San Diego here I come.... WESTSIDE!

Tomorrow I am embarking on my first-ever, full-blown trip with a boy! Ok, in this case a MAN and a fine one at that! :o)

Rah and I are flying to San Diego tomorrow to luxuriate and visit his sister. I feel as though this is a milestone in my life as a bonafide adult. It sort of feels like the first time I had a boy in my unsupervised dorm room at college....oooooooo! That might not be so shocking now, but back then I thought I was a little naughty girl for simply having a boy sit on my bed. Oh, how the times have changed...I've now graduated from bed-sitting to flying across the country.

Besides the fact that I'll be traveling with the man I love, I will also be taking a much needed vacation from work! I need a good week to re-energize myself. I've been a little sluggish and unmotivated in my everyday tasks. This is not the Julee that we all know and love. I'm usually strutting up and down the halls and distracting people from their work with my tales of living in this fabulous city we call New York.

I'm positive a week in the sun will help lift my spirits and hopefully darken me up a bit (this winter has given me the worst case of Glow-Worm complexion I have ever had)! Don't miss me too much, I'll be back with tons of stories and interesting tid bits....Talk to you soon!

Love and Light...

QUESTION: What happens when you add:
3 exceptional black women + a Spotted Pig + Jay-Z ????

ANSWER: a F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S time!

Last night, I had just that... A fabulous time with two for the greatest gals I know. It's so wonderful to find people that you can truly be yourself around. We shared our woes and our wows, our dreams and our fears....it was exactly what I needed after a Terrible Tuesday.

So, let me break down the equation above....

* Three exceptional black women =
Me and my two ubber amazing friends Zandy and Toya

* The Spotted Pig =
A great little restaurant on West 11th and Greenwich (off the beaten path of all the other Meat Market District spots). Go immediately, if you are an experimental eater and you like good food.

* Jay-Z =
The One, The Only: Shawn Carter! He walked into the restaurant with one of his boys (no bodyguards) about 10mins after we arrived!!!! (I was just telling the girls that an article I read about the restaurant mentioned that Jay-Z is a frequent patron) P.S. Beyonce did not come with Jay (Darn!), BUT there were several Saturday Night Live actors that showed up.

No one was bothering or oogling Jay or the other celebs, which was really cool. Zandy, Toya and I decided that once we're big enough to be recognized by our adoring fans (give us about 5 years) we'll definitely make the Spotted Pig one of our regular spots.

Love and Light...

Many of my conversations recently have been centered around STRIPPING...


Actually, the initial conversation is about money but it always seems to make it's way to stripping. Money has been on my mind a little too much lately. I'm guessing because I have none! Yes, I am living out my dream here in New York City, but the last time I checked that same dream included a nice cushion in the bank and a closet full of Chanel. Ok, ok...I know that's not realistic for a 24-year-old in her first full-time job ever, BUT like I've said before...you've got to dream BIG!

Back to stripping...
What's so wrong with some harmless dancing? I grew up being very comfortable in the nude thanks to my silly and carefree mother...quick changes during my 17 years of dance lessons and performances...running track and field in the tiniest outfits you can imagine...and boarding school where it seemed like I lived with professional exhibitionists.

When it comes to stripping, I could be a natural! :o)
Yet, I know better then to go that route...thanks to my wonderful, gracious and fabulous parents.

At times I want to curse my parents for instilling within me solid morals and values. If only I could convince them that I few shakes could get us that family vacation to Europe we've always wanted, or help pay off those never-ending student loans!

I'm sure they wouldn't go for it...but it's worth a try, right? :o)

Alas, after considerable contemplation I have decided against trying my hand at stripping. Although I would have been safe...only topless clubs (bottoms on) and it would have definitely been in North or South Dakota to ensure no one I knew (or black folk) would be around! In the end, I realize that I'm a little too bougie to be humping a pole for dollars...

HOWEVER, I can appreciate the art of stripping and maybe I have a little twinge (ok, big twinge) of curiousity. Soooooo, I have decided to enroll in an s Factor class.

S Factor is the new cardio workout that involves dropping-it-like-its-hot, bump-n-grinding, and swinging around a stripper pole. Sounds fun, huh? The creator was on Oprah...and you know if Oprah co-signs then I'm there! The two-hour intro class only costs $40. I know paying to strip is completely backwards...but when you've got an itch, you should attempt to scratch it in the most moral way possible! Hehehehe!

Love and Light..

I'm feeling in a lovey dovey mood...

I have always heard that finding love in New York City is next to impossible. Well ladies, "Mission Impossible" CAN actually be completed...because I did it!

After finding myself heart broken over a long-term and long-distance relationship, I felt like I would never find someone to love or to love me. Sad, I know. I hate going to that self-pity, lonely woman place....BUT it's a real thing! I have watched the ENTIRE collection of Sex and The City episodes at least THREE times (NO joke). With that said, I assumed that being single and living in NYC could be great fun, BUT the Kiss-of-Death as far as finding love was concerned.

I was thankfully wrong...I found my Prince Charming (R.T.W), while still having fun in the Big Apple. It's so great to find someone that you can completely be yourself around. I have found a kindred spirit...friend...and an amazing man! ( I don't mean to brag) :0)

HOWEVER, I did have to kiss a few conceited frogs along the way, but it was worth the spit (hehehe)! Although I do have a few tips that could help in expediting the process of finding "the one"... or someone close to it.

***Julee's "LOVE HUSTLE" tips***

1) USE YOUR FRIENDS--We all know it's hard (and pretty stupid) to date someone you meet at a bar or the club. Therefore, stick to meeting people at parties thrown by friends. This way the introduction is more personal and you'll have someone to dish the dirt to you about your potential Boo.

2) ACCESS DENIED--Don't...I repeat don't, sleep with someone you meet on the first night ( for a while..or even until that walk down the isle)! Even if he looks like Morris Chestnut and makes you feel like you're Beyonce. I've seen way to many of my friends go down this path and find nothing but a non-ringing phone and a box of Kleenex.

3) LADIES FIRST--Always make sure you behave like a lady. This doesn't mean that you need to act submissive. It means that you should use your manners and demand the same from your potential "one." I have run across a few guys that felt as though they should be the ones having the door opened for them, or being consistently told how fine they are...NOT! Call me old fashion...or don't call me at all!

4) TAKE A CHILL-PILL--Ladies, gone are the days where we will sit in front of our phones and wait for that fine man to call us... that's why we have CELL PHONES. Get out and enjoy life! Don't stress about if he's going to call or not. While he's out having fun and deciding when he's going to call, you need to be out gettin low and hanging with your girls. Your cell phone will be right there when he quickly remembers how fabulous you are!


Stay tuned: More tips to come!


Love and Light...

When I attended the Diane von Furstenberg fashion show, the song "She's Always a Woman to Me" played at the end. I immediately fell in love with the song (Download it ASAP)! Diane swayed and sauntered to the song as she made her way down the catwalk to graciously receive her standing ovation. Not only is the melody beautiful, but I LOVE the message of how women can be both strong and delicate at the same time...ain't that the truth!


SHE'S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME---> By, Billy Joel

She can kill with a smile, she can wound with her eyes
And she can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child but she's always a woman to me.

She can lead you to love, she can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth, but she'll never believe it
And she'll take what you give her, as long as it's free
Yes she steals like a thief, but she's always a woman to me.

Oh, she takes care of herself, she can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out, and she never gives in
She just changes her mind.

And she'll promise you more than the Garden of Eden
Then she'll carelessly cut you and laugh while you're bleedin'
But she'll bring out the best and the worst you can be
Blame it all on yourself 'cause she's always a woman to me.

Hmm, hmm, hmmm.

Oh, she takes care of herself, she can wait if she wants
She's ahead of her time
Oh, and she never gives out, and she never gives in
She just changes her mind.

She is frequently kind, and she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases, she's nobody's fool
And she can't be convicted, she's earned her degree
And the most she will do is throw shadows at you but
She's always a woman to me.

Hmm, hmm, hmmm.



Love and Light...

Apparently finessing runs in the family...

During my drive down to PA this weekend with my Uncle Mike, I learned that finessing is not only nurture but it's also nature. My Uncle might be one of the best finessers I know!I was in awe as he explained situation after situation of how he has used his education and skills to get where he is today...The assistant athletic administrator for the city of New Haven, CT. (He's also a history wiz). Not too shabby!

It's a relief to know that my children (Wilson and Josephine) will genetically inherit a portion of Mommy's finessing skills!

==================================================

I'm making strides in my mission to take over the publishing world! They might not be huge strides, but they are strides none the less. I have been lobbying for the advice and support of the fabulously successful black woman around me, and the results have been great. It's always important to bounce your ideas off the people whom you respect. I'm blessed enough to have a lot of those people in my life, and God willing the list will keep growing.

I guess I'm on a mentorship kick since I just came back from a breakfast introducing a mentoring program to breed diversity in the field of publishing. Of course this is something that I will definitely put a lot of energy towards. I would not be where I am today without the help and encouragement from my many mentors. In turn I need to "pay forward" the generosity I have been afforded.

WORD TO THE WISE: If you don't have a mentor...Get one!!

How? NEVER ask someone to be your mentor. Rather, find someone that you respect and look up to and present yourself a way in which they will want to encourage your development. A potential mentor needs to see that you are dedicated, reliable and passionate about the field in which you'd like to excel in. If you follow your heart and work hard, people are going to notice and will extend themselves and their time to you.

If you already have a mentor, hold on tight and make sure they know how much you appreciate them. There is nothing worst than using people to get where you want to be and then disregarding the people who helped you get there....shame! My mother always told me to "never burn your bridges" and that advice has served me well. Not only has that mantra helped in my professional life, it has more importantly aided in my development as a respectful human being. It all goes back to treating others how you want to be treated. Amen!

Love and Light...

I finally built up the courage to try "threading" yesterday...

For all those who are unfamiliar with the practice, "threading" is the new craze in hair removal. People mostly get their eyebrows, upper lip and other facial areas threaded. I must say that even after all my girlfriends telling me that the procedure would be virtually pain-free, I still went in with some reservation.
I was right...OUCH!

OK, so it wasn't horrible, but it was a different kind of hurt. Whereas waxing takes one big shot to your nerves, threading is a more tedious pulling of the hairs. It can be closely related to the feeling of rug burn over a period of about 45 seconds per brow. Your Reward? Fabulously shaped and cleaned brows! No pain, no gain. I am now a believer in threading and would recommend it to others. I'm sure that after a few times the pain will subside, just as it does when waxing. BUT don't believe the hype...It WILL sting the first time.

On a heavier note....

My grandmother is back in the hospital. I think she is starting to give up. It's hard to see someone that has contributed so much to my upbringing slip away. I'm going to travel home to Pennsylvania this weekend to see her. I hope it's not the last time. Although I know death is inevitable, it's something I just can't except right now.

I never had pleasure of knowing my father's mother, so grandma Rosa is all I've got...And I'm not ready to let her go. I always imagined her watching me walk down the isle and at least seeing my first born child. I had my great grandmother around well into my teenage years. There are just so many milestones that I have to share with her still. She is one who is suppose to speak Italian to my children... and make sure that their feet are well taken care of (I have been a dancer and runner all my life and looking at my feet you could never tell)...and make them spaghetti sauce from scratch...and watch scary movies with them while eating chocolate covered raisins....and spoil them half to death!

I know MY mother will be there for all those things(minus the speaking in Italian), but it's hard to imagine life without her.

The good part is she is STILL here, so I need to take advantage of it. Thus, I will make the most of my time with her this weekend...and try to remember the time we shared. (Please keep her in your prayers)

Love and Light...

Harlem on my mind....

Here's a little recap of my weekend in fabulous Harlem NYC (It's amazing that I can now find all the things I need and want in Harlem...Let's hope that I can afford to stay here):

1) My roommate and I spend Saturday afternoon at Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe (on 117th & FDB--the newest addition to all the fabulous black owned buildings springing up on Frederick Douglas Blvd) DREAMING and SCHEMING about our future and the ever-changing world around us...Harlem World, that is. Can you say "gentrification?"
We curled up on the comfy black leather couches with our individual pots of tea and a DVD of Sade's live concert playing on the flat screen TV in front of us. Now that's what I call relaxation!


2) Saturday night, we made our way uptown to The Den (131st & 5th) where our friend was celebrating his birthday. Again, it was nice to be in a minority owned establishment and grubbing on gourmet soul food. I had the "Gehtto Roll," which is a traditional sushi roll, in that the contents are rolled up with seaweed and rice. However, the true magic lies in the ghettofabulous fillings: sweet potato, pulled pork, collard greens, which is all topped with a zesty BBQ sauce! Is your mouth watering yet?


3) Sunday morning, I put on my most sensible black suit jacket (Robert Cavalli of course), my long and lean jeans from Gap, my vintage sterling silver and cubic zirconia stud earrings, my two Tiffany bacelets, my tweed and black patent pumps, and my alligator clutch....and walked 3 blocks to an open house for a $1.2 million duplex apartment. You didn't think I was going to walk up in there looking a mess did you? I walked around during the tour as if money was no object and if I really wanted to purchase the apartment it wouldn't be a problem. You gotta play the part if you want to be respected! Just another example of FINESSING!!!

Of course the place was amazing and WAY out of my price range, but I did learn a lot about real estate during my short 20 min tour. I will retire the information into my "Harlem Hustle: Real Estate" file and keep pressing forward.


4) Later in the day on Sunday, my roommate and I went out to Aaron Davis Hall at CUNY to see the last session of the Harlem Film Festival. One of my friends was showing her documentary on male "best dressed" pageants that go on in South Africa. The men are called "swankers" and they pull out their best suits (some with matching ties, socks, shoes and cuff links) and waltz/pose/flex/dance around the stage for the title of "best dressed." The prize money isn't even enough to buy them a new suit, yet, the men still find joy and pride in competing. Fashionistos after my own heart!

The other documentaries included:

-Harlem's changing land/skyscape

-The culture of white America (interesting, huh?)

-The life and times of Daisy Bates (a famous female civil rights activist for all those who are clueless like I was)

-A look at a policy that will require all corporations to disclose whether they have made money in the SLAVE TRADE. You heard it right....slave trade money is alive, well and is the foundation capital for many of the corporations we use today. Here are some companies that have already admitted to slave money: WACHOVIA, JP MORGAN and AETNA. I'll be moving my money ASAP!


5) After the film festival, we made our way down to Melba's (114th & FDB). What a great place! Melba's is yet another fairly new restaurant on Frederick Douglas Blvd and it's certainly worth visiting. The food was amazing! I have the short ribs, collard greens, a grit cake (kind of like a crab cake, but it's made with grits and is topped with melted cheese). Delicious! My roommate had the BBQ meatloaf and macaroni and cheese! Scrumptious! Run, don't walk to Melba's!


Sooooo, that's it! A productive, educational, and inspiring weekend in Harlem. I really feel like I'm becoming a local. I'm truly invested in the community and feel like that Harlem is not only the place where my apartment is located, but it's also becoming my HOME.

Love and Light...

Lately I've been dreaming BIG! I have never been one to limit myself and the goals I have set for my life are a testament to that. All my dreams have not been realized, but not from lack of effort! If you aim high, you'll always land in some realm of fabulousness! Sooooo, I have constructed my biggest challenges to date:

1) Grad School (applying, getting in and paying for it)

2) Building Wealth (trying to stack my chips so that I can afford that Harlem brownstone...the one I'm currently looking at is $1.4 MILLION!!!!)

3) Clips (Freelance writing for ANYONE...I aint too proud to beg!)


That's it, plain as day.....Do you think I'm crazy? Ok, I admit I'm a little crazy! BUT, you gotta dream BIG!

So I had a conversation with my father about my current goals (especially the one about purchasing a $1.4 million house) and he feed ME the worst possible line:
"You gotta crawl before you walk Julee! You're SPRINTING!!!"

HA! He says that to someone who pretty much paid their way through college SPRINTING! You can't use that line on a Division I track and field athlete Dad! We're built for speed! Although, I'll give it to him...I do need to pump my breaks a little. It's just so easy to get carried away when you live in a city like New York and have friends like I do...

I am so blessed to have people around me that are so darn out-going. Not only does it inspire me to do great things, but it pushes me to action. I can't sit around and let the world live out its dreams, I GOTTA GET MINE TOO! (Ohhhhh, I got a little ghetto right there!) BUT, like my wise friend Z says:"you gotta wait on your blessings." If something doesn't turn out your way, then it wasn't for you in the first place. God is good, so He's going to take care of us regardless of what we might THINk we need. And it's so comforting to know that!

With all that said, I challenge everyone to start dreaming BIG! No one is going to do it for you. You'll thank me later....preferably with a big fat check (that way I can start furnishing my brownstone)!

Love and Light...