Peace up, A town down

This weekend Nelson and I headed to Atlanta, a city dear to my heart. I spent many weekends there during my 4 years at Southern. This was my first time back since Alinka's wedding in 2008! Sheree decided to bless Kennedy there since that's where most of her close friends and family are and I was so happy with her decision.

I finally got to meet Alinka's 1 year son Davis. How can you not fall in love with this face?

I also met Jennipher's adorable daughter Kendall and all I can say is like mother like daughter...lol

I was able to spend time with 2 friends from college, Gaelle & Maggie

What made the trip even sweeter was my friend Kevina gave birth to a beautiful baby boy Clayton 1 day prior. I was so happy I was able to visit and spend time with her during her hospital stay

I would be lying if I said I don't have a tad bit of baby fever...lol

Ki'Jah and her new baby brother

On Saturday night, we all got together and had a late dinner at Gladys Knight's Chicken and Waffles. The boyfriend didn't come along because he made plans with his friends so I was without a photographer for the night. I stole these from Alinka... hope she doesn't mind =-)

Reunited and it feels so good

Can't wait to see them all again XOXO

Post Vacation Blues

Well I just returned from my highly anticipated va-cay and I had a blast! I’m so not looking forward to returning to work on Thursday but such is life. I’m a little bummed that my getaway has come and gone because now what will I have to look forward to and get me through my long nights at work? I know… maybe I’ll plan my next vacation…lol…ok that might be a little premature so for now I’ll share my pictures and stories of adventure with you throughout the week. In the meantime I’ll start my diet and workout routine after all the cruise food I devoured...lol

Thanksgiving 2010 weekend recap

Thanksgiving is my all time favorite holiday! Not because of the food (although it's a close second) but because of the family I'm surrounded by. My grandmother passed away Thanksgiving week 7 years ago so it's only right we commemorator her memory every year by doing what she always encouraged: for us to always remain close, keep in touch and always remember that no matter what, we're family.

This year was extra special because my older brother Dean and his family was able to come to NY. They haven't been here for Thanksgiving since 2005 when Dylan was only 6 months. This was my first Thanksgiving without my little brother David. I'm so sad he missed out this year because of work but having his daughter Niyah here made things better.

On Saturday, our cousin Jr invited us over to his house on Long Island to just hang out since Dean isn't in town with his tribe (his wife and kids) that often. He cooked us a delicious meal and I enjoyed listening to the stories and memories my brother and cousins shared of growing up in Jamaica where my grandmother had them under heavy manners (a Jamaican saying meaning heavy discipline and punishment). I love hearing things about grandma that I didn't know before.

Jr had his Christmas tree up and we couldn't help but have a little photo shoot with the kids

Even my sister in law J'nyne and cousin Dawn got in on the fun

My cousin Jr and his girlfriend Anita

Nelson came to NY for the weekend making everything even better. He got a chance to meet my brother and cousins and everyone seemed to like him. We were so inspired by Jr's beautiful Christmas tree we decided to buy one when I go to DC next week. I can't wait!!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and I'm thankful for each and every one of you, my readers. Now click the follow button..lol!

Orlando... over 2 years later

I landed in a place I called home for over two years today... Orlando. Stepping out into the airport evoked feelings of nostalgia. When I lived here and would return from visiting New York, sadness normally filled my heart. I often would have to hold back tears thinking back on the few days I spent in NY and all the loved ones I left behind. Now returning over 2 1/2 years later, I'm consumed with a different set of emotions. I'm excited and can't wait to see what this week holds for me. I'm looking forward to hanging out with my cousin Lauren that I became awfully close with during my time in Florida, I'll be able to spend an entire week with both brothers at the same time and most importantly I get to smother and spoil my 3 nieces and nephew rotten.

This week is a chance for me to become rejuvenated, a chance to focus on the things in life most important to me and just leave the worries of life alone... even though it's just for a week.

So all of you stuck home in these last week weeks of summer, I'm inviting you to partake in my vacation along with me. I'm going to TRY to blog as much as possible since I've been seriously slacking and I should have the time and energy to write here... but PLEASE, PLEASE don't hold your breath...lol

Redz' 27th Birthday

I don't remember when or how Naomi and I became friends but all my high school memories from Washignton Irving include her. I remember the way she would comb her hair over one of her eyes like the late Aaliyah, with her silver bandu (another name for head band) in place, her long natural nails wrapped in acrylic with her red Champs jacket and some of the baggiest jeans imaginable. In fact we would talk about girls who wore tight jeans but in 10th grade we became the president and vice president of that club. I remember going to The Gap with Naomi and we both tried on some size 2 boot cut jeans and instantly feel in love with the bodies we were hiding in our boy like outfits.

*Note to self: When I go back to FL I must remember to bring up my high school pictures*

Naomi has overcome so much adversity in her life and not once has she ever complained. I believe her situations have made her stronger and wiser. She is a fighter, never settling, and always optimistic. She is such a beautiful person both inside and out. She knows what it means to keep a secret for she is a holder of many of mine. I'm so happy the Lord has blessed her to see another year.

Happy Birthday Naomi!!

The girls and I celebrating Naomi's birthday at the Night of the Cooker 3-26-10

Summer rain

My i-pod was on shuffle and Carl Thomas’ Summer Rain began to play. I haven’t heard this song in forever. Instantly I started smiling and began reminiscing about the summer of 2000, the first time I fell in love. I would lay on the couch in my basement (when my grandmother lived down there), listen to the quiet storm and if I’m lucky hear the rain beating against the awning and sit on the phone all night, talking about everything under the sun. Sometimes there would be silence but we were so comfortable with each other it wasn’t awkward.

Don’t get it twisted, I don’t miss the person or the relationship but I do miss the TYPE of love we shared. We were young but the love was pure, very innocent and kinda intense. There was no underlying motives or using of one another (at first anyway…lol). When I fall in love again I want that teenage love affair sort of love that I Alicia Keys sang about and I experienced back then.

What song brings back memories of your first love?