical procedure today, so I came home to help out. Nothing too serious, but I wanted to be here. It is hard to believe and accept that my mom is getting older. Of course she is still the same person, but she drives a little slower and squints a little more. I think the thing that disturbs me the most is she talks about her will more often now and has put me on all of her accounts, just in case. She is also drafting a living will and giving me power of attorney. I realize all of this is necessary, it is just.... overwhelming. It's like I am having to accept the ideal that we may not always be together, and that is not easy to contemplate.

I am hoping that we have a lot more years together. For now, I am enjoying our time together and hoping that this visit is the beginning of a fresh start for her.