I live in the robbin' hood.

They say majority of crimes happen by those who know you - so when my apartment was robbed, it shouldn't come as a shock that we knew who stole more than cookies from the cookie jar.
Life will go on right? Good thing we don't believe in cutting off someone's hand anymore when they steal...

So, last year I was writing to you about an ex-roommate stealing my razor blades - and this year the theft in my apartment has escalated to a misdemeanor. It's crazy, when I was younger the biggest crime I witnessed was someone eating grapes in the super market. Now, there are literally people I know (**cough cough ex roommate who stole my razor blade cough**) who married someone to get their visa - can we say ILLEGAL?
So the moral of this story is:

1. Lock your doors
2. Trust them as far as you can throw them
3. Don't do anything illegal, it will come full circle

How do you like your coffee?

I haven't done a relationship post in a while - so it was fate when I was pulled into a heated argument with my roommates (and one of their boyfriends) - tada! A post is born.
The question of the day: Do Black men step up to the plate when it comes to marriage? Or have Black women taken their role as Mighty Woman too seriously and their melanin counterparts are adding milk and sugar to their coffee?

Before jumping in, let me set the stage and give you a synopsis of the characters:
Roommate Number 1: She's loud. Her argument style is to keep repeating what she wants to say at increasing decibels until someone's ear drums burst OR someone throws up the white flag.
Roommate Number 2: Was the one with her boyfriend present, so she was a little quiet until he said something that could be indicative of their relationship.
The Male: #losing

The women argued that the men in this situation can't accept the responsibilities of marriage. Our male perspective told us that it was Black women like roommate number 1 that makes Black men shy away from marriage - implying her attitude was the main reason Black women don't make it to the marriage material folder (rude *insert eye roll). Both roommates seemed to be concerned that once the financial security comes and marriage is feasible - they add milk to their coffee and no longer like their coffee black and strong.

When I was asked for my two cents my answer was this: Most men black or white need to feel financially complete before they can commit to something like marriage. For example, if financial security is not in the horizon, chances are you're not getting a ring any time soon. In terms of the Black man changing their flavor and taste, I do think Black women need to expand their palette and consider a cafe au lait - if the coffee is weak.

Oh New York...

So the city. I almost have a full year and a half under my belt so I thought I would do a recap. Still employed? Check. Still living with three roommates? Check. Still have a hot boyfriend? CHECK! Still weigh the same or less as this time last year? Check. Still love New York??
Luckily, the city hasn't jaded me too much, no matter how hard it tries. Someone from Time Warner stole my friend's ipod while fixing her cable. Another friend was walking down Lenox and had her phone stolen right out of her hand. Someone was shot at the new target that opened on 116th in El Barrio. Oh and let's not forget New York's finest that you see on television are NOT the finest at responding. You could have a dozen people in your apartment acting like vermin taking over space, being nasty and don't pay rent and the cops won't come unless you say someone has a weapon. Is being trifling a weapon?
But, don't worry, I still love running, writing, having coffee and dreaming of my future apartment in Tribeca.
However, even running in the city is an adventure with the characters you see or the petty crime you become a witness to. Let's take my 5 mile run today. I was running down Riverside listening to my ipod when a woman with a pretty large butt (yes, her butt is relevant in this story) ran passed me at what seemed like sprint speed so I assumed she was doing an interval work out and her walking interval was coming soon... I was right, unfortunately for this woman she walked into a gang of tween boys that began chasing after her with a basketball, marveling at her large bottom... They didn't try to rob her or anything they were just being NY annoying boys. Odd, but it's New York so I try not to be surprised with things. Next in the turn of events, when I rounded the corner I saw the little hoodlums waiting there and began to run next to me and try to throw the ball at my feet so I would trip. Clearly compared to the woman before me, my butt wasn't the object of affection, but seeing if they could make me fall was! Moral of this story, New York kids have nothing better to do than hood rat stuff with their friends.
OK, so New York is not all troubled kids, poop, roaches, rats, thieves, inconsiderate people, but it's a part of its lovable personality! I do love the parties, personalities, and the unattainable expectations everyone has of themselves and those around them. It makes you stay on your toes and it makes you feel like every day is on the edge of something better.
Oh New York, how I love thee...

Long time no blog

So my dear reader, there is much to report. I'll give you a snap shot and then into my thoughts. I ran a marathon - my second marathon, which was the second poorest life choice next to the first marathon. It was the hottest day of the year to that date, no shade, and half as many watering stations on the second loop. The best part was seeing my handsome bf at mile 9, 13, and 26.2!!! I also had a circle of friends that stayed and supported me through the entire experience (including my Dr. roomie).

Next - I had a death in my family. My cat (Kitty) of 13.5 years passed away May 28, 2010. It is strange the way we get attached to animals. Whenever I was sad, he would curl up next to me and his purring body on my chest would lower my heart rate, every time. I cannot tell you enough of the unconditional love he has given me. Will I get another cat? No chance. I cannot replace such an impeccable love in my life for a while.

Thirdly, Ding. Dong. The crazy is GONE! Yes, ladies and gentlemen that terrible girl has finally left my life (the one who stole my razor blades). She is just about the most horrible person I have ever met. I cannot even refer to her as a roommate because that would imply she was considerate when rooming with others. I never wish badly on people and I will not start now - I can only hope that she stays out of my life forever and that I never meet any one like that again.

And finally. JAMAICA. I spent a wonderful 4 days with my boyfriend and his family. I loved seeing the home that harbors this beautiful family. It might have been all the wine and warm Caribbean waters, but I really felt happy. I was reminded time and again that I was seeing the 'real' Jamaica. The economic gap was unreal and the poverty jolted me into the reality of life outside my little bubble. Per usual on day 4 I left behind this island for my normal bubble - filled with all things me: running, cookies, my lovelies, creativity, and pink. But you know what? My bubble is different. And I will not say that seeing poverty changed my life - I do live in NYC where I see poverty a lot, but I do appreciate my bubble a little more.

So here's the thing... Life is short - especially if you are a cat. However, it's not too short to run a marathon or spend your second anniversary in Jamaica.

It'll never be too late to call your dad and cry about your dying childhood pet. And he will never hang up until you are ready. Every step in a 26.2 mile race is closer than the last - now that might seem obvious, but you have NO IDEA how empowering that can be.

It never gets old to sneak kisses on a family vacation; and it feels like falling in love all over again when you realize "he is my happy". You can forgive but never forget and you have to understand your parents did not raise everyone. People are crazy and some want to just plain hurt you. You don't need them, they don't pay your bills. OH and never name your child after a state.

PS. I vow to blog more often - if you promise to read more. Write to you soon my dear reader.

Thou Shall Not Steal…

I often think if I lived during the olden days, I would be a proponent of the law: if you steal you lose a hand. I admit living in New York City, I feel very blessed that I haven’t been mugged. Moreover, I keep thinking of the idea that maybe people steal little things because they really cannot afford to pay for it themselves. Now I’ll admit I’m not completely innocent. Sure I’ve eaten grapes or cookies in the grocery store, or stealing a pair of my boyfriend’s socks (this is more of an “unknown taking” I like to think). I remember pretending I was asleep on the New Jersey Transit to get out of showing my ticket. One could say – I stole a free ride to Jersey. (I would argue that the NJT didn’t need that one $5.50 since their employees make upwards of 6 figures WITH benefits). Needless to say I felt bad and plan to confess the next time I’m in for reconciliation.

ANYHOO – stealing. Not ok. I’ll get to the point. I recently purchased razor blades for my Intuition razor (which if you buy these you know they are a pretty penny) and they come in packs of 4 refills. I immediately installed 1 into my razor and when I was in the shower the next day I noticed I only had 2 left. NOW, here’s the clincher – there is only one other person that I live with that shaves with these razors. So I’ve decided it’s either 1 of 2 scenarios. Firstly, I have a magical little fairy that steals razors so she can shave her hairy little legs OR my roommate has stolen my razor. Does she deserve to have her hand cut off? Yes… but not for that reason (fyi: she has increasingly made my life difficult with her antics). I do think she should have to pay me for the $2.87 (unit price of the razor blade) for its replacement.

While we’re playing this game of ‘who stole the cookie from the cookie jar’ (the ghettofied, Intuition Razor blade edition) I would like to eliminate the other suspects… Kitty: 13- year young, grey and white tabby, who both sleeps all day and lacks thumbs to do the deed. Roommate Number 2: who uses a Venus razor blade – and also has not been known to steal. Roommate Number 3: Venus razor blade user as well and understands my boundaries with borrowing and sharing personal items. All suspects have been questioned and none have recently posted an Intuition razor blade on ebay.com. Now that I’ve proven this first roommate is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, what do I do?

And here is where my question comes in. Do I approach her with this accusation and ask for my $2.87 or razor blade replacement? Should I let this go – and say, “maybe she just needs it”? Or do I nullify that thought with “if you can’t afford it why would you buy arguable the most expensive razors on the market”? Where do you draw the line? If I let her get away with this who is to say she won’t steal something else, and isn’t theft the gateway crime into murder… ok that part was dramatic, but really she is a little crazy.

I’m open to opinions and I’d love to read your comments. And I’ll mention this last comment on the topic. Sometimes it’s not the situation itself that makes it bad, but the person who faulted you. Those people that you just don’t like out of principle and if they do something to you – it’s 10 times worse than if your best friend did the same thing. At which point, I have to ask myself and my reader to assess if the situation itself is worthy of any further discussion OR if I should just count my blessings that if this is the worse robbery I’ve been involved with to date (besides Caesar Diaz) –then I should be thankful. What do you think? PS. Thou shall not steal… it’s a commandment ya know.

Four Roommates and a cat

It is very odd how fast life passes by you. I remember complaining to my Dad about his infamous "you cannot wear shorts if it's below 68 degrees at 7:00AM." (Mind you, I grew up in Ohio, which means it was NEVER above 68 degrees in the morning. I was typically the ONLY person at school wearing a coat, hat and jeans in June). And now I complain about my toilet overflowing for the nineteenth time in two weeks. Meaning I've been through 2 mops, one pair of shoes, endless taunts from an annoyed boyfriend, and a curious old cat that thinks my bathroom has turned into a giant water bowl. At least in the past I had 2 sisters to complain to about Dad's rule, now I can't even get my super to answer his phone -- let alone his door.

We also had a plan to circumvent my Dad's rule, that's right; we packed shorts in our back packs and changed at school.

My toilet still overflows...

But hey, I'm living my dream in NYC with my cat (the four roommates, were never in my actual dream, but they each add a little something to my life). It wasn't easy getting here, I left lots of things from my old apartment to a dear true friend, who I will always refer to as 'my roommate'. Note to reader: we actually do not live together she is busy learning to save lives at med school in Virginia. Anyway, I sought to pack everything I could fit in my two door Beetle, with my cat in the front seat.

But that was just part of my journey here. I'm not going to spend my blog telling you about my past; I don't need to fill you in on the past, there are other things MORE EXCITING things that are happening now.

*That has to be true, isn't that why people have blogs? Otherwise, you just have an entire blogosphere filled with stream of consciousness writing.

I'm hoping to evoke something a little different. I can't guarantee I'll always entertain (or be witty) but I'll tell a story and get to a point; maybe if you are feeling really inspired, a moral. Happy following dear readers! I look forward giving you more entries!