What is Street Smart?

I have been asking myself this question since Thanksgiving because of my dear Auntie Do.  And probably after she reads this piece, I most likely with have her foot in my butt. (Sidebar: I need some unplugging anyway!)

So here is the question: What does street smart means to you?

For most of us street smart is about living on the streets and knowing how to survive the streets. It does not necessary means that you went out and learn how to be a pimp or a hooker or even learn how to sell drugs. It is all about the survival of all.

The definition of street smart is the experience and knowledge necessary to deal with the potential difficulties or dangers of life in an urban environment. For those of you found this definition a little hard to understand, then understand this one: having shrewd awareness of how to survive or succeed in any situation especially as a result of living or working in a difficult environment, such as living in the city ghetto neighborhood.

It does not have to be about the ghetto life, how about going from one city to another in a different state. What would be your survive rate and how long would it take you to accomplish that level of survive that is comfortable for you?  How about being uprooted from the United State in place in a foreign country, could you apply those same street smarts that you used in the U.S. in a foreign country?

Because here is a funny thing, have you notice how foreigners can come here and have a better life than us?  Without using government help however with some kind of network support.  But for the most part, they learn from us or their applied common sense to whatever is at hand. 

So now what is common sense?

Common sense is having the good sense and sound judgment in practical matters.

That is what most of us do: apply common sense where it is needed. Whether it is at work or in to private life, in just about everything you do and the decisions that you make are done with your common sense.

Though is it easy to see how some people will confuse common sense with street smarts because some people will believe or have believe that the two are the same meaning.  If y'all did not know the two are not the same thing.  Survival vs sound judgment something that some people can not distinguish the two or can some people know how to use the two together to accomplish what need to be accomplish.

My Auntie Do does not believe that I have street smarts, well not her version of street smarts.  However, she is my network of support and her son, Spook is my Anger Issues Department (giggles). (Love him for it!)  Auntie Do always says that I am the one that she does not have to worry about but then she turns around and says that I have no smart streets, which contradicts.   Oh well!!

Another Year with a Late Hello!!

Hello, no this isn’t Loinel Richie or Adele!

Happy Year New Everyone

Yeah, I know that I am late with publishing my first piece for the New Year.  In my defense, as soon as I got into 2017 I took off running with so many things to do.  I know I going thru January, I mean I saw the dates, I just could not recognizes them.  Sorry!! 

So I have not made New Year’s Resolutions!! Why??  Because I will break them within two weeks, however, I have set short term goals for this year.  I made a list:

ü  Finish school this year.  This is going to be harder that having a boyfriend.

ü  Create a new network of friends here is Dallas.  That would be easier than having a boyfriend.

ü  Find that company with that good paying position.  That would be better than having a boyfriend.

ü  Though for the past 3 years I have been saying that I am going to buy a car! I really need to do that this year, because this to would also be better that having a boyfriend. 

ü  Last year I think I travel twice.  This year I have decided to get away for 3-day weekends once a month somewhere is the different states.  Depending on where I am going, I might need to bring batteries because boyfriend cannot be included.

Though, the thought of taming the current Alpha male is both intriguing and boring, that I am keeping him a secret from the family, which brings a very big smile on my face every time I talk to him.  So when I told Auntie Do that I going away for a romantic gateway next month, she asked with whom?  I told her my pimp in training!  I think that is how I would like to spend this year, training my latest pimp

.

Torturing my mother more often is also include on my list of things to do.  Having that communication with my mother is the same as a drop signal regardless of what phone I used. 

I joined this organization called Dallas International to get out and see the city more.  We can contribute this to this none existing street smarts that I currently don’t have.

And before I forget, I need to get my storage down here because this girl here misses her dictionaries.  

Though I am still in that “What happen in 2016?” stage, I know what happen I just can’t believe some of the stupidity that took place in 2016.  My heart is crying for all those whom we have lost in 2016 and I am not just talking about celebrities like George Michaels and Prince, but all those who were homicide victims, those who died in terrorism acts, and those who died in natural cause of all sorts.   I think that 2016 was a heart breaking year of many of us.

So now we are in February, it is National Black History Month and Valentine’s Day coming.  It still amazes me that every year I, should I say we, get to learn new interesting facts about other African Americans who have also tribute to our society in one fashion or another.  At the same time, thisis one of those times where I like the fact that social media is spreading Black Month thru all means for everyone including those who are to the U.S.A. know the history.

I can only hope that for the rest of 2017 we all have a happy progressive year, in whatever areas that we need help in, get that help from those of us who understand what humanities are and from the Lord himself!

Grand Marnier Cake

While living in Istanbul and watching BBC television, I learned about true cooking.  I don't know if I had ever talked about my mother's cooking.  To quickly recap: it was horrible and I believe that she enjoyed torturing us.  This would include her sibling and their children as well. Which is the reason why as of today, moving forward in my life, I decided to learn how to cook the right way.  For all our survive.

Now I know that some of us are not baking masters however we would contribute something to the Thanksgiving or the Christmas dinner dessert table. So here is another simple recipe for you.

Preheat the over @ 325 degrees.

In a nice size mixing bowl:

1 box of Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix 

3 eggs (as stated on the back of the cake box)

1 cup of water (as stated on the back of the cake box)

1/4 cup of olive oil (do not use cooking oil as the back of the cake box says)

1/4 cup of Grand Marnier

1 orange which you will shave the outside skin to into the cake mix, then that orange cut in half and squeeze it like you are making fresh orange juice. You want the pulp from that and about a 1/3 of the juice from that one orange to go into the mix. 

Mix well.  

I am suggesting that you use a bundt cake pan for this cake.  Butter and flour well in the event that you do not have a can of Pam baking spray.

For those of you who like walnuts, you can add 1/4 cup of walnuts please make sure that you crush real well before adding to the mixture.

The cake should take about 20 to 25 minutes to bake.  If you check it the first time that top of the cake looks somewhat wet, give it a slight shake and if the top of the cake move keeps it in the oven for another 7 or 8 minutes.   To see if the cake is completely done: use the knife check.  That's taking the knife poking it through the cake and taking it out to make sure that the cake is done all the way through.  If the knife comes out clean then the cake is done.  Let it cake cool off in the pan for about 20 minutes before putting it on a plate.  

For the icing combine 1/4 cup of powder sugar and 1 teaspoon of nutmeg.  Stir well and then shift it lightly over the cake.

And there you have it everyone.  A simple cake that even the non-baker can make.

Enjoy!!

A Hedgehog's Dilemma

Now some of y'all already know that I favorite hobby is to watch Korean soap operas on Dramafever. Y'all there have been times where I have called either Asia or Glenna crying after watching one of them. They be laughing at me and I tell them watching the  Korean soaps  while going thru perimenopause is a very strong roller coaster that sometimes I can not control. Though getting through my emotions all in one sitting can be and has been very healthy for me for the past year.

At this time I was doing a marathon and I was watching a show by the name of Murphy's Law of Love, and right way I knew that I was watching my life story in Taiwanese and how absolutely interesting and funny it. (My very own shade!  Love It!)

So I get to episode 17 where the heroine meets up with her ex-boyfriend and he tells her about what he needed to do take control of his life after their breakup. First, you got to watch the show to understand where it was coming from and second, I wish I was with her sharing that bottle of Kurt Champagne after her had just been dumped (the 1st episode).  Cause we could have ordered a 2nd and 3rd bottle on his ass. She and I would have drank that second bottle of Kurt and used the first to crack his damn head in!

Back to episode 17, she started to talk about the"Hedgehog's Dilemma."  Yeap, y'all heard what the hell I just said, the Hedgehog's Dilemma. It is a metaphor using hedgehogs to describe how we human try to take control over a situation or relationship (yea, situation because some of y'all do not like to use the word "relationship" with the specific other!) when trying to stay close to one another to keep warm during the winter. (It is amazing how we, some of us, would have a freak for the summer and get rid of them when September comes and then, by November we are scouting for a new body to stay warm with. What was wrong with Summer? Wasn't she okay?)

Back to hedgehogs, see hedgehogs can not get too close to each other with hurting one and another with their spines. (See I didn't know this because had I did when I needed to my ass scratch, I don't think I would have not mind a prick or two back there.) (Yeah I am a freak but let's not tell everybody!)

The hedgehogs would have to suffer many wounds before they can finally find the distance that is comfortable for the two of them to keep each other warm without hurting one another any further.  It is called a space heater, y'all!  Buy one!!!

Look, come those cold nights, for those of us who are single, we yearn to be with someone whom we first really like, second really want to be with, and third really enjoy being with that person,   But may I make a suggestion? Buy a body pillow from Walmart! Save yourself a lot of stress if you don't like any one for now (speaking in long period) or for the time being (meaning like yesterday).

I think for some of us, it is really hard to get next to some one that we are interested in for whatever reason, and at the same time it is difficult for some of us to let some one in who is interested in us to come into their comfort zone. And for many of us sleeping with any one just for the fun of it is not something that most would do.  Yes most of us would do and you know who you are.  Or maybe it is because you do want a warm body to be close with, you are just choosing to wait to be with some one of the same mind as you.  I am not judging and I am encouraging it!

For me right now it is too damn hot to be talking getting cozy with someone.   I am dying for a pitcher of lemonade, for real y'all! Besides I think Texas doesn't understand what winter is since it is since in the 80s and 90s. And since I don't have fall for the time being, I am glad that we have pillows!! We should really make use of them. Or at least buy an electric blanket for the winter!  I am going to Toys R Us and find me a big ass stuff dog to be my pillow.  Or a pony. (Only some of y'all would get it!)

November All Ready!!!

Happy All Saint's Day Everyone!!! (November 1st!!)

To those of you who do not celebrate the whole Halloween thing and those of you who did too much trick-n-treating last night.  Isn't it nice that we can be a devil or a witch on one day and the following we can go to Saint Peter and ask him to forgive us provide that he gets the Heavenly Father permission first of course?

But okay, okay reality is now starting to stink in for some of us who start planning for the Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas dinner, Christmas vacation, etc.  I am already planning my holiday liquor in Milwaukee with Asia and Sam.  I would start practicing now but I need to focus on school. (Haha haha I think this is why I started drinking in the first place! I started school back in 2008 and haven't stopped drinking since then!)

(Leave me to my denial please!)

Okay, so I got a few dates to bring to the surface for November before Thanksgiving Day.

So November 1st is also National Calzone Day, no Ilantian should be safe on this day.

November 2nd is Traffic Director Day - there is such a job?!

November 3rd - National Men Make Dinner Day!  No BBQ is allowed, so get your ass in the kitchen and make sure you clean up your mess!

November 5th - National Donut Day. A day where police offer everywhere does not have to feel guilty about having a donut or 2 or 4  or 7.

November 6th - Daylight Saving Time. I am already losing sleep!!

November 8th - Nation Harvey Wallbanger Day.  This is a drink, right? Because I am all for having another drinking holiday.

November 11th - National Sundae Day.  This is not good for those of us who are latoast intolerant with dairy!

November 12th - National Pizza with the Works Except for Anchovies Day! Y'all is by y'all selves on with this one!

November 19th - National Monopoly Day. Isn't Time Warren already doing that to us monthly?

November 24th - Thanksgiving Day!! So this is the official day where those of us who have to diet for some time start to put that weight back on. We continue with the weight gaining until Christmas more or less. There would be leftover from Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner if your cousins or Uncle Joe has not eaten you out of house and home.

After Thanksgiving, it is time to pull all the decorations out to doll up the house for Christmas. It also means it is time to spend that secret savings account that you open earlier this year to do your Christmas shopping. Which bring us to. . . . . . .

November 25th - Black Friday and November 28th - Cyber Monday.  Shopping spree for everyone!! Mama needs a brand new flat screen television. This is the start for most us when we become broke.

November 30th - Stay Home Because You're Well Day.  Yeah, it is called playing hooky, damn it!!

Oh yeah, let me not forget the most important date for this month - November 8th, which is Election Day!  Despite all the negativity in the media these days, I am looking at both candidates' background for experiences.

Can I vote for Jose Cuervo instead?

The Difference in Quitting and Giving Up!

Recently I was given a letter where the word "quit" was used against me.  Upon reading the letter even though the Company A understood my reasons for the request that I asked for, Company B use the word "quit" to describe me.

First of all, ladies and gentlemen, I am NOT a quitter.  If a few of you are like me then you grow with a family or with grandparents who enstealed in you reasons as to why you should never quit something that will have a bright light at the end of tunnel. You were probably told that quitters never to get to accomplish anything else in life, and that they find some things in life too difficult to handle as the older they gets.

My grandfather was very strong able us grandchildren completing things or goals so that we come reep the rewards to have a better life.  And in turn we parents try to teach our children not to become quitters themselves.

However when it comes to that damn job, most of us quit on the principle, principles that you believe in when it came to the company that you worked for.  But some of us quit because we don't like the rules and regulations or that damn supervisor/manger.  And to prevent from putting your foot in his\hers ass you just simple left that job.  right?

Giving up is a different matter all together! To give up is to acknowledge that you can not find a solution to the problem at hand or when you cannot get some one, and usually is it the spouse, to find reason with you. Okay, okay let me make it fair, it could also a co-worker, board members  But we also give up on that problem that you should have step your foot in his\her ass. You give up on fixing that sewer pipe system and call the professionals who will do a faster and cleaner job: you pay more but that is okay.

You give up on wrecking your brain on silly, stupid shit like worrying about his no good ass. Keep it moving: a good worthy person will come to you.  You can give up on a relationship that is going no where.  In fact I recommend that you do for your own peace of mind. You give up on trying to solve that algebra problem: some of us are NOT Albert Einstein unless you love a challenge.

What most of us don't seem to understand is that when you quit it is a complete done action.  When you give up, you can go back and try again.   Either way, we as family members, friends and strangers can encourage each other to continue on the path of our dreams or help each other understand that completing that goal is a self-satisfying accomplishment.

So I personally would like to encourage everyone who has dreams that they have not started on and having a rough time getting them started or have started them and having a rough time in the process of do it\them or goals that are taking long to complete than they should, to not quit or give up.  And then again, whatever it is, if it is positive, don't give up and don't quit.

I am eight classes from graduating with my Masters, for me it is out of the question to do either quit or give up.

Good luck everyone!!

A Scary October for Sure!!!

Okay, let me say that it is scary that we only have two months left of 2016 when once we get through October.  That is frighten to comprehend,

Where did the year go and for the time being I can only remember the year being a year of shootings and riots.  Of course, there is the President election with the entertaining Donald Trump! (Yeah, I said it! Not voting for his ass!)

So believe it or not our day into October is a scary holiday for real! October 1st is National Ghost Hunting Day! I can not remember what channel it is on cable but they have all these Ghost Chasers Shows that I was absolutely annoyed by whenever Pat would watched them.  (Sidebar: No longer living with Pat! Now I can get some damn sleep!!) Now I am not interested in chasing any damn ghost let alone visiting any damn hunted house! I might visit Great America for their Halloween Special, I said I might!!  Strong ass might here!

I, personally can not wait until October 4th which is National Taco Day and National Vodka Day! The Lord must have heard my prayers for this one.  This day is a given!! When I go to the Mexican restaurant and order tacos, I want a good Jose Cuevero Gold Margrita with extra Gold, of course. However that margrita can not go with most of the tacos that are out there.  If you are having a seafood taco or a Pork al Pastor then you have Vodka on the run or a mix drink with Vodka mixed in to get the better taste of the tacos.  In fact if you are having any kind of pork taco I recommend that you have a Vodka kind of drink to go with.

October 6th is National Mad Hatter Day.  I think on this day I will rent Alice and the Wonderland Part 1 & 2 to pay tribute to the character, not Johnny Deep. (Sidebar: I am so happy to hear that all the drama with him has died down.)  This is also Nation Noodle Day! I would need a bottle of Sujo to go with my ramen noodle, a bottle (or two) of Sake to go with my Pho and a bottle of Plum wine to go with my Udno noodles.

October 10th is National Kick Butt Day! This could be bad on so many levels because for all those people who told some one that they were going to kick their kick butt, like that manager or supervisor who fired you, your day is truly coming. Because it now a national holiday!! (Siderbar: If the managers and/or supervisors were smart in their position, they should take this day off from work! And hide.)

October 12th is National Freethought Day! I think that not just for myself, but also for a few others, we need this day everyday for those Blonde moments.

October 13th is National No Bra Day! I am frighten when I see my own shit hanging, I sure in the hell don't want to see somebody else's shit hanging!!!!  With some women that can be truly frightening.

October 15th is National Grouch Day.  This does not need to be a holiday because it is America's 3rd favorite past time!

October 16th is National Dictionary Day.  Isn't dictionary now consider a cuss word? We have Google!

October 17th is National Clean Your Virtual Desktop Day.  This is also wrong on so many level because 60% of the people do not know what a virtual desktop is while you still have 80% of the people who still have not learned to clean off the kitchen table. The remaining 20% belongs to the mothers who not lone clean off that kitchen but also what virtual desktop is. And NO!! She does not know how to clean that up!

October 21st is National Reptile Awareness Day. YEAP!! I will have me a new bag, some new pair shoes and a belt. YEAP, that will be my awareness!!

October 27th is National American Beer Day, now is a holiday that 7 out of 10 would consider a this a everyday holiday.

Than we have October 31 which is National Caramel Apple Day, National Knock-knock Jokes Day, National Magic Day, Girl Scout Founder's Day and Halloween.  How does not love caramel apples? When I see them in season I usually buy 2 or 3 3-package at a one time.  As for Knock-knock jokes if you got a good one let me know. Those jokes are scary from the start of  Knock-knock joke.

Now Girls Scouts can be scary all by themselves, they do not need Halloween. When they start selling those cookies, buy some asap!

I can not wait for Halloween to get here to see how Dallas will celebrate. Let's see if I can end the month on a scary note.