I’m in a transition point in my life. I feel like I’m in a delicate situation and I need to be cautious about the steps I take in the very near future.

Recently I’ve been feeling like I’m at the starting line in a race. Haven’t figured out whether it’s a speed race or a marathon. I only know two things right now.

1. I need to start off on the right foot.
2. I just want to win.

I’ll figure out the rest later.

My fav never disappoints me. Get into this rehearsal performance of Scared of Beautiful. How many singers do you know that can sing like that while chewing gum.

She went OFF!!

Scared of Beautiful is a track off of the incomparable Two Eleven get your copy on iTunes now!!

Sing Brandy!!

Okay okay, I know, I neglect this space way too often.

Shame on me.

It’s been far too long since I’ve shown my face around these parts. Excuses are tools of the incompetent. There will be none. But as the year winds down my mind, heart, and spirit is overrun with thoughts, ideas, and revelations. Figured I might as well document some of them.

So much has transpired since the last time I checked in gossiping about the Basketball Wives Reunion. I spent my summer doing something that I’ve never done before, working in tech support. Eek! What originally seemed liked a mundane opportunity turned out to be one of the most entertaining experiences of my life. I likened it to high school with paychecks.

Sounds like a breeze, right? But what was my biggest challenge? Being nice. Ugh…

Admittedly, I can be a real bitch sometimes. And this gig didn’t just require me to be professionally nice, but annoyingly nice to angry impatient people. The overall experience was well worth it. I met some amazing people, laughed way more than I should have, and flexed my mean girl muscle.

You’re welcome.

The experience was worthy of a screenplay; one that I’ve committed myself to writing in the not so near future.

There’s more to come. Way too many unpublished drafts around these parts. I must change my sluggish blogging behavior. Maybe I’ll go ahead and create that editorial calendar that I see the greats rave about. Must hold myself accountable. I have things to say, stories to tell, and fun stuff to share.

If you see me around the web, say hi…I’ll say hi back!

I’m almost everywhere @PrissyJP

For today, it feels good to be back in the swing, let’s the keep the party going…

This week my fav, @4everBrandy  is celebrating 18th anniversary of her debut single “I Wanna Be Down” going number one.

Damn, I’m getting old. 

I remember my mom buying me the single to “I Wanna be down” to play in in my red Sony Walkman. No one could tell me a single thing. I literally grew up listening to Brandy and I’ve cherished every album. She undoubtedly sings her truth. You can feel the beat of her heart in every note she hits. She’s my biggest musical inspiration. So proud to see her still flying high after so long.

It seems like artists nowadays come a dime a dozen. But this lady here is a class act. Her talent is unmatched. Her style is authentic. I’m happy to say that I’ve been a fan from the very beginning, and I’m excited to see what lies ahead.

If you haven’t picked up Two Eleven, you’re missing out. Get your copy immediately.

That is all.

The struggle continues. It’s been a LONG time since I posted a video to my YouTube channel and last week I decided I was long overdue to dust off my webcam and talk a little smack. It seems as though everyone has been running their mouths about Basketball Wives, so I decided to chime in with my two prissy pennies.

Check me out…

Have you been watching Basketball Wives this season? Did you catch the reunion? There’s sure to be more slander and drama next week. Apparently Jenn & Ev took lie detector tests & they’re going to be revealing the results or whatnot. *Yawns* Will you be tuning in for part two? Whatever the case, I’m #TeamJenn.

What team are you on?!

I had a blast recording & editing this video. I’ve been considering making this a weekly thing. That’s a big commitment because I’ve got a lot more to learn. Editing is no joke and I definitely need to step my equipment game up. But for now what I have works. Let me know what you think.

Until next time…

I’m starting to think that I’ve been single for too long. Last week someone asked me when was the last time I had been held. I had no clue. Apparently it was so long ago that I couldn’t remember who or when. The confused look on my face as I tried to count back the months (probably years), garnered a look of pity. Not one to need and/or want pity from anyone, I quickly changed the subject. But later it made me think about why it is that I’ve been keeping the boys at bay.

So many questions ran through my head. What am I looking for? What am I waiting for? What the f*ck is wrong with me? Am I too selfish, too picky? Definitely too prissy. But it’s not like I don’t meet decent guys. So what is it? Why am I still single? I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want somebody. Nobody wants to be alone 24/7. Companionship is awesome. But commitment? Ugh…yeah, that sucks.

After some serious self-introspection, I realized I have a real problem with long-term commitment. During my trip down memory lane I noticed that I’ve never been in a relationship that lasted for more than a full calendar year. Sure, I’ve done the on-again off-again with more than a few beaus in the past, but not one single relationship has ever gone the long haul. Something is definitely wrong with me. In the past, I didn’t have a problem committing to one guy. Naively, I often prided myself as being “the best girlfriend”.

Time, heartbreak and unmet expectations caused me to put that “girlfriend” hat in the back of my closet. I can remember telling my ex that if we didn’t work out, then I was giving up. I guess I wasn’t lying. Since then, I’ve put in zero effort to keep a man interested in me for longer than three months at a time. I’ve refused to let myself get lost in the moment or captivated by a man.

I’m a controlled, emotionless, robot.

But robots need love too. So what am I supposed to do? Falling in love is not an option. Hell, a strong form of like isn’t an option. I just need a solution that will give me exactly what I want. And what I want is the best of both worlds, the comfort of a companion and the freedom of being single. What’s the point in having cake if you’re not going to eat it?

The most plausible answer I could muster is to try an open relationship. I’m sure this may sounds nuts, as my gal pals have told me, but it just might work. Ideally, I’d have a guy to spend lonely nights with, but still maintain my freedom to date, flirt, and go on living single. I’m not a total bitch, so the same rules apply for the guy. There’d be no double standards and no jealousy.

Is it impossible? Nope. Easy? Not at all. But if it worked for Will & Jada, it’s gotta work for somebody else too, right? I’m still clueless. I could be using this blog to talk more shit than ever. I’ve recognized my flaws, and am trying to make real, albeit unconventional steps to deal with them. But there’s some hurdles I’ll have to complete in order to get exactly what I want.

The biggest challenge is finding a guy that’s willing to go for it. Even though my recent dating experiences have been casual, some guys can still get uber possessive. #buzzkill They might talk a big game, but most dudes are not about that life. I try to be upfront & honest when stating my intentions, and if I get the feeling a new guy is too emo, he gets dismissed quickly. I’m not looking for a lopsided relationship, I’d prefer that we equally not give a fuck. I’d only end up feeling guilty if I knowingly led someone on.

Keep Calm & follow the rules.

A huge turnoff is for me is to have a man who acts like a possessive douche. Conversely, the moment I start to feel a twinge of jealousy, it’s time to show myself to the door. Jealousy is ugly and doesn’t belong in any relationship. In my eyes, it’s a sign of insecurity, weakness and it shouldn’t be tolerated. Jealousy is the opposite of everything that’s cool about relationships. It starts out small but can quickly grow into a destructive virus that ruins everything and steals your joy. The only way to successfully not give a fuck & retain contentment, is to completely remove jealousy from the equation.

Some people think I’m setting myself up to be swept off my feet. I grow incredibly tired of hearing that bullshit. Can you imagine how many times I’ve heard, “You find love when you want it least”. Spare me. I don’t want it at all, I’m happy with the way my life works. I’m not accountable or obligated to one person, and that’s liberating. I value my singleness as a precious gift. It’s something that I think a lot of people wish for, but can’t have. I refuse to be the kind person who has a mid-life crisis and does outlandish things at an inappropriate age. All because they traded their singleness for security.

Am I asking for too much? No. Will I want this kind of relationship for the rest of my life? Not sure. What I can say is this what I want for the foreseeable future. Can I find a man that’s good on paper; and like me, is a little dead inside? No clue. But I sure hope so. Regardless I think I’m gonna have a lot of adventures in trying.

I’ve been watching a lot of TV lately and have come to the conclusion that network TV is good again. I was a major skeptic after the writer’s strike. All of the major networks (FOX, NBC, ABC, and CBS) have me captivated by at least one show this season. And although I often watch online, or on demand, I make sure to stay on top of the latest episodes.

First up…

New Girl

From the pilot episode I was captured. I watched the pilot on demand before it premiered and I was laughing uncontrollably. I actually watched it two times in a row. Jess is unapologetically unique and isn’t afraid of going against the grain. From the looks of things, she’s been that way her whole life. She’s a girl that will break out into a goofy song and doesn’t give a damn. But her warm hearted spirit and child-like innocence can easily be misconstrued. What I love most about Jess is that despite her bubbly persona, she isn’t afraid to keep it real. She can call out her friends/roommates on their shortcomings and deliver a heavy-dose of reality with a spoonful of sugar.

Smash

According to my twitter timeline, it’s like Glee for grownups. Although I’ve never given Glee a chance, something about Smash had me captivated from the beginning. Maybe it’s because based on a Broadway show about America’s favorite bombshell, Marilyn Monroe. Not to mention, Katharine McPhee’s voice is a force. But that’s no shade to the rest of the cast, because the songs are amazeballs and as of May 1st, “The Music of Smash” can officially be copped on iTunes. I’m not really sure who the breakout star is on this show. Whether you’re a diva or not, no one gets everything they want. One bad performance can move you from being the star of the show to the end of the chorus line. Hands down this is a show filled with showbiz drama and good music. Win.

GCB

Good Christian Bitches. My bestie told me I would love this show and boy was she right! Centered on a reformed mean girl who is forced to return home (Dallas, TX) to the open & often critical arms her incredibly wealthy mother. Amanda Vaughn had a cheating husband who was indicted for a Ponzi scheme then killed in a freak(y) car accident. But despite life’s challenges, Amanda is ready to turn over a new leaf. The only problem is the group of gals whose adolescence she all but ruined are now atop Dallas’ social ladder waiting to make Amanda’s life a living hell; not unlike the torture she inflicted upon them in high school. Each of the GCBs has is full of snarky comments, maintains an outlandish lifestyle, and has a killer wardrobe. Top it off with a healthy dose of scripture to justify their crazy antics and its laughs and drama for days. LOVE THIS SHOW!

Scandal

You’d have to be under a rock if you haven’t heard of ABC’s new powerhouse drama airing right after my favorite show of all time. Olivia Pope is a woman that makes things happen. Good or bad, she’s well connected enough to put a spin on a situation to prevent and/or manage a scandal for her high-profile clients. It’s not just her job that’s intriguing, Olivia’s humanness & femininity make me adore her all the more. When her affair with the President of the United States was revealed, it made perfect sense. A woman with that much swagger has to be enthralled by the most powerful man in the world. What I love more is her grace and poise in his presence. You could tell from episode one that she was weak for him, and would only succumb when she was vulnerable. I’m excited about the mysterious plot points and how they’ll play out. Only four episodes in and Scandal has definitely got my attention.

How I Met Your Mother

Now in its seventh season, I’m very late in jumping on the How I Met Your Mother bandwagon. But once I got hooked, there was no turning back. Thanks @Netflix. On the surface, HIMYM is yet another sitcom with a group of singles & newlyweds living, loving & sexing their way around NYC. The show is funny, relevant, and insanely accurate when it comes to the rules of dating and modern relationships. It’s also nice knowing that the story ends well, but the adventure of getting there is half the fun. All the while we get to know some really dope characters. Ted Mosby is the love-seeking eternally optimistic architect. Marshall Eriksen is the eccentric Midwestern “good guy” lawyer. Lily Aldrin is a meddlesome shopaholic yet pure-hearted teacher. Robin Scherbatsky is a commitment phobic, career oriented journalist, dubbed honorary bro. Barney Stinson often upstages as the narcissistic blogger, know-it-all playboy/corporate thug. By far, the funniest show I’ve seen on CBS in very long time & I can’t wait for more.

I can willingly admit that my perception of network TV has certainly been changed. I was starting to think think reality shows were on track to be the status quo in television. But I’m glad to see creative writing and good production are still a strong presence in network prime time. For so long, I thought only HBO & Showtime knew how to produce great shows. It’s good to see that I was wrong.

A few weeks ago I met up with some friends from home and it was beyond amazing!! It was one of those nights, where despite a few inches of unwanted snow, everything went right. The group was small, just a few girls and a few guys, and a ridiculous amount of fun.

We met at Andiamo in Royal Oak for dinner and drinks. My food was horrible, but I was too busy laughing to notice. I don’t think I could ask for a livelier group of friends. We had some crazy years in Mount Pleasant at CMU. It had been a while since we were all together so we had to link up for at least one night to reminisce and reengage.

Everyone had good news to share; so while we sat there talking about old times, the most important toast of the night was to what the next chapter will bring. Weddings, promotions, graduate degrees, career changes, we celebrated every occasion. I’m reminded often of how important it is to make sure that your circle reflects what you want for your life. I’m blessed to have so many great examples of what life can be when you focus and work hard to achieve your goals. My friends amaze and inspire me; and thankfully, they encourage me to be better.

We topped the night off at Goodnite Gracie Jazz & Martini Bar and kicked the fun into high gear. And boy oh boy did we have fun. Check out some of the pics from @kepncarmin1st’s camera phone. I spent the next day recuperating and talking about how much fun we had. Nights like those come few and far between so I found it absolutely necessary to share.

A few weeks after this crazy get-together I packed my bags and headed back down south. But it’s the memories like these that I hold onto when I’m out here by my lonesome. I’m always comfortable at home but I know that’s not where I need to be. I have to keep moving & shaking, and making things happen for the future. I have an amazing support group that’s cheering me on, and I have to keep building this dream, so our celebrations can get bigger and better! You only live once!

Whitney Houston died last Saturday afternoon. I still didn’t want to believe it. When I initially found out I was overcome with emotion. I cried, a lot. I’ve actually avoided writing this because I didn’t want to cry again. We’ll see how that goes.

Whitney was everything. She was more than just America’s sweetheart; she was “imaginary auntie” to a generation of little black girls. My first memories of Whitney were of her debut album that my mother played over and over again. I can recall staring at that orange album cover for hours on end. She was young, black, and beautiful and loved by all; everything a little girl could ever dream of becoming.

Most people recognize Whitney for being one of the greatest voices of all time. She broke molds and set standards for what a dynamic singer should strive to be. There was something about Whitney’s voice that hit you in your soul. Her spirit resonated throughout the entire song and long after it was over. You could feel her spirit when she opened her mouth to sing. Whether she was singing R&B, gospel, pop or the national anthem, she was beyond amazing.

What bothers me is that so many people heavily reflect on the lowest moments of Whitney’s life and her struggle with addiction. We can all agree that Whitney, not unlike the rest of us, battled her own personal demons. I applaud her for living a transparent life and acknowledging the fact she was indeed her own worst enemy. She never placed blame for her poor behavior on anyone except herself. She was willing to take accountability for her actions. I like to believe when she needed help the most, she always knew who to call on.

Regardless of Whitney’s rough times and tumultuous marriage, one thing always remained true; she knew when to call on the Lord. Whitney is credited to have won over 400 awards throughout her career. I can recall each time I saw her take a stage to accept, she made it her business to say, “Thank you, Jesus.” And each time it made me smile. No matter, how famous she became, Whitney never forgot her foundation. She knew whose she was, and from where she came. Seeing this is now is rare, but for Whitney it was standard. Albeit short & not the vocal powerhouse we were all accustomed to, even her final live performance was Yes, Jesus Loves Me. That speaks volumes.

When I think of Whitney’s struggles I think of the phrase, “To whom much is given, much is required.” It’s easy for us to sit and speculate about what went wrong in Whitney’s very public life. We all have our own opinions about what we would have done differently or whom we would have dismissed when the road got rough. I give Whitney credit for standing on her two feet and doing exactly what she wanted to do. I think she’d be the first to admit that she didn’t always make the right decisions, but I believe her faith and her spirit of conviction was her driving force.

As for what is to come I can only pray that her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, can find a way to go on. I can’t begin to imagine what it would feel like to lose your mother. Honestly, I believe the pain would be so deep, only God would be able to pull me through it. So I’ll lift that young woman’s name up every day. I pray that her family surrounds her and loves her with their best effort.

I feel sad knowing that someone who had such a great impact on the world seems to have left this world so soon. But I feel comfort in knowing that Whitney is at peace. She knew the Lord for herself, and I trust Him enough to know that it was her time to go home. Although she’s no longer with us, her influence will always remain.

Whitney set the standard; and while there will never be another like her, she left a legacy that we will cherish for generations to come. But there’s far more than musicality that can be taken from Whitney’s life. We need to learn when to support our friends and family during rough times and when to rebuke them for bad behaviors. It’s easy to sit and spectate and inflame a bad situation. But if you aren’t apart of the solution, you’re only adding to the problem.

Most importantly, we must understand that everyone has personal struggles that we deal with on a daily basis. Fortunately, the majority of us don’t have to see those battles played out on the pages of magazines and gossip blogs. Our dirt is most often always private. Anonymity is certainly the highest cost of fame. Whitney Houston paid that price and lived a life that was full of extremes. I choose to celebrate her extreme highs, and learn from her extreme lows. She taught me from an early age that learning to love yourself is indeed the greatest love of all.

He’s the perfect guy; the man of our dreams. He listens to us rant about our good, bad and ugly dates and never gets jealous. He’s seen us at our worst moments and helps us prepare for our most glamorous. He isn’t afraid to tell us when we look fierce or foolish. We’d marry him if he didn’t love men as much as we do. He’s our gay BFF, and we wouldn’t trade him for the world.

Living in Atlanta has caused me to question the necessity of a gay BFF. I’ve never had one of my own, but I’m starting to believe that he just might be the missing link in my fashionable circle of friends. Sometimes a girl needs a perspective on life, love & fashion that isn’t from another female or even a straight male friend. Girls can be pettier than we care to admit, so establishing genuine friendships with women can prove to be difficult. Even platonic friendships can get complicated. Say for instance there’s a jealous significant other; or maybe the friendship isn’t so platonic and one party is just biding time until their unrequited love is acknowledged. Having a gay BFF is probably one of the most transparent relationships a girl could be a part of. But it’s definitely not easy, choosing the wrong gay BFF can have disastrous effects.

While the chances are slim, there are a few things that could potentially ruin the relationship between a gay BFF and his prissy female friend. It comes down to two things, femininity and fashion. We all know of at least one gay man that swirls, twirls and wishes he were the prettiest girl on earth. On the flip side, he might have a mean streak and will verbally slay whoever dares to challenge his fabulosity. You’ve got to admire that kind of self-confidence, but no gay man will ever be able to be more of a girl than me. Maybe I’m childish or too competitive, but there could be trouble if my gay BFF ever tries me. A little healthy competition among women can be fun. But that same level of competition with a gay man could be a recipe for disaster with a girl as prissy as me.

Another risk in choosing the perfect gay BFF is entrusting him with our sense of style. Not every gay man is a fashion maven. They can’t all be like our fairy Glam Father, Tim Gunn. Unfortunately, we’ve given the most flamboyant of gay men props that they haven’t earned. I for one refuse to fall for the hype. Depending on fashion advice from the wrong source (gay or not) could lead to you looking the fool. I feel bad for the girl who had an uncertain moment and took the advice of her gay friend who had no sense of style. In order to avoid a self-inflicted fashion disaster, you have to trust your gay BFF and rely on your own fashionable instincts.

Regardless of the risks that come along with adding a gay BFF to your innermost circle, the benefits far outweigh the consequences. At the very least, their gaydar is uncanny. Finding a gay soul mate may not come easy but the right man will most certainly be the Stanford to your Carrie; resulting in a friendship that has the potential to last a lifetime.