"They be like smoove 'what?', can you teach me how to Dougie?"
What is it about those few words, that gets people bouncin' onto the dance floor? Is it the beat? (pretty basic) Is it the lyrics? (couldn't possibly be).
To me, it's a feelgood "throwback" to hip hop. Ol' Skool' realizes that it's a gift to the original Doug E. Fresh. When we went to the TJMS Family Reunion last year, Doug E. Fresh recognized Cali Swag District for their embracing of ol skool hip hop. It was a GREAT moment on stage (amongst many...If you have never been to a TJMS event, I encourage you to do so TFAD!)
Doug E. Fresh discusses the impact of "The Dougie" and the moment that we saw them on stage together in Florida!
USE IT MOMENT
Use this song to show YOUR Dougie. Everybody's doing it.
Chris Brown
Wolf Blitzer
My First Lady Michelle Obama - Get Me Bodied is one of my Favorite Party Songs Eva! Beyonce Remade the Song for the Fight Against Childhood Obesity Campaign. The FLOTUS Dougie is in the beginning part of the video. I don't know about you, but I <3 "friend in my head" Michelle!
LOSE IT MOMENT
At this point, you might as well lose the feeling of hating the Dougie. Embrace it! All you have to do is...
"Put your arms out front, lean side to side"....
My "nephew" Jalen and "niece" Cori getting it in
I'm impartial, but my ABSOLUTE favortist is the video below! Nemo on the Dougie, me on lyrics and video!
Check out the bonus video of our girlfriend family Holiday gathering. Watch Nemo! LOL! It was all fun and games until the countdown started at the end! LOL! Thanks Uncle Rik for catching all of the video! LOL!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Monday, May 2, 2011
Happily Ever After
4:40A Friday Morning, my alarm went off...Not for the Royal Wedding, as I was tired of hearing about it, but my alarm goes off every morning at 4:40A. My intention was to get over to ElmCity CrossFit and go HAM on the WOD! Instead, I awoke to the Royal Wedding on every channel, grabbed my blanket and went downstairs to begin watching it....
I was glued to the TV, just as I was as a 7 year old little girl laid out across Aunt Lilly's bed with her two poodles Todd & Cherie watching Princess Diana and Prince Charles marry 30 years earlier. Ummmm, did I just date myself? I think I did...Oh well!
First, I was mesmerized by the fashion of the hats and pieces of the Brits. I loved the edginess of some and the delicate beauty of others.
Next, was the car game. Rolls Royce's, Range Rover's, Aston Martin's, Jaguars....I have never been a car girl, but great gooogly moogly those were some BAD cars!
It wasn't until I saw Prince's William and Harry emerge that my heart just skipped a beat. I watched the two of them come out and I began to cry like a baby. I felt like a Mom watching my babies grow from boys to men. Prince William, the face and mannerisms of his mother, Lady Di, dazzled us all in his regal uniform. Watching the brothers make their entrance to the car was unbelievable. How great to watch them together on the royal stage together. This time so much different than the last time back in September of 1997, we remember trailing behind their "Mummy", heads down, faces confused.
When Katie entered the fishbowl car, we could not wait to see her full gown at Westminster Abbey. She, like her sister Pippa did not disappoint in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (another British fashion icon genius). Perfectly fit to her, for her, she was radiant (although I feel they should have steamed out her veil a little better, added a little more padding/cups, and the train could have been longer - more dramatic). Who would have thought that she could be any more beautiful than she already is!
I ended up having to go to work as soon as the ceremony was through. But thanks to the magic of replay, I was able to catch the infamous Buckingham Palace scenes. The now Duchess of Cambridge Catherine coming out and saying "wow" to the adoring royal watchers before her and William asking for the kiss. We know that wasn't the first kiss as a married couple, but it was enough for us. Finally, the peak over her shoulder as if to say, "I need to savor this moment, it can't be real..."
USE IT MOMENT
Admittedly, I believe, ok, I know that I became a bit obsessed. But every little girl grows up wishing her Prince Charming comes and sweeps her off her feet and then you live Happily Ever After. The beautiful gown, the shiny tiara, , the glass slipper, the carriage ride, the first dance, the flawless makeup, the march down the aisle, the consistent whispers of I Love You, the home full of well behaved happy children. On Friday morning, I was able to feel like that little girl again. Because, I don't care what you say, no one does it like the Royals....This was "No TV Week", as determined by the school, but between me and you, when I woke Nemo up, I reminded him that this is how every Prince should treat his Princess. How happy was I to see, that he too, was mesmerized. I think it was moreso the parade than anything else!
LOSE IT MOMENT
OMG! There was so much cynicism on FaceBook, in the office, on the radio. I get it, royal watching is not for everyone, especially men. Sorry fella's. But, even if you were not into the royal wedding, LOSE the whole Will and Kate thing! We know that life throws us curve balls, lemons, everything that glitters ain't gold and all of that other bad stuff. BELIEVE ME I KNOW!!!! We know that even when you find your Prince or Princess it takes hard work and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to fill in those not so blue skies between the Fairy Tale wedding and the Happily Ever After (TFAD)....
Yet, this was the perfect opportunity to dream....to wish upon a star, to recharge, breathe new air into anything that was dying...inevitably, you would take a leap closer to making your dream a reality.
I was glued to the TV, just as I was as a 7 year old little girl laid out across Aunt Lilly's bed with her two poodles Todd & Cherie watching Princess Diana and Prince Charles marry 30 years earlier. Ummmm, did I just date myself? I think I did...Oh well!
 |
| Me, Aunt Lily and Nonnie at my bridal shower back in 2003 |
First, I was mesmerized by the fashion of the hats and pieces of the Brits. I loved the edginess of some and the delicate beauty of others.
Next, was the car game. Rolls Royce's, Range Rover's, Aston Martin's, Jaguars....I have never been a car girl, but great gooogly moogly those were some BAD cars!
It wasn't until I saw Prince's William and Harry emerge that my heart just skipped a beat. I watched the two of them come out and I began to cry like a baby. I felt like a Mom watching my babies grow from boys to men. Prince William, the face and mannerisms of his mother, Lady Di, dazzled us all in his regal uniform. Watching the brothers make their entrance to the car was unbelievable. How great to watch them together on the royal stage together. This time so much different than the last time back in September of 1997, we remember trailing behind their "Mummy", heads down, faces confused.
 |
| One of the saddest days caught on TV |
 |
| "This is mad" |
 |
| William such a King in waiting |
 |
| Harry is such a "bad boy" <3 him, crazy hair and all! |
 |
| Checking out his sister-in-law, so sneaky...knowing Wills can't turn around! |
When Katie entered the fishbowl car, we could not wait to see her full gown at Westminster Abbey. She, like her sister Pippa did not disappoint in Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen (another British fashion icon genius). Perfectly fit to her, for her, she was radiant (although I feel they should have steamed out her veil a little better, added a little more padding/cups, and the train could have been longer - more dramatic). Who would have thought that she could be any more beautiful than she already is!
 |
| Get it Pippa! |
 |
| Their eyes say so much to each other...Naughty boy! |
I ended up having to go to work as soon as the ceremony was through. But thanks to the magic of replay, I was able to catch the infamous Buckingham Palace scenes. The now Duchess of Cambridge Catherine coming out and saying "wow" to the adoring royal watchers before her and William asking for the kiss. We know that wasn't the first kiss as a married couple, but it was enough for us. Finally, the peak over her shoulder as if to say, "I need to savor this moment, it can't be real..."
 |
| Yes, Duchess Catherine of Cambridge..."this is real!" |
USE IT MOMENT
Admittedly, I believe, ok, I know that I became a bit obsessed. But every little girl grows up wishing her Prince Charming comes and sweeps her off her feet and then you live Happily Ever After. The beautiful gown, the shiny tiara, , the glass slipper, the carriage ride, the first dance, the flawless makeup, the march down the aisle, the consistent whispers of I Love You, the home full of well behaved happy children. On Friday morning, I was able to feel like that little girl again. Because, I don't care what you say, no one does it like the Royals....This was "No TV Week", as determined by the school, but between me and you, when I woke Nemo up, I reminded him that this is how every Prince should treat his Princess. How happy was I to see, that he too, was mesmerized. I think it was moreso the parade than anything else!
 |
| My Fairy Tale Moment |
 |
| My Prince in Waiting on Easter Sunday |
LOSE IT MOMENT
OMG! There was so much cynicism on FaceBook, in the office, on the radio. I get it, royal watching is not for everyone, especially men. Sorry fella's. But, even if you were not into the royal wedding, LOSE the whole Will and Kate thing! We know that life throws us curve balls, lemons, everything that glitters ain't gold and all of that other bad stuff. BELIEVE ME I KNOW!!!! We know that even when you find your Prince or Princess it takes hard work and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to fill in those not so blue skies between the Fairy Tale wedding and the Happily Ever After (TFAD)....
Yet, this was the perfect opportunity to dream....to wish upon a star, to recharge, breathe new air into anything that was dying...inevitably, you would take a leap closer to making your dream a reality.
 |
| Ok, now that it's all over, JUST SMILE! :-) |
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Represent Your Set...
Growing up in Connecticut, you come to hold on to what little sport there is in the state. Sitused between Boston and New York you are either a Red Sox or a Yankees fan (the Mets, who?); a Celtics or a Knicks fan. Ever since the Whalers were yanked away from us, and the only person with more fake crap in him than "Kraft" macaroni & cheese, Robert Kraft had a state on the edge of our seats at the hope of becoming home to the New England Patriots, only to find out we were but a pawn in his chess game, we have been professional "teamless". For goodness sakes, they even took away our CBA!
But one thing that has remained a constant is our love of University of Connecticut (UCONN) Basketball. Our Lady and Men Huskies reign supreme here as they should. Coaches Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma have built an empire, second to none. I am not going to get into a technical discussion about basketball, because frankly....I can't. I was a Cheerleader for goodness sakes (TFAD!) - INSERT SPIRIT FINGERS HERE!
USE IT MOMENT:
As the UCONN men started to open the country's eyes to how bad, (in the words of the great Run DMC, "not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good"), they were, to finally clenching the 2011 National Championship, UCONN Alum banded together in bars, at homes and through social media - FaceBook and Twitter as ONE community! I couldn't tell you that it was one particular thing for me that made this season uber Exciting (yep, I said uber, what?!) Was it:
LOSE IT MOMENT:
Maybe I'm biased because I am married to a certified parade chaser. This man is LATE for everything. I am SURE, he is going to be late for his own funeral, but when it comes to parades...we gotta get their early, make sure we get a good parking space AND a good viewing spot. (The sun has to hit just right, the crowd around us has to be right...it's serious biz, but I digress and this is DEFINITELY a TFAD!)
But there is NO REASON, that everyone who has a degree from UCONN, who patronized any bar to watch a UCONN game, or FB'd, Tweeted, talked at a water cooler or for that matter LIVED in CT should not have been there. Remember what I said above, these are kids! Just last year, 1/2 of them were at prom! As we bring our kids from here to there, from one activity to another, AAU, Premier Soccer, Dance, Voice Lessons, etx. we are doing this because we love our kids and we support them. Let's not forget, that MOST of these kids are far away from their homes (from as close as Mansfield to as far away as Germany and Nigeria), WE are that village that is helping to raise them.
For one hour out of your day, we owed it to them. Soooo, the next time, BECAUSE BELIEVE, ME/YOU, THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME, make sure that you are acting a complete fool, cheering for OUR kids, like I did! LOSE YOUR MIND!
See you there! Goodnight!
But one thing that has remained a constant is our love of University of Connecticut (UCONN) Basketball. Our Lady and Men Huskies reign supreme here as they should. Coaches Jim Calhoun and Geno Auriemma have built an empire, second to none. I am not going to get into a technical discussion about basketball, because frankly....I can't. I was a Cheerleader for goodness sakes (TFAD!) - INSERT SPIRIT FINGERS HERE!
USE IT MOMENT:
As the UCONN men started to open the country's eyes to how bad, (in the words of the great Run DMC, "not bad meaning bad, but bad meaning good"), they were, to finally clenching the 2011 National Championship, UCONN Alum banded together in bars, at homes and through social media - FaceBook and Twitter as ONE community! I couldn't tell you that it was one particular thing for me that made this season uber Exciting (yep, I said uber, what?!) Was it:
- Watching my "brother-in-law" grow into his role as Assistant Coach? Sorry, I am biased, but I am so extremely proud of this man! I am going to brag...because I can! He is a fabulous man of GOD, husband, father, uncle and role model. We have watched him go from being a UCONN player to the CBA to the NBA to come back "home" as part of the Coaching team at UCONN. We are so proud of you! We went out after the parade and people asked Nemo what was his favorite part, he said it was "Seeing Uncle Kevin, Auntie Steph, Cheyanne and Taryn". He had no CLUE who the players were. He was so proud of his "Uncle"!
- Watching the games play out and as they got through each level, shattering brackets all over the country hoping that this turned out to be a true "Cinderella" story?
- Looking at the 7 Freshman "man up" and show the country that (in the words of the late great Aaliyah "age, ain't nuthin' but a number, throwin' down ain't nuthin' but a thang"....
 |
| Me and Nemo Spedeemo, representin' our set! |
LOSE IT MOMENT:
Maybe I'm biased because I am married to a certified parade chaser. This man is LATE for everything. I am SURE, he is going to be late for his own funeral, but when it comes to parades...we gotta get their early, make sure we get a good parking space AND a good viewing spot. (The sun has to hit just right, the crowd around us has to be right...it's serious biz, but I digress and this is DEFINITELY a TFAD!)
But there is NO REASON, that everyone who has a degree from UCONN, who patronized any bar to watch a UCONN game, or FB'd, Tweeted, talked at a water cooler or for that matter LIVED in CT should not have been there. Remember what I said above, these are kids! Just last year, 1/2 of them were at prom! As we bring our kids from here to there, from one activity to another, AAU, Premier Soccer, Dance, Voice Lessons, etx. we are doing this because we love our kids and we support them. Let's not forget, that MOST of these kids are far away from their homes (from as close as Mansfield to as far away as Germany and Nigeria), WE are that village that is helping to raise them.
For one hour out of your day, we owed it to them. Soooo, the next time, BECAUSE BELIEVE, ME/YOU, THERE WILL BE A NEXT TIME, make sure that you are acting a complete fool, cheering for OUR kids, like I did! LOSE YOUR MIND!
 |
| Lt. Governor Wyman, still rockin' the stilleto's |
 |
| Three the Hard Way |
 |
| Does this count as Husky Blue? |
 |
| I love the fact that somebody silly stringed Gov. Malloy's secret service car |
See you there! Goodnight!
 |
| Nemo and his "Bolden Brothers" were knocked out before we even got to the parade! |
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Clean Jerks
So CF Open WOD #3 is done.
This WOD was pretty straight and to the point. The weight however was heavy. The WOD was 5 minutes, AMRAP 110# Squat Clean and Jerk.
Going into this WOD, I felt a lot better than I did the week prior. In CrossFit I generally don't have a problem lifting heavy things. But this WOD would be a test of both strength and endurance. My goal was simply to get 20 rounds after I saw what others were getting, I felt as though that number would be a challenge yet manageable. I felt even more confident after going through the prep WOD, Thursday night with Coach Wheels. (Sidenote: He has done a fabulous job of getting us ready for the movements for the upcoming WOD's without taxing our bodies!)
So, Saturday morning, I went in, ready to go....After watching the video (thanks Shirley, it's ok that most of the video is in 4 second increments, because you forgot you were doing video vs. camera, it helped me critique my movements better! Thanks!), I realized how anxious I was from the beginning.
USE IT MOMENT:
One of the things that is great about CrossFit, is that it is not a SPECIALIST sport. The whole concept centers around the activities being constantly varied. So far, the CF Open WOD's have played to that. Last week was a body weight WOD (which I suck at tremendously). Push ups do not come easy to me at all! So, this week, I used what I knew I had and kept at it to achieve and surpass my goal of 20 rounds. By the time it was all said and done, I got 23 rounds!!!! Is that going to get me to California, no?! But based on the year that I have had, it was the personal Ego boost that I needed. And yes, I too have a big ego (TFAD)....
LOSE IT MOMENT:
So, as I mentioned earlier, I knew going in that I wanted 20 rounds. So, I spent a lot of time doing the math. (What can I say, math, like push ups and so many other things is not a strong suit of mine!) I decided I was going to pace myself and get 1 set (a clean and a jerk) every 15 seconds and I would be so in! As I stepped to the bar, I listened to my Judge "Baby Mark" who reminded me that I was strong, relax and just GO! He told me I was going to get tired anyway, so just go and do what I can. So I listened and totally LOST my original plan. In the first minute, I surprised myself on how many sets I got. And he was right I was exhausted in the last minutes as evidenced by the video below. But, I finished and I made sure each rep counted! Thanks Coach Baby Mark!
Once again, shout out to all athletes who engaged BEAST mode and just KILLED it! Whether you are a general heavy lifter, or this was a new PR for you, Congrats!
On to WOD#4, enough to humble us all!
This WOD was pretty straight and to the point. The weight however was heavy. The WOD was 5 minutes, AMRAP 110# Squat Clean and Jerk.
Going into this WOD, I felt a lot better than I did the week prior. In CrossFit I generally don't have a problem lifting heavy things. But this WOD would be a test of both strength and endurance. My goal was simply to get 20 rounds after I saw what others were getting, I felt as though that number would be a challenge yet manageable. I felt even more confident after going through the prep WOD, Thursday night with Coach Wheels. (Sidenote: He has done a fabulous job of getting us ready for the movements for the upcoming WOD's without taxing our bodies!)
So, Saturday morning, I went in, ready to go....After watching the video (thanks Shirley, it's ok that most of the video is in 4 second increments, because you forgot you were doing video vs. camera, it helped me critique my movements better! Thanks!), I realized how anxious I was from the beginning.
USE IT MOMENT:
One of the things that is great about CrossFit, is that it is not a SPECIALIST sport. The whole concept centers around the activities being constantly varied. So far, the CF Open WOD's have played to that. Last week was a body weight WOD (which I suck at tremendously). Push ups do not come easy to me at all! So, this week, I used what I knew I had and kept at it to achieve and surpass my goal of 20 rounds. By the time it was all said and done, I got 23 rounds!!!! Is that going to get me to California, no?! But based on the year that I have had, it was the personal Ego boost that I needed. And yes, I too have a big ego (TFAD)....
LOSE IT MOMENT:
So, as I mentioned earlier, I knew going in that I wanted 20 rounds. So, I spent a lot of time doing the math. (What can I say, math, like push ups and so many other things is not a strong suit of mine!) I decided I was going to pace myself and get 1 set (a clean and a jerk) every 15 seconds and I would be so in! As I stepped to the bar, I listened to my Judge "Baby Mark" who reminded me that I was strong, relax and just GO! He told me I was going to get tired anyway, so just go and do what I can. So I listened and totally LOST my original plan. In the first minute, I surprised myself on how many sets I got. And he was right I was exhausted in the last minutes as evidenced by the video below. But, I finished and I made sure each rep counted! Thanks Coach Baby Mark!
Once again, shout out to all athletes who engaged BEAST mode and just KILLED it! Whether you are a general heavy lifter, or this was a new PR for you, Congrats!
On to WOD#4, enough to humble us all!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
I Need a Doctor...
Stop! Watch this video, make sure to listen to the lyrics....
If you are like me, and you are a fan of hip hop, you had to stop again, watch the video and listen again!
Yeah, I think know what you're thinking...
But this is a song, that leaves a defining impact on you whether you are a hip hop head or a country junkie...It's a song about reaching back to those who have brought us forward...
The song is basically the story of how Eminem is now encouraging the hip hop legendary Producer, Artist, Writer and Engineer Dr. Dre to come back out with the work that his fans love and adore.
Em references the support Dre provided...
"all I know is you came to me when I was at my lowest
you picked me up, breathing life in me
I owe my life to you
but for the life of me, I don't see why you don't see like I do
but it just dawned on me you lost a son
demons fighting you, it's dark.
let me turn on the lights and brighten me and enlighten you
I don't think you realize what you mean to me
not the slightest clue
'Cause me and you were like a crew
I was like your sidekick
you gon either wanna fight me when I get off this f#$%ing mic
or you gon hug me
But I'm out of options, there's nothing else I can do"
Crazy, but this makes me think of my Grandmother , affectionately known as "Nonnie"....She raised my Mom as a single Mother and my Mom raised me as a single Mom. We were a tight crew. She was, and still is, an integral part of the "village" that raised me. I have fond memories of Girl Scouts, being active in our respective Episcopal Churches, shopping, baking, and crafts.
But since my Mom passed away, her light doesn't shine as bright. Roles have become reversed and that has been a difficult process. She took on the lions share of being a caregiver to two family members, when she herself needed help. Now, that it is time for her to receive care, it is difficult. She still sees me as a 6 yr old little girl. So, the "adult" conversations are hard to come by. The information flow is cryptic at best.
She is incapable in so many ways of doing the things that she once did that I can tell her spirit is broken, she seems defeated. I can't imagine the pain that she has gone through in losing her best friend, her only child, my Mom. I just hope that through Nemo and I she comes back! My sincere hope is that she can continue to embrace her as Great Grandmother to Nemo Spedeemo (that part comes easy) and accept me in my role in trying to help save her in her elder years (not so easy)! Nonnie, I love you, big hugs and kisses (note, anyone that has been hugged by Nonnie questions whether or not she was a wrestler in her past life. She hugs you so tight it's a mini workout, but that is how much love is within every square inch of her body)....
He speaks of the sacrifices that Dre made for him:
"it was you who believed in me
when everyone was telling you don't sign me
Everyone at the f#$%ing label
let's tell the truth you risked your career for me
I know it as well as you
nobody wanted to f#$k with the white boy"
Can you think of anyone that put their necks on the line for you? Someone who did everything that they could to see you "come up"?
For me personally, I think of one of my bosses.
There was a point in my career when I had to battle a company I was working for due to disparaging remarks one of the Executives, my direct boss at the time made about my race. As one of few minorities in the Corporate world I was the David and the Company was the Goliath. All of my Executive "friends" were protecting the Company and not doing what was right by me (SURPRISE!) But there was one person. One person who recognized what was wrong and stood up with me, my boss.
By the time I left the organization, I had a different outlook on life. My Mom had just passed away (TFAD) and I got this attitude that "NOTHING is really that important to stress you out" "At the end of the day, none of it is really all that serious". I took some time off from the job search and just focused on "getting my mind right". During my "downtime", that ONE person checked on me often. He encouraged me from the sidelines and reminded me of my value to any organization.
I am fortunate enough to work with him again. He is a successful buisnessman, but more importantly, he is a mentor. He makes it a point to to stop what he does and recognize hard work and stresses the importance of a good work life balance. I still laugh about the 10:30P phone call I received from him when Nemo was an infant with an ear infection and he called to tell me in his gritty voice to "be careful to make sure that he doesn't go deaf!" As rough and rugged as it was, I knew and I always know it comes from a good place. He loves his hometown, he loves his Christ, and these are but a few of the reasons I love him!
USE IT MOMENT:
I can go on for days naming my mentors, Geneva "Mamacita" Black in Philly (TFAD), Aunt Lily (TFAD), Mr. Charles Williams and Mrs. Regina Warner (TFAD), Fr. Overton Gilkes and Fr. Victor Rogers (TFAD), Mrs. Pam Kelley and Mrs. Virginia Brooks (TFAD), Coach Esposito (TFAD), My Uncle Raymond H. Paige, Jr. (TFAD), Mrs. Audrey Y. Smith (TFAD), Ashanti "Perry" & Dung Williams(TFAD), Mrs. Karen. Fleming (TFAD), my Love my Mom...but these are just a few....
LOSE IT MOMENT
Lose your selfishness. Stop thinking about all of the things that you have going on with you. Now that your mentors have helped you get to a certain phase in your life, what are you doing to reach back, reach next to or continue to reach up to them. How about a simple note, phone call or better yet, just some time with them to express your gratitude, and remind them that they are STILL invaluable to you! At some point in their lives they stopped their lives to help you, now it's your turn to return the favor!
If you are like me, and you are a fan of hip hop, you had to stop again, watch the video and listen again!
Yeah, I think know what you're thinking...
- the song is a bit vulgar (sorry to those who are offended), or
- the beat is bananas (should we be surprised), or
- I need to go cop that Eminem CD (which I strongly encourage if you haven't already), or
- dang Dr. Dre is getting all cock diesel (I got to stay on my grind...), or
- who is that girl in the hook, when is her solo CD coming out (I'm impressed by her body of work http://www.skylargreymusic.com/), or
- this is REAL hip hop (TFAD), or
- Thais get to your point!
But this is a song, that leaves a defining impact on you whether you are a hip hop head or a country junkie...It's a song about reaching back to those who have brought us forward...
The song is basically the story of how Eminem is now encouraging the hip hop legendary Producer, Artist, Writer and Engineer Dr. Dre to come back out with the work that his fans love and adore.
Em references the support Dre provided...
"all I know is you came to me when I was at my lowest
you picked me up, breathing life in me
I owe my life to you
but for the life of me, I don't see why you don't see like I do
but it just dawned on me you lost a son
demons fighting you, it's dark.
let me turn on the lights and brighten me and enlighten you
I don't think you realize what you mean to me
not the slightest clue
'Cause me and you were like a crew
I was like your sidekick
you gon either wanna fight me when I get off this f#$%ing mic
or you gon hug me
But I'm out of options, there's nothing else I can do"
Crazy, but this makes me think of my Grandmother , affectionately known as "Nonnie"....She raised my Mom as a single Mother and my Mom raised me as a single Mom. We were a tight crew. She was, and still is, an integral part of the "village" that raised me. I have fond memories of Girl Scouts, being active in our respective Episcopal Churches, shopping, baking, and crafts.
 |
| Hey Beautiful! Now it's my turn... Love You Nonnie xoxoxoxo! |
But since my Mom passed away, her light doesn't shine as bright. Roles have become reversed and that has been a difficult process. She took on the lions share of being a caregiver to two family members, when she herself needed help. Now, that it is time for her to receive care, it is difficult. She still sees me as a 6 yr old little girl. So, the "adult" conversations are hard to come by. The information flow is cryptic at best.
She is incapable in so many ways of doing the things that she once did that I can tell her spirit is broken, she seems defeated. I can't imagine the pain that she has gone through in losing her best friend, her only child, my Mom. I just hope that through Nemo and I she comes back! My sincere hope is that she can continue to embrace her as Great Grandmother to Nemo Spedeemo (that part comes easy) and accept me in my role in trying to help save her in her elder years (not so easy)! Nonnie, I love you, big hugs and kisses (note, anyone that has been hugged by Nonnie questions whether or not she was a wrestler in her past life. She hugs you so tight it's a mini workout, but that is how much love is within every square inch of her body)....
He speaks of the sacrifices that Dre made for him:
"it was you who believed in me
when everyone was telling you don't sign me
Everyone at the f#$%ing label
let's tell the truth you risked your career for me
I know it as well as you
nobody wanted to f#$k with the white boy"
Can you think of anyone that put their necks on the line for you? Someone who did everything that they could to see you "come up"?
For me personally, I think of one of my bosses.
There was a point in my career when I had to battle a company I was working for due to disparaging remarks one of the Executives, my direct boss at the time made about my race. As one of few minorities in the Corporate world I was the David and the Company was the Goliath. All of my Executive "friends" were protecting the Company and not doing what was right by me (SURPRISE!) But there was one person. One person who recognized what was wrong and stood up with me, my boss.
By the time I left the organization, I had a different outlook on life. My Mom had just passed away (TFAD) and I got this attitude that "NOTHING is really that important to stress you out" "At the end of the day, none of it is really all that serious". I took some time off from the job search and just focused on "getting my mind right". During my "downtime", that ONE person checked on me often. He encouraged me from the sidelines and reminded me of my value to any organization.
I am fortunate enough to work with him again. He is a successful buisnessman, but more importantly, he is a mentor. He makes it a point to to stop what he does and recognize hard work and stresses the importance of a good work life balance. I still laugh about the 10:30P phone call I received from him when Nemo was an infant with an ear infection and he called to tell me in his gritty voice to "be careful to make sure that he doesn't go deaf!" As rough and rugged as it was, I knew and I always know it comes from a good place. He loves his hometown, he loves his Christ, and these are but a few of the reasons I love him!
USE IT MOMENT:
I can go on for days naming my mentors, Geneva "Mamacita" Black in Philly (TFAD), Aunt Lily (TFAD), Mr. Charles Williams and Mrs. Regina Warner (TFAD), Fr. Overton Gilkes and Fr. Victor Rogers (TFAD), Mrs. Pam Kelley and Mrs. Virginia Brooks (TFAD), Coach Esposito (TFAD), My Uncle Raymond H. Paige, Jr. (TFAD), Mrs. Audrey Y. Smith (TFAD), Ashanti "Perry" & Dung Williams(TFAD), Mrs. Karen. Fleming (TFAD), my Love my Mom...but these are just a few....
LOSE IT MOMENT
Lose your selfishness. Stop thinking about all of the things that you have going on with you. Now that your mentors have helped you get to a certain phase in your life, what are you doing to reach back, reach next to or continue to reach up to them. How about a simple note, phone call or better yet, just some time with them to express your gratitude, and remind them that they are STILL invaluable to you! At some point in their lives they stopped their lives to help you, now it's your turn to return the favor!
Monday, March 28, 2011
This is Just the Beginning
First, let me apologize for the delay in posting....Last week I was in training for work (TFAD), and had a great deal on my already full plate workwise....
Soooooo, the moment that Nemo and I have been waiting for.......WE GOT OUR FIRST CAPOEIRA BELTS!!!!!
This event was held at the Brazilian Cultural Center's Capoeira Ginga Brasil CDO http://www.capoeiraconnecticut.com/ first Women's Encounter and Semi-Annual Batizado! Let me start off by saying that the weekend was nothing short of amazing and Nemo and I are blessed to be amongst such a wonderful group of people! Women came from all over CT, as far as Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, New Jersey and even Canada! Well attended!
First, special shout out to my Mestre Guilherme Torres aka Mestre Gui aka Pinga Fogo for your guidance, leadership, direction and most of all sense of "family". Obrigada! :-)
Next, to my girls Madame, Marcia, Amy and Analisse for all of the hours that we have spent together leading up to this event! I <3 you girls! Pretty girls Rock! <3 Obrigattttttttta!!!! ;-)
Friday night was a whirlwind...After the first two workshops and the roda (circle in which you play Capoeira, with another person, all while singing songs to the beat of the berimbau, and other instruments), I can honestly say, I realized I was a beginner! These women were serious! No joke! Sooooo, feeling a little, ok a lot defeated and intimidated, I went home with my proverbial tail between my legs...
Needless to say the mouth guard (TFAD) was in full effect Friday night as I tried to sleep with all of my nervous energy! Did I mention, me and the girls had a performance had to do in front of all of the women and the Mestre's that had come in from all over?!
Sidenote: My back got twirked, Thursday night....It had been tight for a few weeks and because I did not allow myself the proper rest (TFAD), in a deadlift WOD, I was presented with a back issue. I will talk about my mini-meltdown at another time. With no time to feel sorry for myself, I called on Bonnie ECC's resident sports masseusse. Let me just say, I love her!
Here is how my Saturday went in a nutshell....
4:45A - Woke up for the first time
4:46 - 7A - Woke up about 5 more times with a couple of loads of laundry in between
7:45A - Went down to ECC for a sports massage by Bonnie....Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!
9:30A - Get Nemo to his tutor (TFAD)
10A - Start on our second day's workshops
My SaturdDAY ended on Sunday AM at the Diner after a night with our Capoeira friends at Jake's!
The day was filled with a music workshop, a review of Capoeira sequences and some agility activities (i.e. kicking using no arms, or playing Capoeira using one leg...)
But my favorite was the Samba workshop put on by Quenia Ribeiro http://www.sambasambasamba.com/ . This little woman has so much energy, so much fire with a Brazilian New Yorkan swag (whatever that is... LOL!) All I can say is I had a ball...I'm still trying to figure out how you move your feet and your butt so fast yet still to the beat! She teaches at Alvin Ailey's Extension Center. Needless to say Mama is making a trip to the City since my dreams of being a Luke Dancer never panned out (TFAD!)
We then had another Roda as we prepared for the performance and the Batizado.
The moment arrived. It was time for all eyes to be on us as we performed the dance...The applause came as we came out. We performed, had a teeny nervous energy hiccup, that hopefully the crowd didn't notice, but it STILL kills me and we were done! That fast, it was over :-(
Next up, was the Batizado! This is a "baptism" where we earn our corda's aka belts. First up were the kids. Below is a video (compliments of Dad) from Nemo's take down along with some photos (compliments of Carla M. - Obrigada!)
Then, it was my turn for the take down...Funny, this was the ONLY video that Ed took that did not come out! I will have to thank him later for that, because needless to say, I got my tail handed to me! The anxiety that I already had was heightened when I realized I would come face to face with Professora Gata Brava. Below are a few photos from my takedown! As SOON as I get the video, I will upload the content. It's only fair!
Finally, the day ended with another roda! Some pics and video from this!
Soooooo, the moment that Nemo and I have been waiting for.......WE GOT OUR FIRST CAPOEIRA BELTS!!!!!
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| 2 Belts...Somebody betta' watch their backs....#imjussayin! LOL! |
First, special shout out to my Mestre Guilherme Torres aka Mestre Gui aka Pinga Fogo for your guidance, leadership, direction and most of all sense of "family". Obrigada! :-)
| The Best Mestre EVER!!!! Obrigada! |
Friday night was a whirlwind...After the first two workshops and the roda (circle in which you play Capoeira, with another person, all while singing songs to the beat of the berimbau, and other instruments), I can honestly say, I realized I was a beginner! These women were serious! No joke! Sooooo, feeling a little, ok a lot defeated and intimidated, I went home with my proverbial tail between my legs...
Needless to say the mouth guard (TFAD) was in full effect Friday night as I tried to sleep with all of my nervous energy! Did I mention, me and the girls had a performance had to do in front of all of the women and the Mestre's that had come in from all over?!
Sidenote: My back got twirked, Thursday night....It had been tight for a few weeks and because I did not allow myself the proper rest (TFAD), in a deadlift WOD, I was presented with a back issue. I will talk about my mini-meltdown at another time. With no time to feel sorry for myself, I called on Bonnie ECC's resident sports masseusse. Let me just say, I love her!
Here is how my Saturday went in a nutshell....
4:45A - Woke up for the first time
4:46 - 7A - Woke up about 5 more times with a couple of loads of laundry in between
7:45A - Went down to ECC for a sports massage by Bonnie....Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!
9:30A - Get Nemo to his tutor (TFAD)
10A - Start on our second day's workshops
My SaturdDAY ended on Sunday AM at the Diner after a night with our Capoeira friends at Jake's!
The day was filled with a music workshop, a review of Capoeira sequences and some agility activities (i.e. kicking using no arms, or playing Capoeira using one leg...)
But my favorite was the Samba workshop put on by Quenia Ribeiro http://www.sambasambasamba.com/ . This little woman has so much energy, so much fire with a Brazilian New Yorkan swag (whatever that is... LOL!) All I can say is I had a ball...I'm still trying to figure out how you move your feet and your butt so fast yet still to the beat! She teaches at Alvin Ailey's Extension Center. Needless to say Mama is making a trip to the City since my dreams of being a Luke Dancer never panned out (TFAD!)
We then had another Roda as we prepared for the performance and the Batizado.
The moment arrived. It was time for all eyes to be on us as we performed the dance...The applause came as we came out. We performed, had a teeny nervous energy hiccup, that hopefully the crowd didn't notice, but it STILL kills me and we were done! That fast, it was over :-(
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| Analisse aka Bolivia and Amy aka Maizena |
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| Madame and Paraiba |
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| Me aka Figura "We're Done!" |
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| This is how it always starts :-) |
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| She's in front of you Pops! |
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| Nice Ponce baby! |
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| Nemo with his takedown Contra-Mestre Marisa of Chicago |
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| Nemo and his beautiful schoolmate El-Lana...Too happy babies! xoxoxoxoxo |
Then, it was my turn for the take down...Funny, this was the ONLY video that Ed took that did not come out! I will have to thank him later for that, because needless to say, I got my tail handed to me! The anxiety that I already had was heightened when I realized I would come face to face with Professora Gata Brava. Below are a few photos from my takedown! As SOON as I get the video, I will upload the content. It's only fair!
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| How can I escape?! |
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| Please don't kill me! |
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| You can tell by her face, that she is about to give me the BUISNESS! |
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| Phew....just missed! She spared my life! |
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| It's almost like she's laughing at me! Silly naive girl! LOL! |
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| I still thought she was going to trick me and take me down! |
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| It was all love in the end! |
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| In the end, we got our belts! :-) |
Use it Moment:
Every day I walk into the Academy I know that I am blessed! Four days a week, (2 days for Nemo, 2 days for me) I go where I feel as though me and my family are a part of a family. NEVER in a million years would you have caught this former Cheerleader say "I think I'm going to take martial arts!" I use this as yet another connection with my son! He is truly a Daddy's Boy, which is GREAT, but I am sort of left out since I don't do the "boy things" that they do! (TFAD) Nemo and I have played Capoeira in the living room. He has learned the Maculele beat and we take turns using the hardwood flooring to play Maculele while one of us plays the drum....He gets such a kick out of the performance that Ed & I put on.... I use this to show him that it's cool to have an active Mom. That shows him I love him and I want to be on this earth as long as I can for him! Love you Pops!
Lose it Moment:
I was so intimidated by all of the talent and skill of the lovely Capoeiristas I had worked myself into a nervous frustration. Why can't I hold a handstand? Why can't I get as low as they do? Why can't I have the flexibility that they do? But then I realized, I have been doing this for less than 6 months. I have gone outside of my comfort zone and have so much more to go! This, my friends and family is Just the Beginning!
As long as I have these two beautiful people leading the way, I will have nothing but Axe! Obrigada Mestre Gui and Madame! Obrigattttta! :-)
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| The head of our Capoeira Family Mestre Pinga Fogo and Madame xoxoxoxo! |
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