I Was Wrong...

A&M does not suck...well yes they do...but not as much as AT&T!

Does stuff like this only happen to me?



Do you still have a home phone? Or are you a cell phone only household? I have both, but right now ATT is getting on my last nerve. I used them in the past, was disappointed, and switched back to sbc. However, sbc is no more, and I was forced to be an ATT customer again. I set up an electronic payment (one time only), but they have somehow debited my account 3 times for this one transaction. My account balance with them is in the positive meaning I have over paid yet they still re-submitted the payment to my bank again today. When I go online to check my account with them it shows a positive balance, and the 3 reps I spoke with today alone confirmed. The first manager I talked to today said it was my bank's error. Please...I use to work for the bank...they do not resubmit payments unless the merchants resubmits. I finally spoke with a Manager who at least listened and understood what I had been trying to convey for my past 5 phone calls. However, she had to escalate my issue to another department, who is going to research it and call me back. During this process I have been trying to submit a formal complaint, however, ATT does not have a general support email address...nor do they publicize an address for sending complaints. It took me 3 days just to find someone in that company that would listen to my problem. I already have my complaints typed up to send to the local news stations, newspapers, and the attorney's general office. Nothing may come of it...but I am going forward anyway. I have held on to my LAN line because I don't need err' body having access to me. I don't want to use it for business purposes, and I even have acquaintances that I would just rather not give my cell phone too. I am thinking about switching providers, but w/o ATT in my area that pretty much just leaves Time Warner. I don't have cable TV, but I just might have to get cable phone service.

See What’s New at The Cocoa Lounge.

Strike A Pose

Ok. I have not been a fan of the past few cycles of ANTM and I could really care less who wins. Until last night, I thought that Caridee should win. However, Amanda will probably win it, but I may be wrong. Melrose (with her ugly non-model looking self) also has a chance of pulling out a V in this one. However, this post is about giving Eugena big props. I just knew she would be sent home packing a while back, but she has really stepped things up here towards the end. It seems that her personality is being questioned, however, she is the only one left standing that actually looks, walks, and carries herself like a Model. Not too mention her last portfolio picture is the bizness…she worked it. Tyra even had to admit that the below pose is not one she would be able to pull off. And I am too made at Miss Jay, talking about that looks like him. If I was Eugena I would have been giving “her” all kinds of evil eyes while chanting my root in my head. But I do agree with Miss Jay, this photo is fierce!

A&M Sucks!

Yeah, the aggies may have won this battle...but the Longhorns always come out on top. Streaks are made to be broken, I guess it will be another six years before they come close to beating us again. You know the biggest thing I hate about loosing...No, it's not missing out on the chance to repeat as Big 12 champs...and, no it's not the fact that we have to settle for some sub par bowl...I hate the fact that we lost to the classless Aggies. Did you see that late hit 91 put on McCoy, just uncalled for and classless. He got ejected from the game, but the game was pretty much over at that point. I wish there was a rule on the books that allowed someone to go in the locker room and kick his azz for that one. Oh well, another year, another sad football season for me. I know we'll have our day again, but not with Greg Davis at the helm of our offense.

Hook'em

and

The Aggies Still Suck!

Thanksgiving Ramblings...

Oh Boy. The holidays have begun to become a stressful time period for me. I don’t know what it is, but I always feel like a chicken running around with its head cut off around this time of year. Go get this, go do that. There are not enough hours in the day. My parents are coming into town, and I just learned that I might have to go pick them up (meaning I will also have to take them back). I don’t know mama…you might need to rent a car (but then it’s her birthday, so maybe I just need to do whatever she wants me to). I took vacation for Wednesday so I could sit back and relax before I start slaving in the kitchen. I have done most of my shopping for Thanksgiving dinner, but I still have some last minute items to pick up…I always like to wait to get the produce. My sister is buying the Turkey (already smoked) and the ham (which I will probably cook). I love my family, and I enjoy cooking…but it’s something about staying up all night on Wednesday so we can eat Turkey the next day. But on the other hand…I will get great joy and satisfaction from cooking a scrumptious meal for my family to enjoy. I guess it’s only fair. I’m complaining and this is only my second year to cook Thanksgiving dinner…my mother did it for many years and not one complaint.

Here’s our Thanksgiving menu:

Smoked Turkey
Ham
Cornbread Dressing
Macaroni and Cheese
Broccoli, Cheese, and Rice Casserole
Yams
Mashed Potatoes
Greens
Corn on the Cob
Yeast Rolls

For Desert:

Peach Cobbler
Pecan Cheesecake (maybe)
Lemon Cake
Sweet Potato Pie


I am cooking everything, but the Turkey (already cooked, just needs to be heated), yams, and sweet potato pie. Oh yeah, my sister is going to cook the greens too. So, I guess it’s not that bad after all. But you know that hard work is well worth it…even if it’s just for one day. I have a lot to be thankful for, and I guess the most important thing is not to loose sight of this holiday. I guess my sister does not refer to me as “Bah-humbug” for nothing. So I will try to stop complaining, and be thankful that I have a family to cook for.

Tis the Season...

Hmmm...

I would say I don't usually go for older men. And by older I mean any man born in the same decade as my father. However, there is something about Herman Edwards. This man is sexy as all get out. I was watching the commercial with him running on the treadmill. Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm. That's all I could say. If I ever meet an older gentleman that looks like this, I will seriously have to reconsider my policy in regards to dating older men.

Texas Fight...

Well not has hard as we should have. Were they trying to kill me? I don't think my blood pressure has ever been so high. Yeah Mack you finally show some balls, but it was not needed. It was the first drive of the game, and you got our QB hurt. Just Great. I am quite sure that The Burnt Orange Nation are going to start calling for your job again. You know we are not all that fond of him to begin with.

Ok...the Big 12 has the worst officials in the NCAA (behind the PAC 10) that was not a first down. With 44 sec's to go...K-State was short, way short, but the officiala give them the spot. WTF! I can take a loss (well not really) but this is some straight bull shit! Now K-State is going into the Victory formation. Why does every one love to Hate Texas? Oh I forgot, because we got it like that.

Our QB may have went down, but we played like crap the first half. We got our selves back into the game in the 2nd half, but it was just not enough.

I have to give it up to Michael Griffin...he played his azz off as usual. But the rest of the secondary was asleep on their jobs.

Oh well, so much for a possible Ohio State Re-match. But I"m cheering for Michigan anyway.

I'm dissapointed in tonights outcome, but I'm a ride or die fan. I will probably go home sing The Eyes of Texas and cry. (I'm just kidding...then again maybe not). If we had to loose I would rather it be this week...hopefully that will only motivate us more in the upcoming A&M game. This loss will be a distant memory once we whoop up on those Aggies. Now if we can take care of business against A&M, that will get us to the Big 12 Championship game, and possibly the Fiesta Bowl.

Hook'em

R.I.P Gerald Levert

I am still trying to absorb this. Especially so soon after Ed Bradely's death. I love this song, and this rendition by Marsha Amrosia and the Late Great Gerald Levert is one of my favorite vocal performances.

Drama at the Polls...

I had some drama at the poll election night. I was noted as a 'suspended' voter. When I in my nice nasty tone asked "Why?" , the little elderly lady told me "We sent you a card, and it was returned insufficient address". When I looked at the address they had listed, not only was it wrong, but they had me in an apartment that does not even exist in my complex. The street address was correct, they just had the apartment number wrong. I have lived at my present address for the past 6 years, I usually vote early, however, I have voted at my precincts polling station for at least 4 elections. I nicely let them know, that I might be able to understand the confusion had I moved since the last elections, however, that is not the case. They polling station judge came over they explained the situation, and he told them to have my fill out an address verification card...then proceeding to show me some rule book that stated if the address on the verification form is different from the one they have listed on the registry they would have to call the Call Center to determine my eligibility. The little old ladies then said “The problem is, we have not been able to get through to the call center”. I then said “If I can’t vote tonight, we are going to have a problem”. I went to vote after work so it was already 6pm. I reiterated the fact that I have not moved in the past 6 years, and I just voted at this same precinct in the last election. The judge then looked at the address on my verification card, and realized that it actually did not matter because the street address were both the same, the apartment number is what was different, and he said that was probably due to a data entry error on their end. He then told the little old ladies to qualify me and let me vote.

See I am not one of those to go quietly, but just think of how many people can be intimidated or easily discouraged in these situation. I’m the sister girl that would have called all the news stations, wrote to the local paper, contacted elected officials, contacted the local chapter of the NAACP, sent an email to Jessie…I’m just saying.

But it all worked out for the good. I was happily and proudly able to cast my vote.

Chance for a $500 Shopping Spree

Steve Madden, Betsey Johnson...if these names mean anything to you click here.

My Starting Line-Up

The NBA regular season is officially underway. Although I do not get as hype about the start of basketball season as I do when August arrives, there are a few NBA men that I don’t mind seeing plenty of. If I had to put together a dream consisting of my favorite current NBA players…I would have to choose these five men. My decision is not solely based upon their hard court skills.


1. Allen Iverson

I have been an AI fan since 1993. If I truly believed in soul mates, I would say that “The Answer” is mine.

2. Chris Webber

The second sixer to make the line-up, stole my heart as a member of the Michigan’s “Fab Five”. I’m a sucker for a chocolate brother with a nice smile...and a bald head.

3. Kobe Bryant

I will probably get some flack for this one but I don’t care. I still think this man is sexy as hell




4. Ray Allen

I think this Supersonic is a Supercutie.




5. Alonzo Mourning

Those arms, that chest, that smile (I know he is not smiling here)…what else needs to be said.

Lets Chill- Guy

I'm just feeling a little nostalgic. This is the kind of stuff I listen to to unwind.

Pretty Fly for a White Guy...

Or at least that’s what my co-worker thinks. Is he fly…hell to the naw. But I don’t want to piss on his rose garden. He thinks Kelis is hot, but not Mrs. Nassir Jones, he likes the big yellow and pink wig, slightly chunky, “ I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW", Kelis. Just for that I got to give him one cool point. But then he negates that by saying that Kriss Kross was the best rap group ever and commences to sing “I’m the miggity, miggity, miggity, mack daddy...”. Boo for that one, he is now at a -20 cool points.

Also, I had to let him know that watching ‘Trois 2 Pandora’s Box' does not make you down. That is not a reknown black film, I have never seen it, nor do I ever want to see it. You loose another cool point or two for that one. On the other hand, he did see ‘Akeelah and the Bee’ before me, and informed me that it was a must see. I must agree with him on that one, so I’ll give him 5 cool points back.

Last week, he told me that he planed to go sip on some sy-surp after work, and asked if I would like to join him. I had to decline his offer. He then informed me that he would go home, sip on some sy-surp, and visit blackplanet.com. He wants to get a profile on black planet, but he’s afraid of being rejected. I told him, that somewhere out there, there is a black chick that is into skinny, nerdy, white guys…Just don’t try to force her to watch Trois 2, or listen to Kriss Kross.

Oh yeah...and I forgot to mention he is obsessed with Paul Wall. When I showed him a picture of Paul Wall and his wife, he asked me "How did a guy like him, get a girl like that?" LMAO. He went and bought Paul Wall's 'The People's Champ' cd the next day.

"Humping fast that ain't gone go..."

H-Town - They Like It Slow

Do yall remember this joint. OMG this takes me back.

And fellas, you know that you used to practice that dance in the mirror, LOL.

RIP Dino.

Have you heard of this brand?

I came across this ad for PZI Jeans while browsing the next. I had never heard of the brand, but apparently it is made for those sexy mamas like me. There tagline reads “More in the hips and rear, no more gaps at the waist”. The prices for their jeans range between $69 to $129. I think I will have to catch these bad boys on sale.

I can't take it!

Full Figured, Big Breasted, Large Chested…what ever.

If you fit within any these categories please stop. This is not a good like Ma. Who told you this was cute? And your home-girl is not really your friend. She is laughing at you on the inside.

Here I go again.

If you’ve visited my blog on more than once occasion, you have probably noticed that I have been on the hunt for a pair of red pumps. The problem is, I don’t usually buy “cheap” shoes (I’m not a fan of faux leather, suede, or wood…not to mention they usually hurt your feet), but the shoes I would really like to purchase are not within my price range. I was browsing on msn’s shopping page, and came across this red patent Mossimo at Target.com for $29.99. Yes, this is within my budget, but I feel like for 30 more dollars I could probably find something that is genuine leather. I found a pair of red distressed leather peep toe pumps at the Nine West Outlet for $59.99, but of course I could not find the shoe in an 8 ½. Just my luck.

Love to Shoe Shop?

Well, Gap Inc has a new shoe shopping site. The site offers free shipping and free returns. They carry a range of brands from ‘Rampage’ to ‘Steve Madden’ to ‘Charles David’.
I have not purchased anything yet, so I can not attest to their service. However, I thought I would share my recent find with my fellow fashionistas.

http://www.piperlime.com/browse/home.do?cid=15956

My Favorite Men of the Gridiron

I admire their play on field, but I would not mind running into any of them off the field. I love football season for several reasons...here are just 5 of them.

1. Vince Young- He helped my Longhorns win the national title, therefore, I will always have a soft spot for him.




2. Darren Sharper- Good coverage and a nice smile, what more could you ask for.




3. Jamie Sharper- That Sharper clan has some good genes.





4. Randy Moss- Hey I can’t help it, every girl likes a bad boy.




5. Charles Woodson- I became a fan before the Heisman because of his ability to play both sides of the ball...But of course I have other reasons for staying a fan.

The Cocoa Lounge

For me a perfect weekend, is one where I am curled up on the couch with a good book in hand...I'm such a homebody. A fellow blogger came up with this idea, and I thought it was fantastic. I have started an African-American book club blog. All are welcome, however, the reading selections will only be those written by African Americans. For those like me who love to read and have open dialogue in regards to your readings...this is the place for you. Every month or two I will select a book to read, and you can come here to reflect and share your thoughts. However, I ask that we are mindful and open to others opinions. I hope that this will be a great experience for us to connect, while celebrating our African-American authors. I am open to suggestions, if there is a book you would like to see featured let me know. So check out The Cocoa Lounge at:
http://cocoa-lounge.blogspot.com/