Saturday, October 15, 2011

THE SOUNDTRACK OF A BREAKUP

Did I listen to pop music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable...
because I listened to pop music?

I recently broke up with someone who I’ve been dating for over a year. Or at least, I’m assuming we’ve broken up since I haven’t seen or heard from the coward in weeks. (Oh, that post is coming. Just. You. WAIT).

And I’ve spent a lot of that time listening to some pretty sad, not-AT-ALL-romantic and yes, even angry songs as my heart tries to recover from the ass-kicking.

Let’s face it, when you’re heartbroken, nothing is more comforting than a well-crafted pop tune that speaks directly to your experience. Hell, even the sappiest Mariah Carey ballad can take on new meaning and resonance when you’re in pain! But some songs seem to DEFINE a breakup. They’re like the wedding anthems of heartache, the ones that say, "here, take my hand bitch, we’re gonna get through this," after an emotional cripple snatches your heart, stomps on it and then throws it back in your face.

These are the five breakup songs that spoke to me. All by women. Go. Figure. 



This timely jam was all over the radio during the first two weeks of our "breakup", when Mr. Moody officially became a missing person. I honestly didn’t believe it was over and felt confident he’d eventually call. I was still in the denial phase.

But somewhere in the dark recesses of my brain, I started to think, WHAT IF he never calls? And this is really the end? How do I feel? Am I mad/glad/sad/devastated?

I wanted to believe that I would be fine; that I was completely over him.  And someday, I’d look back and think, thank God I dodged the bullet. Everything worked out for the best. I am in a far better place. And I should really say, thanks baby, good lookin’ out.

If I sang along with enough attitude, I could almost convince myself that were all true.

Almost.



At some point, it began to sink in that the relationship was over. And I started to get mad. REALLY mad. At the sudden, unexpected way things ended. 


Without a call. Or an email. Or even a damn post it note?! Nothing. It’s like the man woke up one day and forgot I ever existed. I mean, seriously, WHO DOES THAT?!  

I refused to believe someone I cared so deeply about could be that callous.

Yet, every time I checked my cell, hoping to find a text saying goodbye or at the very least I’m sorry, there was nothing there. And I just wanted to scream--

“I HATE YOU SO MUCH RIGHT NOW, AHHHHHHHH!!!!”

Thanks to Kelis, I had a catchy chorus to accompany the angry sentiment.   
 

I’ll admit it’s been hard for me to walk away because I don’t feel any real sense of closure. If only I knew, WHY he chose to bail on this relationship. I desperately needed to know.

Was it ME? Did I do something wrong? Could I have done anything differently? Maybe I didn’t try hard enough? I’ve analyzed every last detail of our time together, searching for any explanation for this sudden change of heart. Made. Myself. Crazy.  

Then I heard Gaga's Speechless, which included the lyric: baby you gave up, you gave up. And I felt an overwhelming sense of calm. That’s the answer! He gave up. Plain and simple. I hit play, then repeat, several times. There was nothing left to say.

Friend, you've left me speechless. So...speechless.
 


Breakups are HARD! And there is no escaping the pain. No matter where you run, or how many lies you tell yourself, sooner or later, it catches up to you. There's no choice but to surrender. And have a cryfest.   


Amy Winehouse had died. It was incredibly sad. They played this song in tribute on the radio. Everything. Went. Black. Bawled like a baby. Felt good to let it all out.  


I remember watching Adele’s "Someone Like You" VMA performance for the first time.

I thought, my God, she was clearly in pain when she wrote that song. Its pure, unfiltered heartbreak! And she performed it from the very depths of her soul. I was moved to tears, like most genuine music fans.

For me, Adele’s stirring ballad is the ULTIMATE BREAKUP SONG.   

It certainly helped get me through the final stages of my breakup. And now that I’ve turned a corner, it seems fitting there is a new, happier version hitting the airwaves.   

When I heard the Someone Like You Remix, it instantly bought me back to my clubbing days. When I’d dance away all my boyfriend woes at some gay club with my girlfriends, flanked by our fellow Queens, singing along to songs that celebrated our fierceness. Because nobody could break our spirit, especially not some stupid guy.

Well past my partying prime, this remix is now my go-to jam on the treadmill. And when I’m feeling sad, I imagine being at the club, surrounded by my girls who say:

Forget that bitch!
You’re single. You’re free. And you’re fabulous.
Let’s have fun and celebrate.

Suddenly, I run with a renewed vigor, knowing everything will be o.k. 

I didn't break. And that's something worth celebrating.


_________________________________________________________________   

Thursday, October 13, 2011

DON'T WORRY SELF, IT WILL GET BETTER


I want you to look in that mirror, and I want you to repeat after me:
"I am a worthy human being."

When life gets stressful and chaotic, I take a moment to give myself a small pep talk.

Because sometimes a few positive words of encouragement are exactly what I need to get me through the rough patches. Whether it's to inspire me, boost my spirits or simply light a fire under my lazy ass; that gentle nudge helps put me back on track. 

So Note to self: here are some friendly reminders to help you stay focused

1. I will wake up early everyday and go to the gym. NO MORE EXCUSES.

2. I will write something brilliant. Because I am a talented writer. With skills. 

3. I will have a productive day. And I will NOT waste hours on stupid internet shit, like googling horrible diseases that I might potentially die from.

4. I will find joy in the little things.

5. I will not give into negative thoughts or emotions.

6. I will not let idiots steal my joy. Not even the obnoxious man sitting next to me in the coffee shop right now, who is making the most GOD AWFUL chewing sounds as he devours a panini.

7. Remember: IT’S OK NOT TO BE PERFECT. So cut yourself some damn slack.

8. AND NO, YOU ARE NOT A LOSER because you can’t get through everything on your to-do list. Or because you’re unemployed. Or single. Or flabby. Or your hair is a frizzy mess this week! These things do not define who you are as a person.

9. Haters gonna hate. Don’t let ‘em make you feel bad about yourself.

10. Follow your gut. Trust your instincts. And have faith that everything will work out.

11. Stop overthinking everything, including this post. Go. With. The. Flow.

12. You will make mistakes. You will fail. You will survive. 

13. Be true to yourself.

14. Most important!! Remember to have fun, live in the moment and enjoy your life...and to..um..

SWEET JESUS… 
 
HOW MANY BITES DOES IT TAKE TO EAT ONE DAMN PANINI!!
FINISH THAT SHIT ALREADY, I AM BEGGING YOU.

AND WHO CHEWS WITH THEIR MOUTH WIDE OPEN LIKE THAT?!!
 

I'm done. I just...I can't. 


15. FINISH THIS POST! And maybe revisit #5 and #6.

P.S. You’re fabulous. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
_________________________________________________________________ 
MOVIE STILLS & QUOTABLES:
1. STUART SAVES HIS FAMILY (1995) Writer: Al Franken

Saturday, October 8, 2011

ADVENTURES OF A SHADY LITTLE FASHION DIVA


Meet my two-year-old-niece, Miss Thang. So named by her medical team in the delivery room, because even at birth, her fabulosity was just, well, too much.

Wassup bitches! Here's me on my first vacation. Workin' it.  

She’s a smart, creative, fiercely independent tot with a style and attitude all her own. Or as Shakespeare so aptly puts it: Though she be but little, SHE. IS. FIERCE.


 Check out the new kicks. Pretty sweet, right?

But when she’s not setting fashion trends on the playground or strutting confidently down imaginary runways, this pint-sized diva, like any girl just wants to have fun.
  
She loves to eat….


This blue stuff tastes like rainbows, puppies and sunshine.

splash barefoot in rain puddles....

This is so liberating. I feel like I’m one again.

and host small, intimate gatherings with close friends.

How’s that popsicle? Yummy right?! It's made with 100% real mango juice.

Yet sometimes life’s demands prove too much. And Ms. Thang finds that she simply doesn’t feel like smiling. Or being cute. Or performing on cue, like a show pony.


You really need to give up this whole ballet fantasy. I’m dead serious.

Occasionally, a girl just has one of 'dem days where she wants a moment to herself, away from the craziness and the constant, unrelenting glare of the snap-happy “mommy cam”.

--Here she comes again. Unbelievable. Its like she stalks me.
--I feel you, girl. Its hard to be this cute. People don’t know.

Yoga and meditation can often help, allowing her to cultivate a quite place within.

I hope that nice teacher noticed how cute my outfit is today.
C’mon girl, FOCUS! Namasteeeee.

Any relief, however, is short-lived. Seems there’s no escaping the mommy’s insatiable need for candid pics. Or Ms. Thang’s ever-growing Facebook fans appetite for them.

But every gal has her breaking point.


  OH C’MON woman, seriously?! I’m picking my nose!

When this fashion-forward tyke has reached her limit. She kicks off her tiny pink crocks, drops down on the floor, curls up into herself and goes into what the mommy calls “shut down mode”.


I’m done. I can’t anymore. I just. CAN’T.

And that’s where she’ll stay. There, on her grandma's cold linoleum floor, tuning out the world until everyone eventually loses interest and LEAVES HER THE HELL ALONE.  Because sometimes, even small fabulous divas, need some damn space.  

MAD SHADY: Miss Thang. Hello? Hey! (to the mommy) Is she o.k.?

THE MOMMY: Oh, she does that every now and then. Just leave her. She'll be fine. Let’s go watch some t.v.  in the other room. It's almost time for Glee!

MAD SHADY: S-W-E-E-T.


Thank. God. Oh, and just so you know. I hate crocks. I think they’re stupid.