Hell NAW, I don’t wanna JUST be your friend! I’ve found myself saying this more and more frequently. A friend of mine used to say this all the time about girls that put him in the “friend zone”, and I’d laugh. Now that I’m older, I realize he had the RIGHT IDEA. In theory, a man and woman meet, form a friendship or other bond, begin to date (court), marry, and live on. Well for me, I have an issue with the friendship part of that story. Yes, I have male friends, and I love and appreciate them dearly. But unless/until I’m married or boo’d up, there will be no more making of male friends for me. Especially if I’m attracted to you, and you are attracted to me. What’s the point exactly? Why are we in this “friendship” knowing that at any given moment, we will want to take it to the next level. Why not start at the next level? I think it’s a BAD IDEA to be friends with someone that you find attractive…because one day, when you least expect it, those feelings will come to the surface, and you might find yourself in a “My Best Friend’s Wedding” type situation…and you are NOT Cameron Diaz…you, my friend, are Julia Roberts.
On one of my recent excursions, my girl invited a guy she knew to come catch up…see her, and hang out. Well, I guess he figured he shouldn’t come alone, so he bought a friend. And friend was handsome! LOL. Just as southern and charming as he wanted to be. So I’m looking at him like, yeah, ok, I SEE YOU. LOL….so yeah, I was a wee bit impressed. During our initial conversation, we talked about the “Friendship”, and I point blank told him, “uh, I have no interest in being your friend!”. He was completely floored by that statement. Well, he proceeded to tell me about this “friend” of his that cooks and cleans at his house, prepares for company, etc. All the things a GIRLFRIEND OR WIFE does, yet she’s just a “friend”. CHILE PLEASE! I let him know quickly, boo, she may be your friend, but that’s not the title she’s after…she’s after YOU. He DID NOT believe me at ALL. So we set out to prove it. Yes, yes, a bit childish, but don’t you dare judge me! LOL. My girl and I met up with that same set of guys later on, and they brought the infamous “friend”, and let me tell you how miss hunny’s face was all the way TURNT UP when she saw us. Initially she was very warm and welcoming, almost like the lady of the house! But as the night went on, sistah girl CHANGED. It went from offering us sweet tea and food, to lookin us up and down, rolling of the eyes…and what not. All of this from a FRIEND….yeah RIGHT. After pointing all of this out, they STILL didn’t concede, but clearly my theory was RIGHT.
At 29, I’m looking to be found, not to be put in the friend zone. I have plenty of friends…great friends…guy friends…all types of friends. What I want is companionship….a marriage..a family. That doesn’t usually happen being just a “friend”. I don’t want to be JUST the chick to watch the game with, I want to be the one you go home to after the game ALSO. Mr. Southern & Charming let me know that a “friendship” is a must, before anything else, similar to what he had/has with Miss Face Turnt Up….and I’ve played that role, and crapped out. I can’t be the hopeful lady in waiting anymore. Hoping and praying that THIS time he will notice that I’m doing far more than I should, and it will hit him that I’m the one. In most cases, they knew from the beginning what your plans were, and played you like a good hand of spades. LOL. So yeah, I’m done with the friendship zone…friendship without the specific purpose of courting is #NoBueno. In the words of one of my favorite rappers, T.I., I’m STRAIGHT!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Because It's Carn-i-val Tiiiiimmmeee...Everybody's havin FUN!
BECAUSE IT’S CARNIVAL TIME….EVERY-BODY’S HAVIN’ FUN!!!
Greetings ya’ll from my hometown of New Orleans, LA. Coincidentally, I’m here during one of the MOST festive times for the city….Mardi Gras. (pronounced Mah-dee Gras by the natives..LOL). This is NOT just another party or another festival for my city, this is a way of life. This is a time when we are most festive, most care-free, and probably the drunkest you will ever be in your life! LOL. Contrary to popular opinion, Mardi Gras is a SEASON, not just one day of fun. Depending on when Easter is (that determines Mardi Gras. Count 41 days from Good Friday, and you can calculate Mardi Gras…more on that later). If Easter is “early”, meaning March, then Mardi Gras will be early, and the season will start early, probably the end of January. There are several parades that roll each season, and each Krewe (yes, I spelled that correctly) has their own way, shape, and form about them. These Krewe’s are usually social and pleasure clubs, or organizations that work year ‘round on their floats, decorations, and outfits for the season.
Mardi Gras is not just for the party-goes alike, there are also very classy balls, crownings, and corornations that go on during the season. The more well-known Krewe’s (Bachus, Zulu, Rex, Endymion) have balls each season where they name their royal court. The Zulu Social and Pleasure Club (founded in 1909) is the oldest, African-American Krewe in the city. From politicians to blue-collar workers, the Krewe of Zulu knows how to bring love and joy into the city. Every year, on the Friday before Mardi Gras, Zulu hosts their famous Zulu Ball. The ball is a celebration of all the hard work done in the year leading up to Mardi Gras, as well as to introduce King & Queen Zulu. Traditionally, the king is a seasoned member of the club, and his daughter or granddaughter will be named Queen. There are also Princesses for the royal court Now this is NOT your ordinary ball with nasty food and boring entertainment. Each year, the excitement about the Zulu Ball is who will be the main performer. This year, Frankie Beverly & Maze will grace the stage! (*Insert faint for me…..LOVE THEM*). In years passed, Keith Sweat, Mystikal, and others have graced the stage. The party starts at 6pm, and ends at 3am…yes, you read that correctly. And please don’t think this ball is not free of dress code. It would be in your best interest to adhere to the strict dress code of tuxedos and floor-length ball gowns, lest you be turned away!!!! By far, the most grand ceremony for Rex and Zulu is the recognition by the city. Every Lundi Gras (Fat Monday), the mayor of New Orleans will Toast to Rex & his Queen, as well as King & Queen Zulu. This tradition is the official kick-off to Mardi Gras…it’s the Mayor’s way of saying, “Let the party BEGIN”.
I can’t say enough about how the culture of my city is fixated and formulated by Mardi Gras. The French brought us this great celebration, as they did with other parts of their culture, and we’ve been going ever since. Traditionally, New Orleans has a very high Catholic population. During Lenten season, a period of sacrifice is observed. You are encouraged to do without something you would normally incorporate in your life as a sacrifice to become closer to God. While many people did and still do participate in “Lent”, there were those that wanted “one last party” before giving everything up, thus Mardi Gras is born! LOL. Ash Wednesday follows Mardi Gras so that you may repent for your sins, and start anew. The literally translation of Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, meaning over-indulgence, and let me tell you, they do NOT skip out on the “over” or the “indulgence”. If you’ve never experienced a Mardi Gras in New Orleans, then I HIGHLY recommend you visit and observe. Go to the parades, catch beads and what-nots, shout “Throw me sumn Mista!” (just as I typed it…they won’t understand you if your all proper! LOL). Hang out with the Mardi Gras Indians (as seen on “Treme”) and appreciate their hand-sewn costumes…tell the King “Oooh King, you so pretty” to get a good photo with him! Ask somebody about Mardi Gras under the bridge, and they will show you where the real parties are! On Mardi Gras day, you and your family have to get a “spot” along a parade route, to see Rex and Zulu run, and to get on the grill, or break-out the pre-ordered Popeyes fried chicken (yes, they take pre-orders for Mardi Gras), or the boiled crawfish….and lest we mention the spirits! But beware….there is NO PLACE TO PEE ON MARDI GRAS DAY! LOL. The businesses that are open DO NOT allow you to just potty….you must be a patron….which causes for lots of “accidently on purpose peeing on the street”, but hey, it’s Mardi Gras day…..let the good times roll!
For your listening and viewing pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nCJIlOOg9Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wNSHPQj0W8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axNmY5nnmjA
Greetings ya’ll from my hometown of New Orleans, LA. Coincidentally, I’m here during one of the MOST festive times for the city….Mardi Gras. (pronounced Mah-dee Gras by the natives..LOL). This is NOT just another party or another festival for my city, this is a way of life. This is a time when we are most festive, most care-free, and probably the drunkest you will ever be in your life! LOL. Contrary to popular opinion, Mardi Gras is a SEASON, not just one day of fun. Depending on when Easter is (that determines Mardi Gras. Count 41 days from Good Friday, and you can calculate Mardi Gras…more on that later). If Easter is “early”, meaning March, then Mardi Gras will be early, and the season will start early, probably the end of January. There are several parades that roll each season, and each Krewe (yes, I spelled that correctly) has their own way, shape, and form about them. These Krewe’s are usually social and pleasure clubs, or organizations that work year ‘round on their floats, decorations, and outfits for the season.
Mardi Gras is not just for the party-goes alike, there are also very classy balls, crownings, and corornations that go on during the season. The more well-known Krewe’s (Bachus, Zulu, Rex, Endymion) have balls each season where they name their royal court. The Zulu Social and Pleasure Club (founded in 1909) is the oldest, African-American Krewe in the city. From politicians to blue-collar workers, the Krewe of Zulu knows how to bring love and joy into the city. Every year, on the Friday before Mardi Gras, Zulu hosts their famous Zulu Ball. The ball is a celebration of all the hard work done in the year leading up to Mardi Gras, as well as to introduce King & Queen Zulu. Traditionally, the king is a seasoned member of the club, and his daughter or granddaughter will be named Queen. There are also Princesses for the royal court Now this is NOT your ordinary ball with nasty food and boring entertainment. Each year, the excitement about the Zulu Ball is who will be the main performer. This year, Frankie Beverly & Maze will grace the stage! (*Insert faint for me…..LOVE THEM*). In years passed, Keith Sweat, Mystikal, and others have graced the stage. The party starts at 6pm, and ends at 3am…yes, you read that correctly. And please don’t think this ball is not free of dress code. It would be in your best interest to adhere to the strict dress code of tuxedos and floor-length ball gowns, lest you be turned away!!!! By far, the most grand ceremony for Rex and Zulu is the recognition by the city. Every Lundi Gras (Fat Monday), the mayor of New Orleans will Toast to Rex & his Queen, as well as King & Queen Zulu. This tradition is the official kick-off to Mardi Gras…it’s the Mayor’s way of saying, “Let the party BEGIN”.
I can’t say enough about how the culture of my city is fixated and formulated by Mardi Gras. The French brought us this great celebration, as they did with other parts of their culture, and we’ve been going ever since. Traditionally, New Orleans has a very high Catholic population. During Lenten season, a period of sacrifice is observed. You are encouraged to do without something you would normally incorporate in your life as a sacrifice to become closer to God. While many people did and still do participate in “Lent”, there were those that wanted “one last party” before giving everything up, thus Mardi Gras is born! LOL. Ash Wednesday follows Mardi Gras so that you may repent for your sins, and start anew. The literally translation of Mardi Gras is Fat Tuesday, meaning over-indulgence, and let me tell you, they do NOT skip out on the “over” or the “indulgence”. If you’ve never experienced a Mardi Gras in New Orleans, then I HIGHLY recommend you visit and observe. Go to the parades, catch beads and what-nots, shout “Throw me sumn Mista!” (just as I typed it…they won’t understand you if your all proper! LOL). Hang out with the Mardi Gras Indians (as seen on “Treme”) and appreciate their hand-sewn costumes…tell the King “Oooh King, you so pretty” to get a good photo with him! Ask somebody about Mardi Gras under the bridge, and they will show you where the real parties are! On Mardi Gras day, you and your family have to get a “spot” along a parade route, to see Rex and Zulu run, and to get on the grill, or break-out the pre-ordered Popeyes fried chicken (yes, they take pre-orders for Mardi Gras), or the boiled crawfish….and lest we mention the spirits! But beware….there is NO PLACE TO PEE ON MARDI GRAS DAY! LOL. The businesses that are open DO NOT allow you to just potty….you must be a patron….which causes for lots of “accidently on purpose peeing on the street”, but hey, it’s Mardi Gras day…..let the good times roll!
For your listening and viewing pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nCJIlOOg9Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wNSHPQj0W8&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axNmY5nnmjA
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