My family teases me because I am so organized when it comes to packing. I have to admit that sometimes I'm a little obsessive. However, I realize that most people don't know how to properly pack their luggage when traveling. I have to fly out tomorrow, so I want to offer some tips on packing. The first thing that I always do is:
1. Separate all of my items, so that I can clearly see what needs to go in my luggage.
2. Try to pack as light and conveniently as possible (remember, the luggage checkers want to be able to quickly scan your luggage as quickly as possible, and you don't want anything RUINED).
3. Start by placing all underwear at the top part of luggage.
4. Take clothing and fold in a rectangular shape, then start by neatly rolling as tight as possible.
5. Place neatly rolled clothing in luggage.
6. Roll shoes in newspaper or plastic wrap, so that shoes don't get damaged. And, place shoes on top of clothes.
7. Take cosmetics and place inside a plastic zip-lock bag or lunch pale--this will keep cosmetics placed sturdy and it allows luggage checkers to check as quickly as possible.
8. I always tape cosmetics because I have had incidents where the luggage checks didn't close my liquids tight enough and it spilled all over, so use scotch tape to secure closure.
9. DO NOT carry on liquids or cosmetics: they're not allowed and this will slow down your process of boarding. Always, check liquids and cosmetics in. Another note: I rarely carry my laptop on with me, because you are instructed to open the case and you have to wait while they search it. If you need your laptop on the plane then go ahead, but I would suggest checking it in. If you check it in: make sure that it's placed on the top of your clothing and is safe... I usually wrap mine in towels. The worst thing that could happen is for your laptop to get ruined.
I've included some pictures of how my luggage looks at the moment. Although, I still have more packing to do. LOL. I also snapped my feet--didn't mean to, but I did. Are you traveling anytime soon? Do you have a method that you use when traveling? Please share.
Growing up one of the most important lessons that my mother taught me was about 'cleaning house.' Well, today I cleaned out a bunch of boxes that I had filled with pictures and old cards from friends and family. I was shocked to find several cards from my best friends at the bottom of the box. I had forgotten all about the cards! Each card had a heartfelt message that was sincerely written. I spent about an hour reading each card, and it made me realize one important thing that, no matter how rough, tough, or unbearable things may become true friends are always there to lift your spirits. I'm so grateful for the wonderful friends that I have.
Have you recently cleaned house and found something special from a loved one?
Hello everyone, Sorry for not writing on a consistent basis in the past few days. I'm moving from California to Oahu, Hawaii. I've been super busy. The big move takes place on Friday, and I still don't have everything done. This isn't the first time that I've moved, but for some reason this time is more difficult. Mostly because I'll miss my family a lot. I left for college when I was 18 and had been gone for 5 years. When I came back, everything seemed so different. So, I've been back in Cali for 3 years, and I've cherished the time that I have spent around my lovely family and friends. Moving away is always difficult, but sometimes you just have to fly like a bird to gain your wings and embark on your destiny. I promise, that once I am settled I will be blogging a whole lot more, thanks for your patience. Have you ever relocated 2500 miles or more away from your family? How do you deal with missing your loved ones?
After months of speculation of a potential running mate for Senator Barack Obama, CNN purports that his running mate will be Delaware Senator Joe Biden. Obama is set to officially confirm the news Saturday morning. Seemingly, several people assumed that Hillary Clinton would be his running mate. Is this good news for Americans? Who is Joe Biden, and would you prefer for Hillary to be his running mate?
My new favorite late night show to watch is Chelsea Lately, she cracks me up. I'm usually up until 2:00am, mainly because I have a million ideas in my head, and also I'm thinking of ways to become rich and famous (lol). Her show never disappoints. I'm not even sure how long her show has been broadcasting, but I discovered it about five months ago. Her show is my medicine for when i'm having a bad day. Tonight Vivica A. Fox was on the show. Vivica is hilarious! O, BTW... she has a show coming on VH1 this Thursday called Glam God. I saw the previews and it looks pretty good. Well, if you have time and need a chuckle, check out Chelsea Lately on E!.
Tonight I watched season 4 premiere of The Hills. After 15 minutes of back to back commercials I finally was able to watch all of what seemed like 10 minutes of actual programming. First episode, Audrina turned 23 and Lauren through her a birthday party. The b.d. party was just odd! Lo stayed in her room the whole time (lol), and their wasn't much footage of the celebration. Where was the birthday cake, or something to show people it was a party for Audrina? Lo, seems like a cool person but she is obviously over Audrina. I understand that Lauren wants her two friends to associate, but honestly I think she needs to get over it. Both girls appear to not be making an effort.
Also, Lauren's new love interest Doug seems cool, but my question is how does he know Brody and Frankie? I only assume that they know each other because on the next episode Doug hangs out with Brody and Frankie. Come on MTV production, L.A. is a big city and everyone does not know each other--so, stop making it seem like that. The Hills needs a better story line. And, when will the cast start acting like adults on the show? I feel like I'm still watching Laguna Beach. All cast members are over the age of 22--it's safe to act like adults. On another note, I like Heidi's sister and I'm happy that she's joining the cast. Although, I think Spencer is over her 'long time' (lol). But, he'll have to deal! Hopefully, the show will become an hour long instead of 30 minutes, because I can't take 20 minutes of commercials and only 10 minutes of the actual show.
Everyone should have a full deck of cards and lay them on the table to a potential suitor. I had this conversation with my sister the other day and it got me thinking. Think of dating as playing a game of spades. You gaze over at your partner and ask, "how many books do you have? And, are you able to make all your books?." If you play cards you'll get this! In dating, there are some things that are non-negotiable. For example: I have a huge family, and it's important for me to be with a man who doesn't mind spending time with them. Many times in relationships people take cards out of their deck without the potential suitor removing a card from their own deck. If a person really cares about you then he or she will except your full deck. Something to think about when dating.
Percy Miller (FNA Master P), announced that he will be launching Better Black Television worldwide in 2009. A TV station that will feature positive and educational family friendly shows. The show will be marketed for all ages, gender, and race. The BBTV Advisory Board members consist of some of the most significant entertainers in Hollywood, professional athletes as well as movers and shakers in the community such as Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Denzel Washington; businessman and Academy Award nominee Will Smith, and so many more. I can't wait for the launch of this station...
Today, I caught the bus and had an interesting journey to say the least. I'm use to driving, so this trip was definitively out of my element. I walked from my house to the bus stop which was about seven blocks--for shore I thought that I was going to pass out. Thankfully, when I arrived at the stop the bus was already there. I patiently waited as the bus driver opened the door. "Hi, if my destination is a block up, how much fare would I have to pay?" I expected her to say $1.00, but instead she looked in my direction and said, "2.00 one way, or 2.25 for a transfer." "What?" I said. The bus driver then repeated herself.
I couldn't believe how much the fare had increased in just a year. Without a debate, I dropped my money in the slot. Literally, five minutes later I had arrived at my stop. "Thanks for nothing," I thought to myself. With a dollar left in my pocket and one transfer, I wondered how I was going to get home; I only had enough for one-way travel, and it was now 105 degrees--too hot to walk seven blocks.
On my way home... It was an hour later and needless to say, I was frustrated. I had opted to wear a thin-white t-shirt and jeans over a tank top and shorts, shame on me. I couldn't control the sweat that poured down my face, back... I was a mess. I stood under a shaded tree and waited for the bus. "Do you know what time the bus comes," a girl looking to be in high school asked me. "I have no idea, but it should be here soon." As I stood there, arms folded, dark shades on, it was a clear indication that I didn't want to be bothered. "Oh, you're sweating, do you want some water?" the girl asked. "No, I'm cool," I said in a nonchalant manner. "Are you sure?" the girl asserted as she proceeded to pull out the bottle. Did she really expect me to drank from her bottle? Gross! 10 minutes later, the bus finally arrived. So, I arrive at the next stop where I needed to transfer. I realized that I only had a $1.00, and hoped that I didn't get harassed trying to pass for a student. So, I got onto the second bus, thankfully without a fuss. I arrived home in one piece... but, I definitely had a laugh or two... I saw a few interesting characters on the bus today, and it made me wonder... Is the combination of the heat and high gas prices making bus riders dillusional? Since, most people riding the bus have cars but can no longer afford the cost.
Are you taking public transit because of high gas prices? Or, do you have a funny story? Let me know.
There has been quite a bit of talk regarding the Olympics, but what's the latest buzz that has people talking? If you saw the offensive advertisement Spain's Olympic basketball team posed for, you wouldn't be asking. The Spanish players posed while slanting their eyes. Seemingly, the team should have known that this was offensive seeing how they're in China. The ad was intended for a Spanish-language magazine called La Marca. I suppose they didn't realize that stories are leaked daily, and the media has a way of finding out information. But, was it meant to be offensive or just pure comedy? Well, according to various sources, the players are stating that it was meant to be funny. Yea, so funny that most of us forgot to laugh. Allegedly, the players and photographers did not initially apologize. But why not? Shouldn't it have been obvious that people would be offended?
When you throw a boomerang out, does it always come right back?
Chris and Tina first started dating while in high school eight years ago. Although, they were both young, they made plans for their future. However, they both began to realize that their plans didn't include the other, so they decided to remain "friends." They went off to separate colleges but kept in touch. In other words, whenever either one of them was in the others state they were "together." Tina had always felt like Chris was her soulmate and continued to love him from a far. When they returned home from college, the two of them decided to take their relationship to the next level by moving in with each other. "Finally, after 10 years of friendship and eight years of pursuit Chris and I are together," she thought. In the beginning, things were great between the two of them--they both thought that nothing could go wrong. "I just don't want a relationship right now," he told her over dinner. "What do you mean?" She asked in a shaky voice. "I just want to work on myself right now, I hope that you can understand that." Of course she couldn't understand, Chris was the guy she hoped to marry. A year of crying, dating other guys, crying, and dating other guys, Tina had finally excepted the fact that Chris was no longer in her life. "Hey Tina when you get this message, please call me," Chris said over a voice message. Tina played the message over a 100 times. She couldn't help but wonder what he wanted. That night, Tina crawled into bed, stared at the phone, and ate a bowl of cookie dough ice cream--Ice cream was her comfort. Tina didn't call him that night, and she doubted that she would. Her heart was still fragile and she didn't think that she'd be able to handle another disappointment. Three months had passed since Chris called. "Hey, what's up?" It was Chris. "I'm doing well, what's up?" Tina held onto the telephone and waited for his response. "I was just calling to see how things were going with you. But, I heard that you're doing well," he continued. She wondered who he had been talking too. "I miss you," he told her after an hour long conversation. It was what she needed and wanted to hear. "I miss you too, but..." she was interrupted. "Just listen," Chris said. Chris and Tina talked for hours about the relationship and what went wrong. Chris told her that he wanted her back, but it was too late. Tina was moving on and in so many different directions. The conversation ended with the two vowing to remain friends, but in the back of her mind she still wished that she could bounce back into a relationship.
How many times will an ex bounce back into our life? And, how many chances should an ex be given before all strings are cut?
This started out as a rumor and I am saddened that it no longer is. Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away early this morning from complications due to pneumonia. The actor who was native Chicago, died in a hospital in the area. The actor suffered from Sarocoidosis, an inflammatory disease which affects the lungs; however, he had been in remission since 2005. Bernie Mac was a successful star who brought humor and humility to television. The Bernie Mac show was a huge success and watched by many. I use to watch his show and just crack-up nonstop. He was definitely an actor who I admired for his struggle to survival story, and he represented himself and black Americans with such pride. To be missed by everyone.
The KKK has released a press release... Yep, you heard me right. Pastor Thomas Robb has issued a press release inviting Barack Obama and John McCain to speak to "white people" at the annual leadership conference August 29 - 31. My only question is why? Here's a link to the press release: http://www.kkk.bz/
Tonight, I received a phone call. "Did you hear that Bernie Mac passed?" the person on the other end of the line said in a urgent voice. "No, I haven't heard anything of the such, where did you hear that?" I asked in a state of panic. Having a journalism background, I immediately asked what news station this information was retrieved from. "There was no news station, I was informed from my [sister]." So, I quickly looked for info on this story, and thankfully it is false. Bernie Mac is alive and on a speedy recovery from pneumonia. You can read more information by clicking on this link:
Did anyone watch Big Brother tonight? It was madness. Tonight the house guest had to fight for the power of veto, and Libra was offended by April's comments discounting certain players in her alliance. So, Libra and Keesha went into the bedroom and began talking about April. Of course, nothing goes unheard in the BB house because Jessie overheard the conversation. Jessie, immediately took advantage of the opportunity and gave a play by play to April. April confronted Libra, words were exchanged... Keesha got involved, everyone became involved... All in all, DRAMA!
Ok, for the veto competition they had to play a game of hockey and knock the puck into the goal that said 'Veto'. Libra did very well, I was proud of her especially after the house guest doubted her ability to win. The last person was able to choose from all of the eliminated players prizes...well, Michelle's prize was a trip to Hawaii. When Libra was declared the winner she decided to take Michelle's prize for herself. Michelle's prize in return---she had to wear a unitard previously worn by two BB contestants. Michelle was upset and started using very offensive language at one point to describe Libra. She even went so low as to question Libra's parenting for opting a Hawaii trip over a letter from her children. I was rooting for Michelle up until that point--she needs to learn a little sportsmanship. Besides, all is fair game in the Big Brother house.
Did anyone watch Regis and Kelly today? Anderson Cooper was filling in for Regis Philbin and discussed with Kelly about the various reality shows on tv. Cooper then talked about the show "Living Lohan" and had some rather strong opinions about the show and 'Ali' Lohan. Any opinions on this topic?
I just saw the funniest "presidental campaign" and it's endorsed by Paris Hilton (lol). She made a commerical in response to John McCain's campaign which mocked the celebrity.
What happens when you mix Subway and the wrong sandwich? one ticked off customer. Who hasn't gone to an eatery and placed an order to only get the wrong thing! Well, apparently it upset one man so much that he called 911, not once but twice to complain. A Jacksonville, Florida man was arrested and charged with making a false 911 call. His emergency, a complaint about the way his Subway sandwich was made. The Floridian ordered a Spicy Italian Sandwich with the works but became very upset when he learned that, his sandwich was missing the sauce and wasn't made to his satisfaction. When the police arrived the man was arrested for making false 911 calls (http://http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=8791080&nav=menu86_2).
Yesterday, I decided to wash clothes. I thought, "Hey it's Saturday, I don't have anything else to do, so why not?" I wore this cute black and gold dress that I bought from Express... yes, you heard it right--a black and gold dress. I like to look cute when I run to the mailbox, wash clothes--basically, anytime I think that there's a possibly that I'll be noticed. So, I started by separating my clothes. Colors with colors and whites with whites. I loaded two loads of colors in cold water, grabbed the detergent, bleach, and basket of white clothes and prepared to load them into the washer set to hot. After I poured the detergent and bleach into the washer I loaded the clothes. I finally had all the washers loaded, so I left the laundry room, and went into the bedroom. As I walked into the bedroom, I turned and looked in the mirror and to my surprise I had a bleach stain all across my dress. My dress is so ruined that, I doubt there's a way to dye and save it. This was one of my favorite dresses. No, it's not expensive, but it was such a cute dress. I have learned a valuable lesson... never again will I wear my best while doing laundry.
Is the economy ever going to get any better? Living in California is no good, right now. This state is in so much debt that it's ridiculous. First off, there's no budget plan, and we're more than $1 billion in debt. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an order that will have more than 20,000 people unemployed and put approx. 200,000 state employees on a lower pay scale--minimum wage. But, wait! Not even on California's minimum wage which is over $7.00, but on the federal wage--$6.55 an hour. Schwarzenegger stated at a news conference that this will help cash shortage, and that workers would receive lost wages once budget is settled. Officials agree that his plan could save $1 billion a month. If a budget is not resolved, state employees could be on minimum wage as early as September (mercurynews.com). Let's just hope that a budget is reached, and that this state can get it together.
Just read the best news today. California Supreme Court ruled that cell phone early termination fees are illegal. Whhhattt!!! I just started a new cell phone service and have been trying since I purchased the phone to end this contract, so this news makes me very happy. There's a class-action lawsuit in California for those charged early termination fees, but chances are it's going to take a while to recover money. More than likely, there will be an appeal... I'm certain cell phone companies are ticked off, because if the appeal is denied they can potentially lose a lot of money. Here's a more detailed article by Mercury News: http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_10039461?source=most_viewed
