Single in L.A.

Kerry Washington burst onto the scene in the 2000 Indy hit Our Song.  When I saw this film at The Detroit Film Theater I knew then that she was one to watch - and I was right.  Everything I’ve seen Kerry do has been scene stealing - from her performance in the biopic Ray right down to her appearance in Common’s video for the song I Want You.

But all the fabulous chicks in Hollywood seem to be single.  Kerry is no exception.  In March of last year she and fiancee, actor David Moscow, raised the white flag on their four year relationship.  Later that year, after appearing in the video, she was rumored to be getting comfy as Common’s better half.

But Kerry is simply getting used to dating and having fun while doing.  In the June 2007 issue of People she said about being newly single and entering the dating world:

 ”I was scared I would meet really weird men or have all these horror stories, but I have none so far,” she said. “It has all been a lot of fun so far. I’m having a blast meeting people”

I hear you!  Isn’t that what dating’s all about?

Kerry can be seen in the upcoming suspense drama Lakeview Terrace with Samuel L. Jackson

Two weeks ago I screamed with joy!  I was celebrating with Kool and The Gang, shouting about holidays with Madonna and Beyoncé gave me the green light.  But I didn’t tell you guys why.  Shame on me.  The news is twofold, but I have to hold on to the other little tidbit until the ink is dry.

You’d have to really know my history to completely feel my exuberance!  My journey in Los Angeles has been a tedious one.  I’ve found what they say to be true: If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.  Or maybe they say that about New York?  Well, I’m using it!  It’s so apropos for me.  Because I have made it here.

I graduated from college and said “within a year I’ll be living in California.” Seven months later Los Angeles got a taste of Midwestern savory flavor like none other.  It’s been a very topsy turvy time.  Dating has absolutely SUCKED: hence me still being Single in L.A. almost 5 years later.  I’m an absolute baby and I’ve gone through deep bouts of depression because some days I’ve only wanted to see my mom and dad for comfort. Heck, my first year here I went home at least 5 times.

I could go on!  But I won’t . You can read Much Ado About Nothing for a lot of the back story.

But here, I’ll talk about new days!  Talk about what the future holds: endless possibilities. Like the news I got that Friday.  In the entertainment industry working for a studio makes you golden!  Even if you’re temping.  Shoot, even if  you just drove out to meet your friend for lunch one day “on the lot.”  You say you work in the mail room at Disney and people are like “Ohhhhh, Disney.  Congrats!”  Dude, they work in the mail room! But me, I’ve been at the plantation for nearly two years – ending TODAY!

Two weeks ago The Big Studio (and I mean THE Big Studio not “A”) called me and made me a very lucrative over.  They gave me the weekend to ponder.  What’s to ponder????  I negotiated a bit, then accepted the offer the following Monday.

So today, my dear readers, I bid adieu to the plantation.  Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1832. In January 1865, Congress passed the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery .  Apparently the owners of {Company that made “Rambo IV,” “Mad Money” and “88 Minutes”} didn’t get the memo. They were in Israel so I guess they forgot to brush up on their American History?  It’s okay.  My future is in MY hands.

Today, I emancipate myself . Watch out!

We all like recognition for our hard work, no?  Especially when you’re putting yourself out there creatively! Nominate Single in L.A. for the 2008 Black Weblog Awards. Here are the categories I think the blog fits into quite nicely. Thanks in advance!

Best Blog Post Series “Teach Men to Date”: first article found here
Best New Blog
Best Personal Blog
Best Writing in a Blog
Blog to Watch

If you agree –you do, don’t you? – do me a favor. Nominate Single in L.A.! Follow the pink link: 2008 Black Weblog Awards Nominations

 Shelley Malil is mostly known for his scene stealing role in 40-Year Old Virgin, starring Steve Carrell.  Last night, however, he became known for something else.  Sunday night his ex-girlfriend was stabbed to near death.  And last night, the actor was arrested for suspicion of attempted murder.

Shelley, a native of Kerala, India idolized Bob Hope and moved to Hollywood to pursue his dreams of comedic fame in 1995. He played notable parts in many long time TV hits such as ER, Seinfeld, NYPD Blue, JAG and Without a Trace.  But, it was his role in the 2005 comedy, Virgin, that gave his some career momentum.  Unfortunately, most didn’t remember his name for that.  But I guess they will now.

Everything that glitters in Hollywood is NOT gold.

 Hill Harper is one to watch in Hollywood as far as I’m concerned.  The man is super good looking, well spoken, intelligent and discerning. Oh, and very talented! And apparently he’s discrete.  You never hear rumors of him gallivanting about with this starlet and that one, and I’m sure that’s not for a lack of opportunity.

Rumors have only swirled of him being connected to Gabrielle Union and Taraji Henson.  However being spotted with someone doesn’t make them your S.O. (significant other).  He and Gabby have been great friends for years.  And philanthropy is something he has in common with Taraji.  You never know, though. They look pretty “close.”

My BFT was in an acting class with him a little over a year ago and they really hit it off.  She then,as luck would have it, ended up appearing in an episode of CSI with him.  She has nothing but good things to say about him – charming, witty and very much the gentleman.

I happen to be heading over to his restaurant, The Lodge, for dinner next week – love the food and ambiance!  Maybe he’ll make a charming and witty appearance? I’ll keep you posted.

Hill currently portrays Dr. Sheldon Hawke on “CSI: New York” and can be seen starring in two upcoming films: “This Is Not a Test” and “The Shanghai Hotel.

Every time I get together with Angel we end up laughing hysterically over shenanigans from the old days. My trip to D.C. was no exception. It’s funny that she never remembers her own funny/embarrassing stuff but she can always remember when I did this or that.

We laughed about an occasion where we attended a party on my colleges campus and I got pretty darn tipsy (she drove). So Angel, J and myself decided to go some sports bar over on the west side. Somehow, after more drinks (of course) I ended up singing a duet of “Break Up to Make Up” with some random guy that was at the bar!

Anyway, I over think and analyze and make connections where there are none all the time. So the song got me thinking about people that remain in back and forth relationship cycles. These people serially date – the same person. Over. And over. And over. That concept is beyond foreign to me! I’ve always been of the belief that things end for a reason. So no matter how many smiles creep across my face when I think of “that one time when he…” I won’t do it.

My most recent ex (recent = we broke up more than two years ago) will never give up hope. He will wait a couple of months, call and try to rekindle a friendship hoping that it will just float back into us being “us” again. Finally I told him in December that I couldn’t even be his friend any longer because it seemed to be giving him false hope. He still calls, but I don’t answer.

I’m just wondering, what makes you go back to that person? Are you madly in love with them and can’t imagine yourself without them? Are you truly at your best when you’re with them? Or, do you just end up being back together due to a lack of better options? If you’re a Break-Up-To-Make-Upper, I want to hear your stories. Even if they’re from the past. Share!

Added bonus: Throwback Mel B. featuring Missy Elliott “I Want You Back.”

Last month I asked for your help in solving my smartphone dilemma.  Should I go with iPhone or Blackberry Bold? iPhone or Blackberry Bold???  What’s a girl to do.

Well, I listened to your feedback – and was left more confused than ever.  But this week my current crappy smartphone has taken me to the limit! It has been turning off on its own and when it comes back on, magically, might I add, it has like 675 NEW text messages.  BUT those never include the messages I got, oh I don’t know, in the past two days!!! For a Text Addict like me, this is beyond a nightmare.

So I launched back into my research and I’ve decided that the countdown to Blackberry Bold is ON! September 1^st the phone hits AT&T stores.  I’m trying not to get too excited though because the launch has suffered multiple delays.  But if that day is in fact D Day, I’m there!

That’s not to say I’ve decided on the Blackberry Bold (9000).  That’s to say that on that day, I plan to carefully weigh the two against each other and make a decision then – I think.

Is anybody else anxiously awaiting the Bold launch?  Is there someone out there that hasn’t even heard of the bold?  No worries! I found an awesome little Bold run through on Youtube – brought to you by Crackberry.

Photo courtesy of People

Kanye West’s love life has been a bit of a dramatic merry-go-round.  Apparently he had some long time girlfriend back in Chicago pre-celebrity that everyone was confusing with his first very public girlfriend Brooke Crittendon.

The limelight got to Brooke’s head and she put too much of their business out there on myspace.  Kanye didn’t like that – that was the end of them.

Not long after he was driving down Robertson ( did I mention I’m ALWAYS walking down Robertson?), pulled over and hollered at fashion designer Alexis Phifer and the two became the couple du jour.

Post engagement the pair did an ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS spread showcasing their L.A. digs in Harper’s Bazaar.

 Unfortunately, not long after the passing of his mother, Kanye and Alexis amicably split back in April.  And THEN after being spotted at a party at Tenjure with a group including Selita Ebanks and Serena Williams rumors swirled: Kanye and Selita are an item.  The two quickly shut that down saying they’re “just pals.”

 Photo: Hollyscoop

I take his word for it.  Kanye West is definitely single.  The man has swagger to spare with a touch of arrogance (too much, some might say).  I like it (hint, hint)!

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SimplyWriting over at Cook With Me tagged me and I couldn’t be more tickled. Why tickled you ask? Well, getting e-tagged is the internet “you’re it.” And it really puts the pressure to shuck and jive on! I must entertain you with my quirks!

Here’s the rules:

1. Link back to the person who tagged you
2. Mention the rules on your blog
3. Tell about 6 unspectacular quirks of yours
4. Tag 6 following bloggers by linking them
5. Leave a comment on each of the tagged blogger’s blogs letting them know they’ve been tagged.

But of course I have to put a twist on it! I’m a Single Girl living in a Single’s Girl’s world so, here are quirks of mine relating to dating/relationships.

1. I don’t let men pick me up (in their car, for dates). If I don’t like you, I probably wouldn’t want you knowing where I live. But if you do just so happen to be a handsome, charming devil that also happens to be a serial killer, this rule keeps me protected! I’ll meet you there.

2. I sometimes make men call me 3 times. Now the secrets out! If I’m not sure about a man’s level of interest in me I “miss his call” three times before I ever return. I know, I know. DO NOT JUDGE ME! And if you do, I can’t care.

3. Along those lines, I don’t ever call men first. If you’ve dated me you probably didn’t realize that you called me first and I either answered when you called or returned all of your calls. But never did I just pick up the phone and call you to say “hey.” I didn’t have to. You called!

4. I’m an adult woman living in our salacious over-sexed society but I stand firmly by nothing less than the 3 Month Rule! If you don’t make it that long, I’m glad. You weren’t worth sharing the goodies anyway. Currently, this rule has inadvertently by no doing of my own, multiplied itself over and over and over…

5. I seem to be obsessed with 3’s. LOL! I employ a 3 date evaluation period. At least I try to give these men the chance of 3 dates, but sometimes you can’t seem to not show me how obnoxious you are on Date One.

6. I’ve been dating for nearly 13 years. As I approach my 3rd decade (3’s again) I’m starting to rethink my dating strategies. Maybe they’re not working? I am still single after all.

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