I'M BACKKKK

Hey there me lovely ladies & gents. I just came back from Philly yesterday so shall post sometime soon. Trying to catch up on everything so gimme a few days & I shall have all ze details of the trip.

But to hold ya over, here are a few headlines:

~ I ate a real Philly cheesesteak for the 1st time. Heaven...
~ Sat next to army men who just came back from Iraq on my flight to Philly.
~ Spoke Vietnamese all week so getting used to speaking English again. haha
~ Hung out with some cute babies.
~ Ate too much, danced & sung karaoke at my brother's wedding
~ Ate like 80 times a day every day. And sleep. That's the gist of it. Eat & sleep. An extended Thanksgiving if you will.

Details to come!

3 more weeks till Christmas. WHOOO HOO!!!

RANDOM RANTS 11/24/08

Disclaimer: I'm having a brain shortage day so if this blog seems very inadequate or all over the place then... deal with it. Or come back another day. lol. Just trying to get my thoughts out for the day...

Anyhoos, yours truly is dragging today. Eh. I'm so glad we're having a short 3 day work week this week. WHOO HOO!!! So ready for Thursday. I love Thanksgiving! I'm going to my friend Story's & my Aunty's house for dinner.

I was supposed to go to Savannah with Actor & his family for Thanksgiving but my 2nd oldest brother announced a couple of weeks ago that he was gonna get married the same weekend so now I'm flying to Philly instead. I'm bittersweet about it because I've been looking forward to going to Savannah for a few months now to see his grandma & all but hey, my bro's getting married so I'm excited for that too.

I'm definitely not excited about the weather though. Ugh! I don't think I own jackets thick enough to withstand Philly weather. lol. If I come back as a prune then ya'll know what happened.

On a completely different note, Actor wants a PS3 for Christmas. Anybody knows where or who I can get it from that's cheaper than $400? lol. I really wanna get it for him but you know me, being a Capricorn and all, gotta weigh out my options & find deals. Besides, if the banks are going broke how am I supposed to afford things?

Remind me to post Brando's pix up soon. I took a couple of pix of him recently & you won't believe how big he is now. Still posing and all. His bad self. Just last week I was playing with him & training him some more. Do you know that I just realized that I never trained him to lay down? I'm a horrible master. One day I told him to lay down & he was like "Que?" lol. So I taught him to lay down & get back up last weekend. Also to freaking sit still so I can clean him with some doggy wipes. He used to fidget & try to bite the wipe like it was a toy so we'd go around & around in circles & sometimes I'd have to pin him down to clean him. But alas he is trained to sit still now. Treats works wonders I tell ya. Treats + training = a happy Brando & a less irritated me. Yays all around.

Oh yea, Aunty is babysitting him on Friday when I go out of town. Actor'll come back Saturday & get him so he won't be alone long at all. It's cool cuz he'll get to spend time with his parents & maybe some of his bros & sister for Thanksgiving. Hey, doggies need their fam too.

I haven't packed for Philly yet. I mean, who actually packs a couple of days before a trip? *stares* Don't judge me! AND my freaking washer broke last night as I was trying to do a load. Perfect timing. Now I have to go up there with my thin & dirty clothes & look like a fool. I swear I feel like a stepchild sometimes.

SAVANNAH BOUND pt. 3

Saturday we woke up to Actor's mom's grits, eggs, sausage & pancakes breakfast (famous family breakfast for yearsss. I didn't eat the pancakes, I don't like pancakes very much, only every once in a while) She cooked ALOTTT of food since there were about 20 people there. lol. It was like a refuge camp.

We ate, then got dressed for the beach (Tybee Island) Well, I guess, technically undressed... The morning started off sunny then the skies turned gray but we were determined to go get us some sand & water! We live in Atlanta, ergooo, no beaches that are decently close by. We headed there anyway & am I glad we did. It was beautiful! We said that we weren't gonna get in the water, but as soon as we got there & laid our towels down, we got in the water. haha. Since it was kind of cloudy, there was an amazing breeze so we weren't hot. The water was salty, yet warm and refreshing. We caught a whole bunch of waves, digged in the sandy water for seashells & other cool things that we could take back & made sand castles. He made a heart at first, which eventually turned into a pyramid. I made a house that turned into a pyramid then morphed into a sombrero. lol. Skills man, Skills.

We played in the water some more, got knocked down by some huge waves, then did it all over again. At one point Actor thought there was a shark & he said "Watch out, come back in." I thought he was warning me of a huge wave cuz that's what we've been doing, so I'm like "I'm straight, I can tough it." "Come in!" (I didn't hear him say shark at all, maybe cuz I'm slow) then I got out of the water. A passerby came up to us & said it wasn's a shark. Turns out it was some dolphins. I wish I could've seen them, I love dolphins.

We headed back to Savannah & went to Golden Corral. Figured we'd give them one more try. The food was great that day. The steak chef was the best! It was perfectly seasoned & was so tender & juicy. Like how the steaks look in those commercials? That's exactly how they tasted. I went back up there like 5 times! Every time that I went up there he just laughed & cut me another piece. One time he saw me coming & started cutting the steak before I even got there. haha. Everything else was delicious too. Golden Corral was a delight that day. Look at me, this sounds like a restaurant review. Well, it gets a 6 out of 5 star for that day :-)

After unbuttoning our pants & driving home enormously full, we hung out with grandma for a while. That night we went to River Street and walked around. Nomatter what's on the schedule for Savannah, we gotta stop by River Street at some point during our visit. It's like a whole 'nother world. Shops galore, seafood filled restaurants, beautiful architectures & landscapes, not to mention the river glistening from the street lights... We made an impromptu stop at the Riverboat store & bought tickets for the last cruise of the night. It was an hour an a half long. That was the first time either one of us had been on a boat so that was an amazing experience. We sipped frozen margaritas & strawberry daiquiries & let the river take its course and swept us into the moonlight. It was beautifullll. Water is so peaceful... We saw all the buildings adjacent to the river, businesses, shops, trees, etc. The ride back was kinda chilly. We decided that we were gonna bring a jacket next time we get on there for the ride back. We also decided that we're gonna take the cruise in the daylight to see what else we can catch. It was an enchanting & romantic night for us. We held hands, kissed, & embraced each other. I love being in his presence. He makes me glow...











The next morning we had a huge breakfast at his aunt's house once more, went to River Street to get some drinks (non-alcoholic of course :-)) & headed back on the road towards Atlanta. Savannah is great, but it sure feels good to be home. Our own apartment, cable, internet... the works. We're not high maintenance people at all, but it sure feels good to have access to lots of technology since we're info/gadget freaks. We went to Golden Corral as soon as we dropped his brother & dad off. Needless to say, we got full & went back home & relaxed for the rest of the day.

Exquisite Savannah, we shall be back soon to enjoy other parts of your beauty & grace...

Love,
Akanke

SAVANNAH BOUND pt. 2

Thursday after work we went shopping for a few last minute knick knacks to bring on the trip. After eating a (and getting semi sick) Honeybaked Ham sandwich (which I dunno why I felt nauseous cuz I eat it all the time. It's the best! Maybe it was something else... *shrugs*) we went home to pack. I took a power nap before I started packing my million sets of clothes. I always overpack cuz you never know what could happen. You might end up staying longer or spill something. I'm OCD shut up! But anyhoos, I'm always prepared & will have almost anything anyone asks for in my purse. I have a lighter, band aids, earrings, contact solution, so on & so on. lol. Actor will be like you got this or this babe? And I just pull it out of my purse & he just shakes his head. I would've been a great Girl Scout dammit!

After filling up on gas & getting snacks & etc. we headed on down the yellow brick road. Ha! I always wanted to say that! (don't mind the random outbursts, I'm being slow right now) As soon as we got into town & stepped in the door it started raining. Perfect timing. I'm glad we didn't have to drive in the rain; I just got a new car so don't want my baby to get in any kind of incident or anything.

There were a whole bunch of people in his aunt's house. I guess they had a gathering & people came to check on her & give their condolences. (If you didn't read "Savannah Bound," we're going down there for Actor's uncle's funeral) As soon as we got in & started our greetings/hugs around the room, I heard a high pitched voice say "Akanke!" I looked around the room to see a tiny & beautiful lady reach out for me. "Grandma!" as I ran over to hug her. She's the best if I haven't mentioned before. We talked & hung out for a while then headed to his other aunt's house.

After leaving there we went to Wally World (Walmart for those of you who are impaired) to pick up some beach towels etc... cuz we were going to the beach on Saturday. We then headed to grandma's house to talk for a while & fell asleep on her couches.

The next morning everyone else arrived in town for the funeral. We woke up, got some Mickey D's breakfast & I hopped in the shower before his cousins came & we'd all have to struggle for bathroom time. I've never been to a funeral before. I mean EVER. So I didn't really know what to wear or expect. I figured I'd go all black to be safe: black dress pants, a black laced off-the-shoulder top & some black wedged heels with a bow on it. Actor had on this sharp black button up with French cuffs (if you don't know, better get on it!) and a banging green tie. I somehow had some green earrings in my purse to match his tie. I swear we didn't plan it. haha. Cuz he didn't get his tie till that morning & I'd already pack all of my stuff for the trip. So there!

We headed to the church (I love how old school & simple Savannah is sometimes. They didn't even have paved parking; we parked on dirt & grass.) It was raining so we ran inside the church & of course, greeted everybody. We went in to see his body & that was an experience within itself. I've never been to a funeral before, hence I'd never seen a dead body before. Sure I've seen almost every episode of CSI, but there's nothing like a real body lying right in front of you. With all the make up & whathaveyou that they did to him, he looks older, but at peace.

The ceremony (I guess that's what you call it, I'm not sure) was nice. There were solos, reminiscent speeches, prayers, and etc. We then headed to the cemetery to lay his casket down. Somehow the company said that it was their policy to not lay the body to rest until everyone is back in their car. Basically we couldn't see the casket being lowered so that sucked. Everyone was a little upset & confused as to why we couldn't. She was like "So everyone can make their ways back to their cars now" No one budged. lol. Everyone stood there & started talking to each other & catching up. After about half an hour we all started to scatter & headed back to the church for food.

Actor already warned me that the food would be sorry, and it was, so we decided to gather everyone and go to Golden Corral. I think I ate the whole buffet up, ok half... It was great! Golden Corral is my favorite buffet place, it kicks Ryan's butt. If anyone knows any better place let me know. We're always game to try new eateries. Food is one of my passions nomatter how fat that sounds. haha.

That particular Golden Corral was sorry that day. The steak chef was horrible. He didn't enjoy his job very much; was standing there frowning the whole time & didn't season any of the steaks before he put it on the grill. And THEN he left the grill unattended & came back whenever he felt like it. Ergo, all of the steaks were well well done even though everyone wanted medium-well. The broccoli wasn't fully cooked & still crispy; cheese all runny; didn't have the big popcorn shrimp that Actor always eat. But our company was great. We all talked, laughed, shared stories, and made fun of the food.

We went back to Grandma's house & took a nap. Woke up & went to his aunt's house again to watch movies & play games... etc

to be continued...

SAVANNAH BOUND

We're going to Savannah today. Actor's uncle passed away so the funeral is tomorrow. I don't know him well, but from what I've seen & heard he's a great guy. God bless his soul & let him rest in peace.

We're going to the beach on Saturday. I did like 450+ sit ups yesterday to try & get some of the chunkiness off my stomach so I can look good in my bikini. haha. I don't have a whole bunch of rolls, but since I'm small, any ounce of fat is noticable so I gotta keep it tight. I think it worked a little bit. I'm getting older so it doesn't roll off as fast anymore. If I would've done it for a week my abs would be glistening like they used to.

Pops said that his family might be having a cook out so I'm gonna get to meet Actor's dad's side of the family. I've met almost everyone on his mom's side. I can't wait to see his grandma again. She's the sweetest & nicest person I know besides my mom & grandma. I love that lady. Last time we were down there she came & sat next to me while I was falling asleep & said "You're so pretty. Have a good sleep. I love you" I think I had the most wonderful night's rest after that. I then heard her talking to Actor when he was sleep. She was rubbing his face & just watching him sleep. She said he's so handsome & she loves him & kissed him good night too. The next morning she cooked her famous cheese eggs, grits, & smoked sausage breakfast that I've been hearing about for yearssss. It was the best. She's the greatest.

Savannah is so beautiful & romantic & just plain ol' peaceful. Me & Actor said that would be a place we'd consider residing at when we're older. After all the fame, glamour & success we'd like to live a normal, peaceful life.

We're riding down there in my new car. Whoot whoot! I'm not gonna say what it is since people are crazy & there's alot of haters out there. If you're our homies you should already know... But yea, we're gonna be going lots of places in our new baby. Have a couple destinations in mind already. Whoot whoot!

That's about it for now on Savannah. We'll take lots of pictures & stuff & stuff & I'll write about it soon.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Love,
Akanke