I’m not tryin’ to hate…

…but the BET Award show last night was boooring! I waited for nearly a month to catch a glimpse of great performances, surprise guests and anything spectacular (it was on last year’s award show that the Fugees reunited—I watched that performance a good ten times!), but I felt let down with this year's show.

Damon Wayans was the host for the evening, which may not have been the best choice (hello, why didn’t someone get my boy Cedric?!). I love all 50 members of the Wayans clan (Marlon is my fave), but Damon’s comedy routines are hit or miss, and on last night’s award show he seriously missed! He appeared bored, nervous and looked as though he would run off the stage in a matter of seconds.

The technical difficulties were also a little off-putting. T.I.’s performance was barely audible, and Puffy’s mic took a few minutes to work.

But all in all, the night wasn’t a total bust. The highlight of the night for me was watching Chaka Khan perform with Stevie Wonder, India. Arie, Yolanda Adams and Prince. It was cool to see her strut her stuff, and show the young divas-in-training what a real singer can do.

Just in case you missed the show, click here for details. (psst...y’know that BET will rerun it like crazy, right?! So I’m sure that you will catch it at some point)

http://www.bet.com/Site+Management/Packages/BArecap.htm?wbc_purpose=Basic&WBCMODE=PresentationUnpublished

peace & love,

michelle

Listen to your elders…

We’ve been taught at a very young age to listen to our elders because they know better. And like most children, our usual response to that statement was a very defiant eye roll.

As I have grown and somewhat matured, I’ve come to value the opinions and words of wisdom of my elders. Even though I want to stick to my guns and make my own mistakes, their wisdom and life experience brings much needed insight.

This morning I ran into an older gentleman in the neighbourhood, and like usual, I was complaining about the normal things people complain about—my job, taking the ttc, not having a car…

He listened to me rant and rave about foolishnesses and then he schooled me. He said, “Nothing happens before its time” and then went on to tell me about few things that happened in his life. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this saying in my life, but for some reason this time it calmed me down. He went on to say that I shouldn’t stress myself over small things, and that I need to be patient.

I was extremely grateful that he got me out of my funk and put me in a good mood. I was happy that I was able to talk to him for a few minutes and feel relaxed before I went to work.

As I saw my bus approach the bus stop, I said goodbye to him. As I hopped onto the bus, he said goodbye, and in a fatherly tone, he scolded me for being late for the bus. I laughed and waved goodbye.

Thanks for the chat this morning!

peace & love,

michelle

All we want to do is go home...

After a much needed girls’ night out last Friday, my sister and a friend of mine decided that it was time to head home. We were eating and talking for hours, and we decided that it was time to leave the restaraunt. Unfortunately we were way too exhausted to travel home by TTC, so we agreed to grab a cab.

We piled into a nearby cab and we were off. A few minutes into our journey, the taxi driver asked us, “Are you allergic to smoke?” We thought that his question was a little peculiar, but we told him that we do not smoke and we did not want to smell like smoke either.

After that situation, the cab driver went back to his call (he was on his cell phone) and we sat in the backseat in silence. I was happy because I had a long day, and I just wanted to go home and relax. I was practically picturing myself getting into my pajamas and diving into my big, cozy bed.

About 10 minutes away from home, our cab pulled up at a red light, right behind another vehicle. The light turned green and the cab driver proceeded to drive. The driver in front of him hadn’t moved as of yet, and in a matter seconds, all we heard was a loud crash. Both my sister and my friend’s head flung forward.

I was happy that we weren’t seriously injured, but I was furious at the carelessness of our driver.

The police arrived on the scene within minutes of the crash. They spoke to both drivers—the cab driver and the driver of the car that was hit. They asked us if we were okay and that was it. They didn’t take our names or ask for details on the accident.

To make matters even worse, after the cab driver spoke to the police officers, he had the audacity to ask us to pay the fare! After I argued with him for a good 5 minutes, we stupidly paid. (we were surrounded by a few police officers and all) When you think about it, we actually paid to be in an accident!?! Go figure.

After we gave him the money, the officers said that we were free to leave. I asked him if he needed some information about the accident and he said no. I left the scene very angry. Not only were we left to wait in the chilly evening air for what seemed like eternity, but we weren’t given any information.

My sister recently called the police station to follow up with the accident and was told that this accident was never reported.

To all of you that take cabs, keep your eyes on the driver!

peace & love

michelle