Tasty Dairy and Neo-(Soul) Classicism

Today's weather was amazing.  60 degree weather at the start of January? That's unheard of, unless you live in Southern California, Las Vegas, South Florida, you get the idea. There were a few things that I loved about today and they all took the simplest form - one with probiotics! :0)

1. Today I tried Greek yogurt for the first time.  Barbara, our budget analyst, brought in Greek yogurt for everyone today.  I've been doing my best to try new things lately so I gave it a shot.  This yogurt is pretty thick! YET TASTY! It was peach flavored. MMMMM, MMMM good! I love how it has 14 grams of protein in it and 0% fat at only 140 calories.  You can't beat that with a stick! I went to Trader Joe's to pick up their brand of the yogurt and can't wait to have some tomorrow.
2. My love for anything from the golden age of television makes my day. Catch this clip - It's truly a classic moment on TV.
3. A friend from high school bought a bracelet from my shop and received it today. She was so happy with it that she took a picture of herself wearing it.  That was pretty awesome - considering it was unsolicited.
4. Since my housemate is away for the weekend I get to have my house to myself.  I am loving having the fortress of solitude back!
5. I LOVE the Erykah Badu CD - Baduism - takes me back to the year I graduated college. I listened to it after I listened to India.Arie (see yesterday's blog entry). I remember the first time I ever saw her she performed on BET's Video Soul. I bought her CD soon after and I have been a fan ever since. Baduism is in My Top 25 Favorite Albums of all time.

Opportunities Await

What a day, what a day!  I woke up and began cleaning my house. I'm going to tell y'all right now - Never let your home go a long time without cleaning.  I cannot stress that enough.  It took me three days to clean!  Dusting should happen regularly - duly noted. hahaha  For 2012, I'm going to work on maintaining a clean/tidy home and committing to weekly cleaning. It takes me back to being a kid and cleaning every Saturday before I could leave the house.  I need to commit to that and make that a standing date with my home.

1. Speaking of dates - I had another great one tonight. Here's to more of the same. Oh, and I love the gift I got. Very thoughtful. You're such a smooth operator. :0)
2. I just saw the new Robin Thicke video for "Love After War" and the new Monica video for "Until it's Gone" - I love both songs and the videos. 
3. Now that I have a clean home again, I have to say that I really love it. I added new lighting to my bedroom and it looks so much better. You can do magical things with IKEA  lighting options. I'll be adding new lights to the living room, too. 
4. OOoh - I have hot water in the house again. Gotta love that!  That's one of those modern amenities that humans have taken for granted.  When you suddenly don't have hot water you quickly realize how much you depend on it being there.  Granted, I had options but I'm happy that I now get to exercise those options in my home again.
5. I love having this sense of feeling good about lots of things. Life. Creativity. Dating. Friendships. Work. Doing this blog allows me to stay positive about things and opens my life up to many opportunities.

Crafty McCrafterson Strikes Again!

It's times like these where you wish you had made plans.  Well, I did make plans but I didn't really prepare well enough to execute them. Poor planning on my part.  Oh well, I have plenty to keep me occupied this weekend. Namely crafting and cooking.  C'est la vie!

1. Today I FINALLY picked up a reasonably priced rolling pin.  You see, I needed a rolling pin so that I can make some homemade dog treats for my dog. It'll be his Christmas present.  
2. I made some pretty awesome looking terrariums today.  I got the idea from Pinterest. I happen to love that website!
3. I ordered air plants this week and when I received them, I wasn't quite sure of how I'd use them.  I experimented with a couple of ways and I am loving the results. You can see the results on my crafting blog.
4. Sometimes I forget that I even have HBO as a channel. Luckily I flipped through the channels and saw that the movie, "Hall Pass" was on.  It was pretty silly - but it was funny because it was silly.. It's just what I needed tonight.
5. You ever have one of those days where you remember a lesson in manners that someone taught you as a kid? Today I had a mini flashback.  I flashback on this particular lesson often but today it really struck me.  The lesson was holding doors for people - women in particular. I remember my mother teaching this lesson and she always made me open the door for her.  If I didn't do it automatically, she would stand there waiting for me to open it. When I held the door for this woman today - she looked so appreciative. Chivalry is one of those things that isn't really instilled in folks these days. I love that I was taught to behave chivalrously.

Once Got Busy in a Burger King Bathroom...

It's finally the weekend! WOo HOo!  It's been a long, busy week and I am glad to see it come to an end and excited about the weekend. 

1. Day two of roasted veggies for dinner. YUM!  This time I added in carrots.  Why is it that I want to eat more of it for lunch tomorrow???  I get on small "kicks" with foods. I guess this is a good "kick" to be on. 
2. This particular Friday made for an easy commute.  It was almost like a summertime commute. Gotta love that.  Only 30 minutes to get to work.
3. I enjoyed making a few scarves for charity at the community service project on campus today.  It made me consider making more on my own. Hmmm
4. Took Big Mac for a walk today.  We walked a new route today so he was pretty inquisitive about the new territory.  I like that he felt as though he mattered - and he does.  I just have to spend more time with him.
5. On the way to work this morning I heard a song from back in the day.  "The Humpty Dance" by Digital Underground.  WOW.. after all these years, that song STILL ROCKS!

Boom! Boom! KA-POW!

Sometimes you just have to ask a question. It's usually just that simple.  Today I asked a question and got an awesome answer. Today is all about asking the question that's in your mind.

1. Lately I've been trying to find a way to teach art.  I know I most likely don't want to end up in a classroom again but I just want to teach what I love doing to people who want to learn.  After some pushing from a friend I had a challenge in front of me. Today I faced the challenge and looked up the local community center.  I saw they didn't have many art classes being offered. Well, with me being a former art teacher, this seemed like the perfect opportunity. So I called the center and found out they had been looking for someone to teach art! Next week I will talk to them about the possibilities.  They said I could potentially start in February.  How exciting is that???
2. No matter what - I still love getting text messages from people I like.
3. I've come to understand that I vibe off of others creative energy and I love the synergy that comes from that. 
4. Rushing out of the office at 6:20 PM and trying to make it to Target to pick up my prescription was almost futile. The pharmacy closes at 7PM - I got there at 6:57PM.  WHEW!! I love that I made it there on time. 
5. I love that today is Friday.  It's been a crazy week and I am loving that I get to be housemate-less all weekend. I need the solitude. 

Rockin' the Runway!

There are days where you are just extremely proud. Last night was one of those nights.  While I may not have children, I have students that I am connected with.  Last night those students amazed me. They put together a phenomenal fashion show themed around HIV/AIDS Awareness.  This is an annual event and this was the 4th iteration of the show.  Last year's show was mired in drama.  This year's show was drama free, clean of all egos (from what I could tell) and looked pretty damn flawless. Kudos to the Weekends at Mason crew for a magnificent show.

1. Today I survived 4 back to back, one-hour long phone interviews and we selected some great candidates to move forward in the process. I love it when it all just kinda works out (which it always does, honestly).
2. I learned how to use Adobe inDesign a little better.  It's good to add a new graphic design application to the skill set.
3. I scheduled a meeting with someone about the possibility of following a dream of mine. Teaching photography skills to students in the context of their own lives.  These students would be capturing their lives on film and telling a story much like that of a hip-hop artist. The first step is often the toughest.
4. I saw a students that I worked with this past summer tonight and it was really cool seeing them involved and being active in the campus community.  That was really nice. 
5. I got to participate in the Rock the Runway Fashion Show. I love how it just keeps getting better and better. AMAZING!!

New York, New York, You're a Helluva Town

It was 5:30 AM and I was up and at 'em.  Ready to conquer the world - well, NYC anyhow and more specifically, Good Morning America.  There are many things I want to do during my visit here and today I achieved a couple of them.

1. We made it to Times Square to check out Good Morning America. I loved getting to see Lara Spencer and Josh Elliot in person.  We all got some face time on camera too - I loved that!
2. I scored a new t-shirt from the NBC Studios Store for $5!  You can't beat that with a stick!
3. I got to see the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular - all thanks to my friend Colby and a Groupon!  We all had orchestra level seats, too.  Great job! 
4. I required a nap this afternoon and loved that I got one.  It helped me feel a little more refreshed. 
5. We were on a search for a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf today and found one.  YES, we got that red velvet hot cocoa - DELICIOUS!!!

Noodlicious Hicks and the Treacherous Drinks

Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011

Eating the curry chicken ramen at Toki Underground

I am writing my journal entry for Friday, today.  Why?  Because I wasn't home last night and have a lingering hangover to prove that I had a great time. This might be a pizza day with LOTS more water to drink. Oy Vey!

1. I tweeted @maryjblige today to let her know that I loved the songs that I heard on the show Private Practice.  She retweeted my message!  Out of that I got a lot more followers and responses.  How cool is that? 
2. I got a phone call from a friend in NYC who is letting me stay in her apartment for Thanksgiving. She called to fill me in on things before I arrive.  I love Barbara - she rocks!  I'm so excited for this trip and to see the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
3. While out in DC, I explored H Street - which is apparently in North East. hahahaha At any rate, I loved exploring the city and finding new places to chill.
4. Speaking of new places to chill, We went to several bars/restaurants.  A couple of them worth noting are Smith Commons and Fruit Bat. Smith Commons is a little "too trendy" and crowded - and LOUD... WHOA!  But they have a great Christmas Ale.  Fruit Bat has a nice bartender by the name of Angel. She has a beautiful smile and I loved that she was just so personable. She made us some amazing drinks - which is what this bar is known for.  Definitely check them out if you're in the area. It's like a quieter Adams Morgan. 
5. Tonight I challenged myself to try Sake and Ramen (not from a wrapper).  Sake is actually pretty good! I tried a sweet one and one that is served hot. I preferred the hot sake.  The ramen was a curry ramen with chicken. I wasn't sure about it but after that first sip of the broth, I was SOLD!!  Toki Underground (Which is actually ABOVE ground over a bar) I will be back!

You Should Be So Lucky

1. I love that today's event went really well. It was cold but it went well. 
2. A student paid me a compliment and said, "Wow, Dennis, you're looking really good." She then paused and asked, "Is that inappropriate?"  That made me laugh. hahahaha
3. There was a caramel popcorn maker at the event tonight and I have to say, that was some DELICIOUS popcorn! I went back three times!
4. I have thoroughly loved and enjoyed Oprah's Lifeclass. While I'm sad that the season is over I'm happy to have shared in the experience.
5. Today is believed to be a lucky day because it's 11/11/11.  I don't know if I buy into that because I can find at least one thing that was lucky for me each day.  I love that I have been able to list at least 5 things each day that I loved about the day and that's lucky within itself. It's all about perspective.

It's the Freakin' Weekend

This week has been "something else". Not bad, just different and I'm okay with that.

1. The Dennis M. Hicks Commitment to Diversity Scholarship is still awarded annually by UNLV's Residence Hall Association. How amazing is that??? I have to admit, my eyes watered up a little when I read this.
   

   Dennis M. Hicks, a former RHA Advisor, was an asset to the UNLV Office of Housing and Residential Life for many years. Dennis was committed to making diversity and multiculturalism a predominate concern of university residents and administration alike. In his honor, the Residence Hall Association allocates a portion of its budget every year to provide scholarships to continuing UNLV students who display a dedication to promoting diversity at this university.

2.  I had a really good day at work and got things done.  I may not have been there but for a few hours but I feel accomplished and that's all that matters.
3. Today I ran for 5 minutes straight - not once but TWICE! I'm movin' on up!
4. I got my first donation for the Movember Campaign!!  Thanks Doug Tilton!!
5. I love that it's the weekend and I don't have anything major planned.  Just some me time.

Super Joy Fantastic!

1. American Horror Story continues to get SO GOOD! I am wondering how they will keep this up!
2. I love the sign I posted in this blog! 
3. I'm gettin' pretty good at this supervising thing. At least I seem to think so.
4. Watching Oprah's Lifeclass tonight about "Joy Rising" made me think of a song that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. Check it out here!
5. I got a compliment on my outfit today from two students. That made me smile.

T.G.I.F.

1. Having someone get me coffee in the morning and knowing EXACTLY how I like it to be made is awesome. Hmm.. Someone remembers details.  I love that!
2. Oprah's Lifeclass just keeps on teaching me great things and causes me to be self-reflective. I love that.
3. I got a lot done today at work but not everything but to understand that Rome wasn't built in a day is the real message for the day.
4. It's funny, but JUST when you REALLY need something is when you get it.  You just have to trust in that.  I trusted in that and it just worked itself out.
5. It's always good hearing from my brother. Our conversation just seemed to solidify that I need to follow my passion and continue to feed it. Giving it time and care will allow it to flourish.

It's All About Expression

I guess I've been really introspective. Well, I don't guess I am. I know I am.  This is a sign that I'm about to embark on a new path.  I'm not sure what that path is but I know whenever I get really cerebral, something remarkable, noteworthy, exciting, life changing is going to happen to me. It's like I begin to prepare myself mentally for it to take place.

1. I read this on a blog today - pretty simple.
   Here are the facts of life.
   
   1.  You only get one life.
   2.  Life is short and death is long.
   3.  There is virtually no reason that you should not be living your dreams.
   
   
2. "You find a way to allow the truth of yourself to express itself. We're all looking for the highest, fullest, expression of ourselves as human beings." Oprah said this on her new show, Life Class. That is powerful.
3. I got the new iPhone 4S today.  After the initial shock of not being able to sync it to my Mac, I was able to sync it to my Dell Laptop.  I have to say, so far, so GREEEEEEEAT!  It's a huge leap from the 3G I had. I love the dictation feature for texting. It works so well.  I'm excited to try Siri next.
4. Tonight the Spirit Squad that I advise, The G-Men, were out and about at a campus event.  It was so awesome to see how people reacted to them.  Great job fellas!
5. It's exciting to be embarking on a path I haven't been on in over 4 years. :0)
   

It's the Little Things in Life

Being under the weather slows you down quite a bit. However, I'm here to make the list!  I vow not to miss a day.

1. Woo Hoo!  I was able to navigate the NYC subway system without a glitch this morning. This is good preparation for my trip during Thanksgiving. 
   
2. I arrived to the Bolt Bus 2 hours early and was able to do standby seating on the first bus out that morning.  It was a little bit nerve wracking but I made it on the bus and even better - I go a row all to myself again!
3. I love Popeye's Chicken (and the onion rings) and I was craving it all the way home on the bus.  I definitely got me some Popeye's!
4. That new show on ABC, Revenge, is pretty good!  It's very reminiscent of the night time soaps of the 80s where something majorly dramatic happens at the end of each episode.  This might be a new guilty pleasure! 
5. I love seeing people I knew as a kid doing their thing. Just reminds me that while where I grew up had it's negatives, these women I went to high school with are definitely a positive. Keisha and Kwaun Music Ministries

Set it Off on the Left Y'all....

1. It's been nice knowing that I can sleep as long as I need tomorrow morning. Like McDonald's, I'm lovin' it!
2. Always nice to hear from my BFF. 
3. Today I felt good about the help I was able to give to others.  Questions were asked and I was able to give answers. I love it when those things work well together. hahaha
4. There might not be much on TV tonight but the movie, "Set it Off" is on.  It's a nice throwback movie. I can't believe it's been 15 years since this movie came out. 
5. One of the coolest products I've seen this year has to be Trader Joe's brownie batter in a bag!

A Change is Gonna Come

1. I love when people show they care, respect, and just have plain ol’ common courtesy to others they don’t know.  Today I was walking to a building on campus and I was a good 15 steps away from the door - far enough to not really consider holding a door for anyone.  This student held the door for about 7 seconds as I walked up to it.  Amazing level of courtesy and commitment to holding that door.
2. Today was a great day to spread the word of positive thinking.  Far too many people like to focus on the crappy things and honestly… it makes no sense to focus on the negative things - it just brings you down. I love finding things that make me happy and smile each day.
3. I saw this quote in an email today, “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.” -Margaret Thatcher. It’s so true and true for other things, too. I love how simple this is and how it transcends this specific meaning.
4. I love when I have a good reason to miss posting my 5 loves for the day.  I’ve had good reason for two weekends now. :0)
5. The chilly weather has been a nice change of pace.  I love the fall temperatures and I can’t wait to put on a sweater!