I’m not sure if any of you who are in California are following, or anywhere else for that matter, but the nearby hills of Chatsworth has been on fire for about 3 days now.

I got a voicemail from a friend on Wednesday saying that the 118 Freeway was closed. That’s pretty close to where I live. I figured eh…118 or 405..doesnt really matter. Those two freeways have been the death of me for the past year. There’s always something going on.

Later that night, I got a call from Incog saying that the hills by his job were on fire..and that they’d been watching the fires since about 2pm that day. He asked me if I wanted to come out and see. It was about 9pm, so I figured, why not? I’ve never seen a fire before.

Chatsworth is a REALLY nice area. If you continue up into the hills, there are some REALLY beautiful/massive homes. Homes in the area start at about $500,000 and work their way up to the high Millions of dollars. I feel blessed to be able to live even 10 minutes away.

As we drove through the streets towards Chatsworth, we realized that there were a lot of people who had the same thoughts we did. They were driving around the hills watching the hills. It was quite spectacular, and yet…a reality check all the same. Outside, you could see people standing in front of their homes praying that the fire would not reach them. You could see the look of horror on their faces. It was a flashback of the 2003 Chatsworth Fires. Only this one seemed much larger and much faster. There were those who were watching about 2 miles away, using binoculars. When the night sky is lit up like that, everyone wants to have a front row seat. Policeman were blocking off streets to keep people from driving up too far and too close to the front lines.

Do you think it’s a coincidence that there are now Hurricanes and Fires? I don’t….I think God’s trying to make a statement. But I think his statement will reach different people in different ways.

I question the REAL value of homes in California. Property values have been skyrocketing since 2003. There was the great “I want to be a real estate agent” boom. I remember a lot of acquaintances saying that they were going to be getting their licenses. It’s never been my thing…sales. I guess I’m wondering if it’s really worth it to stay in California with property values rising all over the place.

The “American Dream” of having a home with a picket fence and sending your children to private school is looking bleak. Or is that just MY “American Dream”. Maybe I’ll have a really nice home and just send my children to public school since it’ll be cheaper. Or maybe I’ll rent a home, and send my children to private school and splurge once they get to college.

It seems like thoughts like this should wait…but…there’s hurricanes and fires happening here folks. Excuse me for being a little concerned about my future and the future of my offspring.

As we headed towards the roof of the mall parking lot, with every turn, i started to think more and more. By the time we had reached the top, thoughts were flying through my mind as if racing the fires that were speeding 5 miles away.

I have to PASS this GRE with flying colors.

Because if I dont, I wont be able to get into the grad school, i wont be able to earn my masters, and I wont be able to get a good job. If I dont get a good job, then I wont be able to put my kids through private school, and if I cant put my kids through private school…I DAMN sure wont be able to pay for that home on the hill…you know, the one that will be engulfed with all of the flames?

I woke up this morning to tons of ASH and debris on my car. It’s hard to breathe, and they’ve issued a health warning for chatsworth and the surrounding cities. The freeway smells like….Fire, and Fumes, and the color of the smog happens to be DARKER than normal.

I hope and pray that many of the people in Chatsworth who are living THEIR American Dream wont be affected by the spreading fires. I hope that my friend who is a firefighter, will be safe and remember to call on the Lord for guidance and awareness.

Have a Blessed Weekend you guys…

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I’ve been wrackin my brain lately and I dont know why…. I guess I’m just dreading taking that test next Wednesday. I know that I need to study more, so I should hop to, but I dont know what’s holding me back. You know how you tell yourself that you’re gonna do bad, so you’re prepared to do bad and you end up siking yourself out? :thumbsdown: I think that’s where my brain is right now. I’ve set my brain to know that if i mess up the first time, that I know I’m going to take it again and do better…But I dont want to HAVE to do that. The GRE costs money…and I’m not about splurging on tests. Are you?

I knocked out in the middle of Gilmore Girls this afternoon, which was a testament to how tired I really am.

I havent even bought my ticket for AZ yet…I’m really slackin it, and if Erika knew, I think she’d kick my ars. Southwest gives you 14 days up until the flight to get that good $108 round trip. I’m really pushin the limit here.

My days are filled with water, designing, running, designing, water, celebrity diet juice, running, and toss a few study pages in here and there. I’m beginning to feel like I’m some type of broken record.

The trainer asked me if I wanted to continue and sign up for another 24 sessions. He’s happy with my overall results. I said “No”, politely of course. I have it in my brain that school is going to cost money, so I need to not dip into ING until March 2006. I havent even bought anything noteworthy in a long time…I mean, come on…you know me…I like to BUY THINGS. I have a serious…..PROBLEM when it comes to clothes shopping online. When’s the last time I posted a hot new pair of pants, or shirt, or some cute shoes? What’s the point in losin the weight if I cant afford sumthin cute to wear after I’ve lost it.

My dentist appt is CONVENIENTLY scheduled at the same time as the GRE appointment. What? *shrug* Shit I forgot, okay?
Two things I dread…scheduled for the same date, at the same time…guess I gotta reschedule the dentist appointment huh? I know…I’ll get on it…

There’s two baskets of laundry sitting on the floor and you know what? I dont even feel like putting shit away.

Is it that time again? Do I need a vaca? Already? God help…

Til Friday….have a good Thursday…

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:couple: CE and Incog

Very rarely do I write about my numba 1…..but…he’s my love…:cloud9: I’m so very blessed to have found someone who loves and respects me for who I am…and who I aspire to be….

This weekend was pretty good….we chilled, watched movies (rented and theatres)…and talked….:heartbeat:

Tomorrow, marks my first day back in the gym….I had to take the time for personal reasons as stated in blogs before…but I’m back on the grind. 2 weeks until the GRE……I’m focused MAN!

Hope you have a great sunday ya’ll!

NEW MUSIC ON THE RADIO.BLOG!

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:camera: PS. More Pictures in the Numba 1 album… :camera: Click Here

It’s friday……we’re all supposed to be happy…..but, where is everyone? What’ ya’ll doin this weekend?

In any case…have a good one….:surprised:

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PRESENT:

Now: What Color Shirt are you wearing? green flowery thing….pink button up jacket…

Now: What are you listening to? nothing….but I wish Anthony Hamilton

Now: Hair color? brown

Now: Eye color? brown

Now: Missing someone? always

Now: What book(s) are you reading? GRE

RECENT PAST:

Last: 3 digits in your phone number? 242

Last: thing you ate? yogurt and pretzels

Last: person you talked to on the phone? my coworker

Last: person you IMed? Kipp

Last: Movie(at home) Watched? Lord of the Rings I and II

Last: Movie(in theaters) Watched? i dont remember, its been a while

FAVORITES:

Favorite: Day? friday

Favorite: Month? December

Favorite: Candy? Reeses

Favorite: Color? pink, teal

Favorite: Hero? idk…

Favorite: Villian? idk…

Favorite: Food? grilled cheese, or ravioli

Favorite: Hugs or Kisses? hugs, but it depends on the person

Favorite: Chocolate, Strawberry, or Vanilla? chocolate

Favorite: Movie? Rain Man

Favorite: Racing Team? idk

Favorite: Type of Popcorn? Homestyle

Favorite: Dogs or Cats? dogs – cats NEVER

Favorite: Flower? yellow tea rose

THE DO’S AND DON’TS:

Do: You drink? yes, but very rarely…
Do: You smoke? no

Do: You wear contacts? everyday

Do: You want your friends to do this? i dont care

Do: You think anyone will respond? maybe

LONGTIME PAST:

Have: You ever got so drunk that you…? yeah…
Have: You ever cried for no reason? yes

Have: Piercings? 6 (2 in left ear, 3 in right ear, 1 in tongue)

Have: Pets? not any more (tear)

MISC.:

Travel: Plane or Car? plane

Hand: Right or Left? right

*written Wednesday – Septmember 21st, 2005*
I dreaded coming back to work today *Wednesday* ….only for one reason a “meeting”. And it wasnt just like any old “meeting” you have with coworkers…it was an Office Building Meeting. And to be more precise…it was a Fire Drill Meeting for each company in the building. It wasnt that I wasnt excited, it was just that I was already still tired and already still excited for the day to be over and yet I STILL had to start the morning off with a Fire Drill Meeting.

But I didnt have my thinking cap on until halfway through the meeting…and The reason i was sitting there was unleashed to me at that point…

In the middle of the meeting they stopped for a break…and I noticed a line forming…..could it be? It HAS to be….

FREE SNACKS!! *stomach growling* *rushing to the front of the line*

But my smile faded rather quickly…..
As they handed me my fire red vest and whistle, I thought i was gonna be sick…:fever:. After the firefighter handed me my vest *FOR THE YEAR* he patted me on my back as he noticed the crazed look that had suddenly appeared on my face.

I was to be the 16th floor….”FLOOR WARDEN”.

Apparently there’s going to be a Fire Drill sometime next week…”God, I hope I’m not here”. Who signed me up for this? I have to…..SAVE PEOPLE? Run from suite to suite, making sure people get out of the “fake” fire?

Well, if I do this…im gonna have to bling this vest out….make it somewhat fashionable…add some glitter or something….and folks better not be lolligaggin around….I’m there for ONE reason only….and that’s to blow that whistle at lolligaggers and talkers…

IN ANY case…..these hurricanes are sumfin else….I just dont UNDERSTAND. First Katrina, and now Rita?

And then i glanced over at Princess’ Blog…

Folks are using the cards they are given to buy Louis V!??! What kinda mess is that??? I just dont get it. Why would you use something that was given to you to buy FOOD and CLOTHING and PAMPERS and MILK to buy Louis V. ? Well that card is probably banned…smh…apparently whoever took this picture didnt block out the digits, so people on the internet were trying to use the card to make purchases. :loser: s

I know I said i wasnt going to post…but I felt all of that needed to be said.

*added Thursday – Septmember 22nd, 2005 @ 9:10am*

Last night was…..well…Over. I got home, rested for a second, talked to my patna in crime, headed to the gym, went to the store, talked to my other patna, came home, roughly cleaned the fridge, put away the groceries, ate cereal by candlelight and proceeded to pass out.

This morning, *thursday* I couldnt sleep, ended up waking up late, and now im here….at work…..and God I hope the week gets better…..:pissed:…Im runnin on empty.

Have a good one ya’ll….:surprised:

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I guess I’ve been kind of MIA huh….lol..I had to take care of some things on the personal front, so I hope you all understand. Sometimes you just need a breather…time to regroup.

And I have….and will continue to regroup.

The next few weeks, you’ll probably see fewer posts than normal *everyday*….but I’ll still be here….bettering myself, and growing all the same. I’m going to try to sneak in a few photographs..*other than myself*…of the things around me…things I encounter over the next few months….

Changes
Radio.blog Update – Added Anthony Hamilton
Photo Gallery Update
**check the navigational menu for both links**

Upcoming Agenda/Plans

Studying for the GRE: October 5th
Potential Trip to AZ: October 21st – 23rd (pending)
Personal Training: Daily

The 3 Things In Life

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back
1. Time 2. Words 3. Chances

Three things in life that may never be lost
1. Faith 2. Hope 3. Love

Three things in life that are most valuable
1. Love 2. Trust 3. Family & Friends

Three things in life that are never certain
1. Dreams 2. Success 3. Fortune

Three things that make a person
1. Integrity 2. Personality 3. Love of God

Three things in life that can destroy a person
1. Drugs 2. Stress 3. Anger

Three things that are truly constant
1. God 2. Love 3. Family

Love you guys….stay Blessed….

ps. Im still here April. Love you too…:heartbeat:
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Today was our nephew Anthony’s 1st Birthday party….so I went and took photos….

Just a few…

First and Foremost: Rashad, Anthony(Birthday Boy), and Raynee(Mommy) :couple:

Me and Jason (barzini)

Andrea and JB :couple:

Me and Ceasar

Brianna, Me, and Andrea

:camera: I’ve posted all of thephotos in the gallery….VIEW PHOTOS

Must.Go.Buy.Alcohol.
Post photos tomorrow…

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Of what coonery is about to happen this weekend…

**this is my “im drunk dont fuck with me” face**

I’ll be back with more tomorrow……:thumbsup:

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Last Night was cool…After work, I headed home on the slow-0-5 and finally reached there at about 6pm. I talked to Christal the whole way home. My patna in crime…lol. We hadnt talked like that in a few weeks and it felt good to listen and be heard.

After that, I headed over to the gym to get my good workout in. But I got “punished” :pissed: for not coming in the day before *Wednesday*…eh well. everyone needs a good kick in the pants every once in a while. Keeps ya stamina up. *giggle*

me and some of the sorors & the bruhs….Quefest 2004

After that I headed home to get some work in because I knew that I was going to be doing LITTLE TO NO work this weekend. Around 10pm we headed out to Step Practice for the Fall 2005 Yardshow at USC. It was good to see my sands and sorors again. :grouphug: I’m kind of out the loop now that I live about 30-45 minutes away and we’re all so busy and ….well, GROWN. :girlie:

We grabbed a quick bite at Jerry’s on the way home….nice nice.

It felt good to see everyone again….and by the end of the weekend, I’m sure everyone will be tired of seein me.

I heard from Incog this morning, so that was cool. He’s doing fine and they’re about to make their travels today a little further north from where they are now. I hope things go smoothly..He seems like he’s doing pretty good though, which makes things a little lighter on my brain. Constantly in prayer….

Anywho, here’s my meme for the week…

Lasts…. (COMPLETED 9/09/2005)
Last cigarette: Never.
Last car ride: This morning…on the damn 405
Last good cry: Umm…few weeks ago.
Last library book: ACHA! COMEDY! …..2004…damn USC.
Last beverage drank: Water..Im on a diet, remember?
Last food consumed: Yogurt
Last phone call: From Incog…letting me know that he landed safely….^__^.Thank God…:pray:
Last time showered: Now. That’s what I’ll do after this.
Last shoes worn: Pink FlipFlops <3
Last cd played: 112
Last item bought: Some DVDs for a friend of mine.:surprised:
Last annoyance: SPAM!!!
Last disappointment: One of my fav. coworkers is leaving.. :pissed:
Last shirt worn: My Couture Freak shirt…
Last website visited: Pink-Baby
Last IM: Coley! LOVE YA!
Last song you sang: Ying Yang Twinz – Badd! I’m looking for a dime, that’s TOP O DA LINE! …Hey…i have to have SOMETHIN to rock to at the gym…:lol:
What color of underwear are you wearing? What underwear? HAHAH Kiddin…they’re pink…that is all..
What’s under your bed? Nothin…we keep it perty clean…

Taggin: Cymple, JDID, April, Coley, Frank, & Jorge

I hope you guys have a great weekend…I’ll most definately have pictures from tonight, and tomorrow. SO STAY TUNED!
Stay Blessed…:pray:

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I guess I was just sitting here thinking…WHO voted for this asshole….And then I did some research and I found a few sites stating that people in Louisiana “got what they asked for”….meaning: they voted for Bush and so now they have to WAIT for him to respond.

So I did some research into it..because i was curious to know WHAT states voted for WHO? Because I never really looked into it. I found a website that did an IQ/Politics analysis….I’m posting it below. Please feel free to comment.

HOWEVER: DO NOT THINK THAT I agree THAT THE TITLE IS TRUE. I DO NOT CARE WHO VOTED FOR BUSH. THESE PEOPLE NEED HELP. DO NOT GET ME TWISTED. This is merely a “what do you think?”….”what are your thoughts on what other folks are saying”?

IQs and Politics

FROM: http://chrisevans3d.com/files/iq.htm

Wow, what can I say, in the first 24 hours over 540,000+ people viewed this page! I originally posted this to a few friends on a forum, using information from a list just like this created after the 2000 election. The list was carried by the St. Petersburg Times and the Economist, amongst others. The IQ data was originally attributed to the book “IQ and the Wealth of Nations”, though I checked and couldn’t find them in the current edition, I had posted saying such at the bottom of the table. The tests and data were said to have been administered via the Raven’s APT, and The Test Agency, one of the UK’s leading publishers and distributors of psychometric tests.