And no, it’s not because of the lack of brown people, that was to be expected.

I know this is probably wrong and insensitive to say, but I didn’t like SATC2 because it dealt with “old people” problems, or at least older people problems.  You don’t watch SATC to learn how Samantha deals with menopause, because in reality, we know she adores botox and by that point in her life, she would have had a few lifts, so the whole toolbox full of creams and pills was nonsense.  And the early scene would have been enough, but to sit through a whole 146 minute long movie and hear about menopause is not sexy or fun.

Then there was the fact that most of the movie was not shot in New York City.  Sure I get it, they love decadence. But it was too over the top, even for these women.  And it didn’t add anything to their stories (which were all left behind in NYC).

And then there was Aiden (yeah I’m gonna spoil it).  I, for one, am sick of Carrie getting in her own way and the whole Aiden situation really, really irked me.  First of all, you don’t owe your ex fiance anything, least of all a fancy dinner in a skimpy dress with racoon eyes.  Second, you just spent that past 10 – 13 years trying to tie down big and you throw it away because you miss “sparkle?”  Third, you don’t get rewarded for making out with your ex finance with an amazing black diamond ring.  It doesn’t work that way, and while I get that his a movie and we like happy endings, it was simply just too foolish for me.

I thought the movie strayed from who the characters were and what they would have really done in their situations.  Mirand would never, never, never quit like that.  First she’d make a list and battle with it for a few days, she would have been complaining about her boss for months, maybe even years, to her family and friends, and three, she would have had a job already lined up before she quit.  Charlotte probably would have freaked over the babysitter after Samantha pointed out her perky breasts, but she quickly would have realized that even if the nanny was straight, she was not trying to steal her bald, overweight, and more importantly, super-in-love with her husband.  Charlotte has always been the one with the most sense when it comes to marriage, she would not trip like.  And she would not have gone to Abu-Dhabi because she’s (light-weight) racist. I’ve already addressed Samantha’s flaws, but I was happy she finally got some play in the movie.

But my biggest problem was with Carrie’s character.  Her whole story line was about doing things differently, and for the most part she had.  I loved that she wore her engagement ring on a necklace.  I love that she didn’t have one with Big, and that they didn’t get married because that wasn’t her thing. I even love that they decided to not have kids because they weren’t those kind of people (because they really aren’t, although I’m sure in SATC3 she will change and there will be kids).  But of course, her girls and their good intentions got in the way (again).  Granted, what they really should have done was tell her to stop being a nag and just enjoy spending time with the love of her life, but I guess that doesn’t make for good movies.   This especially irked me because during the show, all she wanted was Big and for him to want her.  And in two movies, somehow him wanting only her has never been enough.  I really hope they don’t pull this card in the third installment, because I promise you, I will walk right out the theater.

So long story short, I didn’t dig the movie. Maybe I should stick to watching old episodes on DVD.  What did you ladies think?

peace,
e.

Our good friends over at Her Journey Mag are hosting an afternoon of beauty over at Dashing Diva.   Don’t have a boo for Valentine’s Day? No need to alone all day, come and chill with us.  Do you have a boo and just wanna preserve your sexy? Come and chill with us first and then go see your sweetie.

What:  Single Ladies’ Valentine’s Day Celebration (pick between a mani, pedi, manicure or go crazy and get all 3 – check out services here)
Where: Dashing Diva (129 Smith Street – take the F or G to Bergen, or you could walk it from Hoyt (A,C,G))
When: Sunday, February 14 from 4 to 9
Why: Because we want to.

RSVP here and be sure to to tell Lady D what services you want.

peace,
e.

The breathtaking images and jaw dropping coverage since the earthquake in Haiti have certainly caused us all to say “wow” at one point or another. The past few days have been devastating, and it is hard to fully comprehend or imagine what the current state of the island really is. This tragedy has opened the world’s eyes to a country that was in dire need before the quake. Although Haiti is a land that is considered poor in riches, it has always been undoubtedly rich in culture. The tremendous support is comforting. However, the reality is that this is only the very beginning of Haiti’s recovery. When the media coverage dies down and the immediate hype fades away, it will be even more important to support. (We will continue to keep you updated on how you can do that.)

In these crucial days following the quake, basic needs like food, water and medicine are immediate priorities. (Click here for a full list.)

With all of the many efforts, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to support. Here are a few tips to help you help Haiti:

• It’s always wise to give to reputable organizations. The Red Cross has proven themselves time and time again in countless crises, and of course they have been instrumental in Haiti’s relief.
• Check with your employer to see if they will match your donations, which can easily multiply your efforts.
• A gift of any size is still a gift. Give whatever you can. (You can text “Haiti” to 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.)
• Look for local projects where you can donate food, clothes, supplies and time.
• Spread the word! Some people feel removed from the situation and just need a little encouragement. If you get 9 of your friends to send a text, it’s like you contributed $100. Doesn’t that feel good?)

This is only the beginning of a long journey, but there are glimpses of hope with each person that is rescued and with each volunteer that supports the effort. Call me idealist, but I see this as our opportunity to build a new Haiti. I’d love to see the crowd of proud Haitians who dance along Eastern Parkway on Labor Day march through the streets of Haiti with helping hands. I’d love to see a Special Rescue Series of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition rebuild Haitian homes. And I’d love to see Haiti transformed into an island paradise that welcomes visitors and shares the beauty of its culture.

The reality is that this is a tragic situation, and it will take as many people as possible to make this better.

akak What I Should Have Written Last Week.

Ok that post wasn’t very nice.  It wasn’t very SASSY of me.  But if you really were interested in how to collect a debt, from a deadbeat roommate, or a client who never ever pays, here’s another way.  You could hire a collection agency… dun dun duuun.  But don’t get too gased, because this will cost you – a percentage of whatever the person owes you.  (In our case this might not be worth it, it would suck to only get $20 back).

Finding a collection agency is simple enough – google it.  But you should do some research, aside from price, before you hire an agency.  Some other things to consider is how the collection agency is going to treat the person who owes you money.  Even if you hate their guts, consider some tactics these agencies employ – frequent phone calls, harassment and threats – and really consider if it’s worth it. Hint: it’s probably not.  Also, after you send the collection agency out, this incident ends up their credit report.

All in all, if my (nondelinquent) roommate would consider going on one of these court shows, I’d be down (because we’d get paid by the show).  Looks like we’ll have to take the L on this one.

Good luck getting your money back.

peace,
e.

Sorry for the delay in posts. I caught the flu (not swine flu) and then had to travel for work. But we are back.

peace,
e.

Her Journey Magazine released the Spring 2009 issue “Love is in the Air” just in time for Valentine’s Day.

What you’ll find inside:

Take a trip across the country hot date spots recommended (page 14) and get ready for your special night with the Get Cute Quick tips (page 22).

If you haven’t accumulated enough frequent flier miles to visit your significant other, a dose of the love doctor, The Fly Guy, might help your long distance relationship (page 10).

Attention single ladies: survivor of abusive relationships turned relationship expert and empowerment specialist, Sil Lai Abrams prepares you for your next relationship with her words of wisdom (page 18).

End the adventure with a visit to Cleveland, Ohio in Rep Yo’ City (page 24).

ENJOY!

While I was completing my college applications, my mother, being the overachiever that she is, added a mandatory reading assignment to my course load. That was when I was introduced to Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. Disgruntled, of course, I read the book because disobedience was not even an option.. (Skimming wasn’t an option either because my supermom usually required reports on these extra assignments.) I was immediately intrigued by Dr. Ben Carson’s story started with a mother very similar to my own. By the end of the book, I was so genuinely inspired that it became the topic and motivation for a number of my college application essays.

Although it has been a while since I’ve read the book, I vividly remember the inspiration I felt and highly recommend it. Though I think the book would be a rich and rewarding experience, thanks to the magic of cinematography, The Ben Carson Story has been made into a movie that will air on TNT on Saturday, February 7, 2009 and 8:00 PM EST. With a cast including Oscar-winning Cuba Gooding Jr. and Kimberly Elise, this reenactment of this powerful story has certainly piqued my interest and think you will enjoy it as well.

Here are a few brief synopses to fill you in on the story:

Carson’s mother was the center of his early life. Through her strength, determination, and intelligence, and despite little education and a struggle with mental illness, she was able to instill a strong work ethic within her son and taught him to set high expectations for himself. At each level of his academic career, Carson started as an average or below-average performer. But after much hard work, he always eventually moved up through the ranks to emerge at the top.

Read more of the BrainConnection.com Review

Carson’s autobiography is the inspiring story of an inner-city kid with poor grades and little motivation, who, at age thirty-three became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. Dr. Carson serves as a role model for young people in need of encouragement to attempt the seemingly impossible and succeed.

(Read more of review from the Prince George’s Community College)

I would love to hear what you all think if you get a chance to catch the movie.