It was the third of September.
That day I'll always remember, yes I will.
'Cause that was the day that my daddy died.
I never got a chance to see him.
Never heard nothing but bad things about him.
Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth.
- "Papa was a Rolling Stone" - The Temptations
My thoughts are multifaceted today. First off my thoughts and prayers go out to Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy and his family as they deal with the loss of their son, James. I am sure more details of what happened are forthcoming, but now is not the time or place for rumors and other malicious thoughts about the Dungy family. I cannot think of a better public role model for African Americans and just people in general, and it is certainly a tragedy to lose a child especially during the holidays. I watched several programs on TV seeing Tony interact with this children, and it is truly inspirational to see a good parent despite all of the pressures of the media and his workplace.
Having said that, my thoughts today really surround some of my female friends that happen to have children. One in particular is having to deal with unforseen medical expenses, and the father is no where to be found (and legally responsible for the medical insurance of course). Another friend has been forced to retain a lawyer simply to get child support for their child. It makes me sick to my stomach to see these women have to struggle because these weak ass men can't man up enough to throw a little money in the mail for their defenseless child that's totally oblivious to the situation. You've been blessed with the gift of life, and you're wasting time not trying to spend every moment you can with your child. Regardless of your relationship with the mother - you liked her enough to concieve a child. There aren't enough Tony Dungy's to go around the world - so quit making excuses for why you can't pay for this or you can't come visit, and be a man and a father to your child. All you're doing is creating a vicious cycle of children that hate their father, and in turn take that frustration out on the men that they interact with in their adult life (for girls), or end up mistreating women because they don't know any better (for boys). No one is asking you to be Bill Cosby - just accept the responsibility and be a parent. It's not that hard - and you might find out that you like it.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Monday, December 12, 2005
Once I used to believe I was such a great romancer...
"Once I used to believe I was such a great romancer.
Then I came home to a woman that I could not recognize.
When I pressed her for a reason,
She refused to even answer.
It was then I felt the stranger kick me right between the eyes." - Billy Joel
One thing about being single is the fact that you have to make too many decisions. There are too many possible better choices just around the corner. Being an indecisive Libra, having so many choices can make me uncomfortable, and usually ends up with me not making the best choice for me. This weekend turned out to be an instance when my making the wrong choice didn't come back to hurt me in the end (at least it hasn't yet).
Friday, I was supposed to be meeting a young lady after work and got stood up. To add insult to injury, while I was waiting at the meeting place, my ex walks in and does everything in her power to ignore me (Apparently, we aren't at a point where we can be civil with each other, but that's another conversation.). At that point I was completely thrown out of sorts and really just wanted to go home. Before I did that, I called a special friend of mine that I have gone out on a few dates with before. Our conversations have been some of the most stimulating conversations that I have had in a very, very, very long time. She's even gotten me to learn a few Merengue and Bachata steps - and any of my friends should be incredibly impressed with that. When I am with her, I feel like I can talk about anything for once in my life and not feel like I am being constantly judged. I felt bad about calling her because I didn't want her to feel like she was a last resort or something. We already talked about taking things slow and seeing other people in the meantime, but it took someone standing me up to realize what I had in front of my eyes already - and I thank the both of you for my education this weekend.
I always have to be careful using someone else's words to convey my thoughts, but I think that my dating experience over the past few years has been summed up very well by Billy Joel in his song, "The Stranger":
Well, we all have a face that we hide away forever
And we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone.
Some are satin, some are steel,
Some are silk and some are leather.
They're the faces of a stranger,
But we'd love to try them on.
Well, we all fall in love,
But we disregard the danger,
Though we share so many secrets,
There are some we never tell.
Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger?
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again.
Everyone goes south every now and then.
You've done it.
Why can't someone else?
You should know by now.
You've been there yourself.
Once I used to believe I was such a great romancer.
Then I came home to a woman that I could not recognize.
When I pressed her for a reason,
She refused to even answer.
It was then I felt the stranger kick me right between the eyes.
Well, we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself.
Don't be afraid to try again.
Everyone goes south every now and then.
You've done it.
Why can't someone else?
You should know by now.
You've been there yourself.
You may never understand how the stranger is inspired.
But he isn't always evil and he is not always wrong.
Though you drown in good intensions,
You will never quench the fire.
You'll give in to your desire when the stranger comes along
...
One thing that I need to learn (especially with my indecisiveness) is that we all still put on the face of a stranger when we are dating, and to stop looking for some greener grass and instead try to cultivate the grass I'm on already. I've been giving into my desire too much and not giving the time and respect that certain people are worthy of. That is something that will definitely change starting now - no need to wait until next month for a resolution.
Then I came home to a woman that I could not recognize.
When I pressed her for a reason,
She refused to even answer.
It was then I felt the stranger kick me right between the eyes." - Billy Joel
One thing about being single is the fact that you have to make too many decisions. There are too many possible better choices just around the corner. Being an indecisive Libra, having so many choices can make me uncomfortable, and usually ends up with me not making the best choice for me. This weekend turned out to be an instance when my making the wrong choice didn't come back to hurt me in the end (at least it hasn't yet).
Friday, I was supposed to be meeting a young lady after work and got stood up. To add insult to injury, while I was waiting at the meeting place, my ex walks in and does everything in her power to ignore me (Apparently, we aren't at a point where we can be civil with each other, but that's another conversation.). At that point I was completely thrown out of sorts and really just wanted to go home. Before I did that, I called a special friend of mine that I have gone out on a few dates with before. Our conversations have been some of the most stimulating conversations that I have had in a very, very, very long time. She's even gotten me to learn a few Merengue and Bachata steps - and any of my friends should be incredibly impressed with that. When I am with her, I feel like I can talk about anything for once in my life and not feel like I am being constantly judged. I felt bad about calling her because I didn't want her to feel like she was a last resort or something. We already talked about taking things slow and seeing other people in the meantime, but it took someone standing me up to realize what I had in front of my eyes already - and I thank the both of you for my education this weekend.
I always have to be careful using someone else's words to convey my thoughts, but I think that my dating experience over the past few years has been summed up very well by Billy Joel in his song, "The Stranger":
Well, we all have a face that we hide away forever
And we take them out and show ourselves when everyone has gone.
Some are satin, some are steel,
Some are silk and some are leather.
They're the faces of a stranger,
But we'd love to try them on.
Well, we all fall in love,
But we disregard the danger,
Though we share so many secrets,
There are some we never tell.
Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger?
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself?
Don't be afraid to try again.
Everyone goes south every now and then.
You've done it.
Why can't someone else?
You should know by now.
You've been there yourself.
Once I used to believe I was such a great romancer.
Then I came home to a woman that I could not recognize.
When I pressed her for a reason,
She refused to even answer.
It was then I felt the stranger kick me right between the eyes.
Well, we all fall in love
But we disregard the danger
Though we share so many secrets
There are some we never tell
Why were you so surprised that you never saw the stranger
Did you ever let your lover see the stranger in yourself.
Don't be afraid to try again.
Everyone goes south every now and then.
You've done it.
Why can't someone else?
You should know by now.
You've been there yourself.
You may never understand how the stranger is inspired.
But he isn't always evil and he is not always wrong.
Though you drown in good intensions,
You will never quench the fire.
You'll give in to your desire when the stranger comes along
...
One thing that I need to learn (especially with my indecisiveness) is that we all still put on the face of a stranger when we are dating, and to stop looking for some greener grass and instead try to cultivate the grass I'm on already. I've been giving into my desire too much and not giving the time and respect that certain people are worthy of. That is something that will definitely change starting now - no need to wait until next month for a resolution.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
There’s, like, a civil war going on with black people, and there’s two sides.
"There’s, like, a civil war going on with black people, and there’s two sides. There’s black people, and there’s n-----s. And n-----s have to go." - Chris Rock
I have been told on several occasions that you are only the sum of your experiences. My experiences growing up had me getting on a bus at damn near the crack of dawn in southwest Atlanta and getting some education up in Buckhead at Morris Brandon Elementary, Sutton Middle, and North Fulton High (later known at North Atlanta High).
During those years, I can't begin to count the number of fights that I had to avoid with the kids that I would play with near my house simply because of the way I talked. Kids turning their nose up at me and asking "Why you talk so proper?" was one of those most ridiculous questions you could ever ask me. It's like asking a fish "Why are you in the water?" - it's natural to me. Why does it matter that I choose to annunciate when I talk? Why didn't these kids ever ask my parents why THEY talk so proper? To add to the insanity, I got ridiculed on the other side of town at school for what was in essence the same thing. I recall my fourth grade teacher accusing me of plagiarism because I used the word "acknowledged" in a report... so now I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place because apparently I need to act dumb so I don't get beat up at home, and do the same thing at school so that Mrs. H doesn't know that I know what a thesaurus is at such a young age.
Too much of anything will kill you. It's a proven fact. There was a lady that tried to "wash" the cancer out of her system by drinking nothing but water and died from kidney failure. Going to fast food joints will run your cholesterol levels sky high (I know this from personal experience). There is no difference when it comes to being "too black" or "too white" or too-whatever your racial background may be. My father is fond of saying "Fear is the mind killer" all of the time - there is probably no truer statement out there. Being afraid to go beyond your own boundaries and make something of yourself will kill you. Your mind is a muscle - use it or lose it. Living your life with ignorance and hate in your heart will only serve to hurt you in the end. Those people like me and the teenager mentioned in this AJC article are going to be just fine. Perhaps those people that chastise us for not living up to the stereotypes laid before us by the media are actually there for a reason - to give us something to aspire NOT to be.
I have been told on several occasions that you are only the sum of your experiences. My experiences growing up had me getting on a bus at damn near the crack of dawn in southwest Atlanta and getting some education up in Buckhead at Morris Brandon Elementary, Sutton Middle, and North Fulton High (later known at North Atlanta High).
During those years, I can't begin to count the number of fights that I had to avoid with the kids that I would play with near my house simply because of the way I talked. Kids turning their nose up at me and asking "Why you talk so proper?" was one of those most ridiculous questions you could ever ask me. It's like asking a fish "Why are you in the water?" - it's natural to me. Why does it matter that I choose to annunciate when I talk? Why didn't these kids ever ask my parents why THEY talk so proper? To add to the insanity, I got ridiculed on the other side of town at school for what was in essence the same thing. I recall my fourth grade teacher accusing me of plagiarism because I used the word "acknowledged" in a report... so now I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place because apparently I need to act dumb so I don't get beat up at home, and do the same thing at school so that Mrs. H doesn't know that I know what a thesaurus is at such a young age.
Too much of anything will kill you. It's a proven fact. There was a lady that tried to "wash" the cancer out of her system by drinking nothing but water and died from kidney failure. Going to fast food joints will run your cholesterol levels sky high (I know this from personal experience). There is no difference when it comes to being "too black" or "too white" or too-whatever your racial background may be. My father is fond of saying "Fear is the mind killer" all of the time - there is probably no truer statement out there. Being afraid to go beyond your own boundaries and make something of yourself will kill you. Your mind is a muscle - use it or lose it. Living your life with ignorance and hate in your heart will only serve to hurt you in the end. Those people like me and the teenager mentioned in this AJC article are going to be just fine. Perhaps those people that chastise us for not living up to the stereotypes laid before us by the media are actually there for a reason - to give us something to aspire NOT to be.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Some say Atlanta...
“Some say Atlanta…
some say New York…
some say Paris, France but…
Who knows… where this flower… grows” – André 3000
Just a short entry this week as I am preparing to enjoy my Holiday weekend with some family here in Atlanta, and some good friends down in Florida. This past weekend I sprained my foot going down some stairs (don’t ask) and missed the U2 concert because of it. Not wanting to take the time off from work, I drove my parent’s car to work so I wouldn’t have to mess with the clutch since my injured foot would be pressing the clutch all day long. I had been driving their car for three days when I noticed there was a CD in the CD player. I decided to play it not knowing what my folks had been listening to last. I was expecting some Smokey Robinson (he shares birthdays with my mother) or some Moody Blues or some other classic rock band…
I almost hit a car laughing as the intro to “The Love Below” started playing. All I can say is don’t sleep on my parents. I won’t expect any G-Unit or Yin Yang Twinz in there anytime soon (Eminem might get a little airplay actually), but I definitely won’t be making anymore assumptions about my parent’s musical preferences.
Thanks to all of you that have been checking in and reading my random rants – please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
some say New York…
some say Paris, France but…
Who knows… where this flower… grows” – André 3000
Just a short entry this week as I am preparing to enjoy my Holiday weekend with some family here in Atlanta, and some good friends down in Florida. This past weekend I sprained my foot going down some stairs (don’t ask) and missed the U2 concert because of it. Not wanting to take the time off from work, I drove my parent’s car to work so I wouldn’t have to mess with the clutch since my injured foot would be pressing the clutch all day long. I had been driving their car for three days when I noticed there was a CD in the CD player. I decided to play it not knowing what my folks had been listening to last. I was expecting some Smokey Robinson (he shares birthdays with my mother) or some Moody Blues or some other classic rock band…
I almost hit a car laughing as the intro to “The Love Below” started playing. All I can say is don’t sleep on my parents. I won’t expect any G-Unit or Yin Yang Twinz in there anytime soon (Eminem might get a little airplay actually), but I definitely won’t be making anymore assumptions about my parent’s musical preferences.
Thanks to all of you that have been checking in and reading my random rants – please have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
“Hit the road Jack – and don’t cha come back no more no more no more no more…” – Ray Charles
We all have experienced our share of road rage – both sides of it… When someone does something stupid, all you want to see is a police officer. This morning, my wish came true when this guy in a minivan jumps into the HOV lane, slowing down traffic for us in the lane already (my mother was traveling with me in case you’re wondering what I’m doing in the HOV lane). This guy slows down traffic again less than half a mile later as he tries to get out of the HOV lane as he spots a police officer sitting next to the retaining wall.
Fate would have it that the officer would need to get on the highway – and yours truly just happened to be in position to let him back on the highway, and once again to let him back off the highway as he pulled the minivan over.
I hope the HOV Violation ticket is worth the extra 45 seconds the minivan driver saved by impeding everyone in the carpool lane. Now I realize that I’m not one to talk considering the number of speeding tickets and other various infractions I have on my record, but the fact still remains – 75/85 in the morning is going to be packed unless it’s a weekend morning or a holiday. If you can’t get someone to ride with you so you can use the HOV lane, plan accordingly and either leave earlier and/or learn how to take the back streets. Take some time and surf Mapquest or something instead of Tiffany’s website looking at jewelry you can’t afford in the first place. Whatever you do, keep your butt out of the HOV lane unless you meet the requirements.
Fate would have it that the officer would need to get on the highway – and yours truly just happened to be in position to let him back on the highway, and once again to let him back off the highway as he pulled the minivan over.
I hope the HOV Violation ticket is worth the extra 45 seconds the minivan driver saved by impeding everyone in the carpool lane. Now I realize that I’m not one to talk considering the number of speeding tickets and other various infractions I have on my record, but the fact still remains – 75/85 in the morning is going to be packed unless it’s a weekend morning or a holiday. If you can’t get someone to ride with you so you can use the HOV lane, plan accordingly and either leave earlier and/or learn how to take the back streets. Take some time and surf Mapquest or something instead of Tiffany’s website looking at jewelry you can’t afford in the first place. Whatever you do, keep your butt out of the HOV lane unless you meet the requirements.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
"Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there." - Billy Bob Thornton
“Being perfect is not about that scoreboard out there. It's not about winning. It's about you and your relationship with yourself, your family and your friends. Being perfect is about being able to look your friends in the eye and know that you didn’t let them down because you told them the truth. And that truth is you did everything you could. There wasn’t one more thing you could've done. Can you live in that moment as best you can, with clear eyes, and love in your heart, with joy in your heart? If you can do that gentleman - you're perfect!” – Billy Bob Thornton as Coach Gary Gaines in “Friday Night Lights”
It’s one thing to watch football on TV, but it’s a totally different experience in the arena. If you think about movies like Any Given Sunday and Friday Night Lights, they try (and do a decent job I might add) about capturing the electricity in the air at football games. This weekend I truly felt that electricity in the “Swamp” of Gainesville, Florida this weekend. I got the opportunity to travel down to Gainesville with a friend of mine, her mother and her son. Her brother plays for the Vanderbilt Commodores, the visiting team. Fortunately, we were all sitting together cheering for the ‘Dores… I honestly didn’t think that Vandy had a shot in hell to stay in the game, but at halftime the score was tied at 14. Vanderbilt overcame 2 turnovers that the Gators turned into 14 points to tie the game at regulation, and forced overtime. In the second overtime, Vandy lost with an interception, ending the game with a score of 49-42. By far this was one of the best games that I have seen in person, but it was truly heartbreaking for the game to end the way it did. What I saw next is the part that you don’t get to see on TV – and it never will.
All of the Vanderbilt fans and family members waited for the players to come out from the locker room to congratulate them. Watching younger siblings hugging their older brother, the mothers hugging ALL of the players as they came out – all kinds of emotion that I simply do not have the vocabulary to express to all of you. I tried to avoid saying how touched I was by the scene, but that's exactly how I felt - touched. These players left their hearts out on the field, and it showed in the majority of the team's demeanor while heading to the buses. When I got back to Atlanta, I was so exausted that I slept from 8:00 pm to 5:30 the next morning. How my friend and her family traveled to those games week in and week out for four years is absolutely beyond me. The physical and emotional energy around that place is intoxicating when you have a vested interest in the team. I don't think that I have cheered that hard for the Falcons in the past. Even thought the outcome of the game wasn’t perfect, my weekend couldn’t have been closer to that word in quite some time. Thanks go out to my friend and her family for inviting me this weekend!
It’s one thing to watch football on TV, but it’s a totally different experience in the arena. If you think about movies like Any Given Sunday and Friday Night Lights, they try (and do a decent job I might add) about capturing the electricity in the air at football games. This weekend I truly felt that electricity in the “Swamp” of Gainesville, Florida this weekend. I got the opportunity to travel down to Gainesville with a friend of mine, her mother and her son. Her brother plays for the Vanderbilt Commodores, the visiting team. Fortunately, we were all sitting together cheering for the ‘Dores… I honestly didn’t think that Vandy had a shot in hell to stay in the game, but at halftime the score was tied at 14. Vanderbilt overcame 2 turnovers that the Gators turned into 14 points to tie the game at regulation, and forced overtime. In the second overtime, Vandy lost with an interception, ending the game with a score of 49-42. By far this was one of the best games that I have seen in person, but it was truly heartbreaking for the game to end the way it did. What I saw next is the part that you don’t get to see on TV – and it never will.
All of the Vanderbilt fans and family members waited for the players to come out from the locker room to congratulate them. Watching younger siblings hugging their older brother, the mothers hugging ALL of the players as they came out – all kinds of emotion that I simply do not have the vocabulary to express to all of you. I tried to avoid saying how touched I was by the scene, but that's exactly how I felt - touched. These players left their hearts out on the field, and it showed in the majority of the team's demeanor while heading to the buses. When I got back to Atlanta, I was so exausted that I slept from 8:00 pm to 5:30 the next morning. How my friend and her family traveled to those games week in and week out for four years is absolutely beyond me. The physical and emotional energy around that place is intoxicating when you have a vested interest in the team. I don't think that I have cheered that hard for the Falcons in the past. Even thought the outcome of the game wasn’t perfect, my weekend couldn’t have been closer to that word in quite some time. Thanks go out to my friend and her family for inviting me this weekend!
Thursday, November 03, 2005
“If it’s too much for ya here, then you should move!” – Robin Harris
It never ceases to amaze me how many people move to my hometown and then complain about how slow things are here, how it’s too hot, or how much their northern city is better than Atlanta. If it’s so much better up in New York or Chicago, then why are you here? Why subject yourself to the blazing summer heat, the blatant, but polite racism, and the slow pace of Atlanta? Is it because you can actually afford to live in a house with closets bigger than some New York apartments? Perhaps you would have had to wait another 10 years to get the same job with comparable pay? Whatever it is, be happy that someone had the foresight to open that business here so that YOU could have a job in my fair city.
Atlanta is probably the best thing that has ever happened to 90% of the transplants here, and all you can do is complain about how much the weather in New York is much more pleasant, or there’s more to do in Philly. Perhaps you would have known about REAL life in the ATL if you hadn’t made your decision to move here based on a weekend trip that consisted of a night out at Puffy’s Restaurant (a transplant), dancing at one of the local clubs (probably 112 since it keeps New York-esque hours) and whatever else you did during your visit… “Remember, what happens in Atlanta STAYS in Atlanta *wink wink*”
Try doing your homework about the city and finding out about the political scene beyond what time can you still buy liquor and make an informed decision about any place where you want to lay your head for more than a weekend. If you came here for college, then you’ve had plenty of time and really have nothing to complain about – you've had your chance to go several times over. It’s great to reminisce about the good old days while you were living in a 10X10 box and eating Ramen noodles, but personally, I prefer to think about my trips to the candy lady down the street from my house. Running through someone’s yard… Reading a book while laying up in the tree in my grandmother’s yard. Call it country all you want, but it worked for me, and I didn’t have a problem adjusting to life in the Big Apple or anywhere else. I missed home, but I made the best of the situation and never rubbed my disgust for those cities in the faces of those that dwelled there. Perhaps it’s the polite southerner in me.
So next time you want to compare New York or Chicago or Los Angeles to Atlanta, do us all a favor and keep your damn opinion to yourself. You never know when you’re going to run into someone that subscribes to André 3000 and Big Boi’s anthem, “Talk bad about the A-Town, and I’ll bust you in ya f%#*in mouth!”
And before I forget, Welcome to Atlanta.
Atlanta is probably the best thing that has ever happened to 90% of the transplants here, and all you can do is complain about how much the weather in New York is much more pleasant, or there’s more to do in Philly. Perhaps you would have known about REAL life in the ATL if you hadn’t made your decision to move here based on a weekend trip that consisted of a night out at Puffy’s Restaurant (a transplant), dancing at one of the local clubs (probably 112 since it keeps New York-esque hours) and whatever else you did during your visit… “Remember, what happens in Atlanta STAYS in Atlanta *wink wink*”
Try doing your homework about the city and finding out about the political scene beyond what time can you still buy liquor and make an informed decision about any place where you want to lay your head for more than a weekend. If you came here for college, then you’ve had plenty of time and really have nothing to complain about – you've had your chance to go several times over. It’s great to reminisce about the good old days while you were living in a 10X10 box and eating Ramen noodles, but personally, I prefer to think about my trips to the candy lady down the street from my house. Running through someone’s yard… Reading a book while laying up in the tree in my grandmother’s yard. Call it country all you want, but it worked for me, and I didn’t have a problem adjusting to life in the Big Apple or anywhere else. I missed home, but I made the best of the situation and never rubbed my disgust for those cities in the faces of those that dwelled there. Perhaps it’s the polite southerner in me.
So next time you want to compare New York or Chicago or Los Angeles to Atlanta, do us all a favor and keep your damn opinion to yourself. You never know when you’re going to run into someone that subscribes to André 3000 and Big Boi’s anthem, “Talk bad about the A-Town, and I’ll bust you in ya f%#*in mouth!”
And before I forget, Welcome to Atlanta.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
"Sail on down the line..." - Lionel Ritchie
I’m trying not to brood on things, but as I was driving into work yesterday, I heard one of my favorite songs on the radio. It stood out to me because I was talking about my last relationship the night before while I was driving home, and the words almost speak exactly to how I’m feeling now and what transpired over the past few months. For your reading pleasure, here are the lyrics to “Sail On” by Lionel Ritchie (I have no idea whether he was still with the Commodores or not):
Sail on down the line
About half a mile or so
And I don't really wanna know ah
Where you're going
Maybe once or twice you see
Time after time I tried
To hold on to what we got
But now you're going…
And I don't mind
About the things you're gonna say Lord,
I gave all my money and my time
I know it's a shame
But I'm giving you back your name…
Guess I'll be on my way
I won't be back to stay
I guess I'll move along
I'm looking for a good time
Sail on down the line
Ain't it funny how the time can go
All my friends say they told me so
But it doesn't matter
It was plain to see
That a small town boy like me
Just wasn't your cup of tea
I was wishful thinking
I gave you my heart
And I tried to make you happy
And you gave me nothing in return
You know it ain't so hard to say
Would you please just go away
I've thrown away the blues
I'm tired of being used
I want everyone to know
I'm looking for a good time
Good time
Sail on
Honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on
Honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on
Sugar
Good times never felt so good
Sail on
Now interestingly enough, there are certain songs that I hear and make me think about certain women that I have dated. Out of all the women that I have dated, Mr. Ritchie and the Commodores have definitely hit the nail right on the head with my last relationship. In addition, it really speaks to my attitude about things going forward too – no more changing how I operate to accommodate other people. If you have to completely change your life around so she will accept you, is that the person you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with? To quote Whitney, “Hell to the naw.”
Sail on down the line
About half a mile or so
And I don't really wanna know ah
Where you're going
Maybe once or twice you see
Time after time I tried
To hold on to what we got
But now you're going…
And I don't mind
About the things you're gonna say Lord,
I gave all my money and my time
I know it's a shame
But I'm giving you back your name…
Guess I'll be on my way
I won't be back to stay
I guess I'll move along
I'm looking for a good time
Sail on down the line
Ain't it funny how the time can go
All my friends say they told me so
But it doesn't matter
It was plain to see
That a small town boy like me
Just wasn't your cup of tea
I was wishful thinking
I gave you my heart
And I tried to make you happy
And you gave me nothing in return
You know it ain't so hard to say
Would you please just go away
I've thrown away the blues
I'm tired of being used
I want everyone to know
I'm looking for a good time
Good time
Sail on
Honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on
Honey
Good times never felt so good
Sail on
Sugar
Good times never felt so good
Sail on
Now interestingly enough, there are certain songs that I hear and make me think about certain women that I have dated. Out of all the women that I have dated, Mr. Ritchie and the Commodores have definitely hit the nail right on the head with my last relationship. In addition, it really speaks to my attitude about things going forward too – no more changing how I operate to accommodate other people. If you have to completely change your life around so she will accept you, is that the person you’re supposed to spend the rest of your life with? To quote Whitney, “Hell to the naw.”
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
"Its a celebration, b#$^$!" - Rick James
“It’s a celebration, bitches!” – Rick James
Well, I got up early Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago with the intent to drive up to Greensboro. Everything looked good at first – picked my boy Rob G. at his place on the north side of town, got right back on 285 and headed north. When I made my first stop for gas in Gaffney, SC, I discovered that I brought my travel bag with my essential stuff, but I left my garment bag with my pants and shirt at home. Strike one. On the other side of Charlotte, traffic comes to a complete stand-still. White people walking around on the highway reminiscent of FreakNik ’93. Maybe I should have turned on a local station instead of listening to satellite radio so I would have known there was a race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord… long story short, a 4-5 hour drive turned into 7 real quick. Game was over by the time I made it to campus. I didn’t find out we lost until Monday night when I got home from work.
What’s funny is I still had a great time – I saw about 5 of my old friends from school while I was up there, but just being able to walk around Greensboro during the one time of year there’s something going on just made me feel refreshed… even though I stayed out until 6:30 am Sunday morning. I can’t say that I will be going to homecoming every year, but I know that I will still be enjoying myself when I do. AGGIE PRIDE!!!
Well, I got up early Saturday morning a couple of weeks ago with the intent to drive up to Greensboro. Everything looked good at first – picked my boy Rob G. at his place on the north side of town, got right back on 285 and headed north. When I made my first stop for gas in Gaffney, SC, I discovered that I brought my travel bag with my essential stuff, but I left my garment bag with my pants and shirt at home. Strike one. On the other side of Charlotte, traffic comes to a complete stand-still. White people walking around on the highway reminiscent of FreakNik ’93. Maybe I should have turned on a local station instead of listening to satellite radio so I would have known there was a race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord… long story short, a 4-5 hour drive turned into 7 real quick. Game was over by the time I made it to campus. I didn’t find out we lost until Monday night when I got home from work.
What’s funny is I still had a great time – I saw about 5 of my old friends from school while I was up there, but just being able to walk around Greensboro during the one time of year there’s something going on just made me feel refreshed… even though I stayed out until 6:30 am Sunday morning. I can’t say that I will be going to homecoming every year, but I know that I will still be enjoying myself when I do. AGGIE PRIDE!!!
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
What is it about the first six months?
For all of you married people, how did you make it past six months? The infatuation stage has passed, you stop putting on your “interview” face and start showing your real side. What else do you two do that makes you stay together? Apparently, I haven’t been told about that magical extra part.
Over the past two years, I have been in two relationships that were going great until around six months in. In both cases, differences of opinion about one thing or another made things go south fast. What I learned from my last relationship is that there will always be differences of opinion and every person has their own way of doing things. In the first relationship, I think that I was looking for a way out, and the argument presented that opportunity. In the latter, I truly wanted things to work out. That’s not to say that things are completely over at this point, but needless to say I am truly hurt. I found out on my birthday through the mail – I inadvertently left my watch at her place, and she mailed it back to me. I know that I can be a little dense when it comes to getting a clue, but even I got that one. What kills me is the fact that there wasn’t even an attempt on her part to work things out. I look at my parents’ relationship and how they have evolved through my life, and I see two entirely different people, both with contrasting and conflicting ideals. It seemed to work for them for 30 years, so why can’t she give things a chance? I am by no means a perfect man, and trying to be perfect in my opinion is an exercise in futility. We all have our faults – the best thing we can do is accept that we have them, and try our best to improve on them over time.
Maybe my clueless, dense self completely overlooked something about her that I may never find out about… who knows? All I can say at this point is I have had some crappy birthdays in my time, but this one takes the cake. I am officially on the clock for my 30th birthday – I promise you that days 2 through 365 of my 29th year on this Earth will be 110% better than this one. Starting October 5. Happy Birthday to me.
Over the past two years, I have been in two relationships that were going great until around six months in. In both cases, differences of opinion about one thing or another made things go south fast. What I learned from my last relationship is that there will always be differences of opinion and every person has their own way of doing things. In the first relationship, I think that I was looking for a way out, and the argument presented that opportunity. In the latter, I truly wanted things to work out. That’s not to say that things are completely over at this point, but needless to say I am truly hurt. I found out on my birthday through the mail – I inadvertently left my watch at her place, and she mailed it back to me. I know that I can be a little dense when it comes to getting a clue, but even I got that one. What kills me is the fact that there wasn’t even an attempt on her part to work things out. I look at my parents’ relationship and how they have evolved through my life, and I see two entirely different people, both with contrasting and conflicting ideals. It seemed to work for them for 30 years, so why can’t she give things a chance? I am by no means a perfect man, and trying to be perfect in my opinion is an exercise in futility. We all have our faults – the best thing we can do is accept that we have them, and try our best to improve on them over time.
Maybe my clueless, dense self completely overlooked something about her that I may never find out about… who knows? All I can say at this point is I have had some crappy birthdays in my time, but this one takes the cake. I am officially on the clock for my 30th birthday – I promise you that days 2 through 365 of my 29th year on this Earth will be 110% better than this one. Starting October 5. Happy Birthday to me.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Theres nothing easy about the Big Easy anymore...
Just about a month ago, I was down in New Orleans for a “last hurrah” with a good friend of mine from high school. He was moving out of town after finishing law school at Tulane University. It just blows my mind to look at pictures of the city under water… not to mention the Superdome, the French Quarter, the bridge across Lake Ponchartrain, etc. Excluding the time living in North Carolina, I would visit Nawlins at least twice a year – my next visit was scheduled for the Falcons-Saints game in October.
I would drive around the city – sometimes to places I had no business really going – and realize that some of the worse parts of Atlanta don’t hold a candle to some areas of New Orleans. After my first trip, I pledged never to take my own car down there again because of all of the damage I had to fix after my first trip. Between the news coverage and all of the pictures, needless to say New Orleans is no Peachtree City (ask me if you don’t know about the PTC).
There was no way in the world that I would have guessed that at the end of July, I would have been on my last trip to the Big Easy. I am certain that they will rebuild – that is pretty much a given – but I say that this was my last trip because New Orleans as I know it is gone. The people (residents or not) of the city are being taken away by the bus, truck, even boatload. Not since the City of Atlanta closed the housing projects in the city have developers been literally drooling as they wait for the water to be pumped back into its forced place. With that in mind, I honestly have to decide whether or not I will be returning to the New-New Orleans.
I can already envision a rebuilt city looking (and costing) something like Agrestic (check out “Weeds” on Showtime). A city without the character that all of the people provide – good and bad. The problem is shipping all of the perceived negativity out of town is not going to solve the real problem. I recall hearing rumors about the City of Atlanta giving the city’s homeless one-way tickets out of town before the Olympics. In essence, this is what they are doing to the poor people of New Orleans. Of course, your city looks all nice and utopian, but those people you have moved are still homeless and not in a position to provide for themselves. I do not mean that they should just be given handouts for the rest of their lives – I’m the first person to pull out the old saying, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day – TEACH and man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime”.
In a previous blog, I mentioned something about the chickens coming home to roost – and this is yet another case. The devastation in New Orleans is the culmination of several things that I don't feel that I am qualified to speak on, but someone needs to all the same. I hope for the best down in the Bayou, but as usual, we need to prepare for the worse since FEMA doesn't seem to know how.
I would drive around the city – sometimes to places I had no business really going – and realize that some of the worse parts of Atlanta don’t hold a candle to some areas of New Orleans. After my first trip, I pledged never to take my own car down there again because of all of the damage I had to fix after my first trip. Between the news coverage and all of the pictures, needless to say New Orleans is no Peachtree City (ask me if you don’t know about the PTC).
There was no way in the world that I would have guessed that at the end of July, I would have been on my last trip to the Big Easy. I am certain that they will rebuild – that is pretty much a given – but I say that this was my last trip because New Orleans as I know it is gone. The people (residents or not) of the city are being taken away by the bus, truck, even boatload. Not since the City of Atlanta closed the housing projects in the city have developers been literally drooling as they wait for the water to be pumped back into its forced place. With that in mind, I honestly have to decide whether or not I will be returning to the New-New Orleans.
I can already envision a rebuilt city looking (and costing) something like Agrestic (check out “Weeds” on Showtime). A city without the character that all of the people provide – good and bad. The problem is shipping all of the perceived negativity out of town is not going to solve the real problem. I recall hearing rumors about the City of Atlanta giving the city’s homeless one-way tickets out of town before the Olympics. In essence, this is what they are doing to the poor people of New Orleans. Of course, your city looks all nice and utopian, but those people you have moved are still homeless and not in a position to provide for themselves. I do not mean that they should just be given handouts for the rest of their lives – I’m the first person to pull out the old saying, “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day – TEACH and man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime”.
In a previous blog, I mentioned something about the chickens coming home to roost – and this is yet another case. The devastation in New Orleans is the culmination of several things that I don't feel that I am qualified to speak on, but someone needs to all the same. I hope for the best down in the Bayou, but as usual, we need to prepare for the worse since FEMA doesn't seem to know how.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
They wouldn't let me vote until 1994... don't blame me.
Well, as usual, I forgot that I even had this thing setup - and so begins my list of excuses... perhaps there wasn't anything that I really wanted to talk about... until now.
Let me start with a recent piece that I was reading on the Atlanta Journal/Constitution's (AJC)website - http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/custom/blogs/town-talk/entries/2005/08/16/how_much_did_yo.html
I sat at my desk during lunch and read almost all of the entries from people that have experienced more than 100% increase in gas prices. Many of them go on to say that they can no longer afford to visit friends and family, go out for social events, etc. My initial thought was to go along with the crowd and blame all of these problems on the instability of the Middle East - until I read someone's comment about MARTA not going outside of the Perimeter.
That single comment triggered almost a thousand thoughts at one time. A good friend of my cousin was moving to Alpharetta from out of state (New Orleans I believe) and the young lady showing us apartments had the audacity to tell us that crime is low in the complex "because the bus line does not come out here." I also thought about the late 1980s and early 90's when MARTA made a futile attempt to push rail and bus service into suburbia (known as Cobb and Gwinnett county for us local ATLiens). You can go into the stacks for the AJC right now and simply search "MARTA and Gwinnett" and get some of the most idiotic statements from people worried that some poor, homeless man is going to catch the train from Five Points, ride to your raggedy house in Gwinnett, break in and take your TV back downtown on the bus. The day that makes sense to me is the day that I will change my line of work.
I say all of this to say this - Brother Malcolm referred to it as "the chickens coming home to roost." We are paying for our own ignorance. If you look at Gwinnett now, it has one of the highest minority populations for a county in the entire country. Jimmy Carter Blvd. during rush hour is a nightmare to say the least. Back in 1990, MARTA estimated that there could have been rail service in Gwinnett as early as 1997. By now we could have been catching a train to go to Athens on Saturday for a football game. All of the people complaining about how much they are spending driving across the Metro, you better think a little bit harder when you decide on whether or not you want mass transit in your neighborhood. Crime is going to be the least of your worries when you can't afford to stay in your house because you are buying gas all the time. If you were not here when those decisions were made, you are not absolved of your civic duty. People in Europe are paying roughly $6.00 per gallon - just imagine how much filling up your Expedition or Excursion will run you then... Do something! Quit whining and help get a regional transit system that entails more than a few express buses. You can either pay some taxes now for an infrastructure that will be in place for generations, or start reading up on how to file for bankruptcy when you run out of gas.
Let me start with a recent piece that I was reading on the Atlanta Journal/Constitution's (AJC)website - http://www.ajc.com/blogs/content/custom/blogs/town-talk/entries/2005/08/16/how_much_did_yo.html
I sat at my desk during lunch and read almost all of the entries from people that have experienced more than 100% increase in gas prices. Many of them go on to say that they can no longer afford to visit friends and family, go out for social events, etc. My initial thought was to go along with the crowd and blame all of these problems on the instability of the Middle East - until I read someone's comment about MARTA not going outside of the Perimeter.
That single comment triggered almost a thousand thoughts at one time. A good friend of my cousin was moving to Alpharetta from out of state (New Orleans I believe) and the young lady showing us apartments had the audacity to tell us that crime is low in the complex "because the bus line does not come out here." I also thought about the late 1980s and early 90's when MARTA made a futile attempt to push rail and bus service into suburbia (known as Cobb and Gwinnett county for us local ATLiens). You can go into the stacks for the AJC right now and simply search "MARTA and Gwinnett" and get some of the most idiotic statements from people worried that some poor, homeless man is going to catch the train from Five Points, ride to your raggedy house in Gwinnett, break in and take your TV back downtown on the bus. The day that makes sense to me is the day that I will change my line of work.
I say all of this to say this - Brother Malcolm referred to it as "the chickens coming home to roost." We are paying for our own ignorance. If you look at Gwinnett now, it has one of the highest minority populations for a county in the entire country. Jimmy Carter Blvd. during rush hour is a nightmare to say the least. Back in 1990, MARTA estimated that there could have been rail service in Gwinnett as early as 1997. By now we could have been catching a train to go to Athens on Saturday for a football game. All of the people complaining about how much they are spending driving across the Metro, you better think a little bit harder when you decide on whether or not you want mass transit in your neighborhood. Crime is going to be the least of your worries when you can't afford to stay in your house because you are buying gas all the time. If you were not here when those decisions were made, you are not absolved of your civic duty. People in Europe are paying roughly $6.00 per gallon - just imagine how much filling up your Expedition or Excursion will run you then... Do something! Quit whining and help get a regional transit system that entails more than a few express buses. You can either pay some taxes now for an infrastructure that will be in place for generations, or start reading up on how to file for bankruptcy when you run out of gas.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Just another day in the office...
I started my new job as a Systems Administrator today... it's amazing what a difference things can be between 2 offices. I have lots of things to do, however I feel much more at ease at this place than I have in years of working. I have the opportunity to make a real mark on this company and take my skills to another level, which has me actually quite excited. And to top things off, one of my co-workers is a fellow Atlanta native!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Following through with some resolutions....
I'm going to take that class. I'm going to start lifting weights. I'm going to keep my car clean. If I had a buck for every New Year's Resolution that I attempted and broke, I'd have about three Abe Lincolns sitting in my pocket. It's not something that I try to do very often, so I am happy to report that I haven't broken too many resolutions. This blogger thing has interested me for years, but I found thousands of excuses not to get one going. Not anymore - thanks to a certain new found friend of mine.
Anyhoo... Just wanted to get things started - I will try to throw in a line here and there... until my next thought!
Anyhoo... Just wanted to get things started - I will try to throw in a line here and there... until my next thought!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
