off tha dome

random thoughts...

People really don't work on Fridays.

Pedro Martinez is still rocking a jheri curl in '09. Maybe he's tryna bring it back?

Gas is back at $2.50. C'mon Prez O!

Speaking of President Obama, if you had to rate his performance on a scale of 1-10...where would you rate him?

If I catch a cold or swine flu within the next 10 days...blame THIS dude! He was coughing all over the place on the train. Peep the pleather (plastic/fake leather) jacket

Guess this is supposed to be hot?

Shout out to my high school, Wilson High in Florence, SC! We celebrated 140 yrs last weekend at our homecoming. It was off the chain. Good seeing old friends.

I even ran into a couple of ex-girlfriends. Haaaaaa

I skipped the BET Hip Hop Awards. I can't give them 2 hrs of my life.

We're at the midway point of the NFL season and my fantasy football team is officially done!

I am befuddled by these teachers who "fall in love" and have relationships with their students. They are kids. Don't you see that?

Where were these teachers when I was in school? LOL

Should the first date end with a kiss?

How many times is SportsCenter gonna remind us that they broadcast from Los Angeles? Who cares?

Speaking of SportsCenter...Memo to Stuart Scott...let it go, man. Stop tryin' to rep for us. You know damn well that black folks don't use words like "crazyfreakynice"! WTH?

THIS dude is too damn big to have a freakin mohawk!

Ladies...how soon can you tell if a guy is runnin' game on you or if he really likes you? A day? Week? Month(s)?

Law Abiding Citizen starring Jamie Foxx is a must see!

How are you gonna say that you don't want your son yelled at when he's on a football field? Everybody will get yelled at on the field? I'm an assitant coach for Kameron's 6 and under team. I don't yell at anybody but Kameron because he's mine. However, if the head coach yells at him...I don't care. It's a part of the game. Are we raising men or chumps?

I actually had a parent ask me...during a game...why her son wasn't playing? Well, he'd probably play if your brought him to practice...

The first time that I heard Busta Rhymes on Scenario...I knew his days with Leaders of the New School was done.

This week's winner of the Lamont Sanford award (BIG DUMMY) is former ESPN analyst Steve Phillips. Steve had an affair with a 22 yr old production assitant at ESPN. She turned crazy when he tried to cut her off. She sent letters to his wife and even befriended one of his son's on Facebook. When the story hit the newspaper, Steve lost his job...his wife...his 4 sons...his house...and probably the shirt off his back.

There is as such thing as TOO much cologne or perfume...trust me.

Word on the street is that Steve is in sex rehab. Do you really need to go to rehab for sleeping with a chick that looks like a linebacker?

Yankees will win in 6. You heard it here first

Riding through my hometown...I ran across this place in East Florence. LMAO!!!

Shout out to my alma mater...South Carolina State University. We have Homecoming this weekend. I won't be there but I'll be there in spirit. Let's get it

One of my favorite female MCs...

Jean Grae...Jean Grae...Jean Grae

ucanfindmeindaclub?

Sometimes it'd be a particular song.

Sometimes it'd be a certain beat.

Sometimes it'd just be the vibe.

There was a time when The Club was where it was at. There was a time for me when the club scene was just electric.

Every city or town has that one club that did it for you. There was a time when I looked forward to going to the club. I remember when I first moved to Atlanta. The vibe was crazy because the hip hop scene here was just beginning to grow. The only person who I knew when I moved here was my roommate/partner in crime, JFresh. We figured that we needed to venture out into the city to see what it was all about. And we did...on a NIGHTLY basis. Two young bachelors with a pocket full of money...that's what we were. And we thourougly enjoyed ourselves.

Even after I got married, I would still hang out at some clubs. I never went there to pick up women. I just enjoyed the scene. The blaring music. Watching dudes spending loot on drinks for women who they couldn't snag. Watching scantly clad women walk around and wonder why they weren't considered "marriage material." There would be times when I would hit the dance floor (yes...I can dance!) and dance by myself. It didn't matter who was around me. I would kinda be in that zone.

My clubbin' was never an issue for my wife. She always knew where I was and I never came home "late." She understood. If you give me some good music and a good DJ...I'm straight! She knew I wasn't out tryna pick up chicks. She knew I was always with JFresh, Clark, or Steve. And I always encouraged her to go out with her friends, too.

Over a period of time, the club stopped giving me that adreanline rush that it used to. Some of my favorite spots in Atlanta closed down. Then, it seemed like the vibe changed.

-Too many corny dudes started showing up. You know...the corny dude that would strategically place his BMW car keys on the bar so that chicks would KNOW what he was driving.

-Too many thugs walkin' round the club with their pants fallin of their ass.

-Too many chicks fighting to get to the VIP section so that they could say that they were up there with Dominique Wilkins or Mike Vick.

-Too many drunk chicks.

-Too many horrible rap songs.

-Too much "snap music."

-Too much mean muggin.

The club scene got real old...really fast. I could never be the dude that spent $20 to get in a joint and stand on the wall. Nope. That's not me. I'm gonna get my money's worth! The club scene aint what it used to be. It changed. Or maybe it was me? Maybe I got grown. Now, I prefer a nice lounge with good music. I don't need the big crowds. I still dance. Now it's just a nice, smooth two step. But I can still break it down when I need to.

Me and the club are separated but we have good memories. Maybe I'm too old (LoL) now. You won't catch me hot and drenched in sweat at a club. That chapter has been closed.
Whut about u? U still clubbin?

8-24-09

8-24-09

I remember that day like it was yesterday

It started with an upset stomach. That rarely happens. Nevertheless, I went on to work despite feelin like shit. Once I got to work, I was immediately met with some drama about something that I had done wrong. Now, I was pissed off AND I didn't feel well. I pressed on...

As the day progressed, my supervisor continued to annoy me about petty stuff. I was completely out of my zone. I called my wife and told her that I was tired of the micromanaging and I was about to cuss this chick out. I left the building for lunch to catch some fresh air. When I came back to the office, I tried to get back into my zone but I couldn't. I felt strange. I didn't know why. For some reason, my stomach was killing me again. I thought to myself...This has been a shitty day. What else could go wrong???

Then it happened. I got a text message at 2:45 from my friend Stacy. It read...

By the time u read this it will be to late. I love all of u.you have been great friends and family. I just cant do this anymore my life is done

Huh? What is Stacy talkin about? That's what I was thinking. I read the text again. Scratched my head for a second. The text message sounded suicidal. I had talked to Stacy 2 weeks prior to getting this text message. Stacy was going through some hard times. Stacy was about to be unemployed. Got fired because of some bs. Not only did Stacy lose the job but Stacy had a several relationships that had gone bad. With huge financial/personal issues, Stacy had decided to send this text message as a last goodbye to family and friends. I couldn't believe it. I have been tight with Stacy since high school. I sat at my desk for a minute...dazed. I stepped away from my desk and called Stacy. No answer. I tried again...no answer. Then I tried again...no answer. I called my wife and told her about the text message. She advised me to call one of my boys who lived near Stacy. At this point, I'm freaking out because I can't reach Stacy.

Hours go by. Still no answer. I finally get Stacy's brother's phone number. My worse fear had been confirmed.

Stacy had attempted suicide.

The news hit me like a ton of bricks. I was numb. Why would Stacy want to leave this earth? Times are hard and I know that. I think that no matter how bad things are you still have to do what you have to do to make things better. Jobs, friends, girlfriends/boyfriends/spouses will all come and go. As long as you have air in your lungs, you're ok. That's the way that I feel.

I spoke with Stacy later that day. I really didn't know what to say. I was hurt. I was pissed off. I was mad. I was confused. Not only did Stacy send that text message to me but to Stacy's siblings and parents. I really didn't say that much to Stacy that day. There was so much that I wanted to say but I couldn't. There are so many issues. Depression is one. Too often (especially in the black community), we never address the issue of depression. We ignore it. Did I ignore it in Stacy? I don't think so. Nevertheless, Stacy is getting help and counseling. I spoke with Stacy last week and it was almost like old times. Lots of laughs and jokes.

I'll be honest. I wasn't even gonna write this post. This happened nearly 2 months ago and I finally had the mindset to put it out there. I try to keep things positive. I've read blogs about stuff and become sad after reading it. That's not the intent here. Far too many times, we ignore the little things in people. The small cries for help. Sometimes we never know until it's too late. It's ok to tell somebody and show somebody that you care. More importantly, it's good to show them that they mean something to somebody. Far too many times we're left with unanswered questions.

I'm just glad that my friend has a second chance...

off tha dome

random thoughts...

Michael Jackson is dead? That's still hard for me to believe...

No parent wants to ever learn that their child is missing. I can't imagine what "ballon boy" parents were thinking. Once they found out that he was ok...they should have whupped his ass!

Brett Favre...I see you. Five and 0, huh? We'll see what happens when you HAVE to throw the ball.

I live in Atlanta and I don't know who the hell Gucci Mane is. I know he's a rapper but I can't name 2 songs that he's made

Sunday nights ain't the same without Entourage

I like Facebook. I love Twitter, tho

If you're on Facebook and you have more than 5 status updates a day...you prolly should be on Twitter.

Shout out to those of you who read this blog...dig it...but never comment. 'Preciate the love. As long as you're reading and feeling the vibe, I'm cool

Separated at birth?

If I could only get him to act like me...*sigh*. LOL

The NBA season is just around the corner...*yawn*

Something doesn't add up about this ballon boy story...

Rush Limbaugh...kick rocks. Do you really think the "image weary NFL" is gonna deal with you. Money talks. Yours doesn't speak loud enough. Beat it clown. Gositchoazzdown

Never get into a relationship with somebody who's "trying to find themselves."

I have no respect for a man who hits a woman. A dude that will hit a woman...won't hit a man.

I'm tired of seeing kids headed to school or coming from school...with NO BOOKS!!!!

Some parents are just sorry. You know that you're sorry. And you're raising a bunch of sorry kids.

Reading is not only fundamental but necessary!

Never go grocery shopping when you're hungry. You'll buy a bunch of stuff that you don't need

I really enjoyed the VH1 Hip Hop Honors. They really know how to put on a show.

I hope the suits at BET watched and took notes...

Speaking of BET, they are giving Mike Vick a reality tv show. I dunno how I feel about that. I hate BET but I guess I'll tune in.

Been a minute since I called somebody a jive turkey. That was big when I was growing up in the 70s. Think I'ma bring it back.

We had a new addition to our family! No...not me and my wife but my cousin gave birth to a son on Monday. Kellen Andrew was 7 pounds, 7 oz. Welcome to the family young fella. Can't wait to see you next week.

I haven't touched my Xbox 360 in months. What is wrong with meeeeeee???

Foxxy Brown? WTH?

Morehouse College has instituted a dress code for its students. No do rags, baseball caps, saggin pants. Shirts and blazers. *standing ovation*

What happened to the DJ in hip hop?

I hate when the time changes. It throws my body clock off

Funny how some of these rappers talk about the money they have but they ain't sellin no records. "We don't believe you...you need more people."

Laila Ali...Laila Ali...Laila Ali

closure

A few days ago, I was on the phone with one of my boyz.

In the middle of our conversation, he paused and yelled..."Heyyyyyyyy!"

I didn't know who he was talking to but he quickly got off the phone with me. He called me back 30 minutes later. When I answered the phone, there was a different tone in his voice. He sounded different.

He had just seen his ex girlfriend.

This was the ex that he had dated for a few years. The woman who he had talked about marrying. For all of the years that we've been close, I've never known him to be THAT serious about a woman. And she was a great woman for him. Unfortunately, their relationship didn't work. I think it was bad timing. Nevertheless, he sounded much happier when he called me back. He told me that he was sitting at a stop light and his ex girlfriend pulls up next to him in her car. They went to a nearby parking lot and chatted briefly before they both headed to work. He found out that she was married now.

I asked him why he sounded so happy. He told me that he finally had closure to the relationship. I had never thought about it. I know that he got over her. But he said that there was never any closure to the relationship. The fact that he was able to have closure put him in a better place.

I've only had one relationship that needed closure. I got that closure years ago and we've been friends for a long time. What about you? How important is closure to you? Is there any relationships boyfriend/girlfriend, (spouses), parents, or family members that needed closure?

hollatchaboi

on tour

I was talking to my brother the other day and I was tellling him how tired I was. Not mentally tired but physically tired. I needed a nap that day.



Then it dawned on me. More than any other year, this body has logged some miles on it. I'm not really one that travels a lot but I do like to travel. I began to think of where I've been over these last 9 months...


Minneapolis

I was back and forth between Minneapolis and Atlanta for 6 months for work.

South Carolina

Me and the fam drove to South Carolina to visit my homegirl, Jimmell to celebrate her 35th birthday during the Memorial Day weekend

Kameron on the Slip N Slide

Washington, DC

Me and the fam went to DC to visit Russ and Lisa for a few days. It was Brandon's first flight. Surprisingly, he did very well on the plane. We had a ball in DC.

Washington Monument

BRANDON is chillin with Russ and Lisa's lil angels Allison and Dylan

Me and the younginz at the Washington Monument

Disney World

Me and the fam drove to Orlando to visit Mickey Mouse for the Labor Day weekend. We also attended the MEAC/SWAC Challenge football game as my alma mater, South Carolina State University defeated Grambling

Magic Kingdom

Indianapolis, IN

Mrs12 and I went to Indianapolis to check out the Circle City Classic.

Lucas Oil Stadium

In a sense...I have been on tour. LOL. Nevertheless, I feel blessed to be able to travel...especially in this economy.

The tour is NOT over. There are upcoming trips to my hometown (Florence, SC...can't wait), NYC, and LA for my 37th bday celebration. Who knows...the tour might end up in YOUR town. If you see me in the streets, buy me a drink! LMAO!!!

hollatchaboi

droppin lines

droppin lines

stole this from XXL magazine. check it out, tho.

1. My favorite thing about ATLANTA (fill in your city) is the proud culture and heritage of black people here

2. If I wasn't in my current field of profession, I would be in sports and entertainment

3. The person I would like most to meet is Barack Obama

4. If I had a reality show, it would be called The 12th Planet! Duh!

5. One of my favorite things to do is to play with my sons

6. My idea of a good time is dinner and a movie with the wife. Drinks and laughs with the crew

7. My least favorite food is liver

8. The sexiest thing about a women is her eyes

9. The one word that describes me best is unique

10. If I could bring back any musician not alive right now, it would be Biggie! Nuff said!

11. I never leave home without my blackberry

12. My season is spring...minus the pollen. Spring time in Atlanta is downright beautiful

13. When I drink, I laugh a lot and act silly

14. The best show on tv is Entourage

15. My favorite city to travel to is New York City...the city never sleeps

16. One thing people don't know about me is that I am extremely loyal

17. What I'm scared of the most is losing a loved one

18. One DVD everyone should have in their collection is Scarface

19. Ten years from now, I'll be on top...right where I belong!

20. One of the most important thing that I've learned is to always think postitvely. Your actions begin with your thoughts.

hey coach!

Hey Coach!
Hey Coach!
Hey Coach!

I can't tell you how many times I hear this a day at football practice.

When you're coaching a team of 6 and 7 yr olds, it's to be expected. It's almost like a kid who follows his mother in a store and won't stop calling her name...(Mommie, Mommie, Mommie). Nevertheless, their chants have become music to to my ears. I'm used to it now.

As many of you know, I played football from the age of 8 through college at South Carolina State University. What you don't know is that I had NO ambitions in being a coach on Kameron's team. I wanted no parts of coaching. Can't really explain why. I guess I felt it'd be difficult to convey my thoughts, passion, and desire to another individual. Especially a kid.

Little did I know how rewarding coaching would be. We're 4-0 right now. More than the wins, I've enjoyed being out there with Kameron and his teammates. I remember when the head coach asked me if I would be a part of his staff. I wanted to say no but I'm glad that I did. Not only has it re-united me with my first love (football) but it has given me a chance to give back. I remember years ago when my Dad told me that I needed to find away to give back to my community and be an influence on the youth. That's easier said than done when you're working all the time and you have your OWN kids to raise. I knew what Dad meant, though. When you grow up, you take something from your neighborhood/community. It's your obligation to give something back. That's not an option for me. It's a must.

Through coaching these little boys, I'm able to communicate and be a living example for kids like Peanut...who's mother is on drugs; or Javante...who's a little slower than the other kids socially...or Dylan...who is very shy away from football but lights up when we're on the field. In me, these kids see something that they may not see every day...a strong black male role model. Everyday I make sure that I interact with every kid on the team. I ask them about school and I tease them. I just try to let them know that I care. For some of these kids, the odds are against them. I know that. I try to give them another perspective...even at the age of 6 or 7.

I remember when I played football as a kid how my teammates loved my Dad. He was my coach for my little league years. As I grew up, those guys would always ask about my Dad. If they saw him around town, they'd great him with a handshake or a hug. He had that kind of influence on them. Much like me, he interacted with them and teased them. More importantly, he let them know that he cared. To this day...when I see the guys now...they still ask about me about my Dad.

Years later, history is repeating itself.

Hey Coach don't sound bad at all!