natural.evolution–

Good morning all. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I’m recovering from a long weekend and looking forward to another one this week (I get every other Friday off). This weekend I did something that I haven’t done in a really really long time (no not that) I hung out with my frat brothers lol. It’s been at least a year and after this weekend I feel like it will be another year before I can deal with the foolishness again lol. One thing I can say is though if I had really low self esteem they would have really boosted it with all the flowery talk they were delivering (which didn’t work AT ALL). But I can say that I did have a boatload of fun dancing and eating and laughing hysterically. My favorite bruh of the evening was one that did this lingering handhold and the eye gaze and handkiss talking abouut I swear we’ve met in another life before… umm no fool we met at your girlfriends birthday party last year. I also met one that is manager of a restaurant and because I’m so fine *rolleyes* he’s going to give me 90% off the next time I come through lol… I wonder what his girlfriend that he failed to mention but the others told me about will think about that…. but I will take him up on the offer because his chapter bruh/my friends boyfriend said they only get like 45% off lol.

Don’t ask me why but I saw Nor.bit Saturday (please don’t take away any intelligent black woman card I may have for seeing this). Actually I’ll explain why lol. I had a bunch of kidlets/pre-teens and that was the movie of choice that was selected. The funny thing is halfway through the movie my 4 year old nephew was like “can you lift the arm rest, this movie sucks and I much rather take a nap then see this.” I totally understood how he felt. I felt so bad for making them watch this (even though they asked to see it) that I took them in target and to dinner afterwards.

One good thing that I got from the outing is this AMAZING CD collection called The.Bible.Experience. I’ve read reviews on this and heard some stories from some straight gutter folks on how this changed their life after listening to it. There are 19 cd’s in this collection and I’m on the 7th one now. It’s hard for some folks to really get into reading the word, but to listen and have ambient sound and music and hear folks who’s voice you recognize playing the different people in the Bible is great. Makes you not want to turn the cd player off.

I also have a new personal trainer that I have my first session with tonight. Yall pray for me. It’s a woman which I’ve never had, but she’s also a professional body builder. So it’s really not going to be a game. I ran across a clip of her at one of her meets on the utube and was seriously ready to cancel my appointment lol. Yall pray for me.

Well enough rambling. Time for me to get to working

I’m not a person that uses that word casually. In fact if I tell you that I love you then I truly mean it. No cutesy I luv u and all that crap lol. If I love you whether it be in a romantic sense, a sisterly/brotherly sense or a familial one. Please know when I say it I truly do mean it. So to all the folks I love… I love you… to all the folks I like, I like you lol and happy let me try to impress someone and go buy them a card and some chocolate and something ugly and heartshaped from kay/friedmands/jarrods/cheap local jewelry store and show that I like them alot day lol

now on to the meme

Top Fourteen for Valentine’s Day….
my top 14 love songs (in no particular order)

1. “Forever Mine” O’Jays
This song I like for special reasons. Of course this was out before my time. And because it’s by the O’Jays it’s got a whole lot of oohs and ahhs and yeah baby’s in it lol. But this was the song my mom and dad danced to at their wedding. My mom could be half sleep or in a grumpy mood and whenever I play it she smiles and starts reminiscing and sharing stories about her and my dad….

Forever mine
All because, you’re my kind,
I got what you want
You got what I want….

Forever mine
Oh we’re, we’re one of a kind
I need what you need
You need what I need
And we were made for each other

Aww. Let’s move on.

2. “We Must Be In Love” Pure Soul
Another sentimental one. This was sang by the group at my sisters wedding and then they did their first dance to this.

‘Cause you, you are
You are just the one
I want to spend the rest of my life with
You are just the one to bring out the very best in me
You make me so happy
Happy forever
And that’s a mighty long time

3. “Crazy Love” Brian McKnight
I really like this song. Especially because it’s not about a truly crazy person. But just kind of how she makes him crazy in a good way lol

I can hear her heart beat for a thousand miles
And the heavens open up every time she smiles
And when I come home to her that’s where I belong
Yet I’m running to her like a river’s song

she gives me love love love love crazy love
she gives me love love love love crazy love

4. “Embrasse-moi” Les Nubians
This is just a beautiful song in general. I’ve always loved the beat and what they are saying. It’s very sensual. Even if they were saying nonsense the fact that it’s in french just makes it sexy lol. This song also reminds me of this guy that I was driving in my car who was slightly intoxicated and began singing this in French lol. I’d post the lyrics but they are in french lol

5. “At Last” Etta James
The first section of this song makes it perfect. Of course the rest of the song really expresses in a simplistic way how love can make you feel and what more could you want?

At last
my love has come along
my lonely days over
and life is like a song

6. “I’m Ready for love” India.Irie
I have no idea why I feel like crying everytime I hear this song. Doesn’t matter if I’m single or in a relationship it’s something about the words and the way she sings it that makes me sort of exhale. And the voice from which this song is sung can be interpreted in soo many ways. Again I really love this song

Lately I’ve been thinking
Maybe you’re not ready for me
Maybe you think I need to learn maturity
They say watch what you ask for
Cause you might receive
But if you ask me tomorrow
I’ll say the same thing

7. “Never Felt This Way” Brian McKnight
this song just describes how you feel when you get that warm fuzzy nervous feeling inside and you are all smiling thinking about that persin in your head lol.

How it takes my breath
Starts a pounding in my chest
Make me weak, when I think about you
Makes me want to give my all
Life wouldn’t mean a thing
Not a happy song to sing
Just emptiness if I had to live without you
When I look into your eyes
Then I realize
That all I need is you in my life
All I need is you in my life

I swear fo gawd (as my granny used to say) if a dude said anything remotely close to this to me I’d be in the kitchen every morning kneading dough making him biscuits lol

8. “Head Over Feet” Alanis Morrissette
Not your typical love song but I love her hesitancy about love but her willingness to accept it and place blame on him

You treat me like I’m a princess I’m not used to liking that You ask how my day was….
You’ve already won me over in spite of me
Don’t be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don’t be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn’t help it
It’s all your fault

9. “Be Good To You” Vivian Green
Not your conventional love song. But still one I like. It’s a love song for the once scorned…

I’ll never hurt you
And you will never shed a tear for me
I know you’re tired of
Being in and out of love with nothing to show,
And nowhere to go, but
Back to the same one only with a different face
But now you are in a different place
And if my words don’t comfort you
Time will surely prove,
That I’ll do just what I say

I’ll only be good to you
Be like I should to you…

10. “In a Sentimental Mood” Duke Ellington and John Coltrane
This song has no words at all. But to me just oozes love and romance. I can listen to it and drift and place myself in different situations at different times and it just makes me think of love and all that it embodies.

11. “He Loves Me” Jill Scott
This song just makes me smile. She loves everything about him and she loves him soo much he makes her burst into chorus. That my friend is some love lol

You love me especially different every time
You keep me on my feet happily excited
By your cologne, your hands, your smile, your intelligence
You woo me, you court me, you tease me, you please me
You school me, give me some things to think about
Ignite me, you invite me, you co-write me, you love me, you like me
You incite me to chorus

12. “If this world were mine” Luther (no last name needed)
Did yall think I’d do a list without including him on here. I was late to this song. Heard it on a soundtrack, but after that I’ve loved it ever since. What you know about giving someone the flowers the birds AND the bees lol.

I’d give your each day so sunny and blue
And if you wanted the moonlight
I’d give you that too
If this world were mine, oh, baby
I’d give you anything

13. “Kiss of Life” Sade
I remember hearing this song in like 5th/6th grade like wow thats deep. Then my cousins boyfriend used to play it to her on her answering machine. Then when I grew up and heard the lyrics I realized what a beautiful song it really is

When I was led to you
I knew you were the one for me
I swear the whole world could feel my heartbeat
When I lay eyes on you
Ay ay ay
You wrapped me up in
The color of love

14. “You Got Me” The Roots feat. Erykah Badu
This one is a flashback song. This was me and my boo boo in high schools little song. Why this was our song I’m really not sure. Because I definitely wasn’t in any clubs with my homies (okay yes I was but he didn’t see me there). But this was our song *rolleyes*

If you were worried ’bout where
I been or who I saw or
what club I went to with my homies
baby don’t worry you know that you got me

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. Even though I don’t “celebrate” make sure you let someone know you love them tomorrow

found this on a blog I was reading… and sine I’m doing nothing at work…

FAVORITES

Lip gloss: Hmm I like a sheer lip so probably baci xxx from vincent longo

Jewelry: hmm this is hard. I’d say this handcrafted bronze pewter necklace that I got from a boutique in DC. It’s one of a kind and people always ask me where I got it.

Shoes: leopard ballet flats

Handbag: lv speedy 35. folks call it a mini suitcase lol

Car: still love the landrover… right now its the 2007 vw passat that is waiting for me to pick it up

City: I really love London

Restaurant: Hmm my casual spot is probably Match.box and I still love DC Coast

Body Lotion: Warm.Spirit body souffle in sweet.love

Book: Cure.for.the.Common.Life

Color: purple (any shade)

Department Store: Nordstrom

Department in the Department Store: shoes

TV Show: CSI, First.48 anything crims scene related

Reality Show: Project Runway

Song: In A Sentimental Mood

Body part on you: My lips followed by my chest (hey I love them)

Drink: water and tea

Perfume: flower.bomb

Cheese: brie

Ice Cream: pralines and cream

Mascara: Lancome L’extreme

Hair Product: Miss.Jessies.Buttercreme

Nail Polish: OPI Got.the.blues.for.red

RANDOM QUESTIONS

Explain what ended your last relationship?
Different priorities and ideals about our relationship

When was the last time you shaved?
Saturday

What were you doing this morning at 8 a.m.?
sitting at my desk reading email

What were you doing 15 minutes ago?
talking on the phone

Are you any good at math?
relatively good

Your prom night, what do you remember about it?
My date was fine and that everyone was trying to figure out where he came from lol

Do you have any famous ancestors?
nah… none that I care to mention lol

Have you had to take a loan out for school?
yes

Last thing received in the mail?
a letter from my friend in London

How many different beverages have you had today?
two- water and my protein shake

Do you ever leave messages on people’s answering machine?
occasionally if I really want to hear from them

Who did you lose your CONCERT virginity to?
new.kids.on.the.block

Do you draw your name in the sand when you go to the beach?
sometimes

What’s the most painful dental procedure you’ve had?
getting stiches in my head

What is out your back door?
patio, grill and trees

Any plans for Friday night?
sorors bday party

Do you like what the ocean does to your hair?
I’m indifferent about it

Have you ever received one of those big tins of 3 different popcorns?
Yes

Have you ever been to a planetarium?
yes in elementary school and once on a date

Do you re-use towels after you shower?
Yes.

Some things you are excited about?
upcoming trips and my new trainer

What is your favorite flavor of JELL-O?
none

Describe your keychain(s)?
its one of those climber keychains and then a sterling tiffany chain I got asa gift

Where do you keep your change?
coach coin purse

When was the last time you spoke in front of a large group of people?
My old job doing speakers bureau training

What kind of winter coat do you own?
black and white tweed military coat, black wool military coat, red 3/4 peacoat, blue ski jacket.

What was the weather like on your graduation day?
hot high school, hot undergrad and rainy grad school

Do you sleep with the door to your room open or closed?
Open

why do I continue to get manicures when my nails chip after like 3 days? especially with dark colors.

why are homes so darn expensive in the DC.Metro area?

why are some of the most beautiful songs so sad (listening to fool.of.me by meshell.ndege.ocello)?

why were there so many men in victorias.secret today?

why don’t they realize that most women really don’t want to get the same ish out of there every year?

why do I only know like 5 people that watched the state of the black union but too many to count that can talk about what happened to “pootie” on I.Love.NY?

why have I run out of places to put my shoes?

why can’t I stop buying them?

why whenever I find a product I love it becomes discontinued?

why am I sooo proud of my friends?

why has black.history.month sort of faded out?

why if you aren’t watching pbs or some random channel at 3am you can’t find anything about black on this month?

why am I so sore from the gym?

why is eating healthy so expensive?

why is love something that comes so easy but can also be so difficult?

why do you realize your mistakes once they are to late?

why whenever you are looking like a bum thats when some guy wants to try and talk to you?

why can’t I find these particular shoes I have imagined in my mind?

why can’t I find someone to get me some pearls form iridesse? lol

why do sundays always seem to come so quickly?

Why do people ask you things that are quite obvious? I mean first off it’s snow on the ground… so that in itself lets you know that its pretty cold out… and if I didn’t know I did when I saw you walk in the office with an ankle length bubble coat, a fur hat, earmuffs, gloves, a scarf and some fuggs on (fuggs= fake ugg.s) holding a thermos of coffee in your hand.

And thinking of that is it REALLY that cold outside. That you felt the need not only to put on 3982293023 layers of clothes but then also bring in a thermos too. I mean I’ll admit I do own one of those sleek stainless steel travel ones so that I can have my jasmine green tea in the morning when the mood hits me. But is there a reason to carry one of those 1988 Dan Conner from Rose.anne red plaid 32oz thermos’ when there are like 3 pots of coffee brewing throughout the division, and 2 korean stores and a st*rbucks and cariboooo all within the tower complex and you get coffee from there at least 4 times a day.

Speaking of coffee. How exactly does one drink that much coffee in one day. Another coworker drinks 4- 24oz cups of coffee. I mean yes our job can be boring but thats a lot of caffeine. I know that someone would find me under my desk in the fetal position shaking if I drank that much.

While I’m on the subject of drinking to much can I say that sangria is of the devil. I don’t really drink anymore (I’ve given up a lot of vices, that one I’ve limited lol). So me believing that I am grown and such went out for an evening of tapas after work with a group of friends/associates/coworkers. We thinking that we were grown yet again ordered 6 pitchers of various sangrias. That wouldn’t be so bad if there were alot of us at the table. There was 10 of us… and only 8 drank. Me being me I sampled a little of each to see what I liked so I could get ONE glass of that. But there is always that one friend that never lets you see the bottom of your glass. So one glass sort of turned into a pitcher. Can I tell you the next day I had a headache for 17.5 hours. I went out and came home and took a nap, drank a sports drink took an aleve and a nap and woke up and it was still there. I truly honestly believe its of the devil lol.

Just like this weather. There is absolutely no reason for it to feel this way. I got up at five to clean off my car and then I was watching the news and looking at all the school closings for the .00000000737 inches of snow outside thinking about my years in the ‘Cuse and thinking about how there could be 4feet of snow up there and I’d be at the bus stop (because I definitely wasn’t driving) with everything covered but my eyes. Then on GoodMorningAmerica they showed this idiot in a town right next to ‘Cuse standing in the snow with a jacket on talking about about I’m 6′1 and the snow is to my waist. And all I could think do you know it’s cold outside?

Have you ever just had one of those “ahaa” moments and it really put things in perspective. The other day while at the conference I was attending I was sitting in the VIP seating area, next to general such and such and lieutenant so and so and commander xyz and there on the table on a nameplate with my name on it “Ms. M.” I listened to the U.S. Marine.Band and watched how reverent everyone was in the room while listening to the music and when the color guard came in and while the chaplain was praying. Sitting there kind of day dreaming in between taking notes and doing my work I realized wow I’m really blessed. Not that I didn’t know that before but sometimes it takes little things that seem really insignificant to put the big picture into perspective. I’m only 25 years old but I have a great job and a great paying job at that which is a whole other story and blessing in its self. Because I set a personal deadline for when I wanted to be out of my old job… and about 3.5 weeks before that date I got a call from a company that had “found” my resume. Wanted to interview me and basically offered me the job before I left making a few thousand more then my salary requirement…. And I started 2 days before my “goal date” of having a new job… But like I said that is a whole other story lol. I have had a lot of experiences where I KNOW other people in my situation would have given up or used it as a crutch not to succeed, but for me it was just a step. I have a great family, really good friends… especially my newest circle that guide me to make morally correct decisions. I’ve also learned a lot about myself and the mistakes I’ve made in not expressing myself and telling others how I feel, or being cold trying to shelter myself, or just learning when to be silent.

All that came into mind from just seeing my name on a little nameplate on the table. Seeing my name made me realize that wouldn’t be the first or the last time I’d be in that position and that I really need to get myself ready and prepare for what is in store for me because failure is not an option. At all.