The HL Life.

Done.

2009-05-31T23:09:00.000-04:00

Don't do blogs anymore.

But, do follow me on twitter: twitter.com/TheNYSocialite. ;)

#2 & #3.

2009-02-14T18:42:00.002-05:00

I was too upset to write yesterday.. .

Not only do I hate Friday the 13th (any month it comes), BUT I especially hate February 13th. Yesterday marked the 6th year since my mother had passed away. I attempted to spend the day sulking -- which worked until around 5PM when Joyce & Kim came to my apartment bearing gifts & flowers. We played World Tour for a couple of hours until I was summoned to the shower. Once we met up w. Tina, our night was filled w. strawberry daquiris, chocolate covered strawberries, cake, a lil' alcohol & 90's jams. Took my mind completely off of my depression -- which is why I love my girls.. . all of them from my bestie, to my trio, to everyone that just made sure I didn't kill myself. Thank you.

RIP Cheryl Renee Providence.

7.27.65 - 2.13.03

Now for today.. .

Well, there's not much to say about today. I spent all of the beautiful day (at least it seemed beautiful from my window) in bed sleeping. I literally slept until 6PM. Now, usually I don't hate on Valentine's Day, because it always ends up good even if I'm not spending it w. Los -- but this year, fuck it. It's so depressing.

On the good note, he called. He called yesterday too actually. & we just spent the 3 minutes we talked telling each other how much we loved one another & then I cried myself to sleep. Sigh. Now I'm up & probably at my lowest low. The girls & I are supposed to go out for dinner tonight -- but I think I'm gonna stay in, order out & cry over love movies.

#1.

2009-02-12T12:23:00.002-05:00

Back to the numerals, but this time they're for a reason.. .

So, today my boyfriend had to leave me for the next 4-8 months.

No, he's not in jail & well, obviously he's not dead -- but he's gone for a while.

No electronics -- which means I won't be able to text him at random times throughout the day talking about shit that holds no importance.. . I won't be able to iChat w. him every night.. . & our numerous phone calls throughout the day will be greatly reduce to whenever.

I've been crying since he left me yesterday afternoon from the surprise visit he made up here. This whole thing just sucks. I think I might take a long hiatus from blogger, facebook -- the internet in general. I don't know. I want to just be alone -- but my friends care about me too much to let me do that. I was able to stock up on Moleskine journals today -- I figured I'll actually start writing again & not sitting at the computer, typing. Before he left, we said we would make a 'text log' -- of all the things we woulda texted throughout the day if he was there, so these notebooks will probably be filled by Monday.

I apologize if this post is just all over the place w. no structure -- this is how my mind is right now. I can't focus. I can't think. I can't eat. I can't sleep. I can just cry & write. That's what I plan to do -- eventually I'll get better.

Hopefully.

25 Things You Don't Know About Me.

2009-02-04T22:00:00.002-05:00

This little craze is going on throughout Facebook -- this whole '25 Things' list.

So, I finally took the time out to throw up some of my random facts & figured I'll share them w. you folks. Enjoy.

1. For such an artistic person, I am such a plain Jane when it comes to myself. I'm not big on change, unless I feel like its time for something drastic. But basically, if I find something I like.. . I'll keep it for a long time. (Like my black nails, that I refuse to have any other color since this summer.)

2. I am actually a phenomenal thief. I've been stealing shit since the age of four & it's just become second nature for me.

3. I am a professional partyER. I can drink my heart out, stay out 'til the crack of dawn, just to wake up w. a hangover & do it all over again. In fact, I have an alter ego that I call Chloe Brooks -- but I never tell anyone that.

4. Although I dislike a lot of people.. . a lot of people, I still try not have 'burned bridges'. I try to make peace w. everyone at some point in time, whether they accept it or not.

5. I really only lotion my body to its entirety when I know I'm going to have sex. Other than that, in the summer its shins, arms & face. Winter, just the arms & face.

6. As a child, I always used to hate taking baths or showers. So I tend to take short showers. 10 minutes tops.

7. I am starting to finally get out of my 'AIM Anxiety Complex' -- which I diagnosed myself, which is basically I felt that if I wasn't signed on to AIM at all times, then I'm missing something vitally important.

8. Every time I wash my hair I cry -- so I refrain from washing my own hair.

9. I don't know how to polish my toenails properly. In fact, when I polish my toenails -- which is never, they look like my 7 year old sister did them.

10. I can cook my ass off. I just chose not too. I know I can cook, therefore I don't have anything to prove to myself. So I tend to order out, almost daily.

11. I've never changed my number -- in fact, I've had the same number since high school.

12. Despite the 'hype', I don't like my ass. In fact, I would trade it in for fake boobies in a heartbeat.

13. I've never had a cavity. Ever.

14. Sad One: I absolutely hate the month of February & Valentine's Day, because I lost my mother at 14 on February 13, 2003. This tends to be the month, I cry almost every other day & seem like a real douche.

15. I don't like my voice -- I hate hearing it like on videos & such.

16. I'm like a cartoon character, think like Doug Funny -- each season I have one particular 'look' I stick to. This season I wear a small Hanes men's V-neck white tee, jeans or leggings, Uggs & some sort of hat.

17. I tend to wear earphones in my ear, not listening to music for most of the day just so people won't talk to me.

18. I tend to talk to myself a lot. No, I don't answer myself back. I take on a different personality to answer back -- is that worse?

19. In reference to #18, I never had imaginary kids when I was younger because I was my own imaginary friend. Like I said, I would take on different personalities & just have a ball.

20. I actually like being an asshole. Most of my inspiration was evoked from the movie 'Mean Girls.'

21. I have freckles on my hands -- although when people first see them they think it's burned marks, so I just tell people "Yea, my father did it," which in my head means I got the freckles from my father, but others don't view it that way.

22. I tend to fabricate things to people just for the hell of it.

23. I rather text people than actually call them. I just don't like speaking to people on the telephones. I don't even call in my food orders anymore -- I do it all online.

24. It takes me months, to find jeans that I actually like. Out of all the jeans I have -- I wear four of them faithfully, but two have started to wear away due to washing & drying, so now I'm left w. two pairs of jeans I love.

25. I'll sit at the computer for hours doing absolutely nothing before doing work. I am in fact the epitome of procrastination -- yet, through it all I still manage to pull off good grades.

Out w. the Old.

2009-02-01T17:31:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd try something new for a change.. .

All thanks to J. Kooms. Went back to black & curled it. I think I'm cutting my hair come March. Something short -- like a Keyshia Cole look. Who knows.

Sidebar.

2009-01-26T23:54:00.001-05:00

When I 'grow' up I want to be as egotistical & arrogant as him.. .

I'm close -- but I still got a lot of catching up to do.

Blame It On The Alcohol.. . #2.

2009-01-26T00:45:00.003-05:00

Meet victim #2: Y. Peter.

Due to the complaints & 'threats of a lawsuit' from Y. Peter -- I removed his pictures. Some people aren't good sports like A. Turner. Smh.

This is just another case of what happens when you get lean't earlier than everyone else. You get 'dick'd'. (& yep -- I was the artist this time. Ignore the scribble that was a bad attempt at a tear drop.)

All & all another great weekend that consist of me drunk every day starting from Thursday night up until tonight.. well Sunday night. Oh, the SVA portfolio review went awesome -- another reason why I celebrated so hard Saturday night, only to wake up around 6AM on Sunday to vomit. Yea, I party hard -- a self proclaimed 'professional party-ER'. Now, I should take my ass to bed since I have to wake up for my 9AM class -- but have no fair, I'll post the videos & rest of the party pictures from the weekend in a later post.

Beauty Tips?

2009-01-24T03:52:00.001-05:00

So lately I've been gettin a few emails -- yay, ppl are actually using my email address: TheHLSociety@gmail.com -- asking me to share my 'beauty' tips & secrets w. my readers.. I've noticed lately -- or maybe just lately to me -- that a lot of other females share advice on great hair & skin tips, which I think is pretty cool. So I figured I'd share what little, if any skin & hair tips I have w. you guys.

Skin.
Fortunately, due to genetics neither I or anyone in my family has ever had acne. I don't get zits, only 'stress' bumps here & there. Oh, and I get small heat bumps in the.. winter. But as far as keeping clear skin -- I do absolutely nothing. My morning routine consist of bypassing all the Avecado Scrubs & Clean & Clear Morning Burst Cleansing Gels only to end up splashing water in my eyes and mouth to get the crust out and toothpaste off. Then I'm off. If I do shower in the morning then I'll wash my face w. a rag -- get behind the ears & all that goodness & keep it moving. I used to use all those fancy scrubs, but honestly got tired of it -- so now I just buy them to arrange nicely in my bathroom to look as if I'm doing something wonderful to my pores. :)

Hair.
I respect all those who are on their journey to go 'natural' -- but eff that. My hair is just too thick & I'm just too lazy to dedicate myself to that commitment. 'Dirty hair grows faster' -- I've always been told that & its been true. I don't wash my own hair -- only in emergencies. In the summer, I get a wash & set every week. In the winter, every.. month or so? It's not smelly or dandriff infested -- I swear, lol. I also don't grease my scalp. Oops. I got so used to getting it done weekly I found it no point to make it heavy w grease so I don't. Ever. I get new growth like crazy every month, so I usually either flat iron the shit out of it OR get a touch up. I use Creme of Nature SUPER perm & sometimes I have to use 2 boxes worth. :) I use Jam 'Regular Strength' to gel down my edges occasionally & that's how that goes.

Body.
I don't lotion my whole body in the winter unless I'm goin to have sex -- other than that I feel its pointless. I just hit the main spots: feet, shins, knees, butt, arms & face. I use a mixture of Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion & Baby Oil Gel. I bangs w Caress soap, or Vitabath Body Gel -- if my aunt buys me Bath & Beyond stuff, then I'll use that occasionally, or the Lever 2000 gels -- either the green or blue bottle. Uh, I hate body hair -- so I shave often & an avid believer of the Brazilian wax. Not a fan of body splashes, but love my Marc Jacobs 'Daisy', A&F 'Fierce' (yes, the men's cologne) & 'Classic' & Burberry 'Chance'.

Uh, I think I'm done. So yea -- that's all my little beauty 'secrets' .. . All written from my Blackberry at 350AM, when I should be sleep since I got my SVA portfolio review in the morning. Wish me luck!

So Beautiful.

2009-01-21T14:06:00.002-05:00

I wish everyone could have a love like theirs.

It's just so beautiful -- it reminds me of me & Los in a weird kind of way. Sigh. I love that family -- & no matter how much I'd love to 'beat' President Obama, I don't want to break up a happy home. (LMAO). Instead, I'll work to building mine to be as strong & loving as theirs.

I absolutely love Michelle Obama, she's my role model -- intelligent, independent, beautiful, strong (the list can go on.. .) & most importantly, is a 'ride or die chick' for her husband. Behind every strong man stands a stronger woman -- & that is First Lady Michelle Obama.

The Change We've Been Looking For.

2009-01-20T14:58:00.010-05:00

Our president is black.

It's now official, our 44th president is an African American. Not only is he hot, but it's finally great to have such a intelligent, articulate president who can speak w. great poise & motivation. His inauguration speech was absolutely wonderful, it even brought tears to my eyes as he showed how far African Americans have progressed. Once upon a time we weren't able to sit in the same restaurants as white folks, but now look -- we have an African American as our United States of America president.

So I usually would follow along w. the Obama-Biden progress on Change.gov -- but when I went there today I saw that they have now moved to Whitehouse.gov. Curious, I went on the website & the first thing that caught my eye was Obama's agenda. We spent numerous amounts of months hearing about the change that Obama was going to bring to our nation -- I actually wanted to see all that he had planned. So aside from all the changes that he campaigned during the election -- you know, tax-cuts, bringing our troops back home & all those goodies, I found some of his plans that were less mainstream that I thought were excellent & I'm looking forward too, as well as some changes I thought were pretty interesting & I'll even explain why.

Civil Rights Agenda will include:

End Racial Profiling: President Obama and Vice President Biden will ban racial profiling by federal law enforcement agencies and provide federal incentives to state and local police departments to prohibit the practice.

-- About time. Although they are going to attempt to end this, it's still going to happen. It's one of those inevitable things that we can't avoid, no matter how hard we try. There will always be a group of ignorant people.

Eliminate Sentencing Disparities: President Obama and Vice President Biden believe the disparity between sentencing crack and powder-based cocaine is wrong and should be completely eliminated.

-- So basically, if charged w. selling of crack cocaine (which, is typically found in the urban areas .. . meaning us black folks) you could face up to life in jail -- although, I question this because I know plenty of people that have & do BUT.. . moving on. W. powered-based cocaine (which is typically found in the suburbs) you could face up to several years in jail as opposed to life -- which wasn't fair. So now, whether it be a couple of years or life its the same ordeal now, which is fair..

Expand Use of Drug Courts: President Obama and Vice President Biden will give first-time, non-violent offenders a chance to serve their sentence, where appropriate, in the type of drug rehabilitation programs that have proven to work better than a prison term in changing bad behavior.

-- I think this is a great change. Keep our jails available for the real criminals out there -- like the murderers & such.

Education Agenda will include:

Make Math and Science Education a National Priority: Obama and Biden will recruit math and science degree graduates to the teaching profession and will support efforts to help these teachers learn from professionals in the field. They will also work to ensure that all children have access to a strong science curriculum at all grade levels.

-- We just might be giving Russia a run for their money soon & show them that the US really isn't as dumb as we're portrayed to be.

Prepare Teachers: Obama and Biden will require all schools of education to be accredited. Obama and Biden will also create a voluntary national performance assessment so we can be sure that every new educator is trained and ready to walk into the classroom and start teaching effectively. Obama and Biden will also create Teacher Residency Programs that will supply 30,000 exceptionally well-prepared recruits to high-need schools.

-- I never looked at this a problem since I went to Catholic school all my life, so I thought all schools were accredited. Come to find out.. . that's not true.

Support College Credit Initiatives: Barack Obama and Joe Biden will create a national "Make College A Reality" initiative that has a bold goal to increase students taking AP or college-level classes nationwide 50 percent by 2016, and will build on Obama's bipartisan proposal in the U.S. Senate to provide grants for students seeking college level credit at community colleges if their school does not provide those resources.

-- Because of all my college-level & AP courses that were mandatory for us, I am a semester & a half ahead w. college credits. If every child could have this opportunity, 4 years of college could be lessen down to 2 or 3.

Create the American Opportunity Tax Credit: Obama and Biden will make college affordable for all Americans by creating a new American Opportunity Tax Credit. This universal and fully refundable credit will ensure that the first $4,000 of a college education is completely free for most Americans, and will cover two-thirds the cost of tuition at the average public college or university and make community college tuition completely free for most students. Recipients of the credit will be required to conduct 100 hours of community service.

-- When it comes to college, any amount of money helps & $4000 is definitely a great start.

Simplify the Application Process for Financial Aid: Obama and Biden will streamline the financial aid process by eliminating the current federal financial aid application and enabling families to apply simply by checking a box on their tax form, authorizing their tax information to be used, and eliminating the need for a separate application.

-- Anyone whose ever had to fill out that damn FASFA form can be happy about the new change. Unfortunately this change should have occurred 3 years ago to save me the headache since I'm that person that always forget that stupid 4 digit PIN.

Require 100 Hours of Service in College: Establish a new American Opportunity Tax Credit worth $4,000 a year in exchange for 100 hours of public service a year.

-- Now everyone can have a nice looking resume. This would save so many people the hassle of trying to make their resumes for companies during their senior year of college as opposed to balancing it out all four years of your undergrad.

Promote College Serve-Study: Ensure that at least 25 percent of College Work-Study funds are used to support public service opportunities instead of jobs in dining halls and libraries.

-- Sounds way better than cleaning tables or sitting behind a desk staring at people all day.

Women Agenda will include:

Investing in Women-Owned Small Businesses: Women are majority owners of more than 28 percent of U.S. businesses, but head less than 4 percent of venture-capital-backed firms. Women business owners are more likely than white male business owners to have their loan applications denied. President Obama and Vice President Biden will encourage investing in women-owned businesses, providing more support to women business owners, and reducing discrimination in lending.

-- The bank shall be hearing from me as soon as I work up my business plan now. Holla!

Fighting for Pay Equity: Despite decades of progress, women still make only 77 cents for every dollar a man makes. Throughout their careers, President Obama and Vice President Biden have championed the right of women to receive equal pay for equal work. In the Illinois State Senate, President Obama cosponsored and voted for the Illinois Equal Pay Act, which provided 330,000 more women protection from pay discrimination. In the U.S. Senate, Obama joined a bipartisan group of Senators to introduce the Fair Pay Restoration Act, a bill to overturn the Supreme Court's recent 5-4 decision in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. The bill will restore the clear intent of Congress that workers must have a reasonable time to file a pay discrimination claim after they become victims of discriminatory compensation. The President was also a cosponsor of Senator Tom Harkin's (D-IA) Fair Pay Act, and President Obama will continue to promote paycheck equity and close the wage gap between men and women.

-- Since I will soon be entering the 'real world' I am looking forward to this new change in the US. We now have a black president -- & now women can get paid equally.

Family Agenda will include:

Extend Paid Sick Days to All Workers: Half of all private sector workers have no paid sick days and the problem is worse for employees in low-paying jobs, where less than a quarter receive any paid sick days. Barack Obama and Joe Biden will require that employers provide seven paid sick days per year.

-- The way I look at it is can take a day off every month.. for 7 months, or take a week off. Lol. Either way, I'm demanding my paid sick days.

Anyways, enough of my commentary -- read more of his policies & plans at whitehouse.gov/agenda & feel free to leave comments on any of the things you read from that site that you considered interesting & why. :)

Blame It On The Alcohol.

2009-01-19T10:40:00.002-05:00

A typical Sunday night for Los & I.. .

Usually, we go to our little spot in the Lower East Village, get tipsy & watch the free comedy show. Last night, we took a trip to Old Westbury to visit Alex & his boo (whom I love soo much -- she's soooo cool!) Chevon. Niccas started sipping on Devil Springs (160 proof) while playing Monopoly. Needless to say we never finished the game because Alex was out earlyyyy -- & the pictures are just a result of what happens when you get drunk around us first & we find a sharpie somewhere in the room. All & all.. . great night.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?

2009-01-15T22:48:00.003-05:00

When it rains, it pours.

It's my last week in New York, and it turned out to be the complete opposite of how I expected it to go. One flop after another turned what was potentially supposed to be a great week -- horrible. And to top it off, I had to be wo. my boyfriend for two days due to more bullshit that I don't even want to discuss now -- just know, I hate the federal system. It's made to screw a person over, no matter how hard they are working to change.. . someway, somehow their past always comes back to haunt them at unexpected times. So basically, I spent all of my Wednesday crying periodically throughout the day & by the end of the night, my eyes were all swollen, puffy & red. Sooo not hot.

On a better note, I was able to spend the day w. my bestie at the tattoo parlor. I was going just to get out the house & take my mind off of things & to watch get her finger tattoo -- but it turned out me getting my third tattoo as well, followed by her getting yet another one, this time behind her ear.

Nothing major -- & actually, the photo booth camera has the tattoo backwards, the numbers come first (so like view it from right to left). Anyways, it's from my favorite Biblical scripture: John 8:7 -- "Let he who is without sin, be the first one to cast the stone at her," located on my inner left wrist. And since a lot of people were confused about what the scripture meant, basically in modern terms it means: Only God can judge me since he is the only person I know who is without sin. Everyone else can kick rocks. Then I got questioned to why I choose to get a Biblical scripture in Arabic? Simply because I love Arabic. I've been exposed to it since I started high school, when a lot of my family members, including my mother -- converted to Islam. I loved the way it sounded, loved the way it looked. So I said, Arabic it is. And the good thing about this tattoo is that when my hand is in 'typing formation' -- you know.. . palms flat down, the tattoo is barely visible. Now how conservative and cool is that? :)

Well, this post took a complete turn of where I wanted it to go originally. I was going to talk about the amazing weekend I had & whatnot -- but then this wack ass week happened & just ruined my mood. Sigh. Maybe once I feel better after finally seeing Los tomorrow. I miss my boyfriend. :(

Well, I Got My Logo.. .

2009-01-09T12:49:00.004-05:00

So let the marketing myself begin!

I have this big infatuation w. crest & after much alteration I was able to convert this crest into something of my own. And what are the odds that I'm a Leo in the zodiac horoscope & a dragon in Chinese horoscope. Now that I finally have my logo done, the business cards will be printed out next week, which I will post up here as well. This year I'm really going to be on my grind when it comes to my photography, my graphic design & my styling. So stay tuned.

Oh, so all the Vicoden is gone -- the pain is still there a little, but I got Ibuprofen 600mg to knock that out. Today will be my first day back outside since.. . Tuesday, and where am I headed? To work.. . great.

Thoughts While Under The Influence.. .

2009-01-07T21:47:00.003-05:00

.. . Of Vicoden, that is.

Not my drug of choice -- but who am I to complain? It's been easing the pain from the wisdom tooth I got removed on Tuesday, which was awesome might I add. I didn't know what to expect since I never had any type of operation done on my mouth before except for a cleaning. Went in, Dr. Pompa shot me w. about 4 'local' needles that numbed me up & made me both 'legally high' & drowsy as fcuk.. . & well, the rest was history. So.. . once the numbness wore off & I got the feeling back in my lips & gums, that's when all this pain has kicked in. Now I'm supposed to take one pill every six hours as needed for pain -- but when I didn't feel the first pill doing any for like 20 mins, I popped another pill.. . only to feel nauseous & in more pain than ever. I laid down, knocked out for probably 30 minutes.. like a deep sleep, and now im up typing this feeling slightly.. high? But it's totally legal.. . since my dentist prescribed it. Anyway:

I'm starving. I've been starving since yesterday. I can only eat ".. soft foods such as soups, blenderized meals & gelatin desserts the first two days." First, fuck blenderized meals -- I attempted to put BBQ chicken, collard greens, yams & mac in the blender.. . it came out a disgusting vomit green & tasted nothing like any of those foods. So I've been living off of Chef Boyardee 'Spaghetti-Os' & McDonald's Sundaes -- & I'm fucking starving. A grown ass woman cannot survive off of those things for more than an hour. I swear tomorrow I'm going to eat oxtail, rice & peas & whatever..
I hate the side effects of this medication. I feel high, then I feel light headed.. then I feel like I have to vomit.. & I'm having hot flashes.. .

Okay, I feel really sick again. So I'm going to go lay down & hopefully feel better by the time the Real World Brooklyn comes off so I can share my commentary w. you guys about the show.

This Is How Every Wednesday Is Supposed To Be.. .

2009-01-05T18:20:00.003-05:00

So, Ava showed me this lovely flyer.. .

For those of you that know me, you know that I loveeeeee Sex & The City -- whether it be the movie or any of the six season episodes. And you also know, I loveeeeee cocktails. Not an alcoholic, but I do enjoy cocktails, shots.. & just the whole bar/lounge scene -- I mean, who doesn't tho? So when she showed me this, you can only imagine how excited I was. Plus, they play episodes while you sit back & drink?! Sounds like a 'Sex & The City' heaven to me.

Needless to say, this Wednesday.. . I'm there. So everyone grab your IDs, or fake IDs (like I will be doing, since I'm only a vibrant 20 years old) & meet me there. No admission charge -- you can't beat that, or the $3 shots or $6 Cosmos/Martinis. I don't mind being smashed by 4PM. I'm young & deserve to have fun -- shit, New York is my playground.

So, whose w. me?!

Dogs Don't Bark At Parked Cars.. .

2009-01-05T00:10:00.002-05:00

.. . They only bark at cars that are moving -- you know, cars that are actually going places.

As I've been reading away messages, blogs and just talking to people, it is obvious that everyone is on some kind of 'grind' or 'flow' for 2009 -- whether it be sticking to the fraudulent New Years Resolutions they've made, or just continuing to make their money.. everyone is trying to do something w. their lives for 2009. And don't get me wrong, I think that is absolutely wonderful. Obviously, everyone wants to be somebody in life. No one wants to hang around people that aren't doing anything w. their lives -- it's just not hot. But the thing I failed to differentiate in 2008 was the 'talkers' against those who actually are doing something w. their lives. And I'm going to admit for the longest.. fuck, for the majority of 2008 I could categorize myself as one of the 'talkers'. I always came up w. these nice ideas that I wanted to carry out -- I'd network w. a whole bunch of other 'talkers' & obviously all of my dreams, plans, goals never got carried out. It was all talk. And I was the main person telling other people, "Less talk, more action" but wasn't practicing what I was preaching. Call me what you want.. . but, the thing that makes me different from the 'talkers' is that I've actually realized that I spent a whole year being a fraud. If I could get a nickel for every time I was going to make a business plan, make a business card, buy a domain name, buy this.. buy that -- shit, I'd probably have enough nickels to start up one of my plans.

In 2008, I tried to be big on this whole 'networking' scheme -- realizing all along, I was doing it all wrong. As Los & I sat today making a list of all these people I've 'networked' w. -- there was only two people remaining on that list that is actually doing something w. their lives that could potentially help me out -- Keith Major & Bill Hayward. And instead of going hard trying to better myself w. them -- I was trying to 'network' w. a bunch of nobodies, frauds & 'talkers'. I tried to seek popularity amongst a group of people that over time I realized were nothing but frauds, scammers (literally) & a bunch of people that swore they were doing stuff w. their lives --- had nothing to show. Obviously, everyone wants to be something in life. Realistically, most wont.

Dreaming is free -- everyone can do it. Talk is cheap -- everyone can afford it. It's the sacrifice that most people aren't willing to take when it comes to making all that talking & dreaming come true. You have to lose to gain. It's a given. In 2008, I was content w. thinking that Myspace was the only 'social network' I needed to make my 'dreams' come thru. Obviously, I was wrong. The people that are really doing something w. their lives, don't have time to be sitting on the internet talking it up, sharing ideas & plans & goals.. . instead, they're actually out doing it.

Dogs don't bark at parked cars, they only bark at cars that making moves. I refuse to sit around watching other people live out my dream, because I'm too lazy or too afraid to take chances. I always was strong believer that a new year didn't mean shit. Well, that's out the window. Despite all the bullshit I said in the past, 2009 is a new beginning for me. I've let go all the people negative in my life, fixed whatever friendships I felt will get better in years to come, let all the 'talkers' go & I'm just ready to start new. Less talk, more action -- & to think it only took me 5 days into the New Year to realize that. :)

Commercial of the Week.

2009-01-04T15:24:00.004-05:00

I love commercials.. .

& this one happens to be one of my favorites. Great concept. Great message.

I love this girl.

2009-01-03T13:39:00.002-05:00

First 'Diva', now this.. .

I swear I used to hate Beyonce back in the days, but as I'm getting older I'm beginning to appreciate her music more & more. I absolutely love this video.

Hello, 2009.

2009-01-01T19:12:00.002-05:00

It's 7:13PM, why am I still dizzy from last night?

I didn't have time to write an 'ode' to 08. I didn't feel like sitting here analyzing friendships I've encountered or experiences that occurred during '08. No need to reflect on the past for it has come and gone -- only time to focus on the future, and since I don't know what that's gonna bring I just have to sit back & await it.

Hello, 2009.

No More Bah Humbug?

2008-12-25T01:28:00.004-05:00

Merry Christmas to all.

I must admit.. . the 'Christmas spirit' didn't officially hit me until around 9PMish on Christmas Eve. I managed to do some last minute shopping & was able to get gifts for the immediate family, although I still have more shopping to do. Christmas Eve was wonderful. Started out w. IHOP's infamous 'Pigs in a Blanket' -- which I swear I have been craving since last week, w. Loso followed by spending time w. Ms. 'Tilly Buff', whom just had her 22nd birthday the night before. VH1 was playing 'The Jacksons: An American Dream" -- the whole 5 hours of that long as movie, and we were on it. Well at least for 3 hours of it at least.. . then Los & I headed back to my crib & that's when all my Christmas spirit kicked in.

It's a family tradition in my house to buy our real Christmas tree on the 22nd, and decorate it as a family on Christmas Eve. This year Los was able to join the family tradition. Now I must first commend my aunt for picking out a beautiful, beautiful tree this year. Don't get me wrong -- every year we have a nice tree, but this year.. . the tree takes home the prize for 'Best Tree.. Ever'? Nonetheless, giving it two days to 'full out' (as I like to call it -- but you know.. . 'thaw' out, become fuller.. whatever) it was ready to be decorated. I must say this year the tree also wins the prize for 'Best Decorated Tree.. Ever' as well. Thanks to the magnificent help of the siblings, and of course Loso.

I just finished helping my aunt play Santa & I must say my family is truly blessed. My aunt once again was able to fill the whole living room w. shit for not only me, but my 3 other siblings -- w. no one to help her but herself. I am truly thankful and blessed to have a wonderful aunt like her despite all the shit I put her through 364 days out the year. She is the true definition of "Miss Independent" or "She Got Her Own". But the funny thing is, as you get older you'd expect your parents not to go hard to please you for Christmas, but concentrate on the younger ones. My aunt seems to think otherwise, and even after me constantly telling her I didn't want anything for Christmas, she managed (w. the help of my 14 yr old sister, of course) to surprise the hell out of me & still cater to me as if I were 12 or something. W. that being said, you guys don't understand how excited I am to wake up in the morning & open presents.

I feel like such a little kid again. :)

A Bunch of Mumbo, Jumbo!

2008-12-23T01:09:00.004-05:00

'Tis the season & I'm no where near prepared.

But honestly, I'm never prepared for Christmas. It comes too fast -- it's like I just got done w. the semester (mind you, some people in New York still have finals this week), barely put in any work hours.. . and on top of that, I'm so not in the Christmas spirit this year. I haven't had the desire to get up and drive in traffic to go to a crowded mall, or walk around in the cold ass city to stand on long ass lines trying to buy stuff for someone else. So I've put off my shopping for as long as I possibly can -- I just had to look at my phone to realize that today is the 23rd and aside from today, I have officially one more shopping day left. Great.

Despite my lack of shopping, I was able to make my way out to the city to meet up w. Ava to pick up Los' gift (the only gift I got so far). Not only did I bust my ass on the way to the L train, I managed to freeze my ass off the whole time we were in the city since I managed to wear only leggings and flats, along w. three shirts that did not do anything since my leather jacket was open the whole time. So yes, I am now sick. We did a little shopping before we headed to Silver Spurs--I swear I've never appreciated hot chocolate as much as I did sitting in that restaurant. All & all it was a great lil' 'date' despite freezing my ass off for most of it.

Aside from my lack of Christmas shopping, I've also managed to get no birthday gifts for all of the Sagittarius/Capricorns in my life. Well today is Dani's 22nd birthday, so I'm sure we're all going to do something tonight, that will probably include a lot of liquor -- my favorite. The 27th, is the bestest's 21st birthday, which I feel like I'm wayyy more excited than she is at this current state -- BUT its okay, because I know she'll get in the spirit soon. Plus, its on a Saturday -- that's like God giving us the permission to get 'fucked up' that night.. . But unfortunately not too fucked up, since for my aunt's birthday which is the next day (28th) -- I promised her I would go to Church w. her. So I guess that's also God's way of telling me, 'You had your fun, no come to Church since you haven't been in Lord knows how long.. .' Thanks God.

So like I said, I've been working on my 2009 Promises, and I continued to do some thinking and came up w. more of these promises:

To laugh more. Seriously, it's not that serious. Laugh off everything & you'll live longer. I promise.
To network more. The internet is a great networking place -- but I refuse to spend my life sitting in front of a computer trying to sell myself over the web, when I can just do it in person. Random conversations in the train are great, you'd be surprised who you meet during rush hour.
To make more art. Daily. Well, this is a promise I need to keep to myself. What's an artist w. no work to show? I need to not only make an extensive portfolio for these art schools, but for myself and my career.
Pay them no mind. Obviously.. . not everyone is gonna like you. You can either weep about it or say fuck them. They hold no meaning to your life.

Yep, this is what I thought off thus far to add onto the additional promises I made in a previous post -- Nonetheless, what I really need to worry about is what I'm doing on New Years Eve? Owwwww.

So.. .

2008-12-22T00:46:00.005-05:00

Basically,

Calm down.. . it's only the internet.

Blogger still in progress, so stay tune.

Hipster Olympics.. .

2008-12-19T20:03:00.005-05:00

"Yeaa.. like silver is the new gold."

So, I was put on to the Current channel while at Mateo's house & this little series came up, which I thought was hilarious. This satire entitled 'Hipster Olympics' challenges what they consider "Brooklyn Hipsters" (whom are mostly found in the area of Williamsburg) compete for the most ironic tee-shirt, best Myspace pic, and silent judging.

Classic.
8:07PM

2009 Resolutions.. . my ass.

2008-12-18T23:56:00.003-05:00

I was getting tired w. # titles .. so off w. them.

There are 6 more days until Christmas, 12 more days until 2009 and I hear people talking about their 'New Years' Resolutions' already. I've been hearing it from friends, co-workers, random people on the streets -- all whom talk about the 'new change'.. . or (my personal favorite) 'the new money' their bringing/getting come January 1st, 2009. First and foremost, I think it's all bullshit. Just straight bullshit. The definition of the word 'resolution' is:

(n.) a solution, accommodation, or settling of a problem, controversy, etc.
(v.) the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

Now don't get me wrong.. . I'm all for changing for the greater you. It's just the fact that people think they have to wait until the NEW year to be a new them. ".. New year, new start." -- That's the bullshit ass excuse people use year after year to justify why they think its better to become the 'better them' on that day. Fuck that. Change doesn't come easy. Change doesn't come that fast. You'd be surprised (and rather entertained.. .) if I sat here told you some stories of people I know that 'changed' as soon as midnight hit. Oh, that's cute -- but then they're right back to their 'previous year' self come a week later. If you haven't done anything to loose weight in 2008, there is gonna be no 'New Year adrenaline rush' that's gonna come & make your lazy ass go to the gym.. . if you ain't getting 'arab money' in 2008, chances are -- you aren't in 2009, people seem to be forgetting.. . we're in a recession.. . 2009 shouldn't mark the day you just all the sudden want to change.. or become this 'better' you. You should feel like becoming the better you all year around & just strive to be that person on a daily basis. But.. . New Years keeps some people secure. It gives them hope in their miserable lives. It makes them think that they have start over & it won't end up like in 2008, or whenever. Most the time it doesn't work, but there's always that few that proves everyone wrong. It's just the wrong people thinking that they're that small percentage, when they do nothing to make their life better.

So since I don't partake in that resolution bullshit -- I decided to start writing a draft of 2009 Promises I'm going to keep. See, the definition of the word 'promise' is:

(n.) 1. a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc., by one,
2. something that has the effect of an express assurance; indication of what may be expected, 3. indication of future excellence or achievement

While others are going around rambling how they're gonna change during the New Year, I'm going to start going around ranting about how I'm not going to change for the New Year. This is the start up of my 2009 Promises -- which I will continue to add to before Jan. 1, when I think of other things to add.

2009 Promises

To be true to myself, like I've been doing. People disappointment on a regular basis, people 'change' on a regular basis -- for the 20 years that I've known myself.. . I haven't let myself down, yet.
To continue not to hold my tongue for anyone. Rude or not, I just refuse to sugarcoat things. I say what other people are thinking.. . The people love it.
To continue not to care. I adapted the saying: "If I could care less.. . I wouldn't care at all.' Basically, .. . it's whatever. I don't care.
To not hold grudges. I used to hold the mean grudges -- but once I developed #3, I realized that it makes absolutely no sense to hold a grudge on anyone. I'll go along w. my life, while you do the same.
To continue not to be as petty as most girls. Girls are petty. Girls will be your friend for a week, turn on you within an hour, not talk to you months on end, apologize to you within minutes.. . you get the point. Eh, fuck all that. I don't have time.
To continue to be "Ms. She Got Her Own." Need I say more?

Well once I think of more, I will continue to add to the list.

#37.

2008-12-16T20:11:00.002-05:00

Ugh, a B+.. .

So, I ended the semester w. a 3.85 -- which I automatically rounded to 3.9, but not very happy about that B+ in Design Process .. . but, I guess that's better than a C, since I handed in some of my books a little late & not to mention -- not together. :)

Nonetheless, I got an unreal amount of work to do now w. finishing these applications & finalizing my port to send off to SVA & Parsons -- in my mind, I've eliminated Pratt, since I have my heart set on completely school in the city. So I shall do just that! Uhh.. I haven't had time to rest really, got in Saturday night -- Sunday spent the day w. Dicklos & the crew. It was great, as usual. And Monday, well I was right back at work -- it's like I never left. I've had to work Monday, and today, and tomorrow, which I have to work 9am-7pm.. so bare w. me when it comes to these post.

I'm exhausted. Sigh.
8:33PM

#36.

2008-12-07T22:51:00.004-05:00

I have to say.. . I love, love, love, love, LOVE my life & all that's included.

This should be a quick post.

This weekend was the last official weekend in Storrs, CT before I'm back in New York for winter break -- which is about a month & some change long. Last week, I was ecstatic about coming back home (& don't get me wrong .. I still am!) but this weekend was absolutely wonderful.. well, moreso the climax of the weekend (which is Saturday, for those of you that don't know) was superb.

Friday, was the African American Cultural Center's Kwanzaa Dinner, which was okay -- food was great, but since the guest speaker that was supposed to be there was dropped.. it just turned real interesting watching students entertain a room filled w. people who were expecting the keynote speaker of that night (I really forgot his name -- but he is an African American self-made multi-millionaire that made his first million at the age of 8.. . must be nice.) After that, me & Tina went to the AKA Probate, which was cool. One of my girls is now an AKA & I'm proud of her. :)

Saturday, saturday, saturday. Spent the day bullshitting & acting like I was studying. Joined the girls around 7:22PM for the Sigma probate. I have to say I was more than impressed w. how theirs went. It even touched me to the point, I was considering pledging a sorority next semester -- but mostly like I'll wait until I transfer back to New York to do that. The girls & I, plus Sunny went to Chuck & Augie's -- sat, conversed, made commentary.. . you know the usual before heading back to Joyce's room, where we decided we'd try our luck w. using other people's 21+ IDs to get us into Sports Bar, which seemed to be the 'it' place of the night. We all got dressed, I drove us there (w. the intentions to be too drunk to drive us back, so Tina was the D.D for the night -- yayyy, Tina!) & we got in w. no problems.

I had an absolutely wonderful time. Next semester, I vowed that we're going to start going w. the girls more to Sports Bar -- it was that awesome. After having 5 drinks, including one shot of patron -- I found a new drink for the month (courtesy of Ronke): Amaretto Sour. :) After passing out, I was still able to take this beautiful 'morning after' picture --

So, now since Finals begin tomorrow -- I need to finish my sneakerhead documentary, since I have to share it w. the class from 330-530pm. So, like I need to get started editing that. So this is the end of this post for now.

Despite how short this post is, it took forever!

11:32PM

#35.

2008-12-04T11:23:00.003-05:00

Time flies when you're having fun.

Or just when you have a shit load of things to do.

So today marks the last day of classes for my Fall 2008 semester. Personally, I think it went by too fast .. . but then again, I'm in my third year of college & it seems like just yesterday I was a freshman. Soon, I'll be hitting the 'real world,' but now that we're officially in a recession -- I can wait & continue to reap the benefits of a free education. So since this is the last week of class, finals begin on Monday & unlike most people, instead of a shit load of final exams to study for.. . I have a shit load of final projects to finish:

Monday. Video Art Final Video Due. I'm doing a documentary on "Sneakerheads" -- a category that I can relate greatly to. Unfortunately, I was unable to record anything while my week in New York, but I shall start today. Once I'm done, I'll post the video, as well as the rest of the videos I did all semester for that class.
Tuesday. Final Drawing II Critique. Just a critique on the abstract artwork we've been spending weeks on. I'll finish the piece today in class & post it on here .. . maybe Tuesday?
Wednesday. An actual final exam: History of Photography. Plus, my three self-portraits for my Digital Media Class. One must be done only in Photoshop, one must be done in only Illustrator, and lastly, a one must be a combination of both. I'll include a draft of my combo one within this post.
Thursday. Nothing. Thank God.
Friday. 'Influence' book due for my Design Process -- which is 26 graphic designs, as well as all of our revised books we spent all semester doing. Since most of them are hand rendered I'll probably scan it or something, so you guys can see.
Saturday. Final Photo critique. I'm taking portraits of random people's faces -- like extreme close ups & printing & mounting them on 11 x 14 paper. I'll post those, as well as my previous landscape assignment soon.

So, no I'm not spending hours in the library w. my head buried in books -- but instead, I'm spending hours staring at this computer screen trying to express my creativity all for a mere letter grade, which better be an 'A'. I swear after next week is over, I'm taking a week or two hiatus from the computer, internet, all Adobe programs, etc. But knowing me.. . that's not gonna last that long, especially since I have to continue working on the my portfolios for Parsons & SVA. Sigh. It never stops.

.. Since my work shift is almost over, I need to wrap this post up. Like I said, I will include some of the work I've been doing for my final projects:

Combination Self-Portrait (not complete) for Digital Media

Two of my 'influence' spreads for Design Process.

And I'm off.

12:27PM

#34.

2008-11-25T21:51:00.002-05:00

Wow, oh wow.

While in Big Daddy's Diner, Los showed me this queer ass video Eddie Murphy & Michael Jackson made. If people were unable to realize that Michael is/was a pedophile from this video, then I don't know what other proof they might need. I just still can't get over how gay this video was. Who told Eddie Murphy this was hot? .. . Probably Michael.

Anyways, I ended up sleeping through going to the campus tour of Pratt & just ended up going to SVA w. Los at 2pm for their quick campus tour. I loved it. Didn't see much, but I loved the vibe I got from it. The aura of the school seemed very down to earth & laid back. But then again, I said I loved Parsons the moment I walked out of the Admissions office. I know I want to go to school in the city, as opposed to an area within Brooklyn eliminating Pratt out of my choices, although I'm still going to apply there (I mean, it won't hurt.) -- But basically I feel, I've gotten the whole 'campus/rural' feel for almost 3 years now, it was fun while it lasted, but moving on. I've come to the realization that if I really want to take my design career somewhere, I need to move back to the 'city of opportunity' & go to an outstanding art school w. state of the art equipment. UCONN is a great school, just not for artist. I've accepted that, now I'm doing something about it & leaving.

When in Rome.. . LMAO.
10:36PM

#33.

2008-11-24T02:25:00.003-05:00

Oops, I did it again?

Okay, so .. I haven't updated in a while. So much has happened over the course of the last post, and so much of it I will not tell you. :) Ah well, shit happens righ? But, nonetheless like I discussed in #32 -- I started THE UPPERCLASSMEN lifestyle blog. It still isn't actually where I want it to be aesthetically, but I'm working on it all while trying to fill it w. interesting content to keep the readers entertained, so be sure to check that out as well. You can start by clicking the link above. :)

My Thanksgiving Break started on Friday, and I basically have a week off to gather my thoughts, get away from all the Connecticut drama, spend time w. the loved ones & work on all my final ass projects for classes. Being home for less than probably 48 hours had justified the changes that I was debating on while being stuck in Storrs. Basically, entering the Communications Design at UCONN, would add an extra year to my undergraduate experience, making me graduate in 2011, as opposed to 2010. So basically all my credits (that put me a year ahead credits wise -- making me a senior in the Spring 09 semester) mean absolutely nothing anymore. So I had two choices:

Stay at UCONN for 2 more years. Get my own place off campus. Be tight that all my true friends are graduating in 2010 leaving me alone OR
Transfer back to New York, finish my two years at an art school here. Get a place w. Loso. Be happy that my bestest will also be back in the city that winter & be happy forever (LMAO).

Well, obviously it's not #1.
So I've decided to apply to Pratt Institute, Parsons New School of Design & School of Visual Arts for Communication Design & pick which ever one I get accepted into--or have to sit in decide which one I should actually go to if I were to get into all of them (which would be awesome!) W. staying in New York -- I refuse, like flatly refuse, to live at home. I cannot tolerate my aunt for more than an hour better yet a whole 2 years. So, Los & I would begin looking for a place to share together in the summer 2009, move in by fall & just be straight. I'd work & go to school. He'd work & go to school & we'll be straight. I know it's not going to be that simple -- but that is basically the plan that I've stirred up in my head already.

I'm turning 21 next year, and I just need to live my life for myself -- which, I've always been doing, but it just sounded good to say in that sentence? Lol. As an artist, New York has so much more to offer me than stupid CT & I just need to stop denying that. So I've begun filling out my applications -- fixing up my portfolio, busting my ass off in these final projects so I can get all A's again this semester & keep it moving w. my astonishing GPA. It's final. I need change. & I feel this is the change I need in order to really follow out my dreams. Switching my major from Pre-Med/Pharmacy to Communication Design was the prereq -- now its time for the real deal.

Change starts now.
2:55AM

#32.

2008-11-12T11:40:00.002-05:00

Quick announcement.

I've done some thinking.

The HL Life will continue to be my own personal blog.

I have started designing my lifestyle blog entitled THE UPPERCLASSMEN.

I will launch the site soon enough.

Stay tuned.

That's all.

11:42AM

#31.

2008-11-05T00:22:00.004-05:00

A Day America Will Never Forget.

Obama - 338, McCain - 156.

Barack Obama has proved to all the African Americans out there that nothing, absolutely nothing is impossible. I remember there used to be a time when just the mere thought of having a black president was always laughed off w. a 'yea right -- that'll be the day' from both African Americans & Caucasians. Myself included. And today, PRESIDENT Barack Obama has proved us all wrong. Nothing is impossible, ever.

Proud to be an American.

Even prouder to be an African American.

Yes, we can.

12:30AM

#30.

2008-11-03T13:24:00.005-05:00

As promised.

Yes, I've reached post #30.

The new High Low Life will be launching in a few days & I've made a couple more changes. Yes, this will now be a lifestyle blog BUT, some of you did not want me to stop the personal aspect of this blog .. so I will continue to write about what goes on in my life -- if I even did that really in the first place? So, any blogs relating to me will continued to be numbered. Yay.

Tomorrow is Election Day & I have to say I am pretty excited. I get to stand on line for probably two to three hours before I can voice my twenty year old opinion on a little bubble sheet on who I feel should run this country for the next 8* years, hopefully. I already have my morning planned out -- wake up by 9AM, be out the door by 10AM -- drive by Dunkin' Donuts, grab 2 donuts, a hot chocolate, a bottle of water & a bagel w. butter (LMAO! The donuts & water are for the time spent waiting in line.) & head to Manchester Town Hall, which is right down the street from the Art bldg. Vote. And then spend my evening watching history be made.

So, Caresse happened to put me on to this video when I showed up for work -- I'm pretty sure you have all seen this by name, especially if you're an avid CNN watcher, like myself. This is that Atlanta education for you. Boy, how I miss that state now. :(

Also, while sitting in photography class -- my professor showed us some work by on of Time Magazine photographer's Callie Shell. In May 2008, she begin photographing pictures of Obama on his campaign trail & I have to say -- I absolutely love these pictures. To view more of here work, you can click HERE.

Let change begin. :)

1:53PM

#29.

2008-10-27T12:55:00.003-04:00

Change is good.

So last night, since I was able to sleep due to the unbearable pain of my wisdom teeth growing I spent about 3 hours, making list & writing up proposals/events/ -- a whole bunch of shit, basically -- of my future plans. Future as in months away, not as in "when I grow up.. ." First on the list is to change this blog up -- I love it, some of you love it, but like I said in the past, or think I said in the past.. I want it to be less me, more lifestyle. So I'm going to be changing not only the physical appearance -- but the whole content of what 'The High Low Life' really represents, aside from being me. So, I'm working on the official logo, as well as the daily content I'm going to be giving you guys -- & yes, I did say daily. Okay, at least every other day we're going to push for? As I mentioned -- it's going to be less personal & more lifestyle.

Lifestyle: (n.) the way in which a person or group lives.

So w. that definition, I'm running wild & just giving you the best of everything from -- boutiques, restaurants, events, artist, music, fashion (of course!) & just a whole other array of things. And since I have international readers -- Go London! -- it will be geared internationally. Not just New York City. And the email is always good for suggestions & topics, places, pictures, you'd like for me to highlight: TheHLSociety@gmail.com. Also, I now enabled comments. Yay, so now you have options on how to stay in touch. :) W. the change -- I have also decided to get rid of this whole numbering post instead of actually creating titles, so we'll probably end at #30 & have like a re-grand opening of The HL. I won't delete any of the prior post because I actually enjoy looking back at some of the nonsense I wrote, but we'll just moving forward from here.

Nonetheless, this change should be final in about two weeks or less -- the post might start before then, but the complete change should be finalized by early November. If I can beat that deadline -- then hurry for me. :)

Stay tuned. I'm excited.

1:08PM

#28.

2008-10-26T15:57:00.003-04:00

Artistically inclined.

I've been slacking, once again.

I've had many projects & failed to let you guys see them.

So, to make up for it -- a sneak preview for one of my assignments due tomorrow that I just completed.

ART 2011C. Digital Media.

Photoshop Assignment #1: Professor handed out a Monday edition of our school's newspaper, 'The Daily Campus' & w. that ONE newspaper, that probably consisted of 8 spreads altogether, she wanted us to scan in at least six different sections & create an 11' x 17' advertisement getting some kind of message out. Since its too big to fit on this blog, click HERE & tell me what you think. :)

Obviously, I took the political route. Obama '08. Owww.

4:05PM

#27.

2008-10-20T12:53:00.005-04:00

If I could sum up the two consecutive weeks that just passed, I would have to say: hectic as hell, but paid off in the long run? I hadn't had the time to sit down & 'blog' about anything I said I would for the last few weeks because I've had midterms & major projects due. I was going insane -- not eating or sleeping, just trying to get all this work done & it paid off.

So the good news is, I aced both my History of Photography midterm & my Adobe Illustrator midterm. Reason #1 to celebrate. Then Friday, I had my Communication Design Portfolio Review, which had me stressing since classes begun. Pretty much out of the 30 something students that all had hopes of going further into the Comm. Design major, only 16 of us were selected -- I being one of them. :) Reason #2 to celebrate. The only down side is, I will be at UCONN for another year, instead of graduating next year -- BUT, I'm doing something I really enjoy doing & I will graduate w. a double major in Communications Design & Photography, as well as a European Fashion Marketing minor, if all goes according.

So, this weekend I celebrated. More so celebrated on Saturday, when Taz & I went w. Shana & her girls to Club 91 -- since it seemed like that's where everyone was going to that night. The pictures above were from when we was getting ready & waiting to leave. I wish I could discuss more about that night but all I remember was I had the time of my life -- maybe it was because I was done the whole night & just danced the night away? I really can't tell you. All I remember was we got there & then left -- while I managed to stay on my feet for how many hours we were there. Although I was fucked up, I was somewhat coherent -- I managed NOT to be that friend that is stumbling over her words & her friends have to lift her to keep her from tipping over. Instead, I was in my own little word, conversing & having a great time the whole night -- wo. my eyes being open. :) Yea, if I find a picture of me from that night .. I'd share. But I don't recall any flashes in my face, so I don't think I took any pictures. Bummer. :(

I'll write more later?

Prepare for a sight change -- it's about time I update this bad boy's physical appearance.

1:27PM

#26.

2008-10-13T22:04:00.003-04:00

Proud.

Beyonce makes me so proud to have hips.

The moment I saw this video quickly air on MTV as 'The Hills' was going off I said -- omg, I have to have that outfit. Yep, all it is a body suit -- but like Beyonce, I shall do that suit justice. American Apparel here I come. Halloween is just around the corner, so that is 'acceptable' to wear out in public. Shitttttttttttttttt.

This isn't turning into a video blog -- I swear I'll post some good reads as soon as I finish this typography homework. Sigh.

I'm bad. I know. :)

10:07PM

Edit: I should be sleep, but stumbled across Beyonce's other video 'If I Was A Boy' video & at 3:02AM, it had me crying. I love this video & this song. I really can't wait 'til her album comes out now.

Hormones. Sigh.

3:03AM

#25.

2008-10-09T14:29:00.002-04:00

The prelude.

Done w. midterms. Thank God.
Now, I'll have a little more time to devote myself to this blog.
Once again, while in Video Art my professor showed us the video above. I love the concept of it & just wanted to share it w. you guys before I start w. all the 'political' post that will shortly be following this post. So enjoy & share it w. more friends.

Let's talk politics: TheHLSociety@gmail.com
2:23PM

#24.

2008-10-07T23:20:00.002-04:00

Motivation for the day.. night, whatever.

Once again, my professor showed us this video in my Video Art class & it almost made me cry. So I thought I'd share.

I'd love to stay & chat -- but I got two midterms tomorrow. :(

Sigh.

11:21PM

#23.

2008-10-06T15:55:00.002-04:00

I hate the #23 -- for numerous reasons.

I have a lot to write about.

I have actually been planning blogs to write about.

I, unfortunately will not write about them in this post.

But I can guarantee you they will be posted probably within this week.

So much has happened since I last wrote -- more of my artwork to share, some serious discussions concerning love, relationships & politics. Some of which I asked you, some of which you guys have actually sent in. I love emails. Keep sending them! TheHLSociety@gmail.com. Uh, my two year anniversary just passed this Sunday. :) Lookin' good.. lookin' good.

So, uh, basically the point of this post was for absolutely no reason at all. I just was writing because I told people I would & to let you know I'm still alive. It seems a lot of people are giving up blogging -- I guess I'll hang on to it & continue to inspire many of you to make your own. Yes, Addler -- that's your shout out.

I have to go study for my History of Photography midterm now.

Yes, being an art student is fun -- but hard as hell. Seriously.

TheHLSociety@gmail.com

4:03PM

#22.

2008-09-29T13:14:00.002-04:00

Uh oh, I got a fan base.

So I woke up this morning w. a wonderful IM from a wonderful person that shared wonderful information w. me. Apparently, I intrigue readers & actually have something going w. this blog, that I personally feel is still an archive of useless. But nonetheless, people love it. People IM me & share their thoughts & opinions of post #.. whatever -- & so now, I will get to be featured in one of my school's newspapers, The Vision, geared towards the minorities on our campus. So every month, people will get to read excerpts & gist of what I've been talking about for the month, as well as just continuing to tune in on their own, if they're feeling moi. :)

Aside from the newspaper, I've been talking to other blogs about becoming a featured contributor as well. So we'll see where that goes w. that. No, I'm not a writer, nor do I want to be one. I just like to talk -- share my thoughts about things, you know ramble. And people actually like listening to what I say. Go figure. So, w. that said -- I now have an email set up for this baby: TheHLSociety@gmail.com. That way, you the readers that don't have my screen name or not want to leave a message in the limited shoutbox can write me.

Call me the Dr. Phil of my time.

No seriously, send in your questions, concerns, problems, suggestions, artwork -- oh man, I love artist, demo tapes -- you'd be surprised, ect. This should be fun. This way its less me, more you -- but still me because apparently that's what the people want.

I do it for the glory.

1:27PM

#21.

2008-09-25T20:32:00.003-04:00

Racism still alive -- they just be concealing it. Or are they?

Something the bestest sent me, that made me laugh .. but at the same time it's something our young black men still continue to go through. For no reason at all. I sit back & watch shows like MTV's 'Busted' & just get upset on how these white people can talk to the cops any way without even getting arrested -- but let a black man 'disrespect' a cop. OH, then it's his ass. Smh. It's sad. So sad. Oh, then I hate black cops -- I feel like they always think they have to prove to their white co-workers that they're not like these "niggers" that they're arresting. So they go extra hard, for no as reason at all. Sad how we're still putting on a show for ol' massa.

So random updates, so I don't have to continue making new post. I got the graphic design position at WHUS. :) Had to turn down the production assistant at UCTV -- they wanted too much of my time, something that I don't even fully have. I talked to Taz -- she got her Athletics Operations job she wanted, a foot in the door on the path to her dream job -- working w. ESPN. So despite all the work, this weekend calls for a little celebration. Sunday Los is supposed to be up here -- I'm excited. I now feel like I haven't seen him in forever. Sigh.

Okay, side note. Some how I ended up having a discussion about Olympic wear today w. one of my co-workers & it seems to me that everyone failed to realize just how fly the US was -- all thanks to Ralph Lauren, which I personally thinks is the perfect choice for American style. So here's a re-cap.

When finding this picture, I read off another blog: "If this continues, think about the possibilities for the next Olympics -- the Spaniards wearing Balenciaga, the French wearing YSL & the Japanese wearing Issey Miyake." Ahh. Toldju fashion is taking over -- everything. :)

The Office Season 5 premieres tonight. :)

8:49PM

#20.

2008-09-25T20:27:00.002-04:00

SMH.

I have plenty of pet peeves. Pretending your fat ass can fit into a thin ass seat on the bus.. well, that's one of them. If you cant sit comfortably -- then don't sit at all. That's just how I feel. Nothing personal against fat people -- it's just common sense people. Common sense.

That's all.

8:30PM

#19.

2008-09-23T22:18:00.003-04:00

A more perfect union?

I saw this in class & just loved it.

10:20PM

#18.

2008-09-23T21:36:00.003-04:00

Politically correct?

Since I called out of my 8AM work schedule, I was able to sleep until 1130AM. Got dress. Hopped on the bus & went to the art building about 20 minutes early before my class. I got a back of Cheez-Its & since the Coca-Cola machine still isn't refilled, I was forced to walk to Store 24 to get a ginger ale. Best mistake of the day. Went in the store, saw the October issue of Vogue -- purchased it, along w. my ginger ale & went about my merry way. Got into class & started flipping thru the magazine & stopped on pg. 172, entitled Runway To Change.

Runway To Change basically is a bunch of "politically minded designers fashion limited-edition collectibles for the Obama campaign." Pretty much designers like Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Tory Burch, Pharrell Williams, Juicy Couture, etc. came together & designed a fashionable piece in support of Barack Obama. Think Diddy's "Vote or Die" shirts, but way better. After coming across Store.BarackObama.com -- I, too, was able to support a great cause & purchase the Marc Jacobs Obama tote, which I absolutely loved. The great thing is, although these items are 'limited' edition -- you too can purchases them straight from the website. They are a bit on the expensive side, but after all this is for a great cause. Change. It's so good to see the fashion world getting in on this.

Marc Jacob's Obama '08 Tote Bag -- $75.00

Rag & Bone's Change Is Awesome Tote Bag -- $75.00

Nanette Lepore's Hope Anchor w. Pin Ladies Shirt -- $65.00

Pharrell William's Obama Stands Out From The Crowd Men's Shirt -- $60.00

Vera Wang's Vote Obama '08 Ladies Shirt -- $60.00

You can also check out stores like Urban Outfitters & what not -- I know they had some great election/vote tee's the last time I went. But anyway, this November is going to mark a big change in history for us -- whether we get a black president or a white woman for vice present, one glass ceiling is going to be broken. Don't you want a say in that? So go out & vote. But before you can vote, go out & register to vote. Don't know how. Click here & they'll guide you along w. the voting registration process. For those of you that attend school out of state, don't let that be a reason not to vote either. You can either request an absentee ballot or register in the state that your school is in. That's what I did. :)

As we start getting closer & closer to the election -- I'll do my best to inform you about important deadlines, facts & all that jazz. Or you can read more at that link I gave you above.

Only you can silence yourself. Why do it?

10:13PM

#17.

2008-09-22T23:32:00.002-04:00

If I could care less, I wouldn't care at all.

I'm sick.

Very sick, actually.

My last two classes were cancelled today -- giving me 6 additional hours on top of my 2 hour nap I usually take when I get out of class. I took a Naproxen 550mg before I went to sleep, but woke up dizzy & not knowing where the hell I was for a brief moment. I have no appetite, but hungry as hell. This has been going on for a few days, maybe even a full week -- I want to eat, but once I finally get food in my mouth, I get full & end up 'saving' it for later. This has causing me to lose weight, faster than I need to -- which can't be healthy at all. I think my stomach has reached it's all time flat, but I'd give it up just to be able to eat something & not get sick or full asap. Sigh.

On a good note..

I'm happy. Very happy, actually.

Despite being sick out of my buttocks, I really have nothing to complain about. Things are going as plan. Not stressing about anything. School is going great -- despite the heavy workload I'm receiving, but after all.. it is college. Most people think art students have it easy.. ha. Don't get me wrong, I don't have to spend a week studying stupid formulas & all these definitions, theories, etc -- but I do have to spend hours at a time letting my 'creative juice' flow to present art assignments that show my full potential. Sometime I feel it is easier just memorizing useless shit. Back to the happy tangent, uh the relationship is great. My girls -- oh, how the numbers are getting smaller & smaller -- are great. Everything is just going good.

No matter how long I slept for earlier, this sickness is getting the best of me. I would love to stay & write more.. well, not really -- but maybe I'll write more tomorrow when I'm at work for 4 hours, doing absolutely nothing. Sigh. I got another interview for the graphic designer for my school's radio station on Wednesday -- I'll let you guys know how that goes. Sex & The City comes out tomorrow, & despite how sick I am -- best believe I'm driving over to Target (which, isn't that close) & copping. :) I love that movie so much. Ah, the Carrie B. of my crew. I love my girls.

No stress. Love. Live life. Proceed. Progress.

11:50PM

#16.

2008-09-20T20:31:00.004-04:00

Stuntin' is a habit, get like me?

A brief shopping I did this weekend, well Friday & Saturday. I got everything I said I would get -- including my Uggs. Now I'm content. Next, I have to get a HD television & well the 360 Elite. :)

I have a shopping problem. I'm convinced.

8:36PM

#15.

2008-09-16T23:52:00.004-04:00

A woman of my word to say the least.

ART 2010, also know as Design Process.

This is a class where the only technology we're allowed to use is a copier. Sure, we can take images from off the computer but they then must be photocopied.

So, for our first assignment we had to create 2 posters to show our interior(private) self & our exterior(public) self without any form of color, only black whites & gray scale, if needed.

Interior self. The thought bubble represents my thoughts, & as far as the

brick wall all over the poster -- it represents my private life. One that I like to keep to myself & others I care about. I chose brick because well its impossible to tear down without the right tools. I figured that was the best representation of me, my feelings & my personal life -- you know what I tell you. Some of broken through the brick wall, all of which I can count on my 10 fingers, maybe -- others.. well its more of 'what you see is what you get' -- what I tell is what you know.

Exterior self. The talk bubble represents what I want people to know through my voice, actions, etc. I chose a 'homey' wallpaper to symbolize home as being a place of comfort, as if to say I'm comfortable telling you these things. Usually when people hang picture frames it's because they're proud of what they accomplished & want others to see. With that being said, I hung up picture frames -- most which bare definitions straight out of the dictionary to tell the 'story of my life' thus far. Some of those words include: love, struggle, glory, triumph, pain, hurt, obstacle, faith, etc. All of which I have experienced, overcome & just feel the need to share my story w. others. As far as the blank frames, well those represent my future. Since I don't predict the future, I can't predict what words would fit in those frames just yet. We will one day find out.

Sorry for the small pictures, blame blogger.

12:04AM

#14.

2008-09-16T22:10:00.002-04:00

Where science ends, art begins.

ART 2011C, better known as digital media.

First assignment -- sketch a tattoo & turn it into a vector on Adobe Illustrator.

I'll post the other assignment for my design class in about an hr or so.

Pow.

10:17PM

#13.

2008-09-15T13:20:00.003-04:00

Lucky 13?

Rather unlucky for those folks.

This hazardous picture was taken this Friday around 2:40PM when I had to get on the Peter Pan bus to get home. All the people you see standing -- which is soooo against all Peter Pan/Greyhound regulations to have passengers stand -- were the go hards that formed this stupid ass line thinking the bus was going to stop at where the line started. I continued to sit on the concrete bench & watch the people push, shove & complain to each other how the bus was running late. Once I saw the bus coming I stood up -- not near that bullshit ass line -- & miraculously, the bus stopped right in front of me, ensuring me a ride to Hartford to continue my journey home. If looks could kill -- I would have been massacred by that large group of go hards. Not to mention, I was supposed to get into New York around 645PM, or 7PM the latest -- but due to bullshit weather & traffic, I didn't touch down until around 815PM. I hate buses w. a passion. Public buses. Private buses. Big buses. Little buses. I hate them. All.

Luckily for me, when I got home my baby was waiting in front of the house for me. When I say baby, I mean my second baby -- not Los -- but my car, my 2001 Toyota Celica. After spending a whole summer without her, she's finally back in my hands w. a new interior. :) I still gotta do some minor work on the exterior -- like replacing the back windshield wiper that disappeared one day while driving. One minute it's there -- next minute it was gone. But nonetheless, that car gave me back my freedom. I was so used to coming in & out of the house as I pleased, going wherever I wanted -- & now, I can finally do that. I was humbled this summer by forcing myself to take MTA buses & subways -- it was fun while it lasted, but the only time I'm going to take the train is going in & out of the city since I hate driving out there.

Anyway, got to spend Friday w. the crew -- Los, Tilly, Shaun & Mateo. As always, its always a good time w. those people. I love my friends. :) Saturday, Los & I went on our weekend getaway to Parsippany, NJ. A complicated town but away from the busy city & people that know us. It was great. I don't want to go into details but it was absolutely wonderful. And in two weeks, he'll be up at UCONN w. me. :)

Okay, fuck. I'm going to go pay attention in class now.

2:07PM

#12.

2008-09-10T23:36:00.002-04:00

Wow, just wow.

Gotta love my friends.

11:37PM

#11.

2008-09-10T12:46:00.002-04:00

I tell it how it is, then I tell it how it could be.

I am exhausted.

I'm taking on the task of 18 credits this semester. All 3 hour art studios.

On top of that, I might have an additional 2 more jobs on top of the current job I have now working at the Registrar's office. I know its going to be a work load but I'm actually looking forward to them. One is working as a graphic designer for my school's radio station, WHUS -- I sent in my portfolio the other day & the manager was impressed. He couldn't stop smiling. But unfortunately due to UCONN policy, I have to wait for about a week or two before he gives me an answer, which seemed like a "yes" to me. The other one is working as the production assistant for my school's TV station, UCTV. And no, I don't need three jobs for money -- although its gonna go to a great cause.. shopping -- BUT, the real reason I'm doing this is for experience. I have to apply for the communication design program in October, which only allows 13 students per semester & at this rate w. all this soon to have experience that I'll have under my belt -- I feel like my chances of getting in are better than most. :)

I said I'd make this post short especially since I'm in digital media -- which I have to say, I absolutely love this class. It's like an intro to Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop. Right now we're learning Illustrator, which I never knew how to use -- after the second day of class I was busting out logos right off this bad boy. Go figure, I'm actually learning something that I'll use in the future. I am so content w. the choice I made to become an art student. Plus, I'm still considering the LSATs, which one of my design professors did -- not only does he run his own design company, but he didn't have to pay any additional money to hire lawyers to do all the contracts & whatnot. Who said art & law can't be combined? Hmmph.

Coming home this weekend to pick up my car -- finally & more of my photography/drawing supplies. Los & I decided to travel out the city & spend the weekend in Parsippany, NJ -- which is only like a 30 minute drive away from the city. Then its back to UCONN to finish the shit load of projects that I have to do -- which, I will post/upload for you guys to see as well.

Maybe I'll write later, maybe I wont?

1:31PM

#10.

2008-09-07T20:45:00.002-04:00

My way is the high way.

I have officially stolen that quote from Los hard body -- woke up this morning & say it as his status, then proceeded to make it my status.. now look, I'm out of control. Nonetheless, I figured I'd briefly update my blog since I have acquired a small group of readers -- you guys rock. I seriously didn't think my life was that interesting, but after reading other personal blogs.. its kinda cool when someone shares what going on in their daily life w. well the world wide web. So I read these blogs, some I find interesting & others well just pointless rambles.

Nonetheless, this weekend since Friday -- has been completely interesting. Taz, Janee & I lost a 'friend' over some ugly $12.90 shirt from Charlotte R's in King Plaza Mall. I'm sure that's not the real reason we lost this person's friendship -- but since she hasn't told us the real reason, we're just going to leave it at that. Friday we all went to visit her & well, not resolve the whole matter -- just get to the bottom of it. It ended in completely chaos, w. the "b" & "f" bomb being dropped between probably every word. Nothing got solved. Nothing got answered. Nothing. It ended w. Taz, Janee & I being completely upset -- completely. But, her lost. I still got my girls & we don't mind rolling in a small crowd while in campus.

The weather this weekend fucked up so many plans. It was three of my friends bday, but due to this fraud ass 'tropical storm' watch -- all these clubs & other places took madd precaution & didn't open or shut down asap, all because madd wind & heavy rain. Big deal. If we were in New York -- that wouldn't have been an issue. But I spent my Saturday night watching movies online & updating my blog's appearance -- this fall I'm coming at you guys hard & being out the "elite" side of the High Low life, as well as a shit load of events lined up in the near future -- which, I will discuss soon, as well as the introduction to this business. But we'll save that for another post.

School is still great. Classes are 'da bomb.' I have a shit load of projects I have to finish for this week, including making a short film of scenery (not complete), 10 tattoo sketches for my Illustrator class (almost finished), shooting a roll -- 36 pictures -- of whatever to develop in the dark room tomorrow (complete!) and finish my two interior/exterior posters (almost complete). So I'll get to those while I watch the VMAs, which are on now .. so you know what that means -- this ramble is over for now.

Side note -- Jeezy should have been Obama's running mate. I've never seen a rapper go so hard in politics -- a beautiful thing, no?

My president is black? Hopefully.

9:02PM

#9.

2008-09-03T12:45:00.004-04:00

Dear Summer, thank God you're over.

I'm sitting in my digital media class starting this blog -- I figure since I'll be in this class for the next 3 hours I should have an opportunity to at least post something up since it's been a while since you guys have heard from me. I don't know where to begin -- but I'll start somewhere.

Classes.

I've read & been told by several of my friends how shitty their classes & professors are this semester. They consist of a shit load of calculus, science & businesses classes -- all of which I have taken thus far in my college journey & all of which, I'm glad I will never have to set foot in again. Fortunately for me, my semester is nothing like that -- in fact, I am for the first time excited about all the classes I'm currently enrolled in this semester. Ahh, the perks of being an art student. This semester I am enrolled in 18 credits (6 classes -- yes, a lot but oh well) which are: Basic Film Photography, Intro to Digital Media (Photoshop/Illustrator), Design Process, Intro to Video Art, Drawing II & History of Photography I. And I have to say every one of those classes are absolutely superb! I love all my professors and yea, this should be an interesting semester filled w. a shit load of art projects that are helping bring out the true artist. Jealous much?

Aside from school, everything else is going good for the most part. I'll be getting my refund check, new MacBook AND car back within the next week or so, so I'm pretty content with how this fall is turning out. And to top it off -- the relationship is going great. This friday will be my & Los' 23 month anniversary, but the date we're really looking forward to (since we stopped really celebrating month anniversaries -- mainly because we'll forget) is our 2 year anniversary on October 5th. :) Los is spending a week & change w. me up at school in my apartment at the end of Sept./early Oct. -- an experience we're both truly looking forward too. We've done the whole sleeping together, spending the night type thing -- but for about 7 days or so we will experience living together. You know, cooking, cleaning & just being by ourselves. A small, yet important step we get to take before we move in together -- which should be in the next 2 years. I can't wait.

Oh, I spent the Labor Day weekend back home in New York. Friday & Saturday at my house & w. Los & our good friends then Sunday & Monday at Taz's house w. Janee where we had a sleepless Labor Day that begun on Sunday night. First, we drove up to the Hamptons to attend this party at 'The White House Night Club' -- the club was pretty much a big mansion that was veryyyy beautiful -- (21st birthday there? No, but I'm sure I will throw some type of party there in the near future..) but the only thing was they played TOO much Hip Hop & decided to save all the dancehall & soca for the last 45 minutes of the party -- not hot. We drove back to Brooklyn, where we were supposed to go to Juvert but by the time we got back it was practically 6am & well since Taz had to be on the Pkwy by 9am we all decided to just take a quick cat nap. We was up by 730am, only to head out to one of Taz's friends house to watch them get dressed up since they were playing (to 'play' in the Labor Day Parade means to dress up in costume w. a group & dance all down the Pkwy). Janee & I eventually ventured off on our own, bumping into Justin & chilling w. him for a while until Taz was finished. Let's just say -- I will never go back to Labor Day, once again it was quite & experience but not for me. At all.

Uh, time to pay attn in class.

1:42PM

#8.

2008-08-28T02:25:00.000-04:00

To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation.

G'morning.

2:28AM

#7.

2008-08-26T00:14:00.000-04:00

Girls vs. Women.

I found this on another blog -- & pretty much this sums up why I am the way I am, simply put because I'm a woman. I got rid of all the "girls" in my life & only surround myself w. women who are just as confident & strong-minded as me. They accept me for who I am -- because they actually know me. Please don't read my blog & think you have a full knowledge of who I am. Many people have made that mistake & got 'surprised' when I continued to act myself. But I can ramble on about incidents like that -- but we're gonna keep it moving. Like I said, this poem sums it all up for me. I am a woman, strong & bold. You are a girl, young & naive. Period.

Girls are insecure. Women are confident.

Girls dress trashy. Women dress classy.

Girls are students. Women are teachers.

Girls are listeners. Women are preachers.

Girls make babies. Women raise babies.

Girls have sex. Women make love.

Girls are weak. Women are strong.

Girls fight. Women walk away.

Girls argue. Women speak.

Girls give in. Women compromise.

Girls envy. Women appreciate.

Girls give up. Women strive.

Girls look. Women see.

Girls take. Women give.

Girls follow. Women influence.

-- Christina E. Brown

Wow. So true.

12:16AM

#6.

2008-08-25T21:23:00.000-04:00

My friends > yours. Period.

Friday night was my last day in New York & I truly enjoyed it. I spent most of the day w. Los running errands around Brooklyn. That night, we met up w. the boys & headed to the hookah bar, which I have to say was an experience for all of us. We ended up all buying hookahs w. different flavors & I must say the alcoholic hookahs hit the spot. It gave us a little buzz -- nothing compared to the buzz from the good ol' mighty ganja -- which we ended up ending the night up in the ol' might Dungeon, if you don't know about the Dungeon -- well, then too bad. ;D Unfortunately, our other two amigos, Shaun & Danielle didn't get to attend this event -- but I was able to see them before I left. And besides, me & the girls are coming back to NY this weekend for the Labor Day Parade & all that jazz.

Saturday, I woke up around 10AM and did some last minute packing before me & my aunt jammed all my stuff into one car & I drove us all the way to Storrs, CT. I finally got my single apartment that I've been feenin' for all summer -- finally a place of my own to get away from it all when I need to. I was going to take some pictures of it -- but I decided to wait until I finish decorating it, therefore everyone can see the finishing product. My aunt stayed & helped me unpack a lot of my stuff -- then we went grocery shopping & then she was out leaving me alone. I'm still getting used to this single apartment -- kind of a big adjustment for someone who is very extrovert like myself, but I'll eventually get the hang off it. Around 9PM that night, I met up w. all my girls, had some drinks & headed to the UCONN Block Party -- a place to reunite w. old friends, point out freshman & just get a good laugh. I must say I was a little bent, but still managed to have a good time -- which, is a good start especially in this boring state. I even included some pictures, my girl Brittany took before we headed off to the Block Party:

I'm really excited about this upcoming year. My art classes are absolutely wonderful, my friends are absolutely the best, my apartment is my own place of solitude & peace. Ahh, this is going to be great. Don't worry -- I shall keep you all posted.

Ah, welcome to the good life.

10:48PM

#5.

2008-08-22T01:57:00.000-04:00

There is no place like home, ever.

I took this Tuesday, while at South Street Seaport w. my grandpa from my Blackberry. Sigh. :)

I now have a few more hours remaining in New York before I'm back off to Storrs, CT to complete my junior year. The second question I'm going to be hearing for the next 2 weeks or so is "So, how was your summer?" -- you know, right after, "How have you been?" Anyways, I'm sitting here thinking up the one word that could describe my whole summer vacation -- after much debate I would have to say: an experience

After reading 'The Alchemist' -- which has gotten a lot of you cool guys reading it & telling me how it's changed your lives, so.. after reading 'The Alchemist' I realized that I've faced so many obstacles this summer that have tried to hinder me from finding my 'personal legend'. Of course, there was the incident w. Los that inspired to me give this blog another -- make it some kind of outlet that my friends can read, so it's like I'm telling the story at one time, instead of multiples, along w. several other low moments that are pointless to even bring up, since they are .. in fact, the past. But despite it all, I progressed -- No stress. Love. Live life. Proceed. Progress. -- progress in time to show my experiences, all in which I have learned & grown from. And what a better time to show my progression then at the beginning of a new school year? Jackpot. I have gone through a great change, since I want to say the beginning of August -- when I wrote that I died, I feel I really did. A large part of me died when I began writing this post -- yes, exactly 4 post ago. I felt like the world had turned its back on me, God has lost all hope in me -- so, I died one time. But like they say, God works in mysterious ways. I died, only to wake up a stronger person -- a much stronger person than I feel I've ever been & its only beginning. Not to mention the turning 20 & leaving all that teenage shit behind helped tremendously too. I also feel like, w. the strong help of Los -- I've become less angry. I learned to 'brush shit off & keep it moving'. Most the things I used to get tight over where pointless, held no weight in my life -- so, no point. And I took that advice and kept it moving. I mean, I can sit here & continue w. a list of changes I made, but I don't feel like going in.

Nonetheless, in a couple of hours I will awake, get my fill in & eyebrows threaded, do some more shopping and some light packing & then spend the remainder of the night w. Los and some of our closest friends. One last reunion, the midnight society strikes one last time.. well, at least w. me. My bestest left today, so she won't be able to be there w. us -- but she is there in spirit, or at least I'm going to say she is. But, while everyone is complaining about their lack of friends and not knowing who their real friends are, I have to say that I am truly blessed. I have amazing friends, in both New York and in Connecticut -- how lucky am I?. I just want to take the time to say, my friends are better than your friends.. hands down -- unless of course, your friends are my friends. I am sad to leave the 'crew' -- but I do miss my girls, the 'Sex & the Suburbs' girls. The trio-squared.

Ah, I'm going to miss New York -- but my mind is ready for Connecticut. It's grinding time -- gotta go get another 3.9 and continue reaching my dreams .. all of them -- fashion, art, law, music, etc. You'll see.

Change is good.

2:20AM

#4.

2008-08-19T22:06:00.000-04:00

There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.

Things have gotten so much better within the pass few days -- despite the few obstacles we (we meaning Los & me -- you know the 'packaged deal'.) had to endure. For one, like I mentioned in the past post .. we got rid of negative people in our live that wasn't doing absolutely anything for us but causing unnecessary drama. And as far as the other obstacles that I thought were gonna last forever -- are coming to an end, very soon. I can once again say, I'm happy & after today .. I KNOW everything is going to be okay at the end of the day. In fact, I'll be happy once this year ends -- because 2009 is looking SO good.

Moving on.. .

Sunday, Los and I met up in Chinatown to shoot Vlad (formerly known as 'Haitian V') at Keith Major's studio w. Slinky. The shoot lasted for about an hour and everything ran just as smooth as possible. My shoot on the Brooklyn Bridge with a client ended up flopping, leaving Los & I to have hours to explore the city. We left Chinatown & headed to Little Italy -- a place neither Los or I have ever been.

We ended up finding a nice italian restaurant by the name of Novella, which blew Olive Garden out the water. I now understand why the Italians despise that commercial restaurant. It was no where as good as the food we had at this restaurant -- it was evident that all the food they served was made w. nothing but love. I highly recommend Novella to those of you looking for a nice chic, cheap & romantic spot -- because even at 130pm .. the mood was definitely set.

We were then off towards nowhere in particular, strolling along roads unknown where we ended up in the middle of this little quiet park on Worth Street -- where we sat & discussed our future, our past and our present. Decided that Barnes & Nobles was a good look since I needed to by 'The Alchemist' -- a book Los started reading, in which he was referred to by a good friend. I'll discuss that in future detail a little later. I attempted to use my GPS on my Blackberry, that had us walking all around the merry go around, never finding this Barnes & Nobles just yet -- but instead, we found our future. Our future was located all the way at the end of Chambers, in a hidden area known as 'River Terrace'. Its a small area w. nice Manhattan condos w. a nice park & a beautiful view of the city w. the river in front of it. Our dream, because we WILL be in that condo within the next 2 years. The only thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure. I know we're not going to fail -- we're gonna make it. Asap.

We eventually found Barnes & Noble, in which I bought two books: 'The Alchemist' & 'Catch 22'. I decided I needed to start reading more -- to escape all the bullshit that occurs in my life, instead of attempting to use AIM as an outlet. It's working. I completed the book in a day or so & I have to say 'The Alchemist' has completely changed my life. Yes, a book has completely changed my life. I don't want to give anything away because everyone should read it -- but pretty much, it made me realize that I need to continue striving after my 'personal legend'. 'Personal legend' being something you've always wanted to achieve as a child, but as you got older reality and obstacles deterred you further away from reaching that goal. I have let several obstacles hold me back from getting to where I need to be & all that stopped this weekend. I have let go of all the negativity & doubt in my life & now it's time to move on. Time to keep my head up, hold his hand & walk closer towards my dream, ready to face more obstacles that are going to happen -- because of course getting to your dream is never easy... but I'm ready. We're ready.

Failure.. gone. Doubt.. gone.

W. God on our side -- all things are possible. Even the impossible.

11:07PM

#3.

2008-08-14T16:56:00.000-04:00

Forget the past and you will learn again in the future.

'Tis true, once again.

Change. I'm all for change now.

Today was the day I had been waiting for since Sunday. Today was the day of a second chance, a new beginning, a fresh start -- from the ground up, of course. And within I'll say an hour into the supposedly 9AM court case, it was granted. Now when I say 'granted' -- I don't mean this was the last time I'll be sitting in the court audience w. our closest friends while my boyfriend awaits a verdict from the judge, but today marked a bit of closure for me. Closure in the sense that I know at the end of the day, at the end of this all .. everything is going to be alright. Alright for both Los & Justin. It's just gonna take a few more court dates -- but nothing nerve-racking, mind-bottling or anything of that extreme nature. It's just a slow steady process that's going to take time to 'mend'.

I can live again.

I can now stop losing sleep, stop crying, stop worrying, stop losing an appetite & just start focusing on my future.. our future. After a great night of reminiscing w. the bestest of our childhood growing up, it made me realize I was blessed to be this far at where I am now. We grew up around the same folks that are still around now that have done absolutely nothing for themselves for years, we watched the downfalls of so many people that could have had potential if they had only believed in themselves, and worse of all we're currently watching the next generation of people growing up too fast around us -- 17 year old girls w. babies, no more than a 10th grade education w. a hood mentality going absolutely nowhere in their lives. I can truly say, we're fortunate. So this realization helped bring me to this conclusion about myself & how I want to conduct myself now and for the rest of my life. It's simple -- I shall no longer associate myself w. people that aren't doing anything for me. I refuse to be around people w. no goal, no drive, no ambition to do anything. Period. This whole revelation made me realize another thing about myself and my emotions. Simply put, I let people that hold no weight in my life get me upset, angry, irate, etc, etc. I feel 'extreme' emotions are sacred & shouldn't just be dished out to just anyone, except those I truly care about. Why bother getting upset over someone that doesn't even matter? It's pointless & last night, I was upset over myself because I constantly do this. I let people get me upset and angry, when honestly, at the end of the day I shouldn't get a flying shit -- and I'm glad I've realized this now.

As for change, well I feel like I've just begun. I feel I have all the right ingredients to help me get there: a wonderful boyfriend + a great support system of friends, as well as an array of other positive things I can go on listing in my life -- but I'm fortunate, and I'm grateful. Now that this small low point is slowly digressing out of our lives -- I can move on. I can grow. We can move on. We will grow.

Rebuilding starts now.

5:26PM

#2.

2008-08-12T12:47:00.000-04:00

You have to start at the bottom to get to the top.

First & foremost, happy 20th birthday to me.

Not nearly excited as I feel I should be -- but hopefully that will change soon enough.

About a week ago, the "high low life" had a completely different meaning than it does for me today. In fact, about a week ago -- everything was completely different. I was living this life that I glorified corruption in every way possible. I had gotten caught up w. what I thought was going to bring me this permanent happiness, which turned out to bring me the complete opposite. When I used to tell people about this whole "high low life" scheme I was coming up w. I never seemed to have a solid answer to what exactly it meant. It once upon a time could have meant it was for the 'potheads' that stayed high, but because of their marijuana use they were considered to be the 'low lives' of society. And for a time, I thought that was acceptable -- acceptable because not only I did it, but my friends did it too, so who out there could possibly judge us? If anything, I considered us to be those "cool kids", parents warned their children about. Then I realized, I didn't want to be that blunt about it -- ha, no pun intended -- because I did want this to be this big movement that everyone would catch onto with absolutely no purposed behind it whatsoever. Not a good idea. I felt I needed to attract those that didn't smoke, that were just 'normal' people. So, I moved onto the the "high low life" representing a society of people that are considered 'nobodys' in life being able to live this 'high' extravagant lifestyle that celebrities do. Eh.

But still, something was missing.

For a while, I was just stuck w. this title w. absolutely no meaning behind it, trying to give it some type of meaning just so I could use it for popularity over the internet. Clearly, I watched too many VH1 internet celeb shows. It wasn't until the weekend that just passed that everything became clear to me. So, what does it mean to really live the "high low life"? Well its simple, you have to start from the bottom (low) to reach the top (high).

As I explained it to Los around 3AM this morning, you can't build anything until you have a solid foundation -- something a week ago we lacked for months on end. I went as far as comparing it to the story of the three little pigs. A week ago, we made a house of straw -- not thinking about the future, only building for today, definitely something that wasn't guaranteed to last us at all -- something a lot of people do; a search for this temporary high that makes no difference in the long run. But after all, we all know what happen to the pig w. the straw house. His shit was the first to go ASAP. But, instead of running to the next pigs house & freeloading off of his temporary shelter, that isn't that much stronger -- we are staying where we are. Running gets you no where, at the end of the day, we're the ones that made this mess, so we have to clean it up -- you know, the responsible thing to do. But unlike those three little pigs, we have friends. Friends that were willing to give up their last to help us rebuild a foundation from scrap, which at the end of the day is going to be stronger than ever. But first thing first, we have to pick up our mess -- pick up all the straw before we can move forward & lay the bricks down.

The "high low life" is a representation of struggle -- struggle that everyone goes through, whether they want to admit it or not. Life is full of highs and lows. But the constant mistake that people tend to do, is aim for the highest of high without setting a solid foundation. You have to start from the lowest of low to get to the highest of high. Clearly, last weekend marked our lowest of low period & from here, I believe we can only continue to move in one direction. Up. This is our second first chance..

So, I guess this was the introduction I was once looking for.

1:44PM.

#1: lowest of low.

2008-08-11T13:13:00.000-04:00

They say you never really know what you got 'til its gone.

'Tis true.

This wasn't the post I had in mind when I deleted all the old fashion bullshit I recently posted, thinking that's who I really was. This isn't the post I had in mind that would be the start to 'revamping' my blog, so I could million of readers to sit here & actually care what I had to say. In fact, what has occurred in my life within the past 72 hours, wasn't anything I could expect either.

For the last 72 hours, starting around approximately Friday evening, I was faced w. having the one person I loved the most, aside from the family I reside with, taken away from me. For the last 72 hours, the fate of my boyfriend's life was given to someone who had absolutely no idea who my boyfriend really was except for what his charges read him as. For the last 72 hours, I spent thinking where the fate of my future would lie, if the one person that I was guaranteed would be there -- just left, just got locked away for 15 years or so. As cliche as it sounds, 'w. a blink of an eye, my whole life changed.'

I died, not literally. But more than figuratively.

For the last 72 hours, every bit of happiness had be sucked out of me. It was like my soul decided it couldn't take what I was facing & just bounced, leaving nothing but a cold exterior body. I no longer had passion, I no longer felt joy, happiness was a vague memory of what I used to be. For the last 72 hours, I cried for probably about 63 hours. For the last 72 hours, I couldn't think anything bout negative thoughts, worse case scenarios & all the different alternatives of what 'could' happen from other people. I literally became a crying mess, consuming most of my day w. a tissue at hand. For the last 72 hours, I had become closer w. three people that I cannot even look at as my friends again, but merely my extended family.

I spent most of my 72 hours w. Shaun, Danielle & Mateo, sitting there trying to console me, and convince me that everything would be okay in the end. We became experts of the system by early Saturday morning, all thanks to google, and just all the information we read, or found out -- wasn't making anything better. Nothing was worse, than waking up Saturday morning, knowing that my boyfriend was still in this place that he didn't belong, along w. our good friend Justin. And sitting in court on Saturday night, listening and watching all these people and their cases just justified it. The people that stood w. their hands behind their back in front of a fat white judge getting their wack ass charges read out loud were the true criminals. Not Justin, and not my boyfriend.

Then it was their turn.

They went up together, got their charges read together. And the bullshit public defense attorneys -- white men, who knew NOTHING about these two men, except for what the system was trying to lock them up for, had to plea on their behalf as if they cared about what would happen to them in the future. Clearly, they didn't. Clearly, their job is to act like they care while they are talking to you behind bars, but as soon as they get in front of the judge, it's just a different story. Nonetheless, Justin was released. "You OUT, you IN," is all I remember hearing the annoying as police man scream as he pointed Justin out, and pushing Carlos back down into the cold basement where he would be sent of to Rikers later that night.

I died two times.

Just when I thought I couldn't feel any worse, just when I thought I had reached every wack feeling I could possibly feel -- it got worse. Even worse, when I found out that we had an hour to pay bail & it was already 1:30AM. 5 hours of sitting in court, just to see the back of my boyfriend for less than 5 minutes before he went back to where he came from.

Sunday night, he was out. I felt a weight lift from my shoulder, but there is still so much that needs to be taken care of before we can return to our regularly scheduled life. And as much as I'd like to say everything is better, it's not completely there just yet. My 20th birthday is less than a few hours away, and something I was once to excited about has just become a hassle. A hassle because its a mere distraction from his second court date which is on Thursday. A hassle because, I no longer want to grow up. I rather digress back to childhood where I don't have to worry about any of this nightmare happening. But I can't. We're just going to have to face it together. Slowly but surely, its gonna get better.

I guess parts of you have to die to make you that better person.

And for the next couple of months, excuse me -- if I'm not my old self.

For the last 72 hours, I realized I lost myself many months before this incidence had occurred, and I have to fight to get the old El back -- because this person living inside of me, this person that is just as responsible for this whole situation .. this isn't me. I'm better than that. We're better than that. We became to much of the world, and not what God had planned for us to be.

I'm still dead.

2:02PM.