California Dreamin'

Hmmm

2010-07-18T16:00:00.000-07:00

Well I thought I was going to update everyday, but I should have known better. What makes it worse is that it didn't even occur to me that I hadn't updated the blog. Sigh.

So we are 6 weeks in now. 2 to go. I haven't missed a class yet. And for that alone I am very proud. It's not easy for me to get up in the am, but hey I've done it every day for the last 6 weeks. I haven't seen any real weight loss, which to me is crazy, but I have lost some inches. I am down to 34.5 around my chest, 30 in the waist and 40 around the hips. I'm beginning to look a little more like my old self. My face is less fat also!!

We have weigh-in tomorrow, so let's see how it goes. I've stopped drinking during the week, unless it's an event. Which is something I think I can keep up after the program is over.

My one fear is that once this ends, will I keep working out. I hope so. I've put in a lot of work, but I also know my ass can be lazy LOL.

Here's to the weigh-in!!

Week 1

2010-06-14T22:34:00.000-07:00

Today we had our first weigh in. I lost one pound, one inch from my chest (boo) and a half inch from my waist. Today's workout was really tough, and on top of that we were challenged to do 300 pushups by midnight...I stopped at 200. I could definitely have completed all 300, but I want to be able to do things for the rest of the week. I don't think it's smart to go from no pushups to 300. Somethings can be overkill. I also did an extra 30min of cardio.

I am about to go meet my friend to borrow her inhaler. Tomorrow is cardio and I can't do it with out an inhaler and mine ran out yesterday. I did do some work over the weekend. I did an extra 30min of yoga Friday night, and BK and I hiked Runyon Canyon yesterday. I am feeling ok. I think I can see a change but I'm not getting excited yet. Just trying to keep making it every morning.

So we'll see....

Day 4

2010-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

So today was a cardio day. Blech!!! My feet started to kill me during the cardio. So much so that I couldn't even push myself, so I had to take them off. I need new shoes. :( And not the kind I want with a 5" stacked heel. The kind that are flat and have laces. poop.

Tomorrow means I will have completed a week! And it means I got up and got my fat butt out of bed every day. I haven't been too sore. I was exhausted last night and went to bed at 9pm, but I am saying that was due to a sinus headache, and b/c my body is tired b/c it's fighting all that fat!

Day 3 Food
Muscle Milk
Handful of Cranberries
Sweet/Spicy Tofu
6" Turkey Sandwich
Beer
Nectarine
6- 8oz glasses of water

Day 3

2010-06-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

well....it's going ok. Not sure how great this is gonna work, but at least it's getting me up in the mornings and making me do something. so that part about it is good. hopefully it will help me to develop new habits. The machine we use is mostly arms, so I'm not just not sure... hopefully I will see some results though. And of course it's just the first week. I'm sure it will get harder.

Day 2 diet
half protein bar
oatmeal w/ cranberries, walnuts and almonds
coffee
chicken piccata, steamed veggies
handful of dried cranberries
6" BMT from Subway
Beer
Nectarine

Day 1

2010-06-07T19:41:00.000-07:00

Well the journey has officially begun. On Friday I went for my weigh in, before pictures and testimonials. I took all my fat pics, taped a video showing me absolutely not fitting into my wedding corset and even got weighed by water immersion. Here are the results....I'm fat.

Well ok, not totally, but I'm close. My body fat is 24% and I weigh 146lbs. GROSS!!!!

I didn't even weigh that much when I was training. Ugh. And what sucks the most is that about 3 months ago, I felt like things were getting out of hand so I started working out. That's when I gained the extra 7lbs that won't go away. So instead of wanting to lose like 5-10lbs, I want to lose closer to 15-20lbs now. I don't remember all my measurement, but something like 36-32-40 maybe. Although he didn't measure in the normal spots, but still that's ridiculous.

So....this morning I woke up early and drove to Hollywood to begin this experiment. Today was ok. They said it was the easiest day we would have. I got through it no problem for the most part. The things I couldn't do were mostly from a strength function. For instance we did 3 sets of 10 of push ups. Can't do that so much anymore. Otherwise I did ok. We'll see how the rest of the week goes. We'll see if I'm sore tomorrow. I think the hardest part of these 2 months is going to be getting up in the morning and the diet.

But here goes...

Nectarine

90 calorie bar

coffee x2

Salad

scoop of mac and cheese

glass of chardonnay

well well well....

2010-06-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

So I've been gone for a while. I know. Shame shame. I am starting back up because I was picked to participate in a weight loss regime. Starting next Monday I will be working out 5 days a week, for one hour every morning, for 60 days. I wanted to document my journey, and I thought what better way than my blog.

I gotta admit I am a little freaked out about this. I realize that it's not that BIG a deal, and at one point in my life I got up every morning (or most mornings) even earlier than I am going to have to get up now, and worked my ass off for 2 hours. This should be a cake walk, however I feel that is probably the wrong idea.

Here's the main problem. I got married 3 years ago. As my husband says, a wedding is the best diet a woman has ever had. Well he may be right. I have gained an astonishing 20lbs since my wedding. Luckily, I was EXTRA skinny on my wedding day, and I'm 5'8" tall so 20lbs doesn't look absolutely crazy on me.

I would love to get back to wedding weight, but I honestly don't know if that is sustainable for me. But 5lbs over wedding weight would be ideal.

On Friday morning I am going to weigh in and get measured. Then on Monday the work begins. I can only miss 3 days of training. If I miss more than that I am removed from the study. I know I have to miss one or two because of an already planned trip. After that, I can't miss anything else. Hopefully on Aug 3 I am a new me! Or an improved me! Or hell, the old me would be just fine.

In September I have a BIG birthday coming up, and I wanna look great for 25. LOL

So here's to it. Me and 40 days of steady exercise. Maybe I'll post a weekly picture. Kinda like pregnant women do, only hopefully going in the other direction.

my reel

2009-10-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

so this is my first stab at my acting reel. please let me know what you think

Kelley's reel

MTV and Monique

2009-10-07T17:05:00.000-07:00

My newest VLOG!!!

my first vlog

2009-10-05T19:24:00.000-07:00

it's very raw. and i dont talk about a damn thing. but it was fun. maybe i'll try to do more.

3 months

2009-10-02T14:48:00.000-07:00

so i went on a little hiatus didn't i. oops. i don't know why i stopped blogging i just did. and then it just continued. but hey there's no time like the present right? i am sitting on my patio right now typing on my new laptop. my new mac. that's right folks i am no longer a pc, i am a mac.

not much else is really going on right now. lots of working. well lots of working up until september. then i took a bit of a hiatus. we had weddings and birthdays every weekend, so i didn't work very much in september and my bank account shows it.

i am doing a sort of spiritual quest this month. i am going to go for 30 days with no alcohol. i have been drinking way to much. but not just that its something that i really enjoy to do, but in the end it makes me sluggish and less productive. there are better ways to spend my days and evenings. so every time i think about having a drink i say a prayer.

this is a two person journey just me and God. i am really ready to move forward in life and to stop spinning in place. so this is the start. already some great doors have started opening. and i hope they continue to open and i will be a living testimony to others about what God can do if you just get out of the way and give him the power.

now for the juice. nene of real housewives of atl came into the restaurant the other day. ha. what a character. she had on these HUGE dior shades the entire time. and was of course loud and showy. i didn't wait on her but i heard she was really really sweet. that is until her "fans" started recognizing her. then it got a little crazy. i hope she had a good reason for wearing those shades the entire time she was there. oh and girlfriend is HUGE. i mean she is the size of a man. and not a small man either. a big man. now she doesn't look like a man, and she of course isn't a man. she's def all woman. but she is the size of a man. her friend that was with her was even bigger. but they were both very womanly. her friend was even pretty. i am not a small girl by any means, but i'm not big either. but i know what its like being the tallest, being taller than most guys. i cant imagine what its like to be that big.

when they left they were completely hounded by paparazzi. sad part lauren hutton was there and not one person took her picture. oh hollywood. sigh.

MJ

2009-07-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

Like many others I was disappointed with BET's "tribute" to Michael Jackson. I know they only had three days to change everything and I know that the challenge of putting together a show like that in three days was probably somewhat overwhelming. However, because they pumped it up so much I was really saddened by the MJ tributes, with the exception of New Edition's Jackson 5 tribute. The best tribute I saw took place the night before at Debra Lee's Pre-Awards dinner, entitled PRE.

This dinner each year looks like what BET should be, and then each year the next day I am reminded of what BET is in reality. Red Carpet, beautiful flowers, intriguing design, cutting edge lighting, incredible live performances, PRE is truly a first class event. This year the event was held at Drago Central in downtown LA. And just like previous year's it was a first-rate event. Sherri Sheppard from The View, hosted and there were performances by R&B Newcomer, Raheem DeVaughn and legendary superstar Chaka Khan. But the highlight of the evening was the impromtu Michael Jackson tribute.

During dinner and in between Raheem and Chaka, Sherri announced that Joe was going to do a MJ tribute. He began singing "Rock With You" acapella. He invited many of the other artists in the audience to join him, but no one moved. He continued to sing, sounding very good and the crowd clapped along, but no one was really into it. That's when Jamie Foxx jumped up and grabbed a mic and literally gave us a lecture.

Jamie told us that it was rude, siddity and bourgeois of us to sit there and not recognize and acknowledge a legend. A man who had given us his life. his heart and his soul. A man who broke down doors, walls and mountains for all black artists. Jamie then began singing with Joe. They sounded incredible. Soon enough everyone was on their feet and singing along. From there it spiraled into a fitting MJ tribute. Jamie and Joe were joined by Ginuwine, Tyrese, Kenny Latimore, Trey Songz, Day 26, Estelle, Lil Mama (don't ask, cause I don't get it either) and so many others. Each one sang their version of the chorus of the song. Soon enough, the entire crowd had abandoned their corn and truffle pasta and their lamb and lobster and hit the dance floor, to dance, laugh, sing, clap and cry.

It was beautiful to watch these important people, actors, musicians, artists, publicists, event planners and CEOs, really show how much Michael meant to them. Hopefully with more time BET will put together and additional REAL MJ tribute, one that includes some dancing, some singing and some star-power.

Until then, at least I have a lasting memory of what Michael's music really did. His music brings people together to celebrate and have a good time, even when they think they are too important to do so.

???

2009-06-14T22:30:00.000-07:00

I couldn't think up a clever title for this one. Since I have been back from New Orleans I have been really busy with work and auditions. Lots of both. Which feels really good. I actually have a call-back tomorrow afternoon for a Jimmy Kimmel pilot. I want it. It's mine! There I said it.

I have started back in class and feel much better about myself and what I am doing. I know for a fact I am moving along in the right direction.

Star, a fellow WTFer, came to LA this weekend and we had a blast. Drinks on Thursday night at the W, Andrea and I did happy hour on Friday at the Viceroy, Hyde on Friday night and Brunch today at Barefoot cafe.

It was a great weekend. Now I am ready and looking forward to this week ahead. It's gonna be a little crazy because I work everyday from Tues-Sat, which is a little more than I would like. But hey it's good to have a job that pays in this economy.

Until then, wish me luck tomorrow. I am gonna kill it!

WTF The Sequel

2009-05-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

So last night we returned from our annual WTF vacation. This year we went to New Orleans. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities in America. I was devastated by the events of Hurricane Katrina, and this was my first visit back since the tragedy. Unfortunately we were never able to make it to the Lower 9th Ward to visit some of the devastation and see the beginnings of the revitalization.

However we were able to PARTY!!!!! There were 20 of us along for the ride this year and boy did we have a blast. Most of the weekend was very relaxing, however we did make sure to "get it in" on Sunday evening. After two days of calm, civilized, grown folks partying, Sunday night we took it to level 12 and revisited our youth. For many of us it was a flashback to those days in Austin, during and right after grad school when we didn't have a care in the world. No spouses, no children, no jobs and no mortgages. And for one night we were all 24 again. We have moved on, grown up and separated across the country. And while our lives are different and filled with the wonderful challenges, of children, wedding planning, house hunting, job searching and dream fulfilling, it was incredibly nice and much needed to travel back in time and for one crazy, drunken, Bourbon street filled evening and not have a care in the world.

I am so very thankful for the new friends I have made in my journey, but no one will ever be able to compare to the friends I made in my mid-20's and luckily for me they will be my friends for life. WTF!!!!!

Vision Board Strikes Again

2009-05-08T01:03:00.001-07:00

I have an awesome last couple of weeks. Everyday more and more I realize I am living the life I have always dreamed of. Now there are definitely parts that I am looking to improve upon (ie. no more restaurant work), but for the most part I have the freedom to pursue what I want and do what I want.

A couple of weeks ago I booked a Fuji Film Promotional gig. Basically Fuji is releasing a new line of motion picture film and they want to shoot a promotional campaign to advertise their new product. This promotional commercial will go out to every director in Hollywood, so they will all see my bright sunshining face!

The shoot was incredible. I really do miss being on set and can't wait until I am working ALL the time. We shoot again for two days next week. The other big plus is that I was able to meet and amazing cinematographer who has worked on huge films like, W, 3:10 to Yuma, Sideways and Pursuit of Happyness. That was really awesome.

But now for the big reveal....

My vision board is really really working. I ran into Quentin Tarantino yesterday!!! OMG!!! I haven't seen him in over a year. It was wonderful seeing him again. He is such a nice man and has such wonderful energy. It's honestly infectious. I gave him my info again and told him to definitely call me when he gets back from Cannes. Let's hope so, but if not God has it in his plans for Quentin and I to have a long future together. I just know it.

Lately I have become more focused, but at the same time much more patient. I know that was is out there for me, God has it just for me. And I know the dreams I dream can't even compare to the blessings in store. I just have to wait on it and get out of my own little way.

Depeche Mode

2009-04-24T01:25:00.000-07:00

So I am not a rock and roll child of the 80's. Now I have heard of a lot of the 80's rock band as a result of being a black child growing up in higher level education. So I knew about Morrisey, Guns and Roses and Poison vaguely in the early early 90's. And then knew even more about Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Alanis Morrisette, Bush, Greenday, Soundgarden and Aerosmith in the mid to late 90's.

But you have to understand I grew up with much older parents. So my high school friends were shocked when I knew nothing of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zepplin. But I couldn't understand how little they knew about the Temptations, Four Tops, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Otis Redding and all the other beautiful and wonderful sounds that filled my household.

So when I found out Depeche Mode was having a huge concert outside my restaurant I wasn't really excited. I mean, yes I have heard of Depeche Mode, but couldn't name one single song. And I even remember in high school French, when I learned the word Depeche, I found it interesting that it meant "to hurry up." So I have always thought of the band as "To Hurry Up Mode" or "Go Faster Mode." Funny, right?

Anywho, Hurry Up Mode had a concert on Hollywood Blvd tonight for the Jimmy Kimmel Show and I must say it was AWESOME. I did know one song "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Personal Jesus" sounded familiar.

I went to a Jay-Z concert for Jimmy Kimmel a couple years ago the day before Thanksgiving when he was "un-retiring". That concert was one of my favorite ever. Maybe because it was free. Anyway this one was just it and it was just as awesome and crazy, although I could identify with that one a little more. But these shows are free which is so awesome.

So my restaurant wanted to sell food to the masses. They made all this food and then we had no access to get to the fans. Well if you know me, then you know I finagled my way into the crowd and sold food. I ended up getting me and another girl crew passes and we were able to go back and forth all night selling food. My restaurant has tried to screw us money-wise in this, but in the end I know it will all work out.

And no matter what it was a really fun night. And I really enjoyed Depeche Mode. Who knew?

Keeping up with...

2009-04-23T01:18:00.000-07:00

So tonight I had the wonderful pleasure of waiting on Khloe, Kourtney and Rob Kardashian. Wow! I was shocked and impressed. They were some of the nicest people I have ever waited on. Everything was please and thank you. They were so easy to take care of and even joked with me a little bit, when I engaged them in conversation. I don't always get "that" from them when I watch the show, but I guess everyone can be a little testy when it comes to family. But tonight they were even SUPER nice to each other. You think it's Kim that changes the dynamic?

Other than that my night was pretty shitty. One of those nights when I really remember that I came here for a real purpose. Only two more days of work and then I am off for two days. YAY!!!

This weekend I have a couple of events. I have a celebrity b-ball game and after-party to go to, and a huge African-American film panel on Sunday. I am really excited about both! So here's to a couple more days of labor and a few days of fun!

shoot!

2009-04-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

So I am down in the OC shooting a short student film. Hysterical! You should see these kids. Their skinny jeans and shaggy hair and full beards. I am sure all of their mothers are like WTF!?!?!? But it's cool. I am getting to work and will hopefully get some tape out of this. We finally moved. It was a long process, but I am really happy about our place. It even has a huge back patio for Ali and Marley, even though they refuse to go to the bathroom out there. Other than that just enjoying life and trying to remember to appreciate and live each moment.

Good and Bad

2009-03-11T13:54:00.001-07:00

Well what should we go with first the good or the bad.

We'll do the bad just to get it out of the way. BK and I were supposed to go on a free trip to the Bahamas next weekend courtesy of the Detroit Pistons. It was our anniversary weekend so we were totally jazzed. Well a couple of days ago we found out the T-mobile won't let us go. WTF?!?! Stupid economy and knee-jerk reactions. I'd rather not get to into the specifics, but basically its a load of bull and now I am missing out on a free vacation to the Bahamas that is still happening, we just won't be in attendance.

Sigh. If I talk about it too much I start to cry.

Ok. Now to the good news. My bff is coming to visit. Myah, Nadia and their friend Kersonder are coming to visit this weekend. I am so excited. We get so few visitors here in LA so I am happy to show off my new city. I plan on taking them to all the cool hotspots and making sure we do tons of "L.A." type things.

Vision Board

2009-03-04T16:31:00.000-08:00

So a few months ago I made a vision board at a friends house using magazines. It came out ok, but was more of a motivation board than vision. It has lots of great quotes and words to live by and a picture of my head on Alicia Keys' body, standing at the Champs-Elysee, but that's it. A few weeks ago a friend of mine gave me the idea of making one on my computer desktop so that I can pick pictures of the Internet and type in my own words, thereby making it exactly what I want.

Well damn if it isn't working. I put on my board that I wanted a Management team for my acting career and last week I signed with a manager and have already gone on two auditions. I also have a picture of my dream car on the board, the Mercedes CLS 500. Well today I bought a new car. Or new to me. Not exactly the Mercedes, but they look very similar, at least in photo.

I love my new car. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE it. And I got it at a great rate and at a price I can afford. It's a little more than I wanted to pay, but so worth it. I also found out that I have excellent credit. Me!?!? I have excellent credit! I have credit so good I should go buy a house! WHO KNEW!!!!

God is good!!! I still have a few things I need to work out in the next couple of months, but I know with "God First" (which is also on my vision board) I can do anything.

So here's to attaining all the other things on my board!

Up Next?

2009-02-18T01:08:00.000-08:00

Well that was quite the weekend. Unfortunately our hotel was about 25min north of downtown Phoenix where all the official All-Star events were, and about 20min northwest of Scottsdale where a lot of the parties were. So whenever I wanted to do anything, it was a complete production. I am undecided if I will be making the trip to Dallas next year. It is in Texas so I will have plenty of family and friends to hang with, but Dallas is a huge sprawling city. I can see that being a real pain.

Back at work now of course. I worked last night and tonight and have 3 more shifts before a day off. I have two auditions this week one for a film that shoots in Texas and one for a webisode. Gonna take my hubby to dinner tomorrow because I love him. Supposed to go out with my new friend Shone on Thursday. It's Oscar week, so Sunday should be crazy at work, but I am not as excited as I was about Grammy Sunday.

One more month until the Bahamas, I really need to go to the gym.

Parties and Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T11:26:00.000-08:00

So the day before I left to go to Phoenix for NBA All-Star my new friend Co-co invited me the the NAACP awards after party.

We had a blast. Free food, free drinks and a reunion of "The Wire.". I spent most of my evening pointing out cast members and was thrilled to meet Wallace. After that we spent the rest of the night chatting it up with Nate from "Secret Life of Bees" and "The Great Debaters" and his wife.

Good Times.

Yesterday I flew to Phoenix for All-Star and last night I worked Kenny Smith's All-Star Bash at the Wrigley Mansion. It was an awesome party. Lots of NBA players and Legends. Even Dr. J was there. But the highlight of ny night again revolved around "The Wire.". I saw Avon Barksdale played by Wood Harris!!!

After the party I met up with BK and headed over to the ESPN party. He was coming from the T-Mobile Party. Had chicken and waffles at about 3am and finally headed home.

When we got back to the hotel which is in the middle of nowhere we went to BK's job's hospitality suite and partied more. Whew, I forgot I am not REALLY 22, I just say I am. Lol

Well today is Valentine's Day and maybe I am a cynic, but I just don't care. So instead Happy Birthday Stevie Lee!!

Hov's Home

2009-02-13T10:47:00.000-08:00

So this past Sunday was the Grammy's. I knew it was gonna be really busy at work and BK's boss was coming in to eat with a large group after the show.

I got to work at 6:30 and by 7:00 Jay-Z had called and said he was coming in after the show with a party of 30. What?!?!

So we immediately got to work setting up what we needed for the party. About 30 min later he calls back and said it's gonna be 60 people now. OMG!!

We didn't even have close to enough room for that. We had tons of other large parties that night and lots of VIPs. We were all in a mad scramble trying to figure out what to do.

20 min later he walks in. Man, does he have presence. Over the course of the night Solange comes in, Fonzworth Bentley, Chris Tucker, Gwenyth Paltrow and Kanye West all join him. Sadly no Bey this time. :(

They eat and drink $17,000 worth of champagne and sushi. They were all happy and excited and dancing and singing. They literally took over the entire restaurant.

In the middle of all of this I had another table of an unassuming mom, dad and daughter. Well they were only unassuming to the eye, because they bought two $1000 bottles of sake. Yep that's right 2! Their bill for 3 people was $2500.

I ended up leaving that night very happy and not quite sure we were in a recession.

Afterwards I went to the bar next door, Sbar. It was their closing party so it was insane. It looked like New Year's and Mardi Gras combined in one. I hung out with a Secret Millionaire, because I had waited on him the night before.

This kid sold his first internet company in 2000 at the age of 18 for $45mill. In 2007 he sold his second company to Yahoo for $345mill. He's 26. Wow!

He and his friend invited me to breakfast after the club, but I went home because it was pouring rain. When I texted them to say I wasn't coming, they offered to send their Rolls Royce Phantom to come pick me up. Ha! Recession my ass. (Of course I didn't go, BK would not be having that.)

All in all Sunday was a pretty ridiculous overly decadent night, but a blast none the less. Thanks to the Jigga man and some random family I too was able to go home with fat pockets.

I promise

2009-02-10T22:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow! I promise tomorrow to blog about my incredible Sunday night. Right now I am just so exhausted to give it its due. I have worked 9 days straight without a day off and I still have 2 more to go. Needless to say, when I am not at work I don't wanna do SHIT! I haven't worked out in over a week.

After Thursday going to Phoenix with BK for NBA All-Star and Valentine's Day. And I just remembered I am working a party on Friday! Ugh! Does it ever end.

OMG!!!

2009-02-09T04:00:00.000-08:00

Tonight will need some rest and reflection before blogging, but OMG!!!

Traffic at 1:45am

2009-02-08T01:44:00.000-08:00

That's right it's almost 2am and I am stuck in traffic on Sunset Blvd. No there aren't any accidents or road closures, its just Grammy Saturday in L.A.

Now if I were coming from some awesome party I would probably be a little less annoyed. Instead I am coming from work and from a shift that I was called in for with only 2 hours notice. Sigh. Good thing I made decent money tonight.

I can't wait to crawl into bed with my leftover pizza and a Corona. Hopefully there is another good movie on TNT tonight, last night was Crimson Tide. The best thing about working hard is that the rest afterwards feels so good.

Superbowl Sunday

2009-02-02T12:02:00.001-08:00

So I ended up picking up a shift on Saturday night to trade with someone else so that I could go to my friend's Superbowl party. Wow! I have never been to a Superbowl party like that in my life. There were a least 200 people there. It was located at a house in the black Beverly Hills, Baldwin Hills. This house looks straight out of the 60's. In fact it was probably the dopest house around in 1965.

It has the most incredible view of the city and has tons of open space to have a great party. The only problem is the decor. There is even a piano keypad that you can step on to play. It doesn't work so not quite sure why it's still there. The walls of this place are all wood paneling and the bathroom was red and black zebra print. Outside while taking in the incredible view, I noticed that on the level below us was a pool. Awesome, right? Except that flanking the pool on both sides were 8ft statues of a Tyransaurus Rex and a Tricerotops. Weird, right?

Anywho, there was an open bar and free food, so who can really care that much about the decor. There were a few mini-celebs there. Eva from Top Model and her fiance Lance from House of Payne were there. And one of the guys from the TV show "The Game" was there, although I don't watch the show, so I dont know who he is.

The game was incredible to say the least. And I had the perfect amount of a buzz going on. It was also really cool to watch such an awesome game with so many people. Kinda like being at a sports bar. Good times.

Grateful

2009-01-28T21:39:00.000-08:00

Nothing incredible happened today, however I am very grateful and thankful for today. I woke up early and wasn't too too tired. I walked my dogs and ate breakfast and headed off for work. Traffic was bad and I needed gas, but no worries. Today was one of those days that I couldn't be shaken.

Made it to work, and boy was it a crazy day at work. We were SUPER busy. My friend Kendahl and her boyfriend John came in, and I could barely even talk to them. I waited on a table of industry peeps who asked me if I was an actress, and just as I was making some headway with them, I got pulled onto another table. Damn! Oh well, I made sure to find out the lady's name and I have already messaged her on facebook. I am not about to let a good opportunity get away that easy.

Found out that I have a call back from an audition that I did in 2008. Yay!!!

Then I went to Runyon Canyon, which is located in Hollywood. It is a hiking area with about 4 or 5 different trails. It's really hard and taxing just to walk it. I tried to run the last little hill, but was unsuccessful. Oh well, maybe better tomorrow. The reward for Runyon though is the top of the hill. On a clear day like today, you can see all the way from downtown L.A. to the beach. You can watch planes take off from LAX and have a clear view of the Hollywood sign. It is one of the most intimidating and incredible sights to take in.

After I made it to the top, I said a prayer of thanks for all my blessings, and asked for a couple more to come my way. Then I came home and there was a package waiting on my at the front door. My mom had surprised me and sent me two pairs of boots, one pair of Cole Haan's that match a purse I got for my birthday and one pair of Stuart Weitzman's. Whoo Hoo!!!!!

Made my self a healthy dinner of broccoli, sauteed spinach and black beans and settled in. Sigh. It was a good day and I am grateful.

I am an actor

2009-01-26T22:23:00.001-08:00

Let me begin this with a true statement. I hate monologues! I have always despised them and felt very silly about doing them.

Well I have been taking an casting workshop this month, with the guy who casts the tv show "The Game." The first week of class did not go so well for me. I hadn't done any work in over a month and was totally off my game when I did my scene. Also my scene partner wasn't the greatest, but it still was not my best work either.

I missed last week because I was at the inauguration. I made sure to email someone at the studio to make sure I knew what was coming up for week 3 and so that I was prepared. Well my consultant said that there was nothing we needed to know or to prepare for this week.

You can imagine my reaction then when I arrived at class this evening and was told that I was supposed to have a one minute comedic monologue prepared. YIKES!!! I almost got up and walked out. Thankfully I have been trying to work on a monologue for future meetings with agents and managers. Problem is, I have only memorized the monologue, I hadn't really worked on it, or prepared it. I hadn't even ever performed it in its entirety standing up. YIKES!!!!

But God was with me and got me through it. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. But I felt good that I did it. That I stood up there and had a monologue ready on the spot just like a real actor should. Whew.

Black Tie and Boots

2009-01-22T00:02:00.000-08:00

The night before the big day, BK, Shan, E and I all went to the Texas State Society Black Tie and Boots Ball. Here are a few pics.

More Inauguration

2009-01-21T23:08:00.000-08:00

Once we exited the train we began to walk towards the National Mall. All the streets were blocked off so we were able to walk amongst a million other Americans, down the middle of the streets of Washington D.C. It was such a cool feeling. Never did I think on a Tuesday morning could I walk the wrong way on downtown D.C. street.

We were lucky enough to walk past the church just as Obama was leaving his morning prayer service. The crowd was loud and cheering and the motorcade was huge. We paused for a moment and tried to catch a glimpse, but then realized if we kept moving we could gain some ground on the crowd.

There were people EVERYWHERE!!! When I looked in front of me there were people as far as I could see. When I looked behind me there were even more people. After walking about a mile we made our way closer to the mall. We were hearing rumors that they had closed the mall because it was full and that we may have to go watch at a museum. oh no!!!

We picked up our pace and finally reached the grounds of the Washington Monument. We snaked our way through the port-a-potties and all the people and climed to the hill where the monument rests. From there we decided to try and ease our way up the mall, especially since we had about an hour still before the ceremony started.

As we walked toward the mall, we were told by the military guards that they had closed the gates and there was no way we could get any closer. So we went back to our previous spot to stake out the perfect location.

We wanted to be able to see the jumbotron and the capitol building at the same time. So we pretended to look for our friend named "Jim" and slide our way throught the crowd until we had a completely unobstructed view.

The ceremony began soon after and we had a ball. We laughed, we cried, we joked, we sang, we prayed and we were inspired. The crowd was so friendly. Everyone in a great mood. That is until they showed George W. and Dick Cheney. The boos were so loud. I didn't think people would really boo him, but boy did they ever. We also sang Nah nah nah na, nah nah nah na, Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye!!! It was pretty funny. Of course had we been close enough we never would have done that.

It was cold, but not too bad for most of the ceremony. Towards the end it began to get chilly, especially since we weren't moving anymore. I am so thankful that I had the chance to be at this historic event. It is a memory I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am so proud that we sought out to attend this event, and made it a reality. I will proudly tell this story over and over again.

Thawing Out

2009-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

Well we are back home now watching the parade on television. I have finally thawed out. Boy was it cold. I will have to detail everything later. But we came, we saw, we conquered! More to come!

Stuck

2009-01-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

Well we got stuck for a little while. A train in front of us broke down. We sat for about 20 min. We were right in front of the Reagan airport. Man was it empty. If you didn't like Obama today is a great day to fly out of DC. Well our train just started moving again. Hopefully we get their soon.

We just got to the next station. It's both sad and incredible how many people are at each stop. And our train is a sardine can right now. These people are never gonna get on a train.

Thank God we have a seat.

Inauguration Day

2009-01-20T04:59:00.000-08:00

Well we are here. I thought about live blogging this event, but I think its gonna be too cold.

Last night we went to the Black Tie and Boots ball presented by the Texas State Society. We had a blast. Shan and I got all dressed up in our ball gowns and boots! We saw lots of friends and mingled around. But the highlight of the evening was when Denzel Washington spoke to honor the troops. Denzel!!!! After the ball we tried to go to an after party at a club called The Park. Instead we ended up driving around the city trying to navigate through closed streets. We decided after 30 min we should just forget it and head home.

We got back to Shan and E's and tried to devise a plan for getting to the inauguration. After trying to figure out what would we best, we turned in for a brief 4 hours of sleep.

This morning we woke up. Layered up. I am still not sure I have enough layers, but it's too late at this point. We took the shuttle from the house to the metro station. The nearest station to their house is the second station on the line.

BK and I were smart and bought our passes yesterday. So we avoided the crazy line to but train tickets. We walked up to the platform and shortly thereafter the train came. It was COMPLETELY FULL!!! We couldn't even get on the train and this was only the second stop. OMG!!!

Luckily we are with DC pros and Shan suggested get on the train going the opposite way and take the train back to the first station and try and get on there.

So we did. And when we got to the first stop the train changed tracks so we were able to stay on and head backwards to the original station.

So we are at least on the train. There are people on the train who have been traveling since 3am. It's now 8:15. So for 5 hours they have been traveling and haven't even made it into DC. More updates if I get a chance.

Not gonna happen

2009-01-17T12:33:00.000-08:00

I will not get sick. I woke up this morning with super duper heavy duty scratch throat and a stuffy nose. I am going to Washington D.C. tomorrow for the inauguration and I will not get sick! I am healthy and happy! That is my mantra for the next 12 hours. BK and I are staying with friends in Alexandria, VA. We are doing community service on Monday morning and then a big lunch with friends in D.C. After that we are going to the Black Tie and Boots ball. Yippie!!! I even got a new dress and shoes for the occasion. BK even bought a tux. He's such a grown-up now.

Tuesday morning up early to go the Capitol and watch history!!! I am so excited. I can only imagine what the atmosphere must feel like in D.C. I can't wait to get there.

I feel like I will be thinking a lot about my past, my history and my ancestors this weekend. It's such a wonderful time and I feel so blessed that I will be able to experience it.

Dragon Room

2009-01-15T16:35:00.000-08:00

Today at work I had the pleasure of waiting on the director of The Dark Knight. Wow!!! He was nice, nothing special, but I can't tell you how hard it was not to throw myself on the table and scream, "Here I am! Discover me!!!" I bet that would have gotten his attention.

A couple of nights ago Jay-Z and Beyonce came into the restaurant after the Golden Globes. I haven't seen Ms. B since like 1997. Well that's not true I saw her in 2003 at Essence Festival, except she was on stage. And I do see her on my tv and computer all the time. But this was my first time seeing her in person and talking with her in over 10 years. She remembered me. Or at least remembered the memory of me. Hee hee. But it was definitely cool to see her again. It was also a little bit of motivation to get my shit together.

Oh and Orlando Bloom came in last night. HOT HOT HOT!!! I guess because it's awards season we are gonna have a lot more celebs in than normal.

It has to be said

2009-01-13T00:10:00.000-08:00

I can't do this post the justice it deserves because I am blogging on the blackberry, but something must be said about J-Lo's dress at last nights Golden Globes.

I mean, c'mon Jen, seriously. You are the mother of twins, for goodness sake. And you are in your 40's!!! If you wanna make a splash or a headline put out an album, make a film, I don't care! But don't show up to a red carpet in a gold version of your green Versace Grammy dress.

Yes, good for you that you are back in shape after twins. (Although not old-school J-Lo shape). Good that you look that great at 40, but honey age-appropriate. Damn I am not even 30 and I wouldn't wear that dress.

If you haven't seen the dress, just google J-Lo and 2009 Golden Globes, you'll see it and probably be as disappointed as I am.

Sigh.

An L.A. Kinda Day

2009-01-08T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those perfect L.A. days. My favorite kind of day. I slept in this morning then took the little guys for a walk. After checking my favorite blogs I got ready for the gym. I headed to my gym in Century City which reminds me of New York City. Got in a quick workout then headed for lunch with a friend. It's always a great day when in the middle of January you can enjoy a late lunch with a good friend outside. Yep that's right I said it, outside. We sat right on the sidewalk eating our eggs benedict and chipotle chicken panini with our giant oversized sunglasses on, just like all the locals do. I really am becoming a local these days. And when it's days like today, how can you not want to be a local.

Now I am sitting on the couch with hubby watching the college football national championship game rooting for the Gators!!! At halftime, I am going to get some chilli and wine from the market. Who wouldn't want this life?

An L.A. kinda day.

Home

2009-01-08T01:37:00.000-08:00

Home was good, but not relaxing at all. But home rarely is when you live 2000 miles away and are only in town for 5 days. I forgot to take my camera with me and I am therefore relying on my unreliable friends for the photos.

Tuesday I got into town and did some Christmas shopping with my Mom. BK got in later and I met him at his parents house for dinner. His entire family was there. His parents, his two crazy brothers, one brother's girlfriend and her friend and friends 3 year-old daughter, his cousin and his wife and their two daughters, another cousin, his aunt and his god-mother. It was a blast. Lots of people, good food and lots of loud talking. Just like the holidays should be. I have always longed for family like that. Growing up an only child it got very lonely in my house and while I have a ton of cousins, I am not close to any of them.

We left there and went to Will's house were our group WTF (World's Tightest Friends) had a little get together full of wine, Popeye's chicken, Taboo and an argument over the definition of the word "trickin." We didn't leave there til after 4 am.

Wednesday, BK and I did last minute shopping and then headed back to his house, which was just as full and just as fun as the day before. His cousin and his brother even had a wrestling match in the back hard. Hysterical.

Christmas day we woke up late, which was actually really nice for a change. We had breakfast and mimosa's with my parents and opened gifts. BK got two sweaters, cuff links and socks from my parents. We both got money from my dad. We bought him a brand new robe, because he's been wearing the same two for 15 and 35 years respectively. We got my mom a genuine stove top popcorn popper which she LOVED.

Then we headed to BK's house for Christmas devotion as I call it. Really it's just reading the Christmas story from the bible and saying a prayer, but devotion sounds so much more interesting. We all opened gifts and I got a brand new handbag!!! Actually two, BK's mom gave me one as well! We ate Christmas dinner, yummy! After that we headed back to my house where my extended family was gathered and visited with everyone. That's when BK surprised me with tickets to the Inauguration!!! I can't believe it. I am so excited to be going to this historic event.

Sadly Friday morning BK had to leave and head back to work. But Friday was the night of my big party. This is the 4th year I have hosted this party and I think this year may have been one of the best. Lots of different people showed up and everyone seemed to have a good time. CPerez even flew in from Dallas for the event, and the Lee's made a special stop off on their way to Shreveport. I love my friends and I really don't know what I would do without them.

After Friday I was pretty much spent. I slept all day Saturday and didn't leave the house. Sunday before I headed back to LA, my dad and I went to the Bears v. Texans game. We had a great time even though it was cold and rainy. And the Texans actually won, even though it didn't mean anything for them, but they did keep the Bears out of the playoffs. Ouch.

Stay tuned for what I am hoping is a FANTASTIC year!!!

2008 in review

2009-01-01T22:26:00.000-08:00

I saw this idea on a friend's blog so I decided to try. I am taking the first sentence from the first post of each month of 2008. Here goes.

January
Wow.

February
Well of course it's the Superbowl.

March
I am on the set of my short film "Pack a Lunch!" again.

April
I haven't had much to say lately because I have just been grinding.

May
So I am a little tired right now, but who cares.

June
We are one month away from Vegas.

July
I can't believe how long it's been since I posted.

August
So I am going to Houston today for a wedding.

September
When I go to work in the evenings I always try to park on the surface streets near the restaurant.

October
I grew up in the late 80's and early 90's.

November
So things are going well here.

December
At some point in my life I have been told that I look like all of these women.

Doesn't really say much does it.

First Class!

2008-12-23T07:39:00.001-08:00

I barely made it. And I mean barely, but I am about to embark upon my very first, first class flying experience! I am so excited. I am in the first row on a Continental flight. Apparently Continental is known for having the BEST first class. Whoo Hoo! The very second I sat down I ordered a drink, and I am now enjoying a screwdriver. Hopefully I don't arrive in Houston wasted!

Do you know who you look like?

2008-12-08T11:44:00.001-08:00

At some point in my life I have been told that I look like all of these women. I get someone on a daily basis. I even got two different people from one person, and those two women don't look alike. Actually I dont think any of these women look alike, yet somehow I look like all of them Maybe I truly am EVERY WOMAN!!

I just can't wait for the day when some young girl is waiting tables and her guests tell her that she looks like KRH.

I mean seriously though isn't this a bit ridiculous. My challenge to all non-black people is to really look at the person before deciding that they look like the first black celeb that pops into your mind.

President Obama

2008-11-04T23:36:00.000-08:00

I have cried and cried and cried. I cannot believe this night has happened. I am shocked and grateful. This is a wonderful time. I hope that those red states I the middle will be open enough to see what a wonderful opportunity we have in front of us as a country.

I am so proud of this America. I am so proud of young America and old America. I was in a cab line tonight coming from the celebration party with an older white couple at least 75 years old and they were just as excited as I was. I love this America and I have been waiting on this promise to be fulfilled for years.

I hope that my children won't even understand why I am so proud. I hope that for them this is normal.

But for tonight I celebrate! Thank God! We HAVE overcome. And yes we DID!!!

Vegas!!!

2008-11-03T23:01:00.000-08:00

So things are going well here. We have our assignments for tomorrow. I am working a large precinct in Northeast Las Vegas and Will is going to one in Southwest Las Vegas. His is much smaller than mine. We have to record who has voted so that those who are canvassing won't go knocking on their doors.

I bought a book for my book club and a book of logic games to keep me busy. Oh yeah I have to be there at 6:30am. And I can't use my cell phone.
We just watched SNL's Presidential Bash and it was pretty funny. But I have to tell u about my fave moment.

During the primary season Tina Fey came back on (pre-Sarah Palin) and was talking about how people were calling Hillary Clinton a bitch. She went on to say that she and Amy Poehler were also both bitches and that bitch was the new black. Super funny!

Then they showed a clip of Tracey Morgan back on the show. He was saying how he loved Tina Fey and she was his girl. Then he went on to say, "Bitch may be the new black, but Black is the new President, bitch" High-sterical!

Ok. Nite nite from Vegas. Hopefully tomorrow I will be to drunk to remember how long of a day it was.

Random

2008-10-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Not much new going on here in L.A. Kinda the same ol, same ol. I did have a guest chastize me last night after I told him I was voting for Obama. I always find it interesting how McCain folks like to make assumptions about what type of person I might be b/c of my voting choice, and I never make assumptions about them.

I just finished up a really tough month of non-stop working and an intensive audition technique class. Wow! It has really opened my eyes to the work I need to do. I think I need to invest in a video camera to practice and watch myself. Tomorrow I start my weekly on-going class. I love my teacher. She is so energetic and positive and oddly she thinks a lot like me.

Sunday I am heading to Las Vegas to volunteer for the Obama campaign. I am really excited about the opportunity to help and possibly make a difference. I am hopefully optimistic about the election, but I hope to breathe a HUGE sigh of relief on Tuesday night.

Secret Life of Bees

2008-10-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

We went to the Secret Life of Bees screening last Wednesday courtesy of the Los Angeles NAACP. I had heard alot about this film and at one point was in touch with the Executive Producer, Lauren Shuler Donner about possibly working on it. I haven't read the book but I had heard lots of good things about it.

The film was very good. I am not always pleased when they take singers and put them in lead roles in films, but this time it wasn't quite so annoying. Jennifer Hudson totally redeems her SATC performance. I recommend this film to everyone, but especially black women. It is an outstanding look into the women who came before us and struggled so that we can be the strong women that we are today. It is a movie everyone should see and especially on opening weekend, if you like to see good movies continuing to be made.

The director, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Queen Latifah and the two guy actors where there for a Q&A afterwards. They were saying that even though this film was made from a best-selling novel that over 5million people had read, they still had trouble finding financing. So we must support good films so that more good films will be made.

A Different World, for sure!

2008-10-08T00:36:00.000-07:00

I walked out of acting class today on a break to go and move my car. Oh the joys of L.A. parking! When I returned to the studio another class was waiting to go into one of the rooms. I noticed a very pretty black girl in a super cute dress, and a black guy sorta disheveled. That's sorta the thing about being black, you always notice the others.

Anyway after seeing the guy, I had to take a second glance and then a third. After the fourth glance as the door to my classroom was shutting, I knew it. It was him. Dwayne Wayne!!! OMG!!! Dwayne Wayne! Oh the memories I have, my fave being, "Baby, please!!!", in the wedding episode. Wow!!!

Tomorrow I am going to the NAACP screening of "The Secret Life of Bees." Hopefully I will have even more fun stories to tell.

Un-Hollywood

2008-10-06T11:12:00.001-07:00

I have tried writing this story several times and somehow something always happens so it doesn't get written. So this time I am going to shorten it significantly and hopefully it will actually get done.

Went to a party during the ESPY's this summer. Had no idea it was an ESPY party though. Lots of celebs were there. Nas walked in just as we were arriving. Ne-yo kept pacing in front of the bar. Luke Wilson had seemed to recover from his suicide attempt. Lots of athletes as well, Sam C.assell, Jesus Shuttlesworth, C.uttino Mobley (another conversation for another day) and a few others were there.

When we first got in I saw Ovie M. who played fball at Wake with a few of my friends. The last time I saw him he was literally crying over some girl. This night he was EXTRA chatty with Jill Marie Jones.

Well that's definitely an upgrade. He kept telling me how much better he was doing and how jealous his ex was. How he was in Essence and Jet and yada yada yada. But it was good to see him. He's always very nice to me.

Roomie made friends with some guy and he invited us over to his table. Well it was his friends table really. His friend plays for the Chargers. The next table over was S.hawn Merriman and on the other side was B.raylon Edwards. These dudes were having a competition to see who could by the most bottles. One would buy 3 more then the other would buy 4 more. I am sure those bottle service girls were REALLY happy that night.

Of course there were lots of boppers all around, dancing crazy on tables, letting guys pour liquor down their throughts. You know the type. I mostly just stood around observing everything. I did see A.drian Peterson and that was cool. I told him that I was a Longhorn and even though he is a Sooner I appreciate that he never would do the Horns down. He was really sweet and I wished him luck with this season.

Party ends lights come on and then I see who the boppers are. T.occarra from ANTM is all over Shawn's table. Jill has followed Ovie and is still chatting his ear off, and the one and only M.elyssa Ford is literally hanging on B.raylon. I ask B.raylon for some of his champagne because he had a full bottle left. We start chatting about football and I tease him that, yeah he's good, but he's no VY. And that he had a good game at the 2004 Rose Bowl, but VY was better. We're kinda going back and forth and laughing, when M.elyssa jumps in and is staunchly defending her man. "Yeah VY is cool, that's my boy, but he is NO B.RAYLON. B.raylon is the shit. B.raylon is the man." I was just like uh, ok? I was really kinda weird but whatever.

I have heard so many dudes go on and on about the things they wish and think about M.elyssa Ford. I have seen her on so many music videos and red carpets that I was shocked at how bopperish she seemed. It was so un-hollywood.

The next night we saw her out again with B.raylon. They were at the table next to us having their own personal dance video shoot. That is until the rest of his friends arrived. Then the bottles came and he was dancing on the table by himself taking his shirt off. Again I was alone, roomie was off talking to dude she met last night, so I just sat and watched. Then I saw B.Edwards put his hand up another girls skirt, kiss a different girl and dance very suggestively with another. Where was Ms. Ford this entire time you ask? Sitting on a chair in the corner, pouting and watching it all with me. So so sad and pathetic. She looked like an old woman and a lost puppy at the same time. B.E. was paying her zero attention. She was no longer the video girl, just the girl in the corner with the bad ponytail. So un-hollywood.

So guys if you still fantasize about Ms. Ford, you too could probably have her. Cause from the looks of it she's been around sooooo much that when the newest guy gets her, he doesn't even want her anymore.

Male R&B, Where did you go?

2008-10-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

I grew up in the late 80's and early 90's. A time when I feel that the new R&B sound was coming in and there were an abundance of great artists producing great music. Some of my favorites where, New Edition, Mint Condition, Boyz II Men, R. Kelly, Jodeci, then K-Ci and Jojo, Barry White, Gerald Levert, and even the terrible H-Town.

After the R&B movement things evolved and sorta switched to the Neo-Soul Movement. There were acts like, DeAngelo, Musiq, Anthony Hamilton, Dwele, Kem, and Bilal. I liked, maybe even loved the Neo-Soul movement but I always felt it was different than R&B. Neo-Soul was more about love, poetry, struggle. I guess exactly what it should be as the new soul. The new Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. Singing about love and life. R&B was about lust, sex, desire and youth. I love my new soul, but missed my R&B.

Then Usher came out with the Confessions album. Oh thank God!!!! Instant classic. I can put it in any day of the week, even in 2008, five years after its release and I still love it. But then that was it. And his new album SUX!!! Now we are stuck with the likes of well, hmm, I dunno whatever the hell is out there. Which leads to my two newest celeb tales.

A few weeks ago at the end of a long Sunday shift Bobby Valentino came into the restaurant. First off he was about 3 feet tall and was sporting a ducktail. I feel like if you aren't over 5 feet you shouldn't be allowed to have a ducktail, I don't care how much you are trying to reminisce or bring back the 80's, you might be confused for an 8 year old.

So anyway he comes in with a girl who was not the least bit attractive in the face. But with the tits she had who needs to look at her face. So they finally found an acceptable table after 3 tries. Geez, sometimes I really hate celebs. And you know what it's never the real celebs, it's the fake ones like Bobby Valentino.

Anywho. They proceed to eat and make-out in one of our giant U-booths that sit 8. It was so gross. We were pretty much closed and they were the only people in the restaurant besides the staff. So we all just kept walking by their table and laughing at them.

On the weekends we pipe in music from the bar next door, so there is no telling what might start playing, well Lil' Wayne's "A Milli" came on and we all started jammin' in the back. That's when one of my co-workers walked back out into the restaurant and promptly ran back to me laughing so hard she couldn't talk. She pulled me out to the restaurant and there he was Bobby Valentino standing in front of his table performing, and I mean full out performing, A Milli for his date. I just about lost it watching this three foot tall Ninja Turtle dance and sing.

After he had enough of performing for his audience of one. He and his date walked through our restaurant into the club next door. This act is normally only for VIPs but since we were basically closed. Ahh, who cares?

So my friend and I are closing up the restaurant and still talking and laughing about Mr. Bobby V., when all of a sudden we hear his single from 2005 "Slow Down" start playing. We both just about died. No!!! Why would they play his song? Now he is gonna think that he really is somebody. So my friend runs into the bar next door to see what he is doing and there he is up at the DJ booth. Seriously? He requested his own song. That was so sad. I am sure Jodeci never had to walk in a club and request "Come and Talk to Me." To make matter's worse about 5 min later they played "Anonymous" and his song with Lil Wayne "Mrs. Officer." Sigh.

Which leads to my next little story.

One night when BK was out of town Andrea and I went out. Actually it was the start of my birthday weekend and my old boss was promoting at a club in Hollywood called Cabana. It was for Donnie Klang's album release party. You know Donnie from MTV's Making the Band, yeah him. So anyway it was kinda a lame party but hey it's my birthday. So at the beginning of the night little Donnie performed whatever his single is. No one cared. Poor thing. About an hour later, Trey Songz, J. Holliday and Lloyd all came in. I know your saying to yourself, "Who?" Exactly. Well none of them have had any huge success, but some people kinda know who they are or have at least heard their songs. Somehow J. Holliday and Lloyd decide they should also sing. Lloyd performed his song, "Girls Around the World," and J. Holliday performed, "Bed." There were maybe 50 girls near the stage, but that's it. No one else was paying attention. These poor boys were so desperate for attention that they pimped themselves out to 50 people and another 200 who didn't care. It was so sad. At the end Lloyd apologized to Donnie on the mic, saying sorry we took over your party, but this is your day. Congrats on the album. Oh wow.

Male R&B, where did you go??? Please come back.

Flora Mae Robins

2008-09-30T00:42:00.001-07:00

My wonderful and loving grandmother passed away on Sept. 18, 2008 at the age of 94. Thank God, Broderick and I were able to go home for her funeral and make it somewhat of a vaca. I was asked by my family to speak along with my sisters on behalf of our family at the funeral. This is what I said.

I recently celebrated as I affectionately call it “The 6th Anniversary of my 22nd Birthday.” After dinner I received a fortune cookie and my fortune said, “You will live a long and prosperous life.” Well you can imagine how excited I was to get this fortune on my birthday.

A few days later I woke up early one morning and called home to ask about the preparations everyone was taking for Hurricane Ike. That’s when I was told that my grandmother, Mrs. Flora Robins wasn’t doing very well. My first thought was, “You must be confused. Not my grandmother.” Not my grandmother who had only been to the hospital once that I can recall. Not my grandmother who lived alone in the same house for 42 years after her beloved husband died. Not my grandmother who was always dressed to the nines along with her beautiful sisters, in the finest clothes, handbags, shoes and a topped off with fantastic hat. Not my grandmother who always came to the door with the biggest smile and a welcoming kiss. Not my grandmother who loved sports and was never one to hold her tongue when she didn’t agree with the coaching decisions of Rudy Tomjonavich. Not my grandmother who was never really strict with her grandchildren, but you knew better than to disappoint her.

So when I called over to Aunt T’s house I was shocked to hear that this news was true. That’s when my mind wandered back to the fortune cookie I received for my birthday. A long and prosperous life. For 94 years my grandmother worshipped God, loved those around her, had a lasting impact on her community, raised successful exceptional children, and helped rear even more grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Can you imagine the changes that she saw in her lifetime? She lived in a time when this country had presidents named Wilson, Coolidge and Harding. These were names I was sure only existed in history books. I remember the world before cell phones; can you imagine remembering the world before television? The world before commercial airliners, helicopters, computers and microwaves? She was around to see all these inventions created and the way they changed the world around her. Unlike many older people faced with the fears of a world changing fast around them, my grandmother welcomed the changes, adapted to this new world and embraced the 21st century.

As her health waned in her last days I began to think more and more about her, the kind of life she led and the kind of woman she was, a true renaissance woman. A renaissance woman is a woman who understands that she was created for such a time as this and embraces her destiny as a challenge and not a curse, no matter what her personal circumstances. She is a woman who is a winner not a whiner, a leader not a follower, a victor, not a victim. I can’t think of a better way to describe my grandmother.

So I learned a great lesson these last few weeks. My grandmother Flora Mae Glenn Robins led a life that should be honored, revered, admired and respected by all. She has left behind a stunning example for all of us to follow. She was a child of God, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, a friend and a legend. I think back now to my 6th anniversary of my 22nd birthday and I am somewhat embarrassed. I realize that I should be proud of the 28 years I have had and hope to reach 94 with as much dignity, poise, grace and tenacity that my grandmother did. A life truly long and prosperous.

Flora Mae Glenn Robins 1914-2008 R.I.P.

Ike's Wrath

2008-09-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

My parents have been without power for 5 days now. They lost power during the hurricane. Before the storm my dad went and bought a 7gallon generator so they have 13hrs of power at a time. They have plugged up two fans the tv and a refrigerator. Thank God temps in Houston have been in the 80's so they haven't had it too bad. Our front and back yard however weren't so lucky.

CSI: Los Angeles

2008-09-02T00:30:00.000-07:00

When I go to work in the evenings I always try to park on the surface streets near the restaurant. The meters are free after 6pm and all day on Sundays. So when I went to work last night I drove around looking for an available meter and was unable to find a spot. So I parked in the $8/day lot right next to the restaurant and went to work.

After a long shift full of celebs (Juliette Lewis, Will I. Am, Lauren Conrad, Tyres.e, Hill Harper and Golden Brooks) I was thankful to finally be off and walked to my car. Since I work in Hollywood the area is not exactly the safest. I have never actually feared my safety, but there are a lot of clubs and bars as well as a large vagrant population. It is not uncommon for me to pass a dozen of homeless people sleeping on the sidewalk.

It was about 1am and I turned into the parking lot to finally go home. There were two homeless men in the lot chatting away and another man strangely walking back and forth very fast. But this wasn't far from normal. I hit the unlock button on my car and saw the lights in my Jetta turn on. As I got closer to the car I could see clearly through the car and thought, "Oh shit! I left my window down." Then as I got even closer I saw green pieces glittering in the seats and on the console. My mouth dropped completely open. Someone had broken the window out of my car. I have never had my car broken into so I just stared and stared at the window and all the glass everywhere. The window was completely shattered. I began walking around the car and began to notice even more strange things. In front of my car was a purse, not mine, with all the belongings strewn about. Keys, a wallet, a make-up bag and a camera case were all scattered about. There was also a backpack resting on the car next to mine. Now I was really freaked out. Was there an attack? Was someone hurt? Or dead? The fact that all these belongings were everywhere including the keys really scared me. The guys that was pacing back and forth walked up to me and asked if that was my car and told me to call the police. He also told me that he thought the two homeless guys talking in the back of the lot had done it. I doubted that seriously. I didn't know what to do. But because I watch enough CSI, Cold Case, Law and Order, and Without A Trace to know not to touch anything. So I decided to walk back to my job and call the police.

I didn't want to call from my cell phone, because apparently when you dial 911 in Los Angeles it goes to the California Highway Patrol. I went back to the restaurant and tried to get in touch with the police. It took about 8 phone calls and attempting to flag down a cop. Finally I got someone on the phone (thanks for the police) and they said they would come, whenever they could. They didn't sound to pressed on the matter. Again I work in a "high crime" area so I couldn't understand why they were no where to be found.

To my surprise Officer Park showed up not too long after I called and we walked to my car. We entered the lot from a different location so on the way in I saw another car with a broken window. That's when my fears were put to rest. I was so worried when I first saw the purse. After I saw another window broken out I figured the purse came from the other car (I later found out at least 4 cars where broken into).

I gave the officer my statement and we looked around at all the damage. The idiots whoever they were took all the other girls credit cards and money and her laptop. They were too stupid however to look in the little canvas pouch that held a brand new digital camera. After looking around was when I realized the motherfuckers stole my makeup bag. Really? Why not just leave it when u realize there's nothing in it. I had over $200 of make-up and brushes in there. And it was a small bag. UGH!!!!!

So I drive the 20min drive home with a broken out window and glass falling into my passenger seat with every bump. At each stoplight I get tons of sideways looks and compassionate glances. I finally get home after 2am, when I thought I was going to be home before midnight.

This morning I got a call from the LA police department, which I couldn't believe and they wanted to come out and fingerprint my car. What??? So around 4pm today a CSI came and fingerprinted my car. It was so cool. It was my own version of CSI: Los Angeles. I should tell Hill Harper next time he comes in (he lives in the building upstairs, so he's in alot). They were able to get a fingerprint and a palm print from the car. I had to try and remember if I had touched my car on the passenger side like that. I didn't remember that I had, so she didn't need to take my palm print. It was so weird and sorta cool.

So right now I am just waiting to hear from my insurance and right now BK and I are sharing one car. As a side note, I think Tyres.e may have an eating disorder. He has come in before and asked for a non clear disposable cup and was apparently spitting his food out into it. Last night he approached me far from his table and asked for the same cup. At the time I didn't know about the previous visit and tried to find him a cup. We were out of our paper cups so I brought back a clear cup and he refused it. He was actually very nice and I have met him before under not so nice circumstances. Funny thing, BK and I were watching Baby Boy just before I went to work.

Obama!!!

2008-08-29T02:11:00.000-07:00

That was incredible!!! I said Hillary on Tuesday was pretty incredible and she was! Barack WAS simply incredible!!!

I am so moved and motivated. Through God truly anything is possible.

Get on board or get off the deck. We no longer have time for waiting around and complacency. It's time to move and move now.

This country has gone straight to hell. We are in desperate times. Time to MOVE!!!

Let's go!!!

Home here I come

2008-08-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

So I am going to Houston today for a wedding. First of course I have to go to work then hope I get off in time to navigate through the LA traffic to get to the airport.

My childhood friend Angela is getting married on Friday. I am not that excited about it, especially since my hubby is not making the trip with me. He is going to Chicago for his cousin's wedding. I love my husbands family and the last time I saw them all was my wedding, but I didn't really get to hang with them because it was my wedding. There were also about 250 other people there to see us. So I am pissed about this.

To make up for the fact that I couldn't go to Chicago, I extended my trip and on Saturday Myah and I are gonna drive up to Austin to visit Stevie, Summer and Jada. YAY!!!

Hopefully I will have lots of pics.

I have been tagged

2008-07-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

The Twenty-Year Meme
20 years ago I:
1. Lived in Houston, Texas
2. Going into 3rd grade at River Oaks Elementary
3. Loved my teacher Mrs. Crawford even though she wouldn't make me a VIP because I talked too much in class.
4. Went to girl scout Camp Arnold with my best friend Shannon. We are still friends.
5. I was the City of Houston Swim Champion
6. Loved reading Sweet Valley Twins and Sweet Valley High (Jessica and Elizabeth)

10 years ago I:
1. I graduated from High School
2. I met my husband (we were just friends)
3. Signed my National letter of intent to go The University of Texas
4. Partying it up like a high school senior about to go to college should
5. Had a little too much fun that first semester of college! Yikes!
6. Fell in love with Texas Football

5 years ago I:
1. I lived in Austin, TX
2. BK and I had just started dating
3. I was in graduate school for Sports Management
4. I worked in the UT Men's Basketball office
5. Lived alone for the first time in my life
6. Went to Essence Festival with a group of friends and had a BLAST!!!

3 years ago I:
1. Lived in Austin, TX
2. Was one year into my natural hair journey
3. Started modeling and acting
4. Had an amazing group of friends and we would kick it all the time and try to solve the world's problems.
5. Had been dating BK for 2 years and were living together
6. Got our two dogs, Ali and Marley!!!

So far this year I:
1. Live in Los Angeles, CA
2. Celebrated one year of marriage
3. Decided to go back t0 natural hair
4. Had a blast with friends in Vegas!!!
5. Got a commercial agent
6. decided to live a more positive, less worried life

Yesterday I:
1. Woke-up late
2. Was really tired at work, but actually made decent money
3. Went to hubby's softball game
4. Ate sushi for dinner
5. Reposted my craigslist ad for swim lessons
6. Went to visit Equinox gym, loved it, can't afford it.

Today I:
1. Bought shoes for an upcoming wedding at Nordstroms. I won't wear them again, my mom will.
2. Had lunch in Beverly Hills, with an old boss to discuss my my next career moves
3. Got great advice on how to further promote my swim lessons.
4. Bought a gold ring from Banana Republic to wear on my ring finger when I wear gold jewelry 5. Played with Ali and Marley.
6. Am hoping I get called in for work tonight, so that I don't have to work on Sunday.

Tomorrow I will:
1. Go to dinner at Katsuya for Ninah and Shayla's bday.
2. Finally put up the clean clothes in the basket by my bed.
3. Tape Black in America on CNN
4. Contine to believe in myself and my abilites
5. Submit more online
6. Find out how to get in touch with local triathalon teams for swim lessons.

In the next year I AM:
1. a working actor
2. working daily on my swim school
3. no longer in the restaurant business.
4. saving money for a house
5. still in love with my husband and even more so than the day we married.
6. a proud owner of the Chanel J12 watch in black with diamonds on the hour.

Vegas Day 3

2008-07-21T23:38:00.000-07:00

So after a long and eventful second day, we all slowly arose for day 3. There was no running on Day 3 and we all decided NO POOL!!! The pool really wore us out the day before. We eventually made our way to the cafe in the hotel. After that we all went different ways. Some of us went to gamble, some to window shop and some to nap.

Alexandra, Erin and I perused all the designer shops in the hotel. Wow. Yves St. Laurent, Chanel, Prada, Gucci and Fendi. It was like a rapper's dream.

After that we joined the others at the black jack tables. Ugh. No winning was going on. So BK convinced me to join him on the craps table. WHoo Hoo!!!! Our table was a little slow at first, but man did it heat up and heat up good. I had never played craps before and after the first couple of rolls I started to feel a little more comfy....and WE WON!!! I won over $300 and BK won over $600!!! We quit while we were ahead and went to the room to rest for the evening.

That night we went to Stack at the Mirage. It's a steak restaurant. We ordered a bottle of champagne and some yummy food. You could begin to see the affects of the weekend wearing on us. We just aren't as young as we used to be. We also decided that a year was too long to wait to see everyone again. You could also begin to see the sadness as everyone began to realize our fantastic vacation was coming to an end.

After a second bottle of champagne we headed to MGM to go to Studio 54 where we had reservations. When we arrived we found out that they still expected us to pay cover. Ummm, yeah I don't pay cover, especially not $30. Will felt really bad, and I felt bad that he felt bad. He had already done so much for us that weekend.

Will, Alexandra, Kene, Erin, BK and I hang at the tables at MGM for about 10 min. Ewww! That place was so gross compared to the Bellagio. It was so crowded and so smokey. So we decided to leave. To our horror as we walked out into the crazy Vegas heat we saw that the cab line was about 200 people long.

Ok so I don't pay cover and I can't wait in a 200 person cab ride in 105 degree heat. So the 6 of us charter an Escalade for $55 and go back to the Bellagio. It was definitely more expensive than an $11 cab ride, but if you could have felt that heat and seen that line.

We tried to stick it out and gamble more. But alot of people had early flights and everyone went to bed. BK and I played some more craps and then the slots til about 1:30am and called it a night. Erin apparently painted the town for the rest of us and didn't come home til after 6am. Oh yeah she had a 8 am flight. LOL.

All in all it was a FANTASTIC vacation.

Vegas Day 2

2008-07-13T00:24:00.001-07:00

So after a long but incredibly enjoyable first day, BK, Shan and I were awoken to an early morning phone call (Ernest had gone for a run in the Vegas heat. CRAZY!). We were supposed to wake up at 10 and go to breakfast. At 9:15, Erin woke us up and said that they were ready to go to breakfast and could we hurry up. LOL. So luckily Ernest came back shortly after and we hurried and got dressed. I was so excited because we were going to breakfast at The Buffet at the Wynn. YES!!!!!

The Buffet at the Wynn is one of my favorite places in the world. Honestly. It is so whimsical. It's like walking into Alice in Wonderland, not mention they have all the food you can imagine. It is a little on the pricey side at $40 a pop, but that includes bottomless mimosas. I made sure to have 5 or 6 plus all the food to make up for the cost. Yummy!

They even have candied apples. I mean how can you not love a place that had candied apples. And the funny thing is I don't even really like candied apples, they are just too pretty at the Wynn to pass up.

After WAY too much food, and WAY too many mimosas we headed back to the Bellagio. Ed, Christy and Erin decided to walk back, but the rest of us took cabs. I just can't walk in 110 degree heat. Once we got back to the hotel, the mimosas really hit me and I laid it down. Just as I was getting in to that good, full and half drunk sleep I was interrupted again by a phone call from Erin and then Ed, yelling at us to come to the pool. After enough badgering Shan and I got dressed and headed down to the pool. We were greeted by "the walkers" who had somehow on their trek encountered 3 foot tall cocktails. Upon finding out that they were drinking Long Beach Iced Tea's I knew they were in for a LONG day.

Eventually everyone else mosied on down to the pool and we had a great time. We had swim lessons, swim practice and lots of discussion and even more drinks. My goodness it was early in the afternoon and it was already a full day. We retired from the pool to get a little rest before dinner. I went upstairs and was horrified that my hair was ONE BIG MESS OF MATTED RAT'S NEST!!!! It took me two hours to comb it out. By then it was time for dinner.

We all got dressed for a fancy dinner at Circo in the Bellagio. Poor Erin, Ed and Christy felt exhausted and terrible due to those 3 foot drinks. Shortly into dinner BK knocked a glass of water all over me! Yikes! We rushed upstairs, thank God we were in our hotel and I did a little wardrobe change. Dinner was excellent and everyone was really happy with their food. I had a spinach and ricotta ravioli in a butter sage sauce, yum. After dinner we all hopped in cabs and headed over to TheHotel at Mandalay Bay for desserts and fireworks.

Somehow we never got to see the fireworks, but we had yummy dessert at Mix and great views of the city. After dessert we went to the club attached to the restaurant, but as soon as we walked in the music switched from hip hop to house. yuck. We tried, and failed. So we all headed out. Got back to the Bellagio and some of us gambled, some of us went to bed and eventually we all hit the sack.

The second day was just as good as the first, and for the first time in my life I was truly enjoying every moment of my vacation as opposed fretting about it ending too soon. I knew that I was having a great time and excited to have more.

Swim Lessons

2008-07-11T02:53:00.000-07:00

Well I just posted my first craigslist ad for swim lessons. I have got to get out of the restaurant business. I am taking my CPR class next Saturday, but I figured why not get the buzz going. So if you know anyone who in Los Angeles, who need swim lessons from a National Champion and American Record holder. Hook a sista up!!!! Still trying to figure out what to charge. What do you think? For a private 30min session in LA, is $50 too much?

Vegas Day 1

2008-07-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

BK and I woke up early Thursday morning to head out on our trek through the desert, to get to the oasis in the desert. We arrived around 1pm, with no real traffic. As soon as we got out of the car we definitely knew we were in Vegas. Damn was it hot!

We checked in and went straight to our room. We had a room at the Bellagio overlooking the hotel. Nice! I tried to go back to sleep, because I was so tired, but I couldn't do it I mean we were in VEGAS! So I decided to go downstairs and play the slots. Hopefully get a free drink and then maybe I would be able to fall asleep. Well I put $10 in some weird $0.05 computerized slot machine and in less than three minutes I had won $95. I immediately printed out the ticket. I was so confused as to what just happened. I played with three more $1 bills on the penny slots and lost promptly. I was so excited though that I just went back up to the room even more awake.

Right after I got back to the room Kene came and then I knew the weekend had officially begun. We all went back downstairs and started to play blackjack until everyone else arrived. We played for awhile, I won and lost, and then got hungry. So BK and I headed to a restaurant in the hotel to eat. After losing his money Kene joined us. Towards the end of the meal, Will arrived and it was back to the blackjack tables we went! While playing Alexandra and Erin arrived, whoo hoo!!! Time to party. We played a little bit longer then all went to our rooms to get changed for dinner.

Everyone got all dolled up and we headed to Treasure Island for dinner at the Social House. Social House is a nice sushi restaurant overlooking the strip. The three girls and BK shared a bottle of Sauvingnon Blanc and we all had a fantastic meal. I left SOOOO stuffed I could barely walk. But not time to complain we had to book it back to the Bellagio for our 10:30 show. We were going to see the Cirque du Soleil show O. When we arrived back at the Bellagio I did have just enough time to drag BK into the Chanel store so he could see my dream watch. It the big face Chanel J12 watch in black with diamonds on the hours. Sigh.

O was incredible!!! It is a water based show, so the floor is sometimes a floor and sometimes and pool. Wow! I can't even begin to understand how they cast this show. I mean what must the ad say...Needed world class gymnasts, acrobats, synchronized swimmers, Olympic divers and dancer, those without all above skills need not apply. I mean where do you find this person?? Let alone like 30 people just like this. This show also showed me what you can do with just faith, belief and practice. Because some of the things they did just don't make sense. But I saw it with my own two eyes, they did it. So damn it so can I. Just maybe not triple flips on the trapeze and then catch myself with my ankle.

After O, Ed and Christy and Shan and Ernest finally got there. They all had grueling travel days and were not the happiest when we finally saw them. But then they all remembered WE'RE IN VEGAS!!!! We all gambled a bit more and then little by little we all retired to our rooms. It was a fantastic first day. I couldn't imagine what else was to come.

Sadly. I forgot to take my camera the first day and have no pictures to show for it. Boo!!!

BET Parties

2008-07-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I posted. Alot has happened and then not so much at the same time.

The BET party was cool. The event almost looked like a wedding. Jill Scott performed and did a fantastic job. I ended up staying until the very end. I almost had a chance to dance with Maxwell. I mean I was this close. Ugh, then some tramp stole him away from me. But let's see who was cool that was there....um Nelly? The only other person I was excited to see was Anita Baker. Jermaine Dupri was there but I have seen him like a million times. Young Jeezy was also there but I couldn't care less about him. Oh and Soldja Boy didn't RSVP but then demanded a seat at a good table. Ummm??? Someone should tell him he's irrelevant, and then thankfully Nelly did. Nelly MC'ed the event and was going around all the tables talking about who was in attendance and he correctly identified Soldja Boy as.....The Hip Hop Macerena. I loved it.

I ended up deciding to work the P.Diddy Official BET after-party presented by Ciroc Vodka the next night. I was working all these parties and extra shifts at Katsuya to make extra money for LAS VEGAS!!! Now this party was night and day different from the Pre-Awards dinner. GHETTO!!!! I worked the Red Carpet for this event, but there may as well have not been a red carpet it was terrible. The only interesting people I saw were En Vogue and Boris Khodjoe.

I worked at Katsuya for the next three days in a row then had a day off. Then two more days and it was off to VEGAS!!!

BET Pre

2008-06-23T18:51:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be assisting with celebrity check-in and seating for the private BET Award Pre-dinner. Jill Scott will be performing. Hopefully I will have juicy details tomorrow.

YAY!!!!

2008-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

We are one month away from Vegas. Whoo Hoo!!! I cannot wait to go. I have been saving money and will really start to save this month because I want to live like the ballers that my friends are. Hee hee. We are going to have a total blast. I plan to eat, shop, drink and pool all day everyday. Not to mention, gamble, talk, hang and did I mention drink.

I haven't allowed myself to really think about this trip because I am so excited about it. I am a bit sad that the Lee's and the Perez's won't be in attendance. But I will make sure to have enough fun for the four of them. :)

Catching Up

2008-05-28T23:32:00.000-07:00

One of my college teammates is in town for work and we went to dinner tonight. She actually helped BK get his job at Dell, so as a result I have her to thank for my beautiful ring.

We went to a cute little restaurant in Santa Monica called The World Cafe. The weather has been fantastic here so we sat outside under the heaters. It was so nice. Sometimes I can really love LA.

We caught up on old teammates and reminisced about our silly college days and how grown-up we thought we were.

Monday we spent the day with some old friends from Houston. Our friend Lori had a party on the rooftop pool of her loft downtown. It was very LA.

That's one thing I can say about Los Angeles. A lot of the social things to do here I have never done before and don't know how many other cities have these options.

...

2008-05-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am confused about life a little bit right now. I don't know what my issue is, but I am definitely feeling a crossroads coming up.

I guess though it is just normal to question and hope you are making the right life decisions. BK and I have just sacrificed so much in the last 2 years for our dreams and I wish I could just know we were making the right decisions.

I have always wanted to be an actress. I wasn't really allowed to growing up but now that I am an adult and capable of making my own decisions I was comfortable with the idea and the struggle that goes with a dream like this.

Lately however I am realizing I am unlike a lot of actors or artists. I am very logical, cerebral and have a need to be in control. All of these things make for a very boring actor. As I am reminded EVERY week in class. I get it. I am boring. Which is rather annoying because in real life I think at least that I am mildly entertaining. Sigh.

So lately I have been thinking more about producing. But part of me feels like I will be a "quitter" if I don't continue trying to act.

I dunno though. This could all be just PMS and frustration.

I do know that I have had two terrible auditions in a row.

Sigh

2008-05-19T01:11:00.000-07:00

I wish I had some really interesting news, but sadly I don't. The wedding was gorgeous and a beautiful expression of love. Sydney is adorable and such a good baby, which she should be seeing all the pain and torment she has caused her mother. Although I am sure CP would do it all again in a second.

I have been back at work. Trying to make up for the 6 days I had off. It was so good to get away and see things that truly matter in life, marriage and babies, as opposed to things that matter in LA, like bank accounts and Bentleys. Although I must say I was very glad to come back, dare I say, home?

Nothing interesting coming up, but that can be good, because it either means the possibility of interesting, or continued bliss.

O Happy Week!!!

2008-05-06T22:13:00.000-07:00

So I am a little tired right now, but who cares. I have a great week coming up. Starting on Friday we are going to our friends Brian and Kristin's wedding in Charlottesville, VA. Then after that I am driving down to Greenboro, NC to visit, my friends CP and RP and their new baby SYDNEY!!!! To make it even better Summer is coming too. Whoo hoo!!!! Girls weekend!

Things have been good here in LA. I signed last week with a commercial agent here called Brass. I am really excited to get going. To get the ball rolling. I have been working a lot. I am so excited to get out of LA for a few days though. I love weddings and I love babies even more!!!!

Glow In The Dark Part IV

2008-04-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

WOW! That's all I can say for now. WOW! Unbelievable. Incredible. Outstanding. I want to go see it in other cities!

Glow In The Dark Part III

2008-04-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

Rhianna. Good. Solid. She can definitely sing. She needs a little more showmanship, stage presense, etc. She is incredibly gorgeous and its totally unfair. She is a little rock chick. But actually little is not a good word. She is probably the largest (meaning tallest) one we have seen so far. I was trying to think of another girl u could put on this tour and I don't know if there is one. Cause it has to be someone who is willing to open. So she was a good choice. She has lots of top 40 hits so it was good.

I can't wait for what's about to happen. OMG!!! I can't believe I am here. I have the BEST husband in all the land.

Glow In The Dark Part II

2008-04-21T20:50:00.000-07:00

N.E.R.D. was cool. A little more rock than I remember, but I appreciate their enthusiasm. The crowd was loving it. They spazzed. I think that's a new form of rock dancing. But now I sound like an old out of touch person. Oh well. It happens. Rhianna is next. Don't think BK is too excited about that. And honestly I don't know how much of this crowd is.

I can say one thing this is a very eclectic crowd. A TOTAL mix of people. Mostly young, but all different races. Lots of asians and white people. Not too many black people. But black folks prolly couldn't get online to get the tix that sold out in an hour, cause they don't have computers.

Glow In The Dark Part I

2008-04-21T20:22:00.000-07:00

Lupe Fiasco was awesome. Drinks are expensive. Who cares? N.E.R.D. Next.

Celeb sighting

2008-04-18T11:30:00.000-07:00

So last night at work in the midst of working a party of 20, 16-year olds, I almost passed out. Because while I was waiting for them to settle down, Jay-Z himself walked right in the front doors of Katsuya. OMG!!!! I literally had to grab a hold of my co-worker to stop myself from acting like a 12-year old girl. He and his friends sat in the other room and needless to say I found about nine million excuses to walk by their table. My manager spotted me acting like a fool and told me to move it!!! But before she finished she said, "You did see Usher too didn't you?"

Well I couldn't turn around right then, because I would have had the cheesiest grin on my face. So I circled the restaurant again and peeped him out. Later in the evening the girl who was working his table asked me if I could help clear some plates. So I took some things off and made no eye contact. Then right in front of Usher was an untouched Baked Crab Hand Roll. Well there were lots of other untouched items on the table so I wasn't sure if he wanted it or not. So I asked him if he was done and he waved his hand over it. So I am thinking, "Cool. I will take it." Then as I reach for the plate he puts his hand back out over top of it as if to tell me to stop. That's when I almost said, " Uh, you can talk to me. I am not just the effin' help!!"

So I wasn't that impressed by Mr. Usher, but Jay-Z seemed super nice and talked to alot of peeps. No sign of Beyonce.

Jay and Ursh at Katsuya.

Oh and by the way Nikki Hilton was there.

Good Weekend

2008-04-13T13:45:00.001-07:00

This weekend was very relaxing. I worked lunch on Friday and then went to the Lakers vs. Hornets game. We were guests in the NBA suite, so free food and drinks. You can never go wrong there.

Saturday I got my hair done and BK went to the gym. We drove to Men's Warehouse in the afternoon, so BK could get fitted for his tux for BSmith's wedding. I found out the groomsmen are wearing light green, so that means I get to get a new dress. YAY!!!!

Last night we went to Temple Bar to listen to a band I like, Mulatto. As always they put on a good show. They just have so much energy. John Mayer was there. That was kinda weird, cause Temple Bar is a very anti-Hollywood spot, so when celebs to go there its always a shock. He was very among the people. In a gray hoodie he would talk to just about anyone that walked up. It was kinda weird to watch. Especially all the dudes that were on his jock.

Woke up this morning an went to the coffee shop down the street to get the Sunday Times and search for coupons. Trying to stay on a budget. I am off to work now. I am happy to go, but not happy to leave a relaxing weekend with the hubby.

Jay-Z and Mary's concert is here in LA on Wed. No tix. Damn. Maybe Jay, will come in to Katsuya and beg me to come to the show. LOL.

Quickie

2008-04-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't had much to say lately because I have just been grinding. This being an out of work actor is a full-time job. Funny, right? Everyday it's driving all over town, submitting headshots, picking up headshots, going to classes, meeting people, being out, going out, working, writing, reading, learning. It is non-stop. This is what I have done in the past three days.

Sunday -- Tired from going out on Saturday night to the uber-chic Viceroy hotel, sorta slept in. Had to be at work at Katsuya at 3pm. Worked from 3pm-12mid and then went to an service industry night at Area. Stayed and had one drink, and came home.

Monday -- Couldn't sleep. Woke up and went to meet a friend for breakfast. Saw McSteamy from Grey's Anatomy. Came home worked on submission letter to managers and agents. Finally took a nap. Got up and went to work at Katsuya at 5:30. Worked in the Dragon Room aka "Celebrity room." Waited on Kevin Smith, director of Clerks, Jersey Girl, Chasing Amy, Jay and Silent Bob, etc. Thank God, he left me a $600 tip. Yippie!!! Also in last night was CSI:NY star Hill Harper, who lives in the building upstairs, Lauren, Lo, Brody and Frankie of Hills fame, and John Legend. If they panned the pic to the right, you would have seen me staring blankly out the door. Hee hee. Got home around 1 am and proceeded to finish letters to agents and managers, and of course watch The Hills episode I missed.

Tuesday -- My day off! Woke up at 8am to go to acting class. Ugh!! Class went well. Left class to meet a friend for lunch, then to drop off letter and headshot to Halle Berry's manager. Went to the bank, rerouted a UPS package, paid some bills, finished up more letters, followed up with a casting director I recently met, and started blogging. I am actually blogging to avoid the other things I have to do.

I need to go to Kinko's and print out my resumes and letters. I need to go buy stamps to mail letters. Oh and at some point actually enjoy my day off.

Hope you liked living the LA life of KR.

IRATE!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

So in the last 24 hours I have been offended and pissed off. ARGH!!!!

Yesterday at work one of my managers used the N-word. Sorta in his defense he was just repeating what some ignorant fool said to him, but still there I was standing, forced to pretend to not be totally offended.

Two idiots came into the high-end sushi restaurant that I work at and were asking for free food. When one of my co-workers asked, "How did they do that? What did they say?" Mateo responded with, "They were like, 'Hook a n***a up or something."

All I could do was walk away. As soon as I did, I felt terrible. I knew walking away was not the right thing to do. I knew I had to say SOMETHING, but what? And what do I say with out sounding like the overly sensitive black girl? Why do I have to deal with this bullshit?

So Jeni, the other girl who was standing there went and told Mateo that I was a bit offended. That way he was able to approach me without me looking overly sensitive. I mean how unfair is that. I know what he said was so wrong and still the color of my skin was stopping me from making it right. UGH!!!!

Good thing is Mateo and I talked about it. I told him how inappropriate and offensive it was. And how no matter what he should never use that word. And that those guys were idiots and they should have never used that word either. I think he got the point.

So then to top it off, this stupid hostess today just totally tried to screw me over.

One of my good friend's, Amy, is represented by Halle Berry's manager. I had the opportunity to meet with him once. Yesterday one of the bartender's, David, who also knows Amy was talking about her. We were both talking about her situation and how she suddenly moved back to NYC, and the rumors we had heard behind the move. The rumors surrounded her manager. But we kept saying we didn't know if they were true, because we hadn't talked to her and she never calls anybody back. Well this hostess, butts in the conversation and we realize she also knows Amy. Ha Ha, small world right.

Well this morning I get a text message from Amy saying that she would appreciate if I didn't gossip about her and that this STUPID BITCH (the hostess), called up her manager and said, "I didn't know you and Amy were dating? The married black girl at Katsuya said so." Mind you this girl is black too.

WTF??? So now my friend Amy thinks I am talking shit about her. This really high-powered manager thinks I am talking shit about him. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?! All because this stupid tramp is so desparate to get in, she is trying to screw everyone around her. I can't believe this.

This is where I live people.

This is hard

2008-03-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

So I have been a blog stranger. It's hard to blog when you actually have something to do during the day. I have been at Katsuya for about a month now. My schedule so far has only consisted of lunches Mon-Fri. This is great because I can see the hubby, but financially it is still not quite there yet. Lunches are just hardto make money, but I can rack up a good amount hourly because I work about 5 hours/day and 5 days a week. That's harder to accomplish when you only work at night. It gets hard to go in night after night. But I am supposed to get a night shift next week. Yippie.

Other than that same old. Just plugging away. Trying to stay in the gym and away from the carbs. The weight is still not coming off, but at least I am healthy.

Last week at Katsuya I waited on a guy who is a movie and TV producer. I made sure to give him a business card, and then the next day dropped off a headshot at his office. Gotta stay grinding.

I have realized in the last few weeks, that what I am doing is building a business. Hopefully in the next couple of months I can go from building the business to building a brand. The brand being me.

BK is on his way back from Seattle right now. Then off to Vegas this weekend. I hate boys and bachelor parties. We may go to the Laugh Factory tomorrow night and see a comedian named Finesse Mitchell. He was on SNL for 3 seasons. I waited on him today. He was really nice and invited hubby and I. I just looked up the cover though, and its $20 each. Damn!!! Does that include drinks? LOL. Not in LA. So I dunno. We'll have to see about all that.

Yay!!!

2008-03-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

The Wedding.
What a marvelous day. Thank you to all who were there to support us and continue to support us through our marriage.

Wow

2008-03-12T23:41:00.000-07:00

I just realized I haven't blogged in ages. Not much is really new right now. I have been working lunches for the last two weeks. So I am on a daytime schedule. Still not much money yet, but after two weeks of lunches they start to put you on dinners. And the dinner shifts pretty much start at $200 a night. Still been going to class and trying to fit in a workout here and there.

BK and I hiked the Temescal Canyon this past weekend. It was hard and long. Almost 4 miles long and the majority of that being uphill, but the views were amazing. Temescal is in Topanga State Park right near Malibu. The ocean and city views were incredible.

I hiked Runyon Canyon on Tuesday. It is smack dab in the middle of Hollywood and when you get to the top you can see the Hollywood sign, all the beautiful mansions in the Hollywood Hills, and on a clear day you can see from downtown to the beach.

My acting teacher says he can definitely see growth in my acting. YAY!! And that my dedication and determination to learn is commendable. YAY!!! He also said he would refer me to his agent. YAY!!!

This weekend is our one year anniversary!!! Can you believe it? One year already! Wow. Just this time last year I was stressing out like nobody's business. Actually today may have been the day I called Myah and had my nervous breakdown due to stress and hunger. It's quite obvious I am no longer hungry, just ask my scale. LOL!!!

Well for old times sake. Here's one year ago at the rehearsal dinner. I felt like shit at this dinner. My mother had stressed me out beyond belief. I didn't even touch my food and I had NO WINE!! Can you believe that!

Almost There

2008-03-01T16:39:00.000-08:00

I am on the set of my short film "Pack a Lunch!" again. It really is exciting to be back on set. This has been a really tough week though, physically and as a result it has also been tough mentally.

I have been working two jobs this week. Finishing out my two weeks at The Temple Bar and starting my training at Katsuya. Add class to that mix and I have been going non-stop since Monday.

I worked at Katsuya Monday night then again on Tuesday morning. Then went to class Tuesday night followed by Katsuya Wednesday afternoon and Temple Bar Wednesday night. Thursday was the same as Wednesday and then I had to get up on an hour and a half sleep and drive to Orange County for a 7:15 call time for my shoot. Whew.

Last night I was finally able to get some sleep after a grueling day of shooting.

Thursday night at work was pretty cool though, especially since it was my last day. YIPPIE!!! Cindy from En Vogue and Eric Benet came in. They were there to see a girl named Judith Hill who is a young singer, kinda like Alicia Keys. After that was Paul Dateh an Asian hip-hop soul violinist. He was really good.
Then the cast of The Color Purple which is performing here in LA came and had a cast and crew party. A couple of the members of the cast performed and they were incredible. They are such talented people, I felt honored to be in their presense. Latoya London from Season 3 of American Idol was there. She plays Nettie in the production. She got 4th on Idol (same season as Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson). I was glad I was able to be there for that.

Well back to shooting I go. I can't wait for you all to see this film.

On Set

2008-02-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

So I have been on set for the last two days shooting a short film. A friend of mine wrote this part just for me and I am honored.

Just a one of problems. IT WON'T STOP RAINING!!! I mean I thought it never rains in Southern California? Well this must have been when Tony Toni Tone was out of town, because the weather is totally screwing us. Everytime we finally get into shooting a scene, BAM! there goes the rain. Shooting a film is hard enough, add in a limited budget and crazy rain, and its damn near impossible. We were supposed to shoot all day tomorrow, but the rain is supposed to get worse, so we may can it and reschedule for next Friday. Sigh.

So right now I am sitting alone in my car in the rain, waiting for them to figure out how to set up and shoot this shot without getting the rain in it. It's after 6 and we have been going since 9am, plus a full day yesterday. I also think I hurt my knee while shooting today.

One of the good things is that BK and I were able to priceline a hotel and he came down last night and spent all day with me on set. Finally he gets to see me do what I do! It was great having him here. I can't wait until we get to shoot somewhere cool like Paris and he can come visit. Not that Placentia, CA isn't cool, but it definitely ain't Paris.

If this sounds grumpy, I don't mean it to be. Shooting a film is crazy hard work on both the body and the mind. Its hard to get the general public to see that a two-hour picture took 6-8 weeks to shoot. So while it is hard work, I wouldn't rather do anything else and work this hard at it. To top it all off when I am making several million a picture, I really won't mind then.

Hip Hip Hooray!!! and Steel Magnolias

2008-02-19T16:18:00.000-08:00

I got the job!!! The manager at Katsuya called me today and told me that I have been hired!!! I have to go in on Thurday and fill out paperwork. Hopefully I can start training on Monday. They have an extensive training period of seven days. Most places only require 2-3 days of training. I am very excited. I am only a little concerned because of the traffic getting to Katsuya, but other than that YIPPIE!!!!

We had our Steel Magnolia's meeting yesterday. It went well. These are definitely powerful talented women. One girl who was new to the group yesterday did share with us a very funny story. I am going to have to give you a little background so that the story will be funny to you.

In Los Angeles parking is a hot commodity. Every street is cleaned twice a week. One side of the street on one day and then the opposite side on the next day. So for instance outside of my apartment there is no parking from 12-3 on Thursdays on the right side and no parking from 12-3 on Fridays on the left side. This is everywhere in the city on everystreet and different days and different times. You always have to check all the signs before parking anywhere. And they will give you a ticket one minute after 12. They sit and wait on the street and as soon as it hits the hour, they get out and start writing $50 tickets.

My friend, we'll call her Sam, works in a bar and while hanging out there one night my roommate and I met an actor who is a regular on a popular TV series. He's not really famous but if you watched the show, you would know him.

So last night we were talking about him. Sam was saying how she sees him with a different girl in the bar almost every night. And how she heard that there is a different car parked at his house every night. He's quite the player.

This is when Catie, chimed in and embarrasingly admitted that her car was one of the cars outside his house. She said she knew that she wasn't the only girl. We all laughed. She said she knew it was silly but she can't help it. She gets so caught up in living the fun life with him. She was telling us how he took her out on a double date with Drew Barrymore and her fiance. We were all so excited about this. I mean who doesn't love Drew Barrymore. So she kinda overlooked the fact that he was being a player and wasn't really trying to get THAT involved herself. She knew where everything stood and was okay with ignoring some facts, until....

The other night she spent the night. Well she woke up the next day and nudged the guy to wake him up. He wasn't very happy about being woken up early and grumbled something to her. She then asked him which side of the street was the street cleaning on today, and if her car could stay parked where she left it. And his response in a half-sleep stupor and in tired frustration was, "Ughh, I don't know! This is like every morning of my fucking life."

We all nearly died of laughter and shock. Did he really say that? What an idiot? He basically just told her that some chick wakes him up every morning to ask what side of the street is ok to be parked on. We laughed and laughed about this for several minutes. Catie had a great sense of humor about it and said after that she promptly packed her things and left.

Ah the cockiness of an LA actor who think he's made it, yet no one knows his name.

Blah

2008-02-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Sadly I have nothing new to report. Same ol. BK is still out of town. He comes back on Tuesday, thank God. I am about 4 more days from a nervous breakdown. Still working on getting a new job. I shoot my short film this next weekend. I am very excited about that. The writer's are not striking anymore so hopefully that means more work soon.

A group of girls I know here in LA got together and started a support group called The Steel Magnolia's. We are a group of women all in the entertainment industry. We started the group as a way to set goals, answer each others questions, and just VENT. I am excited to have the meeting tomorrow.

The Glamorous Life

2008-02-13T18:37:00.000-08:00

Isn't it weird how things can sound WAY more glamorous than they really are. Last week I worked a catering gig. It was a Happy Hour in honor of musician Akon at the De Beers jewelry store in Beverly Hills. Doesn't that sound fabulous? It so was not.

It really was just a collection of nobody's and wannabe's. Sprinkle in a few hungry models and actresses and your run of the mill gold-diggers and it wasn't much different than any LA party, let alone any party anywhere in this country. The only semi-interesting things were that Akon (and Ray-J, which is not so interesting) were there and I was surrounded by diamonds. I LOVE diamonds. But I felt a little bad being at De Beers, they are known for using conflict (blood) diamonds.

The music industry is like nothing I have ever seen. That place looked like Ed Hardy threw up in there. I have never seen so many adornings, rhinestones, skulls, roses and tigers on jeans and hoodies in my life. And as the evening progressed it seemed as if each person tried a little bit harder than the last to push the proverbial envelope. There was even a guy there who thought he was Michael Jackson, complete with red leather jacket, tight jeans and 80's style sunglasses. However his twist on the ensemble, his pressed out hair in a messy bun on the top of his head. I was so taken aback by this "individual" that I commented on him to people I don't even know.

To psycho-analyze the event, it looked like a group of people who had no clue who they were, so they masked it by dressing as ridiculous as possible, and wearing more "diamonds" than they were worth. And the funniest part, not one of them was famous. It was hysterical, not glamorous at all.

Temple Bar

2008-02-12T16:03:00.000-08:00

I was gonna write a post about this crazy city that I live in, Los Angeles. But as I started to write it, I just wasn't feeling it. This is a beautiful place, with beautiful weather, beautiful scenery and beautiful people. There are some crappy things about LA, like how when I got a flat tire, not one person stopped to ask if we needed help. Another weird thing I have noticed is that I have never seen one funeral here. Not one. Weird huh? I guess cause everyone stays young, no one ever dies. But I didn't want to fill an entire post with that information.

But while working at Temple Bar I have had the opportunity to hear some very interesting music. The motto for the bar is "Diversity through music." So needless to say I have heard a lot of variety. Everything from instrumental Indian electronica, to Cambodian funk, to hip-hop and rock. There are three bands that have played at Temple Bar that I have really enjoyed and always look forward to their return.

The first is P.J. Morton. He was one of the first nights I ever worked. My brother-in-law, Carlton did tell me about PJ over a year ago, but I totally brushed it off. Well after seeing him live I was blown-away. If he is ever in a city near you and you like soul or R&B music, definitely check him out. He does a cover of the Cheers theme song that is awesome. I know he will be in Houston at the end of the month, and in New Orleans for Jazz Fest.

Then there is a group of very young musicians from Los Angeles called Mulatto. They are all under 21 even. They are an interesting mix of music and energy. They describe their music as Nu-Jazz, Alternative and Soul. They mostly only play in Los Angeles, but they do have a show at Hampton soon. They are a blast to see live. It's a definite good time. Be prepared to party, even if you know none of their songs. Their energy is infectious.

Finally my new favorite is a rock group called Porcelain. They are originally from Australia and have recently relocated to Los Angeles. They are signed to Universal and Joe Simpson (Jessica's dad) is their manager. Don't hold that against them though. The lead singer Lo is full of spunk and kick-ass energy. She's the kinda girl that after watching her, you kinda wish you were just like her. Their music is hard when it needs to be and soft when it needs to be. I think they will be at SXSW next month in Austin, so if you like rock check them out. And even if you don't like rock, but are open-minded they ROCK!!!!

Porcelain has a song called "Desert Dressed in Lights" it is the song on my myspace profile. I think without writing that blog about Los Angeles, and trying to describe it the chorus of that song totally sums it all up.

"California is the summer in the winter of your life and LA is the lover that'll make you leave your wife. She'll kiss you like a virgin then she'll slice you like a knife. The city made of angels is a desert dressed in lights."

So so true.

Yes We Can?

2008-02-05T12:37:00.000-08:00

Well I think I am on the Obama wagon. After a lot of soul searching I have realized that he is the candidate for me. I have been wanting to be on the Obama side for a while, but never really felt compelled. Well folks that day has arrived.

After really looking at the two candidates and seeing how very little difference there is between the two of them as far as issues go, it has come down to a gut decision. And it is mostly an experience issue. And the more and more and more I wrestled with this decision I realized how many times have I wanted a job or thought I was so right for a job but it was given to a person with more "experience" with less foresight, thought or creativity.

The other reason I have decided to support Mr. Obama is that he believes in the impossible. He believes that the impossible is possible. How can you not support someone with that much conviction in his belief? Never did I think a black man could truly run as a viable candidate for president. He has proven me wrong. And I know am now inspired to do things that I thought impossible.

The endorsement article written by the LA times also helped my thought process in this decision. I must also give some credit to CP. She helped me realize that with a woman finally running for office, you would think you would feel different about the way things were going, but it does feel like more of the same. I don't know if it's because she's a Clinton or because she feels she has to be extra tough because she's a woman. Either way it really does feel like more of the same. And as much as I LOVE Bill and I wished he could have been President forever, he can't and his time is over. No need to go back. Time to move forward, and Yes We Can!!!!

Not quite so much history

2008-02-04T13:19:00.000-08:00

Well I didn't make the rally. I woke up with a fever yesterday. I swear I have never been sick as much as I have been the last 3 months. There is something about the bar I work at that makes me sick.

And then of course the Patriots lost. Uggh. I am happy for the Giants. But the poor Patriots. Who wants to go 18-0 and then lose. What a sickening feeling.

I am however very excited to see the outcome of Super Tuesday. That will definitely be historic, no matter which way it goes.

Big Day Tomorrow

2008-02-02T19:51:00.000-08:00

Well of course it's the Superbowl. But if I am able to get my tired butt up after working all night, I plan on going to the Obama rally before the BIG game. Michelle Obama, Oprah and Caroline Kennedy will be speaking at Pauley Pavillion, right by my house. The doors open at 11:30. I don't know what time that means I need to get there. I wanna make sure I get in.

Two historic events in one weekend, and maybe three if the Patriots win. I don't know if I can handle it all.

A Night of History

2008-01-31T22:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend and former competitor Amber G, my roommate and I were able to go to the Democratic debate tonight here in LA. BK was still out of town and sadly could not go.

We received the email telling us all about what we needed to do once we got there and what we could and couldn't bring. After a bit of a late start due to tiredness from last night's "Ladies Night" we got off our butts, figured out what one wears to a Presidential debate and headed to Hollywood. Oh the LA traffic was at it's finest today. And after a few tense moments of thinking we might not make it on time, we finally made our way to Hollywood and Highland.

After snaking our way through the massive crowds outside of protesters and supporters we found out where the line was and began to wait. The line looked long and scary at first, but moved quickly and soon enough we had our wristbands on and passes in hand. No phones or cameras were allowed so the pass will serve as my memorabilia of the evening. Moments later after going through basic airport security we were allowed inside.
Tonight's debate took place at the Kodak Theater. On top of being a great night of political history I got a chance to go to the Kodak!!!! The Kodak Theater is where they host the Academy Awards and the finale of American Idol. It was beautiful. I can't wait to go back and pick up my Oscar!!!

Because we were so so unimportant we climbed the stairs, followed by more stairs and arrived at our seats. We were on the third level of the theater and even though we were a bit removed it was amazing. The theater was incredible and the fact that I was there, I just couldn't believe it.

The people on our level for the most part looked like average Americans. We were definitely not with the politicians, the celebrities (and there were a lot), or the BIG donors. We were with the farmers, teachers, city workers, etc.

For the most part the entire atmosphere felt very positive and forward moving. The idea that what we have is so terrible and the hope and anticipation for something else were very apparent. They started the night with a couple of the California Democratic leaders speaking, then a Native American prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance (which I can't believe I remembered) and the National Anthem. After that Wolf Blitzer came out spoke to the audience and then out came the candidates. That was an amazing moment. Tears came to my eyes. Here we are with the last two democratic candidates and there was a woman and an African-American. Honestly I never thought I would see the day. Ever!!!

And so we began.

It was very interesting over the course of the debate to watch people and their reactions to the candidate’s ideas. For the most part people clapped and cheered for both candidates, but I did notice a few who apparently had already chosen their favorite. So they clapped enthusiastically when their candidate made a point and scrunched their noses when the other candidate made a point.

There was twice in the night when the cheers were definitely louder. After the question about how for the last 28 years there has been either a Bush or Clinton on the ballot and how she can thinks she represents change when she is apart of one of the two families who have been in charge of our country for almost three decades, she responded with and at the end of her answer finished with, "It did take a Clinton to clean up after the first Bush, and I think it might take another one to clean up after the second Bush." The crowd erupted.

The only other time that got such huge applause and cheers was when Wolf proposed the idea of the possibility of a Clinton/Obama or Obama/Clinton ticket. Oh what a dream that would be.

My overall opinion of the debate was that Hillary won. Maybe she was asked more questions or she was always able to always rebut, but I was a bit more impressed with her this evening. Barack seemed satisfied to sort of take a back seat. He was full of one-liners but I think he missed a lot of opportunities to really drive his point home. His point of change. I also felt like he brought up a lot of issues. He reiterated and stated time and again the problems in this country, but without many solutions. I was impressed tonight with Hillary's ability to present solutions and then break them down for the average person to understand how they would work.

I am still completely undecided. But I do know that we will be much better off with either one of them. And either way we can all help make history. How awesome.

So it was all over and I felt very good and was super excited and so very thankful for the opportunity. As we trekked back downstairs and almost went out the wrong door. We didn't have the right pass to go through that door so we had to go back into the theater on the second level. We were trying to pass through the same doorway the second levelers were trying to walk out of. That's when we almost ran smack into Blair Underwood. I kinda wished I had been looking down so I would have smack right into him. Sigh. He is as good as advertised ladies.

As I recovered and looked past him I saw Quentin Tarantino. OMG!!! I hadn't seen Quentin since the opening night of Grindhouse almost a year ago. I pulled him aside and after he recognized me with long hair and not an afro, we exchanged a big hug. Finally I remembered to give him my business card. Geez, I hope he uses it.

Other star sightings included Billy Baldwin, Hill Harper, Tim Daly, Ed Helms and Erika Alexander. I saw Stevie Wonder from my seat. I found out later that Leo DiCaprio and Steven Speilberg were also there. Awesome. It was kinda like the Academy Awards. Hee hee.

This was a long post, but I was so inspired and I really wanted to give the evening the credit it deserved. It was wonderful.

P.S. I just spell checked this in Word, and Obama is not in the Word dictionary. I bet that will change on the next edition of Word.

Giving up is way harder than trying

2008-01-30T00:10:00.000-08:00

Sigh. It's just been one of those couple of weeks. You know the ones where you are trying and trying and trying. You feel like you are doing the right thing. You feel like you are being productive, but nothing is working.

I know I have the tendency to be impatient. I want things when I want them, which most of the time is right now. I feel like I am changing. I feel like I am doing the right things in my life to change it for the better. To change it to the life I want. But right now I am not seeing the results of the change. I know it will come. I know it will change. But it gets hard waiting.

I am reading the bible everyday for more wisdom, insight and faith. I am working out everyday but the scale keeps going the opposite direction. I am sacrificing my living condition to do what I love. But I haven't had the chance to really "do it." It is a struggle.

I realized the other day that together BK and I make less money than he earned alone in Austin. Wow. Talk about a reality check. He made more money alone than we make together now? How is that possible. Two years later and we are poorer and living in a more expensive city. Man does it get hard sometimes. Not to even mention how much $$$ we are going to owe the government. Sigh.

It's a struggle everyday to realize that I chose this life. This was my decision. Part of that feels really good. For so long I did what everyone else wanted me to do and never really what I wanted. I wasn't miserable doing it, but a lot of it wasn't my choice. It wasn't really my choice to swim, thank God I was good. Did that. Wanted to go to Arizona for college, wasn't allowed that choice. Thank God I am a Longhorn. Going to graduate school was my choice. I had to get out of my parents house. Finishing graduate school was not my choice.

So it is a relief to know that finally for once I am in control of my life. I am doing what I want to do no matter what others think. No matter if they approve or not. But I long for an easier time. And you know maybe because the struggle has been so long and been so hard. And that my husband and I barely make ends meet, maybe it means the reward will be that much greater.

As bad as it can sound, we always have enough. God always provides. We find a way to make it through. We don't have a lot of the things our friends have and it may be even longer before we get them. But we will get them. We will continue to try and push and climb and claw. We will continue to sweat and weep and scream and yell. We will continue to grow and change and develop and evolve. We will continue to succeed and win and champion and triumph. After all it is a beautiful struggle.

Now I Understand

2008-01-25T13:24:00.000-08:00

So now I know why people were trying to discourage me from the spin class. That shit is EXTRA hard. I mean seriously. The only good thing was I burned a ton of calories in 45 min and actually the 45 min went by fast. I hate cardio in general, because I can't keep my mind occupied enough. Last night I didn't have to worry about keeping my mind busy, cause I was in so much pain.

The first 15 min were the absolute worst. After that it wasn't quite as bad. My quads were burning so bad then but I guess I got warmed up. At least I finished the class. I don't know when I will go back though. I have heard the second class is much easier than the first, but still.

I was thinking about doing a hip-hop dance class tomorrow. Trying to convince BK to join me, but I don't know if he will.

We made the best dinner ever last night. Filet Mignon, Loaded baked potato, Sauteed spinach and Sauteed Mushrooms. Delicious. I couldn't get enough. It was like being at the steakhouse, but for $100 less. I of course had red wine with my meal.

Don't know if I will make it to the gym today. My body is screaming at me. Might take today off and head back tomorrow.

Nothing new

2008-01-24T13:10:00.000-08:00

So far same ol. I started my acting class this week. I sucked. But that only means that eventually I can get better. Yay! BK has been working hard as usual. He starts traveling again soon. :(

Haven't heard anything from the Foxtail people. I try hard not to worry and try to realize that whatever God has planned will be best, but the control freak in me sometimes takes over. I also think I am so anxious to put in my two weeks at Temple Bar. It's a really cool place to hang and see some great live music, but it is not a great place to work. The people are awesome, the money is not.

I have been working out or trying to do something active everyday, or almost. I am going to try a spinning class tonight. I am a bit afraid of it. Every time I tell someone I am gonna do a spin class they try to discourage me. But I figure I have to give it a try at least once. I have gone to power yoga class the last two weeks. Yesterday's class was SUPER fun. I did a back bend and a headstand. And I am so sore today. Yoga is really helping me tone. So far I am down 3lbs in this weight loss journey. I am not sure exactly how much I want to lose, but I know that I need to lose some more. I gained 17lbs after my wedding. That is disgusting. I don't know if I need to be as skinny as I was at the wedding, but I don't need to be this fat.

The bible is going well still. Read the 10 commandments yesterday. I also read about the punishment God deems necessary for specific crimes. It was very interesting to see that our present day legal system is based on the bible. It even goes into such detail as the difference between premeditated murder and accidental murder. Interesting.

I haven't been going to Nick Cannon's office, but I am supposed to start back next week.

SBE and The Hills

2008-01-17T16:26:00.000-08:00

Well for all those who read this little blog regularly you know that since May/June of 2007 I have been trying to get a job with SBE. SBE is the premiere nightlife and entertainment company here in LA. They own such clubs as Area, Hyde, Lobby, Privilege and S-Bar, and Katsuya restaurant. They also have a film company and are branching out to hotels and eventually will be nationwide. It is quite an exceptional company. Well today I had interview #10. That's right folks we are now in the double digits. The interview was with the Regional Director of the Restaurant Group, Massimo. The interview was just like the rest, it went very well, or so I thought. We shall see. However that was not the BEST part of the day.

As many of you might know SBE is also where Heidi from the MTV show "The Hills" supposedly works. Well just my luck today they were filming an episode or two of this Hills today. Now I have been to this office numerous times and never have I seen Heidi. Today was my first time and I knew it would be when I walked in and almost ran into a Production Assistant on his walkie. I have known for a while that this show was fabricated and very little of it was real, but I had no idea how bad it really was.

While waiting to go in for my interview I noticed that half of the office wasn't in their cubicles, but huddled over to one side of the office. They couldn't get to their desks because they would have ended up in the shot. And heaven forbid someone ruins the shot on reality TV, because they were doing real work. The in walks Heidi. Tiny little blond, cute red dress, awesome black Louboutin pumps, with perfect hair and makeup. And I don't mean perfect in the sense of the well put together girl, I mean perfect in the sense of she had already been to hair and makeup. I then watched the director inform her that she was going to walk in and then walk to her desk. So she did this. Cut. Then they had her do it again. I couldn't believe this. I mean I knew that a lot of it wasn't real, but the girl can't even walk into the room real?

So that was quite entertaining, but little did I know it was only going to get better. During my interview, Massimo had to step out. Well because of this little break I was privy to Heidi's conversation with her co-worker. Her "office" was right next door and their building is sorta lofty, so it has open ceilings. I listened to her go on and on about how she say Lauren and Audrina out and she had this deep heart to heart with Audrina about how she misses her. There I summed it up in one sentence. I listened to her tell this one part story for at least 3 min. I have never heard so many times, "I mean", "Ya know", "like", and "totally." I can't wait to see how this turns out on the show.

But sadly I must tell all my fellow Hills fans the show is completely fake. This doesn't mean I will stop watching, but now I am not even sure Heidi and Lauren hate each other.

Pluggin along

2008-01-14T18:18:00.000-08:00

Well so far so good in this new year. BK and I joined the gym at his job. So far we have both been very good. I have my complimentary training session tomorrow. I am a little concerned because BK had his on Saturday and looked like a rag doll when it was all said and done.

I officially signed up for classes again. I start next Tuesday night. I am excited about that. I have to read the book "Sanford Meisner On Acting." It's about the legendary acting teacher and his method called Meisner. My class uses the technique without the exercises. Thank God! Our roommate took a Meisner class for a few months and was about to pull her hair out with the repeating exercises that the Meisner technique requires. So we shall see how this goes.

I am reading the bible everyday. I am doing a program where you read the bible in a year. It has a little calendar and I read about 2-3 chapters each day. I started exactly on January 1. So far I am still in Genesis, but its quite interesting. I must say that I was shocked to find out that 3 chapters in God had already destroyed the world with the great flood. Man was that fast. The other really shocking thing so far is all the sex in the bible. There is a lot of sex and I mean A LOT!

BK just found out a few days ago that he will be responsible for different things at his job this year. He will be working with the T-Mobile High School basketball tournament. Actually he will be running it all on his own. Pretty big responsibility.

Going to softball tonight. Should be interesting.

Here we go again

2008-01-09T23:06:00.000-08:00

So I woke up the other morning to a message on my voicemail. "KR can you please come in for another interview with SBE."

So of course on Tuesday morning I dragged my ass down to Area (a club they own) and had another freakin' interview. Yep folks, interview number 9. Number 9.

Tonight one of my girlfriends who already works for the company, (I helped her get the job, go figure) texted me saying she talked to the hiring manager and it was bueno!!! She's supposed to call me when she gets off. So we shall see.

I really want this to work out this time. The only thing is starting here so soon might compromise my trip to New Orleans. I really really really want to go to New Orleans. I mean I fell in love with BK there. Hello???? Sigh. The sacrifices we have to make as adults.

A new year!!!

2008-01-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

Today I am venturing back into the world of acting. Or at least attempting to. I have a meeting with an acting coach about possibly joining his class. This is an auditioning class. Hopefully I like him and he likes me and I can get my butt back into class.

I thought this writer's strike was going to make me more motivated and help me catch up. Well instead it has made me a lazy slob. Sigh.

Here's to a great NEW YEAR!!! Productive, successful and prosperous.

Holiday Update

2008-01-02T18:19:00.000-08:00

Wow. Was home wonderful or what???? Once I finally arrived in Houston after a long night of working and waiting in the airport, my wonderful husband BK picked me up from the airport and we headed home.

The flight was super easy because I was able to use BK's Continental Elite status. I was able to check-in first, go through security first, board first and get my bags first. Finally a benefit to all that travel he has to do.

Go to the house and spent some quality time with my folks, then went over to BK's parent's house where his mom made us an amazing home cooked meal. Steak and baked potatoes with a side salad. Yummy!!! I was still really tired from the flight so I took a little nap there. Then we headed to a house party that an old friend Lorielle was having.

BK, Dave and Dave

KR and Justin (from the NO)

KR and Erik Smith

BK, George and Erik. (Mo-City's finest)

It was good to see some old faces at the house party but it also made me thankful that I no longer live in Houston. Lots of high school friends. Good times.

The next night was the 3rd annual Holiday party. We had a great time once again. Lots of old friends and lots of great friends. The Lee's came in town for the event. And of course we stayed up until 4am hashing it out. We also stayed up to toast Summer going into labor at 3am one year earlier.

KR and Myah (your Holiday Hosts!!!)

Girl Scout Troop 1993 and 2050 (15 years later)

The Fabulous Lee's all the way from Austin

Happy Holidays!!!

Then came Christmas eve. I was incredibly hungover. INCREDIBLY. We saw the Lee's off then went and hung out with friends. Saw Will's incredible new house and Louis' incredible new house. Oh how I dream of the day we have a house. Back to sleep then off to BH's parents house to hang a little.

Christmas day!! Our first married Christmas. Yay!! We woke up and gave my parents their gifts. They were happy with the little trinkets we could give them. I promised them we wouldn't buy them anything. So we got my mom the Alicia Keys CD and 8 days of coffee from the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf in LA. And for my dad a golf shirt and a tea set from Coffee Bean. We got my dad the tea set last year and he loved it, so it's the least we can do. For those of you that don't know Coffee Bean is the best coffee on earth.

Then off to BK's house. We all sat around the tree and read the Christmas story from the Bible and exchanged gifts. We all received some really nice wonderful things. Then BK's extended family came over. We ate. I tried not to eat to much. Didn't work.

Back to my house. My entire family came over. Way too many people. It was good to see everyone. My sisters came over much earlier than usual so it was good to see them and get a chance to hang with them for a while. After more food and dessert we headed out to go see "The Great Debaters." This was a wonderful film and if you haven't had a chance to see it, you definitely should. It shows what you can accomplish when you have the drive and determination. Beautiful.

Sadly the next day my hubby left very early. :( That night I went to dinner with some of the girls I swam with in college. There were supposed to be 5 of us, but only 3 of us came. Either way it was a great time.

The next night we had our annual Kwanzaa party at my folks house. More food. More wine. Yep. More hangover. I saw one of my very good friends from my childhood Vincent. I hadn't seen him in years. Our parents are still good friends but I never see him. He has a beautiful daughter Morgan and we hung ALL night. Good time catching up.

The next day I left to head back to LA. For the first time in a long time, I was sad to go. I really had such a wonderful time at home. Like I said I know I am not meant to live there, but I really miss all those wonderful friends and family. Can't everyone just move here?!?!?!

New Year's update later.

Can I make it?

2007-12-21T19:07:00.000-08:00

11 more hours till I head home. But between now and then I have to finish packing, walk and feed the dogs, return some shoes and go to work. Sigh. I hope for once after all this I will be able to sleep on the plane. Here we go.

Almost Home

2007-12-20T22:29:00.000-08:00

BK leaves tomorrow afternoon for home. I don't leave until Sat. am. 5:45am to be exact. I changed my flight so that I could work one more night. There are some great bands coming to Temple Bar on Friday and it should be really crowded. Hopefully I can make some extra Christmas cash. So tomorrow after I drop off BK at the airport, I will come home, pack and head to work. Work all night and then drive to the airport and head for H-town!!!

My friend and hairstylist Shakeya is watching the dogs for us. Well actually she is just gonna come over and walk them and feed them. I feel so bad about it, but we really have no other option. Kennels are all booked, too expensive and unsanitary. Dogs almost always get sick after staying in the kennel. Our friends who normally watch them are busy. And it is too expensive to fly them home. We may try it next time. I am gonna miss Ali and Marley so much.

I am so excited to go home and see family and friends. This is our first married Christmas. Yay married!!! Hopefully I will have nice party pics to post.

Deja Vu?

2007-12-20T02:05:00.000-08:00

Well had ANOTHER interview today with SBE. I think it went well again, but who knows this is #8. We shall see.

And another one

2007-12-17T23:48:00.000-08:00

This evening I received a phone call. It was from the offices of SBE. Natalie, the assitant to the nightlife director, was calling to see if I wanted to "come in for my 80,000th interview." It was pretty funny. I told her of course, so on Friday I will be once again subjecting myself to the powers that be at SBE. Hopefully they think I fit in with the people at Hyde. Man that would be awesome.

Parties and Theo

2007-12-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Well the second interview went well. I tried to charm my ass off. We'll see. Ironically the lady I interviewed with went to a restaurant later that night that one of my friends works at. They talked about me, so at least she remembered me.

BK's trip to Raleigh was postponed. So he will be getting home Friday. I am really excited about the Holiday Party. It's always a good time. These are friends we used to see every Christmas when we came home from college, but now it's been a little bit more difficult as people have moved all over the country. So it's the perfect excuse to get together. The Lee's will be joining us also. YIPPIE!!!

BK's company had their Holiday party this past Thursday. (Notice I keep saying Holiday, I am so PC.) It was awesome. This company knows how to throw a party. They rented out an entire restaurant. Upon our arrival they had snow and twinkling lights to greet us. As soon as we got inside we headed straight for the bar, open bar (uh oh). There were also passed hors d'oeurves. Then came the buffet dinner. Yummy!! I had ceaser salad, chicken pot pie, garlic mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. Whew. It was delicious. Then they brought out the desserts. Now I am trying to give up sugar, so I opted for the fresh fruit cup, which was scrumptious. Topped it all off with a glass of champagne and lots of dancing. Good times. You can finally see my blue hair. LOL

Friday I had the pleasure and opportunity to step into the world of television. Seriously. It felt like somehow I was actually able to crawl into the TV. Malcolm-Jamal Warner plays bass guitar in a band. His band played at my bar. Well apparently he lost a bet and had to cut off his waist-long dreadlocks. So needless to say he was once again Theo. And when I say Theo I mean Theo. Every move he made, every face, every word, was Theo. It just kept reminding me of the episode when he cheats on his girlfriend and Cliff makes him sing the blues. "Justine, Justine!!!" So that's what I mean. I was able to be in an episode of the Cosby show. No one else was there but it didn't matter, because Theo was there.

Yippie Skippie!!!

2007-12-11T00:10:00.000-08:00

Without getting overly excited and totally working myself into a frenzy, I got a call today and I have a second interview for a job with SBE. Now remember this is the same company I had 4 interviews with last time. So fingers crossed needless to say. The interview is at Hyde. It's one of their bars/lounges. It's super duper private and you pretty much have to be a celeb to get in. So at least I can say I saw the inside of Hyde. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen pretty much have a permanent table @ Hyde.

No softball tonight. It was too freakin cold. Made a yummy yummy pasta tonight with vodka sauce and chicken since I wasn't able to support BK at softball.

That's all folks.