Feelin’ Good

Whats one song that you can groove to? No matter what might be going in your World?

Jennifer Lopez’s ‘Feelin’ so good’ is my absolute favorite song EVER! I’m sure I say that about every song I love, but its such a feel good song. Shit, I still remember the video. Jennifer walking thru the neighbor, then getting ready for the club with her friends. I loved it, the idea that, that would be me! And now that I am an adult, it IS me! Although I haven’t been to the club in forever. The song has been on repeat for the past few days.

Tristan J.

Bthcre/Slfcre

You didn’t ask but I haven’t been sleeping well at all. Even with my melatonin, I just can’t sleep! My bed, shout out to my best friend, is comfortable as ever but I lay in it, lights turned off and I just cant sleep! Last night was Day Three of Operation No Sleep! Sigh.

So When I got up at 7am, I know, I was seeking something to assist me. Here comes Bath Time! Yes, at 8am, I cleaned my tub, and prepped for a bath. In my circle of friends, I am the bath Queen. No matter my mood, or what’s going on in the World around me, Its always a great time to take a bath. I made a lil bath cocktail (Ingredients layered to create a bath mood) and while I was in there, I focused on exfoliating my body. So scrub scrub scrub, with a pumice on my feet, and with a sugar body scrub for everything else. Can I tell y’all how relaxed, and chill I was? Listen! … If that bath date, self care routine doesn’t help me sleep, then shit I might be a lost cause.

Tristan Jonez.

What do yall use to help relax yall for bedtime?

Money Mula Pesos

“Money Cant buy Happiness”

But I’m chasing the access it affords you. WE all know that money, or anything can’t provide you with happiness, that can only be found within … However. Money DOES afford access! I like being able to purchase whatever I want. I like being able to afford things/services I define as luxury, without having to rob Peter to pay Paul. I used to, and sometime still am, be frugal with myself. With the things I wanted, but as I get older, I find that I’m willing to Pay for those things which makes my life easier. So I don’t always have the time to cook for work, so I outsource that task, when needed. I’m in the process of outsourcing my laundry services, because its just too hot to physically do laundry … and I don’t want to.

Tristan J.

Do you agree with the statement, ‘Money affords you access versus Happiness’?

The Wire S1E1

“The Target”

So I’ve decided to rewatch all the seasons of ‘The Wire’, yes that revolutionary television show, that captured The war on Drugs and Crime in Baltimore City. My City. Sidenote, Its a bit weird seeing what Baltimore used to be, knowing what it looks like today. But back to the show, its funny the episode is named Target, because in the first episode there are many. {Two targets, becomes victims.} However throughout the episode we see numerous, from the stripper trying to create a John out of Dee, to the white boy attempting to scam Wallace out of coke, to Detective McNulty targeting Avon Barksdale’s drug operation. Everyone is in it to gain something. The episode actually opens to a murder, the target turned victim being ‘snot’, who had robbed the weekly dice game, but was never denied entry, although it was known, once the pot got big enough, he would snatch and dash. But because this is ‘america’ he was always allowed to play, although, just like ‘america’ he played by his own rules.

If you haven’t watched, you get no trophy! Go watch the damn show!

Tristan Jonez.

Boldtype

With “The Bold Type” premiering its final season in this week, I thought I would binge season three … thinking I had not seen it before. Funny thing, I did but I kept on watching. I know stories get retold with new shows but if you DONT watch the show … SPOILER ALERT! … Kat Edison choosing herself, over being with Tia or Adena so reminds me of that time on 90210, when Kelly was dating Brandon and Dylan. I cant remember what led up to them making her make a choice, but she chose herself. I remember them all walking away feeling a bit cheated with her decision but they respected it. Dylan of course, expressed how much he didn’t like the decision but let it be. Well, didn’t a few episodes later she pulled up on Dylan, trying to rekindle, but he was like nah its a wrap, cuz that’s what you wanted!

Well DAMN! I’m about to start the fourth season, I think its the fourth, and I am excited to see what’s going to happen between Kat & Adena, especially since they will BOTH be working for ‘Scarlet’.

Tristan J.

Can a person choose themself, when deciding between two humans, then choose to change their minds, and pick someone that they formerly rejected?

Dawn

Have y’all seen the movie, ‘Red Dawn’?

Cuz oh shit! I don’t believe I’ve seen it prior to tonight, but it was goodt! (Goodt = Extra Good) Of course I was in here, talking back to my laptop screen cuz whew!

Spoiler! Spoiler! Although you should’ve seen it by now!

When they killed the daddy, I was prepared for it. Blame the trailer! I was NOT prepared for Jed to die, although I KNEW he needed to. There was too many close calls, plus after he killed Cho, it was only a matter of time. I was sad but mostly because he never got the chance to build happiness with Toni. After all the death, and violence, they deserve, at least a chance at momentary happiness. I was like finally (!!!!!) Toni and him will have a moment to rest but them boom! I think I’m still a bit fucked up behind it.

Tristan Jonez

LDR

Love, Death & Robots.

Have yall watch this? Well please do. I started with Season two, unintentionally. However once I turned it on, it was hard to turn it off. I’ve watch a handful of Black Mirror episodes, but it reminds me of that, but animated. Each episode, between 6-13 minutes, have a different theme, but all within one of the main themes of Love, Death & Robots. I’m planning on watching season one, the beginning of next week, so there’s still time for you to jump on and watch so we can discuss.

Until then,

Tristan J.

Meet Me Outside.

This week I have given up online dating! I CANT DO IT ANYMORE! I’ve been meeting folks off the internet for the past twenty years, and I just cant. Not anymore. I know the panorama (Covid-19) doesn’t help to meek folks in person but I cant! I am going to have to risk it, shit don’t we take risk with anything, but after two decades I am no longer interested in being pen pals. No matter what you tell people you are looking for, you are going to first meet their representatives, and I’m done meeting reps. I am me, from the first moment you meet me. In three months, a new person will not emerge. Can you say the same?

However I am living in a new city, so I am remaining hopeful I will eventually meet men of substance. We gonna have to be outside this summer cuz in person is calling my name!

Tristan Jonez.

JFG x 7-Eleven.

I love streetwear, even if I don’t wear it myself. I just love the thought, and the work that goes into design and marketing, especially from Black designers. So when I came across Joe Freshgoods from the Westside of Chicago, I took notice. My friends that are into the sneaker space, knew who he was but I had no such luck. So imagine my surprise when it was announced he was collaborating with 7-Eleven, with merchandise, but he was also had the opportunity to ‘take over’ a store here in Chicago.

I went to the 7-Eleven which was in the loop, on E. Wacker, but of course I didn’t bring my tripod. Right place and Right time, as there was another stylish woman taking photos. So of course I asked ‘Want me to take your photo?’ said she yes, so I slipped in that, “Can you also take mine?” Poof a photoshoot was born!

Also, I am currently obsessed with ‘Polaroid’ type photos.

Tristan Jonez.

Chicago’s Own.

Your favorite Non decision maker, has made a decision.

Say Congratulations, because I have officially moved to Chicago, IL! Yes, I am a resident! I even manifested this apartment yall. Its everything I want, minus being a second floor walk up but even that, I love. I moved in April 4. I know I am late telling yall, but those who needed to know, knew. Although all paperwork is filed, it felt weird being ‘stabled’ like I can’t just up and walk away. I’m giving Chicago a year, to either Wow me, so that I’ll stay here forever Or I’ll be out to my beach city.

I am just here taking my time to decorate, but I have the vision, and I am going to see it through. However for now, I am so happy! Chicago, welcome your newest resident!

Tristan Jonez.

According to Shelley

“Let me touch your soul, just like I touch your skin” Exposure.

I know our according to … usually is us breaking down the lyrics to our (My) favorite songs, and I started writing this with the intention of doing that here. But … I don’t think it’s needed. One of my absolute favorite songs on the reintroduction of DRAM, now known as Shelley. Have you listened to the album yet? If not, I’ll give y’all a few days, then sometime in the next week we can discuss our favorite songs. But today! (!!!!!) Go and listen to Exposure.

You’re Welcomed.

Jonez.

Haring.

I almost forgot .. but I took a photo with Keith Haring … painting. Of Course I yelled a bit because it caught me off guard. I’m at the Art Institute Of Chicago, more than the average person, and this was the first time I was experiencing this? Crazy!

So I present, Haring & I.