Part III...Finally!

Okay...I figured I could wrap these weekly updates in 3 parts, so here is the finale and todays incomplete scoop.

January 17-21, 2006

So I went to work on the 17th and just my luck I had a full day...duty and all. With everyhting else going on in my life, I forgot that I had to appear in court for a speeding ticket I received in November on my way back to VA from Jersey...yeah I was going 78mph in a 65mph zone. By now, it's about 11am, I have duty (that means that I have to stay at work) so I won't get off until midnight. Quick thinking, I decide to head home for lunch to grab my ticket and find out if I'll be spending time in jail, I have tendency to over react at times. I called the court clerk, she told me all I had to do was pay $141.00 before Feb. 1st or my license will be revoked. Cool...but damn, $141.00, I have to buy school books, at the same time I need a license to go to school...no negotiation needed, pay the $141.00 and start driving the speed limit.
Finally the next day arrives, I completely forgot that I had to register for another class because my History class was cancelled this semester due to lack of enrollment...I decided to take one of my required Social Sciences, Psychology. Unfortunately, the last due to enroll/drop a class was the day I had duty. Thank goodness TCC is so understanding, I couldn't have taken another door slam in the face. So I explained my situation to the desk clerk and everyhing seemed as though it's d fine. Little did I know it would take a week and some change to finally get into my Psychology class.
Fast forward to the weekend, in the atempt to get my taxes done and out of the way, I run into another snag. I was unable to do my refund due to the IRS not have all of the e-files downloaded, that was officially my "one thing after another week". To add insult to injury, I caught a flat tire on January 19th, hurt my pockets for $205.00. So yea, I was feeling kind of hurt last week.

January 23-26
"Breath of fresh air", I thought to myself with on 5 days remaining before the hip~hop showcase. Everything this week has been flowing fairly well.

Monday ~Happy Born Day Plex. (Non*A*Mes)

Tuesday ~ Late stay and class, I finally made it to my psychology class. It was pretty cool, just kind cooled out and got to know that folks in my group a little more.

Wednesday ~ The Dynamite Dave Soul flew in from from Atlanta Georgia, he's so fresh, I've known him for 9 years, long time. We went to Relative Theory Records, a supa flyy Veggie Spot on Colley St. (Thanx Danny), then we went home for me to change and agreed to go to a comedy show before we hit Fuzzy Wednesdays. Midnight, the comedy show is over and we're off to catch the last hour of fuzzy's. After fuzz's we headed up to IHOP, had some good eats, then it was to the crib to catch up on some zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz's

And Now...Today
I am so tired, as soon as I get off, I am going to crash for a power nap then I'm off again. O, the joy of a fun filled days.

**Please excuse the grammatical errors, I was extremely tired while I was writing this insert.**

Until next time...
Peace

Part II

Okay...Here's a weekly play by play:
January 11-13 ~Average week, I got my teeth cleaned...No cavities but I need to floss more.

January 14th ~ I went to a Demostration for a vending machine company. Basically a person would buy a few vending machines, strategically place them at a business with 75-100 employees, and keep them stocked up...you may the profit off the machines. Sounds pretty dope right? I thought about but, maybe later in life...right now my financial status just is not fit for extra expenditures. I mean sure, in a few months, I probably could clear up over half the bills I have but, I really can not afford that business venture...not right now.
After the demonstration I went by a friend of mine to crab a CD for the road, cooled out for 30-45 minutes then I was off to Newport News. Had to stop by yet another friend of mine, Wakili, she was having a Sister Circle at her house and it was a ton of fun, good food, great sisters, awesome dialogue. Finally, I got on the road to head up to Richmond, VA.
I met up with a really good friend and supa flyy brotha, Brother Manisfest. We were going to Baltimore to part-take in the goodness of the Baltimore Natural Hair Care Expo. So once I got up to Richmond, I linked up with Brother Manifest, Brother Larry, and Lisa (another group of fresh sistas and brothas, I luv em') We hit up a veggie Japanese restaurant, dropped Brother Larry at the crib and we were on the road to Baltimore. Many a great conversations were exchanged on the 2 1/2 hours road trip to Maryland.
Once we get to the room and get check in, what happens next...the same thing that happens on every road trip, somebody is gonna forget something. We had to make a midnight run to Wally World (Wal-Mart). O, the midnight Wally World stories, I love my people, you never know what you are going to see. Back to the story...we hit the door running with only 15 minutes to spare before they close. I make a fast break for the lotion isle and I believe Brother Manifest had to get some soap or something, at any rate, we finally make it to the line and with one person ahead of us, we knew that we'd be out in no time. Tu shea, (I think that's right)...check this out:
As I said before, I love my people but sometimes, I wonder "Where is the logic in some of the things we do?" There was a female standing in line, her total was $141.57, she only had $130.00. All she had to do was put back a few of the miscellaneous items she had and she would have broke even...it wasn't that easy for this sister. She had to make a choice, which turned into a 20 minute choice, between some plastic flowers and toilet paper. The part that tripped me out was that she was really having a hard time deciding upon whether or not to put the toilet back so she can decorate her house, crazy right. Finally, she told her friend to go to the car and get $20 from the person that drove them there...I could not believe that she need those flowers that bad. My philosophy, if I can't afford it and it's not important, then I don't need it. Really I don't. We made it out of Wally World, back into the cold, and to the room to rest for a fun filled day of networking.

Sunday, January 15, 2006
I HAD A BLAST! It was so much fun, I love networking, promoting, make moves...it feels really good, especially if it's for a worthy cause. We set up the HND 2006 table, gave away all the free t-shirts we had, and got plenty of donations from folks...it was absolutely beautiful. Big Up to Malaika Cooper for putting a wonderful Expo together, I will be there next year. I had some good eats, good networking, saw an awesome Afrikan Dance performance, and bought to soupa dope earrings. I am still high off that weekend.
On the way back to Richmond, God was really with us. Manifest and I were talking about future business plans, great, great conversation. I am driving a good 80mph in the far left lane when out of nowhere, a giant muffler with the pipe/axle still attached appears in the middle of my lane, it was too late for me to switch lanes or slow down. In a split second everything got quiet, I barely had enough breath to say "O My God!", I squeezed my eyes really tight and...nothing. Nothing happened, we rolled right over the muffler without touching it. We must have sat there in shock for a solid 2 minutes...then we began to reflect on what'd just happened. There was no way in the world that I could have been that perfectly squared in the road to miss that muffler exactly as I'd done. I just knew that something was going to get caught up under my truck and send us off into the woods somewhere but...nothing, it was like it wasn't even in the road. I had to double check with Manifest to make sure that he saw it too, he did, he was just as much in shock as I was. A true blessing, that situation could have been fatal.
Okay, so we make it back to Richmond, grabbed a quick bite to each. Bid each other "See you laters" and I was on my way back to Norfolk, "Thank goodness I'm off tomorrow because I had a long weekend", I thought to myself. I had a blast.

Stay tuned for Part III...almost finished. :o>

Part I

So much to say...where shall I begin?

Well, January 9, 2006, I went back to school. I love going to college...this may sound silly but everytime I think about going to school, or when I read a really big word AND I know the meaning of it, or when people ask me, "What are you doing this evening?" and my reply is "Oh, I've got school", that makes me feel really good. I find myself saying, "I am so glad I never dropped out of high school". I don't think I ever thought about dropping out, but I think about the people that did. Sure, some people have their reasons for not continuing their education and that works for them...what works for me is school or learning in some shape, form, or fashion. Even for those who don't attend college, I really feel as though high school or some form of lower level education is vital for ones survival in this society.
Some people may go the high school, graduate and get a job in the feild of their choice and be very successful. Some folks need further education, like college or vocational/ trade school. I just don't see how someone can make it these days without some form of complete structured education. Further more, I don't understand how someone can be comfortable with dropping out of high school and not wanting anything more for oneself. I guess it'd be different if they dropped out and went on in life to make their own keep, started a business, or did something in life that beats the odds of a high school drop-out. But just to not finish school and not do anything above a low-satisfactory in life...I just cannot understand why someone would be comfortable with that.
Granted, schools...correction, teachers are different today. From my experience in the past few months, teachers just don't seem to have to passion nor the drive that teachers had when I was growing up. Part of the blame I suppose can go on the students and it wouldn't be a stretch to say that part of the way the students act falls on the parents. The way some kids act in schools today makes it barely impossible to teach a class or to take in the information that is being given in a class. Now with that being said, I am also aware that most of the text books are outdated but after a conversation with a friend of mine the other day he made mention that a good teacher barely uses the text book. Of course, they'd have to follow the curriculum but that's as far as it goes, a good teached would go that extra mile to keep the students abreast and properly informed about history and current issues. Okay, this paragraph is going into a whole nother subject.
To give credit where credit is due, kids these days have their vices however, the seem to be a tad bit ahead of where I was at their age. Technology plays a big role in that, yet and still, perhaps it was just the part of the world I grew up in but, high school...although I was teased...ALOT...was a pretty decent experience for me. I never thought about dropping out, I just do not see how I could have made it this far if I would have. I read an article a few years back about minorities going to high school/ colleges and getting good jobs. Basically the article pointed out how some many minority families would say to their kids "Go to school and get a good job", something of that nature. One of the readers wrote to the columnist and expressed their opinion about the article, they said:

"Just because you go to college doesn't mean that you are going to get a good job. Many of my friends and some of my family has degrees in various fields and they are still not working in the field of thier degree. They have subpar jobs with subpar pay, they went to school...they've sent in numerous resumes, went on countless interviews yet, they still get offered scraps. To make a long story short, just because you go to school doesn't gaurantee that you'll get a good job. You have to be the right color first!"

I thought about that article and to some degree, I find it to be true...I still don't think people should give up. I've had a pretty rewarding life thus far, I am thankful and I look forward to many more rewards. I've also had quite a few road blocks and failures that hurt like h*** but that didn't stop me. As I said earlier, I know that people have their reasons in life for dropping out of school...when hardships come about, it can be very trying to juggle real life and school. Some folks have to take care of their family, as a matter of fact, I went to school with a guy named James...he was 22 years old in the 12th grade. Yes, I know..."22 years old in the 12th grade?!", I thought the exact same thing when I was going to school but as I said earlier, situations come about when you have to take care of hardships. The point that I am trying to make with that gentleman is that he came back to school, so what if he was suppose to be a senior in college, he wanted to get his diploma, he wanted to achieve some degree of feeling accomplished.
In May 1998, he walked across the stage, the funny part about that was his last name begin with an "A" and he was the last one to walk across the stage. The entire auditorium stood up for him and cheered as if the New Orleans Saints had just won the super bowl...can you imagine how good that felt for him? It was a wonderful feeling for me and I just knew him though friends of mine. My question...why do people stop? Why do they give up at the first sight of trouble? How can anyone be comfortable with a non-degree status, especially if they are not doing anything with their life? To add to that last question, how can anyone be comfortable with having an education and sitting around...why would someone make it to the top with endless opportunities and the ability to make moves and shake things up, only to do nothing? I just don't get it...

I want it so bad...! I know this may not be the best camera but, to do what I want to do, this camera can do the job. I have been fantasizing over this camera for the past month and a half, finally I may be able to afford it. Of course before I purchase I am going to look for something better that's cheaper but I think this is a pretty good catch.
My weekend was pretty simple, I did some foot work Friday afternoon, worked Saturday morning and chilled Saturday night, and got organized today...I like having things in order, that frees up mind space for more important projects. It's a really good feeling. And to top off the weekend, I am going to Voodo Rouge to partake in some good poetry, life is good.
To say this is only the beginning of the New Year, things have been very busy and I cannot complain, I really dig it. About 3 years ago, I'd say to myself, "I can't see me past 2007." Part of the reason is because who was in "my office", the other reason was because I guess I felt that I wasn't being productive enough. I knew that I'd be a successful filmmaker, it's just after 2005...the dream would kind of linger...I really could not get past what would happen next. I know it's not for me to decide however, I do believe have an affect on the way things will turn out based on the descisions we make: Left or Right, spend or save, go or don't go, speak or don't speak, etc.
I am looking forward to the future...come to think of it, that's the only way we can look. :o> I know...I'm a corn ball. At any rate, I am off again to enjoy the goodness of having a peaceful weekend. By the way, if you're feeling generous, that camera can be found at Best Buy. :oD

I am NOT a Lesbian!

Not that I have anything against lesbians, I am just not one of them. Let me explain:
In my last blog, I mentioned that one of my hair appointments had just shown up...cool. We ran to the hair store to get some scalp cleanser, went to Tropical Smoothie, I got a Peaches~n~Silk with Soy Protein, then we came back to my crib so I could do his hair...I was tightening up his locs. So we are holding casual conversation about music, he's a producer. We started talking about how everybody is doing a lot and it's only the beginning of the year...hella flyy right. So I tell him what another business associate of mine said to me today. Let call my other business associate "Tommy".
Tommy and I were on the phone and somehow we got on the topic of relationships and the entertainment business...to make a long story short, I mentioned something about being single and not being worried about dating or anything of that nature and then he said, "Well, I wasn't really sure what your sexuality was"...something to that affect. Of course I had to question it...to make a long story short, he thought I was a lesbian, never did I think that I came off as a lesbian. So, the producer, let's call him "Bobby". Bobby said to me, "Well, I could see why he'd say that", I asked him why. "B'cuz you look like you ain't trippin' over no man...you look like you don't really care. For example, today we went to the store and to the smoothie place and you wore sweats, if I didn't know you...I'd probably think you were a dike." I could not believe what he'd just said to me but...I asked the question.
First of all, if I am getting ready to do someones hair, am I supposed to be all dolled up, if I am just running to the store, am I supposed to look like I belong in a Nelly video, I mean really give me a break. Is every woman in sweats a lesbian...bullshit. Seems like society places too much value on appearance, since when did going to the store become an event where to have to dress up? I questioned him about his statement and his reply was "I am not saying change. What I am saying is that you look too comfortable, if you don't like the way people perceive you, then change, if you are cool with the way you are, don't worry about it. Just know that from my perception, if I didn't know you, I'd think you were a carpet muncher." Okay, the last part he was being jovial but really...not too sound conceded but I know that I am a beautiful person, I love the wonderful job the Creator has done with me.
True, at times I think to myslef, "O, I could stand to loose this and tighten this up" but all of that is in due time. I just can't believe that people in the world actually think that just by the way someone dresses can give you an insight as to who they are all the time. I know...I know, when applying for a job, if I went in there in sweats I'd prolly get tunred around at the door but I'm talking about Walley World here or the beauty supply store, no place of importance.
Arrrggg...this crazy world.

I Won the Lottery!

Okay maybe I didn't really win the lottery...but I feel like it. My day started off pretty smooth...I had a lot on my to do list...glad to say I got 90% percent of my task done.
In case you didn't know, I am doing a Hip-Hop Showcase on January 28, 2006...well today I found out that I am going to have a lot more help promotion that I thought I'd have. To add to that, I have the pleasure of having 4...yes four film project set up for the first half of this year. From February to April, I will shoot 3 music videos and 1 short film, "Can't Stop...Won't Stop, yes I love it. As a matter of fact, the picture you see to you immediate left was taken by one of the people I am doing a music video for..."You've seen him in Hampton Roads, heard him in the shower, and his cousin is Pootie Tang. Ladies and Gentleman, Jon Bibbs." (Just kidding Jon, I Love You) Jon Bibbs will be shooting his second video this April/ May. Norfolk is jumping right now, from what I hear this happen in spirts but I have a feeling that this is gonna last a long time. Up first on my list of videos is yet another VA native, Romonta Allen. It's gonna be dope gals and guys...gosh, I can't wait. Just wanted to spread the joy. Well, I am off...one of my hair appointments just showed up.

"Find yourself in Heaven and God, find yourself in heaven and God. "
Ghetto heaven~Common f/ D'Angelo

In case yall didn't know it, I appreciate that man so much. He is one of the few true voices of hip-hop, he's down for the community...he's an all around great person. I've had the opportunity of meeting him before (and I look forward to many more encounters). I met him May 24, 2005 in Richmond, VA at Plan 9, I wrote a poem for him summing up his whole career including the new album. He actually took time out to read it right there in front of me, my head could have exploded right that...that one action says a lot about his character and the way he views and appreciates his fans. Yea...I love em'. :o>
I was on OKP today, I am a er'day, "What's on OKP" head, when I saw the lovely picture you see above. I decided to go to the artist page to visit Common. On one of the boards, this female who happened to be German with an African boyfriend wrote a comment about Com's views on interacial relationships. Her statement went something like this:

" i really love commons music and his lyrics, as far as i´m able to understand it, ´cause i´m german. but to hear that he´s mad about men who´re together with white women hurts me, because my boyfriend is from simbabwe and i love him so much.
i guess common should have express himself in a more differentiative (hope this is the right term)way in this case, because it sounds very intolerant to me.
and i appreciate him so much because of emphasizing love and social critisism in his songs.
i think you got a special situation in the us. and there are lots of issues to discuss about the relationship between african- and european-descendants all around the world..."

My question is this...would it matter if Common didn't approve of Asians and Africans or African Americans, or Hispanics and Africans or African Americans or Indians and Africans or African Americans? Would it matter if it were any other race beside European? On a personal level, I feel that love is love with the person you find it with regardless of their color, however, if you single out one race...especially your own...saying that you can't be with someone in your own race because they are "too ghetto" or "too proper" whatever, then that...makes you wrong. I wondered about that female, what bothers her? What makes her ticked off? Is she really cool with everyone dating everyone or is it just because it affects "her race"?
Often times it seems that people don't really pay attention to a situation unless it directly affects them. Guess that's where my heart enters the picture because I am concerned about a number of things that don't involve me, yet and still, I try to find a solution. For example, single fathers that aren't eligible for government support, I'd like to create a service that equates to the services single mothers receive. I am not a man, nor am I a single father but, I cannot stand by and watch good fathers get jerked by the system. **There are many other things I'd like to change but it's late and my brain isn't very focused right now.**
At any rate, I guess what I am trying to say is it seems like people only mostly care when something concerns them. They don't look at the broader spectrum which in turn makes them bias and that's not fair. I believe, and I could be wrong but, I believe what Common meant to say is what I touched on earlier about singling out your own race to be with another...that is just plain wrong.
I'm out for now, gotta work in the morn but I had to get this off my mind.
Peace

"When you think of trash...think of Hakeem". However, when you think of Hip-Hop, true school, it never fails to return to the trustee mixtape.

**I really must thank the continued support I receive from the brothas and sistahs around me. Big up to Brother Manifest up in Richmond for hooking up this dope ass flyer you see posted above and to Self Ra for yet another flyy creation posted below.**

We are some talented individuals and we don't recognize, embrace, and appreciate that stuff now...take it from me, it will slowly slip away.
Today was back to the regular work routine for me, pretty cool and laid back day. Although I might not see it right now...it definitely feels like I have a lot on my plate and I am not complaining one bit. I am very thankful for the constant ideas that are flowing through me each moment of the day. ~Testimony~ This past weekend alone, as a matter of fact, these past few weeks, I've been blessed with so many great ideas. I have a tendency to be a bit, just slightly, scattered at times so I know that I need to focus and take it one project at a time.
People may say, "Vee you are crazy, the littlest thing excites you." I don't believe it's that...I am just amazed at the way this life thing works. I mean there are billions, trillions, zillions of folks out there with tons on top of tons on top of tons of ideas, everyone wants to make it "To the top" or at least half way. It just never ceases to amaze me how many ideas people can come up with. And the will of people, the drive...that is a whole nother bag of beans. Have you ever sat down to watch one of those "How did you make it?" shows...you see the person that is successful pretty much trying to explain how they made it to where they are. It's seems like they might have some kind of stashed away cash or someone helped them somewhere along the way...at times it's hard to believe that they couldn't pay they're rent or that they were homeless living out of their car...Literally. I've come to realize that...it's true. Everyone falls on hard times but that drive and that will never to be in the position again is what seperates people. Some folks are content with that but the others, that want more go for more...that in itself is a beautiful thing to watch happen.
I love my life and what's happening in it right now. Good or bad, I'm sure there is a lesson in it. So much goodness...ah. :o> Well kiddies...gotta go, class is in session.
Peace

Can't Stop...Won't Stop

Only Days away...26 days to be exact!
Big Up to Dan Tres for hooking up one of many flyers for my event, I really do from the depths of my heart, appreciate you.

Last night...last night was rough. I didn't have a very busy day at all, I just kind of frumped aroound the house...it really hit me hard last night when I couldn't go to sleep. Around 9-10pm, I started thinking about my future. As I might have mentioned before, I have roughly a year and a half left in the United States Navy and it is now time for me to buckle down and look for a job that I am comfortable with, save money and plan, plan, plan. Everyone knows or should know that you do not want to go to sleep with a lot on your mind. Well, my mind was so busy last night that I couldn't go to sleep. It was bananas! I was thinking about everything from where I am going to live to where I am going to go to school to where I am going to work, not in that exact order but...those topics amongst other things.
I tossed and turned and watched the Cosby show until about 2 am, then my phone rang. It was my good friend and mentor Marlon Reid from Detriot, Mi. Honestly, at first I started to ignore the call but I was wide awake...why not answer the phone? You ever notice how sometimes talking on the phone can make you sleepy? At any rate, he called because I left a message on his phone earlier that day sounding a bit down in the doumps. I was feeling a bit that way, not really knowing which way to turn. So we talked for about an hour about film and ways to make money. That conversation really helped me. It's amazing, no matter what the time of day...God is always listening and puts people in your way to give you that extra push.
He gave me words of encouragement to press forth with my dreams and aspirations regardless of how foolish it may seem. I've had this money making tool for about a year but I never acted on it because I didn't think people would support...funny though, last night he was inside my head because he told me to do the same thing I've been thinking about. Film school can be pretty expensive and even though I have the military G.I. Bill, funds still add up. So starting this Spring, I am going to recruit a few of my friends to help me raise money for school...if they don't mind of course. I mean, we see cheerleaders all the time at stop lights, on the side of the road raising money for the uniforms, cheerleading competitions, even in the military, they raise money fro Holiday Parties...I am going to school, why can't I raise money for that? It's not like I am asking for a hand out, I will actually be working for whatever donation people wish to give.
I'm gonna do it. I don't want to beg for hand-outs, I rather earn my keep. I could be doing a number of unhonest things to get ahead in life...instead, I choose to take another route. Entrepunuers (Hope I spelled that right) are the future and I proud to say that I am a member of that club. Wish me blessings...
Peace

Part II

The Lion King was magnificent! I had a really good time, didn't realize how many songs I knew, think I had a better time than most of the children in the spot. Big shouts to my sistah friend, Tara, her family had an extra ticket and invited me to tag along...I really enjoyed myself. Oh yes, can't forget to mention the eye candy...he was powerful. His energy resembled a real life Mufasa, too bad I was too shy to speak.
At any rate, during the intermission of The Lion King, I had a conversation with Tara's cousin, Marsell. Somehow we got of the topic of him joining the Army sometime this year...Tara warned me to ignore him because he really has a way of pushing people's buttons, unfortunately, I chose to entertain him. He went on to talk about the war in Iraq so I asked him a question that went something like this:

ME: So Marsell, you're telling me that you would go over to Iraq and shoot on command?
Marsell: Yes...
ME: Okay, let's say there is a drug dealer in your community, selling drug of course, which in turn is killing thousands of people in YOUR community, everyday.
Marsell: Uh huh...
ME: Would you go up to that drug dealer and shoot him?
Marsell: Do I him?

There isn't a word that could express the look on my face. I could not believe that he asked that question. Tara later explained that he was just saying that to get under my skin, at the same time, there are people out there that actually feel that way. Crazy isn't it, people would go overseas and shoot, kill on command but would not take care of home first. Sound like anyone you know?

Okay, moving on...I slept through the New Year, I know, I know..."You slept through the New Year?" Yes, I did...I was probably the only person in the world that was in bed at 11:59 pm December 31, 2005. For some reason, I just wasn't into it this year. Earlier that day I had plans on going out, jumping from house to house, party to party, my homegirls and I were going to be all over the place. After the Lion King, Tara and I went out to eat, we had a choice of three New Years Eve functions to attend, I went home to change and pick up Ebony, my best friend. The plan was to go home, change, then meet up at one of the three locations then, work our way around. I was really trying to puch myself out the door but my heart just wasn't in it, I think my frineds knew it too. Around 10pm it was pretty settled that I was not going to be making an appearance at any function, only the one in my dreams. So I went to sleep while everyone else was counting down the New Year. Can't really explain what I was feeling last night but, I just wasn't "There".