30

Flirty 30. Dirty 30. My life is over. That last one is a regular part of my conversations. I don't know why but my brain is trained to think that. In 15 days I will be.... 30! My eyes tear up just thinking about it. Everyone keeps asking am I excited. The closer I get to May 16th the sadder I am! No excitement here. None. At. All.

My brain is literally not thinking past my birthday. Like it won't. I have events in June for which I have save the dates, but I can't even think about them. There are even plans I have before my birthday and I've got nothing. No feelings about the rest of the year. This is a real problem. What do I do about this?! Seriously I don't even recall the last time I was so unconcerned about something this... Wait is this trivial? I'm confused. I don't know how to feel. This sucks.

Here's a happy pic of me as consolation for this rant.

Monetizing Delusions of Granduer

Have you ever had so many ideas in your head they keep you up at night? Or do walk around with pieces of paper in your purse (or pocket) with random thoughts and questions? I do. This post is actually a result of all that. It's a real pain to not be able to sleep because I have a bunch of thoughts floating around my brain waiting to be brought to life. No this isn't a woe is me post, but more a can someone tell me what to do.

I've talked a lot about my career or lack thereof, but this is a little different. Well I'm hoping it is. Over the last few years I've made attempts at bringing all my experience together to fit the perfect job. The problem is my experience is so wide spread that there is no one job that I'm qualified for. I've done a lot, which should allow people to be able to hire me for a lot. Notsomuch. I've heard "oh it's a tough economy." Or "everybody is working more for less." I don't believe the hype. I believe everyone is settling for less to get by. I don't want to just get by, and I don't feel like I should be forced to. So together we ask... What do you want? Good question.

I want to bring my ideas to life! There are tons of them. The major issue is how do I make it happen with no money? There are a few websites out there that support crowd funding, which I've been learning a lot about. Then there's this pretty popular effort I'm still trying to figure out called venture capitalisms. I'm sure it's not new, but it's new to me. I still have some research to do regarding those guys. Honestly I just needed I get that out because lately I've seen some stuff out there that I've either mentioned, suggested or advised people about and somehow they're making it happen. I've been feeling stifled, but I got a slight boost from my promo work last month. This is just a release so I can get to work. Thanks for reading.

The Experience

ICYMI, here is it... The story of my SXSW experience. Let me begin by saying it was am-a-zing! I've been telling all the stories for the last 4 days, and I mean all the stories.  I met soooo many people from everywhere. Denmark, Germany, London, Argentina, Miami, New Jersey, etc, but that's not where I wanna start with the recap.
I'll go in reverse. Saturday, the 16th (2 months from my 30th birthday) I returned to Houston in the car with my parents after the longest & best week of my life! We had breakfast at Max's Wine Dive, which is most definitely a Texas staple. They have them in several cities here. I went there a week prior in the Houston Heights and ate red velvet pancakes. Delicious, but that's another story.  At the Austin location I ate a dish correctly named The SXSW. In case you're not one of my Instagram peeps allow me to describe it. The dish grits with jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, corn, cilantro (say it with an accent), and a fried egg on top. My lawd it was a dream come true! I had been craving grits and other real breakfast items all week long! What a fantastic way to end the week.
Friday, the 15th I worked from 11am to 12 midnight fresh off HWY 71. An outdoor promo and the Depeche Mode concert. Both events were added to my schedule, so I rode back to Austin with my parents. Pretty good day, however I wasn't used to working outside. I don't mean ever, but that week. I was spoiled all week by working in doors at Brazos Hall. It was definitely a really fun night of people watching and dancing.  Thursday, the 14th I drove myself back to Houston in anticipation of sleeping in my bed and seeing my love. Both of which I did, although I was contacted by one agency 70 miles outside of Houston to work on Friday for my main gig, and another agency I was playing phone tag with thanks to Sprint.  All I really cared about was sleeping in my bed. I spent 3 days and 2 nights on the floor of an apartment with 6 other promo chicks. Fun times, but I hadn't slept in a sleeping bag since I was 11. It was kind of like a grown up sleepover, but without the prank calling, putting people's hands in water, etc. Honestly we only had one real night where everyone was in the apartment at the same time. Work was the main focus for everyone. So I  went home, but returned for the money!

Wednesday, the 13th I worked 2 hours because our shift was cut. The rest of the day was EPIC! My roommate met me at Bar Louie for $1 beer, which lead to hanging out with the "SX Whisperer". She was a chick from Austin who will remain nameless because I don't need y'all looking for her to hook you up. She led us to a cookout hosted by an Austin food blogger, free shoes from Dolce Vita and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs live show. It was a trek all over the city of Austin, but it was worth it. I even saw an opera singer, who was magnificent. Tuesday the 12th, I believe I worked a few hours and saw The Ryan Leslie! He's a producer, a musician, an artist, and also one of my favorite artists. Please believe he put on a show. I had to school my team and the production staff on who he was. He's not commonly know, but he should be. I mean he graduated from Harvard at 16! That's a huge accomplishment! I'll definitely be seeing him again at the House of Blues next month.
Monday the 11th I was contacted by the Texas Workforce Commission regarding my unemployment claim (another story that I'm still deciding if I wanna blog about), worked a 2nd promo with free food and liquor once I was done, and tried and failed at getting free liquor during the day. We did get a free mini bottle from Deep Eddy's during the day though! One time for Texas businesses! Those activities didn't happen in that order but they all happened that day. Real quick rewind, one of the girls I worked with at the 2nd promo was my roommate in the apartment. We didn't recognize each other until the next day brushing our teeth. HAHA! The day ended with me running into a friend from high school and taking pickle shots at Kung Fu Saloon. Crazy! LOL!
Sunday, the 10th I drove from San Antonio and listened/watched Wheeler on my iPhone until Sprint's service tapped out.  The country or really any street in the state of Texas is not a friend of Sprint users. They really need to do better. I don't really recall the work I did that day, but it had to be fun because I have no complaints. Maybe I was just tired. I don't know. Saturday, the 9th was my first day, and I drove from the crib! I made it right on time. That day I had my picture taken so much. Matter of fact I don't think I've ever had my picture taken more in one week than I have in my entire life! I end my day in San Antonio with my peeps the Tarrants, the best hosts ever! They let me stay two days and I greatly appreciated it. You have a thank you card in the mail guys! Friday, the 8th was the beginning aka training and the where the fun began. I have pics to fill in the blanks on my Instagram page as well as Flickr, which I learned to use in Spanish and German. That's the best summary I could give without too many details.  I don't want to ruin the appeal so I hope it makes you wanna check out SXSW next year! I'll definitely be there! One time for the new peeps I met, the old friends I saw and even the ones I didn't see, but keep me posted on everything. See everybody next year!! Be sure to click the links for pics and good food!

End of an era

Exactly 4 months from today I will end my 20s to become....30! In case you missed it, that was partial excitement and partial terror. When I turned 10, that was exciting. I mean seriously who wasn't excited about  double digit age?? 16 was no big deal because I didn't have a Super Sweet 16. 18 was awesome because it was 18! Then 20 was just like ugh whatever can't wait until I turn 21. 21 was well, duh 21, as far as I can remember amazing. 25 was the "I'm good age" (That was a lie). I just spent a lot of money because I could. The four years after that were a blur (see previous posts). After I turned 25 people made it seem like everything went down hill, or that you die after 25. I'm still alive though, and now with 30 on the brink the only question is what's next?

Well for one I'm still working on a career and not a job. As a matter of fact a job I really wanted and interview for a month ago called to let me know I didn't get it. Last week one I applied for with my current company called last week to thank me for applying as well, but they're going with other candidates. LOL! I can laugh about it now because I'm over it. No time to sulk I'm almost 30!

Now to get down to business with 30 for '13. Since August I've been serious about focusing on my relationship with God. I grew up in church, prayed before I ate as well as before bed, but I rarely applied those tools to my interaction with other people and life. I realize I've experienced a lot, but I've probably missed out on more for trying to do it my own way. My number one priority is to stay on the path God wants for me. By no means will I quit being myself just because I'm 30. But I will be a better me because I've learned from 18-29. 30 is not the end. It's the beginning. Wish me luck y'all, the countdown is on!

Dear Spike

Now I know everyone has heard about Spike Lee's anger toward the new movie Django Unchained. And at first I kind of empathized until I read the part where he said he doesn't even plan to see it. Yep that's right. He is against a movie he hasn't even seen! How that works I don't even know.

Now I was against the movie because I think some people don't believe slavery was real or they're desensitized about anything concerning black people prior to the Civil Rights Era. From the time it was announced Quinton Tarentino was seeking Will Smith as the lead I still said "I ain't going see that!" However, I read about it, watched cast interviews and had conversations with others to get their thoughts about why they were seeing the film. Only a small part of my decision was influenced by my research. One main reason I chose to see it is because my significant other is a budding filmmaker (@iamjsimon), and I refuse to take anyone else's word concerning a movie this radical. Which leads me to direct the rest of my message to Spike Lee....

Dear Spike,

As a fan of several of your movies I am somewhat interested in what you have to say about other films. However, when your opinion is stated as a fact or interpreted as the sentiment of the rest of Black America I'm annoyed. For one you are a respected filmmaker/producer in my mind, yet you continue to bash the works of others (ie. Tyler Perry) If this were constructive criticism I'd vouch 100%. But it doesn't come off that way. It comes across to the rest of "us" as the whiny brat that didn't get the same toy as his friends but has everything else. That toy being the box office blockbusters or major studio backing. I say this to you Sir, if you don't like how our stories are being told get back to telling them! Your career spans over 30 years and only 3  a few of your movies depict us in a normal, relatable, noncoonish manner. I may be wrong but I only count Do The Right Thing, School Daze & Crooklyn, and even those offended some black people.(I forgot about Malcolm X) With that said, just make movies sir and forget about reminding us that "they"don't want to make them. You can and should! Even though you're a Morehouse grad, use that portion of what you learned at CAU and find a way or make one! We'll support if it's something we want to see shucking and jiving or not. Why? Because it's a Spike Lee joint.

Signed,

@tronise
A Film Fan and CAU graduate

P.S. *Spoiler Alert* Django kills the white people so you might like it.

Gone 'til November

4 months since my last post and people still come to my blog. I must be doing something right lol! Well I'm back to write. I have a few tricks up my sleeve for 2013, but first there are a few loose ends to wrap up for 2012.  Last year's obsession was Pinterest. My interest died down a little but once I go back to visit the site it's so easy to get wrapped up in pinning! The key is to not visit everyday. Anyway my favorite holidays are coming up, Christmas & NYE and my birthday! Yes my birthday!! That's 6 months away, but I'm trying to plan something(s). It's a significant one so I have to do something major!  As for Christmas and NYE, I want to share some options for events, attire and gifts. I don't get out as much as I used to but I still keep my eyes and ears open. I get that random phone call every now and then from friends to ask "what is there to do?" If you want to skip the mall here's some stuff to do over the weekend and through the rest of the holiday weekend.

Mayor's Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting - (Friday, Nov. 30th)  Tree Lighting Ceremony with live entertainment and fireworks show.

Zoolights at the Houston Zoo - (Now through Jan 25th) I really want to take my niece but I think she may too young, but it's lights so maybe she'll be entertained.

The ICE at Discovery Green - (Now through January 27th) I went earlier this year and it was super fun. Just think about grown people on ice skates. How could that not be fun?!

Happy Holidays! Check back for gift ideas next week!

Decorum, Dignity and Downright Foolishness

I wanted to come back with a fun Summer post like a recap of my trip to Key West with my family, but there's a pressing issue that I need to address. It's long overdue based on what I have been experiencing at my job.  I've been working at restaurant (that will remain nameless) for the last 2 months. The clientele is some what high end, but nothing I haven't dealt with before. However, there are some people who do not need to go out to eat. Yes I said it. Just stay at home. You'll do us all a favor. People act differently when they're hungry. It's called hanger or hungry anger. I'm sure you're wondering what I'm talking about so let me give examples.

God Doesn't Like Ugly
This story starts with me coming back from my lunch break and walking up on a guest yelling at one of my coworkers about not wanting the seats we had available. I, being a good hostess trying to diffuse the situation, asked " Ma'am is everything ok?" She yells "I'm not talking to you!". I say, which may or may not have been appropriate, "I'm sorry but I'm talking to you, can I help you with something?" She continues screaming she doesn't want to sit in this certain area while we're trying to hand her a pager for the waiting list. Once we get to her on the waiting list, I make sure I am the one to seat her because in my mind I'm going to kill her with kindness.  WRONG!  Here's how it went.  No lie. True story.
Me: Hello, please follow me. How are you today?
Her:  Ugh just stop talking to me and take me to my seat.
Me: Absolutely ma'am. Here we are.
She stops at another table and says " I don't want to sit there. I'm sitting here!"
Me: Not a problem. You can sit where ever you like.
As she looks over at another guest (as if they would give her approval for her behavior), "Just go away! You're getting on my nerves."
Me: Your server will be right with you. Enjoy.
All of that was said with a smile. I didn't grit my teeth or anything, but it took so much out of me that for the next hour after I was consumed with sadness. I know you're probably thinking I'm being too dramatic. Nope  I'm not. It hurt to have to deal with that and mostly because she was an older black lady. To wrap this story up, this wonderful guest left her bag with a gift card in it at the table. Who did she have to come get it from? That would be ME!  I handed it to her and told her have a nice day. She mumbled "thank you" under her breath.

But You Keep Coming Back!
A couple comes in Sunday for their noon reservation. Hostess 1 takes them to the table and the wife decides she doesn't want it. I watch the commotion from the front of the restaurant while still trying to take care of other guests. After I finish what I'm doing I see the couple sits at a dirty table. I alert the other hostess that I'll take care of the situation. Conversation goes a little something like this...
Me: Hi, ma'am, sir, we have another booth right over there that I can take you to that is clean and already set.
Wife: We want to sit here. *To her husband*: Don't you want to sit here by the window? He mumbles yeah whatever. *Sidebar* the window faces a parking lot.
Me: I'm really sorry ma'am but we really try not to seat dirty tables.
Her: What? Where's the table?
Me: It's right over there just two tables over.
Her: Ugh it's always some shit at this place. I've been coming here for years.
Me: Excuse me?
Her: It's always some bullshit here.
Me: Ok. Here are your menus. You're server will be right will you. Enjoy.
I understood she was hungry and she had a reservation, but why on Earth would you want to sit at a dirty table just to look out the window at a parking lot? You can't even allow us to clean the table?? But if  something spills on you or you get something on your clothes a fight will break out.  Hell  no.
USE COMMON SENSE! I know it's not so common but don't do something in public you wouldn't do in your own home!

Now those are just two of the numerous stories I have, and not just from this restaurant.  I shared all this to say please be respectful of those in the service industry, especially if they continue to be respectful of you. In my own experience I try not to share internal challenges such as being short staffed, but sometimes I we have to tell the truth in order to get people to chill.  You can't chill you need to stay at home. And if you don't want to stay at home remember that hostess/server/bartender/busser that you talk to crazy or don't cooperate with could be your mom/friend/loved one/etc.

Do unto others as you would have them to do you. Golden rule, that's all I'm asking. Enjoy!