Random

So Lindsay got dumped by the girl she never actually confirmed she was dating, but her sister still doesn't think she's a lesbian...I just think she needs a sandwich!

Tom Cruise..still crazy

Britney is still crazy too, but at least it's not scary anymore, it's kind of funny.


I really like our first lady and the way she dresses.


Even though things change, they always stay the same.


the swine flu isn't actually from swine (at least that's what the chick on GMA said)


Louis Black makes me laugh no matter how many times I watch the same special.


I can't figure out way country music is getting better and everything else still sucks!


I don't understand why they would push Harry Potter back 8 months then move it forward two days....just leave it alone already!


Tahmoh Penikett (just look him up)


Bradley Cooper barely covered by a sheet in He's Just Not that in to You.


Boys are nuts!

Thank You Miss California...

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with Miss California's opinion about gay marriage, but I can certainly thank her for standing by your convictions and giving her honest opinion. What people have to understand and realize is that not everyone in America or the world agrees with homosexuality as a lifestyle, nor do they believe in gay marriage.
So you didn't like her answer to the question. Fine, that's your opinion, that's your right...but it's also hers! She has the right to her own opinion and beliefs, she obviously grew up in a Christian home where she was taught that true relationships ordained by God are between a man and a woman. I was taught that too, would I have given that answer, I don't know. But I do know that I would have tried to be true to myself, my heart, my God and my family. She didn't say anything negative, yet she is being dragged through the mud. I think it's truly unfair and wrong.
I stand up and say THANK YOU to Miss California for standing up and being honest, that's what I think our role models should be. We live in a society where having where loose morals is okay, but standing up for what you believe in can get you verbally beat down and abused in public...damn....it makes me ashamed to be here!

Thinking of de-cluttering

For the last couple of years I've planned to overhaul my bedroom to make it less clutter-filled and more me. But I have never actually done it. It's a time consuming process that I'll have help doing but the lazy dog days of summer never actually amount to anything more than lazy days.
But I have gotten serious about it this year and have decided that I'm going to get rid of the things I don't need and give myself more space in my crowded little room. I've been wanting to paint since....well for a long time and I haven't, but even if I don't paint it this summer, I am planning on getting some new furniture (mounted shelves, a small TV stand, a drafting desk and chair), these are all things that I'd like to have and all will eliminate clutter and add space to my room.

I'm also going to declutter my online life. Starting sometime this summer I'm going to close my myspace and facebook accounts. I'll keep my blog, because even if no one reads it it's therapeutic for me to be able to write it down...and I have no intention of getting a twitter account. I don't really see the point and frankly if I'm tried of facebook and myspace then twitter won't last long.

Hopefully all this will work out, but since I'm actively trying to work on it now, I'm sure it will, in some form. Alright, until next time!

Movies Reviews

Hello All,
A few months back I sat down and charted my movie going schedule for the year. Well I've seen some of these films (5 to be exact) and I wanted to give my reviews of them. So here we go....

UnderWorld 3: Rise of the Lycans
I actually liked this movie better than I thought I would. If you know anything about the Underworld franchise then you know it's a vampire/werewolf movie. This film gives the back story of how the Lycans (Werewolves) came to be and how they went from salves to enemies all because some were scared of the unknown. All in all I think this a movie that boys would like, and if you've already invested yourself in the franchise, in this adds to the story.

Bride Wars
I've loved Kate Hudson since Almost Famous and Anne Hathaway since Princess Dairies and I love anything having to do with weddings, so put those two in a wedding movie and you've got me! It didn't disappoint, but this is NOT a guy movies, unless he's gay! This is strictly a girlfriend flick, something to go see (or watch on DVD) with your friend, before or after a nice dinner and glass of wine. It's about friends, who despite wanting to hate each other they realize that they can't really be apart. But it's fun to watch them mess each other up while they slowly figure things out. It's kind of predictable, but who cares, it's a good funny, crying girly movie!

Confessions of a Shopaholic
Speaking of girly movies....here you go. NO BOYS ALLOWED! Not cause we don't want you, but because we don't think you'd understand. This is a cute little movie about well shopping and a girl trying to find her real self, even though she doesn't know that's what she's really looking for. In the end, like all fairy tales, she gets the job, the boy, her friend back, and lives happily ever after. I don't know if these things really happen, but we can all hope!

Madea Goes To Jail
Tyler Perry is a fool! But I'm glad he's given us Madea and Uncle Joe. It's sad at times and you may cry, but with all of his movies Tyler Perry underlines this laugh out loud funny movies with warmth and a message and integrity, love and friendship. Sometimes, we need to laugh, but that doesn't have to be the whole story and it's not with this movie. There are several story lines that inter-connect, but it's worth just sitting back and letting the story take you on a journey.

Knowing
I liked it, I think. This is a good movie. I have to stay that the writer got me! I thought I figured it all out halfway through the movie only to be thwarted in the end. I'm not mad about that, I'm just a little underwhelmed with the all too used cliche used to end the movie. It's worked, but I felt like saying, "NOT AGAIN", in the middle of the crowded theater. Nic Cage and Rose Byrne were good, but the kids are the real story. The little girl, so creepy in the beginning is great and the little boy was perfect. I'd say go see it a let me know what you thin about it. It was a good ride and I may just buy the DVD, not many get me and I can appreciate that this one did!


So that's all I have to say, hopefully I'll get out to see Fast and Furious soon. Until Next Time!!!

New Camera

My Best Friend Amber and I decided to take a Photography class, so that we could learn the basics of taking good pictures. It's cool, because I've always had the desire to learn about photography, but never made the effort.



So I went out and bought a new/old camera. It's not ditigal, so that I can learn how to develop film. It's a Cannon 35 mm all black. So far I've only taken a few pictures but we're going to get some books and go out and start experimenting on them (she got a camera too), so that we kind of know what we're doing when the class starts. I'm really excited about it. Hopefully I'll soon be posting some photos (after getting them developed then scanning them onto the computer) posted on here for your viewing pleasure.



I'm so excited!!

Yes...I am, in fact, Alive!

Hey Everyone,

I haven't posted in a long time but I'm alive and well. I'm actually waiting for my computer to be fixed so that I can start updating this thing again.

Right now I don't have anything ridiculously exciting going on in my life, I'm just working, hanging and sleeping...and watching my Twilight DVD on repeat (actually I took it out last night so that I could watch SWAT, I was in the mood for a Colin Farrell fix).

Anyhoo, just thought I'd send out a line. Until next time!



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I make lists!!!!

One of my co-workers just asked me if I have short term memory lost, because I asked her to make me a list of items we will need to set up a big meeting in our office tomorrow. The list is small (only about 4 items) but I have to go to three different places to collect the items in question, and I have to do that by 4:30 while also doing my regular duties around the office...and anything else that might pop up.

She's been here almost three years, so she knows how all this works. I've been here a few months and I'm learning as I go along. So I may not know (or in this case) have ever seen the items she's requesting. So, I have to find them, because she won't. I have to make sure we have all the stuff because it's my resonsibility, but I can't just let my other tasks go undone to suit he needs at this exact moment.

It's very frustrating to me to that people just think that you're stupid because you ask for their help in the slightest of ways. I don't think it's dumb....I make lists every single day, to make sure I do what I need to do and get everything done in a timely fashion. So when I ask for a list it's not because I have short term memory lost it's because I want to make sure I'm getting the job done right.

Also, this particular co-worker likes to add on, so 20 minutes ago I only need to get these platters, now I have to get food warmers, chill wine and beer and get the wine glasses ready and that's only the prep tomorrow will be more intense with more changes, adjustments and lists, I'm sure!

Movie of 2009

So you all know how much I love movies, how I enjoy going to the theater and letting the film engulf me into it's storyline. So at the beginning of every year I go on to Movies.com (which was taken over by fandango and now sucks!) and see what movies are coming out. I then do my research and decided what movies I want to see. I calendar them and make notes about if I'm willing to go out to IMAX or opening weekend to see them. It's a very involved process.
There are movies that I hear about years before and wait patiently to see, and then there are some I have no desire to see until a commercial or trailer sparks my interest. Also, some actors I will always go see in films...Angelina, Keira, Johnny, Orlando, Jennifer G. (not to be confused with any other Jennifer's), Natalie, Shia etc. . Then there are stories that interest me that will always have my attention. Over all I'm pretty interested in all types of films dramas, comedies, girly, action....kick ass movies and movies that make me smile. The biggest drawback is a movie you think will rock but sucks and you end up wanting your money back, but I've seen many more movies that I loved then ones I've hated.
With all that said, below are the movies I'm interested in seeing this year. Maybe you'll go see them too.

1. Underworld: Rise of the Lycans
2. Bride Wars
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic
4. The International
5. Madea Goes to Jail
6. Transformers 2
7. Star Trek
8. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince
9. X-Men Origins: Wolverine Watchmen!!!
10. Knowing
11. Fast and Furious
12. Angels and Demons
13. Terminator Salvation
14. Public Enemies
15. 2012
16. New Moon
17. The Princess and the Frog
    

Seeing spaces in my head

I'm peaceful with the unknown I see before me.

Unkind as it may be I follow endless corridors to find the truth in my being.

Misunderstanding pushing me forward into more confusion, more searching...

Surrender is the only option, but my feeble mind will not allow it,

I am not ready to give it all.

I'm weak, hateful, angry unable to comprehend the spaces I see in front of me.

Unwilling to allow myself the freedom to explore them.

Watching I see only what I will allow, never reaching deeper into the darkness to find truth,

I'm scared of the darkness fearful of the unknown unwilling to shake it off and continue to search.

Yesterday

I was a proud American yesterday...not a proud African American but a proud American! I was grateful that we've come as far as we have. That people have gotten past the history of this country to greet a black family as the first family and be happy for them. We, as a nation, didn't just elect a black president, we elected a black family to represent us. To go out to the world and say look at us, we are adults now and we can look past the small things, like color, and see the bigger picture like humanity! I am honored, hopeful and curious to see what the future will bring and if this first time deed will also translate in other countries around the world.

I am not so naive to think that everyone in this country voted for him or sees past his skin (or name), I'm not blind to the racism and prejudice that still haunts us. I am not so abundantly happy that I don't fear for the safety and care of this, our first family. I am extremely sensitive to this new situations flaws, distractions and dangers...but I am more hopeful.

I hope that these next four years will lead to more understanding and help ease racial tensions in this country. I hope that people will look on this family as an example of a good family, not just a good black family. For generations, white people have always had very visible families to look up too, now (besides the Cosby Show) black people do to.

Congratulations Mr. President, Mrs. Obama, Malia and Sasha....and congratulations to you America.

What I've learned...

Recently, I've learned

You don't have to spend lots of money to keep yourself warm when California decides to act like Alaska...

Sometimes things work out even though you didn't think they would...

People care about you and miss you when you're not around...

If a relationship isn't working bo matter how comfortable you just have to walk away...

Disappointment comes in many forms but so does unexpectant love...

You should tell the truth, even if it'll cause damange.

Songs for Sudan

Hola folks, as some of you may know I'm part of a music group with some friends of mine (and my dad). We haven't played together in sometime but we are getting together to help raise money for a good cause.

My church, Marina Christian Fellowship, has started and continues to develop and sponsor a school and orphanage in Sudan. I believe we currently have about 60 students attending school and we have about that many picked out to enter housing as soon as it's completed. Over the last few months the church and different artists have been putting on benefit concerts to help raise money and awareness for our cause. So this Saturday, January 10, 2009, it's our turn.
The name of the band is What is Love? we are one of two acts performing that night, the other artist is Rachel Rodriguez. Tickets for the event are $15 and unfortunately we are not selling tickets at the door you have to purchase them prior to the event. Which actually helps, if you think about it, the money goes to the cause whether you show up or not! But I hope you come.
You can go to the church website which is www.marinachristian.org and look for the Songs for Sudan section. There you will find all the information regarding our concert and future concerts planned for this year. Also, if you'd like to give a flat donation and not attend a concert, that is also appreciated.
Thanks so much for your help in this project. I hope to see you there!!!!

Stop the Insanity!!!

I have decided that I'm not going to participate in the time honored tradition of making New Year's Resolutions and I'll tell you why. They don't work! We make these "promises" to people, but not really ourselves, at least that's the case with me! I've tried to do all sorts of things, from losing weight to saving money etc. but when it comes down to it, I'm truly not motivated to do anything.
So this year I'm not going to sit back and tell people what I'm going to change, because I'll be lying. So for those of you who would ask me about my potential resolutions, here's my answer...

I don't have any. I'm not going to lie just for conversation. I don't feel the need to add pressure to my life or complicate myself. I'm done with that falseness. I'm happy and hopefully that this happiness will continue throughout this year. Hallelujah!

Movie Review (Christmas Edition)

Everyone has a favorite Christmas movie, some are long standing family traditions, other's not so much. Over the years Christmas movies have gone from sappy to funny to lovey and goofy. Cartoons, dramas or romance everyone has an opinion on Christmas movies.
So, I decided for this years final movie review I would review my favorite Christmas movies.

I'll tell you right off that I haven't seen most of the Christmas classics, so It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, and the original A Christmas Carol are not on this list, neither is the ballet version of the Nutcracker. I've never had the patience to watch these movies so I've never forced myself to sit through them. I know someone going to try to convince me to watch at least one, but I have no plans to, so don't try. My movies are more modern!

First, Love Actually, I have to say this is the first Christmas movie I've ever insisted on watching only around Christmas for the sake of it being a Christmas movie. I love this film, it's sweet, funny and heartbreaking but it never gets old. The film follows several different story lines that all intersect at some point, even when you try to figure out how you get from the prime minister to porn stand ins, it happens. It all works and leaves you with a smile and quite possibly the funniest annoying song in your head.

Second, The Family Stone, there are only two Sarah Jessica Parker movies I like, this is one (the other is Girls Just Wanna Have Fun). It's about a family and what happens when a brother brings his new uptight girlfriend into his very laid back family's lives. Comedy ensues and soon you're laughing and by the end crying. Great movie (I think I reviewed it previously).

Lastly, Four Christmases, I've got two words for ya...Vince Vaughn, you know I love him. He teams up with Reese Witherspoon and an all-star cast and you can't go wrong. It's full of awkwardness, funny dialogue and Vince getting beat up. It's fun all around...a good movie to watch when your snuggled up in bed or wrapping gifts.

At the heart of all these movies are good stories with a message. I enjoy them all and hope that they will bring you all a little joy too.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

It's a beautiful day in the Neighborhood

Over the last few weeks we've had some really cold days here in Southern California, so much so that I thought I'd unintentionally moved up North. But now that the rain has passed and the clouds have gone away we see why people moved to Los Angeles in the first place.
Today was an absolutely beautiful day! Not a cloud in the sky, no fog with a slight hint of smog (which is good for LA). The mountains were clear everywhere you looked and there's still a sparkle of snow on some. Depending on where you looked it felt like you were staring at a postcard. It's actually felt like that for a while even when it was raining, once the snow fell, it seems like anytime you looked off in the distance you were staring at a mat painting, breathtaking!
Days like today are why I love where I live! There aren't too many places in this world where you can see the clear blue ocean one direction and the snow-capped mountains in the other. Because I work in a high rise I can. On one side of the building there's the ocean on the other the mountains. It's the beautiful of Los Angeles...
Also, it's not hot, but not cold...just a bit chilly (during the day at night still freezing), so you can wear those pretty winter scarves but you don't have to be completely covered up. It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, I'm glad I'm here to see it!

Emotional Rollercoaster

I just updated my facebook to read Melly Mel is on an emotional rollercoaster and I am not sure how to get off.

There are a lot of things going through my mind tonight and I'm not sure how to handle it all. I know that I'm angry and hurting, but I'm not sure why or how to resolve it. I'm struggling against my better judgment in some ways, trying not to make mistakes but trying to keep the people around me happy. In the shuffle I'm losing myself. Maybe I need to get away and be alone...because even if I'm with other people, I tend to feel lonely.
I'm emotionally raw, broken, alone, scared!

i need to take more photos of myself

I hate taking photos, I have for a very long time. But I've recently found that I don't really have any of myself and armed with my camera decided to change that, but I was looking through my pictures and realized that when I take all the pictures, I'm not in any of them...I need to change that. So I have a new mission, I'm going to start taking pictures of stuff around me, but also of me with that stuff and with people. We'll see how that goes!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Hello,

I'm don't expect to get on the computer tomorrow so while I have the time I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving...and to let you know some of the things I'm grateful for

This year I'm most grateful for the light on my path....God doesn't give us a clear path with overwhelming light. He likes to give us a rocky path with as little light as possible, so that we can't rely on him to help us make the decisions we need to make. He helped me this year, before I could even ask for it, He lit my path not before I took a step, but as my foot was coming down...and sometimes, He just picked me up and did all the walking. I'm still struggling with somethings, but I know that God is with me on this journey and I'm truly Thankful for that.


What are you thankful for?

Dedication to you!!!!

This is one of my favorite songs from the WICKED soundtrack...it's the story of the witches of OZ. Before and somewhat after the arrival of Dorothy. This is a song that Glinda and Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) sing together. And I wanted to dedicate it to those of you in my life who've made an impact on me...here it is.





GLINDA

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:


Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good


ELPHABA

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:

Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:


GLINDA

Because I knew you:


BOTH

I have been changed for good


ELPHABA

And just to clear the air
I ask forgiveness
For the things I've done you blame me for


GLINDA

But then, I guess we know
There's blame to share


BOTH

And none of it seems to matter anymore


GLINDA (ELPHABA)

Like a comet pulled (Like a ship blown)
From orbit as it (Off it's mooring)
Passes a sun, like (By a wind off the)
A stream that meets (Sea, like a seed)
A boulder, half-way (Dropped by a)
Through the wood (Bird in the wood)


BOTH

Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
I do believe I have been changed for the better?


GLINDA

And because I knew you:


ELPHABA

Because I knew you:


BOTH

Because I knew you:
I have been changed


For Good.

Have you ever thought...

about words and phrases we use and where they came from?



We go along through life saying things to each other, some are considered respectful, others not so much...but have we ever actually thought about them.



Most "bad" or Cuss words are words turned around to be used as an insult, some are just strange...anyway, below I'm going to list some words that I've questioned, see if you've ever questioned them too. If I don't list a word you think I should let me know. As I find new words to question I will update this post....but for now here they are (yes cuss words will be listed..you have been warned)





You're Welcome (something you say after being told Thank You)



Your Highness...I like this one, but it took me forever to realize exactly what people were saying



Ass...it's a donkey how'd it become my butt?



shut up....i can understand the shut part...but what about the up?



make out...hummm, okay?