Apollo-gies

When you start advocating for yourself, you start to feel better about the choices you create. I’ve decided I will no longer accept sole apologies, nah. Now, I ONLY accept financial apologies. Meaning, if they apologies are not accompanied with money, then you can keep it. Changed behavior only last long enough, until you take folks back, then they are back to do whatever it is they were doing. Totally tired of the bak and forth, I’ve found that if men have to apologize, change their behavior AND pay an apology fee, they are a tad bit willing to figure it out.

Also, I don’t want anyone’s money. Lets be clear. However if they feel I’m being unreasonable and leave, then I’ve gotten what I wanted. IF they decide I’m being reasonable, they pay the fee, then I’ve gotten what I wanted. Either way I win!

Tristan J.

Do you accept apologies?

Traffic.

When was the last time you listened to the traffic? Thats been my favorite pastime as of late. No music, lights off, phone wherever …. and just lay and get lost in the passing of the cars. I live on a fair quiet street, although it does intersect with a Main Street in Chicago, Archer (Ave?) For the most part, after 9p, you hear very little, however tonight, it was like I was in the center of the street. I’ll chuck it up to being a beautiful Saturday night in Chicago.

Tonight made me slightly miss New York Summers in Washington Heights.

Tristan Jonez.

When was the last time you listened to the traffic .. for leisure?

Corked (Obser)

It’s my second time watching ‘Uncorked’ … Sigh. I need Black fathers & sons to be able to have candid, if not candid, then semi honest conversations about what is needed emotionally. It was the same with ‘Concrete Cowboy’ the relationship is estranged because neither parties are able to even barely expressed themselves beyond anger. I’m not trying to oversimplify things, but we have to be in-tuned with our feelings so we can convey to others HOW we’re feeling.

Trust, I’m not the best person to hold these types of conversations either but holding these feelings in, were hurting me more than releasing them. I had to let folks know what it was that I needed from them, but then it was up to them, to put forth the efforts to make that happen. For me, I had to be, or get okay with people, listening to what I needed and still letting me know they couldn’t rise to the occasion.

Have you seen ‘Uncorked’?

Tristan Jonez

San. (Chi)

Ive been exploring Chicago, didn’t I tell yall? My bestie forever and ever came to Chicago a few weeks ago, and I had a staycation in Chicago. We stayed at EMC2, and explored streetville … Did I tell you I love Chicago? One of the best cities… In the World! While my bestie went to hang out with another friend, I decided to take myself to dinner. I was feeling Ramen, so one quick google search later, I stumbled upon, right around the corner is RAMEN-SAN Deluxe. Which google describes as “Hip setting for slurping Japanese noodle bowls & munching chicken wings with cocktails & sake bombs”. I didn’t try any of the sake bombs, but the vibe was on point.

Whoever created the playlist needs a raise, straight 90’s Hip Hop with sprinkles of R&B, it was such a mood. Definitely the spot for a meet-cute first date, especially if yall are into good food, without breaking the bank. However you know me, Imma sample everything, so my bill was a bit pricey but … shrugs shoulders.

When trying a new restaurant, do you stick to the items you normally get or do you branch out a bit?

Tristan J.

you.

As I get older, the things I find attractive in a man changes slightly.

A man who is consistent, who knows and understand the art of consistency, will forever get my time. I also believe consistency is such a quality for me, since my worklife is inconsistent. There are some days, most days, where I don’t know where I am going to end up, after flying all day. So knowing there’s someone who is putting in the work, keep a part of my Life, routined, puts me at ease for living. So shout out to the men, who are consistent with me, and with the life we create together.

Jonez.

#Afterhours

I took a few days off of social media, so I’ve been listening to music instead. Filling my head with all types of genres, and instruments. Just like you, I love that music can take us to places we’ve never been but have been, it can remind us of people and things. I just love it! Well I’m back to listening to Mack Wilds.

Although no one has asked me to I rearrange his track listings for his album “Afterhours” just because the current listing doesn’t have a flow to it. As a fan, I did him a favor, and put my stank on it. Rest Assure, he’d love it.

So here’s the new track listing.

Crash
Explore
Stingy
Stolen Gold
Bonnie & Clyde
Senses
Obsession
Go Crazy
Choose
Vibes
#Couldthisbelove

Also I’ve opted to remove the Intro, Its not needed.

Tristan Jonez.

Ank LETs

So … Anklets? How do we feel about them? Cuz I think I am in Love. There is something about taking off my socks, stepping out of the shower, trying on shoes, but looking down and seeing anklets on my anklet. Such a sexy accessory! Shit! I remember when folks were over the moon about toe rings, but nah, yall can keep those. There is NOTHING sexier than an anklet. Its the right mix of showing skin, matter fact its an understated sexy piece. Oh Lawd! I need all parts. I don’t think I can further live my life without an anklet. Last week, I brought a few, and now I think I am walking with a stride, extending those legs!

Story time, I was in Nordstrom Rack looking for sensible shoes for work, didn’t find any, but two pairs of Jessica Simpson brand shoes caught my attention. (Sidenote, She makes a great shoe!) While trying to first on, I received two compliments about my anklets, so Ladies, Folks DEF notice the small deets. Luckily for you, I snapped a flick. Enjoy!

Tristan Jonez.

But Today.

I’m sure I’ve already told y’all this, but RENT is one of my absolute favorite musicals/Soundtracks.

Its been a while since I’ve listened from beginning to end, in order, and really had a singing fest. Yes, I sing all the parts, from Roger to Meme, I don’t care. I know my neighbors might be a bit annoyed but at least it’s still early in the evening. Imagine me singing, Seasons of Love at eleven at night.

Whenever I need a reminder, that there’s ‘No Day but Today’ I listen to RENT. I know we all put off everything for tomorrow, but today really is the day for all of it!

Tristan Jonez.

Also, Is there a Musical you just can’t get enough of?

M.Wilds

I don’t think I’ve been sleeping on Mack Wilds, but maybe I have. I’ve loved his album, After Hours. Lately I’ve been listening at night, before bed when I’m feeling my most feminine, my most sexy, and its a great body of work. Have yall listened to this album? I know he released his debut album in 2013, which I didn’t check for.

Currently On Repeat, Crash.

Jonez.

Here we Go Again

I wouldn’t be me If I didn’t have some type of happening happening in my life. So, I think yall have been update with most of the back and forth between my father and I. This week, it hit the tipping point, and I’ve made the decision to end communication with him. I am not of the age, where I am going to keep being disrespected, especially when I am not engaging in any behavior. I think at this point, he’s being mentally abusive with my emotions, and the highs and lows are just too much. One minute he doesn’t like me and wants nothing to do with me, then the next moment, literally the next day, I am his daughter who he loves more than anything.

We have an exchange of text messages, and I made the decision to block him from contacting me again. If you cant love me, as needed, then I am not going to allow you to freely hurt me.

Tristan J.

On a Hill

Why you didn’t tell me ‘City on a Hill’ was back? Not just back but two episodes in? I blame myself because I wasn’t keeping up with if it had even been renewed for season two. But in my defense COVID happened and everything got pushed to a corner of my mind. So I need to get Showtime back, because I need to watch each episode as it is released.

Sidenote, Why am I so obsessed with Boston television? Actors?

If you haven’t had the pleasure of watching ‘City on a Hill’ its pretty much Boston in the early 90’s, where violence and corruption lived in bed together at City Hall. The New DA, a black man, Decourcy Ward played by Aldis Hodge, forms an unconventional bond with Jackie Rohr, played by Kevin Bacon, who is intent on keeping Boston exactly the way it is. I initially watched because of K.Bacon, but he’s a POS! However he plays his character brilliantly, you’ll feel all the feels.

Let me know how you enjoy it? I think I’ll watch from the beginning.

Jonez.

Watch.

Have y’all seen ‘The Watch’? Its one of my favorite comedies. Vince Vaughn is hilarious! I truly wonder what its like to be a real life friend of his, because I’m sure some of his lines are improved, they have to be! Ben Stiller, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade rounds out the rest of the cast. Basically they form the ‘neighborhood watch’, which not even the Police takes seriously. However they are as serious as an Alien Attack!

Its currently on HBOMax, so watch it, this weekend then we can laugh about it together on Monday. Deal?

T. Jonez.