Storm Breaker...The Real Fat Man

Last year my silly cousin text me a crazy Christmas text and this year I think she topped herself (although I did not think it was possible)! This Storm Breaker will surely make you laugh or at least shake your head with a smile on your face.


A Real Fat Man

If a real fat man snatches you up and throws you in a bag do not be afraid. It's just Santa collecting his hos. I'm texting you from the bag now!!!!


I burst out laughing at that silly lady. Like I said my cousin is stoopid! Merry Christmas and enjoy your holidays ;-)

Peace & Blessings...

Outside Your Door...

I am standing outside your door. Thinking, contemplating, trying to get up the nerve to move this...somewhere. Forward? Backward? I am not sure but I am sure that it is time to make it move somewhere other than here. My new-found confidence has left me in this place of needing to surrender or retreat. Needing to know a feeling of reciprocity or walking away in retreat, not defeat.

This is not defeat because the time spent together will forever be pleasant memories that bring smiles to my face. Memories of burning holes in the dance floor hardwoods and wiping sweat as we dipped, stepped and swayed to different rhythms from around the world.

Here I stand outside your door. A woman simply asking a question. Talk to me?

Smiles, Salsa and Sweet Memories

These past few weeks have been absolutely wonderful! My ladies Salsa group has performed a few times around town in the past week and they are an absolute riot to be around. I have so many wonderful memories with them. I am truly blessed to have been invited to join their group.

The original routine that I learned after joining this group was tough for me. I had to learn to lead and in doing so became responsible for memorizing the routine, the hits on beat and keeping time with the music. As a lead, if you mess up you also mess up the follower who is dancing with you. No pressure there!

I LOVE this routine, maybe because it is my original routine with the group. We danced to the Swedish group I mentioned here. We were missing 4 ladies (2 couples) but it was a fun night.

We also performed at a family friendly daytime event. There was a toddler there who 'bounced' on beat to the lesson. Absolutely adorable.

We have the debut of the new routine this weekend with the big three day conference and everyone is excited. Life is still good. I am enjoying each day and there is still a constant smile that seems to creep its way to my face. I am not sure how or when I got here but I am certainly enjoying the moment.

Hope all is well with you blog family!


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Random Thunderstorms...(Holiday Edition)

My Thanksgiving week was great. I slept in, went to bed early, played with the furbaby, danced (of course) and caught up with some family and friends. I even started replacing the outlets in my house. I was so proud of myself for that one.


I don't do Black Friday or anything that involves crowds of that magnitude. I'll wait for a few weeks, everyone will be broke and the sales will return.


I'm planning the next dance event. Follow us on FB for a discount to the next one in January.


I called a few bluffs over the Thanksgiving week with a few men. If you're not willing to put in the work please keep moving. Serious inquiries only...


Speaking of 'men' my (former) Addiction called to wish me a Happy Belated Birthday. I sent him to voice mail and he actually left a message. After a few days I sent a text thanking him for the belated birthday wish which he responded hoping I enjoyed my birthday. I chose not to keep the conversation going. I am not cruel or heartless and wanted to acknowledge his call but do not want to fall under his spell again.


I have three performances in the next weeks with my Salsa group. Hopefully I can record at least one of them. Those routines are bad! (in a good way ;)


I came out of my holiday slump this year. I adore the holiday season, starting with my birthday it is one big celebration until New Year's Day. For the past few years I kind of boycotted the holidays. I felt they were 'tainted' after the divorce but this year I cleaned out my storage closet, threw out all of the remnants and smiled to myself as I put up my Christmas decorations. I still LOVE the holiday season, I guess this means I am officially moving on with my life.


I know it's the holiday season when I see my favorite commercials. I LOVE this one:



And of course this one cracks me up. Their marketing people are genius!




Life is good right now. I am happy with the way things are going. My events are showing promise, my performance group has potential to make me a professional dancer and I have a smile on my face.


Hope you are enjoying your holiday season as well!


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Birthday Reflections 2010...Part II

I did something a little different this year. My birthday weekend started out with my first event on Friday. We competed with three other events and the opening night of the Potter movie but we did well all things considered. The feedback has been mostly positive so far and the Sangria I whipped up the night before went really quickly! (The marinated apple slices from the white sangria were a big hit :) HA!

The REAL hit was the tres leches cake I picked up from the spanish bakery near the job. I was a little leery when they messed up my order but the replacement cake was fabulous! A line formed as I cut it and everyone wanted to know where I got it. It was delicious!





Friday was great. Plenty of dance floor space, great music and a happy crowd. I had to tell a few people who hit up the beverage dispensor that it was not filled with punch, LOL! It was a great night and a good party. Of course we went out to grab food after we closed which meant I crawled into my bed at a whopping 4 am. After being up for almost 24 hours I used Saturday to recoop. My body was mad at me! I could barely move. I slept most of the day and hardly ate but it was so worth it.

Sunday I finally met the man behind the cupcakes! Fellow blogger Darius, Mr. Everyday Cookin' himself, was visiting the area and I met the crew for brunch at a popular breakfast spot. He is a joy to be around and I am glad I got the chance to sit, talk and laugh with him. We had a celeb sighting and enjoyed the view of Mr. Weber made famous by the Fab Five as he enjoyed his food at the next table over. I do not have a photo of Mr. Weber (who looked great, BTW) but I do have a photo with Darius, check out the cupcakes ;-) LOL!





I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of well wishes and love. There are many more photos that I am keeping to myself :) I so enjoyed my weekend and thank you to everyone who came out to my kick-off event. That is one memory I will cherish for a lifetime. On to the holiday season ...


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

My Birthday Reflections 2010

This year has been...great, good and horrible all in one neat little package. I have learned that love is not always what you expect and that tingling in the pit of your stomach is not love. I have learned that family will always be there for you even when you turn your back on them. I have learned that REAL friends pick you up when you fall, stand behind you to push you when you stop walking and encourage you along the way. I have learned that REAL friends cheer you on but also tell you when you're wrong.

This year, as I look back and reflect on the past 365 days, as I look back on the party I threw last year and the people who surrounded me to celebrate. I am thrilled that 99% of those people are still in my life. They are still cheering with me, performing with me and want the best for me. I have added new people to the circle and added new activities to my favorite things to do.

I now know to listen to my gut, that little voice that speaks to you louder than anyone else. I know to let go when that voice tells me to, I know to be still and be patient when I don't know what else to do. I know to follow that gut instinct when people try to convince me they know what's better for me than I do. And yes, I know who I am, know what I want and I will not compromise that.

I have learned so much this year. I am coming to terms with the fact that I may never be someone's mother but I plan to be one hell of an Aunt. I am coming to terms that I will travel and see the world even if it is with my cousin instead of a male partner. I am coming to terms with the fact I love jeans and sneakers more than I like dresses and heels. And I LOVE big curly hair more than I like straight, flat and sleek looks.

I am coming to to terms with the woman I am, the woman I was and the woman I am destined to be...

Yes, there was a wicked birthday party. Photos will be posted soon (well, the ones that are safe to post ;)

Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Random Thunderstorms...(I Thought)

I thought my family would be traveling to my city for Thanksgiving and Christmas. There was a change of plans. Instead of our traditional large gathering, there will only be four family members together for Thanksgiving. I can't remember the last time that happened.

I thought I would be in a better position in my career at this point. I still have no idea what I want to be when I grow up but I am trying to have fun as I figure it out.

I thought my event would go off without a hitch (the event planner in me should have known better) now thanks to a shady location owner my event may be in jeopardy. A week before it takes place...and this too shall pass. We shall laugh about it later when the event is a rousing success...SIGH. Pray for me and my 'Dream Team' please?

I thought I would take a dating hiatus and be by myself for a while. One of my boys laughed at me and said, "Yeah, we'll see how long that lasts. Men will come out of the woodwork!" He wasn't right about the "woodwork" part but I have said "No,thank you" a lot lately.

I thought I would feel better about being an Aunt. My sister is pregnant again and complaining. I was fed up with the complaining and told her to just be happy and enjoy it. She has no idea how many women would absolutely adore to be in her shoes with her "oops babies" that her and my brother-in-law did not plan. Enjoy it...cause there a lot of women out there who can't do it!!! Then I had to get off the phone and wooooossssaaaahhhh. It's not her fault, I was just pissed at the complaining.

I thought I would not be able to handle it when my former Addiction contacted me. I knew it would happen eventually, people always have to try, right? I looked at his request, let it sit in my inbox and deleted it a day later. *fist pump* I think I am moving on. One step at a time.

I thought I would try something different with the man-magnet tresses. My poor tresses were dry and catching hell from the weather change. I whipped up a batch of whipped shea butter with shea, mango, coconut and a dash of rosemary oil. Put the tresses in small twists and man...that is some good stuff! The tresses are soft and shiny. Even my accomplice on Saturday noticed the "shine and volume." (Was given the side-eye for the volume comment, LOL!)

I thought I had lost a friendship with my cousin. We grew up together but grew apart when my mother moved me to another state. Recently I got word from him through his father, who told my mother to tell me to call him :) It was soooo good to talk, laugh and just hear his voice. He was indeed one of my first brothers (along with his brother) and some things the spirit needs. His voice and laughter definitely lifted my spirit. Small world, he lives a few doors down from my sister. Guess where I will be on my next visit?

Enough of my ranting...I have a huge stack of things to do this week before my vacation week.


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Gearing Up for the Debut

After working and nurturing my idea for almost 2 years I was a nervous wreck when I launched the marketing campaign and went live with the first event. I can not tell you how many times I checked the social media pages to see if we had followers, if anyone RSVP'd to the event online. I have never been that nervous in my life.

Then it happened.

Slowly people began to respond. They began to ask questions. Other people started to post on their pages they would be attending the kick off event. That made me kick up my marketing efforts a few notches. Every bit of what I learned in PR and Communications over the past 10 years began to go into overdrive. I started to put personal touches on the evites. I began to reach out to the maybe respondents and get them to say yes.

I began to really believe in my product.

These past few weeks have been nerve wrecking, fulfilling and joyous. I have planned many events in the past and none of them compare to the emotion I have wrapped up in this one. I have worked into the wee hours of the night, sent emails and phone calls to make this event a success.

And you know what? I have enjoyed every minute of it.

Since this line of events is a Salsa dance night, I thought it only appropriate to attach one of my favorite salsa tunes. Enjoy this mellow groove. This band is one of my favorites, no worries...I will feature them soon:

(I must send a very sincere thank you to Charles at the Illuminate Darkness Experiment for the wonderful Logo, he is truly talented. Stop by his spot and check him out)

Until Next Time,

Enjoy each and every day God gives you...

Peace & Blessings...

Random Thunderstorms...(Really?)

All of your emails can not be urgent. If they are, maybe you should REALLY reconsider your definition of urgent?

I have gone through some emotional and spiritual healing. Some people did not make the cut. Such is life, really.

No raises, again for the third year and furloughs on top of that? Really? At least it is only one furlough day this year.

I REALLY thought I was ready for love to enter my life again and it seems I have met the last men in my city that want to 'take things slow and get to know me' and I am speechless. Enjoying every minute of it but...speechless.

I am really trying to get my fears under control. One step at a time, one day at a time. Fear is really a powerful motivator.

I went skating for the first time since 4th grade. Yeah, you read that right, the 4th grade. My accomplice skates every Sunday and let's just say KayC provided the entertainment and busted my ass! My accomplice? Skated over, helped me up, made sure I was ok before cracking up and telling me to keep going. Yeah...it was a funny night. Watching my accomplice skate was poetry in motion...REALLY!!!!

In speaking with a few male friends over the past few years I now realize that men and women face the same issues with dating and relationships. Men meet fake women and women meet fake men. Why is that 'real' men and 'real' women can not seem to meet each other? Especially before the 'fake' ones get to them and mess them up? REALLY?!?!?! Food for thought...it is a vicious cycle.

I finally realized men and women are not different. We all want the same thing (at least most of us) and that is to be treated well, with respect and care. Although there is a minority that is out there blazing trails reminiscent of General Sherman's march to the sea. Take your time, follow your gut and you can better tell the difference between the two.

Working in event planning/marketing/communications feels like banging my head against a brick wall sometimes. You give people a response to their requests and they want the opposite. Sigh....REALLY such a waste of my time.

When my divorce was final, the only thing I took was my name back. It REALLY irks me when people refer to me with the old name. Especially since he is married and there is another 'Mrs' now. Can you please get it right people? Geesh!

I'm really trying to stay positive and I realized this Random Thunderstorm is a vent....REALLY!!! LMAO ;-)

Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

The 'Why' Behind it All

There are so many times when we ask "why."

Why did this happen to me?

Why am I here?

Why did that not work out?

We ask the "why" to try to gain understanding. To make sense of the non-sense that is happening around us. And we often become frustrated waiting on the answer while trying to understand the process. Struggling with where we are in relation to where we want to be. We forget that God knows what He is doing even when we do not. We forget that sometimes we are so busy wanting and trying to have the things that are not meant for us that we taking ourselves farther away from the path we should be walking.

I am beyond guilty of this.

I wanted someone who did not want me. Who wanted to play with my emotions and fulfill his needs. I wanted a better job with better pay when I was exactly where I needed to be to meet the people I needed to meet. I kept putting my bright ideas on hold while struggling to fulfill dreams other people had for me. I know I will never be a VP in corporate America. I know this because I have zero interest in obtaining those goals, that is not my dream for myself.

My dreams are slowly unfolding themselves to me in a way that is undeniable. My dreams and the 'why' I am in this moment is becoming clear to me. I walked the long way to my destination because I needed to clean out the old to make room for the new. I needed the confidence and contacts that I lacked while pursuing someone else's dream for me.

I am getting to the answer on my 'why' - are you getting to yours?

Until Next Time,

Peace & Blessings...

Introducing...The NEW Venture!!!

"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Herman Cain

I have been told numerous times that I need to find something I enjoy doing. I need to find the thing that makes me happy, that I would do free and then find a way to get paid doing it. I have been 'working' full time since I was fifteen years old and I have finally found it.

I am beyond myself to introduce my newest entrepreneurial venture. Follow us on Facebook or Blogger or Twitter. Stalk us PLEASE!!! This company was destined to be in existence. There were people who encouraged me without knowing it, people who told me I was on the right track without knowing I was working on a company that would do exactly what they were complaining about.

I have managed to combine all of my hobbies and the things I love to do. By divine intervention I have combined my love of event planning, great music and wonderful dancing to birth a company that truly makes me happy.

I often wondered why I was meeting so many people who had diverse occupations, careers and love of the arts.

Now I know.

I know each of these people were placed in my path for specific reason and each of them are more than happy to help me succeed. Every person I reached out to offered to help me without hesitation and for that I am truly thankful.

I am thankful that I waited out the misery to find the 'why' I took the long path to my destination. Hopefully, you will also join me in this wonderful journey. I have two events in the works and working on a proposal for a third. Follow me in one of the social networking sites to stay updated and hopefully attend a few events.

Trust me when I say you do NOT want to miss any of them and I would say that even if this was NOT my company ;-) There are big things in the works and I plan to enjoy each and every one of them.

God is awesome! (and so is my Dream Team :)

Until Next Time,

Peace & Blessings...

Storm Breaker... Special Church Announcement

This Storm Breaker comes from one of my favorite Salseros. I read it via text message and burst out laughing. I normally do not post Storm Breakers so close together but since this one is rather *clears throat* time sensitive, I thought I better post it now. It made me laugh every time I thought about it.


Church Announcements

Special Church Announcement - Effective IMMEDIATELY the choir will no longer be allowed to sing HE TOUCHED ME on Sunday morning - Sincerely, Bishop Long


I've been quiet on this whole scandal BUT - come on! You KNOW that was funny as all hell!!!! I was KILLING myself ;-) WHEW!!!! (still wiping tears of laughter and trying to catch my breath)


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Storm Breaker...Giving Up Wine

Another Storm Breaker from one of my silly friends ...Enjoy!!!


Giving up Wine

I was walking down the street when I was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked me for a couple of dollars for dinner. I took out my wallet, got out ten dollars and asked, 'If I give you this money, will you buy wine with it instead of dinner?'

'No, I had to stop drinking years ago,' the homeless woman told me.

'Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?' I asked.

'No, I don't waste time shopping,' the homeless woman said. 'I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive.'

'Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?' I asked.

'Are you NUTS!' replied the homeless woman. 'I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!'

'Well,' I said, 'I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my husband and me tonight.'

The homeless Woman was shocked. 'Won't your husband be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting.'

I said, 'That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and wine.'


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Tired, Content but Happy

These past few weeks have been extremely busy and my body is mad at me. My weekend started on Friday night with my first official performance with my Salsa performance group. As first performances go, it went okay with two minor hiccups. Not a great performance but it was not bad either. C'est la vie.

After the performance we quickly changed clothes and walked down a few blocks to grab a bite to eat before dancing until my feet and legs said 'no mas!' I met a few new people and danced a wicked cha-cha with a white guy in cowboy boots. Yep, I said cowboy boots and he was jammin! My best dance of the night :)

Saturday I started all over again with a Tango/Salsa infusion class and a Puerto Rican on 2 class. Loved the Tango class and incorporated a few new moves in my freestyle Salsa. After class, I had a business meeting (still working on that business idea) and grabbed more food before going home to shower and return to dance the night away. Met a few more new people, danced with the ones from the night before and absorbed the atmosphere. You never know who you will bump into. Met people from Florida, Boston, New York, Texas and North Carolina. Gotta love the Salsa dance floor.

The weekend ended with a Telemundo event performance with a local Salsa singer at one of the malls. That was a lot of fun. I thought it was hilarious that the Venezuela born singer had three women of color as his background salsa dancers. Love that diversity. You can look him up here. His song 'Down' is really catchy and had me singing for the rest of the night. Check it out. Download it from iTunes.

If that was not enough, we left the performance and had a 3 hour dance rehearsal. As my body is very upset with me today I look back on the memories and photos from the weekend and smile to myself.

Thankful, happy and looking forward to the next Salsa congress weekend in December. Like a kid waiting on Christmas...


Until Next Time,

Peace & Blessings...

Storm Breaker...The Breakfast Song

I know I have been neglecting The Storm. I have been licking wounds, toughening up, closing business deals and working on a great business venture that has me looking forward to 2011 and the years beyond. I am still learning that even though life is not predictable, it teaches, molds and shapes you into a better person. It places you exactly where you need to be at the precise moment you need to be there. I found this in my 'draft' box and thought if it was funny to me then, it should be funny to you now.

Today I introduce The Breakfast Song to The Quiet Storm. A friend played this for me and after my initial shock of 'this has to be joke' I laughed until I cried. I know this is a really old clip and long (almost 5 minutes) but it made me laugh so I am passing it along so you can as well...Enjoy!!!





Grapes of Nuts? And Beef Stew? For BREAKFAST?!?!? No wonder Americans are overweight! He was jammin' though...her? Not so much!



Peace & Blessings...

Names and Numbers (Call Me Five)

I have the urge to expand my social circles. Even with my regular job, Salsa classes, two performance groups and hanging out at various venues around town I sometimes feel like this metropolitan area is way too small.

I have my regular spots where I hang out (sadly, a few of those closed recently), my dance spots where I know a good many Salseros/Salseras and my chill spots. Lately all of my worlds are starting to mix which fuels my desire to expand.

I attended a monthly Latin Night at a new lounge-type restaurant (new to me, anyway). I kept hearing about the nice atmosphere and the good food and drinks so I ventured out to check out the scene. In my haste to find a new chill spot I forgot how late my Latino crowd arrives at places.

If I was prepared for a club type atmosphere, this would have been great but I went to dance. What I got was three Salsa songs every rotation with a LOT of Merengue and Reggaeton. That night had more Merengue than I have heard in my three years as a Salsera! Reggaeton is cool with me when it is on the reggae side not when it is on the latin rap spectrum and the DJ played a LOT of latin rap.

I think I heard 8 Salsa songs all night which was dissappointing but my friend and I had a great conversation with the promoter. He had an interesting story and also danced Salsa. Our dance reminded me how badly I need to replace my dance shoes and take a few LA Style classes. I kept losing my balance and stepping off the line. (I know that makes absolutely no sense to my non-Salsa blog fam) But it was really bad because I was taller than him in my 3 inch dance heels and balance is of the essence when you're doing triple turns!

We managed to laugh at our dance experience and the night (although a little eccentric) was different and exactly what I needed.

The title is homage to the promoter, who goes by a number instead of his 'slave, government name' which had me cracking up. We got into a conversation on numerology and I decided to look up my name and dive a little deeper. My curiosity always seems to get the best of me.

I think it is pretty accurate though...KayC will now go by the name 'Five' at nightlife venues ;) Maybe I'll get creative and spell it like this, 5ive!


What your first name means: Female Knowledge. Can also be a blend of meaning royal obligation; clear water and protector of man, or manly or masculine. Female Prophetess.


Your number is: 5

The characteristics of #5 are: Expansiveness, visionary, adventure, the constructive use of freedom.

The expression or destiny for #5:
The number 5 Expression endows with the wonderful characteristic of multi-talents and versatility. You can do so many things well. The tone of the number 5 is constructive freedom, and in your drive to attain this freedom, you will likely be the master of adaptability and change. You are good at presenting ideas and knowing how to approach people to get what you want. Naturally, this gives you an edge in any sort of selling game and spells easy success when it comes to working with people in most jobs. Your popularity may lead you toward some form of entertainment or amusement. Whatever you do, you are clever, analytical, and a very quick thinker.

If there is too much of the 5 energy in your makeup, you may express some the negative attitudes of the number. Your restless and impatient attitude may keep you from staying with any project for too long. Sometimes you can be rather erratic and scatter yourself and your energies. You have a hard time keeping regular office hours and maintaining any sort of a routine. You tend to react strongly if you sense that your freedom of speech or action is being impaired or restricted in any way. As clever as you are, you may have a tendency to make the same mistakes over and over again because much of your response is glib reaction rather that thoughtful application. You are in a continuous state of flux brought by constantly changing interests.

Your Soul Urge number is: 9

A Soul Urge number of 9 means:
With a 9 Soul Urge, you want to give to others, usually in a humanitarian or philanthropic manner. You are highly motivated to give friendship, affection and love. And you are generous in giving of your knowledge and experience. You have very sharing urges, and you are likely to have a great deal to share. Your concern for others makes you a very sympathetic and generous person with a sensitive and compassionate nature.

You are able to view life in very broad and intuitive terms. You often express high ideals and an inspirational approach to life. If you are able to fully realize the potential of your motivation, you will be a very self-sacrificing person who is able to give freely without being concerned about any return or reward.

As with all human beings, you are prone to sometimes express the negative attitudes inherent to your Soul Urges. You may become too sensitive and tend to express emotions strongly at times. There can be significant conflict between higher aims and personal ambitions. You may resent the idea of giving all of the time and, in fact, if there is too much 9 energy in your nature you may reject the idea. You may often be disappointed in the lack of perfection in yourself and others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 5

An Inner Dream number of 5 means:
You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.

Copyright © 2006 Paul R. Sadowski (http://www.paulsadowski.com)



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Random Thunderstorms...Truly Random

Just a few random things going through my head...

Would you rather love someone more or have them love you more? Truthfully speaking, someone is always in a relationship deeper than the other person.

I am looking forward to dancing with my Salsa performance group. Those ladies work it on the dance floor! I am honored to have been asked to join them. My first dance performance is coming soon. Dame mas baila!!!!

The summer is over. My free Fridays went way too fast.

Traveling is now in my blood and I can not wait for my next 'sistergirl trip' - Vegas, Western Caribbean or Bermuda?

I have a business venture up my sleeve that combines the hobbies that I love. I've sat on this idea for a while and think it is time to put my plan in motion. My giddiness is contagious :)

Months have passed since I visited my siblings and my niece, time to head south. I wonder if Ellie is getting old enough to remember me?

Thinking about another "Scorpio Celebration" this year but have no idea where I would host it.

I was told I'm Awesome with a capitol A! Now if only the man who told me that was actually available and did not have a girlfriend. The role of "The Other Woman" will not be played by KayC.

I have kicked my Addiction and although it was not easy on my head or my heart, it was the right thing to do for me, my love life and my future.

I helped my first Salsa Instructor teach ladies footwork. (I still had hard time saying "thank you" when they said I was a great dancer) Enjoyed teaching though.

In this recession how do people afford to eat out and buy new cars? I've nixed EVERYTHING off my extra-curricular list.

Misery loves company. Yes, I stopped giving advice because you did not listen and now you want to talk. KayC is not available right now, please refer to notes from our previous conversations. Trust me, the topic has NOT changed!

When did rompers come back in style? With stilettos? That you can NOT walk in? (know I offended a few folks there, let's move on)

I could care less about LeBron, Kobe or Tiger. None of them are putting food on my table or making my bed shake. Once again, moving right along...

I have been dealing with a few 'issues' right now. Trying my best to let them go, they will all work out in due time.

The more Spanish I learn, the more French I forget. Ma française est très rouillé maintenant.

I am in need of a good read, someone make a suggestion.

My furbaby needs friends to play with. Dogs are pack animals and he needs a pack. Toying with the idea of getting a puppy when the finances level out.

My boys celebrated their birthdays this month. HAPPY BIRTHDAY fellas! Love you like play cousins! I hate missing the festivities, this is the LAST year they celebrate without me.

I've been introduced to Frangelico, If you ever want to send KayC something a bottle will do nicely and yeah, Goose would be a nice substitute.

Was out dancing and hit the floor with a friend who is a salsa instructor. This lady walked up and started mumbling in Spanish. My friend (a black guy with long locks) said he never gets mistaken for Cuban, that was a first. I laughed and said it was me, it happens to me all the time!

What's with the heat? I am a Southern girl but dang! I must keep living right, If I can't handle the summer I sure can't handle Hell!!!

I am in love...with ME! The position of my love interest has been filled by moi and I am not hiring or accepting applications for team tryouts. No, I am not sure when tryouts will be held for the team. Check the web site for future openings.

I danced at a new venue (new to me anyway) and I met some wonderful people and danced with a few of my favorite partners. LOVE you all...they are my Salsa family. They put a smile on my face and make me forget the world. As long as there is Salsa, Merengue or Bachata playing, they rock my world!!! (Cue, MJ song ;)

Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Diggin' Calle Real

Dancing in the Salsa scene has introduced me to a variety of music and people. I have learned so much about Salsa, Timba, Guaguancó and dancing on 1, 2 and Cuban style that my head spins sometimes.

Ironically I have only scraped the tip of the iceburg in studying Afro-Cuban and Cuban music. It amazes me where music has roots and what types of music gives birth to something different. My latest introduction is ironically a Swedish band (yes, I said Swedish) that is in my Salsa rotation constantly. They go by the name Calle Real (Cal-lay Ray-al) and technically they are a Timba band.


My Salsa performance group is currently performing to a remixed version of this song:




This band is BAD baby! They have breakdowns that would normally be found in R&B music and the lead singer's voice has a great tone. My performance group Director loves this group, so much in fact that our next routine is also to one of their songs.

I am adding them to the list of bands I want to see in person. The clips on the web are really good. Funny how few bands today can perform live. Looking forward to seeing them rock it like this in person:



Now that you are a little familiar with Calle Real, if you heard this band was coming to your city. Would you buy a ticket and go? Would you let the rhythm make you move and have a great night or would you pass on this maybe once in a lifetime opportunity and stay home doing the same things you have always done? Would you jam in the crowd even if you could not understand the words?

Come on blog fam, give me some feedback!

P.S. - Their music can be downloaded from their web site, Amazon or iTunes. Expand your music database and your playlists.



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Storm Breaker...The Lawyer VS The Blonde

First I would like to say WELCOME to the new followers! Hope you settle in, stay awhile and comment until your heart is content. Now, back to business...This Storm Breaker was brought to yours truly by none other than my supervisor. Yep, that was a first...Enjoy!

The Lawyer VS The Blonde

A lawyer boarded a plane in New Orleans bound for Los Angeles with a small box of frozen crabs. Upon entering the plane he gives the box to the blonde flight attendant and says, "These crabs are frozen. When we get to LA they better remain frozen or I will have your job!"

The flight attendant takes the box and replies nicely, "I will place them in the compartment next to the pilot. They will be fine, Sir."

After an uneventful flight, landing at the LA airport and taxing to the gate the flight attendant announces over the intercom, "Will the man who gave me crabs in New Orleans please report to the front of the cabin so I can return them. Thank you and welcome to Los Angeles!"


Guess the blonde won that battle! Have a great weekend ;-)


Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

The Right Person AND The Right Time

"I have wanted to be married. It just has to be the right time and the right person. I have met plenty of 'right' people at the wrong time and have had the 'right time' with the wrong people. I am hoping to have both."


This was a statement made by someone during a dinner date. He is older by a number of years and was explaining to me why/how a successful man in his forties has never been married, has no children and has only come close to being engaged once. Especially in a city where it is beat into our brains that black women outnumber black men by a million fifty-eleven to one (my southern girl creeps in sporadically :-)

I started thinking about the right time and the right person. Has there been a right time and a wrong person or a right person and the wrong time? I have been told on a few occasions that I am great catch but there is so much going on in their life they can not commit right now. I always took that as a man's way of letting me down easy. Then I would become confused because I could not remember asking them to settle down or commit to me outside of a dinner or a few drinks.

Sometimes a woman just wants to entertain the thought of a man's company. There are times when a woman would like nothing better than to sit across from someone she considers really easy on the eyes and have a good conversation over a great meal. Is it possible for a man to understand that?

If I know your finances are tight and I want your company, I will offer to pay for it. I am not expecting anything in return outside of your company, vertically. Why? Because I enjoy you. I enjoy you not because I am trying to wait on you, trap you, make you commit to me and start a relationship with you but because I simply enjoy your company, conversation and presence!

There are times when I want to enjoy the right person until the right time comes along. Then maybe my right time will become your right time (a la Darius in 'Love Jones'). Ha!

If our right times never come at the same time? It is fine with me and guess what? We will have great memories and good conversations to hold onto and take with us as our journey continues. Those two things I know for sure.


(P.S. - In case you're wondering that photo above is of the quintessential couple who could never find the right time with the right person. Handing out cool points if you can name the couple made timeless by this classic film. MAD cool poins if you know their real names :)



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Fall Cleaning, No Longer Addicted

I was asked by email if I could ever give up my Addiction. Without thinking about it I answered "YES!" He is not the man I need to be with, he is not the man who will give me the unconditional love I seek, he is not the man...for me. Period.

I know this. I have known this since month 3 and continued to have him in my life for over a year and a half. Why? Honestly, because having him in my life for a few nights a month was better than being alone. Having him for a few nights allowed me to pretend that he was mine. Allowed me to pretend there was a man who loved me, stroked my hair and cuddled with me while we slept. Even if it was not true. We were using each other, and I have stopped it. Permanently, for good. Period.

I have walked away from my Addiction. On my own accord, without the advice from friends or the push from anyone. I have cut all ties with no explanation because by the time he realizes I am gone I will be strong enough to keep walking when he calls me to return. There is no one else, no one who will fill the empty nights left by him or fill the empty spot on my sofa the few nights he handed out when he felt ready. Somehow, I will get through them.

I am taking great care to clear out the imperfections in my life. My personal life was first, now I am working on my finances and somewhere in all of that I am continuing to find this woman. She is phenomenal, sweet, compassionate, loving, a great dancer who gives her all and deserves the same in return.



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Learning The Lesson...Do You Remember?

I was listening to the radio one morning as they awarded a single mother with a gift certificate to do some back to school shopping for her son. Her finances were tight and her son got into a fight at school when someone recognized his shirt from the second hand store. The radio personalities tried to make light of the situation but it struck a nerve with me because it made me remember.

I remember growing up in a large metro area after my mother moved me from a small city where I attended a private Christian school with a strict dress code. I remember moving into the 'hood and thinking how much I just wanted to go 'back home' with my family and friends. I remember being made fun of because school started 3 weeks prior to my arrival and the 'cliques' and 'friend circles' had already been established. Today it is considered 'bullying.'

I remember going into Junior High and being bused across town to help with the racial disparities and my shock when my friends spoke of back to school shopping. I was lucky to get a new backpack, and went without one for a few years. I remember my wardrobe and the few items it consisted of and my cousins who had recently moved into the area cleaning out their closets and giving me clothing.

I remember the feeling of my first job and the freedom of a paycheck. I remember getting a car at a buy here, pay here lot and paying my car payment, insurance and a few bills around the house. I remember working full time my junior and senior year of high school and getting a second 'part-time job' during the summer to save up for school. All of this before the age of 17.

I remembered all of this as I contemplate the little I have against what I perceive others to have. I remember thinking how I catapulted into the so-called middle class when my mother's generation was working class poor with little education.

I need to remember my upper middle-class and lower upper-class associates come from college educated parents and grandparents while my family grew up poor with holes in the ceiling, the roof and one kerosene heater to heat the house. I need to remember that my mother owned her first home in her 40s while I purchased mine in my 30s. I need to remember that this piece of paper hanging on my wall in a fabulous frame with four signatures and a seal means so much more than I think it does, even if I will pay on student loans until I'm 50.

Although many times I forget, and it takes my cousins to help me remember, I do remember. The humble beginnings and hopefully the fruitful endings.

I remember...do you remember?

Throwing in the video for an encore presentation as I continue to tackle my trees. Remember not to become so involved in running your race that you forget the purpose, what you have already accomplished and how far you have traveled. Today, I remember.




I still LOVE this video. It will never get old to me.



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

I Moved...Did you? Baila!

National Day of Dance has come and gone. Did you move? I DID!

Part of my movement was cut short when I had to meet a fellow performer to get my top to wear to the National Day of Dance Festival. But I more than made up for it later :)

I made my debut with my Salsa performance dance team. We participated at a festival in one of the more popular areas of town. It was sponsored by a local television station and they had many performances and dance schools present.

It was blazin' hot and by the time our time slot came around I was soaked! Since we did not have enough ladies to perform our routine, we had our Salsa dance school Director come out with us and conduct a Salsa lesson. The crowd seemed to love the first song but by song two...let's just say the 100 degrees in the shade was too much for them.

I don't know if you watch the show that started the MOVE movement but the guys who performed the robot pop lock routine went on stage after we did. Let's just say they were even more phenomenal in person than on television. As I stated before, the temperature was hovering around 100 in the shade and they had on complete gear and performed for the entire 15 minutes. My group wore tanks and shorts and my tank was soaked by the middle of our first song! I give them major props for that one! The crowd really enjoyed them.

After sweating off about 5 pounds of water weight I made it home in time to walk the furry one, relax a little and drive to my next engagement. It was the birthday party of one of my Salseros. Let me preface this by saying, their parties are good old fashioned house parties and they are invite only. I am not sure how I got on this coveted list but after attending my first party, these are a must!

They are invite only because they feed you, supply the adults 'spirits' and beverages and then move the tables out and party! When I say they feed you, they fire up the grill and put on steak, tortillas and shrimp kabobs. You wrap it up with this freshly made salsa, slap on some beans and eat until your heart is content! That is the BEST cook out I have been to and not only is the food flowing, but we could not help with anything! The Southern girl in me kept asking him to sit down and let us help, his response was "No, I like doing this. Did you have enough to eat? EAT! EAT!"

After the tables are moved out of the house, the lights are turned off, the disco ball is cranked up (yes, I said disco ball) and the DJ hits the tunes. My people of color may have invented the house party, but my Latino family perfected it! After the traditional Birthday rueda, there was a really large Tres Leches cake. Tres leches cake is the most delightfully rich and moist cake I have ever tried. After all of the eating at the beginning of the night, everyone has cake, more to drink and dances until....well, the last person drops! I have always called it quits early and never witnessed 'the end' myself. Their parties are better than any club I have stepped foot into.

In case you need proof, here is a short clip when the 'dance floor' was relatively empty. The dj was playing a merengue song (Salseros rest on merengue songs :) and the dance floor is considered empty at this point...





Yes, that is a Merengue version of In Da' Club and they were jammin to it! You know it's a good party when they give up on the air conditioning and just open the back door and hook up the fans. We danced, laughed, drank and sweat up a storm until the early hours of the day. I had wonderful Mojitos and on my way home I could not stop the smile that had found its place on my face as I celebrated with wonderful people on my National Day of Dance.

So, enough about my day. What did you do?



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Baila! (Dance!) - National Dance Day

July 31 has been designated as National Dance Day by a Producer of one of the dance reality shows. The purpose is to prove that dance can MOVE an entire country. Of course I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea!!!!

Since the recession (are we still calling it that?) I have nixed my gym membership and replaced it with more free dance. Latin nights with my name on the list, Salsa socials, performance group rehearsals and good old fashioned house parties.

I am issuing a challenge, a double-dog dare if you will (remember those?). On Saturday, July 31 you must move! I don't care if you get up and Tango through a song (Lovebabz), get your Bob Marley on (MsKnowitAll) or shake your thang (Monique) I just want you to move. I would give you a time limit but let's face it, if you get into it you will most likely move longer then you planned anyway and that is more than average. Just get off the sofa and shake it baby!

Yours truly has great plans for July 31 and I intend to update you on what KayC did for National Dance Day. You can guarantee I will get in more than my fair share of dance and movement before the day is out ;)

Tell me blog fam....how do you plan to celebrate National Dance Day? What can you do to participate?

A little something to give you a head start. If this does not make you move nothing will! Come on, do the dance. You KNOW which one I'm talking about ;-)






I'm a fool, I know it. But you feel good don't you? Dancing and laughing...



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

The Versatile Blogger Award

I love gifts and I love (good) surprises! The fantabulous Mrs. Mary Mack at embellish.meant gave me the Versatile Blogger Award. Her blog is full of great stories and tales of being recently married, traveling and being a new mommy. Not to mention the great photos of FUD. (You have to visit the blog to find out who that is, LOL :)

Since this has been sitting in my 'draft' box I also received another one from Monique at Random Musings which is really funny because she is one of my recipients below. (Guess you're exempt Ms. Mo) She is documenting life as a relatively new mom balancing career, family, dating and conquering the world. Go Mo!

As a recipient of the Versatile Blogger Award I must provide 7 random facts about myself. Let's see:

1. I can perform in front of hundreds of people but have a hard time telling someone I like or love them.
2. I have a wicked sixth sense. I often contact my family/friends only to hear "How did you know?"
3. I am Ms. Fix-It. I will research, watch the demonstrations and fix everything myself. If a repairman is called, it means I don't have access to the equipment to fix it myself!
4. I am very modest and have a hard time accepting compliments at times. Especially if it is about me being really good at something.
5. I am terrified of being operated on or being put to sleep. If you can't do when I'm awake it will not be done!
6. I have no idea of what I want to be when I grow up.
7. If I could make a living out of dancing I would happily do it.


Now I must pass this award to 15 bloggers. Of course I will break the rules and give this honor to the following:

Monique - Random Musings of My Mind
Kyle - 12th Planet
MrsTDJ - Just Another Day with Mrs. TDJ
MsKnowitAll - The Words I Type


Now the Rules (you know there are always rules!)...

For this award you are to thank and link back to the one who gave you the award, share 7 facts about yourself, and then nominate 15 others who you think are versatile.



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Learning the Lesson...You Know What He Did

It is amazing the small details the mind remembers at different moments. The customer service seminar I mentioned here had a variety of really funny but meaningful quotes and videos. For the life of me I can not remember how the presenter led into this video or why/how it had relevance to our seminar.

Why am I bringing this up now? Because on a dreary workday afternoon when the world has beaten me up and I feel battered and bruised I remember my friend MoA. Whenever I check on him he always says things will work out because he is blessed and it makes me want to let it all go. Today as I try to let it all go I search for something funny. That search led me back to my memories on the customer service seminar and an amusing clip that made me laugh from memory and I am happy that I found it to share with the blog family.

This right here...is funny. REALLY funny :)

(Didn't know if this should be a 'Learning a Lesson' or a 'Storm Breaker.' So let's call it both - ENJOY!)






He is absolutely adorable. I can only imagine how he makes his parents stay on their toes. Almost makes me want to try to have one...ALMOST! ;)

Moral of the Story - It is never as bad as you think it is. Five hundred people can view the exact same situation five hundred different ways.



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Dating Dads

I am a daddy magnet.

Since my re-entry into the dating world I have only met two men who did not have children (recently met another, count stands at 3). Most of them have more than one (the average seems to hover around 2) and many of the children are pre-teen to teenagers. Sometimes I think I have this 'mommy potential' stamp on my forehead because I have never heard of so many men having custody or sharing custody of their children until now.

My percussionist friend has his youngest child (a very cute 8-year-old) about 5 days a week. One guy I met has custody of his oldest (17-year-old son) and working on getting custody of the youngest (15-year-old son). There was another guy who has had his son (now 18) since his mother literally dropped him off at his doorstep as a newborn and walked away. I've already mentioned the DJ friend who had his son for most of the summer and there is my Addiction who has his youngest two (13 and 11) very regularly.

I was not raised with my father. There was no one-on-one daddy duty when I was growing up. If it was not for the woman in my father's life throughout the majority of my childhood I am not sure how much I would have seen him. Because of that, I think I am attracted to men who take their daddy duty seriously. It is something I find extremely attractive and enduring. Especially the daddy hairstyles :-)

Dating a dad has limitations. They must arrange for sitters and cut nights short to relieve sitters. Many times their spontaneity must be planned. Schedules and school days are taken into consideration when dates are made. I have agreed to lunch and brunch dates when I would have much preferred dinner, drinks and dancing.

Yes, I am guilty of meeting dad after bed time. Let me not make a habit of that!

I love the daddy part of the men I meet but sometimes as a woman without children I would love to meet someone who has the freedom in their schedule that I have. Not having to worry about the children's mother and meeting other family that a man without children does not have. I wonder if that is possible at this age? When can I get this 'mommy potential' stamp cleaned off my forehead?

At least for a little while, maybe?



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Giddiness Over The Last Airbender

In case you did not know I have a degree in Film and Video. My love of cinema makes me keep an open mind to new shows, movies and yes, even animation. I was living with my then in-laws when I caught the very first episode of Avatar: The Last Airbender. I was making my former nephew observe a much needed time-out break on the sofa. He did not find it interesting but I was hooked.

Last year while indulging in my latest childhood-nostalgia-turned-summer-blockbuster-movie I saw the preview for this movie and immediately turned into a kid. Think I lost cool points with my date, he had no idea who Aang was and had the nerve to ask me what was an Airbender? (He lost cool points for that one)

I have been looking forward to this movie for a solid year. You can find the original Nick animated series here. I am a little worried about M. Knight being the producer, he is known to be a little Tarantino-esque with his thinking but the original storyline and Japanese animation were simply awesome and got better with each season. This film is sure to have a major following.

This is the original opening from the animated series. Yes, I have seen every episode. Would love to have the box set on DVD.

Intro. A clip from Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Complete Book 2 Collection. @ Yahoo! Video

This is the original full-length movie trailer (the one that had me jumping out my seat screaming at the big screen "No! Can't be...It's Aang! It's the Avatar!") does a pretty good job at explaining the characters and storyline.




This trailer is better if you like action. Not sure of the effects translating from animation to real life but it looks promising.




I think I am going to take my 11-year-old cousin, when I mentioned the film he was the only one as excited as I was. I know where I will be for at least two hours this holiday weekend :-)



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Humans, Our OWN Worst Enemy

The place that holds many of my childhood memories now looks like this:



I agree with the Governor of Florida, it breaks my heart to see the photos of my beloved Pensacola Beach covered in oil. This CNN article has photos of a murky brown beach that was once coveted for its white sand.

My heart remembers what it looked like and the wildlife that was always there to greet you when you stepped foot out of your car. I remember the days when my entire extended family would pack up everyone and spend the day on the white sand, playing in the waves, making burgers on the grill, the sea gulls crying for bread and the coolers (one for the adults and one for the children). I remember not even a year ago when I accompanied my sister and her hubby as we took my niece to the beach for the first time.

Sadly my sister and I stood in almost the exact same spot that a few of these photos were taken:



In my mind it will forever look like this:



Humans...so often we are our OWN worst enemy. *sigh*




Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

And Like That...He's Gone

I tried.

Tried to look past the things I did not like and enjoy the things I did.

Yes, he was kind. Yes, he saw me. Was understanding and patient with my damaged heart. I appreciated it. But some things can not be changed. I attended a few of his events. He is a good DJ and plays to his crowd. Almost makes it effortless but the Man Behind the Mic syndrome is funny to me. I noticed at the last event he started to stay behind the DJ table more than usual. I laughed until I cried when one chick stopped at the table and literally bent over in front of him in a barely there dress.

Really? Are we that desperate now? Wow...simply wow.

I've dealt with my issues of him being younger, having a past with one of my acquaintances and being a member of the Blue & White fam. But the son and the son's mother is pushing me over the edge.

I always attract dads, they either have custody of their children or share custody. Please don't get me wrong it is a trait I find extremely attractive but at times as a woman without children it can be frustrating. He has his son for the summer. A very hyper and rambunctious 3-year-old. I am not a fan of meeting family or children until we know what we are doing and what type of 'relationship' this it. I avoided meeting the son for weeks until he blatantly asked for me to come hang out with them.

It was way too soon.

This little boy jumped in the sofa, yelled at me to play with him, jumped and rolled in my lap and almost kicked me in the face. Thank God I have great reflexes. All dad said was 'calm down' a few times.

Ummm...ok.

I was sent barreling over the edge when dad was making lunch and I told the son to stop jumping in the sofa. He stopped jumping, looked me dead in the eye and said 'No' before continuing to jump. I knew it was time to go before I snatched this kid up and tore his little ass out the frame. I was not raised that way and could picture myself jacking him up against a wall. Who am I to discipline your child when you will not?

I am dating with a slightly different purpose now. I still date for fun and enjoyment but also to see if we fit into each others worlds. I can see myself having issue with him because of his disciplinary beliefs. Not to mention mom calls every two hours and he walks the house while talking to her. What are you saying that you can't say in front of me?

You can not be that worried or interested in your child staying with his father because he would behave much differently if you were. If you took the amount of time with him you spent calling over the summer when he is with you he would have better manners. Yes, I know what 3-year-olds are like. I taught pre-school for three years and guess what blog fam? You got it - I had the 3-year-old room complete with 21 of them.

I love children and would like to have a house filled with children's laughter. To help mold the next generation of leaders and genuine good people. But this situation?

Not good. No warm fuzzies there.

There are a lot of warning signs and this time I'm listening.



P.S. - You get MAD cool points if you can name the film that inspired the title of this post.



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...