Tagged...Random

One of my blog favs Monique at Unscripted Musings tagged me a while ago, (KayC hangs head in shame) and I'm just now getting around to complete it. I must get myself together! Ugh!

Here are the rules:

1. You must post 11 random things yourself.
2. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post
3. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer

11 Random Things about me:

1. I enjoy solitude. The silence of my house is one of the most comforting things I have
2. I love my friends like family
3. I put on a tough mask but I wear my heart on my sleeve
4. I wanted to be a marriage counselor when I started college
5. My intuition is strong and almost always right. I need to listen to it more often
6. My car is 13 years old and I really don't want a car note
7. I love entertainment (books, movies, music, performing) and wish I could a make living in that field
8. I like being 'different' than the norm. Nothing upsets me like being compared to someone else.
9. I realize that I am deathly afraid of getting married again
10. I am not fully recovered from being broken, then again do you ever fully heal?
11. I enjoy stability and all that it entails

11 Questions from Monique

1. What has been your best Christmas gift to date? No Christmas gift stands out in my mind.
2. How did you spend last Valentine's Day? I have no idea. Honestly, I can't remember.
3. Who's your favorite author and why? Margaret Johnson-Hodge, she makes me want to burn my notebook! Her stories make you laugh, get mad and cry. She is a wonderful story teller.
4. Name your first boyfriend. Picture it, Clarkston, Georgia, late 80s...his name was Tova ;-)
5. What's your favorite dessert? Oreo Cookie Ice Cream
6. Name a time you've been disappointed. When my trust was violated over something that could've easily been avoided with a simple, honest conversation.
7. What did you want to be when you grew up? A performer, singer, dancer extraordinare
8. What's your favorite season? fall
9. It's Friday night, it's payday. Where are you and what are you doing? At home or at Theo's house under a blanket, watching TV. Maybe contemplating going out dancing.
10. What's the last movie you saw? Real Steel
11. Why do you blog? I started as an online diary to make myself write. Now it is more a place to put down thoughts and let them go.

Completing this blog tag made me realize I don't really do a lot celebrating and gift giving/receiving. I think that hilarious but very fitting to my lifestyle. If you chose to participate, please let me know. Thanks Mo for the questions, they gave me something to think about. The 11 random things were not easy.

Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged by Monique at Unscripted Musings so let's get it done:

RULES:
List 7 random things about yourself, pass the award to bloggers and answer a couple of questions....(okay, you know I don't do chain letters but let me know if you decide to participate)


7 Random things about me...

1. I grew up around one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. One of my Line Sisters is a lifeguard and so was the ex but I can not swim.

2. I always wanted curly hair, never knew I always had it.

3. I am not a fan of the sound of my voice even though I do voice overs at my job. Doing mic checks freak me out!

4. I LOVE home improvement shows. I dream of having Ahmed crash my backyard!

5. The last two men I dated resembled two of my celebrity crushes. Coincidence? Maybe not.

6. I would love to trace my family tree back to immigration. My Grandmother took me to the early 1900's and they were Native American and European decent. Always wondered where the African portion came from. Interesting huh?

7. I miss the niece and nephews I once had with the ex (who quickly remarried). It hurts my heart to see my former niece on social networks referring to her aunt. Because of this I try not to date men with children. Not an easy thing.



Q and A Session

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Song: There are so many...Alright by Ledisi, Cuano El Rio Suena by Havana D'Primera, Vivencias by Havana D'Primera, No Limit by La Tremenda

Favorite Dessert: Oreo Cookie Ice Cream

Biggest Pet Peeve: People who want you to be considerate of them without being considerate of other people

When You are Upset, You: Withdraw from everyone, stop talking until I calm down

Your Favorite Pet: They are like children, I can not just choose one

Black or white: Black

Biggest Fear: Not ever having a family of my own

Best Feature: You tell me, I have no idea

Everyday Attitude: Singing..."Every day I'm hustlin', Everyday, I'm hustlin'"

What Is Perfection: Using all the gifts God gave you

Guilty Pleasure: A few bad reality tv shows



Until Next Time,
Peace & Blessings...

Tagged...Siete (Seven)

My blog sister Monique has tagged me again, LOL! This one is a meme of 7 things.


(In my best Fresh Prince voice - for those of you who can remember this infamous song)
Drums please:

1. I hate desk jobs. They bore me to tears. One day I will have a career that allows me to have flexible hours and do something that I truly enjoy. I like what I do now, would like it better if I could do it for myself and be paid what I'm worth. Side note: I'm working on it, I have a few things in the pot simmering.

2. My baby brother is younger than some of the children of the men I have dated. I think about that when I think of getting serious with any of them. That would make for interesting family gatherings. My sister being the same age of your daughter or my brother being younger than your son. *SMH* When did family dynamics get so complicated?

3. I dream of having a backyard garden/living space. Complete with stone pavers and a small pergola with a hammock for lazy days. My dream garden would have amazing roses and a hydrangea bush that bloomed rich blue blossoms. I have my first backyard (ever, in life) and I dream of what it would be like if I had about $3,000. One day...

4. I was a late bloomer. My confidence was non-existent until college and it was only average then. Amazing what pledging and being thrown into the world wearing three Greek letters will do for you.

5. I have never traveled outside of the USA and have never owned a passport. This will change next month. I will apply for a passport and travel somewhere to use it by the end of this year. Period!

6. I have only taken one vacation in my entire life...to Hawaii. I enjoyed every minute of walking, eating and getting the darkest I have ever been. It took weeks before my skin recovered.

7. Until very recently I have only dated African-American men. Not that I do not find other races attractive, they have never approached me like that. Last year changed that, Moa is Puerto Rican - not that we are dating but it definitely would not be a bad thing (and dancing Salsa will likely broaden it). Gotta love those hardwoods :-)


There you have it, a meme of siete things about KayC. As always, you can play along if you feel so inclined. Things are good on my end and I hope things are great on yours!


Peace & Blessings...

Blog Tag...Happiness 101

First, let me take care of business and say a sincere thank you to Charles at the Illuminate Darkness Experiment for the new blog banner. He is extremely talented. Stop by his spot and check him out.

Now back to the business of blogging...

While reading a blog on my blog roll I stumbled across this post by Monique. She tagged everyone who read it so I am just following the rules. Here goes...


The Rules:
Rule 1. List ten things that make me happy
Rule 2. Tag 10 bloggers that brighten my day
Rule 3. And link back to the person who gave me the award


My List...
1. Dancing Salsa. It brings an instant smile to my face like nothing else
2. Seeing Moa do his thing on stage, I enjoy seeing people in their element
3. Hearing my niece laugh through the phone while I talk to my sister
4. Having Sunday dinner with the cousins
5. Knowing I can walk into my house and shut out the world
6. That feeling I get when I step on stage for the first time during a performance
7. Knowing I have great friends who allow me to be me
8. Understanding that I am growing into a woman that I genuinely like
9. Accepting that I may not be perfect but I am still a pretty cool chica
10. Finally accepting my gifts and developing every piece of talent God gave me


*I try not to do chain letters. If you are reading this consider yourself tagged. Especially my fellow male bloggers, I would love to see Happiness 101 from a male perspective*


Peace & Blessings...

Honest Scrap Award

My blog sistergirl Ms.KnowItAll bestowed this honor upon me. I LOVE gifts and surprises so I am honored to fulfill my obligation.


Here are the rules...


1) Brag about it...
Brag? Who, me? *Breakin' it down to the Jacksons - Can you feel it? Can you feel it? CAN YOU FEEL IT!*


(2) Choose seven blogs I find brilliant and link to them, and..
Hmmm....I think the people who would participate have already been tagged. Besides if you follow The Storm or read it regularly you know I don't do chain letters. Good or bad.


(3) List 10 honest things about myself...

- I like finding out people's stories. Why they think the way they do. What life events brought them to this place in this time.

- I have never dated outside my race. I'm not opposed to it, just never happened. I'm sure this will change soon...

- Having a mundane desk job where I do the same thing every day is about as fun for me as having a molar pulled.

- I was the kid who got teased growing up, because of this I do not believe in picking on people, even if it is in good fun.

- I love non-mainstream music. Jazz, local artists and great live bands.

- The best date I ever had involved a man turning his bar into a homemade movie theater for just the two of us.

- The second best date I ever had was a long impromtu walk in the park with great conversation.

- I get bored with my job around year 3, my current job is starting to bore me...it's year 4!

- I've never had a birthday party as an adult. That will change this year, I'm throwing myself a birthday bash. I have MUCH to celebrate!

- The only 'girlie' obessession I have is shoes. I LOVE cute shoes. Bring on the stilettos, sneakers and flats!


Peace & Blessings...

Tagged...Getting to Know Me

I was tagged by Mrs. Mary Mack from Thoughts of an ADHD Drama Queen. Guess my blog circle is expanding :) Anyway, here goes…


Rules:

1.) Respond: answer the questions on your blog.

2.) Replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own.

3.) Tag eight other people.
If you are a repeat visitor to The Storm, you already know I don’t do chain letters, and never tag anyone but feel free to participate and let me know when you post your answers!




What's your current obsession?
Finding a way to make my daily grind easier and growing into the person I was meant to be.

What's your must have fashion need?
Long skirts, belts and great summer dresses. I love jeans but give me a long skirt or summer dress any day. Oh yeah, SHOES! Shoes are my only girlie "thing" :)

What are you wearing right now?
V neck shirt, grey slacks and slides. I hate having to dress a certain way for work.

What's your favorite food?
By default, Chinese.

What do you do for fun?
Be still, read, write, hike, dance, movies and music.

What made today special?
I will be dancing with my performance group as special guests tonight with this group:



What would you like to learn to do?
Ride a motorcycle and speak at least 3 languages fluently.

What's the last thing you bought?
Eyelashes for tonight’s performance.

What are you listening/watching right now?
My co-workers talk about a parent who is a habitual complainer.

What's your favorite weather?
Love the rain and that just right temperature when it’s not too hot and not too cold.

What's your one goal in life?
To know true happiness.

What do you think of the person that tagged you?
I think she has a unique outlook on life and surrounded by a great support network of family and friends.

If you could have a house totally paid for, what would it look like?
Doesn’t matter what it looked like as long it was visited frequently by great friends, family and filled with laughter and love.

What would you like to have in your hands right now?
A contract to publish my novel.

If you could swap lives with anyone in the world for one day who would it be and why?
I don’t know. I thought about a number of artists that I admire, but the truth is everyone has their demons and I don’t want to fight any new ones since I am finally trying to get a grip on my own. (yah, me!)

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour where would you go?
Walk the Champs-Elysees

What language would you like to learn?
Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Italian ( to add to my French)

What do you look for in a friend?
My friends are all loyal, trusting, honest and have my best interest at heart.

Who do you want to meet in person?
The REAL love of my life, whoever he may be.

What's your favorite type of music?
Whatever moves me at that moment. (Blues, Reggae, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Soca, Salsa, African, Rap, etc.)

What's your dream job?
To tell stories (written and film) that move people to tears.

Describe your personal style?
Relaxed, I like calmness and peace. I can’t be around people who don’t know how to let their hair down every once in a while.

What's your favorite t.v. show?
G.rey’s Anatomy, most of the time their writers are beyond words.

What's your favorite dessert?
Oreo cookie ice cream.

What's your favorite makeup brand?
Don’t have one, the most makeup I wear is on stage when I perform. I don’t wear enough makeup daily to judge. I have more MAC in my kit than anything else right now.

What's your all time favorite perfume?
Perfumes make me nauseous; I wear Moonlit Path body spray.

What's something that you don't currently like about yourself?
My feelings get hurt easily and I allow people to make me feel unworthy.

What's your fondest childhood memory?
Baking cakes and pies with my Granny around the holidays.

What would you do w/a major lottery winning?
Travel and see the world.

If you had to pick a song for your funeral/memorial service, what would you choose?
I’ll Always Love You by Taylor Dane (I know most of you are like , huh?) LOL!

If you could change one regret you have in life, what would it be?
I would never have changed the essence of who I am for the person who professed to love me forever then later changed his mind.

If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
Why is it so hard to learn what we are supposed to learn in life?


So there you have it...a little getting to know me by KayC. Although I don't tag people, I am looking side-eyed at some of my blog sisters (Lovebabz, Ms.Knowitall and The Insatiable One in particular, LOL)

The Interview

I agreed to be interviewed by Monique. I guess I was feeling a little adventurous. Anyway, here goes...

The Rules
1. If you want to participate, leave me a comment saying, “Interview me.” (And your e-mail address, please.) 2. I will respond by emailing you five questions. I get to pick the questions. 3. You will update your blog with the answers to the questions. 4. You will include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post. 5. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.


1. Have you ever been rejected by a crush?
Of course, it was my first crush on a white guy and he didn't feel women of color like that but would flirt something awful. It was a long time ago and maybe that is why I now keep my crushes under wraps until I know he is feeling me as well.

2. What does your screenname mean?
KayC is a nickname my oldest and dearest friend gave to me the first day we met. It has now been over 18 years so it apparently stuck. The Quiet Storm was my line name, I decided to to use the two together when a co-worker ironically called me Quiet Storm and had no idea of my pledge days. The two together describes me perfectly, merging the past and the present.

3. What is your greatest strength? Weakness?
My ability to see all sides of a situation. Because of that I also get my greatest weakness of over thinking things. I will seek advise and contemplate for days or weeks sometimes before I make a final decision. But once my mind is made up, that is pretty much it.

4. If someone were to go through your nightstand, what would they be surprised to find?
Every birthday, anniversary, wedding, baby shower invitation that I have received in the past eight years. I never throw that stuff away. Funny, I like a good story and they provide plenty. *I don't keep the good stuff in the night stand ;)

5. On a guy: Boxers, briefs, or boxer briefs?
Depends on his body. Boxers are sexy on some men but if his body is right, definitely boxer briefs.

I've Been Tagged...The Countdown Tag

I came out of holiday hiding because I was tagged with The Countdown Tag by two of my blogworld friends, KiayaPhd and MsKnowitall. This one made me dig deep for the answers, but it was enlightening.

The RULES:
Link back to the person who tagged you.
Answer the questions
Tag 7 other bloggers (I don’t send chain letters, but hit me up if you choose to participate.)
Let them know in the comments they were tagged (see the answer above :)


10 random things about me:
I love the rain, especially when I can stay home
I am an avid reader
I make jewelry
My “child” has fur and four legs :)
I wanted to be the next Spike Lee in college
I would have settled on being the next Millicent Shelton after college if I couldn’t be Spike
I love to dance Salsa
I want to own a beach house/condo or a mountain cabin
I have never had a “best” friend but have plenty of “good friends”
I love outdoor things like taking my dog for a hike


9 ways to win my heart: (see my love list)
Make time for me
Do what you say you will do
Be honest
Know that chivalry is not dead
Don’t take me for granted
Take the time to plan great dates
Send me a text message “just because”
Be comfortable in your own skin
Ask about my favorite flower then send them to me "just because"


8 things I want to do before I die:
Travel the world
Be sexually free with the person I love
Know unconditional love
Become a parent
Have a great family holiday with my immediate family
Learn to ride a motorcycle...well
Have a bestseller that becomes a blockbuster movie
Retire early and enjoy the view from my beach condo/mountain cabin


7 ways to annoy me:
Asking me to be considerate of you when you are not considerate of me
Taking my time for granted
Taking my love for granted
Standing me up when we made plans
Being late
Thinking that people or tasks are “beneath you”
Making excuses


6 things I believe in:
God
Love
Family
Good friends
Staying true to your word
Integrity


5 things I am afraid of:
Dying without knowing true love
Never having children
Not getting the chance to know my little sister and brother
Not knowing when to let go and move on
Not knowing when to hold on


4 of my favorite things:
The Holidays
Great movies
Being kissed by a man who knows what he is doing
A great slow dance


3 things I do daily:
Read
Walk the dog
Feed the pets


2 things I want to do within the hour:
Get a text message that makes me smile
Know that everything will work out fine


1 person I want to see right now:
My grandmother (I miss her dearly)


Thank you to my fellow bloggers for showing me love. I was having a hard week and needed the distraction.

I've Been Tagged

Once again I have been tagged by my blog world friends. Msknowitall tagged me this time about something I love, music. Here goes...

THE RULES
"List seven songs that you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words, or even if they're not any good, but they must be songs you're really enjoying now, shaping your spring/summer. Post these instructions in your blog along with your seven songs."

MY LIST
1. Alright, by Ledisi
Life can bring loss through any changes, it's alright, just don’t give up know that it’s gonna be alright, People come and may go, that’s just the way that it goes, Everything is everything, and it's alright.
Ledisi has a sultry voice that is simply enjoyable and calming. This jazzy, blues-like song fits right into my new favorite playlist.

2. No Woman No Cry, by Bob Marley
No lyrics needed, the live version is on my playlist. I can listen to Marley all day.

3. Be With You, by Elizabeth Withers
I just want to be with you, turn the down lights low, pull my shirt up slow. Open my buttons one by one, and watch them come undone.
Another sultry singer, she became popular playing Shug Avery in The Color Purple on Broadway.

4. Suffocate, by J. Holiday
Got me fiening for her love can't lie, Man you should see how she got me, Spending all this time with her, And I couldn't leave her if I wanted to, Her love turns men into fools, Tell me what a man is to do.
This song's vibe is nice. One day, I want someone to feel this way about me again.

5. My Joy, Leela James (Be sure to also check out her track Music)
See previous post here to hear this one and see the lyrics. The live version I posted includes a brief description of how the song came to be as well as a brief tribute to the blues. This song is my new anthem. I put it on when things get too heavy.

6. Soul Searchin', by Me'Shell Ndegecello
Come caress my saddened heart, My sunrise and my darkest dreams, All my hostility's tamed, When you kiss me.
MeShell has a way with lyrics that is unmatched by most. This one is old, from the Higher Learning Soundtrack and includes a wicked breakdown in the end that makes you want to grab your SO and... ;)

7. Satisfied, by Prince
Eye'm just trying 2 get U satisfied, Eye'm sure U had another lover, Let me tell U baby, all tricks aside, Eye can get U out of Ur body, Have U ever felt like U were dyin' and felt satisfied?
I LOVE Prince and love the blues. This song combines both...Prince singing the blues? Oh baby, the only downfall to this song is that it is too short.


My new summer playlist is one I can play from start to finish without any major breaks in the flow of music. All of the music is sultry and relaxing. Some of it is new with artists like J. Holiday, Goapele (Closer) and Reuben Studdard (Make U Feel Beautiful) but others are classic like Prince and Bob Marley.

My entire list has a running theme of overcoming obstacles and finding love. Maybe my healing is almost complete, I find myself listening to these songs and thinking of the infinate possiblities of great love.

This one is dedicated to the hopeless romantic in me that is being reborn. I didn't tag anyone, as always let me know if you participate.

TAG! 6 Things about the Quiet Storm

I've been tagged so I get to play. I guess that means I am an official blogger now ;-) In case you have not seen this before, I have been tagged by Verbal Vixon, who has great stories and art on her site.

The rules:

1. Link the person who tagged you.
2. Mention the rules in your blog.
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours.

Here is the list of things unknown to my fellow bloggers...

1. I have a major pet peeve about people being inconsiderate. Especially when you want me to be considerate of you. That goes for all of the gum popping, cutting-me-off-in-traffic driving, smokers in the hallway, answering your cell phone in the movie, playing your music loud in the middle of the night people. Yeah, YOU!

2. I know the words to most of the songs in the Animated Disney Classics. My favorite being Bear Necessities in the The Jungle Book.

3. I wanted to be a performer like Janet Jackson when I grew up. She was killin' Control at the time. (Don't hate, don't hate)

4. Thanks to a person I dated, I now like all forms of music. If you ride with me you could hear everything from Daughtry, Creed, Carrie Underwood, Sweet Honey in the Rock, MeShell, Goo Goo Dolls, TuPac and Miles Davis. Interesting list, huh?

5. I know how to crochet and knit. My Grandmother taught my mother and my mother taught me. Someday, I hope to have a daughter to teach her. Gotta keep the tradition going.

6. My father's name is Adolph. Yes, just like Hitler. Oh yeah, get this...he is a junior. So there are TWO men in my family blessed with that name. Try living with that as a black girl growing up in the South!

BONUS- Since #6 is not really about me, here is another one. I am a certified Pet Stylist. Which means I am basically a certified barber for dogs and can do things like take this face:


And make it look like this:



So there you have it.

EXTRA CREDIT*** I HATE chain letters, so although this was fun and I appreciate being loved by the blog tag. I did not tag anyone.

But hit me up if you decide to participate.

Peace and Blessings,
KayC, The Quiet Storm