4 hours and 63 chapters later I completed Victoria Christopher Murray's novel, The Deal, The Dance and The Devil. A modern day Indecent Proposal. It begs the question, "How far would you go for your mate with 5 million dollars at stake?" Could you actually see yourself saying adios to your mate for a weekend to receive 5 million dollars at the end of that time? When the book was first proposed to our book club, one of the ladies (the one that's married) said, "Hell yeah." Many others confessed, "if just for a weekend, I think I could do it." others said, "take your ass on! 5 million dollars? Yep." Me? I know I couldn't. Now I am prepared to say one of my favorite sayings; "desperate times call for desperate measures" however, I know myself! I couldn't, wouldn't and.... it just ain't going down!
Also, my husband (cuz let's assume in a perfect world that's the only other person it would be) I would hope (fingers crossed) wouldn't want or even consider it either. But hey, again; you NEVER can say NEVER and that's exactly what was apart of the story as the plot thickened. I won't give away too much more. I'll stick to my opinions because some of the members of the book club have not finished reading and I don't want to be a spoiler for them...next month we'll discuss the actual book.
For now, I want to touch on a few common themes about life:
1. Men always think they can handle the devious schemes of a woman scorned on their own.
-I'm here to tell you boo-boo; you can NOT! Point blank period. Women are something else, take it from me...I'm a woman. Ask any woman and she'll tell you; a woman scorned is desperate, miserable and will do anything she can to make you and your life as miserable as hers. Most men try and "handle" the situation on their own. Thinking, it'll go away or that the chick will "get over it". Well...it won't and SHE won't! It's almost laughable, but then again it's not. Many men also think, "hey I have sisters", or "I have a lot of female friends", or they're even naive enough to say, "I been around long enough to know these women" POOR THINGS! You really DON'T get it!!
So; place that big ol' ego to the side...in fact...CHECK it and be open and HONEST about whatever it is you and the said woman have going on, did have going on, will have going on and in front of witnesses (particularly the person you have something to prove a point to) because I'm telling you if you don't....an entire different story than what is actually going on will conceive in her "mind" and give birth to disaster to follow!
2. Once temptation, suspicion or distrust are introduced into your "loving" relationship...anything goes.
-I must break these three down...not for you, for me!
Temptation- If you need to cheat, please retreat (inspired from the rhyming style of the late-Johnny Cochran) Being tempted is one thing, but acting on that temptation is the devil's playground, because you don't ever "get away" with it. Someone knows, someone will get mad, and the "love of your life" will find out....then comes...
Suspicion- Now no matter how many I'm sorry's you've said it doesn't mean a thing. Apologizes are like using whiteout, it covers up the mistake but it's never totally away. Now, when you, "have to make a run" (according to the book) it's like to where? what the hell is a run? When you don't answer your cell phone...it's like; "what the hell are you doing?" "why couldn't you answer?" You start hearing things like, "You never did this or that before" "Where did you get this or that?" It brings about unnecessary insecurities that no one should have to endure because of your stupidity. Giving up something special for a second!
Distrust- My mom always says, "Your word is your bond." So no matter what happens, from the moment trust is gone...it's almost like trying to pick up the pieces to a broken mirror and put them back together...you're bound to get cut.
3. The devil's job is to kill, steal and destroy
- Not necessarily your physical life, which I learned a long time ago thanks to Ambassadors for Christ Ministries, but the life you know of here on earth. Kill your dreams, steal your joy, and destroy your destiny or goals or faith. It's rough out here. Life, I mean. You have to be ready. The lion crouches at your door, and the devil works through any and everybody. Stay prayed up and in good courage with the Lord. That's all I can say about that.
4. Stick to your moral values
-There's plenty in this world to get you off track. But stick to what you know. What you believe. What you honor. Don't stray. In some instances it's easier said than done...but work at fighting the flesh...and you nor I are alone. We just have to get'er done :-)
Good luck and God Bless in knowing your worth and understanding that some things just aren't worth piece of mind!
XOXO, Khrystian Nichole
P.S Read the book and let me know your thoughts...let's discuss next month!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
American Black Film Festival 2011
It's no big secret that South Beach, Miami is one of my absolute favorite beaches...granted it's not like I've been around the world and I, I, I, I (okay, just alittle homage to my childhood via Lisa Stansfield) LOL! Anywho, when I made a conscience decision to stop sitting on my (for lack of a better words) ass and get back in and around the field I graduated in (radio/television/film) I decided to start investigating and researching ways to network...you know get my feet wet. Ways for me to stop procrastinating on each and every minor and major dream I have. (Funny how God works) When I began researching things just kind of started happening! ....Stay tuned...
One thing I knew, was that I wanted to get around and network with individuals within the field of radio and television. YES, I'm apart of different organizations...but to be apart and being involved are two totally different things. So now...it's time to get involved!
I found out back in February the American Black Film Festival 2011 was to held in Miami (South Beach) in July! Talk about Christmas in July!!!!! Of course I jumped on it. However, because it was my first time and (always skeptical) I wasn't so sure of how legit the event was. I mean, I never knew anyone that went. So I was ever so careful of exactly what I paid for "online". Call me old fashioned, out-dated, whatever...I STILL like to have a REAL voice and "REAL" people to speak with and deal with. (sign of the time)
When I got there; all my inhibitions were eluded and I discovered (through following many on Twitter) just how legit, professional, exciting and inspiring the week beginning on Wednesday and lasting through Sunday would be!
Let me preface this week by saying, "I know nothing about networking. I am totally shy." Some will vehemently disagree, but you are hearing it from the horses mouth..."I AM SHY!" I do many things out of necessity and alas, I have many opportunities that come my way...THANK GOD! I am working on this, and going to a film festival in Miami ALONE speaks volumes. Don't you think?! Well...I do!!
I'll also say, next year will be absolutely different. I will purchase whatever and however. This year, because of my skepticism; I only purchased things on-site but it was definitely well worth it!
My focus was not on the hoopla of seeing John Singleton walking behind me in the Ritz Carlton, or partying with Bill Duke and Keenan Ivory Wayans at Club Play and Liv, sitting poolside with Melyssa Ford and Jalen Rose, and I certainly wasn't phased by THE Don King coming over to me, with his light-up cane telling me, "You are beautiful!" and walking through with his entourage...NO! I especially kept focus with ALL the gorgeous (and, er...not so gorgeous) folk offering to buy, escort, or just plain old enjoy the sights. I was GOOD! I came there for one thing, and one thing only. To learn! To find out!
I took Robert Townsend's Ultimate Pitch class where we learned:
*Hollywood doesn't invest in characters, they invest in REAL people.
*Time is money
*You only get the pitch to make the deal
*Give birth to your ideas and produce. Stop holding them!
I sat in on a conversation with Paula Patton where I found out:
*Perfect your craft daily
*True love is real and good (as she's been with here husband since they were 14 and 15)
*Be honest with your self about what it is you really want to do AND are good at
*You're never too late to Just Do It
I went to a panel discussion about the Business of Reality TV where I was schooled that:
*You don't make money from an idea! (light bulb moment)
*Figure out a filter or brand
*Pitch meetings to station developers
*Produce something...that's where the money is NOT the idea
*There are four things stations are looking for
*Expand your vision
I met attorneys, writers, film makers, talent, directors, camera men, casting directors, show runners, producers, production assistants, every position you could imagine...ALL hungry. ALL with the same goal in mind. ALL there to network. ALL there to be somebody. ALL grinding.
It was an experience to say the least, and I'm exhausted, but I'm invigorated! Inspired and brought down to reality! Needless to say, I'll be back ready for sun up to sun down excitement and networking! I made lots of "friends"! Just like Robert Townsend said, "You don't need to seek out the Robert Townsends, Spike Lees and Keenan Ivory Wayans' to make "it" happen...there is wealth of knowledge and talent all around just use it! Work together and make your movie! I got about ten things on my plate!" He is absolutely right!
Cheers to me for "opening up" and stepping outside the box!
XOXO
One thing I knew, was that I wanted to get around and network with individuals within the field of radio and television. YES, I'm apart of different organizations...but to be apart and being involved are two totally different things. So now...it's time to get involved!
I found out back in February the American Black Film Festival 2011 was to held in Miami (South Beach) in July! Talk about Christmas in July!!!!! Of course I jumped on it. However, because it was my first time and (always skeptical) I wasn't so sure of how legit the event was. I mean, I never knew anyone that went. So I was ever so careful of exactly what I paid for "online". Call me old fashioned, out-dated, whatever...I STILL like to have a REAL voice and "REAL" people to speak with and deal with. (sign of the time)
When I got there; all my inhibitions were eluded and I discovered (through following many on Twitter) just how legit, professional, exciting and inspiring the week beginning on Wednesday and lasting through Sunday would be!
Let me preface this week by saying, "I know nothing about networking. I am totally shy." Some will vehemently disagree, but you are hearing it from the horses mouth..."I AM SHY!" I do many things out of necessity and alas, I have many opportunities that come my way...THANK GOD! I am working on this, and going to a film festival in Miami ALONE speaks volumes. Don't you think?! Well...I do!!
I'll also say, next year will be absolutely different. I will purchase whatever and however. This year, because of my skepticism; I only purchased things on-site but it was definitely well worth it!
My focus was not on the hoopla of seeing John Singleton walking behind me in the Ritz Carlton, or partying with Bill Duke and Keenan Ivory Wayans at Club Play and Liv, sitting poolside with Melyssa Ford and Jalen Rose, and I certainly wasn't phased by THE Don King coming over to me, with his light-up cane telling me, "You are beautiful!" and walking through with his entourage...NO! I especially kept focus with ALL the gorgeous (and, er...not so gorgeous) folk offering to buy, escort, or just plain old enjoy the sights. I was GOOD! I came there for one thing, and one thing only. To learn! To find out!
I took Robert Townsend's Ultimate Pitch class where we learned:
*Hollywood doesn't invest in characters, they invest in REAL people.
*Time is money
*You only get the pitch to make the deal
*Give birth to your ideas and produce. Stop holding them!
I sat in on a conversation with Paula Patton where I found out:
*Perfect your craft daily
*True love is real and good (as she's been with here husband since they were 14 and 15)
*Be honest with your self about what it is you really want to do AND are good at
*You're never too late to Just Do It
I went to a panel discussion about the Business of Reality TV where I was schooled that:
*You don't make money from an idea! (light bulb moment)
*Figure out a filter or brand
*Pitch meetings to station developers
*Produce something...that's where the money is NOT the idea
*There are four things stations are looking for
*Expand your vision
I met attorneys, writers, film makers, talent, directors, camera men, casting directors, show runners, producers, production assistants, every position you could imagine...ALL hungry. ALL with the same goal in mind. ALL there to network. ALL there to be somebody. ALL grinding.
It was an experience to say the least, and I'm exhausted, but I'm invigorated! Inspired and brought down to reality! Needless to say, I'll be back ready for sun up to sun down excitement and networking! I made lots of "friends"! Just like Robert Townsend said, "You don't need to seek out the Robert Townsends, Spike Lees and Keenan Ivory Wayans' to make "it" happen...there is wealth of knowledge and talent all around just use it! Work together and make your movie! I got about ten things on my plate!" He is absolutely right!
Cheers to me for "opening up" and stepping outside the box!
XOXO
Daddy by Default
I backtracked and raced through any email with happy hour book club as the title and vigorously read through each line hunting for the title and author of the book. When I couldn't find it; I figured I'd have to fess up and ask one of the members the title. I couldn't ask my one friend that invited me into the club...cuz I surely as I type this blog; I wouldn't have heard the end of it. All in love, but honestly the same. So I did the next best thing and asked host of the month's book, if she had a copy, what was the title, and author. I figured it's after 8:40pm on a Saturday...even if I couldn't get the book right away I still could be safe with at least a good five hours time to read the book as the meeting didn't start until 4pm the next day. OR; I could purchase the book from iBooks and read it that night. Alas! Dummy (I had this conversation with myself) What good would it be to have the virtual book, with the author sitting right there? You DO want pictures and an autograph...so I scratched that idea and decided, I just need to get to the book store and buy the book in the morning, therefore; leaving 5 hours reading time! When I called to get a copy of the book on hold from the local bookstores...I felt like I was in a Scooby Doo mystery because NO ONE HAD IT IN STOCK! I got alittle knot in my stomach and then frantically searched for the author, Pat Tucker, on Twitter. I found her and left her a direct reply asking if she was planning to bring copies of her book for purchase to the meeting....no reply. It wasn't until I met her; I found out that isn't the Twitter page she uses!
I was toast, because as you can imagine if you've kept up with me through my blogs...I'm a little bit of a control freak...mostly a procrastinator but most definitely impatient (pray for me...I'm working on all of the above and then SOME)
I digress...
I went ahead and got a jump start on the first chapter or so by way of iBooks free sample...I figured; at least I'd know the characters names during the discussion.
Holy BeeJeeZus!!
Daddy by Default is the title....I began to read. Some things seemed all TOO surreal AND strangely familiar!
Maybe I should catch you up to speed here: I WRITE....and by write, yes; I mean this blog. However, I also mean poems, short stories, reviews, newsletters, one-liners, pages, chapters, novels (gasp)
At this point, with this book so involuntarily telling a familiar story...I shut down the iBook app. I couldn't read this! I was writing this story. Well not THIS story. No two stories are alike, but; the same premise. Paternity! Is he the father or ain't he the father?! The question that haunts promiscuity!
You know how they say you can be oblivious to situations around you UNTIL they directly face you...whether advertently or inadvertently! WOW! It's true!
Upon whispering with one of my other friends during the meeting; I explained to her my ultimate concerns of reading the book, my work in progress, my goal, etc. and she encouraged me to read it. "Many books are of the same topic, but your story will be a totally different point of view. It's YOUR story. And when you're done, it can be our next book of the month" *See that's why it's great to have friends. (because yes, I'm cynical...friends?! humph...you just never know)*
With that, I went purchased the book from Pat Tucker and when the book club ended, and much later that night after I stopped and met some friends out for a little drinking and dancing; I read the book.
The wonderful thing was, Daddy by Default took an entirely different approach than my work in progress. I read it as really showcasing the "business" behind pinning a man to a kid that's not his. The devious, deceptive mind of both a woman scorned and a woman all about her hustle. I appreciated both; because I never knew or would fathom here in my lil' bubble anybody doing that...living that way. Sure I've heard of and even seen accounts of government scams, beating the system and so on and so forth; but it's really interesting the immediate and ultimate lengths that people go through. Especially through the voice, eyes or imagination of someone else. I enjoyed the book, the author, and I'm looking forward to her sequel! She even, whether she knew it or not, passed on a few helpful nuggets for this procrastinator to, "Get it together."
...And actually writing this blog and placing it out there that I do, in fact have works in progress, basically forces me to get on the ball. Stepping on faith...
XOXO,
Khrystian Nichole
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Beauty Pet-Peeves
Beauty is most definitely in the eye of the beholder! Here are a few of my beauty pet-peeves, inspired by a question provided on twitter! BTW...follow me @DivaSexyCool08
1. Less is Best
-----Caked on make-up, overly done up hair, let's face it...too much of anything can never be good. I'm all for glam and glitz and even over-the-top fashion, but there is a time and a place for it. Maybe I'll blog helpful hints for time and place later!
2. Dirty Finger nails!!!!
-----That is just Gross!! It shows you clearly do NOT wash your hands...which speaks volumes about your character! *True Story* I got up from the chair at a nail salon because the lady about to do my nails had dirty finger (natural) nails...Hold On Playa- where you going with those dirty finger nails?!
3. Bad Weave
-----If I can see your tracks, so can you! STOP IT NOW!
4 Lace fronts
-----Ain't nothing wrong with it far away! And some people will actually be enhanced by the right lace front job...however; have you looked in a mirror?! Cause that's NOT what's up!
5. Ashy anything
-----This makes me laugh, because (honesty time) I will only lotion the part of my body that I think will be visible, so if something happens where some other portion of my body that I did NOT lotion is showing I'm screwed and utterly embarrassed! LOL! Happens often enough, I'll just say that! Ashy, crusty feet...eeewwwwww!
6. False eye lashes
-----The ones that look fake...beauty is supposed to be an ENHANCER, and most times beauty is a SECRET; that's where beauty secrets come from! So, my question is: How do you go out of the house with caked on glue over your eyes? Better yet; how can you see through that glue...your eyes seemed weighed down?
7. Matted hair
-----Especially on your face! Gross!
8. Ghost-like make-up
-----If your face is five times lighter that the rest of your body...I ask again; DO YOU HAVE A MIRROR AT HOME OR A FRIEND IN THE WORLD?
9. Dirty earlobes
-----Every time you wash your face, or shower and bathe; you should be cleaning your ears.
10. Chapped Lips
1. Less is Best
-----Caked on make-up, overly done up hair, let's face it...too much of anything can never be good. I'm all for glam and glitz and even over-the-top fashion, but there is a time and a place for it. Maybe I'll blog helpful hints for time and place later!
2. Dirty Finger nails!!!!
-----That is just Gross!! It shows you clearly do NOT wash your hands...which speaks volumes about your character! *True Story* I got up from the chair at a nail salon because the lady about to do my nails had dirty finger (natural) nails...Hold On Playa- where you going with those dirty finger nails?!
3. Bad Weave
-----If I can see your tracks, so can you! STOP IT NOW!
4 Lace fronts
-----Ain't nothing wrong with it far away! And some people will actually be enhanced by the right lace front job...however; have you looked in a mirror?! Cause that's NOT what's up!
5. Ashy anything
-----This makes me laugh, because (honesty time) I will only lotion the part of my body that I think will be visible, so if something happens where some other portion of my body that I did NOT lotion is showing I'm screwed and utterly embarrassed! LOL! Happens often enough, I'll just say that! Ashy, crusty feet...eeewwwwww!
6. False eye lashes
-----The ones that look fake...beauty is supposed to be an ENHANCER, and most times beauty is a SECRET; that's where beauty secrets come from! So, my question is: How do you go out of the house with caked on glue over your eyes? Better yet; how can you see through that glue...your eyes seemed weighed down?
7. Matted hair
-----Especially on your face! Gross!
8. Ghost-like make-up
-----If your face is five times lighter that the rest of your body...I ask again; DO YOU HAVE A MIRROR AT HOME OR A FRIEND IN THE WORLD?
9. Dirty earlobes
-----Every time you wash your face, or shower and bathe; you should be cleaning your ears.
10. Chapped Lips
Monday, May 9, 2011
My Love Affair
Okay, as you know I divorced my beloved Celtics when they picked up Shaq's whack a--...okay, sorry; this a family blog! (insert wink here) I skirted my way on over to Miami with Wade, Bosh and James. For the record, I'm only truly a fan of Wade, but whatever I had to pick my poison...so I went with Miami!
I was okay all season! I could wink my team to a victories because Shaq's big goofy a--- oops (smile) sorry I forgot again, but Him...he was out hurt or something! But NOW that the playoffs have begun, go-figure, of course both of the teams are playing against each other. I'm constantly in that awkward moment when you introduce the ex, you're still in love with, to the new booski you're trying madly to like so that the feeling you have for your ex NEVER surfaces!
I was okay all season! I could wink my team to a victories because Shaq's big goofy a--- oops (smile) sorry I forgot again, but Him...he was out hurt or something! But NOW that the playoffs have begun, go-figure, of course both of the teams are playing against each other. I'm constantly in that awkward moment when you introduce the ex, you're still in love with, to the new booski you're trying madly to like so that the feeling you have for your ex NEVER surfaces!
HELP!!!! Man Down!!
Oh and I didn't forget that the LAKERS got that a---I really got to do better...but they DID get swept under the rug! (blows kiss here)
Mer’chere…NOT for me!
Upon many attempts (in my mind) to go to this visually impressive (on the website) fairly new spot in the Pearland Town Center; I informed my mom I wanted to take her to brunch for Mother’s Day to a spot of her choice. She decided upon, Mer’Cheri. I was pleased and excited to go to this martini bar and ecstatic that she’d invited my Ganny to join us! Onward bound as we drive the 23 minutes (according to my GPS) to get there in excitement!
As we get there, it’s PERFECT…perfect location, perfect parking spot, perfect attitudes!!! We walk in, and I’m surprised to find it’s a black establishment. Not that it matters, but it always make me smile on the inside to be able to support black establishments! I encourage it! Any who; the ambiance was okay, aside from the lights out above the bar, it looked indeed just like the barren photo advertisement. I do think they should decide what crowd they'd like to market to. I thought, based on the ads that it was a jazzy, sexy, martini bar and grill. However the volume of the televisions tuned into the absurd (only because they were swept) Laker game, left me feeling as if they may have wanted to be a sports bar serving buckets of beer and peanuts.
Service was mediocre. Nothing overwhelmingly profound or fun or even attractive. I found that when we informed the waitress it was our first visit, that sentiment didn’t resonate with her too well! Ordinarily when you go to a restaurant and you’re a first-timer, they will usually give you time to mull over the menu, even offering helpful suggestions and in some instances, they’re personal favorites. At least, that’s what I’m used to!
Not so here, she simply replied by saying, “Oh really. Do you know what you want to drink?” Umm, seriously, I don’t even know what you have to offer, you haven’t shown us a “drink menu” at a martini bar, mind you; and…how about you get us some water for starters (even if we NEVER drink it) so that we have time to peruse the menu and scan our surroundings? Suffice to say; the water NEVER came or was offered.
We say no and she’s off! After asking for the drink menu, we take a look at the many, many, many…did I say many different flavored martinis we have to choose from? I like that! We're at a martini bar...we should have a plethora to choose from, and we DID! Everything you could imagine, including a snicker-tini! LOL! I Loved that! I've been to so-called martini bars that only offer 5 choices, and out of the five...you'll order three, and out of the three you order, you'll like one! Not even LOVE! Just put up with...like a mother-in-law you can't stand to come and visit. You feel me? We pick: Chocolate, Lemon and Tropi-tini’s!
After about 20 minutes the drinks arrive. No napkin underneath for me just a red drizzle all over the table, my menu and me! Did I mention the crowd? The crowd (on Mother’s Day, lest we forget) included myself, ganny, and my mommy, a couple at the bar, two additional men at the bar and then later another pair of girlfriends came in. (More on them later!)
The Drinks! (They need their own paragraph, cause let’s face it; it’s a martini bar!)
…let’s just say, my tropi-tini tasted like chilled Hawaiian punch garnished with an orange. The lemon drop, my mom’s absolute favorite…lemon kool-aide that has about a cup of sugar sitting at the bottom even after you’re drinking the too-sweet nectar. Can someone say liquid diabetes? My ganny said she liked her drink…buuuuuuut, umm; she ALWAYS compliments something…well most times! LOL! I did love the added chocolate shavings on top of the drink...I thought that was an awesome added effect. Took my mind away from the lack of alcohol presence for about zero point two seconds!
Next we begin to order the food. We wanted to try stuff, you know; since it’s our first time so we got a plethora of not-so-good food. The crab-cake was as small as a 3 year olds entire fist and just as flat. It tasted frozen, like some concoction you’d buy from Sam’s Warehouse in bulk! The gumbo reeked of butter-based rue and the etouffee…well, and believe me when I say I’m not exaggerating but; it tasted like spaghetti-oh’s…SERIOUSLY!
I became vastly disappointed at this point. A few people I know, namely my daddy probably would’ve been looking for the door or the manager (and dare I shudder to say, the owner was there) to tell them how to run their establishment and that they needed a new cook!
When we got the main dishes, I was okay with mine, however, I will say again that the cook LOVES butter. My seafood Alfredo swam in a pool of butter and every time I took a bite into my garlic bread, I drank butter! Horrid description, but it’s nothing but the truth.com! Now, as our drinks sat there (and if you know me, you ought to know that’s unimaginable) however, they did…another waitress comes over bearing a drink that she proclaims is my Tropi-tini! With a mouth full of butter I’m like, “Really?! Then what in the world have I been drinking?” She says, “You ordered the tropi-tini right.” I say, “Yes.” Albeit 45 minutes later than the previous 20 minute wait, she sits it down and takes the other drink. As she takes the other drink, I’m sitting bewildered as to the appearance of this drink looks nothing tropical. The other drink did. Before I take a sip however, I see the young lady walk over to the table perpendicular to us, and before she even gets to the table the lady offers, “I know you’re not about to give me that drink (referring to the one I had my lips all over) In the lady’s defense, it did seem as if the waitress was about to do that, by the way she quickly exchanged one drink for the other and she kept going from our table to this girlfriend pair table seemingly confused! I just sort of chuckled to myself, took a sip of the drink and realized it was mos def NOT anything tropical in that glass but the garnish of cherry. I quickly told her, got my original drink back and then heard the two women confirm to the waitress, “You know we were here when you guys first opened and the service was terrible, we’ve come back to find nothing has changed I see.” Ouch! I was shocked. Oh well. We finished what we could muster down (we hadn’t eaten anything else in anticipation) left the last of our drinks in the glasses, paid our tab and graciously left!
My ganny said, "Well at least we got to experience something New!" She's so sweet. Got to love her! I really want to see Mer’chere succeed and do well! It really is a potentially great place, with a lovely atmosphere and super fun location! Hopefully, if I return it’ll be better…maybe I’ll eat before I go, take my flask and go in there on a Wednesday night for their open-mic night. It may be a better experience! I'm really rooting for the home team!
What you think?!
XOXO, Khrystian Nichole
As we get there, it’s PERFECT…perfect location, perfect parking spot, perfect attitudes!!! We walk in, and I’m surprised to find it’s a black establishment. Not that it matters, but it always make me smile on the inside to be able to support black establishments! I encourage it! Any who; the ambiance was okay, aside from the lights out above the bar, it looked indeed just like the barren photo advertisement. I do think they should decide what crowd they'd like to market to. I thought, based on the ads that it was a jazzy, sexy, martini bar and grill. However the volume of the televisions tuned into the absurd (only because they were swept) Laker game, left me feeling as if they may have wanted to be a sports bar serving buckets of beer and peanuts.
Service was mediocre. Nothing overwhelmingly profound or fun or even attractive. I found that when we informed the waitress it was our first visit, that sentiment didn’t resonate with her too well! Ordinarily when you go to a restaurant and you’re a first-timer, they will usually give you time to mull over the menu, even offering helpful suggestions and in some instances, they’re personal favorites. At least, that’s what I’m used to!
Not so here, she simply replied by saying, “Oh really. Do you know what you want to drink?” Umm, seriously, I don’t even know what you have to offer, you haven’t shown us a “drink menu” at a martini bar, mind you; and…how about you get us some water for starters (even if we NEVER drink it) so that we have time to peruse the menu and scan our surroundings? Suffice to say; the water NEVER came or was offered.
We say no and she’s off! After asking for the drink menu, we take a look at the many, many, many…did I say many different flavored martinis we have to choose from? I like that! We're at a martini bar...we should have a plethora to choose from, and we DID! Everything you could imagine, including a snicker-tini! LOL! I Loved that! I've been to so-called martini bars that only offer 5 choices, and out of the five...you'll order three, and out of the three you order, you'll like one! Not even LOVE! Just put up with...like a mother-in-law you can't stand to come and visit. You feel me? We pick: Chocolate, Lemon and Tropi-tini’s!
After about 20 minutes the drinks arrive. No napkin underneath for me just a red drizzle all over the table, my menu and me! Did I mention the crowd? The crowd (on Mother’s Day, lest we forget) included myself, ganny, and my mommy, a couple at the bar, two additional men at the bar and then later another pair of girlfriends came in. (More on them later!)
The Drinks! (They need their own paragraph, cause let’s face it; it’s a martini bar!)
…let’s just say, my tropi-tini tasted like chilled Hawaiian punch garnished with an orange. The lemon drop, my mom’s absolute favorite…lemon kool-aide that has about a cup of sugar sitting at the bottom even after you’re drinking the too-sweet nectar. Can someone say liquid diabetes? My ganny said she liked her drink…buuuuuuut, umm; she ALWAYS compliments something…well most times! LOL! I did love the added chocolate shavings on top of the drink...I thought that was an awesome added effect. Took my mind away from the lack of alcohol presence for about zero point two seconds!
Next we begin to order the food. We wanted to try stuff, you know; since it’s our first time so we got a plethora of not-so-good food. The crab-cake was as small as a 3 year olds entire fist and just as flat. It tasted frozen, like some concoction you’d buy from Sam’s Warehouse in bulk! The gumbo reeked of butter-based rue and the etouffee…well, and believe me when I say I’m not exaggerating but; it tasted like spaghetti-oh’s…SERIOUSLY!
I became vastly disappointed at this point. A few people I know, namely my daddy probably would’ve been looking for the door or the manager (and dare I shudder to say, the owner was there) to tell them how to run their establishment and that they needed a new cook!
When we got the main dishes, I was okay with mine, however, I will say again that the cook LOVES butter. My seafood Alfredo swam in a pool of butter and every time I took a bite into my garlic bread, I drank butter! Horrid description, but it’s nothing but the truth.com! Now, as our drinks sat there (and if you know me, you ought to know that’s unimaginable) however, they did…another waitress comes over bearing a drink that she proclaims is my Tropi-tini! With a mouth full of butter I’m like, “Really?! Then what in the world have I been drinking?” She says, “You ordered the tropi-tini right.” I say, “Yes.” Albeit 45 minutes later than the previous 20 minute wait, she sits it down and takes the other drink. As she takes the other drink, I’m sitting bewildered as to the appearance of this drink looks nothing tropical. The other drink did. Before I take a sip however, I see the young lady walk over to the table perpendicular to us, and before she even gets to the table the lady offers, “I know you’re not about to give me that drink (referring to the one I had my lips all over) In the lady’s defense, it did seem as if the waitress was about to do that, by the way she quickly exchanged one drink for the other and she kept going from our table to this girlfriend pair table seemingly confused! I just sort of chuckled to myself, took a sip of the drink and realized it was mos def NOT anything tropical in that glass but the garnish of cherry. I quickly told her, got my original drink back and then heard the two women confirm to the waitress, “You know we were here when you guys first opened and the service was terrible, we’ve come back to find nothing has changed I see.” Ouch! I was shocked. Oh well. We finished what we could muster down (we hadn’t eaten anything else in anticipation) left the last of our drinks in the glasses, paid our tab and graciously left!
My ganny said, "Well at least we got to experience something New!" She's so sweet. Got to love her! I really want to see Mer’chere succeed and do well! It really is a potentially great place, with a lovely atmosphere and super fun location! Hopefully, if I return it’ll be better…maybe I’ll eat before I go, take my flask and go in there on a Wednesday night for their open-mic night. It may be a better experience! I'm really rooting for the home team!
What you think?!
XOXO, Khrystian Nichole
Monday, April 4, 2011
Open Letter to the Guys!
Hello Gentlemen! I have just a few things to say to you all; mostly addressing the way you approach, come at and respond to the opposite sex! I don't know who's writing the "new book" but you need to take it, burn it and whoop the guys' ass that wrote it!
Using a different adjective and pronoun with every sentence you say to a female borders on gross. Most times a simple, single "Good morning" will do! Please lose the; "Good morning sexy lady", Good evening pretty dove, " I could go on, but it turns my stomach (Yuck!) This especially rings true when it's not your woman! That's different; you and her may have that type of relationship with one another. I'm talking about random women you encounter and you have the audacity to double adjective/pronoun her!
Continue chivalry! It ain't dead! Yes, I realize there are these "new breed independent" women in the world that can make it difficult. But, I must say; you will lose your "man-hood" each time...take for instance you stop doing the supposed "man-things" in the relationship and stop being a leader; you'll have a serious problem when you're "man-hood" is checked, questioned or demeaned. Stop setting your self up for failure! Discuss roles and the lane each of you will stay in. It saves time, embarrassment and uncomfortable situations!
Stop handing out these business cards. If you're about business...be about it business and stop mixing it with pleasure. Unless the lady asks for your card; she just may NOT use it! Again, setting yourself up for failure! If she's like me; she'll either place the card on the table, not even looking at it, or she'll give it back to you and tell you to put it away! Just saying!
Just because someone makes eye contact with you; it does NOT automatically means she's interested in you! Enough said!
Ummmm...some conversations are intimate, personal and are better left for when you know the lady alittle bit better! If you didn't meet her in THAT particular type of setting...where anything goes..IT'S NOT APPROPRIATE! Er...I'll just leave it at that!
Be Deliberate and crystal CLEAR about your intentions! I believe it's called, "keeping it 100", per my dear friend! Toys are for kids...so NO woman deserves to be "toyed" with! And as I most often times tell my single eligible bachelor friends; "More often than not a woman wants the EXACT same thing you want." Just be upfront and if she can deal with your bottom line; she ain't going no where!! Honesty is Sexy! And heck, if she can't handle it...you don't want her. You need someone strong and deliberate just like you!
I'm sure I'll give more at a later date...however, I'm done now...Good day!
XOXO
Using a different adjective and pronoun with every sentence you say to a female borders on gross. Most times a simple, single "Good morning" will do! Please lose the; "Good morning sexy lady", Good evening pretty dove, " I could go on, but it turns my stomach (Yuck!) This especially rings true when it's not your woman! That's different; you and her may have that type of relationship with one another. I'm talking about random women you encounter and you have the audacity to double adjective/pronoun her!
Continue chivalry! It ain't dead! Yes, I realize there are these "new breed independent" women in the world that can make it difficult. But, I must say; you will lose your "man-hood" each time...take for instance you stop doing the supposed "man-things" in the relationship and stop being a leader; you'll have a serious problem when you're "man-hood" is checked, questioned or demeaned. Stop setting your self up for failure! Discuss roles and the lane each of you will stay in. It saves time, embarrassment and uncomfortable situations!
Stop handing out these business cards. If you're about business...be about it business and stop mixing it with pleasure. Unless the lady asks for your card; she just may NOT use it! Again, setting yourself up for failure! If she's like me; she'll either place the card on the table, not even looking at it, or she'll give it back to you and tell you to put it away! Just saying!
Just because someone makes eye contact with you; it does NOT automatically means she's interested in you! Enough said!
Ummmm...some conversations are intimate, personal and are better left for when you know the lady alittle bit better! If you didn't meet her in THAT particular type of setting...where anything goes..IT'S NOT APPROPRIATE! Er...I'll just leave it at that!
Be Deliberate and crystal CLEAR about your intentions! I believe it's called, "keeping it 100", per my dear friend! Toys are for kids...so NO woman deserves to be "toyed" with! And as I most often times tell my single eligible bachelor friends; "More often than not a woman wants the EXACT same thing you want." Just be upfront and if she can deal with your bottom line; she ain't going no where!! Honesty is Sexy! And heck, if she can't handle it...you don't want her. You need someone strong and deliberate just like you!
I'm sure I'll give more at a later date...however, I'm done now...Good day!
XOXO
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