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This & That:
Our readers write back II, I Got Coffee Breath, best athletes, and more...
Our Readers Write Back...AgainWhen this all began, we had our own motives for working on Happygrrls. Phan wanted millions of dollars, Michelle hoped for lots of free stuff, and I yearned to take over the world. While none of this ever came to fruition, we did realize that the next best thing was hearing from our readers, especially people we didn't know or pay to look at our site. And write in they did! We just wanted to give a big shout-out to everyone who took the time to write us a lil' note and tell us what they thought. You really are the wind beneath our wings. Thanks y'all!
Christine, who writes the Dating Diary, is hilarious!!! Great writing!!! I can totally relate to some of that stuff, especially the guy being a real jackass. Thanks girl! See, into everyone life, a little jackass must fall.
Hi there...LOVED YOUR NOVEMBER ISSUE!!! Thanks!
Hi Michelle [er, "Angry Black Grrl"]: I enjoy your answers to your readers. It is different from the letters and answers of The Toronto Star. I am also happy that you now get so many visitors to your web page. Keep going. This is great. And you're pretty swell yourself!
You went out with Ja Rule? Who are you??? Let me know as soon as you get this. I want to know some answers. Fortunately, this little mix-up was remedied, and no one lost an eye over Ja Rule.
Damn you're cute! Are you based in Canada? Too bad. Anyway, I really enjoyed your site. I really dig your style (and writing). And we really dig his compliments!
I just wanted to drop a note to tell you that I love your site! I just happened to surf into it one day while looking for a dessert place online...and when I found you were based out of Toronto I thought it was great, because then all the places and stuff I can relate to as I'm working in downtown Toronto (especially those shopping tips...since all the magazines give info for U.S. stores...no Canadian tips for shoppers...) Thanks for the great site! Don't we know it! It's not always fun to carry a calculator around while you're flipping through a magazine.
I was just scouring the web and came across your Vintage Vibe article, and as the PR Specialist for the Savers/Value Village thrift store chain, wanted to commend you on your fabulous purse, and say thanks for writing about us! From one bargain lover to another... Gina M. Cohen, PR & Communications Specialist - Savers, Inc.
Of course, we also got some mail about our bandwidth. It became somewhat frustrating for us, too, as we couldn't view the site (not like we give ourselves hits or anything). Hopefully, the problem will be eradicated by the time this issue is up. Thanks for your patience! Update: We no longer have an issue with our bandwidth, but we always like to laugh about how ghetto we were.
I Got Coffee Breath
In honour of our 2002 in Review issue, we bring you another installment of Michelle's zine, I Got Coffee Breath. Are you ready for a flashback? Let's see what topped Michelle's lists in 2000.Damn, What a Year!!!
(2000 in Review Issue)
Do you think that 2000 went by quickly? Here are a few artists, movies and songs that made that year memorable.Artist of the Year: Eminem
I cannot think of any other entertainer who had such a profound effect on the music industry. Love him or hate him, you cannot deny his lyrical talent. If you listen to only one of his songs, listen to "Stan."Album of the Year: Who Is Jill Scott, Jill Scott
Damn, this CD is beautiful!!! This album restores my faith in what "real music" is all about. Honourable mention: Erikah Badu's Mama's Gun. After months of waiting for her CD to drop, my girl delivers another fantastic CD. Thank you!Song of the Year: "I Wish," Carl Thomas and "The Light," Common (tie)
I'm a sucker for a nice track with a smooth groove. Both of these songs warmed my heart.TV Show of the Year: I hate to admit this…but I love "Oh Drama."
I know that they are three of the loudest (annoying) sistas on TV, but I love their ability to get in everyone's business.Movie of the Year: All I have to say is two words...One Week.
I saw this movie at the Toronto International Film Festival way back in September, and so far nothing has affected me as much as this film. The subject matter may be a little depressing (the lead character is awaiting some very important test results), but it is funny. Big it up to Carl Seaton! I hope this brotha hits us off with more films in the near future. Honourable mention: The Kings of Comedy. D. L. Hughley, Cedric "the Entertainer," Steve Harvey and Bernie Mac. What else do you need?Disappointing Movie of the Year: Bamboozled
Besides the remake of Shaft, I was more disappointed with Bamboozled. Not only did Damon Wayans sound like a complete idiot, the movie had the most anti-climactic ending. This is the second year in a row that I was let down by a Spike Lee movie.Best Athletes
Here at Happygrrls, we consider ourselves pretty well-rounded writers. Except for sports, which has never crossed our website. Enter Phan, who has recently added sports to her ever-growing repertoire. See who she picked as the best of 2002.I nominate Fernando Vargas for the best body. Did you see him during the weigh-in with De La Hoya? Vargas was ripped, and I mean RIPPED! It doesn't hurt that he is also rugged and good-looking, and he puts up a good fight. I wouldn't mind having him as a bodyguard, well...as long as De La Hoya's not after us.
Allen Iverson from the Philadelphia 76ers is by far the best athlete in the NBA. At 6'1" (although he does look shorter), he knows how to challenge all the players on the court. He's not one to cry and sit out of games for minor injuries (like, ahem, Vince Carter [darn, you beat me to the punch - Chris]). He demands time on the court to help his team deliver. And, did I mention that he has the best cornrolls that other players can only try to copy. Allen Iverson rocks!
Happygrrls' New Year's Resolutions
To keep ourselves amused, we drafted up an informal New Year's Resolutions list. Read on to find out how well we fared so far.Christine
I resolve to be more punctual for work (socially it's a different story). Update: So far, I've only been on time once. I resolve to be more active (and that doesn't include the five-minute walk to McDonald's). Update: I haven't been more active, but I haven't gone to McDonald's either (because it's flippin' cold outside…can I say "flippin'" here?) I resolve to participate or volunteer in something worthwhile. Update: Not yet, but I will! I resolve to stop procrastinating with school-related activities, and anything else in general. Update: I haven't bought my textbooks yet, but at least I figured out where my classes were being held this year. I resolve to pay my bills on time. And on that note, I resolve to stop lying to creditors about my sick dog who just got run over a car. Update: I haven't lied to creditors, but then again, I haven't paid my bills either. Stick it to the man is what I say.
Bonus resolution: I resolve to stop threatening people with a bat. Update: No bat references so far.Michelle
I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions, primarily because I forget what I planned to change in my life in a matter of weeks. However, this year is gonna be different.After many bouts of crying and screaming, I have decided on what I would like to change in the year 2003. Are you ready???
I have decided to stop frequenting the hair salon as much as I do, and start styling my own hair. Yes, I know this is crazy talk, but I am up for the challenge.
Even though Phan laughed at me and Christine looked at me with skepticism in her eyes, I believe that I will stop being so damn high maintenance and actually style my own locks. Do you think that I can do it?? Wish me luck!
Update: It's midway through January and I haven't been to the hair salon since the beginning of December. Damn, this withdrawal hurts! Instead of pampering myself at the hair salon, I've enlisted the help of my mom. She is currently helping me twist my hair. I gotta admit, my moms got some skills. So far I've stuck to my resolution, but I'm starting to crack. Let's see how I do next month.
Phan
I usually make a priority of "being on time" my resolution every year, but I have never really achieved it. So, I have decided to exclude this from my list. After failing to kick this habit, I just try to keep my tardiness to a minimum of five to fifteen minutes.My first real resolution is to start saving consistently. I have been working for over two years already and I have nothing to show for it. Yeah, I have clothes, shoes, and accessories, but they come and go with the trends. Maybe in about a year I will be able to afford a real asset (whatever that is). Update: I put a portion of my first and second pay cheques from January 2003 aside for savings, but I'll need the whole third to pay some bills, and there is a pair of boots that I want (I've been waiting so long and putting that on hold until I pay off my Christmas bills).
My second resolution is to become more spiritual. I consider myself a Christian but I have not been actively practicing. I plan to start reading my bible again and get my butt to church. Yes, I know I sound like a goody two-shoes. Update: I've only sat down to read the bible once so far.
Lastly, I have always wanted to be a good swimmer, so instead of limiting myself to the shallow end, I am going to tackle my fear of the deep waters. Having almost drowned on two occasions, I have been afraid to enter the deep end. Once I get the treading underway I should be ready to swim with the pros. Update: Swimming? Well, considering the frigid temperatures, I don't want step into a pool just yet. I'll probably start the swimming lessons some time in the spring. ¤ C.Ho.