Love On, Love On.

It wasn’t until recently that I realized, I was doing myself a disservice. I was focusing more on those who wasn’t there for me, on those who wasn’t loving me correctly, on those who just wasn’t for me instead of the people who were doing everything right. In my case, I was trying to show and prove that they had made a mistake by counting me out. I was willing to do whatever to get them to pay attention to me, show me their love. Needless to say, I’m off that.

I’ve decided to love those who love me. The people who willingly volunteer their time and energy to me. I’m going to be down for those folks. We all know life is too short, we throughly know that! So let’s change how we choose to interact!

Tristan J.

Love Angeles.

I’ve been to Los Angeles more times than I can count, and I’ve only recently stumbled upon Venice Beach. I know, I know how does one ‘stumble’ but I did just that. Usually whenever I am passing thru LA, I go straight to Santa Monica Pier to partake in either Mexican food or hotdog on a stick, then make my way back to the hotel/airport. However it was such a beautiful day that I couldn’t stop myself when I kept walking towards Venice beach. I see now why everyone either bikes or skates because that forty minute walk was nothing to play with. FYI, While walking I lost my damn glasses!

Venice Beach isn’t what I was expecting, although I wasn’t really expecting anything. It reminded me of soho in NYC, with a bit of market street in San Francisco, and a double dose of free spirit galore. Since I was on a tight schedule I didn’t stop and look at all the art work that was displayed up and down the side of the boardwalk. But if you have the opportunity to visit, check out all the gems I missed out on. If you’re into street art, then Venice Beach is definitely the place for you. Any type of art really, there were ‘show time’ folks performing and an amazing skate (?) park, with plenty of bikers/skaters to catch the best tricks!

Tristan Jonez

Note: Seems as the airport is close enough that you are able to see aircrafts take off frequently, while enjoying the views of the beach.

Dad?

Dear Dad,

I thought long and hard about what I would say to you, If given the opportunity to speak to you, and I still have trouble finding words to adequately express my feelings. First, thank you for connecting with my Geraldine Garlick, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out. Although y’all connection was short, It was long enough to create me! So for that alone, I thank you. I have no malice in my heart for you, and hope that you learn the errors of your ways before its too late to make amends. I’ve done all I can, and all I will to have a healthy father-daughter relationship with you. I promise I’m not mad, bitter or angry. I forgive you in advance for the apology that will come much later. You know the one … where you explain because you didn’t have a clear example of what a father should look like, you didn’t know what was expected of you, although Pops was an amazing grandfather. Or the excuse, that because I lived 200 miles away, and my mother ‘never’ let you see me, you didn’t know what else you could have done to raise me. Or the one where it seemed I was such an independent kid, It didn’t seem like there was any room for you to actually be a parent.

I’ve already forgiven you, now forgive yourself. I am not blocking you out of spite, but more out of protection for my sanity. I can no longer allow you to mistreat me, and I certainly will not allow you to disappoint/neglect my children (some day). How can I? At some point, I have to cut off the toxicity at the root before it has room to spread. I genuinely love you dad, but the love I have for myself surpasses that. Take Care Old man.

Love you to bits,

Tristan Jonez.

New Direction

We have to start embracing change when its fighting to break through. We, myself included, have to stop waiting until Monday, the beginning of the month or the start of the New Year to see our changes through. As soon as you feel something needs to happen, make it.

Note to self; Get your ass up, be great, stop making excuses about why you can’t do something when there’s absolutely nothing you can’t do. Nothing!

For the majority of my writing it has focused on relationships, or the lack of them. Well I’m tired of that being my focus, especially when most of my writing is displaying the lack of relationships, lack of communication with the opposite sex. Nah, I’m going to focus on travel, food, and culture. I’m sure I’ll have a word or two about relationships, but it will not longer be a focus. I’m here for living my life, and writing about how good your first taste of French toast from Batter & Berries melts in your mouth. Or how serene it feels to listen to the church bells ring in a place where tragedy has struck.

Stick with me, You’ll love the ride. I promise.

Tristan J.

Woman.

“You’re not the woman you think you are” -Devon

No! I’m even better!

Its funny how once you no longer care to cultivate a relationship between a man, he tries to disrespect you. However I have to give a fuck, and I don’t. When folks say, “Catch me while I care”, its not better way to describe me. I’m willing to put my time and attention into you while interested but once I see, the energy is not being distributed equally why would I continue with you? What do I look like willingly allowing you to waste my time?

I’m very willing to let a man lead, but why would I follow if you have no clue where you are going? If he wanted it, he would made it happen. Excuses are an insult to my intelligence, especially when you can afford to be honest.

Tristan Jonez

Hotel Meeting.

Are men inviting women on first dates to hotel rooms now? Or is that just me? I kid you not, this man (boy) really invited me to be hugged up in a hotel room, watching netflix! Do I even look like I would go for that shit? Well I guess so, if he even presented that as an option. Now would my answer be different if it was a five star hotel, and he was offering spa services in addition to Netflix? Well probably not BUT I would first think it over before I declined. I’m wondering where do men find the balls to make such request when they’ve done nothing that would warrant a yes in response! Conversation doesn’t equal me, loosing my damn mind, and allowing you to get the panties! On who does this tactic work for?

I get it, the winter is definitely coming butI’ll be damn if I spend my fall/winter cuffing season with men who can barely muster enough brain cells to create an imagination. Nah homie, I’d rather be single. IF a warm body, is ever needed, it won’t be you!

Tristan J.

Low Country

So you know I can’t possibly live in a city and not find the nearest seafood boil! Thanks instagram, you know exactly what I like. Recently I went to Low Country in Chicago, for happy hour, unfortunately I have a habit of being late so I almost missed the whole event! SideNote: Happy Hour damn sure is an event, forever! The happy hour menu consisted of one pound of mussels and fries for 10$. The jalapeno cornbread sounded too good to ignore, when it came out it was buttery, with a hint of spice.

The rum punch was smack your momma good. It was smooth going down, didnt really taste the alcohol but people, it was there. I also had the sangria but I like I said I was late getting to the festivites that I damn there wasnt able to get my drinks in. But at least, I was able to capture one beautiful photo.

The Mussels were seasoned so incredibly well I wanted to take some bread and just sop (is that a word?) it all up. However as for the mussels themselves, they were extra chewy. Im not sure if thats how they are supposed to be but when in New York, I’ve never had that experience. I ate about half of them but I couldnt stomach the chewiness anymore.

Tristan Jonez.

Low Country is located 3343 N. Clark St, Chicago IL 60657

Poem Reader.

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of attending the pop up art show at AMFM gallery, remember? Well I semi documented my time at the event, but I left out a minor detail. I met someone, and actually gave him my real number; shocking I know. Although he’s not someone I would go for, I figured why not? I’m in a new city, and my ‘type’ could be whats holding me back from finding the love of my life. Lets call him, Tyrone. Tyrone is a few years younger than me but he’s educated, passionate about his beliefs, and OD hella funny. Like have me in tears, gotta pee funny.

I warned him about me being a flight attendant, that I really have poor time management plus I’m still trying to navigate around being a flight attendant, being away from home in a new city, etc etc etc. It seems like we are still able to interact over the phone, via text and voice calls. Sidenote: The first night we actually chitchatted on the phone, before we ended the call, he read me a poem. So y’all already know I was ready to marry the kid. I just thought that was such an original, dope thing to do, very out of the ordinary, and seemed genuine. Plus for the duration we talked, he would read me a poem before hanging up.

Fast forward to now, we no longer communicate. I’m a bit sad about that but I am not going to hound someone down to be there. It went left as the day we had planned to go on an ‘official’ date he kinda just left me on read, (iPhone). Earlier in the day we were to meet, a classmate flew in, and I gave her an impromptu tour of Chicago. I got back home with enough time to nap, shower and make it to our date, but I didn’t hear anything from him for the rest of the day. I even, double texted and called a few times but no response. And before you jump to take his defense, he’s alive and thriving. So the search continues, but I wanted to let you guys know, its amazing how open you can have a female just by being original.

Happy Dating.

Tristan Jonez

Sweet Green

I’ll be quick, cuz how much can one person truly write about salad?

No, that wasn’t a challenge! Sweetgreen has some of the best combination of salad, I’m especially fond of The Mexican elote, minus the tomatoes, and tortilla! Actually I add spicy broccoli, mozzarella and Chicken. Sweet Green can be hella expensive for a salad but its oh so good! So when I’ve had an especially rough day or an extremely good day, I treat myself with a salad. I know, corny but shit, when the Salad is over 15$ thats not something I’ll be eating on the regular.

Have you tried sweet green? If so, whats your go to blend?

Tristan Jonez

Jeni’s

Artisan Ice Cream? Gourmet? Gimme It all!

Here we go again, I was watching CNN while waiting at the airport for my flight back to New York, and a feature comes on highlighting Jeni’s Ice Cream. Of course anything food, especially desserts will have my full attention. I remember, dotting it down in the note section of my phone. Fast forward to the beginning of the month, when I had the opportunity to fly to Columbus, Ohio’s North Market. I sampled a few flavors such as brown butter almond brittle, and Bangkok peanut, but I fell in love with gooey butter cake.

Tristan J

Side Note: A Jeni’s recently opened in Chicago, and I’m head over heels in love with this city even more! Don’t worry I will practice self control! Well I’ll try!

BlkSingle in Chicago

Where are the single, black and attractive men in Chicago? I promise this isn’t shade, because we are all ugly to someone, but I’m looking for where the majority of Black single males hang out. I’m willing to be the single lady who goes out and does an investigation. Research is obviously needed, especially since I honestly can’t find where they are hiding. Do I need to make/take a trip to the hood? IF so, point me in the direction they might be. Is it bars? lounges? Sporting Events? Minus the club, I think I am willing to take one for the single female team, and go see where I can find a group.

Ladies, when I make contact I will ensure they bring their singles friends along. This is just the beginning, but I will not forget y’all when I find the ultimate secret land flowing with single black attractive men!

Tristan Jonez

Louisville SeafoodLady

For the longest time I was wanting to visit Louisville so I would be able to visit the Seafood lady. I just so happened to catch an episode of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives with host Guy Fieri, and he was eating what looked like the best lobster and waffle I had ever seen. For what seems like a year, I had pinned the Seafood Lady’s website to my browser so whenever I had the opportunity to visit Louisville she would be my first stop.

I recently was able to fly to Louisville, and although she wasn’t my first stop, I do feel extremely disappointed! I ordered the fried lobster, with creole (steamed) shrimp, potato, and seafood Mac & Cheese. The lobster was fried really well, golden brown to perfection and seasoned well enough. I could’ve definitely saved myself the trouble of the seafood Mac and cheese, especially since there was only two shrimp atop of the Mac and Cheese. Honestly I believed seafood Mac and Cheese would include shrimp and/or crab being baked into the mixture. I am a true lover of Old Bay seasoning, I enjoy sprinkling it on everything! However the old bay was on a billion! Super super heavy, leaving the creole shrimp and the Mac and cheese tasting only as if old bay was the only seasoning in the back of house that was used.

If you get the chance to visit The Seafood Lady, please let me know how your visit goes, and what on the menu you order.

Tristan Jonez.

SideNote: Although I wasn’t exactly happy with my meal, I think I am willing to try something else the next time I am in Louisville.