Shannon Sez So

Summer '09 is jumping!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 02:43:00 +0000

My DC Summer '09 is jumping! I....

listened to live jazz on the lawn of the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden;
attended the In Series Spring Fling in June;
watched the National Fireworks display from a bird's eye view in downtown DC;
fixed lunch for a Calvary Women's Services shelter this month;
had big fun with friends and family at some birthday parties, graduation dinners, happy hours and Tweet-Ups;
and went to a Nationals game (yes, they lost...that's not the point) this weekend.

For the remaining weeks of Summer, I....

am going to one of my favorite restaurants, Cafe Lurcat (Minnepolis);
will spend a few days on the beach in Ocean City, MD;
will spend a long long weekend in Las Vegas, NOT tweeting my every move (heehee);
and I'll continue getting ready for September and December dance competitions.

A few things I may try to squeeze in....

a long weekend in the Caribbean,
another Nationals game,
and a few more happy hours (of course).

Yes or No

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:26:00 +0000

I saw this on FB and you know I had to answer cuz I want the world to know all about me hahahaha! (I crack my self up sometimes)

1. You can ONLY answer Yes or No.

2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and asks. Believe me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming as nothing is exactly as it seems.

3. Copy and paste this into your [FB] notes, delete my answers, type in your answers and tag as many of your friends as you'd like to.

------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------

Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? Yes
Been arrested? Yes
Kissed someone you didn't like? Yes
Slept in until 5 PM? Yes
Fallen asleep at work/school? Yes
Held a snake? Yes
Ran a red light? Yes
Been suspended from school? No
Experienced love at first sight? No
Totaled your car in an accident? Yes
Been fired from a job? Yes
Fired somebody? Yes
Sang karaoke? Yes
Pointed a gun at someone? No
Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? Yes
Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? Yes
Caught a snowflake on your tongue? Yes
Kissed in the rain? Yes
Had a close brush with death (your own)? Yes
Seen someone die? No
Played spin-the-bottle? No
Sang in the shower? Yes
Smoked a cigar? No
Sat on a rooftop? No
Taken pictures of yourself naked? Yes
Smuggled something into another country? No
Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? Yes
Broken a bone? Yes
Skipped school? Yes
Eaten a bug? Yes
Sleepwalked? No
Walked a moonlit beach? Yes
Rode a motorcycle? Yes
Dumped someone? Yes
Forgotten your anniversary? No
Lied to avoid a ticket? Yes
Ridden in a helicopter? Yes
Shaved your head? No
Blacked out from drinking? No
Played a prank on someone? No
Hit a home run? No
Felt like killing someone? Yes
Cross-dressed? No
Been falling-down drunk? Yes
Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? Yes
Eaten snake? No
Marched/Protested? Yes
Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? Yes
Puked on an amusement park ride? No
Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? Yes
Been in a band? No
Knitted? No
Been on TV? Yes
Shot a gun? Yes
Skinny-dipped? Yes
Gave someone stitches? No
Eaten a whole habanero pepper? No
Ridden a surfboard? No
Went water skiing? No
Drank straight from a liquor bottle? No
Had surgery? Yes
Streaked? No
Ridden in a hot air balloon? No
Taken by ambulance to hospital? Yes
Tripped on mushrooms? No
Passed out when not drinking? No
Peed on a bush? Yes
Donated Blood? No
Grabbed electric fence? No
Eaten alligator meat? Yes
Eaten cheesecake? Yes
Candy? Yes
Killed an animal when not hunting? Yes
Hit someone in the face? Yes
Hitchhiked? No
Peed your pants in public? Yes
Tattoo? Yes
Snuck into a movie without paying? Yes
Sleep on a certain side of the bed? Yes
Stayed up for 48 hours straight? Yes
Still love someone you shouldn't? No
Think about the future? Yes
Been in handcuffs? Yes
Believe in love? Yes

By the way, I reserve the right to NOT explain any or all of my responses.

Excedrin Migraine is my crack

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:05:00 +0000

Let me begin by saying, I'm not addicted to anything; however, if I was addicted to a pain killer, it would be Excedrin Migraine. When I'm having one of my make-me-wanna-beg-someone-to-kill-me headaches, there is nothing better than Excedrin Migraine.

I can admit my total love, adoration and uncompromising loyalty because I noticed a behavior pattern over the past few months. I emphatically turned down any and all other pain medications when one of my headaches hit. I've tried them and they don't work for me; they may work for you, but they don't work for me.

In these times of so-so customer service and brand jumping, I'm proud to say that I'm loyal to Excedrin Migraine because they make a consistently good product that does what it says it is going to do, no more, no less.

What products or brands are you staunchly loyal to?

PS: I didn't receive any compensation from Excedrin or Novartis for this rousing endorsement; however, if they want to send a sista a few boxes of EM, I won't be insulted.

Gold Stars

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:24:00 +0000

Remember elementary school, teachers had a poster with all student's names and she would put red, blue, silver or gold stars next to your name for doing or achieving something. I distinctly remember checking it daily to make sure I had a good number of them. We should use that system as adults. I say, "bring back stars!!!"

When your husband takes out the trash, without being asked - star
When Facebook, Twitter, Google and the rest stop fixing what isn't broken - star
When the mechanic, plumber or electricians explain what is broken in English - star
When your child gladly cleans his/her room - star
When your co-worker gets you coffee/tea just because - star
When someone lets you merge in front of them on the highway - star
When a passerby flashes you a smile on a rainy day - star
When your Mother surprisingly doesn't offer a "but" - star
When your evil-ass manager congratulates you on a job well done - star
When one of your Tweeps notices your not tweeting love, peace and light one day - star
When we don't see FailWhale for 30 days straight - star
When your good girlfriend calls to say hi just because - star

How else can folks earn star?????

going for IT!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sat, 09 May 2009 10:53:00 +0000

This isn't one of those motivational posts about blah, blah, blah, simply a gentle reminder of a universal/metaphysical/Biblical principle: "you get out of it what you put into it"or as my Mother would put it, you reap what you sow.

You, me, WE have got to go for IT!

Whatever IT is that we want, desire, deserve, need, crave...we are the ones that will make it happen. We shouldn't mind the effort because it makes us appreciate IT all the more.

Done. Told you it wouldn't be one of those posts.

#MusicMonday - revenge is a dish best served cold

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 04 May 2009 01:55:00 +0000

A couple of years ago, I did an American tango routine to part of this song. People are still talking about it. Yeah, I'm a good dancer.

Why does lawn maintenance tend to occur before 8am?

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sat, 02 May 2009 13:17:00 +0000

Why does lawn maintenance tend to occur before 8am?

I'm being a bit facetious here. My father is a professional landscaper, so I know the answer -- to avoid the heat of the day. HOWEVER, does is need to happen before the light of the day? I had two different neighbors mowing lawns this morning BEFORE 7am. Is that frickin' necessary? H*ll no!

As someone who appreciates a lovely lawn and all that goes into maintaining it, I appreciate their diligence. I'm glad my neighbors are taking pride in the exteriors of their homes. This makes our community look better. HOWEVER, I don't give a darn what our community looks like before the sun comes up.

Ya' know I have some suggestions:

1. Don't start lawn mowers before 8am. I live in the city, there isn't one lawn in my vicinity that will take more than 20 minutes, so waiting an hour won't push anyone into the heat of the day.

2. Do buy your neighbors ear plugs.

3. Do coordinate the mowing. One person mowed from 6-630 and the other mowed from 630-7. Why can't they mow at the same time?

4. Do mow early in the morning during the week. We have to get up early anyway, so the mower won't disturb our rest.

5. Do mow in the early evening.

Finally, if none of these suggestions appeals to you, MOVE.

Yard Wars 2009 (round 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:07:00 +0000

Yes, the yard war with my neighbor continues. As this is "wordless Wednesday," I will let the pictures to the talking.

It is Music Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:11:00 +0000

Lets get ret for the Summer folks.

Renting a man

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Mobile post sent by ShannonRenee using Utterli. Replies. mp3

It's Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:23:00 +0000

Mobile post sent by ShannonRenee using Utterli. Replies. mp3

It's Earth Day

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 00:02:00 +0000

April 22nd is...
Time to celebrate this place we call home.
Time to recognize the water, air and land.
Time to remember we are not here alone.
Time to think of those creatures, great and small, who we live with daily.
It's time people...
Time to be responsible
Time to do better, do right and get it done.
Time to take care of this place we call home...if we don't, who will.

It's Music Monday, w00t! w00t!

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 19:48:00 +0000

I love this cute-as-h*ll little song, so bouncy and such fun, fun, fun. Thinking its completely appropriate for such a gloomy day in our nation's capital.

You don't have to admit it, I know your head is bobbing & you got a little chair dancing going on.

I want to GO to Brazil, not have Brazil come to me

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 19:42:00 +0000

Last night I spoke with a girlfriend who mentioned that she had received her first Brazilian wax. For those who don't know, it is a process by which a woman has ALL of their pubic hairs ripped off her body. Seemingly, this has now become the thing to do and I don't understand why.

Now before everyone gets all in a tizzy, let me say that I get keeping things neat and trimmed, just as man does his beard; however, there is no reason on God's green earth to get rid of ALL of it. Many, many, many, many (stop laughing & don't add anymore manys) years ago when my flower was plucked from its beautiful garden, the lawn hadn't been mowed. In fact I didn't begin mowing the lawn until a few years ago when some weeds began to grow...f*cking weeds. And even then (and to this day), I used an edger to keep the lawn neat and a push-mower to take care of the rest.

Why in the h*ll would a woman put hot a$ wax on her lawn to only have it yanked, snatched and ripped from the top soil? What did the top soil ever do to her? Further, in order to have a true Brazilian, the ground's keeper must go into the garden to get the weeds growing near the flower bed, to make matters worse, the ground's keeper may have to go to the backyard to repeat the process.

I can understand men wanting a well-maintained lawn for their visits; however, women want a nice yard to play in as well. I could go for a manicured lawn when I'm sitting under his tree. Why don't men go to Brazil?

Does any of this sound appealing in any way, shape or form? Now, if a FINE a$$ man was keeping my grounds, tending to my lawn and sprucing up my yard, then hell-yeah, show me the way to Brazil baby!

S's have it under control

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:15:00 +0000

I got this from Eve, a Facebook friend, and she got it from her "seester." It's fun, give it go.

Rules: It's harder than it looks! Copy, erase my answers, enter yours, and tag 10 people. Use the first letter of your name to answer each of the following questions. They have to be real... nothing made up! If the person before you had the same first initial, you must use different answers. You cannot use any word twice and you can't use your name for the boy/girl name question.

1. What is your name: Shannon (it is Gaelic and means wise or wisdom)

2. A four letter word: Saga (several others came to mind, but this is a PG-rated blog)

3. A boy's name: Sean (it is my cousin’s name)

4. A girl's name: Siobhan (a favorite girl’s name)

5. An occupation: Singer (if I had the chops, you know where I would be)

6. A color: Sapphire blue

7. Something you wear: Shoes, shoes & more shoes (I may have a problem)

9. A food: Strawberries (again, as this is a PG-rated blog, I won’t go any further)

10. Something found in the bathroom: Soap (if I didn't say soap, y'all should've been worried LOL)

11. A place: Sedona, AZ (one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I’ve ever been)

12. A reason for being late: Sleep (no man, no kidz, no pets...what other reasons could I possibly have?)

13. Something you shout: Sit down!!!! (not the first thing that came to mind, but the cleanest)

14. A movie title: Somewhere in Time (I love this movie)

15. Something you drink: Shots (not sure that’s what is meant, but I sticking w/ it)

16. A musical group: Sister Sledge (We are fam-i-ly, w00t! w00t!)

17. An animal: Sheep

18. A street name: South Dakota Avenue (on my corner)

19. Make of car: Saab (convertible to exact)

20. The title of a song: Single Ladies (do I have to explain?!?)

21. A book title: Some People, Some Other Place (by my favorite author, J. California Cooper)

I'm not tagging 10 people, rather I'm putting it in the Twitterverse and letting it work its magic.

My parents are getting older

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 21:55:00 +0000

Thank you to everyone in the twitterverse, who expressed concern for parents upon learning they had been hit from behind. I know my tweeps care and I'm appreciative. The accident was in no way Daddy's fault, as they were stopped at a light and hit from behind; they are fine and the car barely has a scratch on it.

When Mother called to say they were running late because they had been in an accident, I kept it together until I got off the phone, then I began to cry. Realizing how bad it could have been and thankful it wasn't bad at all. This brought back memories of Mother's fall a few years ago and Daddy's mugging last summer. Her spill on a DC street eventually led to the discovery of her osteoporosis and his attack high lighted his inability to protect himself (and thus us) as he once was able to do. As difficult as it is for me to see my parents age, watching their vulnerabilities become their liabilities, I can only imagine what it is like for them to face those vulnerabilities. God willing, I'll live long enough to find this out for myself.

As an only-child, my parents and I have had "the" talk, and I don't mean about sex. We had the "in case something happens" talk. We shared where the insurance papers are located, who's name is on which accounts, who is an organ donor, even down to what songs we want sung at our respective funerals. It was a hard and necessary conversation and one that I knew we needed.

Yes, my parents are getting older, the family roles are ever-so-slightly starting to shift and I will count it all joy for as long as I have them. Do you think if I close my eyes really, really hard, click my heels 3 times, while wishing on a falling star, I can go back to being 5 years old?

What Southern Women Do

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:05:00 +0000

As a GRITS (Girl Raised In The South), there are some traditions, habits and customs I'm bound to uphold, especially as Spring and Summer take their place on the calendar. They came to me from my Mother, who got them from her Mother, who got them from her Mother and so on.

1. make an Easter basket
I don't have children and I'm not a chocoholic; however, I make an Easter basket every year. I dye my own eggs, buy the "grass" and candy, and it is the centerpiece of my dining room table for the next week or so.

2. wear an Easter bonnet
I have several hats that I sport beginning with Easter Sunday. My addiction to hats is starting to rival my addition to foot wear.

3. grow tomatoes (vegetables)
Since I moved into my house a few years ago, I began growing tomatoes. My tomatoes taste 100% better than anything I could buy in the grocery store. In past years, I've also grown cucumbers, onions and peppers.

To my Southern Sistah's, what do you do that may have been passed down from your Grandmothers or Mothers?

In the mood to kick a$$

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 14:33:00 +0000

There was a ballroom dance competition this past weekend, and I didn't compete. I would've rocked it. I wasn't in the mood for it this time. On Tuesday I had great lesson and now I'm in the mood to kick some ballroom ass.

My nemesis better be on top of her game in September, our next DMV competition. Just as I'll be ready to school the whipper-snappers coming after me. In case you didn't know, yes, it is that deep in competitive ballroom dancing. No one is getting their kneecaps busted, but it is serious to those of who us who learn, practice, learn more and practice even more.

You know I have to bring a little "flava" to the competitions, so my partner & I have new cha-cha-cha routine and it is hot. It is going to be fierce once it's perfected! We're also working on choreographed routines for the other 7 standard ballrooms dances as well.

I'm throwing down the gauntlet and challenge anyone to pick that b*tch up!

my most-favoritest

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

This is my most-favoritest of all time love songs. I cry every time I hear it...makes wanna holla, "sang Billy, sang Syreeta."

I Decide

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 01:08:00 +0000

A few weeks ago at SXSW 2009, I met a young woman, who upon learning I lived in northeast DC, said in front of a group of strangers, "it's okay, you don't have to be ashamed" and gave me the pity tap on the arm. She incorrectly assumed that I lived in a certain section of the city.

I could have corrected her on the spot, informing her that I'm not sure who she thinks she is talking to or where she thinks I live because I own my home, as well as rental property. I could have informed her that I spend more disposable income on ballroom dancing than she probably makes in a year. Further, I could have informed her that I have an art collection in my home representing some our generations most prolific painters. And there are any number of other facts about my life I could have shared with her; however, I decided not to.

I decided not to because she does not matter. In the grand scheme of my life, what she thinks of me or where she thinks I'm from doesn't matter at all. I determine, define and decide who I am.

I encourage all readers to focus on who you are and who you are striving to become while on this journey called life. Let those who would think you are one thing or another, think what they will.

It is our words and deeds that demonstrate our capability to add value to the world we live in.

It is our decisions and how we live with the subsequent consequences that determine our character.

And, it is our capacity to love ourselves and others that defines who we are as human beings.

The Real Mashable

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 19:06:00 +0000

Last year this time, I was 39 and innocent (so to speak, go with me). I had heard about them; my mother had told me about them; and I had read about them. But nothing, no amount of listening, talking and reading could have prepared me for it.

I walked into the room, she smiled at me and told me to take my gown off and walk towards her. The next thing I knew, she had grabbed my right breast and put it on the cold machine. Yes, I was having my first-ever mammogram and I was not pleased. She told me to try and relax and to take a deep breath as the top plate lowered and the mash-up commenced.

Is there no part of a woman that is sacred!?!

I understand the medical need for the procedure and I am extremely appreciative of the technology that has saved millions of women from untimely deaths. However, there are a number of things that can be done to make the experience, shall we say tolerable to enjoyable.

1. turn up the frickin' heat in the exam room
2. warm up the plate my breasts rest on
3. play music in the exam room
4. offer refreshments, such as adult beverages and some snacks before the procedure
5. hire gorgeous ass men to conduct the test

None of these suggestions would interfere with the exam, and I think they are right reasonable.

Who do I have to write?

Music to Move to

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:46:00 +0000

Considering a Cha-cha-cha ballroom routine to Mary...strong beat & good words I can listen to for next 12 weeks as we practice. Thanks to CapCity at PChats for bringing this to my attention.

I'm having a baby...NOT

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:50:00 +0000

Yes, my Mother says I'm having a baby; she doesn't know who the father will be or when I'm getting pregnant, but she knows I'm having one. Just as she proclaimed several weeks ago that "I'm getting married."

My Mother has begun praying for grandchildren, and as her only child, those progeny would obviously come from yours truly (sigh). As a devout Christian, she believes that that God will give her the desires of her heart; however, she has failed to take into account my heart's desire to NOT have children. I wonder whose desire will win out!?!

Regardless, there are some basic facts that make this beyond preposterous:

I do not want children, as I made perfectly clear in "50 Reasons to NOT have children," not 10, 20 or 25 reasons, I came up with 50 reasons.
Also, as much as I hate to admit, I'm not having sex!!!! And if memory of 10th grade biology serves me correctly, I still need a guy to provide his ingredient to the recipe.
Further, its wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy to late to go the virgin birth route.
Finally, I'm 40 frickin' years old and would be 41-42 or older by the time I gave birth; its not safe for me; and its dangerous for the unborn child.
And did I mention, I don't want any children (it bears repeating)?

Is it my fault that Mother literally put all of her grandchildren's eggs in one basket???

Warning: listen at your own risk

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 13:57:00 +0000

This is exactly why I don't sing in public.

Thanks to @queenofspain for recording this for posterity and my partner in auditory crime @geekandahalf for the lovely duet.

At least I was sober....LOL

noreply@blogger.com (Shannon) — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 18:11:00 +0000

From last night's (3/15/09) Seesmic Ping.fm Blogher Party. One of the many at SXSW09.