Thanks Nike

I just woke, up, my hair is a mess, and I'm sure my breath isn't the best. Spongebob is on the tv, but I'm really not watching. I'm thinking about the long day I have a head of me. There are so many things I need to do, but I dont know where to begin. Let's see. . .
Cleaning up
Working out
Studying
Doing a chapter or so of F. F.

This is the perfect day for this sort of work too. . .I have no class, no appointments, no dates, or anything else pressing to contend with. So, what's my biggest opposition today?

Me, that's who.

This may seem weird, but I feel like there is something in me that is preventing me from getting anything productive done. Almost as if there's a demon or something in me. Just writing this seems crazy.

I'm not lazy, and I am tired of calling myself a procrastinator. It has to be something else. For instances, when it's time to study, I can think of a million other things I could be doing, none of which are as beneficial as cracking open my accounting book. Before my exam, I studied in bits and pieces, but didn't start going over the study guide until 8am on the day of the text, which started at 945. . .I mean, I got a 89% on the exam, but I was so nervous. I got the grade I got on sheer luck.

How do I fight the devil in me? You know you feel in your heart that you want to do better, or that you need to do better, but something supernatural is holding you down?

I've figured out the answer, although Nike did it years ago.



Yea, just do it. When everything around me is trying stopping me, I won't let it. I'm going to exert more energy to complete the task than I normally would. For once, I'd like to be tired from a hard day's work than from lying around all day watching tv or doing something I had no business doing anyway.

It's all about habit and routine. The more I get in the practice of doing what the hell i'm supposed to be doing, the better off I'll be. So, starting today. . .

You know where this is going, I'm not gonna say it anymore. . .

**walking away chanting an anti-procrastination mantra**

Good Times Weekend Mumblings. . .

"Just lookin' outta the window. . ."

I decided to chill in the house this weekend. I cleaned my room (sorta), and studied for my accounting exam. In between this, I watched my favorite old school sitcom.

48 Hour Good Times Marathon on TV Land. . .yea boy.


Day 2: Damn, I'm getting a little tired of Good Times. . .after watching all of these, I missed my favorite ones, like when JJ got shot, when he got VD, and when his prom date (Debbie Allen) was harboring a drug problem.

How come James wore the same pair of corduroys on every episode, yet Thelma dressed like she had money?
Answer: Because Bernadette Stanis refused to look poor on tv, she demanded to wear nice clothing despite the fact she was portraying a teenager living in the projects...(thanks Mom)



How awesome is the theme song? It's one of the best in sitcom history hands down. It perfect fits the show. I rank it up there with The Jeffersons, and All in the Family's songs.

Ralph Carter (Michael) grew up to be an ug-mo, the rest of the cast looks pretty much the same.


The show went downhill after James died. I've seen the episode before but I still cried.
Esther Rolle did some of her best acting when she dropped the punch bowl. . .DAMN DAMN DAMN!


Look at all the celebs that had little parts in that show. Janet Jackson, Debbie Morgan, Louis Gosset, Jr., damn, even Jay Leno.

Well you know, what can I say?

I loved Helen Martin on this show, aka Weeping Wanda. I still can't the image of her in Master P's movie out of my head. . .

How come they keep putting that orange lipstick on Florida?

How come they don't make black sitcoms like this anymore? Minus the stereotypes, where are the family values and community togetherness in TV today? I'm tired of reality tv.

Wilona was soooo fly.

Back in the day, on the low, I mighta let Jimmy Walker hit, if he was anything like his J. J. character in real life.

Yo, Is that Stymie from Little Rascals?

Dear Summer

Man oh man. . .you really did a number on me this year. And you know the scary part, Summer? You aren't anywhere near being over! It's only July, and already you've brought the pain. I mean, I'm not gonna front, Summer. You've given me some good times this year, and I see improvements from the last time we were together, but I think the madness you brought this year topped any other year. Let's look at the ills you gave me (thus far):

I lost my oldest, and favorite uncle. (RIP Sherman Harris). I find solace in the fact that he didnt die in pain, that his sons will be taken care of, and the he's no longer suffering. But it was hard to lose him, knowing that we hadn't spoken in a while.

My name was thrown in the middle of a beef between my dad and one of his friends, and as a result I have spoke to him since early May. (Fuck 'em, be a man, ya feel me, Summer?)

I ran the risk of losing my financial aid as a result of the criminal deeds of the chick who stole my identity. I mean, I went to the Justice Center and straightened everything out, but I hated having to worry and stress due to someone's misuse of my identity.

I let go of a friend who was more toxic to me than endearing. I realized I was holding on for the sake of holding on, and that we really had no ties to one another. Like Nia long told Khalil Kain in Love Jones, 'All we had was all those years. . ." I should have done it a long time ago but hey, it's been months now and I feel freed. The ill part was the way it all had to go down. The shorthand version: Pettiness, broken locks, threats, police reports. Summer, I need not go on. . .

We had our fun times, Summer. I can't argue there. I sweated like I never sweated before, I became more diligent about working out and my overall health. I became more aware of myself (which it seems like I do more often than ever). I got closer to my cousins and my sisters. Oh yea, I learned the identity of the person who stole my identity. (Some young, pitiful, thugged out female. Pray for her) The best part of my summer thus far has been June 10-13. . .please write me back Summer, and let me know that the best is yet to come.

Now Summer, I don't wanna seem ungrateful for the good times you gave me, but the ills definitely outweighed them. I know what you're gonna say, silver lining, reason for everything, karma etc, etc. And you're right. I see the point. I understand. Now, ease up a lil, ok?

I mean, damn Summer, you used to be my favorite time of year, but now I'm waiting for Fall. And you know why. . .

So, let's make a deal. . .chill out from now until September, ok? Relax on the drama you've been bringing my way, and let me see Pookie before you turn into Autumn. Oh yea, and Summer? Instead of bringing the pain, bring the rain! It's hot as hell and my grass is turning brown.

Sincerely,
Shatira