It’s officially ‘back to school’ time. Five-Star commercials are running like wild fire and kids are pushing passed me in the supermarket for notebooks. I don’t care what gadgets these new fangled kids are getting, us 80s babies got the best and brightest hook ups of them all. I will never forget my mother getting a swarm of Chucky Cheese pencils, only for me to give out each and every one of them before the week was out. By Friday, I was known as the Indian giver because I had to ask for them back. (Sidebar: Why is that called “Indian giver?” I don’t believe Indians gave things and then asked for them back!?! Please let me know!)
Anyway – as Jay-Z says, “You can pay for school but you can’t buy class” and he’s absolutely right. We all know that common sense is the most valuable smarts of them all, but it’s funny how we just don’t wanna pay attention.
Recently, a friend of mine came to me about a dating question. She wanted to know if the person she was digging really likes her, based on a few scenarios presented. I don’t like commenting on people’s situations because Lawd knows I have gotten plenty of sound advice and have not taken it until going through the fire myself. I carefully broke down some of the reasons why I felt the person was not all that interested, most specifically he wasn’t showing initiative. She continued to say, “But he hits me up…but he talks to me for X amount of time.” NO, NO my sister. Not the same thing. Anyone can talk, but who is backing it up!?! Look, don’t listen! PLEASE…I’m telling you…Check yourself before you wreck yourself and wind up swimming in the pool of lovelike by yo’self!!!
As I sat and reflected on my own experiences, I just thought about all the stupid moves I have made, thinking that someone would like me more if I “worked” harder for their attention. What kind of assanine thought is that?!?! That sounds so ridiculous, but that’s really how I was maneuvering. Maybe if I show up…maybe if I just talk about what I want…aww, it doesn’t hurt to reach out first…again…again…and again. It doesn’t hurt them cause they don’t care but it most certainly puts a damper on your parade if you’re hoping and wishing for something that’s not there.
But it’s ok, we all put ourselves through emotional agony. And what’s funny, we know it all along. If we listen closely to our inner voice, we’ll breathe and remain calm for a few more moments so we can catch ourselves…but usually, we’re so hung up those thoughts of tranquility don’t seep through in the least.
It’s so interesting how much thought and weight we put on things that don’t feel great. If it doesn’t feel good, if we’re not laughing, loving, and learning, just cut it off. End of story! Don’t even waste your time. Our time is too precious and too valuable to just waste on contemplation. (This is really easy to say now that I’m not crying my eyes out. LOL But I think I’ve finally gotten it. Maybe.)
Now if someone IS showing you interest and you are interested back, please just have fun with them and learn what it feels like to be appreciated. I’m not really sure how or why we got tricked into just letting our mind jump down the aisle, but let’s dial it back and just enjoy our present.
What a difference 5 years makes when it comes to life lessons and just age old personal experience. Goodness gracious great northern beans…LOL.
Ok, that’s it for me for now!! Let’s use our common sense. If it doesn’t fit, we must acquit! Size 7 shoes on Size 9 feet never fit, no matter how hard you squeeze. Try another shoe on or get crazy corns and an irritated heel. HA. Gotta get back to writing.
Love,
Kris
Monday, August 24, 2009
The ‘Pop Culture’ Chronicles of Kris – 08/24/09: A Commentary on HBO's True Blood
Is anyone half as obsessed about HBO’s True Blood as I am?!? Oh my goodness, I LOVE that gosh darn show!!! I know, I know…A few of you can’t get into the blood and guts of it all, but if you can get passed the obvious turnoffs and things that naturally make us uneasy, the overall message of the show sticks out like a sore thumb.
In case you don’t watch, let’s fill you in right here and now. True Blood is about a young woman named Sookie who falls in love with a vampire named Bill. Sookie can read minds and this helps her navigate through danger as she and Bill face life-threatening moments throughout the series. That’s not even the half of what goes on, but basically Bill and Sookie are able to transcend the social boundaries of “human” and “vampire”; they help others regardless of who or what they are.
My best friend and I spend hours debriefing the show because it’s an obvious allegory for what’s going on today. Vampires want equal rights in this land of humans, and the radical humans will go through Hell and high water to make sure this doesn’t happen. But as we journey through the story lines, we realize that humans and vampires are much the same. And we’re coming to a point where humans and vampires have to come together to fight for a cause that’s bigger than their social prejudices. They must literally destroy evil. Oh my goodness, LOOOOVE IT!
What’s funny about the show is that in this point of the season, most of the townspeople have been possessed by the demonic energy and have been filled with “nothingness.” Last night Sookie read into her best friend’s brain and saw complete darkness, blank thoughts. This is also synonymous with today’s culture. If we, as a people, don’t wake up and stand for something, we’re just gonna fall for anything without so much as a second thought. Well, I’m not saying anything new. Our nation has already fallen into political propaganda and mainstream rigamaro, etc…our population has allowed itself to become lazy, stagnant, we can’t even pinpoint good entertainment anymore. We just sit and watch these disgustingly degrading reality shows, and think nothing of it. And we’re in such a massive consumer climate that we just want to want…and it’s not even for anything specific. In “True Blood,” the townspeople have become heathens; they are greedy and lustful beyond belief. It’s soooo flippin nutso crazy (lol) but honestly, completely fathomable for our real world at the rate we’re going. There will come a point in this life where as a global community, we’re going to be forced to come together for the greater good and expansion of ourselves. Times are changing and I hope we’re taking note…
So all in all, go get the boxed set for Kwanzaa! True Blood is LIKE THAT!
In case you don’t watch, let’s fill you in right here and now. True Blood is about a young woman named Sookie who falls in love with a vampire named Bill. Sookie can read minds and this helps her navigate through danger as she and Bill face life-threatening moments throughout the series. That’s not even the half of what goes on, but basically Bill and Sookie are able to transcend the social boundaries of “human” and “vampire”; they help others regardless of who or what they are.
My best friend and I spend hours debriefing the show because it’s an obvious allegory for what’s going on today. Vampires want equal rights in this land of humans, and the radical humans will go through Hell and high water to make sure this doesn’t happen. But as we journey through the story lines, we realize that humans and vampires are much the same. And we’re coming to a point where humans and vampires have to come together to fight for a cause that’s bigger than their social prejudices. They must literally destroy evil. Oh my goodness, LOOOOVE IT!
What’s funny about the show is that in this point of the season, most of the townspeople have been possessed by the demonic energy and have been filled with “nothingness.” Last night Sookie read into her best friend’s brain and saw complete darkness, blank thoughts. This is also synonymous with today’s culture. If we, as a people, don’t wake up and stand for something, we’re just gonna fall for anything without so much as a second thought. Well, I’m not saying anything new. Our nation has already fallen into political propaganda and mainstream rigamaro, etc…our population has allowed itself to become lazy, stagnant, we can’t even pinpoint good entertainment anymore. We just sit and watch these disgustingly degrading reality shows, and think nothing of it. And we’re in such a massive consumer climate that we just want to want…and it’s not even for anything specific. In “True Blood,” the townspeople have become heathens; they are greedy and lustful beyond belief. It’s soooo flippin nutso crazy (lol) but honestly, completely fathomable for our real world at the rate we’re going. There will come a point in this life where as a global community, we’re going to be forced to come together for the greater good and expansion of ourselves. Times are changing and I hope we’re taking note…
So all in all, go get the boxed set for Kwanzaa! True Blood is LIKE THAT!
The 'Ego Check' Chronicles of Kris - 08/24/09
*HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY NICOLE!*
*HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLUE!*
Good Morning Everyone,
Happy Monday! I am so excited for this day because it’s another opportunity to “get it right.” To do something we haven’t dared, to correct something that has had a negative effect, or to continue with the plan of excellence that may be clicking. No matter what category you fall in, make it a great day because we will never have 08/24/09 again.
Before I continue, I want to apologize for my last Chronicles posting (“Summer Daze”) in which I vented about how transitional this time has been. For those who do not know (which I take it is most of you), I have been funemployed for most of the year. I’ve been “ok,” but there are emotional ups and downs that come with the territory. The usual “I’m too talented to be at home” statements and then there’s the moment of “Am I marketing myself properly?” and then finally, then it dawns on you, “The old approach is not what’s cutting it these days” Granted, I have not found the magic touch in terms of dollars, I really cannot see this phase lasting too much longer. I mean, besides the fact that the big ol 2-5 is coming around the bend. Through it all or shall I say “nothing at all” (lol), I’ve managed to remain productive in a number of areas – finishing up all writing FINALLY and moving forward with some non-traditional methods of getting the brand out there. All in all, this year has been a productive one, and I, too, go through valleys. Definitely more peaks than valleys but there have to be moments of rearrangement so that we can get to the other side.
Lately I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the “ego.” Within the past few months, I’ve encountered many people that just mouth off. I mean they just run off at the mouth! Chirp, chirp, chirpin’ about who they are, what they are, the people they know, and what they have that I don’t. Most of these people have had success in their own right, but haven’t we all? YES! I am semi-narcoleptic so when people come to me and don’t give me room to chime in edgewise, I get sleepy pretty quickly. LOL It’s true.
One thing remains true every time – I AM NOT IMPRESSED. I really dislike people who run down their resumes at first handshake, particularly because it’s a shield. It’s a way of keeping people at bay, intimidating folks, and making them believe that you’re all of this grandeur when really “you ain’t nobody.” I don’t do the networking scene very well because of that. I love to meet people and to connect – actually I’m beginning to think connecting people is part of my life’s mission – but I do not do all that resume listing for sport. It’s not cute. So when people come to me wanting to partner and they run off at the mouth about all they supposedly have, it turns me off from seeing who they really are. Also, it’s just a waste of time.
I say this because I’ve taken many a boring meeting and thought, Oh my goodness, is this meeting about you or about what we can do to help each other grow. SMH. (LOL)
The “ego” is a whole other entity of our person and if we let it run wild, it will ruin us. I also say this because of my previous inability to see that it’s ok to try something new or what can be seen as “lower on the totem pole” so that I can continue building my portfolio and work my way back up. There’s nothing wrong with trying new positions & new partnerships if we come at it with the right perspective. But when our guards are up, we’re not allowing ourselves to see the blessings in the newness being presented. I don’t like having my ego up so I can only pray that God continues to connect me with like-minded people and situations that can allow my creativity and trust level to grow…
When we’re alright with self, there’s no need of convincing people who we are, and what we have. Let’s just be.
I’m getting my swag back (LOL) so you may get a Chronicles flood this morning. I hope you’re doing well and I hope to see you soon. Oh yes, Michael Jackson weekend!! If you love MJ and you live in NY, I better see you partying! J
Love
Kris
*HAPPY BIRTHDAY BLUE!*
Good Morning Everyone,
Happy Monday! I am so excited for this day because it’s another opportunity to “get it right.” To do something we haven’t dared, to correct something that has had a negative effect, or to continue with the plan of excellence that may be clicking. No matter what category you fall in, make it a great day because we will never have 08/24/09 again.
Before I continue, I want to apologize for my last Chronicles posting (“Summer Daze”) in which I vented about how transitional this time has been. For those who do not know (which I take it is most of you), I have been funemployed for most of the year. I’ve been “ok,” but there are emotional ups and downs that come with the territory. The usual “I’m too talented to be at home” statements and then there’s the moment of “Am I marketing myself properly?” and then finally, then it dawns on you, “The old approach is not what’s cutting it these days” Granted, I have not found the magic touch in terms of dollars, I really cannot see this phase lasting too much longer. I mean, besides the fact that the big ol 2-5 is coming around the bend. Through it all or shall I say “nothing at all” (lol), I’ve managed to remain productive in a number of areas – finishing up all writing FINALLY and moving forward with some non-traditional methods of getting the brand out there. All in all, this year has been a productive one, and I, too, go through valleys. Definitely more peaks than valleys but there have to be moments of rearrangement so that we can get to the other side.
Lately I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about the “ego.” Within the past few months, I’ve encountered many people that just mouth off. I mean they just run off at the mouth! Chirp, chirp, chirpin’ about who they are, what they are, the people they know, and what they have that I don’t. Most of these people have had success in their own right, but haven’t we all? YES! I am semi-narcoleptic so when people come to me and don’t give me room to chime in edgewise, I get sleepy pretty quickly. LOL It’s true.
One thing remains true every time – I AM NOT IMPRESSED. I really dislike people who run down their resumes at first handshake, particularly because it’s a shield. It’s a way of keeping people at bay, intimidating folks, and making them believe that you’re all of this grandeur when really “you ain’t nobody.” I don’t do the networking scene very well because of that. I love to meet people and to connect – actually I’m beginning to think connecting people is part of my life’s mission – but I do not do all that resume listing for sport. It’s not cute. So when people come to me wanting to partner and they run off at the mouth about all they supposedly have, it turns me off from seeing who they really are. Also, it’s just a waste of time.
I say this because I’ve taken many a boring meeting and thought, Oh my goodness, is this meeting about you or about what we can do to help each other grow. SMH. (LOL)
The “ego” is a whole other entity of our person and if we let it run wild, it will ruin us. I also say this because of my previous inability to see that it’s ok to try something new or what can be seen as “lower on the totem pole” so that I can continue building my portfolio and work my way back up. There’s nothing wrong with trying new positions & new partnerships if we come at it with the right perspective. But when our guards are up, we’re not allowing ourselves to see the blessings in the newness being presented. I don’t like having my ego up so I can only pray that God continues to connect me with like-minded people and situations that can allow my creativity and trust level to grow…
When we’re alright with self, there’s no need of convincing people who we are, and what we have. Let’s just be.
I’m getting my swag back (LOL) so you may get a Chronicles flood this morning. I hope you’re doing well and I hope to see you soon. Oh yes, Michael Jackson weekend!! If you love MJ and you live in NY, I better see you partying! J
Love
Kris
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The 'Let Go of Summer Daze' Chronicles of Kris - 08/12/09
Hi Everyone,
How are you? I know it's been more than a hot minute since I've reached out, and my only excuse is "taking a summer break." However, we all know that I bask in the opportunity to run my mouth and type feverishly so I really don't know what happened. A week turned into two weeks, and then I just took an unforeseen hiatus for every reason and no reason at all. But I'm back, kicking and screaming, and that's all that matters.
It's not even Fall and I'm already starting the countdown to my 25th birthday, which is on November 25th if you'd like to count down with me. Besides the fact that I am trying to decide between a New Jack Swing or MJ themed party, I feel like some things might actually start clicking by then. This year has been, well, interesting. Slow to say the least. Transformative to say the most. Going at its own pace but it is indeed going with intention. It's one of those caterpillar seasons, but alas we know those pretty wings are coming soon!
I am intrigued, bored, excited, nervous, pensive, motivated, lazy, and jazzidreaming all at the same time. I'm not one for a pot luck of emotions because all that mixed up together can sometimes equal stagnation. So I try to block out my thoughts of the unknown and keep on stepping. That's turned out to be effective as I am always plotting and planning my world takeover. But one thing is true - I am in limbo. An "I really can't tell ya what's going on" kind of limbo. An "I'm gonna ride the wave and see what shore I end up on" kind of limbo. I'm almost to the point of the "Stop asking me what I'm up to because I'm trying to figure it out myself" kind of limbo. This is the kind of feeling friends come to me with, so it's oddly uncomfortable when I am forced to take a look in the mirror. I do use my own advice but it's time to take down more notes from another, not so well known book. I suppose this is what occurs when we are forced to try new things that make us squrim but will ultimately make us better. Simply - Out with the old, in with the new. How can we move on if we don't want to let go?
The new feels so much better any ol way but yet somehow we wanna look back and try to make our former comfortable ways, people, experiences, modes of operation work. AND. THEY. JUST. CAN'T. I know I'm not speaking in specifics because I really don't have any one specific story in mind. All I know is that this has been one heck of a year with Obama as president, swine flu running rampid, the weather going mad, Michael Jackson flying back to the galaxy, several births and deaths, and Twitter shutting down for an entire day - I know, the world's truly coming to the end with that one. LOL
Sometimes I feel like nothing is going on in my life because the job market is super slow but then I stop and think about all the life changes I've experienced in the last 8 months. A number of people (new and old) have walked in and out of my life to illuminate some part of me. I have made significant strides with my "passion projects" which will no doubt be "put on" before the year's end. Lance Drummonds, me artist, me pal, has made a tremendous climb - almost 300,000 hits on his www.lancedrummondsmusic.wordpress.com blog. It is a wonderful feeling to believe in someone and watch their dream and the collective team mature steadily. And loved ones have all made courageous leaps within this same time frame. So you know what, I guess this is the year that's molding me into a true adult - and damn it, IT. IS. WEIRD... Aaah well, such is life.
I suppose this is also the formula for champions. An old chapter closing, a new chapter beginning... I just wish it would begin already!!!
You know what loves, it's passed my bedtime. It's about that time to take some Claritin and hit the hay. My allergies/cold symptoms are acting up!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Jello Pudd'n Pops,
Kristen Victoria
P.S. The Not So Randomness:
1) Act like you know and watch True Blood. I'm absolutely hooked! HBO, 9pm!
2) Start saving your energy for the weekend of 08/29/09 - MJ's birthday!!! (Goodness, I hope I don't break another shoe on the dance floor.)
3) I have broken the bank with my 2009 traveling so if you are an out of towner and you already know I love you, stop by mi casa!
4) I read "Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man" finally...of course when I needed it and should have been applying some of the things we all instinctively know and don't act upon, I didn't want to touch the book. There's nothing new in there except common sense. It's a cry out for less dreamy thoughts and more real life analysis. Quick read. I recommend.
5) Big Hugs and Well Wishes All Around! :)
How are you? I know it's been more than a hot minute since I've reached out, and my only excuse is "taking a summer break." However, we all know that I bask in the opportunity to run my mouth and type feverishly so I really don't know what happened. A week turned into two weeks, and then I just took an unforeseen hiatus for every reason and no reason at all. But I'm back, kicking and screaming, and that's all that matters.
It's not even Fall and I'm already starting the countdown to my 25th birthday, which is on November 25th if you'd like to count down with me. Besides the fact that I am trying to decide between a New Jack Swing or MJ themed party, I feel like some things might actually start clicking by then. This year has been, well, interesting. Slow to say the least. Transformative to say the most. Going at its own pace but it is indeed going with intention. It's one of those caterpillar seasons, but alas we know those pretty wings are coming soon!
I am intrigued, bored, excited, nervous, pensive, motivated, lazy, and jazzidreaming all at the same time. I'm not one for a pot luck of emotions because all that mixed up together can sometimes equal stagnation. So I try to block out my thoughts of the unknown and keep on stepping. That's turned out to be effective as I am always plotting and planning my world takeover. But one thing is true - I am in limbo. An "I really can't tell ya what's going on" kind of limbo. An "I'm gonna ride the wave and see what shore I end up on" kind of limbo. I'm almost to the point of the "Stop asking me what I'm up to because I'm trying to figure it out myself" kind of limbo. This is the kind of feeling friends come to me with, so it's oddly uncomfortable when I am forced to take a look in the mirror. I do use my own advice but it's time to take down more notes from another, not so well known book. I suppose this is what occurs when we are forced to try new things that make us squrim but will ultimately make us better. Simply - Out with the old, in with the new. How can we move on if we don't want to let go?
The new feels so much better any ol way but yet somehow we wanna look back and try to make our former comfortable ways, people, experiences, modes of operation work. AND. THEY. JUST. CAN'T. I know I'm not speaking in specifics because I really don't have any one specific story in mind. All I know is that this has been one heck of a year with Obama as president, swine flu running rampid, the weather going mad, Michael Jackson flying back to the galaxy, several births and deaths, and Twitter shutting down for an entire day - I know, the world's truly coming to the end with that one. LOL
Sometimes I feel like nothing is going on in my life because the job market is super slow but then I stop and think about all the life changes I've experienced in the last 8 months. A number of people (new and old) have walked in and out of my life to illuminate some part of me. I have made significant strides with my "passion projects" which will no doubt be "put on" before the year's end. Lance Drummonds, me artist, me pal, has made a tremendous climb - almost 300,000 hits on his www.lancedrummondsmusic.wordpress.com blog. It is a wonderful feeling to believe in someone and watch their dream and the collective team mature steadily. And loved ones have all made courageous leaps within this same time frame. So you know what, I guess this is the year that's molding me into a true adult - and damn it, IT. IS. WEIRD... Aaah well, such is life.
I suppose this is also the formula for champions. An old chapter closing, a new chapter beginning... I just wish it would begin already!!!
You know what loves, it's passed my bedtime. It's about that time to take some Claritin and hit the hay. My allergies/cold symptoms are acting up!
Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Jello Pudd'n Pops,
Kristen Victoria
P.S. The Not So Randomness:
1) Act like you know and watch True Blood. I'm absolutely hooked! HBO, 9pm!
2) Start saving your energy for the weekend of 08/29/09 - MJ's birthday!!! (Goodness, I hope I don't break another shoe on the dance floor.)
3) I have broken the bank with my 2009 traveling so if you are an out of towner and you already know I love you, stop by mi casa!
4) I read "Act Like a Lady, Think Like A Man" finally...of course when I needed it and should have been applying some of the things we all instinctively know and don't act upon, I didn't want to touch the book. There's nothing new in there except common sense. It's a cry out for less dreamy thoughts and more real life analysis. Quick read. I recommend.
5) Big Hugs and Well Wishes All Around! :)
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