Me, Darryn, Mandela, Ding, and Marisol (like how it goes D, M, D, M?) took a stab at Da Poetry Lounge this evening, actually yesterday since im writing this past 6am. I truly enjoyed my time and am in love with the "function" that is Da Poetry Lounge -- I sat on stage!!!! I havent been off campus in sooooo looonnnggg, and it was really nice to get away from campus, and to spend time with people from outside of the bubble of USC that arent stressed about finals. (kind of a preparation for home later this week?) With each semester, I get less and less stressed about midterms and finals. Good thing? This year, I mean, I studied and all, but I did not in any way feel as scared as last year when walking into the actual exam as compared to last year. Definite improvement.
I am really hungry right now. I feel like someone is twisting the insides of my stomach as punishment for some evil I have done. I aint finna buy no groceries though. Friday=food food food food food food hot food food food.
Wish it would stop raining here in LA.
K bye, Im going to go get something to eat on Figueroa.
This week is turning out to be busy as a bee for me, but that's not how I wanted it. Dinner, poetry slams, semester goodbyes, shopping, living, working, surviving, studying, sheesh... All I have to ease the stir of life around me is prayer, this Kenzaburo Oe book ive finally been able to start, and good a*s bomb muthaf***in musique. I have this problem, well it may not be a problem, but I cant stop favoriting videos on my youtube account (0sundi9). I have over 400 videos favorited lol. I have no life. :-)
I remember being young, and on Saturday mornings before we would go out on some special outing, my Mama would have my siblings and I "clean house". We would usually have some sort of music playing while we cleaned. This song here....this song here brings back so many memories of us cleaning house. I swear I can hear it coming out of my Mom's huge brown speakers she used to blast with the incense holder on top. Good times. I think my weedhead friends will like this one. (yea im talkin bout YOU)
Im going to Da Poetry Lounge on Fairfax with DK tomorrow. Im expecting to have fun tomorrow night in celebration of the ending of fall semester, even though I have work at 5am :-( Being a sexy librarian is tough work...especially during finals season.
TEXAS...HOME...see, im not that country lol
Dee Ay Double El Ay To Da Ess!
...and Pittsburgh...(dont ever take a job offer here)
I JUST BEAT THE MESS OUTTA THAT HISTORY (ISLAM IN RUSSIA) FINAL!!! WHUT NICCA??!?!?! Calculus is next :-/ and tomorrow is Macroeconomics!
Yesterday, my friend Abungu FINALLY read my blog. She's going to Paris next semester and I guess I'll miss her. She needs to make sure she gets those naps taken care of before she leaves home tho (insider--that was corny). Abungu gets me I think, like really. You ever know someone that whenever u come into contact with them, it's like an explosion of words, emotions, and whatnot--thats what it's like with Abungu! I think she was a nun in her past life.
I made grits, scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and biscuits for breakfast today.
I sometimes feel bad for my roommate missin out on all this culinary goodness -- but oh well, he dont talk enough to get food offered to him. (note: I DID NOT eat all 8 biscuits in one setting,,,I like to space em out throughout the day).
My last Calculus test ever is in a few hours. Im nervous, but more sad than nervous. It's kinda like when I moved from PA to LA. Glad I was done with that place, but a little sad I would be gone from my friends. Oh well, ALL things must come to an end, and the Calculus is indeed one of em!
This year's Calculus class was especially hard cuz I did not buy the solutions book, but it's alright, I think I really learned stuff this time...peep the work I found out I was capable of doing above, BY MY EFFIN SELF lol...AND it was the right answer! I think I pulled in the intellect of the ancestors and it stirred up a solid attitude of hard work in me this semester...
One last note: Please refrain from leaving me voicemails! I hate checkin voicemail, matter of fact, I DONT check my voicemail, so you are in no way benefitting yourself by leaving me one. Whew, I had to get that out.
/Piti a piti, zozo fait son nid/
14 December 2008
puh'zackly what i mean is sometimes when we lose touch it's supposed to be that way oonuh grow me and me grow oonuh me tank oonuh for dat cryin no what we fa posed ta do sun gwine ta rise oba da watuh. t'engky. ____________________________________________
Christmas is coming up, and I have to get gifts for family and friends. I am bad at choosing gifts for people, except for my Maman. 2008 Christmas gift list (as if you care)
something fancy for mama
something girly for sista
a small amount of money for a particular friend to show gratitude for 'their' kindness driving me around.
surprise gift for someone else
DASS IT!
o and something special for myself...
I need to "tek me foot in me han" (i just love how Gullah is all on this post) and get the gifts before I forget
I love the meaning of Christmas, but I hate the materialistic mode everybody gets in when it comes around. This is no new complaint about this season, but I feel the need to type it to you. All of us succomb to the materialistic devil on our shoulder and his demands, so dont act all self-righteous like you dont't--it's okay, it really is, as long as you know the real reason behind the season Im okay with that, and besides, I truly think it is good for people to engage in the system of buying and selling, not only for the economy, but to simply get the urge to spend out of one's system. I guess I contradicted myself. Im amerikkkan, thats normal though.
Ooh I went to a potluck again last night at my friends apartments (i made sweet potatoes--theyre a killer) and was introduced to this tofu dish that was sweet and very spicy, like bayou spicy. I need to get the recipe for that. The dinner was fun. Idk wat it is, but one of my favorite things to do with friends is EAT with them. I love hot food and i like the company of friends when music is playing in the background. Makes me forget about all the troubles lurking around me. U wanna be my friend? Invite me over to eat, and have some Ella Fitzgerald or Kenna playing softly. :-D
The Church of God in Christ, Incorporated is a Christian church in the Pentecostal tradition. The church has congregations in nearly 60 countries around the world.
HISTORY The Church of God in Christ, commonly referred to by its acronym COGIC, was formed in 1897 by a group of disfellowshipped Baptists, most notably Charles Price Jones (1865-1949) and Charles Harrison Mason (1866-1961). Charles Mason was a licensed Baptist preacher in Arkansas in the 1890s who was disfellowshiped by the local Baptist association in Arkansas for his biblical teaching and preaching of Holiness. He became associated with a group of like-minded individuals who would become subsequently the early African-American leaders of the Holiness Movement in the late 19th century. Charles Price Jones of Jackson, Mississippi, J. A. Jeter, of Little Rock, Arkansas, and W. S. Pleasant of Hazelhurst, Mississippi were a few of these early Holiness leaders. Many revivals were conducted leading to the establishment in Jackson, MS of a new church, eventually called the Church of God In Christ. The first convocation called by these Holiness individuals was held in 1897. Simultaneously in 1897, while seeking a name to distinguish this Holiness organization, Charles Mason believed that the name Church of God in Christ was divinely revealed and biblically supported. The Church Of God In Christ would be reorganized with C.P. Jones as General Overseer, Elder C.H. Mason as Overseer of Tennessee, and Elder J.A. Jeter as Overseer of Arkansas. In 1906, Elder C. H. Mason, Elder Jeter, and Elder D. J. Young were appointed as a committee by General Overseer C. P. Jones to investigate reports of a revival in Los Angeles, conducted by the itinerant preacher, William J. Seymour. Elder C. H. Mason's visit to what was known as the Azusa Street Revival changed the direction of the newly formed Holiness COGIC church. Upon his return to Tennessee from the Azusa Street Revival, C. H. Mason began preaching and teaching the Pentecostal, Holiness message. In 1907 Elder Jeter and Elder C. P. Jones rejected C. H. Mason's biblical teaching on Baptism with the Holy Spirit, resulting in a mutual separation. Overseer C. P. Jones continued to lead his COGIC adherents as a Holiness church, changing the name in 1915 to the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A.. C. H. Mason, called a conference in Memphis, Tennessee and reorganized the Church of God in Christ as a Holiness, Pentecostal body. The early pioneers of this newly formed COGIC Pentecostal body in 1907 unanimously chose C.H. Mason as General Overseer and Chief Apostle. C.H. Mason was given authority to establish doctrine, organize auxiliaries and appoint Overseers or Bishops. It was during these formative years that Bishop Mason credentialed both White and African-Americans who would subsequently become leaders within other Pentecostal denominations such as the Assemblies Of God, the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, and the United Pentecostal Church International. From November 25 -December 14, Bishop Mason established what is commonly called the COGIC National Holy Convocation of Saints to be held annually in Memphis, TN. The meeting was for worship, preaching, fellowship and to conduct any church business pertaining to the national organization. The first national COGIC meeting was held at 392 S. Wellington St. in Memphis, TN. The first national tabernacle was built and completed at 958 S. Fifth St. in 1925. This tabernacle was destroyed by fire in 1936. In 1945 Bishop Mason dedicated Mason Temple in Memphis as the church national meeting site. The miracle of this event was that Mason Temple was built for less than $400,000 during World War II. The auditorium hall was the largest church structure owned by any black religious group in America at the time of its completion.
Members of the church profess the following Affirmation of Faith (every Sunday -- i know this by heart): We Believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible written word of God. We Believe that there is one God eternally existent in three persons: God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. We Believe in the blessed hope, which is the rapture of the church of God which is in Christ at his return. We Believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin, is through repentance, faith in the precious blood of Jesus Christ, and being baptized in the water. We Believe that regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential for personal salvation. We Believe that the redemptive work of Christ on the cross provides healing for the human body in answer to believing prayer. We Believe that the Baptism of the Holy Ghost according to Acts 2:4 is given to believers who ask for it. We Believe in the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling, the Christian is enabled to live a holy and separated life in this present world. Amen
The church has experienced phenomenal growth since its inception in 1907 with 10 churches. COGIC began originally in the southern states of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. As African Americans migrated north during the Great Migration, converted members spread the church north and west. At the time of Bishop Mason's death in 1961, COGIC had spread to every state in the Union and many foreign countries with a membership of more than 400,000. In 1973, the church claimed a worldwide membership of nearly three million. Today, COGIC is generally acknowledged to be the largest African-American and Pentecostal body in the United States, with over 6,000,000 members.
ok for this post im not mad at the white man no more....im good now.
besides, i just got finished talking to two twenty year old Australian tourists. it started off as a joke, but i think it really ended up being a valuable cultural exchange, kinda. if anyone knows me well, you know that i enjoy talking to interesting new people sometimes when im not my usual shy self, and tonite was one of those nights. i had had enough party hopping a single black SC sophomore could have for one night and had no reserves talking to these random dudes from down under. it's always nice being frank with people about whatever is on the mind. i asked about the mistreatment of Aborigines, australians view of african-americans, you know--stuff I would ask. they seemed to be keeping it real with my friends and I and were very funny, but only God knows what they said when we walked off. Hope it wasnt too bad, we did talk to them for hours--the things I do when i shoulda been studying--thanks friends.
Also, today I dropped half of my pomegranate on the floor!!! WTFizz!!??
Stuff like this always happens to me.....
But i finished the other half....
..tasty treat.
Im so much like an elderly black man, I keep falling asleep in chairs I sit in...in the middle of the day sometimes. this world is a bore perhaps? (for some reason, i just had an image of don magic juan speaking at a funeral of a catholic cardinal--im functioning ok)
compton at 9 in the morning with a friend...good night/morning.
Californians, (and Americans in general), with all your liberal confidence and carefree, supposedly all-accepting attitudes, learn to respect immigrants (& ppl who arent white), who, in many cases, happen to be the ones who do manual labor around you. Thethought behind that sentence may seem a little flustered, but probably because I have become flustered and frustrated with many Californians who act as if the above-mentioned people are invisible. I had the thought of writing on this subject the other day when I was talking to a friend about how some immigrants who move to California (the US) are not poor and uneducated refugees, rather, there are some who leave behind professional occupations in hopes of furthering their careers in a country that, unfortunately, does not recognize their earned merit.
Just a few minutes ago, a lady came in complaining about one of the janitors in the library who was "cleaning too loud" (he was dusting), and who wasn't being a gentleman??!??!!? What is this? --slavery times when manual laborers are persecuted for not upholding white standards of conduct?? I THINK NOT! I have seen on many occasions here at USC and throughout Los Angeles the mistreatment of Latino, Black, and Asian maintenance and other blue-collar workers, and it is senseless and disgusting. It makes no sense to me how blue-collar workers, who form the backbone of our amerikkkan society can be ignored and mistreated. It really brings pain to my soul to see the people who contribute greatly to (if not make up) the structure and order of things around us all to be treated as if they are nameless. I often go out of my way to speak to and recognize the people around me who are doing maintenance work just to maybe be an example to those around me of the simple civil & courteous mien that could exist. Until the day comes when I can force people to be nice, thats all I can do. So, in light of all that I have written, I urge you, my readers, to try to dispel the attitudes of negativity and the eminence of ignorance when dealing with those who are mistakenly considered lesser and do your part, whatever that may be, to recognize the equality of those around you and treat others as you would want to be treated -- it's simple y'all!!!
_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_let's take care of us+_+_+_+_++_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+_+
Friends and family alike are aware of the fact that I work in the library in the a.m. Yea, I usually always talk about how it's not pleasant getting up so early in the morning to go work for the low-paying white man, but Im gonna admit here and now that I actually am learning to like getting up in the damp dewey dark morning while most of yall are still slobbering away at the mouth in your plush warm beds. Some of the advantages:
1. I get to see some of the streets of Los Angeles with no cars em.
2. It's quiet when I walk outside.
3. I get to watch the sun rise everyday.
4. I gotta say I think the dewey air is good to my chocolate skin.
5. On my break, I get to actually hear the birds chirping, not cars honking.
6. If it rains the night before, the palm trees have a sweet sweet scent that I really appreciate. Sometimes this scent is there even when it doesn't rain. Im not sure what exactly it is, but I know it's a mixture of the palms and moisture, and it gets me everytime. Relaxing, soothing, and at the same time, a bit strong, this is truly my favorite smell in the world. Ok, I take that back -- the smell of my Grandmama's house is my favorite smell. But still, wet palm trees is where it's at homie! I can't emphasize enough how wonderful this smell is. For those readers out there who are SC students, I urge you, when it rains (or the day after), to walk beneath the palms on Jefferson on the northern side of the block between Denny's and Yoshinoya...the smell will hit you and your soul, and will bring a sense of newness to your life. G-d is o so good.
**the palm pictured above, and common throughout southern california and western mexico is called a "Washington Palm" -- I worked in horticulture in a past life.**
This evening was El Cholo night for me again. Ive been to this West Adams establishment about umteen times and really enjoy the food and warm cramped up Old Mexico feel of the place. The portions are big, which I (as a Texan) enjoy, and the place is really clean. For the evening's particular meal I had some kinda tamale or burrito thing (not really well versed/knowledgeable of Mexican food) and chile relleno (say those two l's like a y -- yeah). See below:
Only drawback of the restaurant: They put too much ice in my water and usually (not tonight) they are a little slow on refilling drinks....Other than that, El Cholo has always facilitated joyous, festive times for the me and whatever group of people I go with, and thats cool wit me..
So far...study week has been a success...studied from 8 - 4 today...If only this roommate of mine would go SOMEWHERE, ANYWHERE would things be a lil bit better...please tell me why he starts his assignments at 10:45pm??? Lord help him ...and help me...
I kinda hate college!! No, like I really do sometimes! I would really like to focus on working and accumulating money rather than than and school! It's okay though, cuz when I get my brownstone in Crown Heights, Brooklyn with a special room for all of my Afrikan art, I'll be good. Im sure He doesnt put too much on us so that we cant bear it...woo, I had to get that out.
largest mud building in the world in present-day Mali...one of the remnants of the great empires that flourished in Afrika before the invasion of Europeans...definite Islamic influences can be seen in the style of design....peep it.
A centuries-old traditional festival is what keeps the mosque up to par in terms of maintenance. Since Djenne is situated on an island that is subject to serious floods each year, the mosque was built on higher ground to protect it from flood waters...which has so far been successful. Also, inside of each minaret is a spiral staircase that leads to the roof where on top of each minaret is an ostrich egg situated in the spire...
woke up a few days ago not feelin so well, woke up today not feelin well at all...coughin, sore throat, dizzy, headache, weak...but ive been treating it with echinacea and goldenseal and airborne, and gallons of orange juice and water....and prayer....i feel alot better. also, my good friend Sade brought me a plate of food....thank you Jesus and Sade.
now...if i can only stop this continuous pootin.
in other news, my USED-TO-BE BEST FRIEND hated on my favorite band Little Dragon....he's been demoted.
next week is Hell Week before finals...either there will be a whole new drove of blog postings or itll be a little slow. Studying will officially be a 60 hour a week job next week, there's nothing better than the feeling of conquering a final before you go home before Christmas...I need that feeling...also, I want to eat some Indian food before I go home...
... this is MY SONG! i heard it in my friends car while he was in a store a few hours ago, but the radio personality did not say who it was or the name of it...so i wrote the lyrics down in my trusty blackberry, googled em, and found the song on youtube!!!!!! makes me feel like im in this one section of pittsburgh i really like with these old brick brownstones......yea i said it, theres a section of pgh i like...
o and also, today was the last day of working with my kids this semester at the skool i work at....i always forget how important they are to me until i have to leave them for a period of time....dem my babies...they say some crazy things and seem to live in this separate but parallel society...i really wish i could see them each grow to be adults...
I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS BAND!!! Coming out of Sweden with an electronic -pop-soul sound, they are probably gonna be the next big thing on the music scene (i hope). I found out about them through a new friend of mine who mentioned them in conversation the other day. I have met some non-USC friends and it seems they are constantly introducing me to some new band or musician. Usually, i ignore their suggestions because they're always weird, but some divine intervention forced me to actually listen to Little Dragon, and im glad i did. I can not stop listening to their songs on youtube lol. This week, when i get paid, im gonna ride my butt on over to amoeba and pick up their cd, thats how devoted I am...i need the physical manifestation of this band's genius. Here are two of their pieces of art....ah, off the chain--the heavy steel chain! (Yukimi Nagano be gettin iiitt)
**one of my favorite songs by them is "Place to Belong", but I couldn't find an actual video for the song besides one of a collage of their images so i didnt put it up,, but I heavily recommend that you listen to it if you wanna delve deeper into your knowledge of the entity that is Sundiata, the cowboy in the boat of Ra, the descendant of Noah's son Ham, Solomon & Sheba, Mansa Musa, and most recently, Souanaffe Tustenukke. Yea, go deeper. I love you.
Sundiata was raised by alligators deep in the bayou of East Texas, where he grew strong and proud. As an early teen, he was taken in by Christian rice farmers. He showed a lot of potential in his educational pursuits, and today is a student at a prestigious university on the Pacific coast where he has encountered a cool baby kangaroo that hops around a lot. He has a hard time accepting the world as it is, and is continually fighting for change in the society within which he lives in any way he can.
