Under the Weather

Nasty fever and conjestion paying me a visit. I feel so ugh!

Buzzed Night

Its the night. I had a couple of Hurricanes (rum & friut juice). I'm at home. No need for worrying about driving. Was hoping for a bigger buzz, but I simply feel warm inside. Not too shabby.

Visited the family for the holidays. I LOVE seeing my family. I got to see my neice as well. She is soooo growing up. This was the best Christmas ever. I mean that. All I wanted was to see my family, and i got that.

Sometimes i miss Charleston. I get over that when I get home. Saw az cat in Mom's patio. It was a calico cat, not like Max. Its nice to see a cat. Maybe in the future I may get another cat.

Good Day In Life

I have been sooo busy. More drama, more living. It's the holidays baby!!! Work is work. Got the word from the big cheese that there should less internet usage at work. I am minimising all usage, to keep any problems under control. Its fair enough. Unfortunately, since its break, there's nothing much to do. I have been passing the time doing busy work. Library stuff. getting to know other departments, and familiarizing mysefl woith more policies.

I have a secret admirer. Found a box of chocolates on my doorstep when I came home. I was pleasantly surprised.

Have a new group moving into the library. They are giving the admin some drama. Call it a clash of policies and personalities. Hopefully it will be resolved without issues.

Happy holidays to all!!!!!!!

My Novel Progression I

Every month or twice a month I will write on the progress of my novel. This is to keep me in line. it may also be the spark of me writing and working through any frustrations. You may see more of this line of writing than I expected.

Let's talk genre. I have been toying with different genres for the novel. Sometimes its a period piece, sometimes its fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary, or even gothic. Several subjects have remained the same. People of color are prominent to the story. Father and son in the story will meet for the first time. It is an adventure. There are layers of drama. I want to introduce more scenery. I see churches with ancient stained glass, courtyards, extensive gardens, and castles. Also I hear music. Classical music. Violins, cellos, and several woodwinds. I have to think on this. What does it all mean? My brain is working it out.

I think I can call it a fable wrapped in a (gothic) drama. A lot of layers overlap, so I have a lot to work out. There characters are evolving. There is a level of danger in the story that is coming to the surface. This is not meant to be a "pretty book." It's meant to excite, thrill, scare, and in the end give you resolution to the problems.

Did research on genres, and on era's last night. Need to look up castles and churches. I need to see more architecture.

***UPDATE***

I began working on a full cast list and I fleshed out concept Information. The title is tentative, and will more than likeley change when I begin my revision of chapter one. Things are looking clearer to me.

Deja Vu

Remember Delivering Justice, the children's book I got signed from a previous post? Its a real good children's book. Also, by an interesting twist of fate, the Levy Dept. store that's mentioned in this book, is the location where I work. Let me back up here.

It's 1932. Blacks are still segregated from rights, and there are no decent rights, or a crumb of respect given to blacks. The location is Savannah, GA. W.W. Law is a child. Levy Dept store was segragated as well. (More on how I eneded up working in the same building later). Law witnessed many injustices to people of color. It's some hateful actions. It leave a sore spot on me. I can totaly relate. It depicts Law from childhood to adult. Law used non-violent methods, like sit-ins and protests. Boycotts lead to some businesses on Broughton St. closing. Ironicly blacks were treated so rudely, but were the major buyers in several stores. I would reccomend this book because its a part of history that is often not told. I never heard of Law in public school.

Oh, Levy's eventually went out of business. SCAD bought the building, which is now the Jen Library, my place of work. Don 't know is that's ironic or a sign of the times. More like poetic justice.

Change is Excellent!!!!

I felt inspired, after milling over changing my template for weeks. I also added some links. I will add more as time goes by. I really would like to see more links to the places I frequent.

I also had a desire to "lighten" the color of my blog. I feel it was very dark. We all know black is beautiful, but I like a dash of color to break up the darkness. Kinda feels symbolic. Me adding on new layers. My blog is an extention of myself.

I am finding that there are change I personally am going through. Its the true touch of independance and my desire to stay creative. I loose focus so easily, but I want to keep on track.

Sheila E.'S Birthday Was on Dec. 12th

I did not know this. Stumbled upon her website. She's one hell of a musicuan. I still play "Hold Me." Now all I need is to find a copy of "A Love Bizzare."

Her website is here

Mary J. Blige will have a new CD on the 20th

Breakthrough is breaking out on the 20th. I would love 2 hear it. Will have to ck out iTunes to see if there are some sneak peak listens to it.

That's a great picture by the way.

Brand New Day

Busy day, busy week already starting. I need to mellow out. That doesn't happen to often during a work day.

Congrats to my absolute bestest friend Jackie for her promotion. I am very proud of her so I thought I should let all my blog readers know. Congrats again Jackie! You deserve it.

I have been thinking about classes, and how can I overcome/adapt to the quarter system. This time around I will have no interferences, so I can focus on the work without any sidetracks.

Had a dream about my cat last night. Sometimes I just miss him.

The Week-End Report

Friday, after the book signing, I had a killer headache/migrane. I felt it behind my eyes and stuff. I knew it wasn't sinus pressuere (there is a difference that can't be explained, but felt). Went home after ordering some dinner. Bareley ate, and drank some water. Took some Advil, cut off all the lights, and waited for the pain to fade away. Fell asleep.

The next day I still had a headache, not as bad, but it felt bad enough. I decided to have a total lazy day, that is I did nothing except make breakfast, and dinner, and watched movies in bed. It felt good to relax. Didn't do my Saturday grocery shopping.

Sunday I felt better. Went to the grocery store with list in hand. Got out of there. Visted mall because I needed to get my niece the books I wanted her to have for Christmas. Got back home and started dinner late. I made the ribs I was thinking about last month. It was a multi step process. Parboil, then baked. I made potatoes and peas to go with it. I ate late, but was full. Went to bed early (11:30, which is early for me). I was watching a DVD, and in 10 mins I was fast asleep.

The good news is I don't have to cook for at least 2 more days! When I do I will cook steak.

Delivering Justice

There's a book signing at SCAD library. The title of the book is Delivering Justice. The story is by Jim Haskins, and art by Benny Andrews. Artist Benny Haskins signed my books (bought two copies). I'm giving a copy to my neice. I have to find two more picture books for my neice. I so beleive in diverse/multiple readings. That and I love pretty pictures with words.

Animal Crossing Got Me!!!!

I told y'all it was addictive. This game has me buying a house, meeting neighbors, and trying to pay for said house. Imagine, a game with these kinds of responsibilities has me trippin.

Hitting the Fitness Center

My new years resolution is to hit the fitness center, which is FREE to SCAD employed (part of the college). As a student and employee of the college, I have access to the gym. I want to start off with something simple, cyling. Me and my former exercise buddy, Heather ( I miss her- we used wo work at Verizon Wireless together) , used to do cycling at VZW's gym. I miss exercise. I need to start again. Misplaced my gym sweats, but I am positive I can replace those with a trip to Wally World.

Its simply me this time. I do want to be healthier, lose a few pounds, and feel better about doing this, as opposed to feeling like I have to because of everyone. Now that all negative crittiques can be pushed away (tactless relatives), I can do what I want with no pressure whatsoever.

Sensei & Student

Not too many of my blog readers, if I have any readers, read comics, but I have to say this is one comic book I am very pleased to read. This is Birds of Prey, and its a trade paperback of the Sensei & Student storyline. Its one of the best damn reads in comics I have had in a long time.

This story is written by Gail Simone. Gail is also the moderator/host of You'll All Be Sorry, or YABS board at CBN, which is one of my fave places to visit. Its a great comic. The leads are female, smart and sexy. For comic readers, many female characters are oversexualized, and pure cheescake. Several female heroes don't have a clue to heroism. I thought I should praise this book because of what I have seen and read.

Birds of Prey is a monthly comic which follows the adventures of Black Canary, Oracle, Huntress. There are many other agents, all employed by Oracle who solve crimes. In this particular trade. Black Carnary's sensei passes. The sensei also trained Lady Shiva, one of the world's most lethal assasins.

One complaint, which isn't so much a complaint as a request. Lets get some sexy, smart people of color of in comics. By all means this is not to take away from Birds of Prey. I love this comic. I am ordering a copy for myself, and donating one of the trades to my library. SCAD has a sequential art program and there are many trades here, but not Birds. I'm gonna change that.

Making A List...Checking Over It

Its grocery time. I need to make my list. promised myself a few posts ago I would get ribs. I want some steak too. A good steak dinner with all the trimmings. Wild rice, mixed vegatables, and some dessert. Ah the plotting begins.

Made corn muffins and chilli last week-end. I want a salad this week. Don't know where lunch is going to be, but as long as I can sit down and enjoy it with a good drink, I'll be fine.

My Mood

You Have a Phlegmatic Temperament

Mild mannered and laid back, you take life at a slow pace. You are very consistent - both in emotions and actions. You tend to absorb set backs easily. You are cool and collected. It is difficult to offend you. You can remain composed and unemotional. You are a great friend and lover. You don't demand much of others. While you are quiet, you have a subtle wit that your friends know well. At your worst, you are lazy and unwilling to work at anything. You often get stuck in a rut, without aspirations or dreams. You can get too dependent on others, setting yourself up for abandonment.

What Temperment Are You?

I Love My Job

It occured to me that I have never talked much about my new job. I get asked by friends if I like my new job. I tell them that any new job would be a step up for me since I hated the old job (Customer service rep for Verison Wireless). I have to say I love my new job as a library assitant. Everything that's new is old again. New library, new location, same type of job (before Verizon, I was a library assitant at the College of Charleston, where I got my undergrad degree).

Jen library is a great place. Working for SCAD is also great. I love the academic setting. Did not think I would enjoy it so much, but I do. Here's to being is to happy at work!

Defining Literature Genres

A friend and I are often discussing fiction writing. This lead to a conversation about genres. Saw on BET a panel of women writers (African-American, of course), and how their books fell into what is called “chick lit.” It’s a broad term that applies to almost any book written by a woman that deals with love, fashion, and career. Pretty much a broad brush.

I have posted a copy of the definition here:

Chick-lit features hip, stylish female protagonists, usually in their twenties or early thirties, in urban settings, and follows their love lives and struggles in business (often the publishing or advertising industries). The books usually feature an irreverent tone and frank sexual themes. The genre spawned Candace Bushnell's Sex and the City and its accompanying television series. Breakout variations on the genre have develped to appeal to specific audiences, such as the novels of Emmy-winning author Lori Bryant-Woolridge, known for her Chick-lit novels (Read Between the Lies, Hitts and Mrs., Mourning Glo) written specifically with women of color in mind.

The term has a negative connotation. It means that the books might be shallow, or not “real” literature. That broad brush at work again. I looked up chick lit on Wikipedia. It does point out that that the term has both positive AND negative connotations.

There is also a male version called “dick lit.” A link to the full article is posted below.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chick_lit

Which Sci-Fi Guy Am I

Boldly striving to overcome the darkness both in this world and within yourself, you are righteously devoted to forging your own destiny.

It's your choice, but I warn you not to underestimate my powers.

Luke is a character in the Star Wars universe. For more information, see his character entry at the Star Wars Databank.

Animal Crossing Comes out Today!!!

Hey,

I am getting this game today. This thing, like I said in the earlier posts, is soooo addictively fun!!!!!!

I can't wait 'till tonight when I buy it. I am such a big kid. LOL

Can U Pay My Bill?

Hey,

I had this interesting experience when I went back to Charleston for Thanksgiving. I called a friend and we went to the movies, which I did not mind at all. She wanted to see Saw II. Gory movie, but ok to see. I would see it again. The movie works like a crime story. Y’all know I love my crime stores. After the movie, we chatted, like we always do, and when I came back to Savannah, I txted her to see how she was doing. All was well.

The following week, I txt her again. She was having drama with one of her cousins. Called to make sure she was ok. We talked to each other, she calmed down (was very upset of how family member took advantage of her).

The next week she txts me telling me about an outstanding bill she has. She went on about how she didn’t have the money to pay this bill.

It got the clearest impression she was indirectly asking me to pay this bill for her. Mind you, I work my 40 hrs a week, and I budgeted so that I could spend money when I came back to Charleston, without sacrificing my bills. It does not mean I have money ALL the time. This turned me off, but I had to wonder, was I reading her wrong. I don’t know, but this bill has come up in several conversations since.

Needless to say that I am leery of this situation. A friend suggested that she was asking. My bro thinks my friend knows I have to pay my own way (rent, utilities, care, insurance, etc.), but isn’t concerned with that. She just wants her bill paid. May have to keep my distance. How did I get into this?

Hello World

Hey,

Busy loafing about this weakend. Played video games, watched movies. Stuck on the History Channel this week (did I mention that I L-O-V-E cable tv?). Watched stuffed about knights templar and DaVinci Code. Topped it off with Law and Order and Crossing Jordan.