First Fruits Holiday

I find that during the Christmas holiday season I need to connect to something spiritual. I'm not a religious person, but I am a spiritual one and Kwanzaa seems like a means to connect to the source. First Fruits is the meaning of Kwanzaa FYI. I just learned that.

It's such an involved process. There's the ceremony and language that I'm excited about.

The colors of Kwanzaa are
black - people
red - struggle
green - future and hope

There are seven candles placed in the kinara (three red, one black and three green)

Black = Umoja (unity)

Red =

• Kujichagulia (self-determination)
• Ujamaa (cooperative economics)
• Kuumba (creativity)

Green =

• Ujima (collective work and responsibility)
• Nia (purpose)
• Imani (faith)

The black candle is lit first followed by the red then green. This procedure is to indicate that the people come first, then the struggle and then the hope that comes from the struggle.

So, that's the plan. I have to get fabric, candles, etc.

I'll keep you posted.

Last One...maybe

This was so funny. My mouth was dropped that they actually had this on their website. Hulu may not be so bad after all.

Enjoy!

This Never Gets Old

He won an Emmy!

Hulu (Family Guy)

So, I got a passcode and I do have to say this is cute. Who would have thought that I could post a whole episode of the Family guy (with commercials). I'm a little baffled that it doesn't fit the page correctly. Oh well.

Tis the Season

Can you believe the holidays are here? For me the holidays aren't officially here until A Charlie Brown Christmas airs. I'll watch the DVD tomorrow and shed a tear.

Holiday gift giving is great, but I don't believe in giving gifts because of a society says so. I believe in exchanging gifts with a few people and being thankful for the gifts given during the year. That said, I do give gifts (if possible financially). I refuse propel myself in debt because I want to "save face".

That said, this Saturday I'm going to do some window shopping. Hitting these spots is the goal.

G Star (jeans that fit my ____)
• Adidas (shoes)
• Barney's (shoes)
• Uni Qlo (everything)
• Union Square vendors
• Blommingdales (shoes)
• Best Buy (HDTV's)
• Zara (coats)
• Banana Republic (coats)
• West Elm (towels)
• Century 21 (undergarments) ;-)

Will I hit all of them? I'm not sure, but hopefully I will a take some good pics of Christmas in New York.

Gift to Myself

So the gift for myself this year will be a headset. My mom has been complaining since I got my Blackberry about the background noise when she's talking to me. I can see how that's frustrating. I've narrowed down a two choices.

Aliph Jawbone Bluetooth headset

or

Plantronics Discovery 665 Bluetooth

Looks like the clear winner is the Aliph Jawbone. It's a little bigger than I would have expected, but I've heard their noise cancelling software has no match. The plantronics is smaller, but if I'm going to buy a headset and spend at least $80. I need to go all the way.

The little show that could

Dexter is this offbeat, moody, but radiant show on Showtime. It's about a serial killer...yeah that you actually root for. He kills for a reason. A criminal with a conscience. Last season focused on another killer rampage in Miami, who turned out to be Dexter's brother. This season the Feds are pursing him, but don't know it. The twist is that he works for the Police Department.

Showtime has my vote for provocative well produced, written and acted shows. Weeds, The Tudors and Dexter are some of the best shows on television.

"Relationships don't work...

"until they do".

That's from The Savage Love podcast. When I discovered the Village Voice back in the 90's I started reading Dan's column. He's crass, vulgar and to the point regarding the sex/relationship advice that he gives. I was looking through iTunes to find a new podcast and found his show. It's great.

I have friends that go in and out of relationships and I admire their courage. Sometimes it works out and sometimes it doesn't. Hopefully, you have a lot of fun along the way.

The pic if from thislife.org and it's of Dan, his partner (Terry Miller) and their child. Cute family!

Janet's Coming...Again

According to the rumor sites. Janet's album will drop around February. I'm so excited. Here's a note to Janet...

Janet,

I've loved you so since I was seven years old. I've watched your tv shows, movies and been to your concerts. With that said, I was a little disappointed with your last album. I loved seeing your all over the place, but it didn't feel like the album was really you, except for "Enjoy".

I hear you're coming out with a new album. I have a few suggestions for you to take in consideration.

• One, sing out, project your voice.
• Two, stop singing about sex.

There I said it. Love you and can't wait until February!

Doggie Withdrawal

I'm back in NYC and going through Tong Tong withdraw. I have to share this cute pic.

Isn't she lovely. She had a great time playing in the yard I used to play in when I was little.

Hope to see her soon.