Side Note

I kind of miss doing my themed blogs. I might have to start that up again.

Vote Joy

Hello Friends,

I want to take a moment to ask you guys to vote for a great cause. Pepsi, through their Pepsi Refresh Project, gives away $1,300,000 each month to fund different ideas. This month, the Joyful Heart Foundation is in the running to win a $250,000 grant.

The Joyful Heart Foundation was founded by Mariska Hargitay, who plays Det. Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU. Because of the subject matter of the show, and the outpouring of personal stories she receives from viewers, she was compelled to start this organization to help survivors of sexual abuse, domestic violence and child abuse.

I think anyone who has ever called or text me to ask what I was doing, knows that I'll often respond, "Watching SVU." I absolutely lovelovelove the show. However, I don't want any of you to think that my love of the show is the reason why I'm asking you to vote for this organization. I would like you to vote for it because the Joyful Heart Foundation is doing wonderful and selfless things for numerous men and women. I'm voting for it because it is a cause I care deeply about and one that needs, and deserves, as much awareness as possible.

What You Do:

When you go to the site, you click 'Vote for this idea'. A window will pop up and from there, you can log in through your Facebook account with just a click of a button. After you connect to Facebook, the page will refresh and you'll need to click the 'Vote' button one more time to actually cast a vote. You can also access the site through a Facebook application.

It's really very simple; you don't have to sign up for anything. You get 10 votes per day and you can vote everyday (only one vote per organization, per day, however). I encourage you to take some time to read up on this cause, and the other causes that are in the running for grants, and make an informed decision, as you should with any vote.

The voting is open until February 28th, so please do your best to remember to vote everyday until then. 

Click to Vote Joy.

Click to see the other organizations.
Facebook Application.

Feel free to leave a comment simply to say that you voted, or to mention other causes in the running that you want to bring attention to.

My sincerest thanks,

Jamika

Shawty's Like a Melody in My Head That I Can't Keep Out

Got me singin' like,
"Na na na na" everyday.
It's like my iPod's stuck on replay.

Dear friends,
Here are some videos for your viewing pleasure:

Some thoughts from the past couple of weeks:


And who doesn't love outtakes?:


Yours in blog,
Jamika

Title Song: 'Replay' - Sean Kingston

I'm Goin' to California; I'm Goin' Far, Far, Far Away

Goin' to California, yes,
To resurrect my soul.
The sun is always shinin', shinin',
Or at least that's what I'm told.
I'm goin' to California,
There's a better life for me.
Goin' to California,
I'll write and tell you what I see.
I'm goin' to California,
Somebody say a prayer for me.

A letter to a neglected love.

Dear California,

I know it's been a couple of years since I visited you, but please believe me, I haven't stopped thinking or talking about you since.

I remember when I crossed the border into your world. Gliding along I-5, into Yreka. Remember when I stuck my black and white disposable camera out the window in Weed so I could take a picture of the sign announcing my entrance into the oddly named town? Then, like blades of fresh grass appearing on the first warm day of spring, the peaks of Mt. Shasta sprouted up tall and proud, and I felt like I was home.

Down through Redding, Red Bluff, Orland, Williams, Woodland and into Sacramento. Driving through the downtown streets, I peered at the city lights that spotted the Sacramento skyline--they were like multicolored Christmas lights flowing across a towering evergreen.

After a one night stand with your capital, I exited the city limits with a smile on my face. Traveling down the 5, I weaved through the dung-filled cow towns, into the crowded cities.

Hours passed before I caught a glimpse of Los Angeles. I wondered about it's Walk of Fame and the Kodak Theatre. I wondered about all of the stars who had succeeded and died there, disillusioned by the warmth of flashbulbs and lost in the smoggy haze of stardom. But, I couldn't stop, I had to keep going, I would be back, though.

I went on through Anaheim, the gritty city blessed with Disney's magical touch. Through Santa Ana, past Irvine and, finally, I found myself rolling parallel to the warm sands in Laguna Beach.

I spent a few days getting to know Laguna. Before I opened my eyes each morning, I heard the sounds of chirping birds and rushing waters; I felt the warmth of the sun and reveled in the smell of the citrus trees (which, although not native, fit in so well with the beautiful scenery). I soon left Laguna and got my chance to visit L.A.

It was another one night stand, but it was worth it. L.A. took me to dinner and a show. L.A. showed me through Bel Air and Beverly Hills; drove me down Sunset Boulevard and into Hollywood. L.A. showed me landmarks like the Beverly Hills Hotel and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. L.A. held my hand on the corner of Hollywood & Vine and made me feel beautiful.

I know my hometown has been nothing but good to me, but I just couldn't help the feelings I developed for L.A. If Tacoma was the high school sweetheart I was set to marry, L.A. was the handsome, adventurous and more successful other man that I cheated on my sweetheart with. But, who says a relationship born from quick impulses and deceitful desires can't be a relationship that goes the distance?

Cali (if I may call you that), I know we've lost touch over the past couple of years, but I don't want to be estranged from you any longer. The moment I saw your forest filled north, your temperate center and your sunshiny, palm tree speckled south, I knew I loved you.

There is still so much I don't know about you and I have every intention of learning all I can. I want to listen to secrets of your hills and the whispers of waves. I want to read what's written on your walls -- "Call Hollywood for a good time." -- and then leave my own tag (Jamika wuz here). I want to find out which rumors are true, clarify the misconceptions and investigate the urban legends.

At this time, when I'm surrounded by the cold, your warmth calls to me. I can't come right away, but I'll be there, I promise. You and I? We're going to make it. I hope you'll be as excited to see me, as I will be to see you. Until then, I will keep you in my thoughts and speak of nothing but my love for you to anyone who asks.

Shine On,
Jamika

Title Song: 'Gone to California' - P!nk

A Fox Trot Above My Head, A Sock Hop Beneath My Bed

A disco ball is just hanging by a thread.

A note to my subconscious mind:

Dear Subby,

I think it's time we had a talk. There are many times when I appreciate what you do for me. For example, when I am writing a short story or working on a screenplay, you are always there to fill in the holes, make connections throughout and urge me to edit a line that is good, but could be better. However, recently, I have only been able to focus on the disturbing images you place into my mind as I sleep. These nightmares need to stop and I'd really appreciate it if you would just communicate directly with Conscious Mind so we can work together to get rid of whatever it is that is bothering us so much.

Cheers,
Jamika

Title Song: 'Fireflies' - Owl City

We Ain't a Band, Bitch, We Don't Instruments

Hey! This is kind of late in the day, but here is my themed post for Monday.

Introducing: Missive Monday

Dear Creators of 'Baby in My Pocket',

I recently saw a commercial for your new toy. I was mesmerized the entire time because it was such an eye-opening learning experience.

Now, some may find this toy misleading, and may even insist you are doing a disservice to young girls and their parents. However, I say, 'Nay!' This is a great product and I plan to share what I learned from your commercial with everyone I know.

Here is the list of facts I gathered from your commercial, that I plan on sharing with my peers:

1. It's okay to put a baby in your pocket. I don't know how many times I have found myself carrying around a child only to find that I need to use my hands for something else. Normally, I would just set the baby down in a baby-safe seat or their crib, but you've opened up a whole new world of understanding. I'll just put the baby in my pocket. Sure, it might be a tight squeeze and harmful to the child, but it's just so damn convenient.

2. Tiny babies, like cellphones, laptops, mp3 players and other electronics, is a revolutionary idea. Sure, I could have a normal-sized, healthy child, but why would I want that when I can have a pre-premature baby?!

3. Now that babies are smaller, cuter and 'so sweet' it's now okay for me to begin collecting them! Though, now that I know this to be a fact, I'm just not sure why we gave so much grief to Octo-Mom...she was only expanding her collection.

4. I also learned that when my baby is hungry, as long as I have things that look like bottles, bowls, spoons and forks, there is no need to actually have food. What a relief; seeing as how the economy is so bad. Buying baby food really would have put a dent in the money I've been saving for Vegas.

5. When my baby wants to sleep, I'll just have them lie face-down on my hand. I thought having a baby sleep on their face was dangerous, you know because of the whole breathing thing, but I guess I was mistaken.

6. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I learned that (since babies are now so small and don't need to really eat) little girls can have babies, too--there's no need to wait until you're old enough to drive, vote or obtain a job.

So, as you guys can see, I learned so much just from your short, 20 second commercial! I can't wait to share the good news with my friends and get started on my baby collection.

Also, I will be sure to study your commercial for 'Puppy in My Pocket' as I plan to get a puppy of my own very soon.

Thanks for your time and attention,
Jamika

Later gators.

Title Song: 'My Band' - Eminem & D12