I had the most amazing morning ever! I felt just as good today as I did last week when I got a free facial courtesy of my employer. Today I was able to partake in yet another fun event. I got to take a dance class as a part of a staff appreciation. Woo hoo!
On this momentous day, I had the utmost pleasure of shaking my booty in a two hour dance class given by instructor extraordinaire, Laura Furtado. Let me tell y’all, it was the best dance class I’ve ever taken. I took a reggae fitness dance class a few years ago, but Laura’s high energy, bubbly attitude and great music selection made the session so much better.
We started off with some hip hop dance moves which I completely ate up (I was soooo channelling my inner Missy Elliot), and then we worked our way into Bhangra/Bollywood style of dance. I had soooo much fun doing moves that I’ve seen in music videos and on the millions of dance shows.
I signed up for this class because I really don’t exercise at all and I would really like to start. It’s kinda funny because this class didn’t feel like exercise at all. I guess because I was jumping around having too much fun. Mind you, as I type this entry, I feel pain in my waist, booty and thighs! It’s a good pain though. LOL.
One of the coolest things that we did during the 2 hour dance class was that Laura divided the class into two groups and had us battle each other. I felt like the dancers you see battling it out on those cheesydance movies. So, I of course, was getting cocky and excited knowing that I would soon show the class that I got the moves down pat. And, as luck would have it, I got a little toooo eager and half way through the routine I forgot the moves! Heheheh! I stumbled through the last part but I still had a good time.
I totally recommend taking Laura's sessions. I plan on taking more of her classes very soon. But before then, I plan on using some of the moves we learned in class up in da club! Holla!
I am a relatively low maintenance girl. Okay, I do take care of myself! I get my hair did regularly, and I think I put myself together nicely, but I just never got into really girly things like getting manicures, pedicures, massages and facials. I’m kinda shy and I don’t like people that I don’t know touching me. I know....I got issues!
Today, while on my J-O-B, I was invited to check out a new spa. Lucky, eh! So I called a friend from another department, and told her that I would book appointments for the both of us. I originally made an appointment for a manicure for me and a facial for her, but since I had to go back to work and I didn’t want to mess up my nails, at the last moment, I decided to go with the facial as well.
My friend went into the room first and I was led by my aesthetician 5 minutes later. I noticed that my friend was lying on the facial/massage bed, topless. Her breasts were covered, but I wondered if she was getting a massage instead.
So I jokingly asked my aesthetician, “Do I have to take my clothes off?” She said yes. She saw the look of terror on my face and asked if I was okay. I sheepishly said that I was okay and casually whipped off my top and necklace. I put on the robe and jumped on the facial/massage bed. Before she got started with the facial, she asked me to slide down my bra straps. Okay, does this not sound like the beginning of some soft-core porn? I am getting a facial, why must I be topless!!
I complied and moved down the straps. Then my facial started and I closed my eyes. She carefully took off my makeup and gently massaged my face. Damn, that felt good. Then I felt warm oils massaged into my face, neck and shoulders. Ohhh, damn again! I was slowly but surely becoming a “facial-girl”.
For about 45 minutes I lay motionless while she rubbed and worked my skin, massaged my temples and played with my ears. Ahhhh, I honestly never knew how good facials were. This is something that I plan on doing for a boyfriend.
When she finished and I put my top back on, I told her that I’d be back, and she said, I know! I love how she knows she’s tha ish!
p.s. ain’t the hot steamy towels completely soothing? Man, I am going back just for that! That feels GOOOOOOD!
I don’t watch that much prime-time television, however, I am hooked on late night talk shows. (sidebar: I think that Conan was royally screwed by NBC. True, he was nervous and jittery in the beginning, but he needed time to get comfortable with his new job. I hated Jimmy Fallon’s show in the beginning, but now I can’t miss it.)
Besides getting my daily late-night fix on, there’s a show that I am currently loving. I looove Monica’s reality show, Still Standing. Most celeb reality shows are pure crap (ahem, all reality shows!), but I like how Monica’s show walks the viewer through the creation of her album. We are privy to the behind-the-scenes view on the birth of an album and her struggle as an artist. In a few episodes we were able to see how Monica questioned how she would grow as an artist but still be true to herself.
I appreciate how her show is not an embarrassment like past reality television. If you saw Keyshia Cole’s show (The Way It Is), you know what I mean. The show had less to do with her music and spent way too much airtime on her dysfunctional family. (psst...I have no problems with having a dysfunctional family, but her family’s issues should not have aired on television. They need counselling. Especially Frankie!)
I like how we get to see a very sensitive and vulnerable Monica. Sometimes we forget that artists are people too, and they aren’t as in control and confident as we think. I think it’s refreshing to see her being real.
I just wanted to say that I love the show and looking forward to the album.
This review might be a little late, but I was compelled to speak about Chris Rock’s documentary, Good Hair. I finally saw it over the Christmas holidays and I had to provide my 2 cents.
First off, I liked it. I enjoyed it sooooo much that I actually watched it two times within a span of 24 hours. I identified with most of the content that I felt l like I could have been a participant in the film. Being a black female, I am a bit preoccupied with my hair. I.can’t.help. it. I am a black female!!! There is so much we as black women need to do to make our hair manageable (by manageable, I do not mean straight—I’m a happy nappy girl).
Though I found the movie immensely entertaining (listening to the black actresses talk about getting their hair wet was priceless—I was the same way when I had permed hair!), I did find some of the information a little insulting and misleading. After watching the movie, I found that it made us look as though we hate our (natural) hair and crave long straight hair. It also made it seem as though all black women are willing to torture ourselves with perm to achieve a specific image of beauty. That soooo ain’t the case with me.
Throughout the film, Chris Rock mentioned that we (black women) permed our hair, wore weaves and wigs to look “white”. I am personally offended by that statement. I don’t think that I’m trying to look white by the hairstyle I choose. I wear what I find appealing. (FYI, I wear my hair in twists with the aid of extensions. And I’m not shy about rocking a shoulder length ponytail either!). I like both long and short hairstyles and I don’t judge someone if their hair is natural, permed or whatever.
I had a talk with a friend who is in the black hair industry and he did not like the film at all. He felt that it was a little deceptive. The scene that really bothered him was when Chris and the scientist watched a pop can disintegrate in a vat of sodium hydroxide—one of the chemicals used in relaxers/perm. My friend said that perm is a mixture of carefully measured chemicals and that the scientist ONLY put the can in a tub of an isolated chemical to show the bad effects of that chemical which he kept calling "perm". He found that misleading, because perm does not consist of that one chemical. Although I won’t ever rock a perm, I thought my friend raised a valid point.
Overall, I liked the film. I just didn’t appreciate how the film made black women look insecure, frivolous, and willing to sell their soul for some “good hair.”
p.s. wasn’t it funny to hear Ice-T speak about perm? He reminded me of ME when I used to perm my hair.
Man, I love it when you hear a song and it triggers a fun memory.
Last night I downloaded Forever from Drake..... just because. I wanted some new music and I randomly chose that song. Okay, it wasn’t totally by chance; I actually like the song, but I wasn’t planning on buying the single. But once I found a clean version (I can’t handle listening to all that profanity), I bought it.
As I was getting ready for work this morning, I heard Forever blasting from my ipod speakers. It immediately reminded me of New Years Eve. I went to a hotel party with one of my fave cousins and I seriously got my party on. I killed the dance floor (or so I think) and I distinctly remember dancing to Drake’s song (well, I sorta remember. I unfortunately indulged in a little too much a-a-a-alcohol!). A huuuge smile formed on my face as I heard the song. It made me remember the great time that I had partying with my cousin. I only get to see my cousin once a year, so I was trying to savour each moment with her. Thanks for the fun night out, S.B!! I miss you!! : (
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.
IslandLove
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 20th, 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!
