Go Seahawks!

Im sure everyone knows superbowl sunday is coming up, and Im representing over here in Chicago with family:-) I could talk about the players, the game, and all that stuff I know nothing about, but Ill spare you and talk about something a little more up my alley. Some of you remember I used to live in New York fairly recently, so I still hear a little about whats going on over there. For one, theres this. Yes, the strip clubs are booming right now, and I may or may not own some stock in that;-) Theres also this. Yes, people are doing crazy things over there right now and Im kind of glad Im not over there anymore. I will go back and visit after all of this is over though! For now, well just have to see what happens. Hopefully the Seahawks will win!

So y'all noticed I travel a lot, right? So lets take a moment to think about different cultures within the united states. Im still trying to figure out the great northwest...they dont invite each other over for dinner and its harder to break into social circles. Its dark and gloomy for most of the winter but raely snows...definately a give and a take here people! Now go further down south and you have the souther california surfer culture. I spent some of my military days here and had a blast! People are friendly, laid back, and sometimes too laid back;-) People down here dont have to worry about harsh winters or hurricanes, but earthquakes are around, and sometimes a little scarey! Now I spent my high school years down south and they dont get scared about hurricanes...they throw parties instead! Yes, those crazy southerners sure are friendly and fun, and are always inviting each other over for some good southern cooking. It gets super hot in the summer so youve got to have air conditioning, and lots of people have pools so get out your swimsuits! Everything grows well here, and I miss having a garden. I grew up in the northeast and we all talk like new casters. There is absolutely no accent there! I think people stick together more because the winters can be very snowy and cold. Of course the seasons are all much more defined there which make for beautiful springs and falls! They also have a lot more history there, so it was a good place to grow up with great school systems. I often miss it...thankfully Ill be going back in another couple of weeks!:-)

View from my room in San Francisco!

Just got back from San Francisco! I had a nice view of the starlight room, but didnt end up there at all...

Happy New Year!

The holidays are over, and now 'tis the season to get fit, slim, and healthy! One of my coolest Christmas presants was the jawbone up...a device that not only measures your steps and calories, but your sleep patterns as well! Now its not the only high tech excersize accesory out there...heres an artical that compares it to another device. If theres one thing Ive aquired over the years its self motivation. If youre like me youll love the jawbone up.  The new year is also a time for getting back to normal patterns again. I am so ready! Hanging out with the fam was great but after a week I think I had enough. Whos with me on this? Lets get motivated together to create healthy patterns to last a lifetime:-)

Its time for me to gush about the holiday season...so much fun and its only jusy begun! To kick things off I was in new york for a week. If that doesnt get one into the holiday spirit I dont know what will! Festive holiday shopping, the tree lighting at rockafellar center, and lots of going out at night was what made up the majority of my trip. Smoke Jazz Club, Vitae, and Gramacy Tavern were all awesome places to get the party started! I was really hoping to throw a party this year, but with all the travel its been difficult. Next week Im migrating to warmer weather...San Diego and La, then on to Hawaii!

While in San Fracisco, I ended up seeing the movie 12 years a slave. Now I am also reading the book and have become completely obsessed with slavery in the us in the 1800's! There were actually running slave markets or pens in washington dc...very close to the capitol! I dont know why my mind is drawn to this terrible thing in history, but I do remember my grandfather telling me our ancestors were involved in the underground railroad. Im going to dc next month and will hopefully be able to find the buildings that used to be slave pens and take photos. Heres a good documentary I found about americas journey into slavery: Journey through slavery part 1

So I was working on keeping this blog clean, until I saw the movie Lovelace and am now reading her book Ordeal. I was amazed to find out that she was actually pimped by her husband and quite possibly even forced to do deep throat! I was astonished to say the least, as Ive always felt very strongly against this subject and am curious to read about her final years when she spoke out. Her courage inspires me to bring up a modern day pimp we had around several years ago before he was sent to prison, although the full spectrum of his crimes may never be know since many of his victums havent spoken out. Im talking about Dave Elms...the founder of The Erotic Review. My involvement with him is much more kind than others Ive heard, so those of you that want to chime in here youre most welcome to do so:-) I guess I met him before he started getting really bad, and somehow by chance was able to slip through his fingers until he was arrested. You can imagine the releif I felt when I read that article! Since then Ive reached out to human trafficing sites to volunteer, but havent gotten any responses yet. I have so many opinions on this in all levels that putting it into words would be very difficult. I just know that it feels good to let it all out. At the time, my response was to put up The ExtortionReview.com, which I see is no longer up...a message board where victums can anonimously post about what Dave Elms did to them. Guess how many posts I got? Thats right...zilch! Maybe now that some time has passed people will speak out more...