grateful.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. I appreciated all the comments, 12am phonecalls, bbms, textes, emails, kisses - all of it. I had a great time and surprises all week.

Contrary to what others say, I do not think my celebrations were as grand as some people I know, however I loved every bit of it and did not want to do anything huge, I just wanted to spend time with some of the most important people in my life - and I did.

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Last Tuesday, I stayed at the W Hotel in NYC. If anyone knows about the W Hotel, they know it is nothing but iconic and innovative luxury. That was a total surprise because the whole way there, I kept asking where we were headed. I fell in love with the 18th floor room. Like a kid, I ran and jumped on the bed and buried myself in the silk lilac sheets that adorned the King size bed. We started the day off just right...

We had a great brunch in the W Hotel. Then I hit Silky Day Spa, a few blocks away from the hotel, for a few services. I tried to take some pics but it was so dark in there, they didn't come out clear. I could've taken pics from their site, but I wanted live pics. The atmosphere was so serene and zen-like, I was in a trance the entire time there.

Later on that evening, we went to this Spanish cuisine restaurant located in midtown east. Stuffed my face, then had some shots. Of course I was totally surprised because as we were leaving, or so I thought, I was presented with a cake (pic below). I know people are probably wondering why I'd be surprised, things like this happen right? Right. But if you know him, like I know him, you'd understand.

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

As if my birthday wasn't over, my favorite girls here at work surprised me - again. Adina comes to my desk, like I sooo need to tell you something. Which is normal. We take coffee/tea breaks all the time, so I was like cool. I walk into this room and see a cake and the girls. Love you girls, for real.

Saturday, March 7th, 2009
I had so much planned for the weekend, but seeing as how fulfilling Tuesday was, I cut back on some plans, especially since not everyone was available - so I opted for a good ole party which was at BB Kings in Times Square. As always, Showcase/Empire parties are donned celeb central - Jadakiss stopped by and performed. I got a bit too wasted so I only posted one of my pre-shitfaced pics. Yes, the pic is cropped - there some other drunks in it, and I'm not letting my girls look crazy on the www.

All in all - the party was bananas. A few people can attest to that. Here's a few more flicks before the party got too crazy.

Sunday March 8th, 2009

I was trying hard to remember the last half of my night. Smh. I had the craziest hangover and finally around 6pm, I decided to meet up with my BFF and enjoy the nice day before it ended. We met up, went to this Haitian restaurant with my daughter and stuffed our faces. I felt soo much better. Here's the funny - as we are leaving the restaurant, the music suddenly gets REALLY loud and the song Happy Birthday comes on, lights go off and out comes yet another surprise cake. I love her!

I'll post a few pics on some gifts I got and gave myself in a bit.

laughter is therapy.

[pic taken earlier this year]

My daughter and I had a moment this morning while eating breakfast. Following this moment, we broke out into laughter and all typical lackluster Monday morning feelings flew out the window, as she instantly reminded me of my importance in her life. It's the little things...

“We've got to learn hard things in our lifetime, but it's love that gives you the strength. It's being nice to people and having a lot of fun and laughing harder than anything, hopefully every single day of your life.”

-Drew Barrymore

i know my status, do you?

Today marks the 20th anniversary of World Aids Day ...


I've witness firsthand people not directly infected, still affected. In other words, just because you aren't infected, doesn't mean you won't be affected if someone you know is.



Perfect Example --

I watched my cousin struggle growing up from the age of about 10 through present [we are the same age]. She lost both her parents to AIDS and although her life continues, she is still affected. Imagine losing both parents [months apart] at that age? In my aunt's last days, she had trouble breathing. My cousin was deeply affected by her Mom's discomfort and lack of information from the healthcare staff. Due this personal childhood experience she was convinced that a career as physician would grant her the opportunity to have a greater role in patient care. This experience heightened her interest in the medical field [she is now a respiratory therapist and on her way to med school]. At the same time, she can honor her mother’s memory by educating others who are unaware.


There are a number of things you can do to raise awareness. Get Involved ... if not for you, do it for someone you love.


I got my Red Ribbon on ...