Macaron monster....

Time to consider the "Sweet Life"... after visiting France, specifically, countless trips to Laduree Patisserie in Paris, I've become a "macaron monster." Countless times I vowed I'd try my hand at making macarons. I've been told that it's quite difficult and a daunting task, but I was determined that I'd prevail. Persistence pays off! Alas, my first batch of macarons. I was so proud, yet exhausted that I didn't even make the Nutella ganache I had my mind set on. Instead, I filled three of the macarons with straight Nutella. I damn near went into sugar shock and would have required a shot of insulin. ...no, I'm not diabetic! They were very sweet, but very good. I only could eat two, while my daughter ate one. I decided that I would have to make an appropriate filling to balance the sweetness, but it would not be tonight. Hence, they now sit in a Tupperware tub waiting patiently to be filled. Here is a picture of the one that was devoured. The rest are in an album. Many more macarons will follow as the flavor combinations are endless!!!!
More pics can be found here:
Macaron Monster

Reflection...

The year has almost come to an end and such change has occurred in a short period of time. Most importantly, America has spoken loud and clear and has elected Barack Obama as it's first President of color. On election day, I got myself and the kids dressed as we march down to the election poll. The line snaked around the block, but it was "quick" and painless. We were done under an hour. While four year old Papa didn't understand the significance of the day, he was in line nonetheless, photograph taken so he could be shown down the line.

Numerous people have asked what's happened with the blog... I found that longer periods of time were going between entries without anything being entered all because I really like pictures to accompany my entry and I was not getting enough time to download them from my camera. Now I have a laptop that I take with me on trips, so their is really no excuse now.

Also, sadly terrorism has spread to Mumbai... the very hotel I stayed, the Taj Mahal, was attacked. See my August 10th entry from last year. Terrorists demanded US and UK citizens. Over 125 people were killed. Delta has halted operations there at this time until the civil unrest ceases. It's late, so I'll catch up with you... I've done the 8 day trip to Africa... Dakar, Senegal and Capetown, South Africa. I've also been to Nice, France... twice. Very nice... anyhow, to bed I go. Will catch up later.

Shalom from Tel Aviv, Israel!

The are so many things that I need to get caught up on. At the moment, I am in Tel Aviv. This is actually my 2nd trip. My 1st trip was about 2 weeks ago. It's about 3am local time, which would be 8pm New York or eastern standard time. I was feeling a tad restless, so decided to hop on the computer.

A lot has been happening lately. I must brief you on my previous trip to Tel Aviv... I did a tour of Jerusalem. It was very interesting and spiritually enlightening. I've also been to Sao Paulo. That was my inaugural visit and actually, I headed here after returning from Sao Paulo, just the day before. That's back to back flying. On Monday, I'll be heading to my beloved city of Paris. Delta will no longer fly to Paris out of New York, which I hate... instead our partner airline Air France will operate the flight. I've got NOTHING to say on that. Let's just say I'm not pleased. This is a trip I will no longer be working. I think we still fly there next month, so let's hope I can hold some of those next month. However, I will treat Monday's trip with great nostalgia.

Also, on the update list, I went to Jamaica in late August and rode out Tropical Storm Gustav. There was no damage to the area where I was in Westmoreland, but it did get a tad scary. The power went out for like almost a day and we resorted to candles and kerosene lamps. The lamp bought back memories of being a kid and visiting Jamaica before there was electricity in homes. Wow!!! I'll keep you posted and get pics up... as these posts are worthless without pics! LOL!

Last but not least, how could I even NOT mention 9/11? It was a catastrophic event that changed many lives forever. I still grieve for all that was lost. It changed the world as we know it. ...still praying for the families who lost loved ones or even those whose situation "changed" as a result. Also praying for the continued safety of our troops and fellow colleagues in aviation.

Tel Aviv, oy vey!

Steady wins the race... one by one, adding blog entries. I am now in Tel Aviv... making my inaugural visit. The time now is about 11:42pm local time. They are seven hours ahead of New York time. As usual, I was the head flight attendant and feel really blessed to have gotten this trip. We arrived sometime around 3-4pm local time. Upon arrival at the hotel, I and a few crew members got dressed and we headed off to the beach. The beach is literally across the street from the hotel. Although I was not prepared to swim, I frolicked a tad in the water which was actually quite warm. The beachside was fairly crowded by many whom I am told are vacationers, either from France or Italy... and those locals who might be on holiday. One gentleman introduced me to his son whom he says is doing modeling and dreams of going to the States to model. Yet for now, those dreams have to be put on hold until he is finished with his army training. I am told that it is mandatory for boys to devote three years of their life to being in the Israeli army. I was like. woooooooowwwwwww!!!! Myself having a young son, didn't like the idea of that.

Right now, I am quite tired as I've not slept as yet. I will be receiving a wakeup call in about 6 hours as I've arranged to take a tour of Bethlahem and Jerusalem... I too will walk the streets where Jesus walked as He went about His life here on this earth. I am looking forward to it, somewhat with awe... expectancy. I'll keep you posted! Good night!

(As always, pictures will follow!)

Guess who's back...

Well, it's not like I actually left, but this summer has kept me rather busy... from plane to classroom, classroom back to the plane. I've also been busy planning my MAJOR event of the year- an "All White Beach Chic" party to celebrate my "birthday of a significant" number. LOL! Meanwhile, I've been trekking all over the globe.. UK, Ghana and then some... I'll post pics of those shortly.


As you know, I'm an avid fashion/beauty magazine collector. I'm talking once upon a time I had the VERY first issue of Elle magazine which I purchased on the newsstand... am I dating myself? LOL! The same can be said for Allure magazine. I was subscribing to Seventeen magazine when Whitney was on the cover. Anyhow, I was excited to see for July 2008 Vogue Italia featured what they call "A Black Issue." It was reprinted by popular demand and features Alek Wek, Alva Chinn, Arlenis Sosa, Chanel Iman, Gail O'Neill, Iman, Jourdan Dunn, Karen Alexander, Kiara Kabukuru, Liya Kebede, Noemi Lenoir, Pat Cleveland, Sessilee Lopez, Toccara Jones, Tyra Banks, Ubah, Veronica Webb and Yasmin Warsame. The issue has four different covers, but I have the one with Naomi. In either case, when you unfold the cover, you see the remaining three cover shots. Jezebel has a nice "guided tour" of the issue and is easy on the computer memory! According to the article, newsstand circulation in the US was increased by 30-40% to ensure enough copies! Here are some images that were posted by one of my favorite blogs- FASHIONISTA. Warning! It is picture heavy and takes a while to load. Here's an article that states "Fashion world stunned by Vogue for black." Hmmmm, maybe it's time to learn italian!

Also on the topic of fashion, I remember attending Ebony Fashion Fair fashion shows back in the day. Check out TV One's Documentary Ebony Fashion Fair.

Yes, it's been a long time...

I'm reaching you live and direct from Paris, my favorite city. So much has happened over the last few months. I've been back on the international scene for some time now and have been to the UK too many times to remember. May seems to have been the month of the UK tour/circuit... Edinburgh, Manchester, London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick... Next month I've got Shannon, Ireland... even after I distinctly preferenced NO IRELAND!!!!! I only do that as the trip isn't worth as much time as the other destinations that I've gone to. I am happy to announce that I picked up a Ghana for next month. The last time that I was supposed to go, the doctor said "NOPE!" due to acute sinusitis. This will be my first trip to the motherland Africa. Paris, as always, has been a frequent spot. I don't think I've done Italy this year at all. Time now in Paris is around 8:50pm. Although I was disappointed with July's schedule, there are other things to give thanks for. ONE-I have a job doing something I love. TWO-We do get a pay raise starting in July. THREE-We will also get premium pay for doing international... which is the majority of my trips. Sometimes you just have to see the silver lining in any situation and have an attitude of greatfulness. Thank you, Lord! I won't complain.

Back to Brussels

Hey All,

I know it's been a long time coming, but I am finally on updating. There are a lot of things that I need to catch you up on and will do it over time. I'm in Brussels and pooped, so it will have to wait... here's a hint: my trip to Jamaica at the end of February for a wedding at the Ritz-Carlton, my March 18th trip to London for my girfriend Natalie's funeral, my working trips to Paris April 1, London April 6 and Brussels April 9. Well, off to bed I go as I feel a migraine coming on.

The Diva speaks... how cute!

Press play! Watch how my eyes move around to follow your mouse!

Get a Voki now!

Happy New Year All!!!

I know I've done sliiiiidddddd into the New Year without so much as a New Year wish. I also know this blog needs updating. Furthermore, I have pics and videos I need to be adding. Once again, I am on bedrest, with my further activities being hindered. It appears I've gotten some form of viral gastroenteritis. What that means in everyday layman's term is that I've been having a hard time keeping my food down. UGH! I'll see what I can do later....