.....Waiting......Waiting....Waiting.....Waiting for a new job, a new direction, a new life......

Read more »

This was going to be another long drawn out complaint about my miserable job but, I think I'll take it another direction. Last week I went out shopping, bought new shoes, and scheduled a hair appointment. Why, you ask. Well, tonight is the one time a year dispatchers are recognized for our accomplishments and I made the mistake of thinking I was actually going. (silly me) I usually don't attend work functions but since Rama was being honored as the dispatcher of the year I wanted to support her. When I found out I wasn't going I was furious but not really surprised. (okay, the complaint part is almost over) Anyway.....As usual, I am stuck at work on a Saturday night at 1:10am. (Now for the good part.) Kell was allowed the night off several weeks prior to the banquet. Like me she went out shopping and bought a new outfit for night. (when you wear a uniform everyday, any occasion is a good reason to go shopping.) When Kell found out that I would not be allowed the night off, instead of enjoying a rare night off with co-workers, and leaving me alone and depressed at work she decided to come into work. How nice is that! Like me she agrees that everyone should be allowed the night of if it's actually a night for dispatcher otherwise I guess they could call it the "Staff" banquet. ( especially since staff will make up the majority of the attendees) I know this is kinda corny but it reminds me of that Dion Warwick song....you know the one that goes " Keep smiling, keep shining, knowing you can always count on me, for sure, that's what friend are for. In good times, in bad time, I'll be on your side forever more, that what friends are for." Okay enough of that.

I have not posted in quite some time...I guess I didn't have anything to say and I hate to talk (or type in this case) just to air my ideas. Nothing all that exciting has been going on. Kell and I went to a Karyoke bar in Berkeley called Shattuck Down Low We drank way too much cheap wine, sang way too many terrible songs (one was a duet), then got hustled by some pool sharks. As usual most of my drinks were free. I think that could be some type of Kell phenomenon... Anytime I go out with her my drinks are free (even coffee!... Maybe someday I'll master that trick for myself). Some drunk guy fell off his chair (almost) into my lap while singing songs from and old episode of Saturday Night Live. Kell seems to think that I need to broaden my horizons and consider dating outside of my race. I think that's great for other people however I am usually only attracted to black men....... But, you never know what the future will bring.......

Rama, her daughter and I went out for coffee, then to Lake Merritt to feed the ducks, and to a Persian restaurant in Fremont recommended by a co-worker later that evening. The food was very different but tasty. We ordered steak and chicken kabobs, and several different types of stuffed raviolli things in yogurt sauce. We sat on the floor surrounded by pillows and piged out! Very busy day after six hours of OT!

Well I guess that's all for now.

Read more »

HAPPY EASTER!!!! Have a wonderful day and remember the real reason we celebrate!

Read more »

Another (short) quick post...... Good weekend. Hung out with Vett, went mini golfing and won!Then met Vetts cousin and friend from out of town for drinks at the Claremont in Berkeley. (Quick story) When we got to the bar there were several couples swing dancing. By the end of the 3rd song only one couple was left so I guess they decided to give us a show. While doing some type of spin throw move (always a bad idea after drinking) the male half of the duo threw his partner onto the stage where the band was playing. She landed on the speaker (on her head) knocking loose the wires, silencing the music, and the entire bar. After sitting for a moment she scraped herself (and her dignity) off the floor and headed for her seat to a round of applause. After the show we played a couple games of pool then headed home. The next day I went shopping in San Jose,( I spend way to much time shopping!) planned to go to Santana Row but ended up at the mall across the street that I have discovered has every store known to man. Went to bible study, talked about atheists, the big band theory,Jews, and other topics. Several interesting viewpoints were discussed. My favorite was an analogy comparing a Swiss watch to the big bang theory , ( I know this is suppose to be a short post but I cant leave this out) It went something like this.... A Christian asks his atheist friend, "how do you believe life was formed?" The atheist replies, "there was this big bang caused by falling stars resulting in the creation of life." The Christian takes off his very expensive Swiss watch and hands it to the atheist. He then asks him, "how do you think this watch was formed?" The atheist replies " A highly trained specialist put the watch together piece by piece then gave it to someone else to add the casing and decoration." The Christian then asked "Do you think that this watch could have appeared out of thin air?" The atheist replied " Of course not! That watch has several intricate parts that only a trained professional would know how to assemble." The Christian said " So let me get this straight, You think that this watch had to have a creator but you believe that you and I appeared as a result of a large bang and the right combination of dirt?" Hopefully no further explanation in necessary. Anyway......back to the weekend, after bible study I went to dinner at LaPinata with friends. That was about it.

Read more »

This is the email I received regarding yesterdays audition:

Man, I gotta say you have a SPECTACULAR voice!!! No shit. Not only an
amazing tone, but increible control and rhythmic sense. A solid musician as well as having a great voice.
This may sound odd, but you're actually too good for this band. Even if you
held WAY back, the sound would always be your voice, not the band. You're
impossible to just sort of blend in. Does that make sense? You're such a
strong vocalist and presence.
It would be Brandy with some band backing her up. You're great.
Thank you SO much for coming in. It was a real treat to hear you sing my
music.

Overall this was a positive experience but I'm still disappointed. I guess that means back to the drawing board.......Again.

Read more »

I just wanted to let you know that I hate spelling errors, mistakes, typos, whatever you wanna call them but I just make way to many to correct so deal with it.

Read more »

......So I finally go to the doctor and what do you think happens? My long lost visitor decided to show up immediately after the appointment. Figures, but I had a great weekend anyway. Never made it shopping with Kell however we did go out for drinks, dinner, pool, and other misc. trouble. I was reminded why alcohol and boredom aren't a good combination. My guitar lesson went well. I'm learning "Beautiful Surprise" by India.arie and I don't really have much else to say about that. Vet, Rama and I had a great time at Yoshi's after shopping all day. That concludes all weekend updates.

Next on the agenda....Music!!! I think I already mentioned that I quit the band I was in for all of 2 weeks. I planned to take a break before finding another one but as usual I changed my mind. I auditioned for an alternative jazz band today. (another Craigslist find...I swear you can find anything on there!!!) The audition went very well considering that I learned 3 songs the night before I had to sing them. I really liked the band members that attended but they are in the process of auditioning several people so I guess I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed.

Let's see.....What else..... I am reading the best book!! Its called "Glorious Appearing" by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins. Its part of a ten book (I think) series about the last days and the return of Christ. I'm too sleepy to explain anymore about it. (15 min till quitting time!!!) I haven't been to the Gym in 2 weeks thanks to my wonderful work schedule but I am going to start again tomorrow....Or perhaps in a couple of days.

Read more »

I'm so excited!! For the first time in six weeks I will be off my entire weekend!!! No overtime!!!!!! Wednesday, I have a guitar lesson scheduled, then Kell and I are going shopping and to a jazz club/bar/restaurant called Kelly's in Alameda for dinner and drinks. Thursday Rama, her daughter, and I are going (yep you guessed it!) shopping again. Then to Yoshi's for more jazz, sushi, and sake, and to see Regina Carter play her violin. Did I mention I like jazz? I hope to somehow sneak a few cat naps in between activities. Well that's it for now. See ya.

Read more »

I hate going to the doctor and since I'm rarely sick that's usually not an issue. Unfortunately, I have a little problem that doesn't seem to want to correct itself so off to the doctor I go. (I'll warn you. If you don't like hearing about female issue stop reading right now.) My monthly (unwelcome) visitor usually comes into town right on schedule however, it seems to be on a 2 month... and counting... hiatus. I guess my first concern should be the big "P" word but since I don't have sex or let me correct that, I can't remember the last time I did, I don't thinks that's the problem. (Quick explanation: I believe that God made all of his commandments and rules because he loves us and wants us to be happy therefore I don't allow myself the option of picking and choosing which ones to obey or ignore. Plus experience has shown me that following his commandments makes life so much more peaceful. That being said, I obviously have broken quite a few of those rules but God if very forgiving otherwise he would have struck me down with a bolt of lighting by now!! :-) Perhaps its menopause but I don't think that happens in your twenties. I have been working out quite a bit but in the past exercise has not affected my schedule. So I guess that means I don't have a clue why it's been gone so long but I guess I'll find out on Wednesday.

Read more »

OKAY.....So I think I might have some type of online quiz addiction. Most of the ones I have taken tonight have been pretty stupid but this one is hysterical!!!! It's called "What kind of weirdo are you?





what sort of weirdo are you?

this quiz by orsa

I promise, this is the last one.

Read more »

THIS IS WHAT MY NAME MEANS:

Brandy, a 2-syllable girl's name of Dutch origin, means: A fiery spirit distilled from wine.

Elise, a 2-syllable girl's name of French origin, means: Consecrated; Gods oath.

I FOUND IT AT THIS WEBSITE.

Read more »

Not much to say today, weekend was too short, slept a lot, saw Starsky and Hutch, pretty funny, went to bible study, had really bad gas!, tried not to let it out but everyone heard it anyway, (still do actually and Kelly seems to be monitoring my bathroom habits) not sure why, guess I'll have to research that, Get off on time tonight (3am) whoo-hoo, I am starving!!!, Going to breakfast with Kelly at Merritt Bakery to celebrate working together again for the next six month. If one more person tells me to leave because I'm not happy here I'm gonna loose it!!!!, Don't say you weren't warned when it happens. Guess that about it. Oh yeah, Kelly tell Herme I said hi!!!!

Read more »

It's 3:46am and I am Sssssoooo SSSSSlllleeeeeppppyyyy!!!! I'm in my usual spot (my desk at work) with 1 hours 14 minutes, 30 seconds to go, trying to decide if I will be going to the gym when I get off. I have been exposed to a whole new element of people who work out daily. There is the ridiculously muscular man who never seems to leave. I think he may actually live there! Then we have the elderly fellow who wears a white wife beater (tank top) and grey spandex pants that expose ALL of his business ( if you know what I mean). In 2 months of consistent work outs I have yet to see him in a different outfit. Next on the line-up we have the 80 Lbs (when soaking wet) female who prances from machine to machine and stays on just long enough to not break a sweat then, its on to the next one. I guess we will call her "The Gym Bunny". If I were a betting women I would bet that her last 15 dates were people she met at the gym. There is also and elderly female who works out on the weekends. I think she and the elderly gentleman have some type of side relationship going on but I don't have any proof of that just yet. At exactly 5:45 each morning she walks out of the women's locker room with a determined look in her eye, wearing a large tank top (no bra) and a pair of very large dingy white underwear (you know, the old lady kind that also expose all of her business). She walks the same path everyday, around the treadmills, past the sit up bench, past the weight machines to the scale located exactly in the center of the room. She weighs herself, then returns to the locker room using the same path. Never to the right, or the left, always the same path. I guess the scale in the locker room just isn't good enough for her. For the life of me I can't figure out why no one has said anything to her but I guess if I live that long I'm gonna do whatever the hell I wanna do too. Next we have the farting fellow. He only shows up about once a week but when he does it always a gas! (He-HE!) He has a special talent for finding me no matter where I am in the gym and when he does the fun begins. Since I spend so much time on the treadmill I'm usually pretty easy to spot. He starts walking on the treadmill (next to me of course) then around the 5th minute of exercise the farting begins. First quietly, then louder, then the laughing begins. He seems to find himself quite amusing and laughs throughout his entire workout. I am convinced that he waits until I have invested too much time in my workout to relocate myself then, he moves in for the kill. I swear, this world get weirder and weirder everyday. But, I guess I will go to the gym when I get off work. Wouldn't want to miss all the entertainment!!! TTFN

Read more »

...I know, I know, long time no post....Sorry, but I have a really good reason. Tomorrow will end my marathon 6 day (60 hour) work week and I have been so tired!!! (Luckily I got to work with Rama and Rosa so it wasn't that bad) Anyway this is not going to be a whinny post so on to more pleasant topics. Let see....Where shall I start? Well, I have been quite busy during the last couple of weeks. I went to Dawn's going away party and met a group of very interesting people. Most of us were in our late 20's, single, with no kids. It seems that the late 20's are a time of change and transition for all of us. Everyone was, or is in the process of making career and life changes. Dawn, is moving to LA to become an actress. Vette, (brave girl!)has been working for the same company in the marketing department for several years and has decided to quit her job, go back to school, and actively pursuit her music goals. Bethy, quit her job and is starting a non-profit organization for teenage girls self esteem issues. Everyone else in attendance had equally interesting story's. I'm not really sure where I'm headed but I know a major change is coming and it will include music.

I have been reconsidering buying a home so I went and talked to a mortgage lender. I didn't like him because he was very condescending. He told me that I would qualify for a 100% financing loan however I would still need to come up with $10,000 in closing fees. (ouch!) He also suggested that I pay off a couple more credit cards before moving. I guess that means that in about 6 months (the amount of time it should take me to pay them off) I will either be a home owner or close to debt free!!! Now I need to decide if I want the responsibility of a house or the flexibility and freedom of being able to move at any time. (or being able work at a job where I make less money). Decision, decisions, decisions.......

In other news, I took a trip out to Sacramento and spent a few day with Karran. We went to a Karyoke bar (lots of fun!) and hung out around the house. It was a nice break from my usual surroundings. While there I sang her one of the songs I wrote and she loved it. She loved it so much that she asked me to sing it several times before leaving the next day. Still, it was nice to be appreciated. Guitar lesson have been going very well. I guess all the practicing has been paying off. I just found out that my teacher is going to be moving to San Francisco and I have to decide if I'm going to follow or find a new teacher. I'm leaning towards a new teacher but I'll keep you posted. Guess that's it for now.

Read more »

NEXT POST........Dawn's party, New house, New goals, New job, new song.

Read more »

CALL 1

ME: 911 What's your emergency?

Caller: (background noise and cussing)My neighbor is stuck on the toilet again?

ME: Excuse me?

Caller: My neighbor is stuck on the toilet again...But this time he is backwards.

ME: Backwards, Can you explain how he got stuck backwards?

Caller: Oh, I don't know but he is wedged in there and we cant pull him out? Can you just send up some help!

ME: Okay, just try to stay calm and I'll get you the fire department.
(end call)


CALL 2
(I didn't actually take this call, a co-worker did so this is my interpretation of what happened!)

Dispatcher: 911 what's your emergency.

Caller: (Heavy breathing) Ma'am I need some help!

Dispatcher: What's wrong sir?

Caller: Well.....you see....It done swole up.

Dispatcher: What swole up sir?

Caller: My Sc.....m (mumbled unintelligible word)

Dispatcher: I don't understand .....What is the problem?

Caller: My sc....m done swole up again, its the size of an orange

Dispatcher: What!?

Caller: (yelling) MY SCROTUM that is S-C-R-O- tum, understand!!! Do you think I need to get it checked?

Dispatcher: (Holding back a laugh) Well sir, that's up to you but I'll go ahead and send you and ambulance.
(end call)

Since I seem to be loosing my memory I have decided to document some of the especially odd calls I take. These 2 are pretty tame compared to some of the others so I guess the are okay to post.

Read more »

WHICH BIOLOGICAL MOLECULE ARE YOU?

I AM A PHEROMONE

You are a pheromone. You are seductive and you know
what you want. You have something about you
that permeates the air and draws people to you.
You can get what you want almost without fail,
like some of the sexiest moths out there.


Which Biological Molecule Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

WHAT ARE YOU?

Read more »

.......After further consideration I have decided to officially quit the band. I figure, I have so little free time now, why spend it working on music I don't even like. So...That's,that. I guess its back to the drawing board.

This weekend I went to see Barber Shop (by myself! Can you believe it?!) Anyway, the movie was hysterical and I think I might go see it again. I also took advantage of a birthday present from Rama (a massage gift certificate) and got a wonderful massage at Pampered man Pampered woman in downtown Oakland near the lake. The owner was friendly, (not pretentious or strange like most of the other spas I have been too) the atmosphere was peaceful, and the masseuse was great. I think Im going to make that a regular habit. I decided to skip my guitar lesson and forgot that I would still have to pay for it. Ugghhh! Now I have to pay $70 for my next lesson and find time to make up for all of the practicing I've missed. I also replaced my missing hubcap and FINALLY got my car washed!! After 9 months without a bath it looked pretty pathetic.

I had Friday night off thanks to a training class. Steve and I went to Kincaids for drinks, then to Dave and Buster's to play pool but after eating dinner (they have the best Catfish!!) we got sleepy and decided to go home. Well, I"m actually starting to bore myself now so I guess I'll go.

Read more »

Just when I think I've finally figured out what I want, what I want changes. I was totally convinced that I wanted to be in a band but after last nights practice I'm not so sure. The first practice was....well....I guess you could call it interesting. After and awkward group introduction I was handed a microphone and asked to sing whatever came to mind while they played. While I don't mind being put on the spot and asked to come up with a melody, lyrics are another story. After about 15 minutes they decided to change songs. This pattern continued for about 1 1/2 hours. I decided that it was pointless for me to continue singing (plus my voice was gone, I really need to take voice lessons if I am going to continue doing this) so I asked for a copy of the practice CD and left. I don't know if that was the best decision to make during my first meeting with them... Anyway, later I had a drink with Steve and called it a night. So what do I want now? I think I would like to be in a Jazz trio but, I'm sure I'll change my mind about that too....

Read more »

Okay quick post.......I have 15 minutes till I get off work so here goes..... Weekend plans are: Rewrite 2 of the songs that my band is going to be performing, (Oh, forgot to tell ya, I decided to stay in the band and try to work around my crappy schedule) learn 2 more songs that don't need to be rewritten, go to my guitar lesson that I am tempted to cancel since I haven't been practicing this week (all that OT takes up my free time) go to my first band rehearsal and meet everyone, work OT on Thursday (no surprise there), hang out with Josh, and perhaps at some point get some rest. Oh yeah, all that working out is starting to pay off I lost 7 pounds. Whoo-Hoo!!! Look out Beyonce!! Here I come...... Just kidding :-)

Read more »