Tha ish: Year in Review

Well, well, well, 2009 is quickly coming to a close.  To be quite honest, I’m kinda looking forward to 2010.  2009 wasn’t the best year—the recession reared its ugly head and most people that I know were affected by its reign of terror.

But I didn’t dislike this past year solely because the recession hit. When I look back at this past year I get a little angry with myself.  I’m ashamed that I didn’t “go for mine” as much as I would have liked.  I will admit—I was lazy and unmotivated. I didn’t jump out of my comfort zone and take risks.   In 2010, I plan on working towards the goals that I have set for myself.

Before I get too introspective, I would like to share with you some of the things that were the ish in the 2K9.

If you read my blog you might know that I looove music. A day cannot go by were I don’t pretend to be a DJ and blast my music at ungodly levels! 

 2009 did not have a lot of music to choose from, but I was able to form a list of my fave songs for the year.  Check my list but let me know what your fave songs were.

Blame it, Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain. Cool song, but the video……?

Lions, tigers and bears, Jazmine Sullivan.  Easily one of my all time favourite songs. I feel every lyric that she wrote.

Turin’ me on, Keri Hilson feat Lil Wayne, and Knock me down, Keri Hilson feat. Ne-yo and Kanye West (tie).  Love both of these songs. It was Miss Keri baby’s year!

Successful-, Drake feat. Trey Songz

Heartless, Kanye West. Yes, Kanye may be the biggest ass alive but the man gives us good music. Love the song and the video.

Break Up-, Mario feat Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett. This song makes breaking up sexy.

Miss Independent, Ne-yo.  No yearend list would be complete without Ne-yo. He is a talented singer and can do no wrong.

Green light, John Legend feat Andre 3000.   Nice fusion of house and hip hop. Loved the creativity of the song and the vision for the video completely enhanced the song. 

Hot N Cold, Katy Perry, and Waking up in Vegas, Katy Perry.  Hot N Cold technically came out in 2008, but got tons of airplay in 2009. The more and more I heard it, the more I loved it. Waking up in Vegas was a fun song, but the cool video concept and costumes get high marks.

I need a girl, Trey Songz.  I need someone to sing to this me! heheh

 * Honourable mention: Chillin’, Wale feat. Lady Gaga. This song should have gotten more airplay. Love the old skool sound and the genius collabo with Lady Gaga

Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga

Love her don't give a damn attitude, her drive and her sheer moxie.  She makes me like dance music, which ain’t an easy feat!

Biggest disappointment: Rihanna’s cd

I am completely shocked that I haven’t enjoyed any of Rihanna’s new music.  Russian Roulette, Hard- both tracks aren’t as hot as her past singles. I still have love for her and I hope that she releases better music in 2010.

Overrated Artist of the Year: Drake

Drake is too new of an artist to be hailed as the new king of hip hop.  I think his lyrics and beats are nice, but his voice gests a little irritating. Especially when he is the ONLY rapper being played on radio.  I did enjoy some tracks:  Every Girl, Forever and Successful (that’s in my top 10 for the year), but I can only handle him in small doses.

Here are a few (non-musical) moments that made 2009 so memorable

“Get out of here” moment of 2009: Tiger Woods

Finding out that Tiger Woods was a playa!  I would have never known that underneath that squeaky clean image lay a freak!   I do feel bad that his business is out in the streets (we have no reason to judge the man.  We ain’t perfect either. I know I’m not), but unfortunately when you’re a celeb, you’re fair game.

“Get out of here moment” part 2: Elin Woods (Tiger’s soon to be ex-wife)

Elin beating Tiger’s ass!  No, I don’t condone violence towards anyone in any shape or form, but it’s kind of poetic justice for him to get beat with his own golf clubs!

The King of Pop is gone

I can vividly remember when I found out that Michael Jackson had passed. I thought it was a cruel joke. When I googled it and realized that it was the truth, I felt that a little part of my childhood had died.

Island Love

I decided to take my mother on a cruise in November because she LOVES them, but I have to admit, that this cruise (I went on one last year) made me love the islands even more. I have been to the islands before (Big up to my fam in Trinidad—miss you like crazy), but exploring the islands this time around made me realize that I might have to take a trip to the Caribbean every year. 

Highlight of 2009: Obamamania

How lucky were we to witness the first black president being sworn in.  I still get chills when I think back to that chilly day (Jan 20^th, 2009) when I saw him raise his right hand and take the oath.  Ahh, that was truly inspiring.

That’s my year.  Hope that 2010 is even better.  Have a happy New year!

Tha ish: Have a Merry Christmas!

Christmas is in less than 24 hours and I'm starting to get into the season. I feel happy knowing that I will get to spend time with family and friends that I don't get to see everyday. As I always say, I prefer time with loved ones over gifts any day!

I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy Christmas and a blessed new year!

enjoy yourself!

p.s. take a listen to my all time fave Christmas carol

Tha ish: Yesteday- Toni Braxton feat. Trey Songz

I watched the Soul Train Awards a few weeks ago and completely lost my mind over Toni Braxton’s latest single, Yesterday. She performed it with Trey Songz (he seriously has the cutest smile known to man. Yes, my cougar claws are out!) and it has since become my fave song.





I’m not sure if it was their sexy performance that got me, but I love the song. I have downloaded it from itunes and have played it about a million times a day. I can’t get enough of this song!!


Check the live performance here and view the official video here

p.s. there was tons of hype over the kiss she shared with Trey because he's almost 20 years her junior.  The kiss was nice, but it was soooo not as freaky as they make it seem.

Tha ish: Barbados

I promise that I will stop reminiscing about my recent trip. Not sure when that will happen, but I’m sure it will ; )



As much as I fell head over heels in love with the visually stunning island of St. Lucia—the other highlight of my vacation took place in Barbados.


When my mom and I were deciding on what sites to see in Barbados, I pointed out to my mom that it was imperative that I see the slave huts. They are replicas of the living quarters for slaves that lived in Barbados.


I had to see it. Being a black woman, I owed it to myself to see it.

And there it was. It was on the last scheduled stop of our off-shore excursion. There were a few replica slave huts and rows of chattel houses. I felt like tears were ready to start streaming down my face.

Slave Hut

Chattel Home

The tour guide led us into one of the chattel houses and really let us explore it. I practically rushed the crowd. I really wanted to see with my own eyes how my ancestors were forced to live. I took a million pics. I needed to take a piece of my history back home with me.

After snapping the pictures, we hopped on our bus and we were on our way to the cruise ship. Not sure if seeing the slave quarters affected anyone else as it did me. I’m just grateful that I got to see it.

Tha ish: Chad

I’m starting to really understand how people go away on vacation and have a torrid, whirlwind fling. No, I didn’t have a fling on my last vacation (or any vacay for that matter), but I kinda wished I did!

Yes, I’m still thinking of Chad (he’s the only brotha I know with the name Chad!). Why did he have to be soo damn cute? Seriously, I was entranced by his dark chocolatey skin! So beautiful.


Why did he have to be so funny and so easy to talk to? Why does he live in St. Lucia and not in Toronto? Why didn’t I exchange e-mail addresses with him when I had the chance? Why am I such a punk?

Tha ish: My Caribbean cruise 2009

I love vacationing.  I know you’re probably thinking...... um, like who doesn’t?! 

I got the travelling bug after my life changing trip to France in June 2008.  I’ve always wanted to visit France and dreamed of going, but never thought it would happen.  When I mentally set out to make it happen, I was beside myself.  I decided on my birthday to book a tour and see northern France.  When I landed, I couldn’t imagine myself happier. I had a smile plastered on my face for 9 straight days (psst...I’m told my face still lights up when I speak of France).  I had such an extraordinary time that I knew travelling and seeing the world would definitely be a huge part of my life. 

The next place on my list to visit was Italy.  I wanted to visit Italy in July, but I had to put my plans on the back burner due to changing jobs in April.  I couldn’t up and leave after only working at my new job for 3 months.  Also, all my co-workers had the summer off, so I basically had no choice but to stay put in Toronto.

Instead, I decided to take my mom on a cruise for her birthday.  If I couldn’t take a vacation in the summer, I was definitely taking one later on in the year!  So I told my mom to get ready for another cruise!  My sister and I went with my mom last year, but I wanted to have a vacay with my mom-just me and my mom.  Cue the sappy music!

Cruises are a lot of fun because you get to see a bunch of different places in a short space of time.  You’re basically getting a taste of what the islands have to offer. 

I looove Europe but I looove the Caribbean as well.  They are so different, but both places make me equally happy.  I like the warmth, friendliness and the liveliness of the islands.  Honestly, who could possibly have a bad day when the skies are blue and the sun is perpetually shining?

Our voyage took us to St. Thomas, Tortola, Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia.  Every day got better and better. At first I thought Antigua was the gem of the West Indies, and then I fell in love with Barbados...then St. Lucia. BTW, St. Lucia is tha ish fo’real!  I am truly in love with that place (Not sure if it’s the island or the super sexy (and funny) tour guide, Chad!  Chad I miss your jokes!)

As frivolous as this may sound, I am actually thinking of taking another trip.  I do want to visit more of Europe, but I am feelin’ the islands right now. I can definitely go for another dose of island sun. 

Tha ish: pre-"No More Drama" Mary J. Blige

I used to love me some Mary J. Blige back in the day. She was angry, ghetto and was known for her fab blonde hairstyles (I was partial to the short 'dos she used to rock!).

Her music moved me. I identified with her anger, pain and anguish. Before I idolized Lauryn Hill, Mary J was the artist that defined me. Everything that she sang seemed to come from such a sad place. Yes, I too was troubled like my fave singer.

But don’t get me wrong, I like the new and improved happy MJB, but I loved the raw, cuss you out in a minute Mary from way back.




The reason for this post is that I just heard a classic Mary J. Blige song on the radio. “Real Love” was blaring from the office radio and I stopped working so I could hear the song. There was no way I was picking up the phone or checking e-mail during Real Love. Damn, that song brings back a ton of memories. *sigh* Yes, the 90’s were fun. The song makes me remember what life was like before work, responsibilities, bills etc.  Okay, it brings me back to my youth!! 




I love the song but the video is just as hot. MJB wore a Too Black guys t-shirt (created by Toronto based designers) and unwittingly gave a nod to the T. Dot. Because of that, I really, really wanted to get  Too Black Guys t-shirt.   




Okay, I should really stop my my trip down memory lane and get back to work. Check the video here




Leave a comment and let me know what your fave MJB song is.

Tha ish: “Good Hair”

As much as I want to see Chris Rock’s movie “Good Hair,” I am hoping that he isn’t telling all our secrets. LOL!

I am a natural girl who wears extensions (some might frown upon being natural and wearing extensions but I don’t care!). Not solely for vanity, but more so for the extremely low maintenance (okay, and maybe a tiny bit of vanity). All I have to do is grease my scalp and I’m good to go!

But for some reason, having Chris Rock tell the world what we do (black women) is a little disconcerting to me. I know that it’s good to show the world what we go through in the salon (the waiting, the hours on end we sit in the chair...etc), but I kinda like keeping our little secret...our little secret. Perhaps I’m being silly....I dunno.

But one thing that I do like about the film (BTW, I haven’t seen the movie but I’ve seen tons of clips and I’ve seen Chris Rock on several talk shows pubbing the movie) is that it exposes how horrible and destructive perm really is. I stopped perming my hair 9 years ago after my hair fell out. I went through a series of “bad perms” and then I realized that I had had enough. It was devastating to see my hair fall out all the time! The day I decided to not perm my hair, was the happiest day and I haven’t looked back since! What freaks me out the most is that some people will put that stuff in their children’s hair. I can’t tell you how much the angers me. Perm is a harsh chemical that is very destructive. Should we really be putting it in a 4 years head??? Oh, and we really need to stop putting weave and extensions in little girls hair too. I’m a grownass adult and getting extensions hurt me! Why would you put your child through that? Kids need to look like kids. Not mini women. Okay, that was my official last rant of this post!

Even though I have some issues with how we are portrayed in the film (in some reviews it sounds like black women don’t like themselves or our hair) I am still interested in seeing the movie. Can’t wait to check it out.

Tha ish: Lady Gaga

Instead of talking about the foolishness that went down at the 2009 VMAs, I decided to focus on one of the cool things that happened that night (FYI.. the other cool thing was Janet’s performance!). While watching the much talked about telecast, I realized that Lady Gaga is tha ish!


I’m not really a dance/pop music fan, so I don’t really love her for her music (pssst...I will say that Let’s Dance is a damn good dance song and Paparazzi is an awesome video!!)—it’s her crazy eccentric vibe that I love! I find her utter madness fascinating!


Her excessive and restrictive costume changes during the 2 ½ hour VMA telecast got weirder by the minute. She couldn’t even move her neck in that outrageous Victorian/bird outfit. Even her performance of Paparazzi was a little bizarre, but I like how she gave the show a shot of excitement....and horror! Heheheh.


What I like about her is that she exudes the drama of theatre, embraces the feel good vibe of dance music, and isn’t afraid to push the envelope. I’m not saying that I like everything that she does (is it me, or does the girl seriously hate clothes? And why is there always a close-up of her crotch?! Nasty! ), but I will admit that she does have a very creative sensibility.


She reminds me of Madonna when she first hit the scene. You weren’t sure if you should love or hate her, but you knew that she was a force to be reckoned with. You go, girl!


p.s Lady Gaga is featured on Wale’s single Chillin’. The hook is hot! Check out the video here

Tha ish: Songs I’m feelin’

It’s funny how I actually find out about new music since I barely listen to the radio anymore. There’s just too many ignorant, unimaginative songs out there that I had to ban myself from listening to he radio. I know that statement makes me sound totally ANCIENT, but I don’t care! Heheheheh! Thankfully, my fave blog, yfb keeps me informed of all the latest entertainment news!

I started listening to an “urban” (aka black) online radio station at work. Since it was the slow time at my job, I desperately needed something to keep me awake. I kept hearing a smooth, flirty, R&B song that had me swaying in my chair. I had no idea who sang the song or what the name was; which only piqued my interest. I couldn’t take it anymore—I was compelled to google it.

I was totally relieved when I finally found out that Trey Songz is the artist and the title of the song is “I Need A Girl”. I knew who he was but wasn’t too familiar with his music. Coincidentally, he is on another single that I am loving right now—Successful- Drake feat. Trey Songz.

Cool, now I can download the single! Woo hoo! Check the video here

The other song that I am absolutely consumed with is Breakup from Mario featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett.

The first time that I heard the song I thought it was pure madness. The beat was choppy and it seemed a little out of place with the r&b vibe. It just came off as a jumbled mess. I also didn’t think that Gucci Mane’s rapping style blended well with Mario’s soulful voice at all. He mumbled all the words and it sounded way too messy for my liking.

But after hearing the song just one more time, I actually began to feel it. I liked the unconventional arrangement and the staccato nature of the song. I liked how the crazy beat sped up and down at varying times during the song.

The video is fire too! It is such a make out video (perhaps breakup to make up???). Mario’s chemistry with his featured love interest is off the charts. They both look so sexy together. This song makes me want to snuggle with someone when I watch this video!

Check the video here

Tha ish: The Game

I don’t watch a lot of television. But there are a couple of TV shows that I love and refuse to miss: Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (psst....I have a shockingly bizarre obsession with breakfast food and this show NEVER disappoints), What Not To Wear (please someone nominate me!! I want a new wardrobe!!) and various dance-themed shows—with the exception of Dancing With The Stars (I’m soooo not interested in watching Marie Osmond or any other D-lister prance around a stage!).

Since summer began, I started getting into The Game—a show that I think is technically cancelled, however, there is a petition floating around the Internet to keep the show alive.

The Game is a Kelsey Grammer produced half an hour comedy that depicts the day in the life of a few footballers, their wives, girlfriends and mother. I love the fact that Kelsey Grammer –a very unathletic looking white guy—produced a show about the trials and tribulations of a bunch of black athletes. Something about that makes me chuckle!

I’m totally enjoying the show, though. It has good writing, likeable characters (Malik and the very thrifty Jason Pitts are my fave characters) and I love hearing slang. As frivilous as it sounds, I like hearing characters use slang that is current and comes off authentic.

My only problem is that I would like to watch the programs in sequence. BET is not really good with their programming, so I never know when the show is on. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat down in front of the television ready to watch The Game, and that crappy show Tiny and Toya aired instead. I neeeeeeeed to know how some things were resolved. I’ve only seen a handful of episodes, and I’m so in the dark about a lot! However the episodes that I have watched were great and look forward to catching all the episodes that I missed.

Just in case you want to sign the petition to keep the show going, click here

Tha ish: Roger

Roger is an old friend’s little brother. However..... Roger is not that little anymore! He has grown up to be a handsome, intelligent young man. Okay, the fact that he is handsome is not really important, but I thought to add that to my post! LOL

Anyways, for some reason every time that I bump into Roger, he unintentionally imparts some wisdom on me and gives me some great advice.

About 10 years I bumped into him on the bus and we started talking. He asked if I was still writing and I sadly told him that I was struggling with a bad case of writer’s block, so my writing was put on the back burner. He talked to me for a bit and made me feel better. After our conversation, I felt confident to finish writing what I was working on.

One year ago I bumped into Roger at a neighbourhood grocery store. He asked what I was up to and we got on the conversation of dating. We complained to each other about how hard it was dating now that we’ve gotten older. Again, he gave me some advice.

Yesterday I met him again in the same grocery store and we got to talking. I told him that I took his dating advice (pssst....almost a full year after he gave it to me!) but I was getting a little despondent. Again, he told me to be patient and that it takes some time to find the right person.

I thought to dedicate this post to Roger because he always seems to wander into my life when I need to talk to someone or need some advice. He gives great advice (I love the male point of view), and he pulls no punches.

Thanks for the chat, Roger!

Tha ish: some classic dance music

Okay, this a is totally random entry. I just couldn't help but mention that I heard a song from back in tha day that totally had me dancing at my desk at work.

I heard Blackbox's "Everybody Everybody." Wasn't that tha ish back in the day? I for one thoroughly loved that trip down memory lane. Yes, my co-workers looked at me like I was on crack, but I didn't care!

check the vid here

Tha ish: Is Drake the new ish?

I’m constantly on the hunt for talented new artists. Last year I fell in love with Jazmine Sullivan after hearing her first release from her debut album, Fearless (I’m still a fan), and now I’m on the hunt for the next hot ish.

There is a lot of crap out there—ahem Souljah Boy, and most of the ridiculous music aired on 106 & Park, but I’m feenin’ for something new—something fresh.

I’ve been hearing serious buzz about Drake—a Toronto native and ex-star of Canada’s answer to teen dramas, Degrassi—for a while now. Actually, I’ve heard about him and his turn as a rapper for at least two years.

About three months ago you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing about Drake. True, the boy has a flawless visage (unfortunately, he’s way too young for me, so I can admire his good looks from a far!), but everyone was hailing him as the next big thing. He even performed at the BET Awards—which is huge for any up and coming artist! (BTW, I wasn’t a fan of the performance – but that’s for another post) It also doesn’t hurt that he has been romantically linked to the equally gorgeous artist, Rihanna and his association with uber successful rapper, Lil Wayne, has undeniably upped his profile.

I heard his single Best I Ever Had a while back and I thought it was okay. To be honest, I wasn’t feelin’ it as much as everyone else. I wasn’t able to enjoy the song fully because I kept thinking about his character on Degrassi, not Drake the rapper

Then I started to listen to the song, and I slowly fell under its spell. It’s cute how he tells his special girl that he loves everything about her. Check this out, this is my fave line in the song:

Sweat pants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on
That's when you’re the prettiest I hope that you don't take it wrong

Aww, ain’t that sweet? But I will confess that I like his latest release, Successful way more. (pssst...I also must come clean and admit to liking his raunchy ode, Every Girl—edited version of of course) The beat is hot and the lyrics are intelligent (On Successful, not Every Girl). He is obviously a true lyricist and doesn’t just go for the hook.

I’m starting to see why everyone is loving them some Drake. So I’m sure you can see me being Team Drake very soon!

Tha ish: My American Boy

I used to publish a ‘zine back in the day, and I constantly wrote about my long distance love affair with my American Boy, L.S. We dated for about a year, but the distance, my naiveté, and our horrible communication issues led to its demise. But surprisingly, through it all, we’ve remained friends. Yes, we are the black version of Jerry and Elaine from Seinfeld.

Exactly one week ago L.S. came to visit me. What makes his visit extra special is that he completely surprised me! I was in my bedroom working on my blogs and I heard the doorbell. I ran upstairs and looked out of the peephole. I first thought it was my brother who passed by the house and had to go online (pssst...he has no computer at his place and has a slight addiction to facebook. Hence why he randomly drops by the house!), but the silhouette didn’t look like my bro.

Then I looked at the guy’s head and I noticed a Lakers cap perched on his head. L.S!!!!! It was my ex from Cali!!

I opened the door and he stood right in front of me. I couldn’t believe it! I had noooo idea that he was coming to town. He really got me. We couldn’t stop laughing. He actually planned 10 whole years ago that he would come to Toronto, knock on the door and surprise me. I can’t believe it actually happened!

I didn’t get to chill with him as much as I would like, but I treasure the time we spent talking, eating, and gossiping. BTW, he is the BEST person to talk to—the man is as chatty as me!! Gotta love him.

Although his 10-day vacay is done and he’s in California right now, I wanted to thank him for visiting me and I hope to see him next summer. I miss you, punk!

Tha ish: my playlist

Since the passing of Michael Jackson, I have listened to an inordinate amount of his music. I’ve always loved his songs, but hearing his music on the radio and on tv over the past 2 weeks, has made me rediscover some classic tracks.

I thought that I would share with you a couple of the tracks that I listen to practically every day.


1. Can You Feel It- This is sooooo tha ish. Love this song!!! I can’t believe I almost forgot about this one. I love how elaborate and lush the orchestration is. They don’t make music like this anymore. Check out the video here

2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough

3. The Way You Make Me Feel- This is up there on my list of fave MJ classics.

4. Never Can Say Goodbye

5. Sugar Daddy

6. ABC

7. Rock With You

8. The Girl Is Mine- Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney- I love it when Michael and Paul actually have a conversation in the middle of the song. Classic!

9. Pretty Young Thing

10. Human Nature

* Bonus tracks: Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’, Man in the Mirror

Saying goodbye

Last week was a hard and emotionally draining week for me. It started from 7:30 am Monday June 22 all the way up to Thursday, June 25, 2009.



When I heard that that Michael Jackson passed, I honestly felt like a family member died. Ever since I have been on this earth, Michael has been making music. I consider myself lucky to have seen his rise to fame in the 80s and personally witness his music and innovative videos. I loved Michael. He defined my youth.



I still remember coming home for lunch from school and hearing Billie Jean on the radio. I actually went back to school late because I NEEDED to hear the whole song.



It’s great to see how Michael’s music touched everyone- regardless of race, age and gender. He was an entertainer. He lived for his fans. So for that, I say thank you.

RIP Michael,

Tha ish: I’m such a cougar!

Well, the title of this entry doesn’t really need that much explanation. I’ve simply been feeling a little cougarish lately! Please don’t think of me as one of those over-sexed middle-aged women who wear inappropriately young clothing, apply tons of makeup, and exclusively date younger guys. I’m older, but I’m not OLD and I’m definitely not tacky. I like to call myself grown & sexy. Okay, now that I got that out of the way, I should tell you what inspired this post.

For the past couple of weeks I’ve been noticing a plethora of young, strapping lads. (I’m thinking it’s because I’m single and haven’t been on a date since FOREVER.) These strapping young lads are over 20 years old and definitely under 25 years old. Hence my cougarish feelings.

I’ve actually dated a younger guy in the past, so cougar-dom ain’t that new to me, but I never thought that I would go down that road again.

Until this extremely tall, athletic looking specimen approached me a couple of days ago and said “How you doin’, miss?” in a cute hip hop way. True, he was probably being polite and in no way hitting on me, but I will say that the he got me thinking about visiting cougarville again. Maybe not on a long-term basis, but I’m definitely ready for a pit stop!