Since I've been gone

I have been horrible at updating my blog, and I can hear my life partner snickering that I have the attention span of a caterpillar, but again I rise. Since I've been gone I chilled with my peeps at the inauguration, began writing a column for a chi town newspaper, planning trips, celebrating my 30th, celebrating my friends 30th, and just have been working and grinding. There's not enough time to recap everything so enjoy these photos...

Still Celebrating My Birth

This past week I was fortunate enough to spend a week in Negril, Jamaica. It was my first time in Jamaica, and while I had plans to explore the many islands of the Caribbean within the next few years for my annual birthday trip, I am already planning my trip back to Negril. Upon arrival at the airport we were greeted by smiling faces, once we made it through customs and retrieved our luggage, we waited  on the shuttle bus at an outdoor bar sipping beautiful concoctions and soaking up the scenery, weather and the gorgeous people. I live to people watch, and there was an abundance of attractive men and women floating around the airport, granted confidence is a key factor in beauty, but even that will only score so many points in the beauty book. Jamaica's people, culture, and country is truly divine. 

I was not oblivious to the fact that Jamaica is a poor country who depends heavily upon tourism, however this realization became evident as I noticed the houses on our ride to Negril. Some structures were barely holding on for life, and others were so small I could only hope it provided shelter for just one person. What surprised me the most, was that not even a stone’s throw distance from these small cabins were multi story houses upon hills with foreign cars nestled in the driveway. In America oftentimes those who are far removed from poverty live miles away from those who aren’t, in the best neighborhoods avoiding those who are not on their level. However, these communities felt like communities, people from all walks of life living together. I could be wrong, but that’s what I took away from this experience. 

I stayed at the Negril Treetop resort, and God showed favor on me and my mustard seeds worth of patience by allowing all the travelers on the shuttle bus to be in this same resort, which meant no unnecessary stopping. This was a black owned resort, which carried a lot of weight with me because oftentimes it’s hard for me to give my hard earned vacation dollars directly to a black hotel proprietor.  Gail, the owner, was warm, friendly, courteous and deserving of my business, and I highly recommend others visiting Negril to seek her out. The Tree Top exceeded my lodging expectations. The rooms were spacious, clean and the grounds were breathtakingly beautiful. Outside of each room was personal  patio furniture and a hanging swing; hammocks cradled between tropical trees were in abundance providing shade or the perfect setting for afternoon reading; staff were always available and eager to assist and make our vacation memorable. Although the Tree Top isn’t an all-inclusive resort, the complimentary American & Jamaican breakfast served was a great start to the day and the outdoor pit headed by Chef Aaron kept my palate craving jerk inspired dishes. Also, as I wasn’t inclined to eat only at my resort, I had the pleasure of experiencing various restaurants on the Seven Mile Beach. Several nights my BFF and I indulged in two for one lobster dinners with jerk shrimp and every other type of seafood and tropical delicacy one could imagine.  

My only desire regarding activities was for a massage, and when I got a glimpse that they were given directly on the beach I immediately signed up. I also mustered up enough courage to mount a horse, and take a ride through the hills of Negril. As a full bodied woman, I did a bit of praying during this activity and was relieved that I wasn't forced to ride a small donkey (rumor has it the larger your weight the smaller the horse, as the little ones are stronger, who'd of thunk it), however I never fully become one with the beautiful white stallion I rode. My BFF and I also participated in the one love bus bar crawl, Lenbert our driver was professional and full of life, showing us seven authentic Jamaican bars most tourist would of never been able to experience on their own. We also made friends with some Canadians and some transplant locals.  I did a bit of water play, but as I'm not a swimmer I decided to opt out of the water activities, I also figured it best to save something for my return trip.

For me the beauty of traveling is the experiences gained that otherwise would of never been possible. I experienced a beautiful sunset with a beautiful new friend, met some locals who invited us briefly into their world, bonded with my friend of fifteen years who discovered that I hold full conversations while sleeping,  shopped with locals, and felt like the true Princess Beyonce Ross Franklin(my alter ego) because Jamaican men flirt with a sincerity I have yet to see elsewhere. I cannot wait to attempt to top this trip.

Sent from my iPad

My Apologies to Mr. 18th St

If I could explain the joy I feel right now...

Certain situation is life put an explanation point behind just how fabulous you really are. I experienced such a situation a few moments ago, and I tip my hat to the sucker who paid it forward.

Over the weekend I was in DC for the inauguration festivities. No, I didn't have tickets to anything, but my golly I was there and my presence was felt in the atmosphere. Anyway, being a former DC transplant we went to one of my fav hangout spots, 18th street lounge.

While there, I met a guy, who was part of the help staff, but he seemed cool and he was decent,so whatever. We flirted a bit, exchanged contact info at the end of the night. Everything was cool at this point until this fool said "Don't call me unless you packing a bag and coming over".Skirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr , at this point I stopped listening, as I was no longer interested and I didn't have the energy to read a fool.

Fast forward and to expedite this story, my friend ended up conversing with one of his friends, as the three of us departed the club. My girl and I were talking about the night and I told her I wasn't interested in dude and wouldn't be calling based off his last statement. No one dictates what I am supposed to do in any facet of my life.

So, apparently, his friend told him i called him aggressive, I recall I used abrasive, but whatever. I firmly believe in not saying anything you don't want repeated, so that didn't matter much. Three days later he's texting me like I should of been a woman and told him how I felt, and he wasn't into me anyway, and going on and on and on. My swagger is on Mic Jagger right now. You never tell someone you pressed that they didn't get up with you, unless you want them to feel like they're the sh*t, que the Kanye West Remix to the I'm the ish right now....

So, Richard from 18th Street Lounge, Thanks! You have truly made me smile. No wonder my fab friend Kenny pushed you that night :).

As the gays would say...I bet your ***** is sitting right now!!!! Perched.

Smooches

A Tad Bit Awkward

That AWKARD moment when u run into that fine coworker out in the real world and you lean in for a hug..."self what the heck are you thinking..."y'all don't roll like that...

For some reason I believe I'm one of the smartest fools alive. It's like I do things without consulting the smart portion of my brain so I'm stuck looking rather foolish...but always fly...

Just a tidbit for you to ponder while sipping your daily chai tea... 

As soon as I catch up on some sleeps I will report on the fun times and mishaps during inaugural weekend....

Happy New Zumba

It's the new year, and while I haven't made any resolutions I am trying to finally remove all the back fat from my body. Theres just no point to back breasts, I'm just saying, it's like they're  always in the way and folks think they are handle bars, its just too much, but i digress. I am not a person who likes exercise, and you will never hear me utter the words  "this is a lifestyle change", its just not in me, my life consists of traveling, working, drinking good wine, hanging with my folks and just enjoying whatever state I find myself in. 

With that being said I am beginning to notice that I am kinda addicted to Zumba. I know what you're thinking, you just said you weren't going to become one of those exercise people, and I swear I'm not, again it's not in my DNA. However, I am noticing an addiction to Zumba..not because its a great workout, or the results are amazing or it's the best way I can spend my lunch hour without maxing my credit cards(granted all of the above are true). But its something else that drives me to this class, particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays at 12:15...

Hi, my name is Prissi and I am addicted to Zumba because I like battling this one particular girl in the class. Now I'm not sure if she really battles me back,  but i am in it to win it and out exercise this chick each and every class and at each and every hip thrust, shoulder shimmy, and pop and drop it you can name. I'm not sure if anyone is aware, but it's like her and I are auditioning for a Luke Skywalker early 90'svideo and I am determined to be victorious...

Yeah something may be wrong with me, but as all the down chicks will attest, I keeps it's real ;) 

P Chic

Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself...

I had to fight the urge to jump into one of my favorite Jay Z songs, this here is all about me.  I'm Prissi, a lover of life and all things including music, fashion, travel, food, a well crafted martini and plain ol living. This blog will document my life and the random thoughts that creep through my mind. I hope you enjoy, learn, laugh and follow me so I can become rich and famous and quit my good job and lead a life of frivolity.  Now that we've gotten the formalities out of the way, let's go!