The New Leaf Has to Be Turned....
At Peace...It has been a week since I was devastated with my once good friend droppin da bomb on me. It has been two days since the Arizona disaster. Tough week indeed I must say for the most part. I have not talked to her (online, phone) since last Monday. I am done blaming myself for what I put myself into and have forgiven myself, but can I forgive her for what she did to me? Will we ever be the good friends that we once was before this shit happened? I don't know. It hasn't affected her too much, because I haven't heard from her. I don't know if I want to hear from her right now. I am at peace now. It is out of my system. I hope that things work out for her as well, she is a good person, hopes that she can get what she wants out of life even if its not me. When your mom reads your blog and asks you are you still putting that "sad shit" on there, I know that I need to get a grip with myself. LOL!!! I said to myself, "That's it! Move the fuck on!" So I have done that. I don't hold grudges anymore. I can't stay mad at a person as long as I used to. That takes a lot of energy. I now have that spring, summer feeling.(Thanks Jill) Thanks again for all the advice that I have received. Our paths may cross again, but I will NOT be waiting for that, since I now know that I am NOT the one!The nightmares still come with Arizona losing a 14 point lead with 3:28 left in the game. Some people say it is just a game, it is just a team. Only a handful of people know how much of a die hard Arizona fan I am. Ever since I started watching college basketball at the young age of 12, I have lived and died with Arizona. From the highs (winning the title in 1997) to the lows (losing in the 2001 championship game and the recent fall) I have been there. A lot of people jump off a wagon one year and jump on another one the next. Not me! I still hear it from the guys. They can't let it go. It's cool though, but I am still in the pool, which they fail to realize it seems. They don't want me to win the pool, since I root against Illinois and I picked Carolina to win it all, and the fact that I won last year. It is what it is. They blew the lead and lost the game. It is what it is. It was a nice comeback, not the best one I have seen though. I am at peace. I didn't put my Arizona jersey on fire or anything. I didn't try to commit suicide. I am still here and despite what happened on Saturday, I am STILL AN ARIZONA FAN!!!Why I wasn't online today.....Some people asked me today why I wasn't online. I have the answer. I started my new position today. It's about time I said to myself. I had a training session today from 12:15 to 7pm. It was okay. We will train all this week. I will only train for three days. VEGAS!!!!!! The information was very interesting. It will take me a while to grasp everything but I will get it. I may actually hold on to this one for a while. LOL!!! We had lunch at 3:30. THERE IS NOTHING AROUND THERE TO EAT! I had to drive to Barrington to get something to eat. Looks like I will be bringing in my own lunch more than I thought. The drive is only 7-8 miles longer than when I was going to the bank, which is not bad. The people were friendly and very helpful there. Even had a few smiling faces look my way. (I haven't even gotten on the floor yet, and I'm being looked at.) It is definitely opportunity for advancement there and to make some really good money. I didn't know that it was like that, but this may work in my favor since I am making moves now. I'll keep ya post on that.It is almost here.....Vegas is this week. Jamaica is in August. I was told the other day, through all the bullshit I go through, I manage to always go on a trip. Hey, you only live once. Spread your marbles out!!! LOL!!! It takes more than marbles to move me!! I leave at noon on Thursday and I come back on Sunday. I feel excited now. Through the pain I have suffer the past weeks or so, this trip couldn't have came at a better time. I am able to get away to relax. To re-evaluate some things and some shit together. I am ready for that as this will be a very good year for me, like my sister tells me. I was asked on a card, onward and upward towards bigger things, am I ready? Yes I am ready! La-La-La-La......Drink of the Day....Tiger Woods....1 oz. Vodka2 oz. Lemon Juice2 oz. Cranberry JuiceServed in a tall glass...Enjoy....-Da Original 1-
More Madness and Whatever...
Game on the Line...Who ya want?...I went up North last night to watch the Sweet 16 games. Chilled out with a couple of friends including Heineken. In my mind was the one game I was waiting to see. Not Illinois/Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, not Louisville/Washington, not Texas Tech ( who suck by the way)/West Virginia, but it was Arizona/Oklahoma State I was build suspense for. My favorite team Arizona was still in the madness, don't really play too much defense. They like to run up and down the court. Game tipped off @ 9:07pm. It was on. Zona got off to a fast start, which was very unusual, but good. Okla St. did manage to match the intensity and tied it up @ 38. Zona held a 41-38 halftime lead with Hassan Adams draining a 3 from the top of the key in the closing minutes. The second half showed Okla St. trying to take control but Zona hung tough, then at the end it was a see-saw battle. One of those games like whoever has the ball last will win. With Okla St. up 76-72, Salim Stoudamire, cousin of Damon Stoudamire(Portland Trailblazers), and the best 3-point shooter in the nation, does what else?, hits a 3 to cut it down to 76-75. Zona manages to get the ball back and Channing Frye hits a baseline jumper to give Zona a 77-76 lead. Okla St., led by Joey Graham, gets the rock in his hands, he bulldozes to the paint and throws a shot that goes in. I was pissed. "Hey,Bitch!! That was a offensive foul!! Call that shit!!!" Okla St. leads 78-77 with 18.8 seconds left. Seconds ticking, ball in the hands of Stoudamire gets to the right side of the court and lifts a shot over the defender and swoosh!!!! Zona leads 79-78 with 2.8 seconds. Now I'm happy and nervous. Too much time left for John Lucas, Jr., Okla St.'s star. He got the ball in the corner with a good look, but....IT DIDN'T FALL...ARIZONA WINS BITCHES!!!!The Illini will be a tough matchup, but anything is possible. You must believe!6 DAYS TO VEGAS....The days counting down now to 6, Vegas is ready for me. I am ready for Vegas. Hopefully the weather will be good as well as it is currently snowing right now.( Hey I thought it was spring???...Oh Forgot!! This is Chicago, enuff said!!!) I will not do anything shopping for it. I will just go! This couldn't have came at a better time for me, with all the bullshit going on lately. Things really do happen for a reason.The Whatever part.....I usually play the background, you know clean cut...Soft spoken well dressed dipped out straight chillin...When I'm in the club yo, sipping the sprite with the...Ill lemon mixed in it sipping on it I was just chillin...Til I saw you that's when my heart stopped knees gave...Head sweating jaws locked I was sweating you...Like god damn girl you got a nigga going buck wild,...Mesmerized star struck I was thinking maybe...We can go out like to the movies or the applebees...Blockbuster state fair but you looked at me and...Said FUCK THAT you just a herb with no money and...No jeep and no condo and I thought that Little Brother...Had a record deal, ok I see where you going now...Want a sweat a nigga when you think he got a cash advance...And some personal time but fuck thatI got your head still bobbing and my verse didn't rhyme...So it's what ever girl...Hey yo that's alright girl, what ever you say...What ever you say, what ever you say...Yo that's alright girl, what ever you say...What ever you say, what ever you say...Don't worry bout it girl, what ever you say...What ever you say, what ever you say...Ok alright, what ever you say...What ever you say, what ever you say...-Little Brother,"Whatever You Say"...from the album, "The Listening"...-Drink of the Day...Mimosa...Served in a large wine glass...1/2 glass of Orange JuiceFill with ChampagneGarnish: Not required, but I would put an orange slice as my garnish....-Da Original 1-
On The Brighter Side....
Before I start this post I would like to thank all the people who called me to show their support and concern towards me, also the one comment as well. I didn't expect the many responses but I was told by them that I'm the type that is liked by many. They want to see me do well despite all the troubles I encounter. Once again, thank you! But beware of my attitude change! You have been warned!!!*Inserts "Vintage" by All Natural into the computer....*Don't Forget the Woman, They Got Next!!!!Yesterday the NCAA Woman Tournament finished up their second round and they are down to their Sweet 16. As expected LSU is one of the teams. When you have someone like Seimone Augustus, you are Final Four material. The best female player in the nation, only a junior, helped LSU destroy Arizona last night. (I am a die-hard fan of Arizona men's team, not the women) I also watched DePaul blow their chance to get to the Sweet 16. Their opponent, Liberty, had this foreign chick that was 6'8". I say GOD DAMN!!! DePaul couldn't stop her, even with a 16-0 run of their own. DePaul, the highest scoring team in the nation, will be going HOME! In no relation, in the WNBA the Washington Mystics traded my favorite player, Chamique Holdsclaw to the Los Angeles Sparks. My baby has been going through depression, and has been playing overseas in Spain(next year Spain) and has gotten her peace of mind. I wish I can just up and go somewhere like that. She will get a new start in May, and I hope things go well with her. When Chicago gets their team in 2006, I will be able to see her when they come here. Good luck to ya baby!8 DAYS TO VEGAS!.....I can now start my countdown to Las Vegas. By that time, things should be a little bit smoother. Despite all the problems I have now, I will be able to get away from it all when I get to Vegas, well, except for one, but after what happened on Monday to me, I will not worry about that one problem. Even though it bothers me, it's really none of my business so I will just leave it alone. Unlike the others that are going with me, this is my first trip there. I get to play my favorite game, Let It Ride, I get to watch games, possibly bet on them, get to enjoy the strip I've been hearing so much about, and many more. I went to the website again last night. The place we are staying in, New York,New York, has soooo many activities it's really ridiculous. I get to see the shows, the people, everything. I should be okay.No Countdown for This Trip Yet...Well it's official, I am going to JAMAICA. Well it's been official for a while now. I said at the beginning of the year that I wanted to make three trips. Now Jamaica wasn't one of them, I didn't know about this then, but I'll take it. I have two trips already in tact, working on the third, in which I hope it will be to Houston in August. I really don't want to get into details about Jamaica right now, but Montego Bay, I'm comin'!!!!!Is there a problem Houston?...With the drama that has happen to me lately, I couldn't help but to think about the one other place where I would want to live. Houston, Texas. I have been pressured in the past by several family members and friends convincing that Houston is where I need to be. Right now, honestly, I am at about 60/40, with Houston at 60% and Chicago at 40%. I have no problem with Chicago. Chicago has been good to me here, but Houston is Houston, ya know. Maybe the weather is really the only difference. No I am lying. The cost of living in Houston is cheaper. The people are nicer down there. Maybe that's why the 60% is towards Houston, but Chicago has it advantages as well. So I don't know right now, and oh by the way, this is one of the situations that I am going through. It may not seem like much, but it is really messing me up on the inside. After Monday, it went from 50/50 to 60/40.(*thinks about that song*) I will see how things play out and maybe in a year or so I will have something decided.My Status....I am no longer destructive, but I am still bitter. Should I be bitter? I mean we were never together, so I should get over this easily right? Despite all the bitterness, I do realize that she is not the only woman in the world, but I know that we would have been good together. Obviously since she said she's not the one for me, I guess not. Doesn't make any sense to try to put something into someone that will not appreciate it. It also doesn't make any sense to try to make her change her mind about this either. I'll just look like a fool. I just really care for her but when you get hit like that, you don't know your next step is sometimes. I feel slightly better than yesterday. It will take me a while to accept what happened. I was told by some people that she will not be concerned about you, that she wasn't even concerned about you when I had the flu. I told them that is a lie, I know that she has a good heart, that's what attracted me to her in the first place. I just need to have some time to think things through. I don't know when the next time I will talk to her or if I ever talk to her again, but I will not worry about that. I need to worry about myself, to make sure that I don't do anything crazy. That's the status I am at now. I feel like I could do something at any moment now, that I may regret, and hopefully if I do something that is being charged by my anger that no one will get hurt in the process. I know one thing though, the old "J" is slowly coming back in me, and it might not be a bad thing this time around.Drink of the Day...Dance with a Dream...(cocktail)2 oz. Brandy1/2 oz. Cointreau1/2 oz. Sweet & SourShake & strain into a cocktail glassNo garnish....-Da Original 1-
Spiked Heart....
As you all know from my previous posts that I am going through something. I would like to touch on one of them as the situation was made clear to me yesterday.Gonna need Jill Scott,"Beautifully Human" for this one....Shot down, but not dead...Remember the woman I refered to as, "Even though not be able to be with the woman that I want to be with hurts, but there is nothing I can do"??? I do, I wrote it. I talked to her online, and it all came out. She rejected me. Now she she says that she wasn't rejecting me. "North Carolina, Come On Now!!! Now y'all all know......" I have been turned down or rejected some plenty of times in my time so I should know when it's happening. These were her words: "I'm being honest with you. I've always been honest with you. You're my friend and I care about you, but I'm not the one." To be honest, I felt bad, really bad. Why? This was the one that I thought was the one for me. I thought about her everyday. Called her from time to time to check on her, even sent her something in the mail one time. The door, I thought, was open. She had the door shut already. I don't know how long she had the door shut on me. So now I'm thinkin' there is a reason, besides the one of us being long distant from each other. I asked her, she didn't tell me, There has to be a reason, she just don't want to tell me, I thought she was my friend, she can keep it real and tell me why she didn't want to be with me, I think I deserve that. Instead I got apologies. I just put my head down as I received this bad news. Then on top of that, she said to me the most HATED line that I know. "You'll find the right girl, J. She's out there really." My emotions rapidly turned from sad to mad, anger. I punched the wall and the closets a few times,didn't really work. I thought about jumping out the window but I wasn't high enough to hurt myself. Then I remember that I wasn't at home when this was going on. I don't need for her to tell what's out there for me. Obviously she's not out there for me. She also said that we have gotten closer by our getting to know each other on another level than friends I believe, but I didn't want to get close to her like that if I knew that this was going to happen. She claims that I was on her mind as much as she was on mine. I can't prove that but I still don't believe it. She used the past tense "were" as in there were times I was on her mind plenty. I'm talkin about now. She has no clue of what she has done to me. The door was slammed in my face, hard. I know in my heart that no one, let me say this again so you people can hear me, I said I know in my heart that NO ONE will be able to treat her the way I could have treated her if I was given the opportunity. I'm not backing down from that, that's how I feel. I am a good person and I know that I have plenty to give. We all hit forks in the road(Shit seems like I've hit a lot) but you find ways around it. I feel angry, nonchalant, and rejoiced, right now. I am strong. Some people have told me that I should go after what or who I want. If she is who I want, then I should for it. I.....don't think that will be happening here. I am not going to bend over backwards for someone who doesn't want me. It's a waste of time. If it's somehow true that there is someone out there for me, then it is what it is, but I will NOT look for her. The reality of everything that happened yesterday is setting in, and I'm getting at peace with self again. I just guess that she wasn't as special as I thought she was.So the big question is: What did I do after I got this door shut on me? Well first I got myself a drink. Then another one, and another one, and another one. I don't know how many I had and I really didn't care at that moment. I was to go up North to hang out with a friend, but I received a call from two female friends. They, along with another girl, was hanging out @ Bar Louie in Hyde Park and had wanted me to come through. I was in no condition to go anywhere, but I went to the bar. They have more alcohol @ the bar. We ate and conversated, I watched glimpses of the Bulls/Hawks game. I was able to relax and breathe. The girl on the right that I met for the first time was very pretty but I knew that nothing would come of it, because the girl on the left really likes me, so that would be wrong for me to do. Was the alcohol talking as well? Shit, who fucking cares at that moment. They were shocked when I paid the whole tab. They wanted to make sure that I was okay. It didn't matter to me then, I'm always okay I told them. When I got by myself at home I drank some more. It felt good. Then I remember what I told the girls, "I'm always okay."I thought about that for a while. It is true, no denying it. Putting all the marbles in one basket is no longer my steelo. Some people have told me that I lost a little of my boldness. I wasn't as cocky or as arrogant as before. I was the giggalo, the pretty boy, I lived carefree, that I didn't get caught up in one girl. I was doing better always when I messed with several women at one time. It was challenging, but more yet, satisfying. I went through life without pausing, not thinking. I was the one that didn't get into feelings, I was high up and I couldn't be touched. I told myself a while back that I didn't want to like that, but I had more fun when I was like that. No more tears, no more fears. Don't put everything in one girl. I learned the hard way. I got myself into this and I can get myself out of this. As for her, as for being friends, I don't know right now. I have said that I would always be there for her and that still stands but you get what I got yesterday it makes you think. There is no doubt in my mind that it is her that is losing out. Whether she moves backs to Chicago or not no longer matters to me. I know that no one is perfect and everyone has flaws, but I will not sit here and try to figure out where things went wrong. There is always in your lifetime, you think about that one person that you let get away, that you wish you could have back and makes things different. Well I will be the one that she let get away from her. Whether if we are friends or not, she will realize it. I am doing good in 2005. I'm on track with my goals and all. I will not let this setback affect me. I will not sit back and cry and get myself down about what could have been because it's not going to happen. I have accepted the fact and will move on. Through all the times I have had many setbacks, and I have survived through them somehow, with some of them I still to this day don't know how. Rippin stuff up, punchin' walls, threats to jump out windows is not going to do anything. It is time for me to regroup and re-evaluate myself. I am the original one. There's no other. I am picking the spikes out now, doesn't make any sense to lose any more blood. One situation down, plenty to go!Drink of the Day...Brandy Alexander...Cream Drink served in a Cocktail Glass...1/2 oz. Brandy1/2 oz. dark Creme' de cacao2 oz. creamBlend & StrainGarnish: nutmeg-Da Original 1-
Basketball,Women,Alcohol, and Life....Part II.....
The Madness is gettin' to me...I lost a Final Four team in Wake Forest, losing to West Virginia 111-105 in double overtime on Saturday. To see Chris Paul foul out, I suddenly knew it was over. North Carolina took care of business and that's all that matters. I am currently 2 points behind the leader in our pool, so I'm right there. Bron-Bron scored 56 points in a losing effort and then their coach was fired. So shocking that was, never saw it coming. Lakers lose fifth straight game and it doesn't look good for the playoffs.Frustration forms into isolation and.....Question of the day is:What you don't know won't hurt you, but if you do know, will it hurt you?I'm gonna need a CD for this one. *Picks Peven Everett,"Studio Confessions"* I do not know the answer to this question. I have won the war with Mr. Flu, but I still feel kinda down. The flu took a lot out of me, like other people and things have in the past, but I have recovered. Recovery for my next battle will be very tough. When the pain hits ya, you tend to go crazy, to seek revenge or justice. I try not to do that. You expect things to go one way, then they usually go another way. I hear people tell me almost everyday, you are so lucky, you are so fortunate, that I has been blessed in a way that separates me from the rest. Well shit I know that, but there is a problem that I have here. Kinda hard to put this into words but I'll try. I am afraid. I am afraid of myself. With the things that are frustrating to me, I am afraid that I will act upon it and do something that I have no business doing, and it will result into a negative turnout. I have done things in the past that I regret doing and have paid the price for it, but I have done a good job of handling and controlling my emotions. Sometimes though, certain THINGS and certain PEOPLE like to test me from time. As a result, I tend to isolate myself from these things and people. The isolation has helped me and also hurt me, but for me it's the best thing to do. If I decide to explain my problems to people, they will not understand me, then I tend to tune them out, they have not been in my shoes, they can't pave my path to wherever the fuck I am trying to go. I have found out some things over the weekend that I wished that I didn't know. I don't know what I am capable of doing right now. I have given my all to some people and certain things and have been slapped in the face, resulting in a change in my personality, a change in how I go about issues when it comes to certain people and things. The isolation also helps me to not hurt people, but then again, it still happens, but at the point of my frustation, who fuckin cares what they think or feel. People pretend to care about my situation and seem so concerned, that's crazy. It's not there situation, and they tend to leave it alone, but when something happens to them, I am the first person to come runnin by their side. I feel that I should not put everything out there ANYMORE. I get to a point to as why should I care anymore. It will not stop me from accomplishing my goals in 2005 because I will get it done. I just need to straighten some things out. Thank God for the Vegas trip on the 31st. I will be able to get away from the things and the people that fuckin irritate me. I won't be able to hide from everything and everyone because I have issues with some of the people that I'm going with, but I will make an attempt to have fun. I don't know if my isolation is going to be comin soon, but I can hear the footsteps.
What else here?....Oh yeah, women. As stated before, I now feel like a jackass to turn down those dates. I wasn't thinking when I did. I was wrong. I have told people that dates are more that just trying to find someone. I wasn't thinking of that. I was focused in on one person. I now know not to do that. Your options should ALWAYS be open regardless of any situation. You should ALWAYS have a Plan B to backup Plan A. Like Eric R. puts it, some women don't really know my song. I have been second fiddle, third fiddle. I have been turned down for someone else. I have been told that I'm too good to be with some women. It hurts to not have that special one that can lift you up with their smile when you're down, someone who will go through thick and thin with you, to have a special one that you can do numerous things with in contrast with enjoying life. Now I know that some people read this in shock. It's shocking still to me to a certain degree. Even though not being able to be with the woman that I want to be with hurts, but there is nothing that I can do. If I could turn back the hands of time and do things over I would. I pretended that everything was fine and it's not. I blame no one but myself again. I knew how things were to play out and I wasn't prepared for it. I was stood up last weekend by a friend that I use to mess around with. I no longer mess with her on that level, but she just wanted to hang out and I did too. I didn't get no phone call or no text message from this woman, five days pass, I text her to tell her how bogus she was. Get this: She said she texted me that she was going to be late(I keep a history of my text message,in and out, didn't get one from her. She said that I stood her up. I was home waiting. Why she did call? Lawd knows why she didn't call. I said it's cool. I said to myself that I will not no longer associate myself with this woman. It's her loss, she lost a very good friend in me. Back to the topic at hand, the woman situation is just one of the many situations that I am going through. I can sit here and write about all my situations but why should I?I am tired of trying to make things work. I am tired of putting my all into being with a woman just to get disappointed in the end. I am tired of not only women, but people in general. I am tired of being by people's side when something happens and not getting the same in return when something happens to me. I am tired of caring when I do or if I don't have to. I know people will say you need GOD or you need help. You don't know what I fuckin need, so don't bother. I am tired of everything. But I will live on, until I get tired of that.Drink of the Day....Smurf Piss...
1/2 oz. Rum1/2 oz. Curacao1/2 oz. Black raspberry2 oz. Sweet & sourBlend & StrainFill with 7-UpGarnish: Flag( orange slice,cherry,etc..)-Da Original 1-
Basketball,Women,Alcohol, and Life....
The Upsets Continue.....I'm at a friend's house bloggin and it's Day Three of the NCAA Tournament and the upsets are piling up like dog shit in yo' backyard! Last night was PANDEMONIUM!!! Syracuse, which was the #4 seed was upset by #13 Vermont. Thought that crazy, the very next game featured the overrated #3 seed Kansas versus the #14 Bucknell. Who knew? Bucknell pulls the upset! They goin crazy in Bucktown! LOL!!! Today I picked up 2 points on #12 UWisconsin-Milwaukee beating also overrated #4 Boston College. It is what it is! I'm only 2 points behind the leader and he has already lost two picks for the Final Four,Gonzaga and Syracuse. He gone!!! LOL!!! My team, Arizona, got another win today! Good shit Zona'. The Illini was also victorious. They riding strong to the Sweet 16. Looking forward to tomorrow's matchups. Should be a dandy!Second Swing....I am blogging now with Heineken, Negra Modelo, Jagermeister, and Chinese Food in my system. **Hi, SoulfulAries!!** I have received a few phone calls in regards to my previous post. Must be more than what I thought. It's been 50/50 for the most part. Some say to hang in there. To enjoy my life, to take care of myself. Our paths will cross one day and it will be well worth it. If she is who you want, then hang in there, feelings like that don't come like that often. On the other hand, others have said to forget her. It's her loss. You are one of a kind and women are stupid to have not snatched you up by now. Your personality can not be put into words. If she REALLY wants to be with you then regardless of the situation, she will make it in her power to make sure that gets you. I was also told that women have a lot of power, being long distance or being married is just an excuse. I was told that I pass up too many opportunities. Now I have gotten this advice from yesterday to right now. I don't know what to make of all this advice when I didn't expect all this feedback in the first place. I will not think about it for a while. I will let things take its toll. As much as I get into a person, I can also get that person out my mind and move on, not to say that's what I'm doing with this situation. I will let things flow. I will not put a lot of thought into the problem I have here. I will sit back and re-evaluate everything. I think that the goals that I have set for 2005 are more important and I should be focused on that more than this. I must take care of myself, because outside of family, no one will take care of me. The bartender at the bowling alley says it best, "Take care of yourself, if you build yourself into the individual that you want to be, the women will follow." Drinking or not, that shit made a LOT of sense. I'm starting a new position on the 28th, I'm currently looking for a bartending position, I'm going to Vegas on the 31st, going to Jamaica in August, moving into a new place the beginning of June, summer is very near, so it is what it is. I am not to dwell on things I can't have or people I can't be with, but concentrate on what I am trying to do, and things I can have. As far as relationships with women, the special one that I end up with will be in for a treat. Oh!! LOL!!! A good treat! So keep up the encouragement and the criticism on me. I'M WILD!!! CRAZY!!! I'LL SHOOT YA!!! I'M RICK JAMES!!!Drink of the Day...Sky Blue Electric Lemonade(Blue Mo Fo) ...1/2 oz. Vodka1/2 oz. Gin1/2 oz. Tequila1/2 oz. light Rum1/2 oz. Blue Curacao2 oz. Sweet & SourBlend & StrainFill with 7-UpGarnish: Lemon Wedge-Da Original 1-
It really is what is it....I guess?.....
My war with Mr. Flu.....Over the past few days I have been conquered by the notorious flu. I am planning my escape plan and it has been working so far. I have more energy today and that's great. **Throws in Eric Roberson CD** "She couldn't hear me over the music, She didn't really hear my song," is what he says in the song. When someone is sick or not feeling well, I'm always the supportive one to come running to see if everything is alright. When I'm sick, where they go,where they go? A reason may be that I have always been the type to be independent and take care of myself since I'm used to it. Or....the people that I want to check up on me don't! You can't make anyone be concerned about you. The world doesn't realize the effect that I have on it sometimes, but the world doesn't care along with some people as well. So I blame myself in a way. No problem. It has been a tough week for me, but the weekend is here and maybe I can finish it on a good note. The medicine has been taking its toll on me, being drugged up is very wild. I can't really sing but I have a song, but the people I want to hear it, they do NOT hear it. So do I sing louder or write another one? I'll leave that open. "You're going down Mr.Flu!"The Marble Effect....If anybody who has read a previous post about putting all marbles in one basket, this is an extension of that. I have to honestly admit, right now, that I put my marbles all in one basket. I kinda pampered around it in the previous post, but this is what the blog is for. So I have to express here. I go through the days now wondering if the decisions that I have made or routes I have taken since the new year are worth it, and was the things I did or what I feel was a waste of time. Did I put something out there that I knew I wasn't going to get back? Can't put the blame on no one but myself for putting myself in this situation. Or maybe I am just overreacting as I do sometimes? Let's see.... I have thrown all marbles into one girl. I did not want this to happen but I knew it would. If someone has almost everything that you are looking for a woman, I'm pretty sure that you would do the same thing too. It seems like though this is affecting me more than it is affecting her. Or I'm just overreacting? She is single currently, and she is really enjoying it as we speak, which is good, but what happens when someone comes along and catches her attention? Due to certain circumstances, there is nothing I can do. *sarcastic laughter* When you don't receive as many text messages or as many phone calls as before, you get to wonder things like this, but hey it's all natural here. So when I was turning down all those dates last month, I thought I was convinced on several things, but now it makes it look like that I was a total jackass for doing that. So feel free to criticize me about that, I may deserve it. I was only following my heart. That seems kinda mushy but something I usually don't do. You get the feeling that when you find that special one, that you can all the things that you imagine doing with her like picnics in the park, breakfast in bed, chilling @ the arcade, walks by the lake, to the little things like movie night @ home, play entertaining board games, holding long conversations that make you want to talk and stay up all night, although there is always something that ALWAYS prevent this from happening. It NEVER fails. The woman could be married, or strongly committed, or she could be long distance, or certain things like her feelings about religion may interfere. Whatever the case may be, there is always something that stop your expectations of happiness with her. I have gotten around that but I don't know how much longer I can do that. You think to yourself, will somebody take the place that I want to have with that woman, and treat her bad? I would feel bad because I know that she deserves better or maybe I won't because that was her decision and that was her loss. That has happen a lot. Or maybe I overreacting? So what do I do? Do I keep my marbles in the one basket? Or...Do I start to separate them? A lot of people tell me, including one friend recently "You should separate them! That girl you like is not going to come around. She is somewhere else doing her own thang. If she meets someone, you will not come to her mind, and if the guy plays his cards right, then you need to fold them. *kinda weird that my friend put poker in here somehow and she doesn't play,lol* She is never going to be near you and there is no indication that you two will be together." My friend also went on to say,"J, you need to stop acting like a pussy, and explore your options. You pass up too many opportunities for someone who is not going to commit to you anytime soon." I started to go off on my friend but I hesitated.....to responding to my friend. Was she right? Is she trying to awake me from the deep slumber, the deep dream that I'm in....of being with that special one? I just told my friend that whatever happens, I will always be her friend and that I will be there for her no matter what! If she needs anything, I will make sure she gets it. Regardless of whatever relationship we have, even if the status of it is not what I want it to be, I will always be a phone call away. My friend says, "Whatever!!!" *couldn't help but to think about the lady at K-mart that day*Tourney Update....The madness has begun.... I am currently 1 point behind the co-leaders. There were 16 games yesterday and each was 1 point. I got 13 out of a possible 16. I got the upset of #12 UWisconsin-Milwaukee over #5 Alabama. The Illini received a scare but as expected pulled away in the second half. There are right people in the pool, with everybody having the Illini winning it all with the exception of you know who, ME!! I have North Carolina. Go Tar Heels!!! My favorite team, Arizona, won as well. They could reach the Final Four if they play some defense. The first weekend is always the important one, you want to stay close and make sure that your Final Four picks make it to the next weekend. My friend said that #2 Wake Forest was going to get clipped, his choice in that region, #4 Louisville, little that he knows that his team will get clipped, but that's what the madness is all about. I just wish this was the only madness that I had!Drink of the Day....Mojito....1 1/2 oz. light Rum1/2 oz. simple syrup1/2 oz. lime syrup3 mint leavesSoda waterYou can use a rocks glass or an old fashion glassMuddle mint leaves and syrup with a muddlerAdd ice, lime juice and rumFill with SodaIf desired, you can garnish with mint leaves-Da Original 1-
Let Me Borrow Some Energy From Ya.......
Still Survivin'...I caught the flu I guess on Monday and it's still in me. My neck,back,throat,stomach,and head hurts read bad, not to forget the cough and the diarrhea. I haven't been sick like this in a long time. I guess everyone goes through this. I ran to Dominick's yesterday to get some sick items. (Chicken Noodle soup,Lemons,Medicine,etc...) Hopefully by the weekend I can get better.Tomorrow is Tourney Time....Tomorrow starts the March Madness. Hopefully I will get the energy to fill out my bracket tonight. I am still in the process of declaring who I think will be champion. Some teams I have seen play and some I haven't. Trying to pick the right upsets will be challenging as well. Picking a Cinderella can be tough too. I don't want to pick a team that will bow out early. I have madness just filling this bracket out. Then you get more madness when you watch the games. To see your teams survive and fail can be sweet and nerve-wrecking,respectively. At the end I hope to be the champ like I was in 2004. But we'll see. About to get some rest now. Pretty short post, I have other things to talk about but no more energy.Drink of the Day....Alabama Slammer1/2 oz. Vodka1/2 oz. Amaretto1/2 oz. Southern Comfort1/2 oz. Strawberry Liqueur1/2 oz. Sloe GinFill with Orange JuiceServe in a tall glass...
-Da Original 1-
Eric Roberson....
The Un-Expected Post on a Sunday....
Here it is......This CD I have been trying to get is finally in my rotation. As expected I wasn't disappointed. These smooth, soulful sounds from "The Vault" reminds me of many smooth artist such as Bilal, Musiq, Glenn Lewis, etc. This is a rare CD in which each song is bangin. You can listen to the whole CD all the way through instead of skipping songs. A lot of people are familiar with my selection of music. Some agree, and of course, many don't. A lot of friends do not expand their minds and their horizons as far as music is concern. Some are narrow minded and somewhat hypnotize by it to some degree. I don't have anything against it but I took my blinders off a long time ago. Back to the CD, from songs like, "Couldn't Hear Me" to "Past Paradise" and "Rock With You", you can't help but to appreciate the authentic soul that is being released out this album. Nice CD to sit back and chill with your special one, OOHHH!!! I don't have a special one!!! OOPS!!! LOL!!!Marbles All in One Basket?.....Should you put all your marbles in one basket here is the question I am asking. I somewhat have that problem sometimes. Like putting all your marbles in one job, or placing them in one decision like an apartments or a book or a CD. Also interesting, do you put all your marbles in one person, that special one that you desire. You go through life wanting people and it doesn't work out for you. The person that you want, you cannot be with that person, for maybe a certain reason. You try to do everything in your power to show this person that you want to be with them, or that you can make the commitment, but it doesn't matter because it is a two way street. They leave themselves open in reasons to not hurt you, but you may feel hurt that you can't be with that person. Then this person finds someone else and you are now feeling like shit. This could happen and then your friendship can be in jeopardy. Now sometimes I feel that I might overreact to certain issues that I shouldn't have to be, but that's life. I am not talking about anyone in general here. This is just how things have always gone for me. I always hear people say, "Hey, don't worry. It's her lost!" Now this is true! I haven't had a chance to show a woman what I can do in a relationship. I have given samples of what I can do for some women (most recently for someone's birthday) but I feel that's all women need to see. I don't need to put all the marbles out there. I told myself to save some marbles for when a woman really wants to be serious with me, then I will be able to show that special woman what it means to enjoy life, what it means to be happy, to have someone by their side through thick and thin. So I'll keep my marbles tied away in my Crown Royal bag, LOL!!!!Da Weekend!!!....Friday I was excited to hear that my income tax refund was here. "I'm rich!! Bitch!!! LOL!!!" Went to go take care of a couple of bills. Went to my friend's job afterwards. I was just messing around with him and his co-workers. Just killing time I guess. One of his co-workers, that I had noticed a long time ago was starting to notice me. I didn't really think too much of it. She found out through the group conversation of how versatile I am. She's very pretty but very married. I have dealt with women in the past that were married so I already know the steelo. Back then I wanted to deal with married women to see if I can get them. I usually succeeded. I have changed since then or have I? I went up North to Dr.Wax and a lounge called Ollie to see a friend. On the way there I called my dear friend who was in the car accident to check up on her. She seemed to be in a better mood than Wednesday. Conversation was short, as expected, but she was okay, which is the most important thing. After hanging out at Ollie's I went South to my guy's house to play pool in his garage. Had a good time, talked about Vegas, watched the Bulls win in Seattle, lost in pool, but had fun doing it. Saturday, went to Moo & Oink to get the stuff for the baby shower. I was to BBQ there. The grills were cooking slow but brothas work it out. Everyone loved the food which was good. I was basically there the whole day. After the shower I did get my Heineken and played the Game of Life. My guy was celebrating his B-day @ Whirlyball, so I went like I was to Whirlyball. I didn't know that they now have Laser Tag there. We played Laser Tag first. $5 for 6 minutes, that was a round. They were cool enough to let us play three rounds. The team I was one, won all three rounds. Then we played Whirlyball, it was on. I don't remember scoring, but if they kept stats, I had so many assists. I have always been a good passer in Whirlyball. I was cornered by three yellow carts. With them swinging @ me like they was on steroids, I found someone on our end wide open. I threw it behind my back from the corner ALL THE WAY DOWN to where my teammate was sitting patiently by our goal. It was a perfect pass. He scored! Through all the physical contact and punishment you take, it's always good to get in a good game of Whirlyball...Drink of the Day....Blue Hawaiian....1 oz. Light Rum1/2 oz. Blue Curacao1 1/2 oz. Coconut Cream3 oz. Pineapple JuiceBlend & StrainGarnish: Cherry & Flag(orange or lemon slice)-Da Original 1-
Celebration Now Come' On.....
Put Me Behind The Bar Bitches!!!!!I did it!!!! It's a CELEBRATION BITCHES!!!! I am officially a bartender. I went into the school last night with all the confidence. I wasn't nervous at all. I walked in, hung up my coat, got set up and went over some basics with my pouring. One guy asked was I going to practice some drinks. I told him I need to go over my basics. Easy 1 oz. pours, 2 oz. pours into rocks glass and then into the shot glass. I realized that my time was near. I was thinking to myself, "Is making 15 drinks in 10 minutes possible?" I guess it depends on the drinks that you are given. My class was three strong still out of the ten that started in the first place. A few first weekers gave me a little encouragement as it was time to get down. I went also with this lady that scored a 96 her first week and a 94 the second week. Pretty good compared to my 78 and 86 for my two. The instructor instructed us to take our places behind the bar. He laid three cards face down on the bar. He did his little talkin while I raised my arms above my head and held them there until he said go. Then we were off! I don't remember the order of the drinks, but I had to make Irish Coffee, Cherry Cheesecake, Blow Job, Hurricane, Brandy Alexander, Amaretto Stone Sour, Apple Martini, Godfather, and some others. I caught a rhythm as I making the drinks. What I did was while I was making the first drink, I took a glance at the next drink I had to make, I had the second drink prepared already in my head. So when I finished the first drink, I went right into the second drink with no hesitation. I did 15 drinks in about 8 1/2 minutes. I said,"Damn!" I just took a deep breath as it was all over. I wasn't nervous. He looked over my drinks said that I overpoured a few martinis, but hey the customers won't complain. That's why I went over the pouring basics so I didn't overpour all the drinks. He gave a 92. The whole class clapped for me. They came over and gave me high-fives like were family. For those three weeks, it seem like anyone in the class that I knew was family. They didn't want to see me go. After all this excitement, I still had to take the written exam. Damn!!!! I got a 84 on that. If I would have taken my time with the written, I may have scored higher, but hey who cares! I knew the shit and I have graduated from the school. I received my certificates and smile came across my face. I felt good going down the flight of stairs to the car. The good thing is that I can come back at any time and get some practice or sit in on a lecture, as it is good for life. I start my job placement this week. So I need to get a feel on what kind of establishment I want to work in. Just to get in and get some experience may just be good to start. The three weeks flew by but I gained a lot and now I have a skill that I can back up with certification. I'll drink to that!!!!!!-Da Original 1-
BIG MONDAY!!!!
*You can't win them all!*Yesterday I watched as the number #1 team in the nation, Illinois Fightin' Illini was defeated by Ohio State 65-64. The Illini, who had lead throughout the whole game, buckled down the stretch and took the lost. This would have been good for Ohio State in terms of getting into the Big Dance but they are ineligible this year to participate. It was good that the Illini lost now because they don't have to worry about hearing dat pressure of an undefeated season. I believe that they are still a lock for St. Louis anyway. #2 North Carolina overcame a 73-64 deficit in the last minutes to defeat #6 Duke 75-73. With the selection less than a week away, this year's tourney should be tight. A lot of teams are in it for a shot at the national championship. Most importantly, we get to do our annual pool on the tournament. I am the defending champion with getting three of the Final Four participants right from last year and also getting the champion right as well. It will not be easy to repeat. Last year, I knew that Connecticut was the best team. You can't win them all but I would like to win this pool again.It's HERE, It's HERE......Judgment day is here! My final exam for the bartending class is tonight @ 6pm. I have to make 15 drinks in 10 minutes and also complete a written exam as well. I would like to thank all the people who have read my blog or who have supported me up to this point. I really appreciate the encouragement. As I drowned the blog with bartending info almost daily, (even got someone who called me lame, and stated that I have a boring life, go figure) the feedback was well appreciated. I feel pretty confident today. The first week I was so nervous and hesitant, but now I feel I have the world on my shoulders after three weeks of classes. I went in on Saturday to get some extra practice. On the Saturday sessions, you go from 9-5 for like six weeks and graduate on the 7th week. You don't really get a chance to practice pouring every day. I looked so sharp versus the others there. But tonight I have to put it all together and lay it all out. My speed improves with the knowledge of my drinks, so I should be alright tonight. I will have a personal celebration bitches tonight if I do manage to take care of my business in which I plan to. It has been fun there, kinda wish I could go a few more weeks but things must come to and end!Reminisce....I would like to take some space here to wish a very good dear friend of mine a speedy recovery. She was just recently in a car accident Saturday night. It shook me up even though I wasn't there. I was so worried and so ready for an emergency road trip to her. But I got confirmation for her that she was going to be alright, in which I was able to sleep okay knowing that. It made me think about the car accident I was in. Where you see your life flash before your eyes, riding in the ambulance wonderin if you are going to make it, laying uncomfortably in the flat hospital bed. You look for some kind of sign, some kind of guidance to reach for that indication that everything is everything. It certainly changed my whole perspective of life. Don't take things or people for granted. You appreciate all the people who you are close to you, you cling on as you were awarded a second chance in life. You never know when it will be your time. I certainly wasn't ready to go. Issues involving relationships, marriages, career, family, etc you all of a sudden want to have them in your life before your time is up. Only the people who have gone through this can relate to what I'm trying to say here. So I thank God for that and also thanked him for looking over my dear friend that Saturday night. I wouldn't have known what I would have done if it was more serious than what it was.-Da Original 1-
How Many Drinks Are There?....
I mean come on here, people just sit at home or @ the bar and come with all types of drinks. Awww....I'm just kidding. I am having so much fun. We have some new people come in this week and they were as nervous as I was in my first days there. I have gotten comfortable there and is able to help them out with things that I have learned while I am still learning myself. They see that if I can do it then they can do it. With the index cards and the time to practice, you can't help but to get better. I have gotten more confident about the big test on Monday. I will have to leave it all out on the bar that day Fa Sho!!! Yesterday we did short sours like Barcardi Cocktail, Daiquiris, Margaritas, those types. Rimming the glass with salt...oooohh you can taste it! We also did long sours like Tom Collins,Mother Pucker, Hop Skip & Go Naked. Then we did iced teas and lemonades. Long Island Iced Tea, Sky Blue Electric Lemonade or called a Blue Mo Fo, because that's a blue mutha f.....SHUT YO MOUTH!!!! One of the students there drilled me. We had a 10 minute break, and I always get practice in instead of breakin' because you know when black people break.......WE BREAK!!! You have to go lookin' for our ass!! LOL!!!! She came up to the bar like she was a customer and ordered a drink. I made it with no problem. We did this several times and I was on point every time. I told her to do that the next day as well. That helps with your customer service skills. Talkin to the customer while you're making their drink. It's doesn't get any better than that people. I brought a CD there yesterday for the instruction to play. We are able to bring CD's to play if they are clean. After hearing Linkin Park and No Doubt, it was my turn. I brought "Discern/Define" by The Poets of Rhythm. The instructor liked it so much we wants me to bring it today. It's like jazz and funk, it's a band from Germany....."Smile while you're cryin..." I know the words NOW!!!! LOL!!! It's very smooth. I want to buy Eric Roberson CD next....please do NOT sleep on this CD. It's the sheeeittttnit!!!! This girl in the class that has a crush on me told me that she will visit my bar when I get behind one. Hey, as long as she tips me!! LOL!!! I don't see the problem here! She said I dress like a bartender. Well I don't know how a bartender is to dress but I just rolled with it. I can't wait. I will learn how to make as many drinks as I can as possible. One day, maybe soon, I will make my own bar @ home. It's good to have ideas of things you want to pursue, but it feels better when you accomplish them....-Da Original 1-
"And The Ocsar Goes To........"
I have had a conversation with myself and have decided to not reflect on some the things that have ripped my head apart but to dwell on the positive aspects of recent events.The Oscars....I don't watch videos and award shows. It doesn't excite me at all. People just say that I'm not normal, but I already know that. This time was different. Jaime Foxx and Don Cheadle up for best male actor. This last happened when Denzel Washington and Will Smith was up for this in I believe in 2002 or 2001 I think. Both of the movies were very,very good. I feel that Don Cheadle was the ONLY person who could have done that role, and same for Foxx. Everyone was rooting for Foxx. My friends were into seeing Halle Berry and Beyonce and their so-called "hour glass" figures. They were both beautiful but this wasn't their night. It was Foxx's night. With his daughter by his side and his grandmother lookin from above, Foxx's moment came at the end of the show, but we all knew that it was hear. From "In Living Color" to "Booty Call" to singing "Infatuation" to this. Congratulations once again to Foxx.Bartending Update...It was very hard for me to focus to study for my bartending class but I went to take it anyway. I got there and I had to somehow put everything behind me and get through this test. In the first week, I got some practice in since I wasn't first up and I had time. Last night, I didn't practice before my test. People were talkin to me but I wasn't listening, but for some reason they kept talking. Then it was my turn. Only three out of the ten people from last week was there. The two girls went together which left me solo. This was it. 10 drinks in 10 minutes. Just like last time I raised my arms above my head as I was ready to take this test. It was GO time!!! All of a sudden something happened. Before my first drink, I started to feel really good. I looked at the drinks that I had to make and it was so on. I started on it. I was so relaxed and comfortable. I didn't hesitate like last week. I felt good. I was moving very well. I was conversating with the instuctor while I was making the drinks. This was good. Very Good! He knew that I was feeling good. After the test was over, I took a deep breath and relaxed. I finished with a 86. I missed the Comfortable Martini. I was making the Southern Comfort Manhattan. I got the two mixed up. Boo!! I overpoured on a couple of shots. (My customers will love THAT about me! LOL!!!) I made the Cosmopolitan, 7 & 7, Hurricane, Velvet Hammer, Grand Marnier, Apple Martini, Three Wise Men, and a few more. This test was harder than last week but I felt good. After that performance I then felt like getting some practice in, LOL! I am looking forward going out on a big bang!-Da Original 1-
