Brief not Briefs

No I'm not typing in my undies or talking about undies for that matter.  Typing this as I listen to Faith Evans' "Reasons,"which is my favorite song by her. Can listen to it all day.    Working on some longer writing pieces this week and it's getting the majority of my time.  Not cooking today, but I may marinate some spareribs today if they thawed out.  Will par boil them tomorrow if I do the marinade today. 

I have a series of short posts I'm calling The January Sessions, which are writings I didn't post for whatever reason.  Look out for them real soon.  As I said, I'm a little busy and I need to get some stuff done, like now.  

P.S. Put in an application for an office manager position and hope something comes from it.  Till then, all one needs to do is keep it moving.       

Lazy Monday Morning

Today started with me waking early and not wanting to get out of bed.  I did everything I could to stay asleep.  needless to say none of it worked.  My mind was alert.  What did I do to remedy this?  I played on my cell phone. Checked emails for any potential job responses, and looked on Twitter and Facebook, then check news. I might as well get out of bed, and see what I can do to start this day.  Writing's starting today with this post.  I feel that it's good to work on something as simple as a blog post.

I didn't do much of any writing yesterday besides blog posts, and I wish I put more time into working on projects.  The least I could have done is read something.  I did watch Breakout Kings, which seems to be my current Sunday show.  Game of Thrones starts next week Sunday, so I know there are two shows I will keep up with.

Did managed in my time yesterday to complete an application for a position of office manager.  I'm hoping for the best.

Joyride

Decided I needed to get out of the apartment, so I got up and took a ride.  It was initially supposed to be a trip to the grocery store, but since it was so early, and I didn't plan on anything other than buying food, I took a drive. It cleared my head of the cobwebs, and got me relaxed and I enjoyed that quick getaway.  Now I'm back home and by my last post you know I'm cooking.  I'm praying Sunday stays productive.

This Week's Menu

In an effort to save some more money it's time to prepare a menu for the week.  I hope to have three meals that last at least two days each. On a good note I came under my budget for grocery shopping today.  That's even better as it's near time to pay bills, and boy is the money tight!  I looked for sales on everything, and didn't go near my typical maximum allotted amount.  It could have been an ugly situation in the store today with me cringing at the cash register, embarrassing myself. Thank God

This week's menu is:

• Pork roast with cranberry sauce.  Baby spinach and broccoli and cheddar
• Okra with shrimp, wild rice and salad
• Baked chicken, salad and wild rice.  

This should cover this week's worth of meals starting today.  Pork roast is in the oven now.  It will be in there for 1 hour and 40 minutes.  Should be nice, tender and juicy.

I thought about doing a Chuck roast, but I don't want to just yet.  let me see how I feel after the Okra and shrimp meal.

Rise

Yesterday I did some late night tweets on the death of Trayvon Martin who was slain while walking home. He was accosted for nothing more than the fact that he was a black youth.  His killer was not charged and it appears a proper investigation wasn't done. Needless to say there's been huge press coverages as this case grows.  Outrage and disgust barely touches what's rightly coming from so many people.

What I'd like to address is how society still has a long way to go in order to banish racism, and how racism flourishes to this day. We have many so people of color who've been maligned, marginalized, discriminated against, not for their actions, but the color of his and her skin.  Some people are in jail or in their graves early due to the unleashed hatred and racist behaviors they used to oppress and destroy.

There are unspoken rules/attitudes about people of color "knowing your place," and not having the right to assert our rights as human beings.  Even further many don't believe that people of color can be articulate, educated, professional, and demanding.  We're all supposed to fit a stereotype and statistic. It's hardly fair and its hardly an ideal society.

When my mother arrived in Charleston, SC it was acceptable for people to call her "nigger" to her face.  In the process of obtaining her education she had to deal with instructors who didn't want to be bothered with black students. My mother imparted this to us, her children so we knew what her life was like and how we had a lot of obstacles in our paths as young men.  It's amazing to me that we've come so far in life, but it seems like the same actions repeat themselves in a day and age when the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama is a black man, and still respect that's due to all is given to only a few.

For my own experiences I've been the recipient of racism and discrimination many times.  These are the moments people try to steal my humanity and dignity with their actions.  The amount of lies, hatred, deceit, and pain some caused with their actions don't register with them, because some really show that they don't have to respect or treat me and others on a level with themselves.

What can any of us do in the face of this indignity?  We persevere, keep it moving, maintain our goals, and provide examples and encouragement for ourselves, each other, and the next generation. We are all people.  We are all beautify, and God willing we will rise above those who try to constrain and oppress us with their hate.  

Sleep Denied

Have not been sleeping well for the past few days, and last night was no exception.  At least my body had the decency to fall back asleep after waking up in the middle of the night.  I wonder how long this will play out.  I know there's a nap in my future.  I must claim and act upon it.  Yesterday was uneventful, other than last post's haircut mention.  At least I look good being tired.  I gotta get some writing done today.  Even if all I do is a half a page, I want something done today.

I dunno if I'll cook tonight.  I'm simply not with ideas or the mood, but its so early, I best not over think this.  I do have some leftover chili (spicy).  I'll see whats in the fridge and have a potluck.

The Hot Mess Post

I got a haircut today.  Needed to get up earlier than normal and surprise I didn't want to get up and I did what I had to do to get things done.  I like the cut.  Looks good, and professional. I always feel like a new man after a cut.

Yesterday I slept poorly and didn't sleep to late that night. It ruined my creativity.  I'm trying to get my head together to get this post done, but I'm a hot mess.  Let's see if I fare better tomorrow.

On the Menu

Today I'm making steaks.  They are thin cut ribeyes (they were on sale), and they've been marinating overnight. Will make them with some sauteed  veggies (onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms). Will make some snap peas to go along with this and a mixed green salad.  I should be pleasantly full for the next two days.

Not spending too much time blogging since I have to write, read, and cook today. I have some things I need to catch up with and complete. I feel that writing on a regular basis is highly important to keep my mind in the game.  I can tell you yesterday's movies was Clash of the Titans (1981 version), and Kill Bill Vol. 1.

Yesterday: It Went Before Monday, But Stuff Happens

Yesterday was about running a few errands then relaxing. It felt good. Jotted down plenty of notes for ideas on or stories, which is not a bad thing in my book. Was more than grateful I didn't have the blahs I typically get on Sundays. Used to working during the mornings on Sundays, but that's over with. Looking for some silver linings here. Used the time to reflect on my life and keep up my creativity.  Contemplated a lot of ideas yesterday and how to implement them.

Yesterday was also about not turning the TV on. I really wasn't keen on watching anything. Didn't even feel like gaming. Mind you, I'm not moping. That blah feeling typically has me feeling down and defeated. Not Turing the TV on has me thinking of ideas and concepts. I get this pleasant exchange for not killing my brain cells with too much television programming that does nothing but distract me with banality.  That's not to say its all bad.  A lot of it really is not for me.  

Yesterday I had some chicken wings and I swear pieces of meat always gets caught between my teeth. Got the floss and toothbrush and worked that out. Literally.

Monday is a Monday

Take the title as you will. I hope my Monday turns into a productive one in spite of feeling a tad bit drowsy.  Speaking of drowsy, I mustn't forget to take my allergy meds.  I cannot afford to have congestion creeping on me. One year it did and it was more than just ugly. Thankfully that hasn't happened in a long time. 


I need to write, and this the my start of the writing day. I felt like I've been in a sort of fog and trying to sort my way though life and creativity.  It gets dense sometimes. Thankfully I don't stop praying or believing things will improve for the better. Can't kill a dream or spirit. I work harder to keep myself going. Never give in or surrender while I have the skills to survive.      


Thought about taking a drive to escape for a moment or two and get outside of the comfort zone. Don't know where I'd go, but it may be nice to go somewhere and relax or read for a while. I'll think more on this.  

My Lovely Sleep-A-Holic Fantasies

Today was one of those days where I woke up early, turned on the TV, and fell back asleep.  Resisted the urge to do anything, and I felt like it was worth it.  Then I stumbled out of bed.  I hope this is DST effects and nothing more. I'm needing to use that time for my own projects. Never give up.    

Well I'm supposed to be writing, but found myself gabbing and laying in my favorite chair feeling like a champ.  I know that's not the way to get things done, and after doing some half-assed inspiration for a new concept last night, I was grateful I placed it in my notebook.  That reminds me to put the "available" pen back in its proper spot, since I removed it and have it in the wrong place now.

Was laughing with a friend about some ups and downs and the many good things that happen in life, which in itself is a good thing.  Yesterday I did take a few pictures that I said I would use as inspiration in part for stories and screenplays. I dunno what I have yet, but I know I liked the images.  This is the start of something exciting.  Theme is important, and I'd like to see me work closer with my ideas and themes.

Seeds

Well it was another night at my place with me looking at ways to be more productive. Today is picture taking day as I'm looking to take inspiration from my everyday surroundings.  This should be a creative and inspiring challenge.  Let's see if the seeds of a story will germinate.  Also had a weird dream I added to an idea I had late last night.  Might as well keep that in my notebooks.

I skinned my thumb yesterday.  Did it sting like crazy, and continue through last night.  I was like, stinging go away, and it was like, YOU go away. The things I must put up with tolerating.  I suppose I should be more mindful of what I'm doing to prevent little accidents like this from happening.

I Didn't Mean To Turn You On

For those in the know the song "I Didn't Mean To Turn You On" was recored by R&B star Cherelle in the 80s.  It was later covered by Robert Palmer, and I love hearing both versions of the song.  The song happens to be on my playlist at the moment.

Today the water was cut off by by the apt complex so that a pipe could be fixed.  That was supposed to happen at 9:30 Am but instead happened at 12:00 right after I fixed myself an omelette and nibbled on it.  Was ready to wash dishes and knew better. I have some saved water but would prefer to only use it if the need arises.

Speaking of Cherelle, "Saturday Love" just came on.  Love this song.  Ah memories of youth flow through my mind. When did I get old? Don't answer that. All things must change and my time came and went.  In the mind to write something and the blogs posts are merely the appetizer for the warm-up writing, and I need to go read some stuff for friends that I didn't get done cause I'm a slacker sometimes, and I never seem to get myself together like I used to.  Gotta change this outlook, cause I'm more than capable of handling things.

Need For Sleep

Last night was a bit of a hot mess for me, because I didn't get any sleep last night.  I woke early with odd dreams, that quite frankly made me feel uncomfortable. I hate those kind of dreams because for the most part I could not decipher them past how they made me feel.  I dunno what my mind attempted to tell me.  Needless to say that I was up and it was still dark outside.  I resisted the urge to turn on the TV, closed my eyes, and prayed that I fell asleep.

Got up out of bed after hearing a lot of commotion outside and stumbled out of bed, and began my morning with some correspondences.

Yesterday was about submitting a couple of applications, and my resume for some positions.  I can only keep my fingers crossed that I get a call for either one.  Needless to say having a decent job would not be bad at this point. A brother needs a job.

Did little writing, and that's being addressed right now since blogging is the first step in getting my mind on writing.

Clean, Clean, Clean

For the last couple of days I decided I did not like the way my apartment looked, and decided to do something about it. I felt mighty blue for the past few months and it reflected in my chaotic surroundings.  While it doesn't matter that it got mess, it does matter to me that it not stay this way. I decided I should do this one spot at a time and organize the area.  yesterday was the coffee and end tables along with the couch.  Today was my chair, ottoman, dinner table and TV stand/area.  Tomorrow will be the open area near the dining room.  Right now it's not so open, but filled with junk.  Gonna tackle it with gusto.  Soon the entire are will be cleaned, and looking great.

It's nice to see areas so clean and functional.  No walking over items or stumbling. Maybe this is reflective of my life, moving on up towards better things. God only knows.

The next debate will be whether to tackle the bedroom first or kitchen.  So long as I get ride of the excess junk, and keep the essentials.

P.S. I need to replace one of my dining chairs, but at the moment I'm not with the money to do so. :(   Time will improve this situation as well.

Wash, Rinse, Repeat

Yesterday was all about editing, or as a professor once said in class, "writing is rewriting."  That's no lie.  This story's getting a healthy does of attention.  As stated before, I know I have the start of something good with this short story, however the true work and challenges lie in the revisions. I wish my writing was perfect from day one, but that never happens. Revise, revise, revise.

When I read the story aloud, several spots came of as awkward or repetitive phrasing. That killed the flow of what I wanted to convey so that needs mad smoothing. I insisted on completing the read through/revisions one page at a time.  When I was done, I reread my notes, then gave it an overnight cool off period.  

I didn't get to my second story as I would have liked to.  I'm going to have to slow my pace and ambitions.  If I did a paragraph yesterday, it would make my slacking off a little more digestible.  Not write a great paragraph, but an ok paragraph. I'm making it a priortiy to get things done today.  If I have to cut the TV off and no games, that's what I will do.

Well, Well, What Have We Here?

Yesterday I looked over and edited a short story I wrote a few months ago. Did it need editing?  Oh yes it did. I had way too many grammatical mistakes. I started with one read/edit where I only looked for my typos only with a pen and a highlighter.

Originally, I presented this story to others in my writing seminar as was our assignment. We read each other's stories and gave feedback. For my part, I should have placed far more effort into this project to eliminate the typos. One or two typos would be a mistake.  Several typos and tense mixing looks completely haphazard and is the hallmark of the complete novice. In other words, a hot mess.  For the record I have graduate classes under my belt. There are high and reasonable expectations placed upon graduate students and their materials. I don't find my typos a simple mistake, but rather me not getting my writing up to par with my graduate studies skills.

Did I think I wrote a good story? Yes I did, but it went no further than me getting feedback about it. I thought I worked on a story that was a bit stronger than my usual writing, and more direct using the various exercises I learned in my writing seminar. What I should have done is put a little more effort into the final presented product. This would have made for a more polished presentation in regards to the story.  I think the idea,  the mood, and the energy that my short story conveyed, however I fumbled the delivery.

Initially I thought, while editing,  "I'm too close to the material to see it as something I could work towards improving." This was an odd statement, as I've written papers and edited them within the same week. What did was capitalize on my procrastinating skills, which is to say I didn't think it was important enough to do the revisions immediately. Yes a couple of months gives me fresh eyes to revise, but had I corrected the story, say a week from time of the feedback, the story could have been shelved, then tweaked once again. I wasted time.

I did work on other projects, but not at a frequency I think I'm capable of.  Other stories need writing and other stories need attention.  My blog needs postings.  I can say this is the topic of today, which means I'm writing once more. Needless to say, you can take someone out of graduate classes, but you can't take the graduate studies out of the person. It's time to honor those skills with a fresh revisions, and  continued writing. That would make me a lapsed hot mess.  This has been good writing today.

Where Is This Day Taking Me?

It's one of those days when I woke up and I can't get myself together. The plumbing is still being worked on the adjacent apartment, and the noise cannot be ignored by any stretch of the imagination.  It contributes to my disorientation.

Will eventually scour the internet for some new jobs and write some more.  Yesterday I tried coffee after months of not using it.  I had a sharp headache afterwards which made me rethink drinking coffee again.  It's back to drinking hot tea for me, which produces no headaches.

Need to get cracking on laying out ideas and stories, doing my writing exercises so that I can get back to being focused.  Will dig up some old essays to see where I'm going with a current idea.  I feel a bit aimless, but I did wake up sleepy and unfocused.  Best to start with today and see where it leads me to.

The Unnatural Alarm Clock

Today while being totally lazy and not wanting to get out of bed (and the room was cold to boot), I decided to get up and write.  It was the productive and wise thing to do.

When I rolled out of bed, the crudest, loudest sounds came from the next apartment.  They're fixing the plumbing. While fixing the plumbing makes life better for everyone involved, the sounds are so damn loud and intrusive that it makes the situation a bit unbearable as my floors rattle, and its loud as all get out.  It's a little too intense for the start of my day.

What can one do, but write? I work through the good and the bad and it ain't a pretty situation.  

Today

I'm up. Made my bed and loafing about. Will start writing soon. After getting stuff down on paper I'm gonna make some dinner.

Late Night Dinner is Better Than No Dinner

Last night I completed a pot of spaghetti that was more than good. It was delicious, and I am happy that I decided to cook.   For the sauce I used garlic, onions, mushrooms, salt, fresh cracked pepper, bay leaf, Italian seasonings, oregano, parsley, crushed rosemary, basil, ground  chuck, and Italian sausage (hot).  Yeah, I seasoned it well.  

I started more than late cooking, and my meal was done by 10:00 PM. I wanted to loaf and not be bothered with the activities of the day such as preparing a meal. In spite of my desire to loaf, I promised myself that I would make a meal as opposed to going to get fast food. Cooking was worth the time, in this instance. Now I had a meal that I can enjoy and relax. I don't have to cook today, and I don't have to buy fast food. I saved me some money.

Writing

I am most fortunate this morning as I managed to get my writing exercise completed.  I am more than tempted to try another to keep the juices flowing.  I need  to put a break in the middle of this cause I want to edite a short story I should have edited a while back, but was too lazy to get off my duff to do.  After than some edits for a friend. I'm looking to get myself writing every day and keeping up with at bare minimum two 20 minute exercises and edits.

I need to be a bit more stronger in the writing department and keep myself going so that things work and flow better for my writing. Also I need to make sure that I am keeping my mind active with something positive and constructive.

Learned that listing to instrumental music helps my brain out a whole lot when it comes to writing. Of late listing to my regular play lists has me singing and bobbing my head to the beats.  Not typing just me enjoying some music.  perhaps I need to set aside some music time to enjoy some of the songs.  

Dream Soup

Woke up with a mix of odd dreams I have yet to decipher. My mind is a playground of thoughts. I made my bed up in the morning for a change. Need to do some warm- up writing, and I'm plucking an idea from this jumbled dream soup I had. Food and sleep have been good to me.