Coffee, cornbread and conversation

That’s crap-tastic….

2008-03-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

I’m such a contradiction at times. I say that I hate something, but deep down… I really love it!

Cast in point, I have a love/hate relationship with the Salt–N-Pepa “reality” (I use that term loosely) show. It’s not the worst celebrity reality show (well it’s not as bad as Flavor of Love and its various spin offs), but the show is a bit contrived. Honestly, sometimes it looks as though they are actually reading lines off a teleprompter!

If you haven’t seen the show, I’ll give you a quick recap—the show is about how old school rappers Salt-N-Pepa have agreed to make amends and work at becoming close friends again (psst..they weren’t the closest of friends after Salt decided to break up the group about 7 years ago and didn’t tell Pepa why). Each episode not so cleverly displays situations to get them as tight as they were back in the day.

Cheryl “Salt” James is the good, church going ex-rapper, who promotes family values, and Sandy “Pepa” Denton is the single ex-rapper who’s still trying to relive her old rapping glory days.

Each episode begins with an event that they have to do together. Throughout the show Salt will complain that Pepa is too wild and Pepa will complain that Salt is too boring.

Honestly, the plot is not complicated, but for some sick reason I enjoy watching the show. It could be that I used to listen to their music when I was younger and it’s cool to see them all grown up and going on with their lives…. actually, that ain’t it. I really have no good reason for liking this show. I just do.

The second object of my odd love/hate relationship is with is Snoop’s new song, Sensual Seduction.

The very first time that I saw the video, I thought that it was a joke…a parody or something strictly for the youtube audiences. C’mon, have you seen the video? Snoop’s crooning while he’s wearing 70s pimp-esque clothing. That was the funniest thing that I’ve seen in a long time!

Then I started hearing the song on the radio and I realized that it wasn’t a joke, it is in fact a real song.

As tacky as the video is and the outrageousness of the lyrics,

I’m gonna take my time!
She gon' get hers before I...
I’m gonna take it slow..ow..oo..ow,
I’m not gonna rush to stroll, so she can get a...
Sensual seduction-duction so she can get a..
Sensual seduction-duction ooh whoa!
So she can get a sensual seduction-duction duction
Sensual seduction-duction ooh whoa!

I have come to like this song. It’s catchy, it’s foolish and I love it! This song is all about Snoop pleasuring his lady. Not a lot of substance there, but I can’t help but sing along to this song…. Yes, I know it ain’t right! Don’t judge me! Until my next entry….

peace and love,

michelle

Forwards are not real emails!

2008-02-24T23:36:00.000-08:00

I bumped into an old friend on the bus the other day and she looked a little upset with me. I asked her what was up and she said that I never respond to her e-mails. I kinda knew that she would be a little upset considering that she sent me at least 10 for the year that I haven’t responded to. But she only sends me forwards!!! I told her that I tend not to respond to forwards since they aren’t “real” e-mails.

I went on to tell her that I wanted to know what was going on in her life. I did not care to get funny cartoons that she e-mailed me and the rest of people on her looong contact list.

I know that I sound a little insensitive, especially since I’ve known the girl since elementary school, but I hate forwards. I only seem to get corny jokes, chain letters or inspirational e-mails from my friend and I was hoping to get updates on her life.

After my tirade on why I hate forwards, I decided to send and e-mail to my friend, and I hope and pray that she responds without a forward.

Until my next entry….

peace and love,

michelle

Happy Black History Month!

2008-02-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

In honour of Black History Month, I thought that I would briefly speak about an issue that has been getting a lot of attention—Black focused schools.

Although I don’t have children, I am very much concerned about the ridiculously high dropout rate among black children. Forty per cent of black students drop out of high school!? I find that number unfathomable.

Like most kids, I hated school when I was younger. I didn’t like elementary school and I was counting down the seconds until I got out of high school. But even though I hated every second of school, I knew that I had to at least finish high school in order to have a chance at a future, as I didn’t want to work retail for the rest of my life. It also helped that my mother was and is a positive role model and stressed the importance of school. I eventually finished high school and graduated from university.

That being said, there are many factors concerning the dropout rate among black students. I know that having black focused schools will not solve the problem of the astronomically high dropout rate, but I see it as a part of the solution—a step in the right direction. Getting young people excited about school and education will only help them in the long run. Especially if they learning material that speaks about their people and culture.

I don’t think that have a black focused school is a form of segregation, because it’s up to the individual to choose which school they want to go to. They have the choice to go to a black focused school or to a multi-racial school.

I have heard and read many opinions on this topic, but I would find it more valuable to find out what are youths really want out of their education.

Until my next entry…

peace & love,

michelle

Happy New Year!

2008-01-24T21:44:00.000-08:00

Okay, I’m a little late, but I still had to say Happy New Year as this is my first official entry for ’08.

I love the beginning of the year. It’s during this time that we have a chance to start new things, set new goals for ourself, or rid ourselves of the things (…sometimes people) that are not beneficial to our spirit.

Last year I created a list of the things that I wanted to achieve. By doing that I was able to keep motivated and strive to achieve my goals. Crossing off the goals that I achieved made me motivated to accomplish more of my goals. I’ve created one for 2008, and I am happy to say that I have happily scratched off a couple things off my list. Woo hoo!

Hope that your year is starting off well.

Until my next entry…

peace and love

michelle

A few shopping suggestions…

2007-12-21T15:14:00.000-08:00

I’m not one to post product reviews on my blog. I usually reserve that for my website www.happygrrls.com (shameless promotion!), but I am more than willing to speak about a few products that I LOVE!!!!

Well, the first thing that I am obsessing over is the Olive Oil body butter by The Body Shop. Man, this is soooooooooo good! I bought a gift pack containing 3 mini body butters and I ended up keeping this one. I had no idea that I would love it sooo much. It has a fresh clean scent and it feels like heaven on my skin. I have extra dry skin, and this body butter hydrates my skin like crazy. This is my fave new product.

The next thing that I am loving is a hot new lip gloss from Cargo Cosmetics. I recently tried their South Beach Lip Gloss Quad and I swear that they had me in mine when they created it.

The colours are great. They range from a flirty pale pink to a glossy bronze. They all work great on my skin tone. Just like the pic of the Olive Oil body butter, my lip gloss is practically gone. I will definitely hit the mall to stock up on this.

Last but not least, since I am such a huge Cargo Cosmetics fan, I wanted to let you know that they have the cutest greeting cards with a gift built in. Each card contains a sample of lip gloss. Ain’t that cute? You know I was all over that!

So these were just a few suggestions of things to buy that special person on your list.

Until my next entry…

peace & love

michelle

Goodbye, Papa Joe…

2007-12-08T15:32:00.000-08:00

Please forgive me if this post isn’t the most eloquent. I just came back from a funeral and I’m feeling a little out of sorts. My best friend’s grandfather died this past week, and he was laid to rest this afternoon.

Believe it or not, this was my first funeral. I’ve never gone to one before. And because of that, I was nervous about going. I wasn’t too sure how I was going to react to the whole thing.

As soon as I entered the cemetery and heard the somber music, I completely lost it. It was also seeing my friend—who is normally a rock (she’s ridiculously strong), breakdown, made the tears stream down my cheek. I felt her pain. I couldn’t stop crying. I’m sure that everyone at the funeral was wondering why I was taking it extra hard, especially since he wasn’t even my grandfather, but I knew how close my friend was with her grandfather, and losing him would really affect her. I felt so guilty for not being strong for my friend. I went to console her and sadly, she was actually making me feel better. I’m sooo not the person to have in a tragic situation.

After the tears, we fixed ourselves and were able to joke around as usual. I’m sooo happy that I conquered my fear of funerals and went and was able to see my friend through her loss.

Until my next entry…

peace & love,

michelle

Untitled...

2007-11-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

It’s been a loooong time since I posted an entry, eh? Soooorrry! Due to my busy schedule (lie!), I haven’t had the chance to update my blog.

Many things have happened since I last wrote an entry. I won’t bore you with all the details, but I will say that one of the most important things that happened was that I re-entered the workforce after my joyful self imposed exodus. Yes, I know that I declared that I would never work for the man again, but I realized that I need to supplement my freelance cash with some secure cash. And the only way to do that was to get a 9-5.

I obtained a job in mid August (exactly a week and a half after I got back from ATL) and I must admit that I actually like it. I help job seekers with career planning and aid them in finding employment (ironic, eh?!). It’s a contract position so I will be back to being the carefree freelance writer soon enough.

But like usual, I promise you that I will update my blog on a regular basis. Let me know when I’m getting too lazy!

Until my next entry…

peace and love

michelle

I miss you guys!

2007-07-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a 6 day stay in Atlanta, Georgia. I went for the Christening of my newest little cousin, Nicholas (BTW, he is the cutest baby ever!). The Christening turned into a mini family reunion as I stayed with cousins that I haven’t seen in over seven years! Most of my cousins live in Trinidad, with the exception of two cousins that now reside in ATL, and I haven’t seen them since my last visit to Trinidad in 2000. I didn’t realize that so much time went by. The last time that I saw them they were little kids. Now they are full grown men who are strangely very mature. It felt good talking to them face to face instead of typing out words and smiley faces on Messenger and hotmail.

We filled each other in on what’s going in our lives, we reminisced about my last trip to Trinidad and we spoke about our plans for the future. I loved every minute catching up with my cousins. We didn’t spend that much time doing touristy things, but I got a little taste of what life is like in Atlanta. I’m soo going back.

When my six days were up, I had to say goodbye to my crazy cousins (I think I laughed for 6 days straight—my family is hilarious!). I didn’t breakdown like I usually do. Yes, I really hate saying goodbye. I did choke up a bit when we reached the airport and I had to leave. I guess not having family in Toronto finally got to me and it was hard to leave the warmth I felt from my family. As I stepped into the airport, I promised them that I will visit them on a regular basis.

Things that make me smile when I think about the trip:

Watching Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle with Devon, and subsequently eating White Castle burgers at 1AM 2 days later
Taking a picture with those crazy southern boyz in the food court
Watching my aunt completely spoil her first grandson
Getting lost in ATL and driving all over the city
Being around my cousins (I’ll be looking for you in December, Dominic!)

Until my next entry,

peace & love

michelle

What Not To Wear….

2007-07-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

I practically had to drag myself out of my house to go shopping a couple of days ago. Yes, I am that sole female that actually hates to go shopping. I have more fun shopping at Staples than I do any mall!

However, I really needed to go shopping because my lack of summer clothes was finally getting to me. Also, I look pretty weird wearing a cardigan and dress pants in 35C temperature. I thought that instead of complaining about the fact that I have no clothes, I should at least go shopping.

The one thing that I really wanted to buy was a nice pair of jeans. The kind that I could wear with platforms or funky wedges. I went to a store that is known for their denim and enlisted the help of a very knowledgeable, yet chatty salesperson. I told her what I was looking for and she located a couple for me to try on. As I walked to the change room she said, “I want to see them, so please show them to me!” Okay, you know I didn’t want to do that! Going through the hassle of trying on jeans….and then having an audience? I wasn’t down with that….but I did show them to her once I put them on. The first one showed off all my curves (which I am proud of), but I found them way too tight. She said that they were a better fit than the ones that I was wearing. Okay, true my jeans were quite baggy….they are comfy!

I tried on the next pair which did fit better, but were still tighter than anything that I wear. The chatty salesperson—along with everyone in the change room said she liked it and that it hugged me in all the right places. She said that I wore my jeans too big and I needed to celebrate my curves. I honestly felt like I was one of those fashion-challenged women on that makeover show, What Not To Wear.

I pranced around in the jeans for a few more minutes. I checked out the booty view and realized that they were the ones for me.

I’m happy to say that I bought them and I can’t wait to rock them.

Until my next entry.

peace & love

michelle

The life of a freelance writer...

2007-05-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

As you might already know, I’m no longer a 9-5er. I left my j-o-b in the end of November and I have since started (finally!) actively pursuing my writing career. Over the past few months I’ve been pitching stories, writing articles, and completing a marketing course (BTW, it was the BEST course that I’ve ever taken! Yes, I unintentionally became the teacher’s pet!).

At times I miss the order in my life that working a normal job used to provide. You get up, eat breakfast and go to work. The life of a freelance writer is a lot different (to say the least). I don’t have a set schedule, so one day I might start my day at 9AM, and the next I might start working at midnight. I will say that that is the best part of working for yourself.

Since I am self employed, I sometimes get a little stir crazy and actually crave the hustle and bustle of work life (I also miss chatting with my crazy, yet entertaining ex co-workers). I’ve been working for so long, that when you stop you’re a little confused. But then I actually think back to when I was working and how stressed, agitated and unhappy I used to be. I realize now that setting my own hours, working when I want and knowing that I am ultimately my own boss, is worth not being a 9-5er anymore. So I guess being a freelance writer isn’t so bad after all. Until my next entry…

peace and love

michelle

pssst… When I’m not writing or being “productive”, I have become slightly obsessed with College Hill (BET’s version of MTV’s The Real World). I love the drama, the foolishness and all those fights. Yes, I’m not proud, but damn it’s good!

Sorry, I don’t accept your apology...

2007-04-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

By now we’ve all heard about the insane and idiotic comments to come out of Don Imus’ mouth. I took my time in blogging about it as I was wanted to see what the outcome would be. I, for one, do not accept his apology. Calling the women from the Rutger’s University basketball team (or anyone else) “nappy-headed hos” is NOT a mistake. It’s called racist and it’s completely unacceptable.

Even though Don Imus is a shock-jock and outrageous behaviour comes along with the territory, his comments were not entertaining—they were just insulting. Why he thought that it was okay to say such ignorance on air (or anywhere) is beyond me.

I know that some say that if we (black people) speak to each other in that manner, why can’t anyone else do the same? Personally, if anyone called me a nappy-headed ho (black or white) they were getting a serious beatdown!

I know that the ambiguity of the overuse of the n-word and any other offensive word among black people does have something to do with this situation. It does not make it any better, though. I don’t believe in using degrading language towards anyone, and don’t think that it should be encouraged in any medium. Until my next post…

peace & love

michelle

your girl is back….!

2007-03-15T15:33:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all of you who’ve left sweet and thoughtful comments on my blog. I really appreciate all of them!

Okay y’all, it’s been a while, huh? Well, I’ve been kinda busy. I’ve been concentrating my efforts on getting my freelance writing and editing career off the ground, and I am also taking a marketing class that I completely love.

I’m totally embracing my inner geek and living and breathing my marketing class. I would have never thought that I would enjoy being in school again (pssst…I was the anti-student during high school and university. I hated doing homework and I never did the readings). But for some reason I enjoy going to class every Thursday night. I’m the first one in class with my notebook wide open ready to make lots and lots of notes. Yes, I’m a genuine geek! But knowledge really is power because taking this course has given me a better perspective on what I want to do, and how I can pursue it.

Until my next entry…

peace & love

michelle

Happy New Year, y'all...

2007-01-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

Positive energy is a beautiful thing. It motivates you, it keeps you going, and it can definitely put you on the right path to success. Yes, I know I sound like an infomercial, but like I said in my last post, I really need to make some changes so that I can achieve everything that I set out to do. I’m not going to lie. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to be positive and to ease out of your comfort zone.

2007 is all about being happy and doing what makes me happy. Being positive and having faith in myself is just the start.

I hope that 2007 is a great year for you too!

p.s. Thanks Richie and Dave for telling me about the book! I love it!

peace & love

michelle

The countdown begins...

2006-12-31T20:20:00.000-08:00

As 2006 comes to a close, I thought that it would be fitting to take a moment to write a li'l somethin' somethin' on my blog.

I’ll be honest, 2006 was NOT one of my best years. Let’s just say that I was plagued with job and relationship problems for most of the year. But after some much needed soul searching and reflection, I’ve made some changes, and I plan to make 2007 a happy and prosperous year.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy & safe New Year. See ya in '07!

peace & love,

michelle

I'm out, baby!

2006-11-19T15:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, I finally left my job. My last day at work was November 16^th, and for the past few days I’ve been enjoying my return to my old self. I did love working at the ESL school (I really miss my students!!!), but damn, I’ve been there for over 2 years and I was slowly losing sight of what I really wanted to do with my life.

Now that I have the freedom to do whatever I want, I plan to concentrate all my time on my first love—writing. I will also continue to freelance edit and proofread.

My decision to leave my job was tough. I had to think long and hard about leaving a steady pay cheque and entering the unknown world of the self-employed. I know that I made the right decision. It’s funny, that when I made the decision to leave, a co-worker of mine looked at me and said that I looked so happy….like I won the lottery. I guess I kinda did!

Anyways, wish me luck on my new journey!

peace & love

michelle

Stuff on my mind...

2006-10-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

Instead of writing an entire entry about one thing in particular, I thought that I would provide you with a couple of things that have been preoccupying my thoughts over the whole week. Here’s my top 7 list of things that have been on my mind. Sorry, I couldn’t do a top 10.

I’m really feelin’ that new Jay Z song. The beat is nice and the hook is sick!
That Chicken Noodle Soup song is way too ignorant for me to comment on.
I don’t know what, but something about Madonna adopting that little boy from Malawi is wrong.
I’ll be poppin’ champagne on Nov. 16th.
Good friends are sometimes all you need.
Skinny jeans are my nemesis. Read: I have thick hips and a ghetto booty!
Catching up with CC was fun! High school seems like a lifetime ago, but CC made me feel like I was back in high school wearing that itchy kilt.

peace & love

michelle

You’re the last single girl on the planet!

2006-10-08T15:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, obviously that is not true, but I can’t help but feel that way sometimes. All of my friends are either married, getting married, or are one step closer to marriage. And then there’s me…..the last single girl on the planet.

I recently ended a very emotionally challenging relationship and I have no reason to even want to get into another relationship any time soon, but as much as I know that I do need time to heal, I still feel the sting of loneliness. I miss those special phone calls, those intimate dinners, and of course, those late night make out sessions.

As much as I miss my ex-man, I know deep down I need to work on myself and make myself happy before I can think of entering another relationship. It’s just that sometimes it’s easier said than done.

peace & love

michelle

What’s up with my FLOW?

2006-08-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

I hope that I am dreaming. Is it really true that FLOW 93.5fm is switching to a Top 40 format? I hope that it’s a big fat lie.

I recently received a forward from a friend appealing to anyone who wants FLOW to maintain its urban format to boycott the new FLOW. My first response was, “What the…? Why would they change their format? We do not need another Top 40 radio station.” I for one cannot stomach formulaic pop songs.

What caught my attention in the e-mail is that it said that Mark and Jemeni were allegedly let go. Let me just say that I was shocked to read that, but I had been wondering why I didn’t hear their voices on their show—the Morning Rush all last week.

I am completely stunned that FLOW plans to change its format and I am infuriated that my fave on-air personalities are apparently gone. They are the reason why I tune into the station every morning. Listening to their show is the highlight of my morning. The show is entertaining, funny and makes my almost endless voyage to work seem enjoyable.

But I will say that some questionable songs were sneaking their way onto the FLOW airwaves. What’s with that weird Justin Timberlake song and London Bridge from Fergie? I am forced to change the station whenever I hear London Bridge. That is the most annoying song that I’ve ever heard. I would rather listen to Laffy Taffy on a continuous loop, than hear that damn song again (Read: Laffy Taffy is a really bad song. If you haven’t heard it before—consider yourself lucky!)!

Perhaps FLOW should work on their playlist rather than change their format and thus alienate their original target audience. An urban radio station is needed in Toronto. I love listening to R&B, hip hop, reggae, soca/calypso and I am sure that there are a lot of people out there that like it as well.

My advice to the Program Director would be to go to the States and listen to their urban radio stations. They are good and they really cater to their audience.

I hope that the change does not take place, but just in case it does, I too, will be an ex-FLOW listener.

peace & love,

michelle

Been a long time…

2006-08-19T23:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is really me. I’m actually back online from my self-imposed hiatus. Sorry that I’ve been M.I.A for well over a month, it’s just that July was definitely a very trying month for me.

Sad to say, but it was relationship woes that got me down. I developed a crush on a very good friend of mine, and he developed feelings for me as well. The tragic part is that he wasn’t exactly single. Knowing that, I tried to keep my feelings to myself. But when it got the better of me (us), I had to tell him how I felt.

Unfortunately life ain’t like the movies, which means that he didn’t leave his girl and run to me. He thought about his commitments and decided to work things out with his girl, even though he had feelings for me as well. Yes, I’m a little bitter about that. Don’t worry, with time I will feel better about his decision.

So for the entire month I’ve been dealing with a really bad case of heartache. I’ve written a million melancholic poems and sad love songs. But now I am ready to get my blog on. So don’t forget to check for your girl!

On a lighter note, I want to congratulate my friend Chris who had a baby girl last month. Yes, your boys can swim!

Until my next entry…

peace & love,

michelle

I’m not tryin’ to hate…

2006-06-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

…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…

2006-06-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-06-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

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

I miss my computer!!!

2006-05-15T14:45:00.000-07:00

It’s been well over a month now that I haven’t been able to use my computer. I, like my fellow happygrrl Christine, have been having computer issues (Christine’s has since been solved; however, I continue to pine for my beloved desktop).

It was only 2 months ago that I became part of the modern age and tossed my dial up connection to the curb and became exposed to DSL. I loved it! I could log on when I wanted. I wouldn’t be kicked off the net if someone needed to use the phone. Life was good.

It was also during this time that I became obsessed with downloading music. (hey, I’m not the only one! Everyone does it!) Every night before I went to bed, I would download a new song to add to my mp3 player. And then…..on a particularly ominous night, I downloaded some new music and all hell broke loose. My computer froze and I didn’t know what to do. I immediately came off the net and shut down my computer.

The very next time that I tried to log on to the net, nothing happened. I clicked on the icon that would normally allow me entry into the online world, but nothing happened. Seriously! I stared at my screen for 10 minutes willing it to work, but the cold, blank screen kept looking back at me.

It actually took some time for me to accept that my computer wasn’t working. I was able to use other programs like MS Word and Windows Media Player, but logging onto the net was not going to happen.

So for the past month I’ve stayed late at work so that I could check my e-mail and attempt to update my blog. I’ve even contemplated asking my neighbours if I could use their computer for a few hours. Don’t worry, I didn’t do that. I wanted to though. Who knew that I would be so dependent on my computer.

After speaking to a few computer people, I’ve realized that it is time for me to look for a new computer. My old computer has been through hell and back and it needs to be put of its misery. I bought it in 2000, and it’s considered and antique by some. Purchasing a better, more current computer was something that I didn’t want to do, but I guess it’s time to get with the times.

peace & love

michelle

I really need to buy a car...

2006-04-20T17:07:00.000-07:00

A recent bus ride home was not as pleasant as I would have liked it to be. I was feeling feverish from my cold, and I was nursing a very painful broken heart. Honestly, I just learned that the guy that I’ve been crushing on for as long as I could remember, is not ready to be in a relationship (he did tell me this in the beginning, but I conveniently dismissed it when I thought that we were getting closer—Yes, I know. I’m stupid!!!!). To make my bus ride even worse, a very chatty stranger planted himself right beside me.

Let me just say that I was not in the mood to be social or friendly. Not only was I congested and trembling from chills due to my hellish cold, but finding out that the months of flirting with my crush were in vain, had left me a very angry woman.

When brothaman sat down next to me, I just KNEW that he wanted to talk. He was giving me the “lets get to know each other better” stare. I immediately swung my head and gazed out the window so that he would not hypnotize me with his evil stare.

Once the bus emptied a bit, brothaman was ready for action. He introduced himself to me, and even though I was in the foulest mood imaginable, I said hello, making sure not to look him in the eye. I really didn’t want to talk! He told me his name was Rohan. He looked kind of familiar to me, but I dare not let him know that I thought that I met him before. Who knew how long that conversation would last!

I gave him my real name and I informed him that I wasn’t in the mood to chat because I was having a “REALLY BAD DAY.” He took one look at me and he deduced that it had to do with a man. I didn’t say anything—I just continued to look out the window and pray that he would stop talking.

But Rohan kept talking and insisted that I take down his phone number so that I could call him and discuss my “problems.” I told him thanks, but my girlfriends were the only people that I wanted to discuss my problems with. Yet again, I turned my attention to the window.

You’d think that brothaman would get the picture, but no! He told me that I needed to have fun this weekend and to not let my “man” stress me. He told me that if he was causing me that much stress, I didn’t need him.

Getting tired of listening to him trying to woo me and talking smack about my crush, I had to let him know that it was a bad time and that I was not in the mood to talk to anyone at the moment. Much to my surprise he seemed okay with it and he backed off. Thankfully my stop was next and I pranced off the bus.

All I could think about as I exited the bus was that I really need to save some cash and buy a car!

peace & love

michelle