Passing Notes: Fall Back Spring Ahead

Unexpected Advice

I was on the phone the other night with the person I like to call my bestest. She has been a good friend to me since my Morehouse days. She's they type of friend that girlfriends and wives never like. She hangs with the fellas; is very loyal; and is protective when it comes to me. The type of friend you would want with you if a fight broke out. We hadn't talked in several months but that wasn't unusual at this point in our lives. The conversation that night eventual went to my current single status and what went wrong in my relationship.

"Krush, sometimes you have to fall back for things to work out."

I understood what she meant because I had thought the same thing.  Hearing her confirmation of it, only strengthened my resolve. Pushing back from a situation can give you the clarity necessary to make a proper decision about how to move forward.  It is wild how hearing something so simple from an unexpected source can make so much more sense than the thoughts that are rambling through your own mind.

I made a promise to myself that I was going to take this summer to enjoy myself and refocusing myself on the things I want to achieve.  So if I told you in the past that I was coming through to visit, this will be the year.  Don’t be surprised when you look up and see me in your favorite spot. 

NBA Playoffs

As I write this the Celtics are putting a hurting on the Magic in the Eastern Conference Finals.  I actually like Boston but I can’t cheer for them in this series because I know they would dominate the Lakers if they met in the Finals.  Yep, I’m going for the Lakers to win it all again.  I just want Kobe to have more rings than Shaq.  Celtics are a problem though.  Between Rondo, KG, Pierce, Jesus and Roscoe, they got too much heart for the Magic. Dwight Howard is getting exposed for being one dimensional and not strong enough mentally to win the whole thing.  Speaking of the mentally weak, Lebron choked once again.  I was cheering against the Cavs all season so I’m good without the Lebron-Kobe matchup everybody else has been looking forward to this year.  The only disappointing thing was that Antoine Jamison was exposed as not being the player we all thought he was. I really thought he was going to make a big difference in the playoffs. 

As far as my Hawks go, they imploded just like they did last season.  I wanted to get rid of the coach two years ago but management decided to keep him after the team stretched the Celtics to seven games in the first round.  He had taken this team as far as he could.  They need an experienced coach to push them over the top.  The way things went down this post season, I don’t expect this team to make the playoffs next season.  New coach, new players, and little expectations.  Looks like I’m back to waiting on the lottery.

Passing Notes

As I told you before, I joined the gym to get my mind and body focused on self-improvement. It seems like everybody but me at the gym is already in great condition. I guess the rest of us fat people exercise (or not) at home to avoid the embarrassment. Maybe I should start of gym for people who are at least 40 lbs over their ideal weight.

With college basketball finishing off with a great tournament and the NBA playoffs here at the end of the week, this is a basketball junkie’s favorite time of the year.

Caught about ten minutes of Basketball Wives, What Chilli Wants and Brandy & Ray J combined last night. Is this what we have come to? A bunch of groupie chicks who never were or will be anyone’s wife, a woman who is so convinced that Mr. Perfect is out there that she will overlook any guy with real potential for her, and two spoiled brats who without their mother’s foot up their behinds would have not done anything.

Current music in rotation: Fabolous – There Is No Competition 2, Erykah Badu – Return of the Ankh, Sade – Soldier of Love, and DJ Quik – Live at the House of Blues.

I’m going real hard on this get in shape program. Saturday morning I went to a new gym, X3 Sports, over in the Inman Park area. These folks go real hard and that is what I need to prevent me from slacking off. I did a cross-training program called Fast Track that is pretty much one of those cardio boot camps. That shit kicked my ass. The next morning I woke up feeling the effects all over my body. On a mission though so I plan on hitting the gym at least three days per week. Encourage your boy!

Passing Notes: Disconnected

Last Friday, I lost my blackberry and have been without a cell phone for this entire weekend.  At first, I was panicking and worrying about all of the things I would miss without my phone.  However, as the weekend has played itself out, I am enjoying this break from my electronic leash.  It has given me some time to think without someone else’s thoughts penetrating my mind.  Although my phone was a useful tool for organizing my life, at times it became a crutch that I depended on too much.  I can probably tell you about three numbers from my contact list by heart.  I’m not the only one like that though.  One of my co-workers has two personal phones and one for the job.  Another friend routinely falls asleep with the phone in her hands and has to search through the sheets in the morning for it. It is not unusual to see people on their phones in church, during meetings, while driving and even know someone who talks on the phone in the shower.  This hiatus has given me some time to step back enjoy my own thoughts for a change.  Introspection was never my strong suit but I’ve been plotting and planning this weekend.  Maybe I’ll have some intentional cell phone vacations in the future. 

P.S. I’m getting my replacement blackberry tomorrow. I can’t wait.

Passing Notes

What a week, right? From the death of Teddy Pendergrass to the earthquake in Haiti. It has just been one reminder after another that life is so short and that we need to treasure each moment we have, good and bad. For most of the younger generation, their only exposure to Teddy P was from the mention in The Nutty Professor movie. However, I remember him all the way back to his days in Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes. His voice stood out on those old records my father used to play on Saturday mornings. He was not the smooth balladeer that was just a little too pretty for a young boy to want to emulate but a strong masculine brother who demanded that his female companion turn the lights off. Loved that dude. His death along with the death of Gerald Levert brings to end for me the era of the real male r&b singer.


The tragedy in Haiti really breaks my heart. The people of that country were already struggling before this disaster. I have sent up many prayers for the men, women, and children. However, I have not texted, emailed, or tweeted for charity. Something about that seems shady to me. One thing we learned from Katrina is that much of the money, supplies, and clothing that people donated never reached the actual people in need. So how do you help in a situation that you feel helpless about? Any suggestions?

I was listening to the Stephen A. Smith show this morning on my way to work and the topic of conversation was the Tiger Woods fiasco and recent reports that Tiger has checked into a rehab center for sexual addiction. Stephen and his female co-host quaffed at the idea of that being Tiger’s problem and the entire belief in sexual addiction. The co-host made a comment that all men must suffer from this addiction because monogamy seems to be a universal problem for that gender. That theory also led to the belief that this was the reason that so many women were single and unable to find suitable partners. Of course, Stephen disputed this notion by saying that it is the certain women’s unrealistic expectation that the men they date/marry should come to them as fully realized, developed, and finished products. It is his belief that a man is not completed or polished until he finds that woman who will mold him into his full potential. There is certain logic to his theory but I am not sure I would agree with it entirely. I agree that neither women nor men should expect a flawless package when dealing with the opposite sex. However, everyone should have a standard or minimum qualification for potential suitors. What do you think? Are you expecting the people you begin a relationship to have accomplished everything except a committed relationship? I am thinking the answer will change depending upon the age of the person answering.

Playoff Picks:

Saints over Cardinals

Ravens over Colts

Vikings over Cowboys

Jets over Chargers

Passing Notes

Welcome to 2010! Happy New Year to all of you.

This year I decided not to come up with any resolutions. Don't want to end the year looking back at things I didn't accomplish. Instead, I've made to list of things to do each month. One list of things I need to accomplish and the other list is of things I want to get done. Each month I will pick a couple of items from the lists to perform. At the end of the year even though I may have not accomplished everything on the lists, I will have gotten some things done. Still working on my vision board too.

Over the holidays, I saw several pretty good movies. Everything from Avatar to It's Complicated; both of which I would recommend. However, the best movie I saw was one that I had missed at the theatre so I had to check it out when I saw it was available On Demand. That movie was 500 Days of Summer. I love the unique way the story was told and how everything gets tied together in the end. If you get a chance, check it out.

In basketball news: Gilbert Arenas has lost his damn mind. I've heard some interesting stories about this guy off the court but to find out that he was keeping guns in his locker and actually pulled out on a teammate is the wildest. I don't really blame the other cat because if I'm a bench warmer and dude with a $100 million contract is trippin off paying me the $60,000 he owes me, I might point a gun at his ass too.

I can't wait to see LeBron and the Cavs fall on their faces when the playoffs get here. Yes, I am not a witness. Boston is still my favorite to win it all this year. They just need to be healthy when the playoffs come around. Kobe continues to solidify my belief that he is the best player in the game today. With broken fingers on his shooting hand, he is still getting buckets and crushing fools hoop dreams on a nightly basis. Long live the Mamba!

NFL playoffs are here so that is exciting. The league has always wanted parady amongst the teams so that fans in multiple cities could feel as if their squad had a chance to hoist up the Vince Lombardi trophy in February. They definitely have that now. Your guess is as good as mine about who will win the NFC. I'm an Eagles fan though so I'll be pulling for them to get Donovan his ring. AFC is up in the air too. The Chargers are my pick to take it but they will have to go on the road to get it done. I'm ready for some playoff football!

If you haven't heard that Exhibit C by Jay Electronica, please go out and get that now. Dude is bringing real hip hop back. I said Kanye West was my choice for producer of the last decade but Just Blaze might be the one holding the belt when its all said and done.

I want to cut back on the amount of television I watch and start back to reading more. The crazy mess that is on network and cable television right now is making the less tv part easy. However, I need some suggestions for good books out there that I need to check out. Help a brother out!

Passing Notes

What’s good! I hope that everybody has fully recuperated from all the bottle poppin’, booty shakin’ and celebratory sexin’ y’all did over the weekend. This week has already gotten off to an interesting start: Obama is still the President-elect, Lindsey Lohan is still showing her PWT membership card by referring to African-Americans as colored, and the Cheetah girls have a sex tape. Welcome to the Good Life!

CL and I saw the new James Bond movie over the weekend. I thought it picked up where the last movie left off but CL thought it was hot garbage. Did you see it? What are your thoughts?

Shaq is officially old man crazy. Old man in basketball years because he is still a young man. Did y’all catch this fool shoving people all over the court the other night? The next night, he tries to decapitate a kid from the Pistons. Then, he’s starts talking about going back to the Lakers, like they would want his ass. Just give it up already!

R.I.P. Shakir Stewart – Morehouse College alumnus

Apparently, Beyonce is Sasha Fierce.

I went to the mall for the first time in months last week. It’s like a junkie falling off the wagon. My Nordstrom card is burning a hole in my wallet. Just in time for Christmas shopping, right? If you are in the shopping mood too, here is a brief wish list for your boy:
1. Wii or Xbox 360
2. Colorful winter sweaters
3. Black boots
4. Something good to read (remember, I don’t do ghetto literature)
5. Blazer or Sports Coat

What’s the last CD you bought? I need some good music.

Anybody else watching NBA TV? Isn’t Eric Snow the most boring analyst you have ever seen? However, I do love when Gary Payton and Chris Webber are hilarious though.

I don’t see any harm in having a drink at lunchtime before coming back to work. Especially, when your Director calls you into his office to discuss why two of the women in the office don’t like each other. Like I am about to get into that mess.

How do you console someone you love when they are hurt beyond your ability to repair?

Anyway, this is just some of the things that are on my mind today. I hope you have a good and productive week.

Passing Notes

I’m 38 now. Trying to decide on my goals for the new year. What changes do I want to make? Am I happy? I thought the longer you lived the more answers you were supposed to have. All I got is questions.

This is post number 100. I thought it was a big deal until I realized that there are bloggers out there who do that in a month.

Even though the Lakers went out like some punks, I am still a Kobe fan. I just need this dude to get a ring without Shaq so I can pop that shit around my cousins and uncles.

Hey Javon Walker! We don’t believe you. You need more people!

Now that the NBA Playoffs are over and the NFL season is months away, what’s good to watch on television?

If all the good movies this summer about superheroes (Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Dark Knight, and Hancock), does that mean we feel like we need saving?

If we need saving, why not a movie about Jesus or something religious?

I haven’t seen any good porn lately. Please, somebody send me a link to some Pinky, Roxy Reynolds or some Jada Fire!

I just watched American Gangster on DVD. It was actually better than I thought. I wasn’t that impressed when it first came out.

A co-worker of mine complained me the other day about a brother trying to get at her at 7:00 in the morning. Ladies, should a brother wait until after noon to try to holla at you?

Fellas, if you were dating a sister for six months and then you found out that she was strippin’, would you end the relationship or try to make it work?

Passing Notes

Sometimes I feel all alone in the world. Not lonely. I have a beautiful and loving girlfriend plus a great family. Just in my own space.

I took my mother, sister and girlfriend out for brunch on Sunday to celebrate my mom's birthday. It felt great to be surrounded by such beautiful women. We ate enough to feed a small African village.

One of my staff has had an attitude with me since I wrote his ass up for letting work sit on his desk for six months. (WTF?) His bitch ass can walk around with his greasy ass lips poked out as much as he wants. I DON'T GIVE A FUCK!!

I'm a Beta male who wishes he was an Alpha male.

The unexamined life is not worth living but the examined life is painful.

Although I crave love and affection, my insecurities make it hard for me to accept it or feel worthy of receiving it.

The anonymous haters that are always lurking and trying to post some bullshit can eat a dick.

I need to have a kid so I can be off work right before an important deadline and force other people to do my work.

Coldstone Creamery's Very Vanilla milkshakes are that crack!

Sex & The City was alright but didn't live up to the hype.

Passing Notes

Why Did You Ask Me?

I knew that I was making a mistake when a hit the send button on my email. That morning I was busy trying to meet yet another deadline at work and wondering what I was going to eat to make those hunger pains go away. My mind was too preoccupied to see the quicksand that was laid out in front of me. The Cookie Lady and I were having our usual workday email exchange where we ask a series of questions that reveal insight about ourselves. The first couple of questions seemed innocent enough. What do you think is my best physical feature? Which feature did you notice first when you say me initially? Those are two slow fastballs right over the middle of the plate. It was that next one that almost put me out of the game for good. She asked if there was anything I would change about her physically, what would it be? I can hear the fellas saying, “Damn, you didn’t fall for that one!” Well, you see what had happened was… CL and I have a saying that we are going to keep it “gutta” with each other and tell the buck-naked truth. Therefore, I told her that I wished her butt was bigger. Why did I do that? I spent the next two days trying to convince her that I found her attractive and that I was not going to leave her for the next big booty chick who sashayed in my direction. Never mind, that I cannot keep my hands, lips, tongue, teeth or dick off that sweet ass of hers. Her body is so sexy. I did not realize what I thought was a playful answer to the question would almost end all the bliss that we had enjoyed.

Guess I have to learn when to shut my mouth or tell one of those little white lies when a woman asks a question like that one.

Why are you here?

A couple weekends ago, I saw Iron Man. It was not on my must-see list but the Cookie Lady wanted to see it and there were not any other movies that caught my attention. I had heard a bunch of people say how good the movie was but I never trust other people’s opinions when it comes to movies. I have my own tastes; very rarely does that match what someone else thinks about a movie. This was the exception to the rule. I really enjoyed the movie. One of the major themes of the movie was finding your purpose in life. That has been in my head every since the credits rolled at the theatre. Still do not know what I am here to accomplish. Until I have that moment of clarity that puts everything into perspective, I am just going to live my life to the fullest. Lately, the theme has been pleasure. Doing what brings me pleasure and giving pleasure to the ones I care about. True, this is not any spiritual or metaphysical awakening but I do think it will help me to be ready and open for whatever comes my way.

Passing Notes

Bad Habits

There are some serious things I need to change about myself but today I find myself focusing on the little things that I know I shouldn’t be doing. I don’t plan on completely stopping any of these but if I can cut back on a couple, I’ll be doing well.

1. Procrastinating
2. Biting My Tongue
3. Swearing
4. Drinking soda
5. Drive-thru

What are you bad habits?

What Are You Wearing?

I was looking in my closet recently and I realized that I need some new clothes. Usually, that is a great reason for me to go shopping which is one of my favorite pastimes. I haven’t been shopping since before Christmas so I decided to check online to see what some of my favorite stores had to offer. Is it me or has all the clothing in the men’s section become extra bright, tight, or just gay as hell? All the shirts have some big skull design or shiny logo all over them. The jeans have way too much design or bedazzling on the pockets. I’m too old to be walking around with some big print across my ass. It’s as if you have to go on a serious mission to find good men’s clothing, unless you want to dress as if you are eighteen.

As a grown ass man you should not be wearing:

1. Sneakers to match every color of your shirt

2. Jeans with a big logo across the behind

3. Oversized clothes that don’t fit (You are not a hanger)

4. Short sleeve dress shirts (these are made for little boys going to Easter service)

5. Excess haberdashery (a doo-rag, headband, and a fitted cap...really?)

Am I the only one that sees this mess?

Hawks Bow Out

My Atlanta Hawks went out like a chump! I am so pissed that they didn’t even show up to play on Sunday. Somebody needs to be fired. Seriously! The coach, Mike Woodson, and the General Manager, Billy Knight, don’t even speak so one of them has to go. Honestly, I’m proud that my team made the playoffs. It makes me feel good about the money I shelled out for season tickets. Anyway since my team is out of it, here are my playoff predictions:

Eastern Conference Finals
Celtics vs. Pistons

Western Conference Finals
Lakers vs. Hornets

The Finals
Celtics vs. Lakers

Champions
Lakers

Who you got?

I Got Stuff On My Mind

Why do people who insist on playing their music loud bump the worst music?

Even though Barack Obama is more than qualified to be President, don’t you think his wife, Michelle, would do an even better job?

Let me get this straight. Rev. Wright is a friend of Obama, right?

With a 7ft star who only shoots jump shots and a hall of fame point guard who is past his prime, why is the blame falling on Avery Johnson?

Is it me or did Alicia Keys finally hire a stylist? Cause baby is looking good lately.

Who told R. Kelly to get on the remix of “Customer” by Raheem Devaughn and completely ruin a song that I liked?

Speaking of remixes, did the record label realize how bad the new Usher single was and decide to pull Beyonce and Little Wayne (who both can ruin a good song) in for the remix?

Why when one aspect of your life (work, relationship, etc.) is going well do the other aspects fall apart?

Is it possible for me to get closer to God and still love porn?

Why am I still paying for HBO when there is no Wire, Sopranos, Entourage, or Sex in the City?

Why am I so turned on by that sexy video that you sent me last night?

If you know they can’t give you what you want as far as a relationship, why are you still fucking them?

How the hell are you going to come to my desk with work at 4:00 when you know I get off at 4:30?

What do y’all think?

Passing Notes

What's happenin'! How is your weekend going? After last weeks drama, I have been relaxing this weekend. Checked out the Hawks beating the Nets last night but other than that I've been in the house. What did y'all get into?

It's Super Bowl Sunday! Are you going to a party or watching the game with friends, what? I may be the only one but I enjoying watching the game at home by myself. No silly questions from people who don't really follow the game, no drunk people making an ass of themselves and blocking my view of the screen, and no overpriced watered down drinks. I'm not really a fan of either team but I've always been the type to root for the underdog. Therefore, I'm rooting for the Giants which is not easy for someone from Atlanta where we hate all NY teams. Who you got?

Like many of you, I am huge fan of The Wire. Although I am convinced that it will leave me longing for more after the final episode, I am thoroughly enjoying this season. The death of Prop Joe has me shook because he was one of my favorite characters. Loved the way he was able to make others do his bidding and still get his money. There are three characters that have got to fall before the end of this season for me to be happy:

Marlo - This dude has no redeeming qualities at all. Plus I'm still mad about Bodie.
Cheese - What did Alonzo say, "Unloyal, bitch-made motherfucker!" Joe should have got rid of his ass when Omar stole the stash.
Kenard - Krush loves the kids but I can't stand that little fucker. He has got to go!


As you know, I am an avid reader and always looking for a good book. Lately I have been extremely disappointed with the material on the shelves at my local bookstore. You might call me bougie or a snob but I refuse to read all this ghetto literature (bullshit is what I call it). The titles are even offensive to me. Between My Thighs: An Urban Erotic Tale, Tennis Shoe Pimp and Thug Matrimony are some of the better titles that I've seen recently. Are y'all ready this stuff? I've decided that I'm going to go back and read or re-read some of the classics from the Harlem Renessaince. If you can put me on to some good books, please do!

Passing Notes - Welcome Back!

February 15, 2007

What’s up folks! I know…I know! It’s been a minute since I graced this page with something new. It is not that I don’t love y’all. A brother has just been trying to cultivate a life offline. Believe it or not! I guess the biggest news since last we talked is the death of Anna Nicole Smith and drama that has followed that event. Quiet as kept, I am submitting my DNA to be the baby daddy. If Zsa Zsa Gabor’s’ husband can try to make a come up, why can’t a young brother from the A? Don’t act like I’m the only one thinking about it! Speaking of this story though, why is it getting so much news coverage? Did anybody care about this “celebrity” when she was alive? What is she famous for anyway? Now if they find Lil’ Kim face down in Biloxi casino hotel room with a fridge full of bottles of Botox and Dick Gregory mix….somebody please call me!

Curtis…….Curtis….! How the hell does 50 Cent stay having beef?

By now, I’m assuming that y’all have seen at least a clip from the Kim Kardashian and Ray J sex tape. Let me first say that I don’t believe that girl was born with that entire ass. I’m not mad, I just don’t think it’s all hers. Second, Ray J is just a little too eager for people to see what he is working with. Bruh, if your claim to fame is that you are somebody’s little brother and you want to show that you aren’t really that little….you’ve already lost. The most interesting character in this whole thing is Nick Cannon though. If you didn’t know, he is Kim’s current boyfriend. (She has run through some brothers though, right?) Reportedly, Kim and Ray J sold the video to Vivid to make a little change. I don’t know about you but I’ll be damned if my woman is going to be pushing a sex tape with the last dude. Nick, if you aren’t getting cut of the profits off this video, you are a lame.

Whatever happened to Egyptian Lover? “Egypt is the place to be….Egypt…Egypt….”

My lady tried to get me to watch American Idol this past week. I gave it a good effort but I couldn’t do it. I can just go to the local bar for a good karaoke competition. Like most couples we have very different tastes in television. However, we do share a love for most of the series on HBO. Right now, that means we are all into Rome. If you haven’t watched it then you are missing a very good show. This is the second season and it is basically dealing with the struggle for power after the assassination of Caesar. It’s so gangsta. Check it out Sunday at 9:00 PM on HBO.

Can they bring Toni back on Girlfriends? It’s boring without her crazy self.

The NBA All-Star weekend, some folks call it the Black Folks Super Bowl, is upon us again. This year the festivities will be in Sin City, Las Vegas, Nevada. You mean you are bringing gamblers, hookers, pimps, sack chasers, groupies (both male and female), jock sniffers, wannabe celebrities, bonafide stars and regular folks all together in that city? Oh Lawd!! This should be good. I hate to say it but I’m going to sit back and wait for the stories of casino shootings, solicitation arrests, and drug busts. Don’t get me wrong it isn’t because so many black people will be gathering for this event, it’s because so many people that we know don’t know how to behave in public will be there.


I guess Tim Hardaway doesn’t watch Grey’s Anatomy, huh?...

Passing Notes

Happy Monday! Yeah, that's right. I'm back in this piece and feeling blessed to be here. I hope everybody had a good weekend. Let's do a little review of the week since we last saw each other.

What's the deal with your boy, Isiah Washington? Brother, let it go! You can't win! I really hope he doesn't lose his job (looks like a done deal though) but just in case he does I'm sending Shonda Rhimes a headshot and an audition tape. Hook a brother up, sister!

Congrats to Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and the entire Dreamgirls cast for winning the Golden Globe awards. I'm really happy for Jennifer because I hate American Idol and love to see them proven wrong.

I finally saw Blood Diamond this weekend. Great movie! It's a shame that important world issues like this don't get spotlighted when they are happening. Leo and Djiman both are very deserving of their award nominations. Before this year, I was not a fan of Leo but after seeing this and The Departed....he aight!

Back to Grey's Anatomy....I called it that Addison and Alex would be getting busy before the season was over. They work too close to just be buddies. I must admit that I like Alex with Izzie instead. Even though George has been going through some stuff, somebody has got to slap this dude back into his place. He is just wildin' on everybody. What is that mess that Christina said, "Welcome to the club!" Huh? Is that the best she can do?

NFL Playoffs:
I'm happy for the Colts and Bears and proud that Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith will be the first blacks to coach in the big game. However, I don't need two weeks of talk about how significant this is and how we've finally overcome. When we have some black owners, talk to me! It's a damn shame that we still are talking about firsts in 2007. Let's not let tokenism take the place of racism.

I'm also happy that we won't have to hear those Tom Brady/Joe Montana comparisions. Tom Brady is a beast but he'll never be Joe Montana to me. He does get cool points for dating Giselle though.

I can't wait to see those shots of Walter Payton with his curl busting a rhyme for the Super Bowl Shuffle.