These past couple weeks have been very overwhelming, emotionally draining, heartrending, and frenzied. But this morning my brother and are embarking on road trip oh seven across the grand ol’ US of A. Hopefully by the end of the trek we will relax, not fight too much about the music in the car, and remember to always enjoy life and make the best out of every situation… Thank you to the Atlantians who gave me much love and support over the past couple weeks. Y’all better visit this summer!

And a very very happy happy mother’s day. Being a mom is a truly 24/7 hard job – RESPECT!

Because all you hear up in tha A is dirty south crunked out ballin beats (I’m not complaining but you can only hear so much T.I. and Yung Joc before you want to yank your ears out), I thought I would investigate on what is being heard in El Ay. So for everyone who was not able to be in the City of Angels this past Thanksgiving weekend, press play. Sounds just like home – courtesy of The Game. Although The Game is a little poroo (comparing himself to Nas and Tupac), I still really like this song. And another cool song: Vato by S N double O P. Westside till I die XOXO

It is Thanksgiving week. And to reflect on some of the things I’m thankful for, here is a little story: almost two months ago I had the pleasure of eating at an authentic Southern establishment – the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. When I proclaimed to the group I was with that I had never heard of this restaurant-store chain before, one of the ladies said to me, “Oh, sweet honey child, this is the place.” Okaaaaaaaay. I smiled and nodded.

The country store section had an assortment of just about everything from rocking chairs to candy to pots and pans to Christmas decorations (which were being sold in September). The restaurant’s menu was totally unrecognizable to me (I still don’t know what grits are. Or butter baked chicken? And who has gravy with biscuits for breakfast? I thought gravy was eaten only with mashed potatoes for dinner). Nevertheless, the food was good and the atmosphere was even better.

When I was leaving the store I noticed a sign posted by the establishment that they were willing to serve everyone and anyone – no matter of their race – and immediately my mind flashed to Civil War movies and segregation stories. It really made me be thankful for the different experiences I am able to have living here, and the histories, cultures, and various people I have come across. And it made me realize that step by step, little by little, the goal of unity of mankind is on its way to being accomplished. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Happy Halloween! This past weekend I had the pleasure of hosting Anna in Atlanta. We fully embraced the dirrty dirrty: ghetto crunked-out clubs, grillz, fine southern dining (grits, collard greens, sweet potatoes, fried chicken), and hanging out on Martin Luther King Jr.’s porch. We didn’t even need to dress up – we were an anomaly as it was – two Persian girls in the South.

... pregnacy tests, umbrellas and birthday stuff in one store... wow ATL has it all...! =)

Congrats to Sogol and Sam! They had a very beautiful and very fun wedding, which I had the pleasure of attending this past weekend in Atlanta. There were some blasts from the pasts, lots of relatives and even new faces to meet. A big shout-out to the DJ, who kept us dancing all night long. Of course, pictures don’t do justice, but here are a few. Go to Nika’s page for much more photos she took. XOXO.