Whew! I am finally here in Washington, DC for the Inaugural 2009. I almost cannot believe that I actually made it. My first flight out of Los Angeles (LAX) into Pittsburgh was rather uneventful. (Exception: USAirways has decided to charge you for everything such as bags, food, water, and drinks. Didn’t gas prices go down?) However, my connecting flight out of snowy P’burgh was delayed twice for a total of an hour and a half. I made it fun by chatting it up with my travel mates, and grabbing a cold one and a meal at the airport.

Although the trip to DC went much slower than I hoped, I learned a lot about some of the people I was traveling with. Being a journalist, I am naturally nosy and I occasionally listen to conversations around me.

And what I discovered is that the Inauguration activities for President-elect Barack Obama are akin to the biggest Superbowl win and New Year’s eve rolled up into one. People, especially a lot of black people, have traveled far and wide to witness and celebrate Obama becoming the 44th president and the 1st African American president of the United States. I overheard several folks say they decided at the last minute that they wanted to be here. They felt like they had to come. In particular, a black woman on my Pittsburgh flight said she decided just yesterday that she wanted to be in Washington, DC for the Inauguration and bought her ticket last night.

Another older white gentleman, who I will call Bill, told me that he had to be in DC at this time because he wanted to feel the energy of the city. Like most of the people I spoke with, Bill didn’t have a ticket to any of the events. He only held a desire to be a part of history. He said “I’m excited for us to get rid of the old and see the change come to Washington.” He spoke fondly of President-elect Obama’s ability to remain calm and even during times of great pressure and his message of hope. He joked that there were Obama supporters even in Orange County, Calif. Armed with new gloves, he was headed to The Mall to soak in as many Inaugural events as possible.

I also overheard a woman who is traveling to DC because she is responsible for an Inaugural party held by Occidental College (Obama’s first college). She couldn’t believe her good fortune when her boss asked her to go in his place. She felt like she’d hit the jackpot.

And I met another young lady who traveled here to meet up with family and friends to attend Inauguration parties, stand in line to see the parade and try to get as close as possible to see the swearing in. People are spending crazy money, braving the cold and bearing the big crowds just to get a glimpse of President-elect Barack Obama – and to say that they were here.

All of the people I talked to could not believe that I held a ticket to the Inauguration swearing-in ceremony. I actually think getting on the plane and witnessing the lengths to which some people have come (without credentials, passes or tickets) just to be a part of history has made me feel quite special to be here – with or without a ticket.

So, hopping on two planes, airport shuttles, and into my parents SUV was worth it because over the next few days, I get to witness history.

More to come…

The Caramel Bella

Yes, I am going to the Inauguration 2009. And I must confess. I am feeling a little under-excited. And I honestly don’t know why. (Maybe it is the cold weather, the large crowds, the tremendous logistics involved, the financial expense, etc.) This is probably THE most historic presidency of my lifetime – at least that is what I am being told by almost everyone around me. And a part of me believes this statement. Whenever people super-hype things, I always take a teeny step back. (Maybe it is because I personally believe I will witness tons of firsts – including a woman elected president, other people of color as president or global leaders in addition to the greatest thing of all – world peace and an end to terrorism.)

With that being said, I will probably become swept up in the moment once I arrive to DC (via two planes..sigh). The presidency of Barack Obama is something truly worthy of celebrating. The United States has a chance to change course.

So why the sense of trepidation about this fantastic moment? Well, I can’t help but think of the costs of this super Inauguration spent by myself, others and the United States government while this country is in a serious recession/depression. And I am trying to remember the thousands of people that are losing and have lost their jobs during the economic fallout.

But I guess I’m digressing from the beauty of the moment.The Obama electoral win shows that the United States has (at some level) shifted its consciousness to a place where people are being judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin, which was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. There is no coincidence that Obama was elected during this time in history and will assume the presidency the day after MLK’s birthday. There are no coincidences.

This consciousness shift is the main reason I am getting excited. I am getting pumped up to witness this incredible moment in history.. IN PERSON. Yes, I will be there on the U.S. Capitol steps (I can’t believe I actually got a ticket!) watching the ONLY 2008 presidential candidate I believed in become the leader of our country.

Okay, I’m getting excited writing this post. Stay tuned on my adventures back to DC (my home) to participate and observe in this tremendous time in history. (I will be twittering it too. Follow me on Twitter.)

Yes, I’m tingling a little bit now. An intelligent, hopeful, trustworthy, compassionate man – who happens to be a man of color – will be our next president in three whole days!! Woo hoo!

Getting excited,
The Caramel Bella

Today, I spent my entire day covering the Diamond Bar fire’s evacuation center. The bad air really did me in. My lungs are crying right now. Check out my story on Annenberg TV News. (And don’t laugh because I look tired. Grad school and bad air will do it to you every time.)

I’m going to try and start posting more of my own video stories.

Smooches!

The Caramel Bella

If you read my site regularly, you may have noticed that my posts have been pretty slow this week (read: hardly any). It is because yours truly is in New Orleans for a reporting project on race, religion and politics. I hope you have been following my twitters on the site because they should have kept you up-to-date on my Big Easy adventures. Although I’ve enjoyed my stay immensely in New Orleans, I must say it has been an emotional rollercoaster. For me, seeing the Hurricane Katrina devastation has been very sad and depressing but it’s been balanced by the beauty and warmth of the N.O. people. And the food and partying is beyond compare. Thank you New Orleans for giving a me a lifetime of wonderful memories and allowing me to experience your wonderful city. Stay tuned for more posts and tweets from N.O.L.A.

Smooches (especially to New Orleans),

The Caramel Bella

Well, after landing safely in Denver, I headed straight to the Democratic National Convention events with multimedia producer, Sharifa Johka. Our first stop was Mezcal restaurant for the African American Leadership celebration sponsored by The Creative Coalition, The National Black of State Legislators and Eli Lilly. The event featured several celebrities such as Spike Lee, the event’s honoree, Tonya Lewis Lee (Spike Lee’s wife), Lynn Whitfield, Alfre Woodard, Judge Mathis, Omarosa, the Rza of WuTang, Bob Johnson, the founder of BET and Charlotte Bobcats owner. The beautiful actress Kerry Washington and handsome Matthew Modine were also in attendance. Their goal was to raise awareness of the arts and support Barack Obama’s campaign to become president.

During the evening, I had the pleasure of interviewing Bob Johnson, the Rza, Omarosa, Bob Johnson and Matthew Modine. I also caught up with some young reporters from the Children’s Press Line. Check out my pictures below.

Actress Kerry Washington & Brooke-Sidney Gavins

Sharifa Johka & Actress Kerry Washington

Sharifa Johka & the Rza of WuTang

Actor Matthew Modine

Ha ha. Yes, I’m back. I should say… I hope you missed me.

Over the past two weeks, this Caramel Bella has been SUPER busy (and with little internet access). I finished my apprenticeship with a major cable network (boo hoo.. I loved that job). I moved out of my fab studio in New York City. I drove back across country to Los Angeles, and visited friends and family on the way. My stops included Cleveland, OH; Gary, IN; Waterloo, IA; Silverthorne, CO (outside of Denver); and St. George, UT; before arriving in my homebase of Los Angeles. I hope you were reading my twitters.

And now my travels and career find me in Denver, Colorado for the Democratic National Convention. I’m writing for PopandPolitics.com. So, please stay tuned for my adventures and mis-adventures at the DNC.

Smooches,
The Caramel Bella

Many of you closest to me know that I am a big fan of PopandPolitics.com. It is a web site all about pop, culture and politics for Gen X and Y. Ever since it was created by Farai Chideya, I was hooked and would consistently check for new posts and updates. So, it was to my big surprise when PopandPolitics.com (P+P) was housed at USC-Annenberg in the past couple of years. And guess who attends USC. Yes, little old me. I am getting my master’s in broadcast journalism there. And now, after a long wait, I am finally able to dedicate writing time (15 hours a week) to my beloved site. And I do mean be-loved.

It is my hope that I will contribute as much to P+P that I possible can. I am looking to grow, develop and strenghten my writing abilities while learning a little more about myself and the politics that I love. We’ll see how it goes.

My first formal assignment will be at the 2008 Democratic National Convention on August 25 in Denver (my birthplace).  I’m excited, nervous, anxious but overjoyed by the tremendous opportunity to be on the ground floor of the next stage of the presidential elections. Hey, this is why I became a journalist.

So, please wish me luck as I continue to share my voice and abilities with the world on PopandPolitics.com.

Smooches,

The Caramel Bella

Okay, so I let the cat out of the bag about my other New York city star sighting. Two weekends ago, while another friend of mine was in town, we headed down to Soho for a day of shopping and people watching. After getting our fill of spending money, we noticed a great Italian restaurant, Ciprani, with outside seating – just perfect for people watching. And the food looked soo yummy. After requesting a menu and scanning it for something to order and looking at the prices (We learned to do that in NY after sitting down at a restaurant that not only didn’t take our favorite friend VISA but also had nothing we wanted to eat.), we got a great outside table.

Well, who would you think walked by and requested a table, the gorgeous A.J. Calloway, best known for his previous job as host on B.E.T.’s 106 & Park with fly girl, Free. He left that gig years ago and now works for Extra as their New York city correspondent. Anyhoo, Mr. Tall & Handsome, sans dreads, sat down right next to us and struck up major conversation. He was so handsome that I had to remind myself – you are a married woman (LOL). (And single bellas out there, I think he is married too.) So we spent half of our early dinner chatting away with Mr. TV himself. We even joined in the conversation briefly with his two friends that arrived later on. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day in Soho. It’s funny how conversation and attention from a great looking guy makes a bella feel even more beautiful!

Today is Fabulous Friday. I call it that because all Fridays are just superb. The weekend plans always look bright. Instead of a usual post, I thought I would talk about missing Los Angeles for a bit.

To be honest, I never thought I would miss Los Angeles or at least as much as I do. I’m not an LA native but definitely a westerner by birth. However, before moving to Los Angeles, I spent 12 years on the east coast. I regress… So, of course, I miss the hubby, the puppy and my home but I also just miss Los Angeles. Here are a couple of things that I miss about LA.

1. The ever dependable sunny day. Need I say more? Gray skies just don’t appeal to me.
2. Dry heat. I am not a fan of humidity although I know it is good for the skin. And it makes my straight hair frizzy and my curly hair puffy! And my face and skin feel like I need a bath on a high humidity day. Give me my dry 80 degrees any day.
3. I never have to look at the weather channel. It is either warm, really warm, or super warm.
4. The laidback nature of almost everyone you come across. (Although this no-rush attitude can be a bit bothersome when you are in a rush or need something quick in a restaurant or store, I have come to appreciate the “no worries” perspective versus the “I have super attitude” ‘tude.
5. People are generally happy. This item piggybacks on number 3. In NYC, many people seem unhappy, bothered and sometimes outright angry. The “F” word is a part of the everyday vernacular. (I hope it’s not contagious.)

6. The LA roads. Strangely, I miss the ability to use my car everywhere I go. Some people enjoy a subway or bus – not this caramel bella. Give me my car any day. Maybe it is something about controlling my surroundings and air conditioning.
7. Along with number 6, I miss the glorious valet. In Los Angeles, parking is never a big issue because there is always a valet ready to take your car upon arrival. It is the little things that make you feel like royalty.
8. Beaches close by. Just knowing that I can get to the beach in less than 20 minutes is a wonderful feeling.
9. Palm trees line the streets. If you squint really hard and look past the LA smog, you might look like you are in the Caribbean.
10. Anything is possible vibe. Los Angeles has this dreamer’s energy to it. People come to Los Angeles with dreams of doing something – acting, modeling, starting a business or just re-making themselves. There is something invigorating and hopeful about that energy.
11. Metaphysical place. Believe it or not, Los Angeles is the spot for all things spiritual. You can find a Buddhist, Mormon, Christian, Jew, Hindu worship centers all in about a 5 block radius. 12. Diversity. Although Los Angeles can be a bit segregated (by neighborhood), the diversity cannot be overlooked. There are so many different types of people by ethnicity
13. Come as you are. There is no need to get dressed up or feel like a certain attire is required in LA. Jeans are welcome everywhere. I love that. No matter where you go or what you do, wardrobe is never an issue. And it also inspires a fashion freedom only found in Europe. (Of course, that is my opinion.)
14. Pedigree not as important. On the east coast, where you go to school and where you work is of utmost importance. Not the case on the West side. Instead of starting a conversation with “oh, so where do you work?” or “what do you do?” The more common question is “do you yoga?” “do you surf?” or “what do you do on the weekends?” Feel free to insert any outside activity or hobby in place of yoga or surfing. Again, Los Angeles is about who you want to be. Your job and education don’t define you. You define you. I love that..

Oh, how I miss Los Angeles but will do my best to relish every single New York day. I’d love to hear your thoughts. Post a comment and enjoy your Friday!

Smooches,

The Caramel Bella

The HARLEM BOOK FAIR is this Saturday, July 19, 2008 from 11:00 – 6:00 p.m. The outdoor festival will be held on Saturday, July 19, from 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on West 135th Street between Malcolm X Blvd. to Frederick Douglass Blvd. I’m planning to stop by. Visit QBR for more information.