Wow, it's 2010....

Can you believe it's been a whole year?! Exactly one year ago I started my blog and although I wasn't able to commit to it as much as I envisioned, I don't regret it. When I wasn't blogging, life was happening and it brought about some pretty cool things.

Jamaal and I have relocated and are adjusting to our new life fairly well. 2009 was full of many unexpected things that if you had asked me about them on January 1, 2009, I probably would have laughed in your face and kindly responded, "I don't think so."

So, now it's a whole new year with a whole new set of goals. I don't like to get too caught up in the New Year's resolution business because I generally feel that the only promise I'll make to myself is that if something didn't go well last year, either I won't do it again or I will make it a point to do it even better the next time. I am working on a general list of things I want and need to accomplish this year and I will share this list with you over time.

I do, however, aim to blog more and keep in touch. But I won't promise it will be everyday (I've learned, it's too much pressure!) - unless someone takes such a great interest in what I have to say and asks to sponsor my blog! LOL

Here's to a great 2009 and an even better 2010!

~S

P.S. - I'd love to hear about your resolutions, goals, etc. for the New Year - leave it in a comment!

High Class Problem

The news, two newspapers, going to work, people on the train, my morning coffee, meetings, the work day, things I'm writing, things I'm reading, things I want to be writing or reading, great lunches, more meetings, the bus, going home, TV shows, recipes, Jamaal, the gym, Mixed Martial Arts, family, friends, DC, Chicago, etc. etc. etc.



I have what some like to call a "high class problem." As I'm sure you've noticed, I haven't blogged in a really long time- not because I haven't thought about it. I think about it all the time. Not because I'm not inspired either-the merciless list above are all the things that inspire thoughts or feelings that I want to write about every day. Time is, unfortunately, an issue at the moment but l'm trying to work smarter not harder and squeeze in some mobile blogging in during the day!



Just to update-Jamaal and I are great! The move proved positive for the both of us. We're acclimating well to DC. It has a progressive charm to it - but it can't and won't ever replace Chicago.



I successfully cooked my first real Thanksgiving dinner, something I've never had to do by myself before. I had some great recipes and it was actually a lot of fun. I feel so grownup now!!!
This year has provided me with some challenges and some amazing new opportunities. I am eternally thankful for the friends and family that supported me through both. I hope you had a safe and happy Thanksgiving - time for Christmas!!

~S

There is always a method to the madness...

Post-VMA morning, I have a few thoughts about last night's show - bullet-point style because I have to run to a meeting...

• I thought the Michael Jackson Tribute was highly appropriate and definitely a celebration moreso than a memorial. I can only imagine that it was emotional for Janet but the entire performance was very thoughtful and executed well. Plus, "Scream" is one of my top 3 MJ songs so it was a treat.
• I would be okay if they never asked Russell Brand to host again - I think the world isn't quite ready for him or the other way around....
• Kudos to Wale as the House Band. I admittedly don't know much about him and am still trying to get a grasp on the DC music scene but it's nice to know that there is a scene that is getting noticed.
• Although he didn't win, I expect Kid Cudi will clean up next year. Check out his album on Tuesday when it's released!
• Lady Gaga - whoa. Different but interesting - talented yet strange. At any rate, since I don't know much about her, I will need to do some research.
• Oh, Kanye. At the end of the day, he was outrightly rude and inconsiderate. He did apologize on his blog however it could have totally been avoided. He apologized to her mom and plans to call her today to apologize (per the blog). I am somewhat of a closet Taylor Swift fan and I think she deserved the award she won. To be 17 years old with that type of talent is something special. At the basic level, if you have to have an outburst, at least have an outburst that makes sense. Rightfully so, he was escorted out the building and watched the rest of the show on TV like the rest of us. Given that it wasn't a category that he was nominated in or even related to (he didn't write, produce or direct the song or video), it was in poor, poor taste. But when I woke up this morning, I thought "Kanye strikes again." I believe that Kanye West is one of the artists that truly believes that any publicity is good publicity. He was nominated for a couple of awards that most people wouldn't remember the next day for a video that most people didn't like (I happened to like it but I'm only one person) - and didn't win in either category. He didn't wear anything outlandish. He attended the VMA's with Amber Rose, no shock there. He needed something to keep people interested in him. So today, blogs, radio shows, websites and television shows will all be talking about him. It doesn't matter that it's not favorable - without his stunt, no one would have a memory of him at the show. But there is a not-so-fine line that he crossed. As in life, you don't burn bridges in the industry because you just never know what may present itself later. You know that I am 200% a Kanye fan but I can't respect a lack of integrity and respect. I am still a fan of his music because I think he is way more talented than he is humble or appropriate. But be forewarned, you always have to remember your karma, Kanye.
• Although I was not a huge fan of the song or video, I believe that Beyonce did what she does best with her performance. And kudos to her for allowing Taylor to reclaim her moment and formally accept her award. She handled the situation with grace and poise and saved her karma.
• Still undisputed, Jay-Z also did what he was born to do in creating a live art through music. Always simple and understated in the physical sense, his songs and performances transcend most in taking you along on a personal journey with him that chronicles his life and the story of where he has come from. You don't have to a be a rapper or even from New York to understand a struggle. Can't wait for the tour. (Alicia Keys looked great and was a nice accompaniment)
• Just a little suggestion for MTV - please brief your security on who is and is not allowed on the stage during said performances and distribution of awards. It was really out of hand. Really.

Now that Kanye has got you talking, check out his performance with Jay-Z and Rihanna tonight on Jay Leno. Have a great Monday!

~S