10.15.2008
10.14.2008
Does anybody know of churches that
are organizing trips to take the elderly to the voting polls? I'd like to participate.
I voted today
I don't need to announce who I voted for. There was no last minute shame as I pressed the button. I am so proud.
I immediately think of my grandparents. Those that NEVER believed that this would happen. For some it happened in their life time, for others, I represent an extension of their life. They are in my heart and my blood and I did this for me, for them...for America.
I immediately think of my grandparents. Those that NEVER believed that this would happen. For some it happened in their life time, for others, I represent an extension of their life. They are in my heart and my blood and I did this for me, for them...for America.
Holding my breath...
And waiting for Consumer Companies to release Q3 results.
We just had a synthetic increase of 900 points on the Dow. Well, it's like a rubber band snap. The nose dive was based on fear, so this is just an elastic snap of folks saying, "whew, I was scared of nothing."
Nothing is going to turn into something over the next week when consumer Companies such as Johnson & Johnson release their Q3 earnings.
We shall wait and see what happens.
We just had a synthetic increase of 900 points on the Dow. Well, it's like a rubber band snap. The nose dive was based on fear, so this is just an elastic snap of folks saying, "whew, I was scared of nothing."
Nothing is going to turn into something over the next week when consumer Companies such as Johnson & Johnson release their Q3 earnings.
We shall wait and see what happens.
10.13.2008
Help me to Help America
I'm pretty passionate about this presidential election. I believe in Obama like nobody's business. We are in the last leg of this presidential race and it is essential that we keep supporting Obama, especially as he battles McCain in the traditionally 'red states'.
With that in mind, I set up a fundraising page on My Barack Obama.com and I'm requesting that you donate a lil' something. $5? $2? $50 bucks? I usually donate once a paycheck period...so please HELP ME TO HELP AMERICA!!!
With that in mind, I set up a fundraising page on My Barack Obama.com and I'm requesting that you donate a lil' something. $5? $2? $50 bucks? I usually donate once a paycheck period...so please HELP ME TO HELP AMERICA!!!
Trapped
I've heard of women trying to 'trap,' a man. Aka - getting pregnant on purpose.
Have you ever heard of a man trying to trap a woman?
Have you ever heard of a man trying to trap a woman?
10.12.2008
Dear Bigots,
Arab and Muslim are no more derogatory than American and Christian.
Your ignorance is showing, please try to correct it. It's highly offensive to me.
Thanks,
SunFresh.
Your ignorance is showing, please try to correct it. It's highly offensive to me.
Thanks,
SunFresh.
Baby Steps
I won't go into how this year was one that turned me upside down. I've had to take a lot of time off trying to heal, love myself make me whole again.
My biggest flaw is being self critical, to an almost paralyzing point. It's not a new quality by any means, I grounded myself the first time that I ever received a B on a report card. I eased up on myself by college, cuz a B was a good thing at that point.
So with a lot of the relationships that were broken, I took it out on me. I blamed me for the failures. But as we all know, a lot of times failed relationships fail because both parties cannot get their act together.
Forgiving myself has given me a new found peace and appreciation for...me. Unfortunately, I've become selfish with my time with me. My next step will be to engage in relationships with others...but baby steps.
This weekend was rather triumphant for me. How so? Baby Steps. I've become an avid coffee drinker. At work, before I open my e-mail I run upstairs to get coffee. Sugar, non-dairy french vanilla creamer. But you know what I realized? I am 27 years old and did not know how to make coffee. Something that brings me so much pleasure (and unfortunately I've acquired a caffine addiction). So what did I do today? Went out, got a cheap Mr. Coffee 4-cup coffee maker and made my first pot of coffee. Baby steps.
Then I realized that I needed to get filters, coffee (durrrr), and creamer. While in the grocery store I came upon Plantains.
Plantains, oh dear plantains. The first time I that I ever tried to cook plantains was when I put together a feast for the ex (Lamb Shanks). The ex is Haitian, and I wanted to cook something that felt native to him. Ain't NOBODY ever tell me how to make them. I had had them in restaurants, and it seemed simple enough. Throw them in with some brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. So that's exactly what I intended to do. However, I had no concept about the consistency of a raw plantain. I figured that you peel them like a banana.. Imagine the horror as I broke a sweat trying to peel raw plantains. So I casually asked somebody how to make them and the secret that I never knew...you HAVE to boil them first to soften them up.
So I bought some plantains, boiled them until they were soft...who'd-a-thunk-it? The skin peeled right on off with the ease of a banana, post boil. I then threw them in a pan with sugar, cinnamon, butter and a touch of vanilla. Can we say YUM.
So far today, I've had a cup of coffee and plantains but I feel FULL. and I'm taking baby steps. I also played lots of Wii this morning. Golf is harder than it appears. Tennis is addictive. Baseball....I finally got the swing of things (literally @ Joe Biden).
Last night I hung out with Miracle Man. Chemistry...not so sure. I am convinced he has split personalities because some days he's affectionate and others he's luke warm. Last night was a luke warm night. Ehh - I think it really might be time to clean house and start over.
And woah is me, I go to the Mary J. Blige / Robin Thicke concert in T-3.5 hours with the Haitian ex. I might bring him along some plantain chips.
My biggest flaw is being self critical, to an almost paralyzing point. It's not a new quality by any means, I grounded myself the first time that I ever received a B on a report card. I eased up on myself by college, cuz a B was a good thing at that point.
So with a lot of the relationships that were broken, I took it out on me. I blamed me for the failures. But as we all know, a lot of times failed relationships fail because both parties cannot get their act together.
Forgiving myself has given me a new found peace and appreciation for...me. Unfortunately, I've become selfish with my time with me. My next step will be to engage in relationships with others...but baby steps.
This weekend was rather triumphant for me. How so? Baby Steps. I've become an avid coffee drinker. At work, before I open my e-mail I run upstairs to get coffee. Sugar, non-dairy french vanilla creamer. But you know what I realized? I am 27 years old and did not know how to make coffee. Something that brings me so much pleasure (and unfortunately I've acquired a caffine addiction). So what did I do today? Went out, got a cheap Mr. Coffee 4-cup coffee maker and made my first pot of coffee. Baby steps.
Then I realized that I needed to get filters, coffee (durrrr), and creamer. While in the grocery store I came upon Plantains.
Plantains, oh dear plantains. The first time I that I ever tried to cook plantains was when I put together a feast for the ex (Lamb Shanks). The ex is Haitian, and I wanted to cook something that felt native to him. Ain't NOBODY ever tell me how to make them. I had had them in restaurants, and it seemed simple enough. Throw them in with some brown sugar, butter and cinnamon. So that's exactly what I intended to do. However, I had no concept about the consistency of a raw plantain. I figured that you peel them like a banana.. Imagine the horror as I broke a sweat trying to peel raw plantains. So I casually asked somebody how to make them and the secret that I never knew...you HAVE to boil them first to soften them up.
So I bought some plantains, boiled them until they were soft...who'd-a-thunk-it? The skin peeled right on off with the ease of a banana, post boil. I then threw them in a pan with sugar, cinnamon, butter and a touch of vanilla. Can we say YUM.
So far today, I've had a cup of coffee and plantains but I feel FULL. and I'm taking baby steps. I also played lots of Wii this morning. Golf is harder than it appears. Tennis is addictive. Baseball....I finally got the swing of things (literally @ Joe Biden).
Last night I hung out with Miracle Man. Chemistry...not so sure. I am convinced he has split personalities because some days he's affectionate and others he's luke warm. Last night was a luke warm night. Ehh - I think it really might be time to clean house and start over.
And woah is me, I go to the Mary J. Blige / Robin Thicke concert in T-3.5 hours with the Haitian ex. I might bring him along some plantain chips.
Desperate times call for desperate measures
I was talking to my white gay boyfriend about the election. He is convinced that Obama has it in the bag. And I confessed my fear that the Bradley effect will smack us in the face with a nasty surprise. He agreed that a month ago, he didn't think a black man could win; however, he said that the quasi-racist white men are finally putting their fear of losing their job/wealth ahead of race. He said, and I quote, "I mean SunFresh, Desperate times call for Desperate Measures."
What I want...
It's fall, the weather starts getting cooler and there's nothing better than...
snuggling up on a weekend morning with the windows open. You might not get out of bed until hunger begs you too. You might watch the Sunday morning talk shows.
you are sitting at work and flashback to 'last night,' and start sheepishly grinning.
random things remind you of them
you see something you want to do and immediately think of how fun it's going to be with them.
you don't particularly like a certain food/drink/???, but you're out and about missing your boo and have a lil' just to feel closer to them.
I want that type of love.
snuggling up on a weekend morning with the windows open. You might not get out of bed until hunger begs you too. You might watch the Sunday morning talk shows.
you are sitting at work and flashback to 'last night,' and start sheepishly grinning.
random things remind you of them
you see something you want to do and immediately think of how fun it's going to be with them.
you don't particularly like a certain food/drink/???, but you're out and about missing your boo and have a lil' just to feel closer to them.
I want that type of love.
10.10.2008
10.09.2008
Encounters
Have you ever had a run-in with racism?
I was called a nigger on the playground when I was 8.
That's my story.
I was called a nigger on the playground when I was 8.
That's my story.
I love getting to know...ME
One major thing I learned about myself is that my memory SUCKS. I'll forget a name, date, ect within an hour. But I remember the colors, the smells, the tastes, the feeling that I have. I have always tried to communicate how much of a sensual person I am. Most confuse this for sexual. Like all the paintings I saw while in Madrid, the few that I fell in love with made me feel something, evoked an emotional response. I saw texture in the paintings, placed myself in the paintings.
Even when talking to the guys I date, I have a LOT of trouble feeling a connection if he doesn't show any vulnerability.
ANGELA BASSET + ER = I'll be watching it religiously this year.
Even when talking to the guys I date, I have a LOT of trouble feeling a connection if he doesn't show any vulnerability.
ANGELA BASSET + ER = I'll be watching it religiously this year.
10.08.2008
Sorry Folks...but it was funny. #27 - That One
On another tmi note...got dayum why on the one rainy day does mother nature have to deliver me a punch to the stomach and head? C'mon...Mercy please.
Right?
Because life is so simple, right? And our judgments on other people's situations are always correct, right? Everything is so cut and dry, right? It's productive and healthy to muse over situations in which you aren't a player, right?
I guess so.
I guess so.
What are you doing on November 5th?
I will probably take a personal day. However, if I go in to work...
if Obama wins, I'm wearing all white. It's a celebration. When 'we' protest, we wear black. This would be a true American victory.
if McCain wins, I should probably stay home to prevent myself from getting fired for saying something ignorant. I'll wear black an mourn.
BTW - My Company is being Green and allowing us 1 day per week to work from home. Not good for my productivity. But I do have a mighty fine headache, so it's probably good that I'm not amongst the masses.
if Obama wins, I'm wearing all white. It's a celebration. When 'we' protest, we wear black. This would be a true American victory.
if McCain wins, I should probably stay home to prevent myself from getting fired for saying something ignorant. I'll wear black an mourn.
BTW - My Company is being Green and allowing us 1 day per week to work from home. Not good for my productivity. But I do have a mighty fine headache, so it's probably good that I'm not amongst the masses.
Don't be confused...
On CNN the group of undecided voters were constantly monitored for their reaction to Obama and McCain during the debate. What we found was that in general the collective group subconsciously responded more favorably to Obama than McCain.
However when Soledad asked who folks were learning toward, over half the crowd said McCain.
Did you see the demographics of those who rose their hand? White males.
Read up on The Bradley (Wilder) Effect
The absolute most offensive part of the debate was..."I betcha you never heard of them before this crisis."
A seemingly educated black man doesn't know what Frannie and Freddie Mac are? GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE WITH THAT BULLSHIT.
You know what I never heard about before this crisis? Sarah Palin.
However when Soledad asked who folks were learning toward, over half the crowd said McCain.
Did you see the demographics of those who rose their hand? White males.
Read up on The Bradley (Wilder) Effect
The absolute most offensive part of the debate was..."I betcha you never heard of them before this crisis."
A seemingly educated black man doesn't know what Frannie and Freddie Mac are? GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE WITH THAT BULLSHIT.
You know what I never heard about before this crisis? Sarah Palin.
10.06.2008
10.05.2008
My Sarah Palin Moment
Sarah Palin is to Foreign Policy as I am to Initiating Reconciliation.
A former friend's birthday is this week. I purchased a Maya Angelou Hallmark Card. I am attempting to put words on the paper...but my thoughts are as fragmented as Palin's response in a Katie Couric Interview. Hell, the next difficult will actually be dropping that bad boy in the mail.
My incoherence has me referencing quotes to capture the words that I'm either at a loss for or too prideful to write on the card. Essentially, my thoughts come out as such, "Well, um I don't know how to open up and I don't want to assign the responsibility of forgiveness to either of us. I'm not even sure that forgiveness is the word that I should use. But our friendship ended so abruptly over childish bullshit. I've never been one to enjoy having numerous superficial, forced friendships. What we shared was deeper, but it was set in the context of numerous superficial forced friendships. So erruhhh Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. And thereofre the umbrella of, "If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it. And ALSO, Grief and tragedy and hatred are only for a time. Goodness, remembrance and love have no end."
Lol, see sounds just like Palin trying to put together an intelligent thought. Eek. Then I selfishly wonder, will my efforts to reach out be well received? I'm not looking to be thrusted back into that lifestyle...the incessant talk about sex, failed relationships, drinking and constant socializing with people I didn't fancy. But I miss the simplistic connection that I had with one particular person. It's kinda like...you like toothpaste and you like orange juice...but not necessarily together.
Errr - perhaps I'm still suffering from Jet Lag, or perhaps my mental faculty is on par with my Wii fitness age of 80. I'm rambling and not looking forward to returning to work after traveling overseas.
A former friend's birthday is this week. I purchased a Maya Angelou Hallmark Card. I am attempting to put words on the paper...but my thoughts are as fragmented as Palin's response in a Katie Couric Interview. Hell, the next difficult will actually be dropping that bad boy in the mail.
My incoherence has me referencing quotes to capture the words that I'm either at a loss for or too prideful to write on the card. Essentially, my thoughts come out as such, "Well, um I don't know how to open up and I don't want to assign the responsibility of forgiveness to either of us. I'm not even sure that forgiveness is the word that I should use. But our friendship ended so abruptly over childish bullshit. I've never been one to enjoy having numerous superficial, forced friendships. What we shared was deeper, but it was set in the context of numerous superficial forced friendships. So erruhhh Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. And thereofre the umbrella of, "If you want a love message to be heard, it has got to be sent out. To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it. And ALSO, Grief and tragedy and hatred are only for a time. Goodness, remembrance and love have no end."
Lol, see sounds just like Palin trying to put together an intelligent thought. Eek. Then I selfishly wonder, will my efforts to reach out be well received? I'm not looking to be thrusted back into that lifestyle...the incessant talk about sex, failed relationships, drinking and constant socializing with people I didn't fancy. But I miss the simplistic connection that I had with one particular person. It's kinda like...you like toothpaste and you like orange juice...but not necessarily together.
Errr - perhaps I'm still suffering from Jet Lag, or perhaps my mental faculty is on par with my Wii fitness age of 80. I'm rambling and not looking forward to returning to work after traveling overseas.
9.30.2008
Greetings from Spain
I love it here. And on the day of the biggest drop in the stock market, I was in the Santa Ana plaza sipping sangria...a precursor to sipping rum and coke from "The Penthouse," which is atop of Me By Melia overlooking the city. Taking silly pictures with my travel mate, who has graduated to my new Work Boo (BFF at work)laughing and acting silly. We made our way to the room and looked at videos such as Paula Abdul's, "Cold Hearted Snake," and compared it to Britney Spears, "I'm a Slave." Next, I was introduced to the glory that is Father Ted. I was singing My Lovely Horse at the top of my lungs after a plethora of Guinness. So my Work Boo wanted me to understand where that came from. Then I introduced her to Ne-Yo...Miss Independent and Closer so that she could carry a cool conversation about urban/pop culture and the like.
9.26.2008
*Sigh*
1. Hates it when people that have as much experience in something as Palin does in Russia speak on issues in which they have no experience.
2. I guess it's supposed to take me 30+ minutes to get gas when I get home
3. I wonder if I should go ahead and refinance my Mortgage
4. Last day of work this week - TGIF
5. Expects that each adult take ownership for their own actions, but understands momentary periods of out of character behavior
6. Cannot wait to go to Spain
7. Surprised by the latest fall out, WaMu
8. Cannot imagine how terrible things are in ATL, really. Somebody fill me in, I am hearing stories, but want the real deal. If you've been hit with an economic woah, holla atcha girl (including waiting for gas for more than 5 minutes).
9. I'm still waiting for a Republican to convince me for non-religious or non-emotional reasons why McCain/Palin makes sense
10. I talked to my mommy last night which made me happy as a well fed baby.
2. I guess it's supposed to take me 30+ minutes to get gas when I get home
3. I wonder if I should go ahead and refinance my Mortgage
4. Last day of work this week - TGIF
5. Expects that each adult take ownership for their own actions, but understands momentary periods of out of character behavior
6. Cannot wait to go to Spain
7. Surprised by the latest fall out, WaMu
8. Cannot imagine how terrible things are in ATL, really. Somebody fill me in, I am hearing stories, but want the real deal. If you've been hit with an economic woah, holla atcha girl (including waiting for gas for more than 5 minutes).
9. I'm still waiting for a Republican to convince me for non-religious or non-emotional reasons why McCain/Palin makes sense
10. I talked to my mommy last night which made me happy as a well fed baby.
9.24.2008
How often do you think
Barack Obama gets his hair cut? What if he started growing a Bobby Brown sloped box cut? Or even a solid Scotty Pippen box cut? Or perhaps a Michael Jordon fade.
Thank God, I can watch him from over here. I missed-ed him.
Thank God, I can watch him from over here. I missed-ed him.
9.23.2008
For one of my best friends on her birthday
Love Ya LBoogie.
(It's technically your birthday in Dublin Ireland, you've got another 5 hours before it's officially 9/24 in VA).
Rich v. Middle Class: A state of mind
You ever observe somebody and realize that yo' ass is truly middle class?
Like they casually mention shopping at some high-end store and/or having other luxuries that you always thought 'rich' people had.
Yeah, I'm as middle class as they come. In the same way that 'ghetto' is a mentality, I think being middle class is a mentality.
For example, when I started working and staying at nice hotels, I'd be annoyed by bell men. First of all, I can do it my damn self...hell, that's how I and my family had been doing it for the past 20+ years AND I don't want to tip you. Same concept with Valet. There is nothing that drives me more bat-shit crazy than when the valet walks 10 feet in front of me to get my car. If I valet, I want the attendant to have to run to some unknown location and bring my car which is nowhere in my sight. Or with cleaning. There was often a 2-3 hour block dedicated to the family cleaning the house during the weekend. To deep clean, my dad got some kinda industrial carpet cleaner or would purchase Amway cleaning materials. We didn't have help.
Is this middle class, or down right poor? Perhaps I was poor growing up, and didn't know it.
I guess my concept of the difference between 'rich' and middle class is the ability/ willingness to hire and/or employ help. I suppose I have the ability to hire help; however, I don't have the willingness.
Like they casually mention shopping at some high-end store and/or having other luxuries that you always thought 'rich' people had.
Yeah, I'm as middle class as they come. In the same way that 'ghetto' is a mentality, I think being middle class is a mentality.
For example, when I started working and staying at nice hotels, I'd be annoyed by bell men. First of all, I can do it my damn self...hell, that's how I and my family had been doing it for the past 20+ years AND I don't want to tip you. Same concept with Valet. There is nothing that drives me more bat-shit crazy than when the valet walks 10 feet in front of me to get my car. If I valet, I want the attendant to have to run to some unknown location and bring my car which is nowhere in my sight. Or with cleaning. There was often a 2-3 hour block dedicated to the family cleaning the house during the weekend. To deep clean, my dad got some kinda industrial carpet cleaner or would purchase Amway cleaning materials. We didn't have help.
Is this middle class, or down right poor? Perhaps I was poor growing up, and didn't know it.
I guess my concept of the difference between 'rich' and middle class is the ability/ willingness to hire and/or employ help. I suppose I have the ability to hire help; however, I don't have the willingness.
Repression breeds narcissism
My travel mate this phrase out. I think our topic of conversation was republicans and/or conservatism. Below I use the term republican and conservative interchangeably; however, I'd consider black people conservative in regards to sex, as evidenced by their general inability to simply talk about it candidly and comfortably. However, most black folks are democrats.
The problem with conservatives, in my humble opinion, is that they assume the best in human nature and ignore the capital vices. When capital vices are present (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth wrath, envy and pride), all humans will self-correct by following the word of the Lord (aka the Bible). Based on these assumptions, Republicans like to write law. So for example, nobody has premarital sex; therefore, abortion is not necessary. Or greed never seeps into capitalism; therefore, regulation is not necessary. I believe Democrats recognize the capital vices and instead govern via regulations and/or oversight to moderate the flourishing of the capital vices.
The most tangible example of 'Repression breeds narcissism' is America’s underground obsession with sex. I recognize that sex is as natural as eating and breathing. It is necessary for survival; thus it is amongst one of the most natural urges. However, in America we suppress a healthy appetite for sex and attach negative stigmas to it. Through religion we are taught to feel shame in our sexual selves. However, we are absolutely obsessed with sex as evidenced by (lol) the porn industry and high rates of unwed pregnancies and STDs.
I can also demonstrate this via a tale of one of my college hall mates. She started her freshman year as a virgin. She went to a catholic school and all that jazz. She would proudly claim her virginity. About 6 months into the school year, she was having anal sex...and the night she lost her virginity she got with two men. Had she been taught healthy concepts of her sexual self; perhaps, she would've at least engaged in sex with a man/boy that cared for more than her bedroom prowess. If that story was too graphic for you...take this example: Bristol Palin.
Make it make sense to me. My open-mindedness fails to extend to what I presume to be ignorant positions; thus I come off as condescending and judgemental. I'd try to change, but I kinda like me :-)
The problem with conservatives, in my humble opinion, is that they assume the best in human nature and ignore the capital vices. When capital vices are present (lust, gluttony, greed, sloth wrath, envy and pride), all humans will self-correct by following the word of the Lord (aka the Bible). Based on these assumptions, Republicans like to write law. So for example, nobody has premarital sex; therefore, abortion is not necessary. Or greed never seeps into capitalism; therefore, regulation is not necessary. I believe Democrats recognize the capital vices and instead govern via regulations and/or oversight to moderate the flourishing of the capital vices.
The most tangible example of 'Repression breeds narcissism' is America’s underground obsession with sex. I recognize that sex is as natural as eating and breathing. It is necessary for survival; thus it is amongst one of the most natural urges. However, in America we suppress a healthy appetite for sex and attach negative stigmas to it. Through religion we are taught to feel shame in our sexual selves. However, we are absolutely obsessed with sex as evidenced by (lol) the porn industry and high rates of unwed pregnancies and STDs.
I can also demonstrate this via a tale of one of my college hall mates. She started her freshman year as a virgin. She went to a catholic school and all that jazz. She would proudly claim her virginity. About 6 months into the school year, she was having anal sex...and the night she lost her virginity she got with two men. Had she been taught healthy concepts of her sexual self; perhaps, she would've at least engaged in sex with a man/boy that cared for more than her bedroom prowess. If that story was too graphic for you...take this example: Bristol Palin.
Make it make sense to me. My open-mindedness fails to extend to what I presume to be ignorant positions; thus I come off as condescending and judgemental. I'd try to change, but I kinda like me :-)
Overseas
Have you ever been overseas? Did it change your perception of the world, the USA?
I've been watching SKYNEWs which is akin to CNN or MSNBC. I believe that the British operate this station. I also enjoy the BBC, another publication owned by the UK. The one thing you notice about it most is the fact that it reports on global news as a part of its daily news.
I'm growing a distaste for the American mind. We are so narrow-minded. I just watched Gordon Brown, UK Prime Minister, give a speech at the Labour Party Conference. I have chosen to stay ignorant about other countries and I don't believe that I'm alone in that. We turn our nose up at other countries and our arrogance has isolated and ruined our global image. Back to Gordon Brown...I learned that UK is going to offer free prescription drugs to all Cancer patients next year. Yes, you read that right. Under the Labour Government, UK prescribes to a slightly socialistic economy/government. Public service is paramount to the individual.
Most notably, in his speech Gordon Brown said a word that I haven't yet heard from either candidate: Global. I've cried several times that we are no living in a Global Economy. I'm also learning that the collapse of the US economy had a ripple effect worldwide. I'm sure we all heard that the stock markets in other countries were faltering; however, what I heard from a mother was that child care is growing unreasonably expensive because the overall cost of living is growing at a pace faster than her salary increases. For example, the cost of milk is up...milk compounded with other groceries have caused the day cares to charge more. It's not just the USA that is struggling to stay afloat, it's several other solid countries.
Again, I am a firm believer that we need a president that is diplomatic.
I've been watching SKYNEWs which is akin to CNN or MSNBC. I believe that the British operate this station. I also enjoy the BBC, another publication owned by the UK. The one thing you notice about it most is the fact that it reports on global news as a part of its daily news.
I'm growing a distaste for the American mind. We are so narrow-minded. I just watched Gordon Brown, UK Prime Minister, give a speech at the Labour Party Conference. I have chosen to stay ignorant about other countries and I don't believe that I'm alone in that. We turn our nose up at other countries and our arrogance has isolated and ruined our global image. Back to Gordon Brown...I learned that UK is going to offer free prescription drugs to all Cancer patients next year. Yes, you read that right. Under the Labour Government, UK prescribes to a slightly socialistic economy/government. Public service is paramount to the individual.
Most notably, in his speech Gordon Brown said a word that I haven't yet heard from either candidate: Global. I've cried several times that we are no living in a Global Economy. I'm also learning that the collapse of the US economy had a ripple effect worldwide. I'm sure we all heard that the stock markets in other countries were faltering; however, what I heard from a mother was that child care is growing unreasonably expensive because the overall cost of living is growing at a pace faster than her salary increases. For example, the cost of milk is up...milk compounded with other groceries have caused the day cares to charge more. It's not just the USA that is struggling to stay afloat, it's several other solid countries.
Again, I am a firm believer that we need a president that is diplomatic.
9.21.2008
Greetings from Dublin, Ireland
It’s absolutely beautiful and wonderful over here.
We arrived yesterday at 9:50 am local time…Ireland is 5 ahead of eastern time. The plane ride was 8 hours. Basically I went 24 hours with maybe 3 hours of sleep. So when we arrived, to say I was tired is a gross understatement. However, all was not lost on the plane ride. I had an absolutely delightful time sitting in first class. My co-worker and I made it pretty obvious that it was our first time in an overseas first class seat. We over ate, but I’m proud to announce that we didn’t over drink. One major take away - I listened to the Madonna CD, “Hard Candy,” on the plane and I give it two thumbs up. Timberland and Pharell produced the majority of the songs, and it’s a high energy dance CD. I purchased the CD at a HMV here in Dublin.
Okay, so we get off the plane…the first thing we do is drop our bags off at our hotel. Unfortunately we couldn’t check in. We decided to stay at “The Modern,” in Temple Bar. Temple Bar is an area South of the Luffie River that is equivalent to Buckhead/Pharr Street bar scene circa 2001, (the year that I got way too intoxicated and had to take it back to the house by 11:00 pm). After we dropped our bags off, we went to an information/tour plaza where I exchanged my $180 in exchange forNO 120 Euros. Yeah, that kinda hurt. We also bough city tour bus tickets. Before boarding the bus, we found a cafe in Temple Bar where I sat down and had a delicious coffee. I requested milk and sugar to decorate my coffee. They brought out milk and what I thought were rocks…however, it was simply sugar. lol. I can be so simple at times.
After we finished the coffee, I had enough energy to do the bus ride. The bus tour took us around the major streets of Dublin. I saw the Guiness Compound - the place is HUGE. Other things of note that we saw: Pheonix Park (2 times as big as Central Park), Trinity College, and some other stuff. lol…I must say stuff because at one point on the bus ride, I fell the hell asleep. KNOCKED OUT.
After the bus ride we headed back to our hotel; however, we were not quite starving, yet a tid bit hungry. There was an open food market in Temple Bar and we walked around. Initially we were going to pass it up, because nothing tickled our fancy. However, I spotted the largest oyster shells that I’ve ever seen. Knowing that Dublin is a hop skip and a jump from water, I figured that the oysters would be amazing. Well, I sure was right. They were HUGE and tasted just like the ocean smells. Perfect…they even had Tobacco sauce! Delicious!
From there we went back to the hotel and checked in. At this point it was about 4:30 local time. I took a much needed shower and then we slept until about 7:00. We woke up ready to take the world on. Temple Bar at this time was packed to the brim with crazy Irish Folks.
As an aside. I’m not sure what I expected Irish people to look like. Some over generalizations, they are of course pale. Dark hair. And a handful of them have beautifully blue or green piercing eyes. There really aren’t black people as I know them to be in America. I saw people of direct African decent; however, most black people in America are muts that don’t truly resemble Africans.
We found an Italian place to eat. Interesting, Italian food is supposed to be some of the best. So anywho, we did Italian food. After that, we stepped inside of one of the rowdy bars in Temple Bar. It was packed to the brim with people drinking beer. I walked in and became somewhat of a wonder. People did look at me. A handful of men tried to speak to me. Between the drunk slur and Irish accent, and loud music, I could not make out much of what they were saying. We made our way to the bar, and some short Irish man was being facetious with me. I ordered a red bull and vodka - safety drink, plus I needed a boost of energy. We chatted a bit with the older Irish lads. Random other Irish lads would stop and talk to me. We found a corner to stand in and some guy from Poland tried his best attempt at flirting with me. However, after seeing his scarey tattoo, which he said, “it’s a tattoo of my monster,” my coworker and I made a fresh exit when he went to the bar for his next drink.
We walked away from Temple Bar, as it seemed like it was full of the Fighting Irish. We ventured slightly away and came upon a lovely wine bar. My coworker and I have a very casual relationship; however, traveling iwth a person for two weeks forces a relationship upon you. I’m pleasantly surprised. We shared a bottle of a lovely, deep oaky and spicey red-wine and talked about men, politics, and work gossip. For the most part we are on the same page. We’re twenty-something women who have come thus far successfully and have trouble being comfortable being vulnerable in a relationship. All is well in the world.
After we finished our bottle of wine, we merrily walked down the street. We made our way back to the rowdy Temple Bar area and continued walking up the cobble stone street. We were quite amazed with the women wearing barely nothing and stillettos. First of all, it was like 55 degrees outside, second of all, cobble stones + stillettos = disaster. We stopped to listen to a band playing on the side of the street that gained a pretty large audience.
We continued walking and along come two drunk Irish men. Mind you, a guy here or there would stop to look at me as if he’d never seen a black woman before. They’re prety complimentary…and eyyy - who am I to deny a compliment. So anywho these two come along and want to go dancing. Well by golly, we followed them to a half way decent dance club. They were playing familiar music (losts of songs produced by Timberland and then older 80s American hits). The only thing of note that happened was that I tasted my first taste of Guiness. I like it. I wouldn’t buy a pack and bring it home or anything, but I was pleasantly surprised. Especially given that my first drink of beer was Natty Lite. So anything above and beyond that is a step in the right direction. We all danced a bit, and then they got a bit creepy. So my coworker and I decided to call it a night.
And that was my first 24 hours in Dublin, Ireland.
We arrived yesterday at 9:50 am local time…Ireland is 5 ahead of eastern time. The plane ride was 8 hours. Basically I went 24 hours with maybe 3 hours of sleep. So when we arrived, to say I was tired is a gross understatement. However, all was not lost on the plane ride. I had an absolutely delightful time sitting in first class. My co-worker and I made it pretty obvious that it was our first time in an overseas first class seat. We over ate, but I’m proud to announce that we didn’t over drink. One major take away - I listened to the Madonna CD, “Hard Candy,” on the plane and I give it two thumbs up. Timberland and Pharell produced the majority of the songs, and it’s a high energy dance CD. I purchased the CD at a HMV here in Dublin.
Okay, so we get off the plane…the first thing we do is drop our bags off at our hotel. Unfortunately we couldn’t check in. We decided to stay at “The Modern,” in Temple Bar. Temple Bar is an area South of the Luffie River that is equivalent to Buckhead/Pharr Street bar scene circa 2001, (the year that I got way too intoxicated and had to take it back to the house by 11:00 pm). After we dropped our bags off, we went to an information/tour plaza where I exchanged my $180 in exchange for
After we finished the coffee, I had enough energy to do the bus ride. The bus tour took us around the major streets of Dublin. I saw the Guiness Compound - the place is HUGE. Other things of note that we saw: Pheonix Park (2 times as big as Central Park), Trinity College, and some other stuff. lol…I must say stuff because at one point on the bus ride, I fell the hell asleep. KNOCKED OUT.
After the bus ride we headed back to our hotel; however, we were not quite starving, yet a tid bit hungry. There was an open food market in Temple Bar and we walked around. Initially we were going to pass it up, because nothing tickled our fancy. However, I spotted the largest oyster shells that I’ve ever seen. Knowing that Dublin is a hop skip and a jump from water, I figured that the oysters would be amazing. Well, I sure was right. They were HUGE and tasted just like the ocean smells. Perfect…they even had Tobacco sauce! Delicious!
From there we went back to the hotel and checked in. At this point it was about 4:30 local time. I took a much needed shower and then we slept until about 7:00. We woke up ready to take the world on. Temple Bar at this time was packed to the brim with crazy Irish Folks.
As an aside. I’m not sure what I expected Irish people to look like. Some over generalizations, they are of course pale. Dark hair. And a handful of them have beautifully blue or green piercing eyes. There really aren’t black people as I know them to be in America. I saw people of direct African decent; however, most black people in America are muts that don’t truly resemble Africans.
We found an Italian place to eat. Interesting, Italian food is supposed to be some of the best. So anywho, we did Italian food. After that, we stepped inside of one of the rowdy bars in Temple Bar. It was packed to the brim with people drinking beer. I walked in and became somewhat of a wonder. People did look at me. A handful of men tried to speak to me. Between the drunk slur and Irish accent, and loud music, I could not make out much of what they were saying. We made our way to the bar, and some short Irish man was being facetious with me. I ordered a red bull and vodka - safety drink, plus I needed a boost of energy. We chatted a bit with the older Irish lads. Random other Irish lads would stop and talk to me. We found a corner to stand in and some guy from Poland tried his best attempt at flirting with me. However, after seeing his scarey tattoo, which he said, “it’s a tattoo of my monster,” my coworker and I made a fresh exit when he went to the bar for his next drink.
We walked away from Temple Bar, as it seemed like it was full of the Fighting Irish. We ventured slightly away and came upon a lovely wine bar. My coworker and I have a very casual relationship; however, traveling iwth a person for two weeks forces a relationship upon you. I’m pleasantly surprised. We shared a bottle of a lovely, deep oaky and spicey red-wine and talked about men, politics, and work gossip. For the most part we are on the same page. We’re twenty-something women who have come thus far successfully and have trouble being comfortable being vulnerable in a relationship. All is well in the world.
After we finished our bottle of wine, we merrily walked down the street. We made our way back to the rowdy Temple Bar area and continued walking up the cobble stone street. We were quite amazed with the women wearing barely nothing and stillettos. First of all, it was like 55 degrees outside, second of all, cobble stones + stillettos = disaster. We stopped to listen to a band playing on the side of the street that gained a pretty large audience.
We continued walking and along come two drunk Irish men. Mind you, a guy here or there would stop to look at me as if he’d never seen a black woman before. They’re prety complimentary…and eyyy - who am I to deny a compliment. So anywho these two come along and want to go dancing. Well by golly, we followed them to a half way decent dance club. They were playing familiar music (losts of songs produced by Timberland and then older 80s American hits). The only thing of note that happened was that I tasted my first taste of Guiness. I like it. I wouldn’t buy a pack and bring it home or anything, but I was pleasantly surprised. Especially given that my first drink of beer was Natty Lite. So anything above and beyond that is a step in the right direction. We all danced a bit, and then they got a bit creepy. So my coworker and I decided to call it a night.
And that was my first 24 hours in Dublin, Ireland.
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