Crazy People On Subways

Just a few of the unique people who can be found underground.

Communication 101

Think of how many ways you can have a conversation with someone
* on the phone
* Instant Messenger
* Video Messenger
* Facebook
* Twitter
* Email (I have 4 accounts)
* Text
* BBM ( If you have one of those horrible things)
Am I for getting something? Oh yeah... talking in person.

SUMMERTIME

My friend took the above picture of her son Milli and his friend as they enjoyed a summertime snack! I loved this picture so much, I had to share

Comic Calling

Everybody says I missed my calling, I should be a stand up comic. Do
you really get a calling? Like the nuns do? Do you know after watching Sister Act I thought about being a nun?
But what kinda comic would I be? (What kind of nun would I be?)
One who takes everyday life fucntions and over analizes them into
something funny? Like... I was drinking a cup of water? or the over
observers who say " Have you ever noticed..."? And to be a comic do I need research? Do I need to sit with my mentor?
Ahh I see what kind of comic I would be! The one who questions everything.

4 Years Natural. (Style and Trial)

It has been four years since I started wearing my hair in its natural texture. I have not straightened it! Not even once. No blow out, no press-n-curl, no flat iron. No trim either :( (I am trying to hold on to every centimeter of length). Unless you count my visit to the African braid shops on 125th , I haven't been to a salon since 2007. I am always afraid that they are going to cut my hair or give me some crazy color to make me look like a monkey boy.

The past four years has been a continuing search for styling options. My mission is to show that natural hair can look professional. However it is difficult because most of the styles that I am able to do on my own make me look like a kid. Almost as if I'm getting ready for sandbox time!

God Bless those who have the patience for straw sets and flexi- rods!

For me a "Good Hair Day" is a day when my hair is not the topic of the day or the levee for a flood of questions. “How did you get it like that?” “How long did it take?” “ Does it hurt?” “ Do you wash it like that? “ “Will it look like that every day from now on?” (I’ve gotten far worse)

I love to see other women with natural hair and it is part of my motivation. Why do I feel such a battle putting the weave back in? Not like anyone at my job cares if I look professional or not. (One time I wore dress slacks to work. And everyone asked me why I was so dressed up. Someone even asked me if I had a job interview somewhere else)


If it were not for PrettyDimples1 on Youtube.com I would be so lost. Thanks to her I got a lot of style ideas and hair care tips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ksI-Gq8T4Xk

http://www.youtube.com/user/PRETTYDIMPLES01#p/a

Keep A Child Alive AIDS WALK NY 2010 Video

Cute video of AIDS Walk NY 2010 made by one of my Keep A Child Alive teammates.

AIDS Walk NYC 2010--"Empire State of Mind" from Michael James on Vimeo.

Shrinkage

No I didn’t cut my hair. It’s called shrinkage. Hasn’t any one ever heard of shrinkage??!

Last night I washed my hair. I didn't feel like doing my normal twist out so I let it air dry. This morning I picked my fro, then put on a headband on to go. As soon as I got to work my boss says " OMG JP you cut your hair!" I said no, it's just the shrinkage from washing it. She replied "It shrinks?"
All I could do was laugh.
Reminding me of the infamous Seinfeld episode! You can fast forward to the 1:38 mark.

There Is An App For That

The group I did the AIDS walk with KEEP A CHILD ALIVE now has an iPhone app! (free) There is an app to save the lives of children in Africa and India affected by HIV / AIDS! Download it now! To make a difference in a global epidemic...now you can say "There is an app for that" :)
www.keepachildalive.org

Harlem Opera Singer

So I guess one of my neighbors wants to be an Opera singer. I respect the art, but this muthafka in 4D needs 2 shut the hell up! It's too late for this noise... Although, he could be the start of another harlem renaissance

Guess What I Told Alicia Keys Last Night

Yes. I'm name dropping for a worthy cause AIDS WALK New York is on May
16, 2010 !!!!!!!!! I am walking for the third year in a row.

http://aidswalknewyork2010.kintera.org/jessicaprater13

Last night I got to speak with one of my favorite musicians on the
planet, Alicia Keys. (funny story how she spotted me at a gala) For
the past 3 years I have been walking for the charity she co-founded
with Leigh Blake called Keep A Child Alive. Keep a Child Alive is
dedicated to providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and
support services to children and families whose lives have been
affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

In a surreal conversation, I told Alicia about my volunteer experience
with Keep A Child Alive and my goals for the AIDS Walk. It was an
amazing moment to share my goals with her, and to get her feedback and
encouragement (accompanied by a high five and a big hug) . So NOW I
have to make my goals happen, which I can not do with out your
support. Please visit my fundraising page and support me with a
donation if you are able. Words of encouragement would be joyfully
accepted too.

Please Donate here http://aidswalknewyork2010.kintera.org/jessicaprater13

You can also show support for my efforts with Keep A Child Alive on my
guestbook http://support.keepachildalive.org/site/TR/Events/kcaglobal?pxfid=1240&fr_id=1070&pg=fund

To find out more about Keep A Child Alive please visit www.keepachildalive.org

THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT!!!

Jessica Prater

Been A Long TIme

2010 I will blog! (and do yoga) I've started writing a long time ago, before the word blog even existed. I used to send out the "jstar newsletters" I would talk about people and situations. (until those people came after me for writing about them) When Myspace came along, I had a little more organization, then when Myspace died down so did my posts. With Facebook and Twitter I settled for status updates and 140 letter limits to my thoughts. I would think about it, and jot down ideas on paper but that was it. Instead of writing up all my ideas from the past few years, I'll just share a few entry ideas.

*I hate the way Wednesday is spelled. Is the D silent or am I saying it wrong?

* What is the difference between a drug that enables your better judgment and love? I think I would rather take the drugs

* For the New Year, I wanted to start dressing more perfessional for work. I wore black slacks and a buttondown shirt. I was asked " What are you so dressed up for? Do you have an interview for another job or something?"

* Is it okay to use the word black? Two white people in one day asked me if was okay to say the word black when describing black people. The other asked me was it okay to say "Black Community". The word black never offended me.


*Every emotion I express seems to come off as an attitude... I DON'T HAVE AN ATTITUDE! I'M FINE!!!!


* Trust your gift. I admire talented people who can translate the image in their head or the music in their heads for all to share. I know people are protective of their gift. But still, if I had that kind of light I would let it shine.

* Why can’t I get a second date? I get first dates, then that's it. I wish someone would tell me what I am doing wrong? My self reflection drawing a blank.

* I was told I need to work on my eye contact. When I see someone attractive it is kind of hard to look them right in the eye. It's like a blinding beauty.

* This guy told me "Treat a girl like dirt she will stick to you like mud". I hope guys don’t really think that is true.


* I love you freak out. What if you called everybody today and told them that you loved them. Even if you had a grudge with them. Would they be shocked? You know I get freaked out when people smile at me. What you lookin’ at fool? .

* And for my next trick maturity and kindness all at the same time.

* People blame a lot of stuff on zodiac signs. Umm what bout lack of home training. Let us not count that out.

* Pork on my fork swine just fine. Bacon stand up.

* You know I need to start a blog about the people I see on the 2 train. The people who hog seats, the outfits, the cool subway dancers, the conversations I overhear, and the crazy folks. Pure comedy.