Summertime Fun: It's only the beginning!

 Allison, Angela and Jamila at the Black Expo concert

Houston has so much to offer. This past weekend, I enjoyed the activities of the 10th Annual Texas Black Expo. On Friday night, there was a 80s and 90s old school party with good music and a nice crowd. My friend Gigi and I had a great time dancing to our favorite hits. On Saturday, I went to the expo as it included a health fair with free screenings, a diva dialogue with radio personality Sybil Wilkes, a hair show, beauty pavilion and over 200 vendors. The main event Saturday evening was the Doug E Fresh and Mint Condition concert at Discovery Green which is an outdoor park. I met up with friends Rhonda, Jamila, Gigi and Allison.

I think Doug E Fresh may have sang two of his songs but mainly he had us reminiscing about growing up in the 70s and 80s talking about the music we listened to, the shows we watched and the things we did. Doug E Fresh is from New York but he had the same experiences I did growing up in Alabama. It was just good, pure fun and everyone was into it dancing and singing along with the various songs they played.

On Sunday, I went back to the expo because my friend Tracie was doing a African dance fitness demonstration and I have always wanted to go to one of her classes. My friend Michelle joined me for the fun. I did not realize it was a participatory dance so when Tracie called me out, I had to take off my shoes and join in on the lesson. It was quite enjoyable.

My Summertime fun is just beginning but something tells me it will only get better and better. Here's to a fun and exciting summer!

Happy Father's Day Dad!

It is a blessing to have both parents healthy and living a good life. It is great that we have days like this to recognize dads who took on the role of being a great father.  I guess growing up I have been told I was bit of a spoiled one but I will plead the fifth on that. :) I remember as a child one birthday I wanted a snoopy snow cone machine. I must have been about 8 years old and dad told me he was not getting that thing, LOL. As a child, I always had what I needed but I tell you I wanted that machine. My birthday came and I opened my presents, had a nice cake but I was still sad because the one gift I wanted I did not get. Well wouldn't you know, when dad came home from work, he had that snoopy snow cone machine in hand. My life was complete. I could not imagine life getting much better. In my 8 year old world, I had it all.

About a year before I went on the Price is Right. I told my dad I wanted a new car. I told him I did not know how or when, but I was going to win one. Dad just said yes I believe you will win it too. Well we know the rest of the story, a year later I was riding in my new car courtesy of the Price. That is the thing with dad and mom, all my life I was always encouraged to follow my dreams and whatever I set my mind to, I could do. College, law school, game shows, jobs, etc. everything I did, I knew I would succeed at it because when I consulted mom and dad, not once did they say you can't do that or don't do this or that. They always just cheered me on and believed like I did that whatever I worked hard for and believed in, I could accomplish. 

People do not realize the power of positive thinking and support in life. I have a wonderful life because I was destined to have one. My attitude and way of living is a direct reflection of how I was raised. So on this day I thank Dad and Mom because you cannot mention one without the other. They are two peas in a pod. 

Memorial Day Weekend Fun

I love living in Houston. There are so many fun things to do no matter what your taste. I for one love a good live show. Saturday night I attended the Dancing in the Streets Motown Revue at Miller Outdoor Theater. I started that day early that morning trying to get tickets. After an hour wait, the tickets were gone but I had fun nevertheless standing in line with other eager folks.

I returned that afternoon and saw someone I was in line with previously who let me sit in line with her. They always release all seats five minutes before the show so we were able to get good seats. We were entertained for 2.5 hours listening to great R&B classics like songs by Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, the Temptations and more.

However the highlight of my Memorial Weekend came Sunday night when I attended the Memorial Day Weekend fest with my friend and classmate Rhonda. We were right up front on the first row. The lineup consisted of After 7 in which Rhonda and I got a rose from them. Then EnVogue, Joe and the headliners Heads of State ie Ralph Tresvant, Bobby Brown and Johnny Gill.

The show was great and at one point after some prompting from Rhonda, I sashayed myself over to Ralph so he could sing to me. He took my hand as he sang one of my favorites, Sensitivity. Then he came down to eye level and continued to sing. For someone who was acting shy I was into it at that point singing with him and dancing along and gazing into those brown eyes of his. Some other girls wanted to get in on the action so I let his hand go so he could spread it around.

However, before I knew it, he had sat down on the stage and put his arm around me and we were posing for Rhonda. I do not know what happened to those other girls. LOL They just disappeared and I felt like I was the only one there. Yes, I was having a moment but that is what happens when you get RIZZMATIZED. Gotta love Rizz, he never disappoints and might I add he smelled too good.

Ralph singing Sensitivity and me in amazement.

As if I didn't get enough, had to get a picture backstage too.