Happy New Year

I know this is a new year, and everyone has the big resolutions, to change parts of there lives. Hahahaha, I laugh only because nine times out of ten, those big lists don't work. However, I don't want to bring anyone down, you can change. My big thing is if you are going to make a change, why wait until the New Year? Just do the damn the thing, when you decide you don't like whatever it is that you are doing! That is why this year, my New Years Resolution began, whenever, I wanted to do or change something in my life. Everyone laughed at me as I went to the gym the day before, the day before that, and New Years Day. "Just wait until the New Year, it is the holidays enjoy it"! Yes, I agree, and I will enjoy the holidays, but I'm serious about gaining 10 more pounds of muscle, so I begin now. I also feel like, the New Year began for me, when the tour closed. I had a long list of things I wanted to do, and change, when I got to New York City. I went out and began that journey, and am now doing it! Yes, I can say it is a new year, and it is 2010, but my changes, happen all year around. Why wait? Procrastinate, and never do anything I set forth to doing. Yes I am human, and I do fail at things I set forth to do, (Such as learning Spanish.UGH)and when I fail, I pray, and just try all over again! "If at first you don't succeed, dust yourself off and try again". Such is life as a man on the planet we call Earth! Nevertheless, good luck my friends on your resolutions, and may all your dreams come true in 2010!

The Princess and The Frog

So many African Americans went to this movie, and blogged/complained about this short beautiful tale. African American Adults wanted so much out of this movie, because it is the first African American Princess. I hesitated on writing my blog entry, because I didn't want to be an adult male as the reviewer. I wanted this review to come from my nieces, who this movie is for, young African American children. Sorry you adults, your opinion (in my opinion) IS NOT VALID!!!!!!!

My nieces, danced in there seats, sang some of the songs (off key) and loved every moment of this tale! To quote my oldest niece at eight years old Diamond-Jay said "Tiana is so beautiful, and she looks like me"! "I want to be her, this halloween"! My smallest niece I must admit did fidget a bit, but fell in love with this tale as well! She laughed hard at the jokes, and smiled the biggest smile ever. They even had there dorky uncle James dancing along with them in my seat! They got to see themselves represented on screen, in a beautiful disney tale, that even uncle James can't wait to own. I even cried some tears of joy at the end of the piece, OK OK, I am a big old sap! I will admit though my one niece did say "Alvin and The Chipmunks the sequel was better, but she still loves Tiana"! Well, there you have it folks, no matter what people say, the Kids loved the movie! Who cares what the adults think, because it really isn't for them anyway!

My Job As Santa!

I went down stairs to help put all the toys under the tree, for my spoiled, cute, intelligent, beautiful, nieces. However, I ended up sitting there, because my sister had it all arranged in her head, and wanted to do it herself. Like the peanut gallery, I sat and commented on every present/toy, that went under the tree. Watching the placement, as my sister, meticulously placed everything in it's proper position. I thought about the story I told my nieces, about, getting a piece of black coal for Christmas, if they were bad this year! Telling them that Santa only brings toys to good kids. Watching how scared they were, before they went to bed, made me laugh, and was priceless. I know, BAD UNCLE!!!!!! I'm excited about the early a.m., and watching there beautiful faces light up, as they run to the tree! OOOO, how can I forget the whole reason for this blog entry. I had one job, and that was to take a bite of the Cookie, and drink some of the milk, they left for Santa. I hope I did a good job, it was tough, cause that cookie was good, and I almost ate the whole thing!

HOME

When i think of home, I think of a place, where there is love over flowing! That is such an amazing first sentence, I wish I actually wrote it, and it wasn't lyrics from "The Wiz"! I am home right now in Pittsburgh, and smiling from ear to ear! My nieces, my dog, my family, the big old Christmas tree, the presents under the tree! The smell of the Pittsburgh air, the cars covered in snow! I love coming home, as I never had a chance to be home for the holidays, in over eight years. I am always working on Christmas, but this year, I am unemployed, and taking advantage of my family! I probably won't blog as much this week my blog family, as I am going to enjoy this holiday week, eating, no gym, no stress, no blogs, just me and my family! I wish all of you bloggers that read my blog, a Happy Holidays!

Much Love

J.R.

Homeless v.s. Bum v.s. Wine Head!

How do you tell the difference between a homeless person, a bum, or a wine head? I have a serious problem with this, because you see I want to give to the world, and those in need! However I don't want to support a drug habit or someone who won't use the money for the right reasons! I gave up recently on giving to the people on the train or the streets. I felt so guilty lately saying no, when I'm blessed with so much! I'm like the Rosie O'donnell of the world, well, the poor version, and want to give, give, and give until no one is out on the streets. I wish there was a way to tell if your money is going for good or not? Back in the day I loved the people standing with the gimmick signs "Give Me a Dollar For Some Weed" signs! This would make me laugh, and I would think at least they are being honest! I would give them money, now I despise there honesty, because GO GET HELP, AND MAYBE YOU CAN GET OFF THESE STREETS! Or was this just a gimmick to get money for other things, like food....UGH!!!!!

My guilt is getting bad, but I'm learning to deal with it! Yesterday GOD knew I was feeling bad, and decided to step in and help me a little. I was ordering Chinese food from the corner Chinese restaurant! A homeless man looked at me in my eyes and pointed at me! I said "me" he nodded "yes". He put his head in the door and said "sorry sir, but I'm hungry, will you order me four chicken wings"! A big smile came over my face, and I said "Of course, come on in"! He said to me "Is this too much to ask for, can you afford it, I will just take an egg roll, if you can't afford the wings"!? I smiled even bigger "No, I can afford it"! Now this is the kind of a man, that I knew definitely didn't want alcohol or drugs! He was actually really hungry, and asked, exactly for what he wanted. I gave him more of course, four wings, shrimp fried rice, and an egg roll! Thank GOD for stepping in, and letting me help someone who looked so happy, and blessed by my actions! I watched a little as he tore through that food and finally said "Happy Holidays, and thank you so much sir, mmmmmm, this is so good"!

Movie Suggestions

I have been to a ton of movies in the last two weeks, because this is my favorite season for the movies. I'm hardly even finished, with my movie going! With The Golden Globes, The SAG Awards, and Oscars around the corner, I have to see as much as possible. Now is the time when all of the no frills, great acting, movies are released. I go to the gym, and when i come out, I walk down to the movies! Here are some of my movie thoughts, thus, far:

The Brothers

Jake Gyllenhaal, and Toby Mcquire are superb actors, and there performances are worth seeing! However, the movie itself is not so good. All the best parts of the movie you see on the previews, which I hate when they give to much away. The ending of the movie for me, was very disappointing! I thought to myself "is this it"? There is a new star in our midst in this movie, and her name is Bailee Madison. This little girl is the new child actress of our future, and she does some beautiful work in this flick!

Everybody Fine

I said, when I saw the previews for this movie, that I would rent it. It did not look that interesting to me. Why did I leave this movie filled with tears, and loving this simple story. It was so beautiful and Robert De Niro is brilliant as always. Such a tender role, and his mannerism was so familiar to me. I know this lonely old guy, and his performance was so touching! Such a sweet beautiful movie!

Precious

Well you know I already talked about Precious, and you have to know that this is the best movie of this year, hands down. I don't know if anything will touch this movie for me, but the race is still on! Monique's performance alone is worth more than the twelve dollars and fifty cents you pay in New York City for a movie! This movie is so heart wrenching, and you have to go with your Kleenex box ready at your arm at all times.

A Single Man

One of the most beautiful movies that I have ever seen, However, so dark, but simple and pure. Colin Firth gives a gorgeous performance! The supporting actors in it, are all super models in there looks, but so talented. The style and mood of the film is so artsy, and I enjoyed the feeling of the direction. I can't forget one of the best actresses who has been robbed in years to past, of an Oscar, (Being Julia) in my opinion Mrs. Julianne Moore! Her performance is stellar as well!

An Education

A must see at the movie theaters. I loved this tale, and all the performances were astounding! There is nothing more to say but go see this movie!

Up In The Air

I didn't care, and critics love this movie! People are obsessed, and it got nominated for so many awards already. I was bored, I found myself checking my facebook during this movie! Looking into space, wondering when it was going to end. I predicted most of the movie actually! BORING!!!! I can see how people find this movie interesting, but an award winner???? Hmmm, maybe it is just me, but I have to pass. George Clooney was great as always! I hated Anna Kendrick in this movie, and found her acting to be so NOT honest!!!!!! She could have made some of the funny choices she made, and it would have been better, if she believed them! HIDEOUS! On a happy note Vera Farmiga was so amazing and captivating on screen. Go see this movie at your own risk, I predict many awards for it, but I will be watching in disappointment!

Christmas at The White House A Surprise Revelation for me!

Joining Oprah and the first family through the beautiful White House, was an amazing experience for me. First of all, I'm in love with there dog Bo, and wanted him for myself asap! He was the sweetest dog, I had ever seen. The house was really beautiful, and I couldn't even imagine, living in that house at the holidays! How could you not be in the Christmas spirit every single day? A warm fuzzy feeling, grazed my body as I watched this stunning special on t.v. The interesting thing about the interview with the Obama family, was that I felt like I was watching my Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, or somebody I knew on the screen. There mannerisms, they way they spoke, there sense of humor. I know this sounds cliche, but now I understand more than ever, how important having the first family being an African American family, is to "us" as a culture. As you know, I never dreamed of this happening, and I'm all about may the best man or women win. I always knew that this was a special event, but the Christmas Special sent me over the edge. Wow, I can relate, to that person up there. If he can do it, so can my kids, cousins or any of my family members! The impossible dream, is now not so impossible anymore. Is this how Caucasians felt for years? Is this the feeling that was probably taken for granted? WOW, is this why Caucasian people felt relaxed in today's society? They got to sit at the most powerful seat for years, and also never felt like they couldn't reach and have what ever they wanted out of this life? This door has opened up for me, and I'm always one to try and break down a door! I'm glad I'm strong, but blessed to know that other young African Americans are watching, and feeling the exact same way! My wish now is that, other cultures: Latino Americans, Asian Americans etc. get to have the same feeling I'm having now someday!