My Musical Rite-of Passage

Guest posting by none other than Mista Jay....

TIGER STYLE

Hello everybody...It's Jay. A request has been made and I'm making a guest appearance on Lesli's blog... this is actually my first ever blog post. I'm excited to now be a small part of the blogging community. This isn't about me, however, and I need to get down to the brass tacks... or should i say, "Bring da Ruckus... Bring da Mother F@#**ing ruckus!!"

I'm not sure how many of you Smallshoo readers are Wu-Tang fans, but you should be. If a 5' chick in Chinese slippers and a babushka can represent at a Wu show, you can too. I'm not kidding... she punked a dude in a Wu-wear hoodie and oversized baseball cap and he backed down... f'ing hard core I tell you. Together, The Shaolin and the Wu-Tang could be dangerous.

Here's the breakdown for all you real Wu Bangers out there... This wasn't the hap-hazard group of no-names that threw down on the 2001 tour, oh no. The RZA, The GZA, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon The Chef, Ghostface Killah, U-GOD, The Masta Killa and The M-E-T-H-O-D MAN.... They ALL showed up (with the exception of the deceased... even though Ol' Dirty still managed to squeeze in a few verses) and threw down ALL the classic joints and absolutely KILLED the room. Everyone had their W's up. Everyone had their lighters up for the ODB memorial minute. Everyone was hyped and wild... and as far as we know nobody got shanked. Mr Mef (as he says in verse, its Mef wit a F 'cause black people don't use the 'TH') capped off his firey performance by dropping a few bars while literally STANDING in the hands of the people in the front row and pumping his fist. Sick. I haven't seen crowd surfing like that..... um.... EVER. The closest thing (and its not even that close) came at Woodstock 99 when Fred Durst crowdsurfed on a piece of the plywood. Are you kidding me?? Plywood? Method Man don't need no stinkin' plywood mang... no, he was like Jesus walking on water.... dude just stepped off stage and kept walking... and rapping... and bouncing... and pumping his fist... AND he didn't miss a beat. Madonna, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Michael freaking Jackson and all the other "big time performers" have NOTHING on Meth (or any of his 20 or so aliases.) They wrapped up the show and Meth proceeded to toss his shiny, red, NY hat, his hoodie, a few nasty towels and every ounce of water that was left on stage into the crowd. This was easily the best hip-hop show I've ever seen.... I have to go out on a limb and say it may have been the best live show I have seen... ever. "Wu-Tang Clan aint nothin to F@#* wit"

Like I said, If Lesli can get into it, you can too!

If you are in an area where the tour is coming through, DON'T MISS IT. I don't care if you "don't like rap music...." I don't care if you are scared (there were plenty of skinny white kids in the crowd...don't be scurrrrred) I don't care. Go to the show. And listen to hip-hop... You'll be a better person for it... HOLLAAA

Here is a link to the rest of the January tour dates and locations.

http://www.wutang-corp.com/news/article.php?id=777

Hammerstein Ballroom tonight (thursday) if you're up in The NYC... That is a great venue for any show BTW, so go there sometime anyway.

out.

Moments on a Soap Box

Okay, really people, what is this world coming to? I have just seen and heard about the single most idiotic thing in the world. Within minutes of hearing this story tonight (and not believing it at all becuase it is so absurd) my attention was turned to the following information streaming along a ticker during sports center. It reads:

"The IAAF ruled Monday that double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius is ineligible to compete in the Beijing Olympics because his prosthetic racing legs give him a clear competitive advantage."

Are you FREAKIN' Kidding me.

If I read this correctly, they are saying that a man, who has NO legs, and has had to overcome hardship and challenges to learn how to walk and then run on metal stilts in order to have any mobility...has an unfair advantage against all of the other racers who have the luxury of racing on their own two feet! You have got to be joking. Granted, technology is amazing and wonderful that people who have had to lose limbs have the chance to compete and live these dreams...but an unfair advantage. REALLY. Did they think about this before they put this in writing?

It was so cleverly pointed out to me after reading this, that if this IS the case, should we expect national boxing champions to chop off their hands, or star runners to cut off their legs in order to be more competitive. I DON'T THINK SO.
Who in their right mind would tell a double amputee that they can not compete in the Olympics because technology has given him the gift of normalcy. Honestly, who the hell cares if he can run faster because of his "blades." Let him have his moments of glory. We need to check ourselves at the door on this one and be thankful that we never have to " walk in his shoes" to be cliche. Christ, this makes me want to puke!

Dear lord we are a sorry sorry world. Okay, off my soap box.

Christmas Comes but Once a Year

In My house it comes is January. Are youe Jealous??? It appears that Santa must have hit traffic, judging by how long it has taken me to get these pictures up. These aren't even the ones I took with the regular camera. I finally got tired of waiting and took some quick ones with the little digital I have. I thought it was a good idea before I take the darn thing down. So, I give you, Il Mio Primo Albero Di Natale. Take note of the Italian. Refer back to Resolution List...hahahahahahaha

My Gigantic Tree - Hey why not, I have 8 foot ceilings

The Stockings Were Hung By The Chimney With Care

A Change of Scenery

Punky has bit the big one.. I got sick of her and decided I should I actually put my face on this thing. Aggg...a blow up of my head. Scary. Next I'm changing the color scheme. I am sick of this green.

O' Christmas Tree ( Of Insomnia)

Note to Self:

Cats like to eat Christmas trees in order to annoy their owners. Please keep in mind, that when such eating occurs, kitty cats will get belly aches and PUKE all over the carpet. Thereby leading to a restless night on the couch cleaning up little piles of fur and pine needles.

Side Bar: Must purchase spot bot on Saturday morning. Better Yet...

Foible Foible Everywhere

For those of you blog enthusiasts who are disgruntled at my recent blog sabbatical.... I give you "Purse Incident" classified.

It's Monday man, I'm tired, hungry, and having a genuinely bad day. I was supposed to be in the wonderful and warm deserts of Arizona for work, but, due to a sudden snow surge in the Southwest (just my luck) the interviewee flew into RI. So, saddened by my lack of toasty travels, and exhausted from 8 straight hours of an interview with a potential employee, I am happy to head home. I'll be watching a movie tonight. Hoax...I heard it was really good so I am looking forward to relaxing, having dinner, watching a movie with a glass of wine. Uggg...@#$%@$@%$#@$%#@. I have no wine. Pit stop...Haley's Liquors!

Now..preface...For London adventure I had purchased a wonderful gold and black beaded satchel bag that I now can't live without. I love this thing even though it is a heavy, bottomless pit of a bag. I get compliments on this everywhere. (Even the drive through at Wendy's...I kid you not!) So, all impracticality aside, the bag is on my hip.

Carry On said storyteller.

Enter Haley's Liquor and say hello to the nice desk clerk who clearly thinks I am underage and is watching me like a hawk. You would think the 4 inch heels, the DD boobs mixed in with a few wrinkles would change his mind..but alas it does not. I gather some beer and two bottles of wine. I make my way to the counter with a smile. And then it happens. The "Incident". It was like a movie, when you know something bad is happening and everything is suddenly in slow motion. You toy with the idea of fixing the problem, but then realize, in order to do this, you will ultimately be causing another incident when you throw the beer and wine out of your hands and onto the floor. So, as not to sacrifice innocent booze,I turn and grimace. I know it is all over.

Silence...then. KKKAAAABBBBOOOOM! An entire display of Menage et Trois comes crashing down. I look up and simply smile..hoping that my good looks and charm with keep the un-trusting counter clerk (his gold tooth and all) from charging me for the whole pile. I mean...how can I sleep at night knowing I had to pay for wine I could never drink. Silence Again. I walk shamefaced to the counter. He rings me up. Only one bottle charged...phewww. As I go to leave he leans in and whispers.. "You may want to think about getting a differernt bag honey. You might take someone out with that."

Where have I gone so horribly wrong.

News Years Resolutions ‘Take 29…’

We know we all do it….resolve to do something spectacular in the New Year. Then we all fall flat on our face when we realize on December 31st at 11:59 that our resolutions for the next year look surprisingly similar to those from the year before. Don’t shake your heads at me…you know I am right. Go on…try and tell me I am wrong. I can say this with confidence because I am the worst offender. Hmmm, let’s use last year for example. Work out at work at least three days a week. January 3rd: I go running at lunch in the cold. I make it exactly .3 miles and slip on the snow and scrape my wrists. (No one saw…phewwww). January 4th: I chose to leave the gym bag at home. It still sits, packed on my closet floor. You know where I am going with this.

Come to think of it, I think I still have things from 2003 that I never did. This is not boding well for my future progress. Okay, regrouping…gimme a minute..okay..regrouped.

As Such, 2008 – I have decided to resolve one thing: Complete ALL my Freakin’ resolutions for cryin’ out load!!!!!!!!

This brings us to the list below. Yes, the dreaded resolution list. But this is not just any list, it is the list of all lists. This is the Elvis – Paul Oackenfold List (for those with furrowed brows of confusion) the “Little less conversation a little more Action” List.

Flaw in Resolution Plan: My sister so nicely pointed out that I tend to live my life by a checklist of “To Dos” . Impossible I say…then looking back. Oopps maybe I do this a little. And for what point. How silly. So, this year, with the supreme resolution list, I at least will have a good checklist if I’m going to have one at all!

Now, my list will not have 29 items on it (You know who you are heheheheheh :) )
But I think this is manageable. And no, there are no taking bets on any of this. This is merely a guideline of ideas, NOT a TO DO List.

In the next 364 days I will resolve to:

1. Not have ‘Life’ To Do Lists --- Hey, I have 364 days to get it together
2. Learn how to speak Italian (and fix my French and Spanish)
3. Compete in a mini- Triathlon
4. Hmmm that means I have to add…get in shape and exercise regularly thus leading to…
5. Shake my butt and tell myself I look hot, oh baby (making sure you were still with me)
6. Set up my Dark room and go out at least 1 time a week for a photo shoot
7. Write real letters to friends instead of only e-mails
8. Bring my sample book of invitations and cards to EG bridals and Cachet Fiore
9. Make 5 new friends that are completely opposite of me to bring a new element into the mix.
10. NOT be concerned with money and finances. I have my whole life to worry about that.
11. Visit my friends in different states at least once this year.
12. Be less judgmental. We all do it. Come on
13. Don’t sweat the small stuff and get angry. My weakest link.
14. Relax! Stress is an evil, evil thing that must be destroyed!

15. Achieve Nirvana (Okay, this may be pushing it)

That covers at least 2002-present.. I feel better already.

Happy New Year!

Wishing everyone (and their loved ones) a safe, happy, and health New Year. Excited about 2008 and can't wait to see what adventurers are ahead. I'm hoping that this year is a little more low key than last (Minus the whole turning 30 thing of course). Oh no, did I just openly admit that one. Ug, sigh, well, to be honest I'm looking forward to my thirties. As I am sick and twisted, this should come as a shock to no one. Anyway...I think it (2008) is about time for slowing down abit and enjoying the ride. Missing everyone and hope that you all enjoyed your own little New Year Celebrations.

I promise I will post the pictures of my first Christmas shortly. As I am old fashion in the world of photography, I am waiting to get my pictures back. :)