Makin Happy!

from: http://www.mehtanirav.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/making_happy.png

I have been smiling all morning for no real reason. It's raining here, but I brought the sunshine with me today! I mentioned this to my girl T and she said she was just talking to someone else about DECIDING to be happy & then just living in it. I couldn't agree more.

But there is a distinct difference in DECIDING to be happy and PRETENDING to be happy. So many times people get caught up in looking happy & not letting their misery show. But it always shines through. Besides, who are you fronting for? Certainly not me! If so, why? No amount of fancy clothes & expensive makeup can make you LOOK happy. Happiness is on the inside, regardless of the outside.

If your happiness is based in someone else's misery, then you're probably not happy. Happiness is based internally, not externally. If you get up in the morning and your whole motivation is to make someone jealous; you're probably not happy. If you go out of your way to disrupt someone else's life or salt their game. You're probably not happy.

Happiness is a decision that no matter what comes your way, it is well with your soul. Good or bad, there is a peace. Happiness shows no matter what the clothes or car or house. Happiness is a choice. If you can't be happy about the choices you make, you may need to start making better choices... And if your available options aren't making you happy, then maybe you need a  new plan.

Happiness, I CHOOSE IT!

All-Star Weekend = Black Thanksgiving? Ummmm...

So David Aldridge over at CNN wrote a piece on All-Star weekend being like the "Black Thanksgiving" which is a term that he accredits to Michael Wilbon. Ummmm, I don't agree.

Picture from: http://www.wizznutzz.com/

Here's the article: http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/18/nba.allstar.black.thanksgiving/index.html

It's in the OPINION section, so I'm not mad at CNN for this, but seriously... MY Thanksgiving is in November, just like everyone else I know.

He talks about going to whatever city the ASW with no tickets to any events and attending the parties, just to be close to the players. He likens it to the All-Star games of the Negro Leagues. I don't think that is a fair comparison because of what was going on in the black community and the United States at that time. There weren't as many Black people in prominence as there are now. It seems that then all we had were the athletes and the musicians. But this editorial seems to say the same thing.

Don't get me wrong, there are a large group of Black people that make the ASW pilgrimage every year. But let me just say, I am not friends with very many of them, if any at all. These are also a lot of the same people that are not in my social circle. I am really trying to figure out a nice way to say this. *sigh*  Look, the majority of the females I know OF that have clamored to go to All-Star weekend have been... chickenheads. And the majority of the males I know OF that go are hangers-on or wannabes. When the All-Star game came to DC, I think I may have gone to like one party, IF that. I spent most of my time avoiding the city and the out-of-towners hanging about. What is the point in going to an event for which you have no tickets, in hopes of getting close to, walking by, or driving next to someone who was in the event.

I guess I have accidentally been close to my share of athletes and entertainers that it has pretty much made the idea of going somewhere to PURPOSELY be close to them moot. I just don't understand why an adult would have that desire. He mentioned going with the girls, or the fellas or the frat. I don't know about anyone else but MY girls and I prefer to go to places where there won't be a lot of people so WE can spend time with US. Truth be told, there has barely been a vacation or roadtrip where the girls & I haven't bumped into a famous face or 3. I don't know maybe I am just over the idea of athletes and entertainers being soooooooooo celebrated.

But to compare THIS to Thanksgiving... sooo not the same. I can see how in some circles it would be a big deal... but for me, I just want to see the Slam Dunk Contest & I'll be happy watching it here on the couch in HD & congratulating JaVale McGee if & when I see him out & about in DC, or not.

Bacon Makes EVERYTHING Better

And a good cabernet...
And great customer service...

I took the beau to a birthday dinner at Restaurant Three in Arlington, VA. We were watching a show called bacon paradise and this place was featured. Once I found out they were local AND they made their own bacon, I WAS SOLD! I couldn't WAIT to go and was looking for the right occasion. Enter beau's birthday.

We arrived mega early because i can't tell or remember times. But we were seated right away. we were given 3 menus: The regular menu, the Restaurant Week menu, and the beer & wine menu. Their RW menu included an appetizer, an entree, a dessert and a draft beer or a glass of house wine. He had the duck breast lettuce wraps and I had the scallops & grits. He fell in love with the bourbon molasses, and I ADORED the scallops & grits because I can't eat shrimp so I had no idea what all the hype was about surrounding the whole shrimp & grits thing. Please note, "I can't eat shrimp" does NOT equal I am allergic to shellfish, Ok? Ok!
When our entrees came, I was in LOVE.
My meal:

Rib eye, marrow bone, mashed potatoes

Bacon wrapped pork loin, corn bread & bacon stuffing, brussel sprouts with beer & bacon

Unfortunately, I had to send my rib eye back. I ordered what he was having to-go as a replacement. The waiter apologized & then the manager came over & asked me if I wanted anything while I waited for the third course. In hindsight, I should have had the mac & cheese so I would know what it tasted like for the next time. However, I declined & waited quietly with my wine as the beau finished his meal. (Read- ate off his plate a few times). The waiter poured me another glass of wine and I was happy. Already satisfied with the leve of service I had recieved, the manager came back with another awesome surprise. One that guaranteed I would be returning!

When the dessert arrived, I think I may have SQUEALED!

 He had the chocolate cheesecake & I had the chocolate bread pudding with white chocolate sauce. Let's just say that that was THE BEST BREAD PUDDING I HAVE EVER HAD.

Overall, it was a GREAT experience & I cannot wait to go back! They have a Bacon Happy Hour on Thursday's and in September, they have Bacon week where EVERYTHING on the menu has bacon in it... I need to make sure I drink lots of water to ensure my pressure doesn't shoot up though!