Vanity Plates

Here’s one of my little quirks. I like to read vanity license plates. I love figuring them out when they are coded and at times the wording will evoke my desire to take a closer look because of what they have spelled out on the plate. Such was the case this week when I happened to pull up behind a car in traffic that had “MS IT” on the plate.

If I leave five minutes later than normal traffic has the tendency to be bumper to bumper for quite a while. Well, this particular morning I didn’t get out until thirty minutes later than my usual time cause mommy and I had breakfast in bed, if you know what I mean. Anyway, as I’m heading into the flow of traffic where I-55 merges into I-70 headed west, I see this burgundy Mazda 626 in front of me and being the license plate reader that I am, I notice the tag. I’m doubtful that the driver looks the part of “MS IT” because I don’t know how many times I’ve ridden up on someone with “Q T PIE”, “SEX C 1”, “MMM GUD” or something along those lines only to be utterly disappointed at my findings. Nevertheless, I’m the curious sort, so I try and find my way along side of “MS IT”, only to be blocked by my non-driving fellow commuters. Finally, some ten minutes later I’m able to get over in the open lane where I-70 crosses Union. The road always opens up there because it is the end of the “Express Lane” – Is it me or does it always seem like those things are headed in the wrong direction? Anywho, I speed up and hit the lane before “MS IT” has the chance and I catch a glance. Not bad I think, but I didn’t get a good enough look and I’m still not really convinced that she is all that, at least enough of 'that' to be advertising on her tag. So, I slow my roll a bit and allow her to catch up and I look again. Just ok, I think, but she isn’t an ugly chick, so I won't put her in the category with all the other folks. I guess she was speaking more of her attitude than looks, but who am I to judge her. Besides, she gave me something to do since I missed the reading of “The Strawberry Letter” this morning on the Steve Harvey Morning Show – which is another topic altogether, because I miss my local morning show.

Meanwhile, back on the ranch, all this license plate reading got me to thinking. If I had to have a vanity plate, what would I put on it? Missouri only allows six letters, but I can come up with a few. What about you, what would you put on your plate? Here are some of mine.

P2P LLC (Poorhouse 2 Powerhouse – my educational company that I plan to debut soon).

R SANDR
SANDER (My former writing pseudonym was R. Sander Fitzgerald– I decided to drop the name “Sander”)

GD READ (Good Read)

FLY GUY (I wouldn’t dare – just tossing ideas around)

BIZ MAN (See Mizrepresent and CapCity for the meaning to that one)

GR8FL (I think that one is taken)

RNAZNS (as in Renaissance Man)

I have others, but I’d rather see yours.

One last tidbit -- I like reading car tags so much, I came up with a game called TAGZ years ago that I tried selling to the toy companies. Unfortunately, most board games are just classics now. Everyone wants something electronic. I, on the other hand, just want to have a little fun. So, come on, amuse me with your vanity plates.

No Future In Frontin'

Each week I roll through blogs and see men and women telling of their hardships in love. About how they can't find anyone to love them, about how good they are but no one is willing to take them up on their love journey. Well, I'd just like to say. Stop lying, cause ain't no future in frontin'.

I have come to the conclusion that there is a reason why you aren't in the relationship you want and that reason is YOU. Everyone tries to put on this face like they are something they aren't. They present the image that attracts but they don't have the substance to maintain it and then they are mad when things don't go their way. It doesn't go your way because you were frontin. Pretending, even if for a moment, to be something you aren't.

Back in the day when I was a true player in the game, I didn't front. I was straight up with mine. And guess what. Sometimes I got what I wanted and other times I didn't, but I always was upfront about what I wanted. I didn't front. If I wanted to just "have a little fun", I said so. If I was digging the chick more than that, I said so. The only time it got sticky was when either I or the other person got more than we bargained for. But the rule to remember in that case is to never try to change the rules in the middle of the game.

Anyway, I decided I'd help some of y'all out because y'all have me rolling when I read some of your stuff. There is no need for the innuendo, just keep it real. While you are working on doing that here are some things to remember.

1. You reap what you sow. If you've been playing everyone you meet, don't think that just because you finally got a clue that you automatically get to have the love of your life.

2. Just because you are "blessed and highly favored" in the genitalia department, doesn't mean people are going to be knocking your door down, so stop advertising. At best you will end up with someone who wants a good ride out of you and then they'll dip when someone with more substance comes along.

3. How you come in is how you stay in. Think - "You can't turn a ho into a housewife." - this works for both genders.

4. You want substance...then bring substance.

5. Everybody has a past. Don't trip off theirs and they won't have a reason to trip off yours.

6. Just because you say you love them during week one doesn't mean it has to be reciprocated. Who falls that easily anyway. Some of you need to look up the word infatuation. It will save you some heartache

7. Enough with the "honey" and "baby" right off the top, that doesn't make the exchange more real.

8. Slow your roll. Try getting to know the other person with your clothes on. It's way too easy to get sexually excited, so stop putting so much weight in that department.

9. Just because they "look" good, doesn't make them good for you.

10. Be the person you are looking for. Don't expect to find the perfect mate when you are tore up from the floor up.

11. You really aren't all that. Everything doesn't have to be all about you.

12. If you are a freak, do yourself a favor and find someone who is down for your freaky self. No need in you settling for Mr. or Ms. Uptight because they fit some image you are looking to fulfill. You are just setting yourself up to be miserable down the road. --- You can find this out through conversation that doesn't lead to sex.

13. Being selfish works against the whole premise of wanting to be in a relationship. The mere fact of it being a relationship requires that you give of yourself too.

14. No goals, No Go - no one is interested in going "nowhere" with you.

15. If sex is all you have to offer, you deserve to be by yourself. It's easy to get off without having to take on extra baggage.

16. Just because you think you two make a good couple doesn't mean the other person has to agree. If you have to convince them, it's destined to fail.

17. If you want to be lazy and not put your best foot forward, they have a right not to be interested. It shouldn't be a chore to look good for a potential or existing mate.

18. Stop lying to yourself when all signs say this person is no good for you. Being single isn't as bad as you make it out to be. Don't believe me, as someone who's married.

19. Confidence is attractive.

20. Desperation is a turn off.

I could go on, but I'm sure you all would like to chime in and add to this list. The biggest thing to remember is that the law of attraction is always in effect. You attract what you put forth, so if you aren't getting anything, chances are what you are putting forth is empty and full of self.

Thanksgiving in the ATL

Hey Yo!

I'll be in the ATL from Wednesday night to Sunday morning. I'd like to holla at some of you ATL folks (Miz, Torrance, Nikki, Lit. Felonies, Jali, anybody I forgot). Where can we all meet up? Pick a place. I meant to do this last week, but the week got long. Friday evening/night is best for me. Holla at your boy.

Hold Me Accountable

You know, I have a lot of stuff I want to do in this life, but sometimes getting around to it all can be quite challenging. So, since you all come by and kick it with me on the regular. I thought I'd let you get in my business and hold me accountable on a few things.

One thing I've noticed about myself is that I don't like to disappoint. Maybe it's the little boy in me that likes acceptance, maybe I'm just better at getting things down when people are counting on me to do it, whatever it is, I've realized that when I create the right environment for myself, I'm more productive.

So here's the deal -- I was thinking about doing the 101 in 1001 , but decided I needed to put a bit more pressure on myself by shortening the period. I know the people at "101" think the 1001 days is realistic, but I know what works for me. So, I'm going to do a 365 Day Challenge and trim the list down to my top 40, that is, if I can come up with 40 things. We'll see. So in no particular order, here's my list -- I'll update periodically, because I probably can't think of 40 things for this year tonight.

1. Stop drinking soda - period - my bladder is out of control and I know drinking all that soda can't be helping -- but I like the taste and the caffeine.

2. Commit to a five day workout plan by my birthday in December - no matter what comes up in my schedule, commit to five days. The daily minimum is 1 mile (walked or ran), 36 situps (3 sets of 12), and 36 push-ups (3 sets of 12) -- this way, equipment doesn't come in to play. I can do this workout anywhere.

3. Finish the complete first draft to "Chance Encounters" by December 16th.

4. Finish the complete first draft to "Closure" by January 31st.

5. Visit my cousins in California by Summer 2008. Possibly tie that in with a visit to Cabos San Lucas Mexico (Oh yeah, I'm going back!)

6. Take my wife Christmas shopping in Chicago this year.

7. Visit my relatives in Florida in April 2008 (My Granny's birthday month).

8. Call Grandma Ruby (my late Grandfather's second wife) over Thanksgiving and for her birthday on December 17th.

9. Help my wife complete the rehab of our house by Spring, so we can either rent or sell this property and move on to the house we have been waiting to purchase.

10. Do everything in my power to have 5000 sold for Bloggers' Delight (Have you ordered your copy yet?).

11. Devote serious attention to my novel by March 1st 2008

12. Attend Book Club Convention in Atlanta, August 2008

13. Complete "Seminar" by January 1st.

14. Put invitations in the mail for PowerCell by January 1st.

15. Take my wife out at least once a month without the kids.

16. Do something with the kids away from home at least once a month.

17. Start studying Spanish using Rosetta Stone beginning no later than April 1st 2008.

18. Create a 4 yr. scholarship for a minority student who wishes to attend college.

19. Read at least one book a month (I know I could read more, but I'm serious about this list).
Must read John Edgar Wideman, James Patterson, re-read Black Boy (Richard Wright), James Baldwin, Langston Hughes (complete The Best of Simple).

20. Keep the irons sharp - take a writing class to continually improve in the craft.

21. Seriously consider membership with 100 Black Men St. Louis Chapter.

22. Support GOOD musicians by purchasing their albums. Bootleg is for busters! You'd want people to buy your work, wouldn't you?

23 - 40. ?


So, tell me, what would be on your list? Maybe you'll trigger my mind to remember something else I want to do.

It's worth it!

Sometimes in life we find ourselves at a crossroads;
a place of decision, a place of testing, a place in which
we do not know which way to turn. When we come to that place,
what do we do? Do we toss a coin? Do we rely on others
for the answer? Do we do nothing and just fall out in
the middle of the road? The answer of course is
none of the above.

When we find ourselves at that place, that is the time
to draw within and seek that small still voice for the answer.
In that voice we will find direction based on purpose.

I'm sure you've heard the term "follow the money",
well in times of decision that term may not always apply.
Following the money, may end up leading you
down the road that is ultimately a dead end.
Then there are some who might decide to take the road
which looks easiest to navigate; the path of least resistance.
While that road is smoother to travel, it may just end up
being the scenic route and take you quite some time
to get to where you want to go.

The road to take, is the one that leads you directly
to your purpose. In order to recognize this road in your
minds eye, you will need to take an honest look at yourself and
determine just exactly who you are. That's the hard part.

Lets be real, sometimes we like to lie to ourselves.
We try and convince ourselves that we are who our
parents want us to be or who our spouses desire for us to be.
At times we even try to be the person who we think everyone
will like. In reality, who we are can only be defined by our Creator.
Once we tap into that force, then and only then will we
know who we are. It is in that moment;
the moment that we decide based on purpose
and true passion that the choice becomes easy.

Just a word of warning. Once you are on the right road,
expect a few curves, even a possible flat tire. But there is one thing
you can be sure of. This road will lead you to your expected end.
When you arrive, even if you are tired and worn out you
will know that without a doubt, it was worth it.

Madder Than a Mug

Can you tell me how mad you would be if this happened to you.

Thieves steal $777,000 car as owner dines

Thieves have stolen a Maybach luxury limousine worth 530,000 euro ($777,000) while the car's owner had dinner in a Moscow restaurant, Russian media reported Wednesday.

Thieves bundled the owner's chauffeur into the back seat and threatened to kill him, the Kommersant newspaper reported. The driver was later abandoned outside Moscow's ring road.

Police said they suspected the car was stolen to order by a special gang for sale in Kazakhstan or Ukraine.

The Maybach has been adopted as the ultimate status symbol by Russia's super-rich. There are only a few dozen in Russia and this was the first case of one being stolen, the daily said.

I SEE WHY THEY STOLE IT! BUT DANG!!
They better stay gone, cause they would sho' get hurt about this car.


With a name like Mega Rich, you have to know I like cars.

It's only the beginning

"And I wonder... if you know... what it means...to find your dreams"

What a year it has been. Trust me; you don't even know the half.
It's been a long haul, but sometimes life is like that.

God is still good and he is still in the blessing business.

So, now that I've gone through the valley,

it's time to shout from the mountains,
because today I'm celebrating the release of our

new book project.

Join with me in congratulating

Saadia Ali Aschemann (Girly Girl)

Diane Dorce' (Mizrepresent)

R. Fitzgerald (Mega Rich) - ME!

April C. Hayes (Literary Felonies)

D.R. Johnson (Dave @ Wandering Ether)

Cordenia Paige (CAPcity)

Torrance Stephens (All-Mi-T @ Raw Dawg Buffalo)

Cedric Harris - Editor (Ced it Meant it)

Denea Marcel - Cover Artist (Denea)

B-Side Artist:

Mr. Ash (BygPowis)

Mr. Jones (iamrj)

Ms. McCrary (Xcentric Pryncess)

Ms. Tery (MysTery)

Mr. Smith (Don)

This project has been in the works since early this year

and is finally coming to fruition. To check out excerpts of four of

the six stories or to purchase an advanced copy

go to the Bloggers Delight Book site.

Coming into closer view

I told ya'll a while back that I was trying to find "me," well I'm coming into view. The selection I'm going to share with you, found me last year and I couldn't remember the name of it, then out of nowhere, it popped up on my Pandora Player. I felt so good, I wanted to share.

Enjoy the holiday if you are home and if you are at work like me, here is something to help you get through the day.

St. Germain everybody. If you ain't hip, now you are.

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Sensationally Saadia

Saadia has come and gone, and I had a lovely time. It was a pleasure to meet her after all these online encounters. Visiting with her was like hanging with an old friend as we chatted the evening away. Her husband, Dave, was cool as well. You can tell he loves his "Girly Girl" as he maintained a watchful yet loving eye. But I couldn't blame him -- All these elderly Doctor associates of his were ogling her at every turn. One even came in close and sniffed her while exclaiming, "You smell good!" But Saadia took it in stride. I imagine that she's used to being the girl that makes the men all pause.

Hopefully, she will share the video of her visit. In the meantime, here are some pictures.

Signing for the fans (the reading was fabulous)

Playing with Davis
(who BTW yanked open her top and flashed those present - woo hoo!)

Sell them books Girl! I'm telling you, Saadia is on her way to some amazing success.

If you haven't picked up her book lavish lines, luscious lies
I would whole heartedly recommend it.
(There is a buy link to the right of this post)
She knows how to use her gifts and it will be money well spent.

I'm happy to have her in my circle of friends and can't wait to see her again.

If you are in the area today

Saadia aka "Girly Girl"

will be at

Barnes and Noble
11952 Manchester Road
Des Peres, MO 63131

TODAY at 6pm

I plan to be there, and would love to meet anyone in the STL who blogs. I'll be easy to spot - I'll be the distractingly fly

(Sheletha's coined term) brother with the big smile.

Something to chew on

'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become *one flesh'

Despite the “Down Low” and a preponderance of sexually transmitted diseases, cheating is alive and well. And it seems that there are a range of attitudes on the subject.

What are your views on infidelity? Do you think it’s OK just because you are single? If you are married do you think it’s fine if you aren’t getting what you want out of the relationship? If you cheat when you are single or have sex for sport do you think there is a switch that gets flipped that causes that part of you to go away once you are in a “committed” relationship? If you indulge in the act, what does cheating say about the love you profess for your mate? Can the actions ever be justified?

For the record, I have cheated and been cheated on in my lifetime. For a long time I had a casual attitude toward cheating. I was always the cat who worked hard not to get caught. Always the dude who thought it was ok as long as it wasn’t done to me. Of course, I was wrong. What I didn’t realize then was that cheating shouldn’t have ever been an option if I was in love, because love doesn’t cheat and no matter what issues you may be going through, true love endures all.

So today when I found out my barber and his wife of 13 years were getting a divorce, I couldn’t believe my ears. She left him for another man, a younger man. He and his wife are both in their early forties and her new man is twenty eight. She said she had been unhappy for five years. He said he had no idea. He admitted to cheating in the past, but said this caught him totally off guard. He said despite having ever dipped on her, he would never leave.

I’ve known him and his wife for a number of years and both are attractive people, both are Christian. So, I’m wondering, what are we doing? What’s happening to our relationships? Are we talking about our issues before it’s too late or are we just doing what makes us happy?

Check your views, check your standards, and check yourself, because what you acquiesce to now, you may have to endure later.

Have you ever cheated or been cheated on? How did you feel afterwards, either instance?

Come on in the house, make yourself comfortable and let’s have a candid discussion.

Let’s start with these two thoughts:

Infidelity is the result of living unfaithfully to *oneself.

Creating an attitude of compromise regarding unfaithfulness sets the table for you to eat a meal of betrayal.

Another Diary

I was at the barber shop this weekend getting my son a haircut and this video got placed into the player. I was only able to see a small section of it, but from what I could tell it was good all the way through. The video was entitled Diary of A Tired Black Man and some of you may be able to glean some wisdom from it. It's a chance for women to hear what men are thinking, feeling, going through. Check it out. If you would like more information on how you can purchase a copy of the DVD. Click Here

Diary of a Tired Black Man.

Here's a clip on what to expect. If you take the link to their site, you will find more previews and trailers on the film. Also, here's a link to an NPR audio on the movie.

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