Culture Shock

From the City to the Snow. The life of a Traveling Chef.

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Currently Blasting: Kanye West - Robocop
♫ Spoiled Little LA Girl ♫

Lil Kim/Nicki Minaj beef

I'm not gonna get too much into this but I have GOT to state my position on this wack ass beef.

Music is music. If you're in the industry, people are gonna love you, hate you, respect you, diss you, be jealous of you, etc. Just do YOU! Don't be mad cause you think somone is trying to be like you. Don't get heated cause people are comparing you to someone that got in the game before you.

As someone who doesn't do this music biz professionally, I know what it's like to write a song or have an idea and then see someone else with a similar game plan get credit for it. I remember back in the day, one of my homies made a whole demo tape called "The Gray Album" (He's a Beatles fan, a play on their 'White Album') where he re-did a bunch of songs originally written by artist like Incubus & Coldplay; a Hip-Hop/Alternative mash-up if you will. Then here comes Jay-Z and his bitchass Linkin Park so called collabo.

Shit happens. My nigga didn't go on a 7 month rant about how he hated Jay-Z for his idea, Jigga just happened to be in the position he was in to make that shit poppin.

So, in conclusion, Miss Lil Kim, I love you. I adore you. But don't hate on Minaj for getting hers. If this were a real Hip-Hop beef circa 2Pac & Bigga, trust, Power 106 probably wouldn't be playing neither of you chick's hits non-stop on the anniversary of your murder 7 years after the fact. Harsh, but true.

On the flip side, I am not much of a Nicki fan. I didn't even think I knew how to spell her name before I googled it for this blog but I will say this, keep doin you, ma. And perhaps, keep doing you while also doing something worth listening to....?

Give Respect. Salutations....

A Touch of Gossip

I don't usually dabble too much in the world of gossip but I had to post this video. Earlier today TMZ got a hold of this video feature Miley Cyrus taking a bong load of Salvia and "trippin hard". Jahaha! Sooo funny.

For the record, Salvia is totally legal in the state of California and usually gives you a psychedelic trip as opposed to marijuana that just makes you funny, slow, dumb, and hungry. I've tried this ish before and know that it doesn't usually hit you for longer than 20min after you inhale it, if it hits you at all. I've never seen any trip like Miley is but it cracks me up to see how stupid and dumb she gets, just like everyone else does when they're under the influence. People are people and the bitch just turned 18. Someone needs to hook this girl up with a bleezy and spark it!

Video Update!

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Faith. Strength. Love. Joy.

MIXTAPE

I've been waiting for this Mixtape for quite some time now. Truthfully, I'm really diggin this one. Enjoy!

J. Cole - Friday Night Lights

Released: November 12, 2010

*Update*

Check this link provided by my beloved THREE SIX PHIVE.com

Random Video

My last night while on the North Rim. October 17th, 2010... Spanish music, Puerto Rican booze, and my favorite people. Thanks to my Kimmy, Maricruz, Lizeth, Diana, Joe, Ian, & Lamar for an AMAZING night. Love my GCNR fam!

Gratitude

Let me start off by saying that I truly love the experience that being a Chef has given me. There are times when I’m in a hot ass kitchen, bangin out food, bustin my balls and it sucks. Trust, this is not a glamorous profession by any means and when it’s a million degrees, you’ve got 10 tickets in your window, and some random person comes up to bother you in the middle of all that, you want nothing more than to punch them in the face and walk away. However, I do have to give credit where credit is due.

I remember this one time, I was in the kitchen doing some prep work when a server came in and told our breakfast cooks that a guest had sent their compliments on a delicious meal. My first response was, “Wow, that’s really cool” then one of the line chefs turns to me and says, “When we're busy, we don't have time to chat with servers. We get compliments all the time, it’s nothing special...”

Here’s my opinion, if anyone takes time out of their day to acknowledge you, it’s special. By no means should any kind gesture, a gracious word, or even just a simple greeting go ignored. It’s like walking down the street, I smile and usually say hello to every single person that I pass. I think it’s rude to act like no one is there. God put all of us on this planet for a reason. No, I may have no importance on your life whatsoever and chances are, you may not insanely effect mine either but that doesn’t mean we should succumb to that level of negativity towards each other.

As Miss America as it sounds, the world would be such a kinder, simpler, and overall better place if we thanked others for their graciousness, if we took time out to lock eyes with another passer-byer, if we all were the guest that compliments the Chef whos busting their ass and most importantly, if we were all that Chef that truly appreciated being praised.

No one has to take time out for you, appreciate it when they do.

Stay Hungry, you beautiful people!

Though I’m barely at the start of my coking tour, I must say… My greatest gift to other people is still music. I know that cooking isn’t my calling. I know that I’m currently living a life I chose through love rather than the life that was chosen for me through calling. Sometimes, I’ll be temping out the Buffet and not notice how hard I’m rocking out to the song in my head. A random person, whether it be a coworker or a guest, will ask me what I’m dancing to and I’ll tell them. That feeling is a lot greater than the salad bar I spent hours prepping and setting out for them to destroy.

I find greater joy in spreading music than food. Both are Universal so I still get this high when I can give either to the world. But I will forever remember the little girl with her shoes on the wrong feet, asking me which Jonas Bro song I was singing more so than the guy who asked me what French Toast was and how I made it.

Don’t get me wrong, people enjoying my food is one of the greatest feelings in the world. But there’s something about how I grew up & live my life that brings me back to the genuinity of music. The number 1 true Universal Language, the way most people bring themselves together.

As a Chef and a nurturer, I hope that the food I produce brings together many walks of life within harmony on one common goal: to enjoy what I provide. However, I hope that the soundtrack to that meal is one that they’ll never forget. Something that will change them; music that will bring them to life just as much as my amazing food will.

Keep music alive, be true to you, and Stay Hungry!

Dancing in the Rain

Was this that what it is?!

Today was one of the best days I’ve had at this place. Woke up, cashed my check, ran some North Rim errands, and while in the general store I ran into Ashley & Rachel who gave me a ride back to our dorms and we started a dance party.

That dance party turned into shots of Jack and table dancing in the pouring rain. I felt so alive and free. Just to have no cares nor worries; it’s just you, the music, in the rain. Ahhh!

So after I got too wasted for comfort, I took a nap and now, here I am. I have never been hung over the same day I got smashed. It’s an odd feeling. I’m wide awake and tired at the same time. I just wanna write and enjoy time to myself. Tried to hang out with people but it was very unamusing and unfulfilling. Like the high I was on before made everything else seem so dull.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining. I think this is just a sign that being alone for a bit has probably been long overdue. Either way, today was a beautiful experience. Seriously, drunk dancing in the rain in the Grand Canyon. Not everyone gets to live this. I love that this is my life.

The Dream – Walking on the Moon

Stay Hungry, dear friends!

Crunk Drunk

I have no real sense of time nor reality…

Tonight, me and a few of my favorite people had a drunken music celebration in an open field a few hundred yards from our dorms. I don’t know if I’ve ever been so content with life as I am now. I love just being; existing freely. Tonight was a good night.

And here I am, drunk more than I should be. Telling a friend I love them *cause I really do fucking love this girl* and her response being. “Love you too. You're so cute and so butch”. It made me laugh. I’m not a lesbian but don’t let my plaid shorts fool ya! Jahahha!

Anyways, I’m getting too crunk for typing so I will finish with the point of this blog. I love myroomies! Allison is kinda like the friend I always wanted. So open and free within herself yet so “sheltered” from the world like I am. And then there’s Jen; free spirited, willing, able to control every drunk on this mountain and still getting wasted and enjoying life on her terms. I love them too much. 96% of what I’m going to miss come October is those two.

Then there’s Kyle & Lamar. For one, I’ve barely met any Native Americans in my life. Then these 2 pop up and its like ‘WOAH!’ Black Rob status. Natives can’t handle their liquor nor their sexual tendencies but it’s funny to me. For second, my favorite people to be around when I'm drunk is Jen & Kyle. They’re so happy & fun yet then can chill and enjoy the moment and I love that about them. Makes me so comfortable while we’re wasted cause I'm usually so uptight.

So there, that’s that. That's all I had to say. I love most of them people I’m surrounded by and I love how good I feel right now. I’m not stupid, no one else is being stupid. Were just chill and the one thing I needed in my life was to learn how to relax. I love that I’m learning all that here right now.

In the mean time, stay sober, stay blessed, and Stay Hungry. Besos!!

ftw?

So as I’m revising my last blog, like 45 minutes ago, I start to smell an overwhelming amount of smoke. Being in a dorm on the 1^st floor near the entrance/exit doors, I just assumed it was someone having a fag outside my window. Pero no. Some people here thought it would be a good idea to light up a grill and cook a single (SINGLE) hot dog indoors.

I don’t get the nerve of people. I’m down for having fun and doing what makes you feel good but a lot of times, I feel like a 50 year old trapped in a young gorgeous chick’s body. I instantly turn into parent mode. I want to scold people and make them suffer their consequences and learn from their mistakes. If the dude that started this “Lets smoke up the entire building” gig wasn’t my MJJ twin lover in life, I’d probably be ratting him out right now.

It’s so rude to not consider others. A lot of the reason why I get so screwed over in life, love, and friendships is that I am constantly thinking of how other people would react and/or feel in everything I do while most others tend to only think of themselves in these various situations. Yes, I like to party, I love loud music and causing ruckus. But if my room mate is sleeping, I keep it down. If it’s after hours, I stay pretty mild within reason. When I wanna do something that may not work for others, I find alternatives to satisfy myself while pacifying everyone else. Not many people have the same views on respect as I do and I totally get that. What I don’t get is why more people don’t think and act as I do. I’m not perfect but hot damn, I’m a pretty good person. I don’t understand those that don’t strive to be good people in life.

In the end, I’m sitting outside, in the rain, yet again, blogging to yall and trying to save my lungs from massive amounts of chemical infused smoke. Gotta be up in 5 hours to hit St. George for some shopping and mischief but for now, I’m gonna enjoy the fresh air, clean rain, and Whodini.

Love someone. Give respect. Stay Hungry.

2:10am update: I just got investigated by security as to what the problem was and who was/is involved. I’m not going down for other people’s problems. Sorry if you get screwed over but I’m nobody’s bitch. And Shakira’s ‘La Tortura’ ft. Alejandro Sanz just came on. I’m gonna rock out and not worry about other people’s problems. “Sorry” :)

Optimism

A lot of amazing things have happened to me within the last few months. I learned a new trade (Raw Food) moved out of my parents house, got to see my great G’ma hit 100 years, & I’m steadily re-finding myself everyday. I’ve learned what real friends are and am even more happy with the ones that didn’t work out due to the fact that I was happy then but I’m even more happy now.

Moving to the GC has completely changed my perspective on life. I now look at my familiar pictures and it’s all a memory, a good memory. All the negative that I was stuck in for 08/09 has been forgotten and all I see is the good. I miss my cat but can’t fully remember having her around. I miss my friends but the fun we had is no longer a fun lifestyle but a fond memory. I’m so happy for that. It makes me appreciate life now so much more.

I used to be a total optimist. The last few years took that away from me. I was lost, angry, sad, depressed for a reeeaaalllyyy long time. However, now, I am that happy person I used to be; the one who always saw the light in every situation. Not saying I don’t get down every once in a while but, I no longer see the bad before the good. I no longer dwell on all the wrong going on. I love this me, this me I used to be.

I have no idea where I’m going next in life but I know that God has a plan for me. And just because I don’t know that plan does not mean it’s not going to work out for me. Yeah, I’m stuck in a position that I didn’t apply for. Yeah, I wish I was cooking a lot more than I am. But I feel like this is just putting me in a position to obtain a lot more than jumping into my goal would’ve allowed.

I now know that not everything in life needs to be forced; I don’t need to schedule and plan everything as I did before. I’m more open to just letting things happen as they should and I thank God for that kind of peace.

Thanks for reading. Bless you all who have supported and been there with me since the beginning. Until next time, Stay Hungry!

Overdue Update

Been MIA for a slick minute but I'm baaaaaaack!!

Life is fantastic. Just to catch yall up to speed, I moved to the Grand Canyon, North Rim. It's a huge change from LA but I'm LOVING it. Everyone here is amazing and I get to cook a lot more than my last job. Anyways, here's a few flicks to show you what life has been like for the past month and a half. Enjoy!

Entrance to the Park

This is every single night for us

Huevos Rancheros. Yummy!!

GC Chillin

View from atop :)

I love that I get to live this every single day.

PS: Make sure you folks check out BasedMagazine.com for my blog, a few others, as well as a ton of other content you need. Until next time, besos!!

World Cup 20-10

Being a minor fan of soccer, mainly cause one of my jobs gets free Galaxy tickets thus forcing me to keep up with the rest of the world, I'm truly excited for this year's world cup. I'm going for Mexico, I think they're kinda the best though I'm a little afraid of Brasil & Argentina....

Anyways, I'm not here to talk sports, I'm here to talk SHAKIRA! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm probably her biggest fan. The bitch can do no wrong in my eyes; she gorgeous, she can dance and, in Spanish, she's a very talented artist *I said in Spanish*.

Here's the official World Cup Song done of course by my beloved Shaki! Thanks to LatinGossip.com for the video. Enjoy!

Hip Hop Appreciation Week Day 5

Yup yup! It's his Birthday and theres no denying that he deserves the respect. Here we gooooo!!

Notorious B.I.G. - Ready to Die

Released: September 13, 1994

1. Intro

2. Things Done Changed

3. Gimmie the Loot

4. Machine Gun Funk

5. Warning

6. Ready to Die

7. One More Change

8. Fuck Me

9. The What

10. Juicy

11. Everyday Struggle

12. Me & My BItch

13. Big Poppa

14. Respect

15. Friend of Mine

16. Unbelievable

17. Suicidal Thoughts

18 Who Shot Ya?

19. Just Playing (Dreams)

First things first, I Poppa, freaks all the honeys....

With the blow up in technology, everybody & their momma puttin out a mixtape (trust, I'm putting one out too, WITH my momma) and every single album released being "leaked" out a bit too early, theres not much left to be said about the anticipation of new music. However, my infatuation with this album came mostly from the NEED to run out and get it, as well as it being a lyrical masterpiece, of course.

In '94, I was barely pushin 10 years old. My mom worked the graveyard shift and wouldn't make it home til after my dad, brother, & I had left for work/school in the mornings. The day this album dropped, I forged my mom's signature in an absent note, sent my lil bro off to school and walked the mile up Sepulveda Blvd. to Tower Records to get this CD. It was that serious.

Just from radio play alone, I knew this man was a genius. Being from the West Coast, there was of course the whole "we don't respect East Coast artists" at one time but this album always stayed true to me. Biggie had this sense of ease about him, you felt comfortable listening to him and inclined to sing along. He rapped as if it was easy for him; like spittin out "Straight at your dome homes, I wanna see cabbage, Biggie Smalls the savage, doin your brain cells much damage..." was nothin to him.

But that feeling I had; that want, that NEED for this album, you don't get that anymore. Theres not one Hip-Hop artist out today that I can truly say "I'm not gonna be right if I don't go run out & get this the day it drops". I miss that feeling, I want it back. And I thank BIG for giving me that.

Happy Birthday B.I.G.!

Hip Hop Appreciation Week Day 4

So I found out about this show about 3 days ago. A couple of the guys from the Luminaries come into my restaurant often, some of them every single day. They mentioned the show and of course, I was on board.

First off, KRS-One doing a show about 7 blocks from my job, derrr, I'm in! Second, I absolutely adore Simple Citizens. They remind me of everything that I love about Hip Hop and more. Not only are their rhymes on point but give me anything with a live band/horns/woodwinds, I'm yours forever.

Before tonight, I had never seen Luminaries perform live. I always say I'll go and end up working late or whatnot but I was excited to finally attend a show of theirs. A conscious Hip Hop Group with I think more white people in it than blacks; an observation pointed out to me by a source that shall remain nameless.

So we'll start at the top:

My girl, Philene ended up working late so we only got to catch the last 2 songs done by Simple Citizens. Of course they did not disappoint. Then the Luminaries came on and blew my fuckin face off. Raw talent, (Raw. Get it? Cause I'm a Raw Chef... No?? Never mind...) Musicality beyond measure and a message that you can not ignore. I had no idea how great these guys are and how drawn everyone was to them. I figured most people at the show were there to see KRS-One but to see everyone so into Luminaries and rocking out the way they were, I was astonished. They did an amazing job.

And then there's KRS-One. Fuck. The man. Theres something that I've been dreaming for years and tonight, my dream came true. I've always told people, if there was anyone on this planet that I could just sit and listen to while they talked for hours, it would be KRS-One. The man did not let me down. I think about 98% of his set was freestyled. And anytime the DJ would put on a beat he wasn't feelin, KRS would stop and switch directions taking you on a whole new ride. Then we get to the end of his set and dude just starts going on and on and on about life, love, peace, music, equality... Seriously my dream. I damn near cried. Everything I've ever wanted to hear him say, he preached it to us tonight. *Bonus round* He was completely gracious with the photo/autographs and even made us retake a picture with him cause the first was too blurry. LOVES!

Literally the best $20 I've ever spent. So grateful for tonight. Ahhh!

Hip Hop Appreciation Week Day 3

Slick Rick - The Great Adventures of Slick Rick

Released November 3, 1988

1. Treat her Like a Prostitute

2. The Ruler's Back

3. Children's Story

4. The Moment I Feared

5. Let's Get Crazy

6. Indian Girl (an Adult Story)

7. Teenage Love

8. Mona Lisa

9. Kit (What's The Scoop)

10. Hey You World

11. Teacher, Teacher

12. Lick The Balls

One reason why I love this album was to me, Slick Rick was so Fresh. He was fun, dressed real slick, and he was genuinely his own person. Not "unique" like we'd use the term today but if you put on a dope outfit and an eye patch, everyone KNEW you was tryin to be Slick Rick. I found humor in almost all his music and his ways of telling stories reminded me of myself growin up; writing plays & stories and poems, etc. and finding an alternative way to display them to the world... If there is anyone in Hip Hop that I say I can relate to based on personality, it is hands down, Slick Rick (with a touch of Kanye & Diddy, of course!)

Cheers.

Hip Hop Appreciation Week Day 2

A Tribe Called Quest - Midnight Mauraders

Released November 9, 1993

1. Midnight Marauders Tour Guide
2. Steve Biko (Stir It Up)
3. Award Tour
4. 8 Million Stories
5. A Tribe Called Quest
6. Midnight
7. We Can Get Down
8. Electric Relaxation
9. Clap Your Hands
10. Oh My God (A Tribe Called Quest song)
11. Keep It Rollin'
12. The Chase, Part II
13. Lyrics to Go
14. God Lives Through

Hip Hop Appreciation Week; Day 1

It's Hip Hop Appreciation Week. This week, I'll be mentioning a few of my favorite Hip Hop artists and giving you at least 1 of my favorite albums by them. Lesss Gooooo!!!

Day 1: Tupac Shakur

2Pac - All Eyez on Me

Released Feb. 13, 1996

1. Ambitionz Az a Ridah
2. All About U {Nate Dogg, Yaki Kadafi, Kastro, Hussein Fatal}
3. Skandalouz {Nate Dogg}
4. Got My Mind Made Up {Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, Method Man, Redman}
5. How Do You Want It {Jodeci}
6. 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted {Snoop Dogg}
7. No More Pain
8. Heartz of Men
9. Life Goes On
10. Only God Can Judge Me
11. Tradin War Stories {C-BO, Outlawz, Storm}
12. California Love [Remix] {Dr. Dre, Roger Troutman}
13. I Ain't Mad at Cha {Danny Boy}
14. What'z Ya Phone No. {Danny Boy}

So here's my intro to Hip Hop:

I grew up on the likes of Prince, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, and all things Gospel. My parent's generation. I wasn't introduced to Hip Hop til I was about 5 or 6, late 80's, early 90's. What initially started my love for Hip Hop was that radio stations during this time would incorporate the music of my parents with this "new" movement. The grooves, the rhymes, the energy, it all appealed to me. Of course the Internet and technology then wasn't like it is now so my main source for discovering Hip Hop was the radio. Up until High School, every chance I had, I created what is now highly publicized as the "mixtape". I'd record the radio for hours on end onto a cassette tape to listen to on my walkman that would get taken away from me 2-3 times in a month's span at school.

Moving on. In 1996, I fully fell in love with 2Pac. All Eyez on Me came out and it spoke to me in a way that I had never experienced before. I can't remember where I heard it from but this is the best explanation of 2Pac as an artist that I've ever heard:

"I believe Pac pulled from MLK, Malcolm X. That singing it & meaning it, pouring those words out because it was from the heart..."

Or as expressed by Radio Personality, Devi Dev, in a recent interview:

"The way that he spoke to people, he knew how to invoke every emotion humanly possible in you. Be it greed, anger, generosity, love, hate, empowerment, inspiration or degrading, he knew how to do that. It showed me the power we have as speakers to touch a lot of people's lives..."

With his ability to make me feel things I've never felt or experience situations that I never knew existed, 2Pac open my eyes to the world. To something outside of my little Valley Girl bubble. And that is why I listed him first in my Hip Hop Appreciation Week.

I'll see you tomorrow for Day 2.

Gratitude

Had an interesting conversation with one of our patrons at the restaurant yesterday. This is what he had to say:

"How do you make my drink so well? I know you're a music fan so let me describe it in a way that you'll understand. For instance, when you prepare my meals/drinks, it's like old school. Like Sam Cook, Otis Redding. The good stuff. The stuff you love & appreciate. But when you're not around and someone else makes the same thing, it's like the Karaoke Cover Band of Otis Redding. You just get it."

I've never felt so flattered in my life. I LOVE my profession.

Stay blessed folks! God's working on you too :)

Recipe of the Week

In honor of Mother's Day, and the fact that I was broke paying for shit to keep the feds off my back, I made my mom dinner to show her my appreciation. Seriously the best meal I've had in ages.

Herb Roasted Chicken breast, Stuffed shells atop a Leek & Carrot Salad. Peas on the side cause my bro is picky & won't eat most things green.

Super easy to make, incredibly affordable (I spent less than $50 and it serves 6-8 people). The Chicken was marinated in Ginger, Oregano, & Basil. Shells stuffed with Ricotta & Mozzarella Cheeses with fresh Crab & Shrimp and sprinkled with Parmesan. Leeks blanched & chilled with peeled carrots.

I'm probably gonna need a gym membership to work off this meal but either way, Happy Eating!!

Blurb

As a fantastically single girl, and extremely happy within that right, I must admit; the best part of not having to sleep alone is Hilary Duffinately not having to wake up alone.

Well, maybe the second best part.... :)

Happy Cinco de Mayo puntas!

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Random

This may not fully make sense to anyone, this I'm aware of. But I've got to "rant" right quick. So here goes...

I'm done with everyone trying to fix me. And trying to tricking me into believing I need to be fixed.

I am AMAZING! I'm not your average chick. Even average chicks aren't average... I have a lot of fun & useless talents, way more life experience than most, and I'm insanely great at everything I do.

This is not me trying to preach my confidence [though its a plus cause I'm incredibly full of myself] and its not a recent sense of empowerment. I'm just really happy being me. Unbelievably happy and I'm proud of that. No one in nor around this world has the power to change that besides ME. I refuse to rely on anyone but myself to make me happy. I urks me when people say shit like "I love haters cause they motivate me..." Thanks but no thanks. I motivate ME & I don't need your bullshit arrogance to do so.

Though about 98% of my life is utterly imperfect, I live each day working hard to be better than I was the day before. And I love that about me.

God has a life planned for you but only you can make that happen. Do not let anyone try and change that. Do what makes you better, and remember, "Life isn't about finding yourself, its about creating yourself." ~George Bernard Shaw

Say your prayers, live YOUR life, and keep God close <3
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Recipe of the Week

Brunch done Better:

Herb Toasted Wheat Bread

2 Egg Whites & 1 Yolk, Over Easy

Tomato

Shallots

Lettuce

Super delicious. The herbs I used were Nutmeg & Oregano (With Garlic, of course) brushed on toasted bread with butter then re-toasted. Eat well :)

Recipe of the Week

Flax-tada!!! (Flax Seed Tostada) Big Ups to all my Raw Foodists/Vegans :)

Flax Seed "Bread" layered with Walnut Taco Meat and Romaine lettuce. Then with Tomato, Red Onion, & Jalapeno marinated in Olive Oil, Salt, Apple Cider Vinegar, & Tamari, and topped off with a sliver of Avocado. Served with a Scallion Sour Cream (made mostly of Cashews & Iris Moss) on the side.

I know it's not a complete recipe, but its yummy & I'm happy to share it. Cheers!

Recipe of the Week

I'm proud of this one. Actually had a hand in creating this success in the Raw Food/Vegan World. Yeee!!!

Indonesian Kelp Noodle Bowl:

Organic Kelp Noodles
Sweet Chili Sauce (our own recipe)
Bok Choy (Chopped)
Cilantro (Chopped)
Mint (Leaves left whole)
Garnished with Black Sesame Seeds, Strips of Nori, Curled Red Bell Pepper, and again, our own Spicy Paprika Oil drizzle (made of mostly paprika, agave, garlic, and apple cider vinegar)

Be hungry and enjoy :)

Back To It

Spent waaaayyyy too much time recovering from all the negativity that was 2009.

Back on my selfish tip. Its ME time, bitches! Get with it or get stomped :)

♪ Mya - All About Me ♪

Life

When it comes to life, I know for a fact that I'm not living what I was meant to do... Music & Cooking are passions of mine but I was put on this Earth specifically for one aspect...

I was meant to teach and/or be a missionary. Since I was in the 2nd grade, I've known what God wanted for me. I had this teacher, Mrs. Jones. Big eyes, brown skin, always a fresh perm & a fly outfit to match... She rarely talked about what we "needed", according to curriculum or what others said, and always talked about what we "should" know, according to the lives we were living. Even then, I was aware of what really is.

More often than not, we are told one thing when life has taught another. Every now and again we realize what's within us and more so often than not, we move onto the next based on what society makes us think is "real".

My thoughts: Give God all of you. Only then can you see the realness in your life. Whether it be talent, calling, or plan.

I don't think I've spent enough time living out my want to be a Chef. And as much as it makes me happy (beyond belief) to make others happy with my food, its not my need; its not my calling.

One day, your kids will come home saying "My favorite teacher ever is Ms. Jasper..." like I did with Mrs. Jones. And chances are, if I gain word about it, I'll cry like I am now. But to know that that's where I was meant to be makes life actually REAL to me...

In the end, that's all that matters. Live life accordingly :)
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My Love

My love comes rare, hard, & close. I love like people deserve & mentally, I can't comprehend those that don't love as hard as I do. I go in 100% for any and everyone that needs it.

The world could be beautiful if we all loved like we're supposed to.
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Based Magazine

I wanna publicly touch on a subject that I promised I would drop a little over a month ago. I've been getting a lot of flack from people, mainly people I don't even know nor want to know, on how things are run down at BasedMagazine.com. A couple people who are close to DatBoiBased went a little too far in taking their personal problems and using them through his business to bring him down.

Here's what I have to say. That's my fam. And if you're gonna throw salt on his name, you're doing the same to me and everyone else on the staff as well as our affiliates. If you have personal problems keep them personal so that when I get to writing in my public blog, I don't have to waste my time trying to be discrete about you & your negative situations. Business is business and if you don't like the way business is being done, ignore it and find someone or something else to rag on.

In the end, whats done is done and I plan to leave things be but trust if I'm put into another situation where I have to defend what I believe in, trust, you do not want to see my reaction, I go hard for my people. The End :)

Sunday Morning Movie Reviews

As most of you may know, I'm a music head. I tend to not watch very movies, especially in theaters. I take up 3 seats, lay down, fall asleep and/or talk through the entire thing. I am THAT friend. (If you plan on asking me out on a date, don't suggest a movie, you'll never invite me out again)

So here I am with 2 very late movie reviews: Precious & The Blind Side.

Precious

Golden Globe Award Winning (Best Supporting Actress went to Mo'Nique). It's up for 6, count 'em, 6 Oscars; Best Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting actress, Best Editing, Best Writing Based on Material Previously Produced or Published & Best Directing.

Clearly this film is not going unnoticed by the Academy and has gotten a lot of buzz and great reviews from the popular crowd. Unfortunately, I'm not apart of either. In my opinion, the movie wasn't very special. Yes, it was different & heart-wrenching, & I'm glad that I'm not in Precious' situation and it does make me grateful for what I have but that's about it. I feel like the nature of the film was overplayed. I didn't read the book but I'm pretty sure there was a lot less cursing & a lot more "real-life" content than the movie brought to life.

I also didn't think Mo'Nique's performance was exceptional by any means. When discussing it with a friend, he used the word "Brilliant" to describe her performance. "That last scene made you feel sorry for her even though she was a monster but she wasn't actually a monster, she was just sick. She's got the nominations to prove it". Sorry but I disagree. Yes she did play her part well but I want greatness. I want you to blow me off my feet & do something that no one else can do before I give you an award above all the rest.

Had this movie come out 3-5 years ago, I don't think it would have done as well. Like music, the caliber of films out right now are not as great as they've been in the past. I'm tired of entertainment being made just to draw people in. I didn't see Avatar (that'll be on the next review) but I feel like James Cameron made it with the intention of showing his vision/point of view regardless of the outcome, unlike Precious where I feel like it was put out to push the book, show a story, and apply to the masses. Everyone is drawn to a sad story, it's like singing a Gospel song in your American Idol audition; how do you publicly deny faith & religion??

Either way, if you haven't seen this film, I won't reccommend it but go check it out if you feel the need and chances are, you'll disagree with me but, c'est la vie.

The Blind Side

First up, I have to say that I'm a sucker for true stories. Chances are, I'll like any movie based on a true story. I'm a realist, I like reality. But regardless of my personal feelings, we're talking opinions here. I liked this film. It felt real & genuine. Won a Golden Globe (Best Actress by Sandra Bullock) which I felt was well deserved yet not well earned. Not super exceptional about her performance but she is one of my top favorite actresses and she did do a really good job. Maybe I expect too much from high paid actors but, don't try to impress me doing something that I can do too.

Moving on, it's up for Best Motion Picture & Best Actress by the Academy (Oscars) and I hope Sandra wins it again because the category is VERY forgiving this year. Either she or Meryl Streep is gonna take it, point blank. However, I will say this, if anyone deserves an award for this movie, it's Jae Head, the kid that plays S.J. It cracks me up when kids can act cause that's a true gift & talent in children should NEVER go unnoticed. Also, Tim McGraw surprised me. I'm a huge Country Music fan and he can actually act so yay! for him.

Anyways. The movie is about an inner city kid, Michael Oher, that gets into a private school & changes the lives of a family that takes him in & helps change his life. True rags to "riches" story, yada yada.

Funny in a lot of parts, heart warming in plenty of others. Good directing, and the fact that so many NCAA Football coaches took the time out to be in the movies makes you realize how true the film is to it's original story. In the end, I really like this film and if you haven't seen it, check it out for yourself.

Happy Sunday folks!

A tad late

Some uber late BDay pics.... Forgive me for we was crunk :)

Me & Mikala D, my cuzzo from the Mexican side.

Sheila E, Janet B, Mikala D. CCP

(My G Scouts por vida)

Oh-Ten

First sunset of 2010. It doesn't get much better.

Happy New Year bitches!! If you weren't up on your game in '09 (It was a horrid effing year so I understand if you weren't) It's time to GetItIN.com

Full/Blue Moon, good NYE with good people, great music conversation, and amazing love. I won't say this is "my year" cause I'm not greedy, we all in this. But trust, this Chef is takin OVER in 2010. Yeeee! "Fuck the rest, I'll see you all in success!" :)