The Greatest of All Time...of ALL TIME!

During NSLC this summer, my coworkers and I had an interesting conversation in the cafe of the Smithsonian Gallery of Art about what ONE song we could listen any time, any day, any circumstance. To me, that's an unfair question. I probably have about 30 of those. These are the ones that, if I'm having a bad day, will automatically lift my spirits. As soon as the beat drops, it's a 'hands-in-the-air-eyes-closed-singing-at-the-top-of-my-OMG-I'm-driving!' kind of moment.I had to narrow it down somehow, so I picked the 17 songs that I could fit on a standard CD.

In no particular order, Celeste's All-Time Favorite songs (ask me this in 2011, and I may have an entirely different list):

Get Me Bodied, Beyonce Knowles
Apart from the lyrical and musical genius of this track (penned by Solange, and delivered flawlessly by Queen B), Get Me Bodied triggers some of my best college memories. This song was one of the first strolls my line sisters and I did. During our neo-victory-lap semester, our ENTIRE chapter did this stroll at a party and split the crowd right down the middle. Every time I hear this song, it's summer 2007 all over again. And yes, I still do the stroll when I hear it on the radio...driving or not.


Sunday Morning, Maroon 5
"Fingers trace your every outline/paint a picture with my hands/back and forth we sway like branches in a storm/change the weather still together when it ends" For those of you who've never been in love, I would say that this song is one of the best depictions of what it actually feels like. It's a happy, secure feeling- just as upbeat and steady as this track's tempo, and you yearn to be with that person more than anything, even if it's just driving slow around town on a Sunday morning. Also, this song is featured in one of my favorite movies, Something’s Gotta Give. So yeah, absolute winner.

Refuge, John Legend
Ok, honestly- his voice can make the Itsy Bitsy Spider sound like a masterpiece. I would argue that Get Lifted is one of the greatest RnB albums of ALL time...of ALL time (Kanye voice). Depending on the day, any song from that album could make this list. But, more often than not, it’s Refuge.

One Last Cry, Bryan McKnight
Probably one of the best love songs ever. We all know Bryan can sing- this isn't even about that. I have a special connection to this one. Watch my performance on my other blog (celesteaurora.blogspot.com) and you'll get it.


I Am The One, Kurt Carr
We performed this when I was in the choir at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando. It reminds me to be grateful for EVERYthing that God has done for me and brought me through. He is a way-maker.

Circle, Marques Houston
I love this song partially because of his physique and the foot move he does in the music video, and partially because of the empathy I have for a situation like this. Been there, and done with that. But, it doesn't hurt to sing about it.

Neither One of Us (Wants to Be The First to Say Goodbye), Gladys Knight and the Pips
It's probably from listening to my parents' 'Solid Gold' collection that got all of the Motown classics ingrained in my mind forever. My dad always quizzed my sister and me when we listened to the oldies "A-whoa! Yuh know is who sing dis? I give yuh a dolla...first person to tell me who sing dis." There are a lot of classics but, this one stands out for me because seriously, who can beat Gladys' voice and the passion she exudes in this song? Not many. Now I want a Midnight Train to Georgia.

Stay With Me, Ne-Yo feat. Peedi Crack
In my humble opinion, Ne-yo has never topped this track. It was his first single and after this one, every song sounds exactly the same! I don't know how he's managed to accomplish that and still sell records but hey, if it ain't broke...Regardless, I love the lyrics of this song and also the way he talks about music as the love of his life. That's something I can definitely relate to.

If, Destiny’s Child
As easy as they make it sound, this is a TOUGH song to sing. How do I know? If my car seats could talk, they'd tell you it's a great thing that I've never performed this in front of actual people. But I sing it, anyway. Wrong and strong.

Made Up My Mind, Lyfe Jennings
“Do they really think they can pull the wool over your eyes Lord?/do they really think that by fakin’ it they can claim that they will get the same reward?” It took a convict and his guitar to get through to me that you have to walk by the word, and not with the world. Sue me. The song is brilliant and heartfelt.

Never Let Me Down, Kanye West feat. Jay-z and J-Ivy
Not only is this one of my all-time favorites, but my absolute favorite track of Kanye's, as well. Yeezy, you may be cocky, but you speak truth. This was back when Kanye was still super excited that he finally became the Louis Vuitton Don, and the enthusiasm and passion for his message is heard when he spits bar after bar after bar on a single breath. Then he gasps for air just to continue the verse. Jigga was great on here too, but J-Ivy probably had the most poignant phrases on this one. "So I guess I’m one of a kind in a full houe, cuz whenever I open my heart my soul or my mouth a touch of God rains out.” What?! Classic.

Tell Him, Lauryn Hill
If you claim to love hip-hop or RnB, and you don't love this album...well, I pretty much will never value your opinion on music ever again. Amidst all the doo-wop'in, rapping, and heavy bass-beating tracks on this album, there are a few gems of just Lauryn's angelic voice softly singing what her heart feels but can’t say. The track is stirring- the first time I heard it, I had chills and replayed it at least 5 times. Tell Him is Lauryn, a drum, a guitar, and a few fleeting appearances of a backup choir. That's it. Her voice twists and turns through the 13th chapter of 1st Corinthians and over her own words to express that above everything else, if she loves the Lord, "everything's gonna be alright." Beauty.

Bartender, T-Pain
Umm, can’t really explain this one. The melody is great. The lyrics, at times, crass. But, I love it anyway. This one was an instant favorite the very first time I heard it. Kinda like love at first sight.

Every Little Bit Hurts, Alicia Keys
I first heard this song when I saw Alicia's mTV Unplugged special. The audience got into it, and she looked like she was having the time of her life. The hoarse crooning that has become signature Alicia is perfect on this song- it's almost as if she's been crying and yelling at her man all day just to find out why he treats her this way. And when Alicia begs to know "why you treat me cold, yet you won't let me go" you feel every little bit that hurts.

Song Cry, Jay-Z
Another mTV Unplugged performance that will remain in my memory. Do you remember it? He just sat there nodding his head to the beat for a while after the lyrics ended. I think it was after seeing that performance when I finally appreciated Jay-Z’s musical talent. Now I’m on the bandwagon with Barack and the rest of ‘em.



I Wrote This Song, Monica
I'm not really a crier...most of the time. However, knowing the story behind this song and hearing how candid Monica gets in her lyrics can certainly bring a tear to my eye...or to my chin. Yeah, so what? The man took his life in front of the love of his life. That's serious stuff. And the song is brutally honest- Monica says it's hard for her to understand, so she wrote him this song. At the root of it, that's what music is all about. It expresses the inexpressible, helps you rationalize confusion. Monica gets two thumbs up for this one.

I Love You, Cheri Dennis
I think it's the bridge that does it to me. This song wasn't as heavily rotated as it should have been (I blame Diddy), but it is a really catchy song. Cheri's voice is sweet and the music is light-hearted. Nothing special, just a well-written, well-sung typical RnB track. Simple, but not simplistic.

Heartburn, Alicia Keys
This song reminds me of Madison, because we went to the Beyonce/Alicia/Missy concert together and Alicia opened her set with this one. We went WILD! It will get even the stiffest, surliest of people tapping their foot and singing along.


Forever, Lil Mo feat. Fabolous
Have you ever been in the room when a bunch of girlfriends start singing this song? Some take the top, the rest do the harmony and background- (usually it's me on the Neptune-sound). And then, when Fabolous' verse comes in, one person, the one who knows all the words, takes lead, and everyone else becomes a hype man at a rap concert- just hittin' the last few words of each line "tan on.....pants on...". It's a hot mess, and it is SO much fun. And besides, what girl doesn't fantasize about her wedding day, or proposal day? At LEAST once we've thought about it. At LEAST! Right? Exactly- classic.


What's on your list? Download some of my favorite tracks here:

Date Night

One of my best friends had a simple wish for my birthday this year. She asked me to do what I want to do, and say what I want to say, and not make any excuses for it. No more over-analyzing, and no more waiting. Just do. So today, I did.

I wanted to see The Social Network and was at home not being nearly as productive as I had originally planned for this 24-hours. My BlackBerry Movies app said I had forty minutes to make the 8:20pm showing at a theater 20 minutes away. After a quick outfit change (since I was still in my sweats), I found myself an aisle seat before the opening credits started.

I was initially nervous/afraid/worried about my personal date night, but it really wasn't intimidating. I didn't have to entertain any small talk, nor try to uncomfortably maneuver over the armrest to cuddle with someone. I was completely at ease and it was nice to do things just the way I like it. Even when I spilled some of my popcorn, I shrugged it off and laughed at my never-ending clumsiness, and kept shoveling handfuls of the buttery goodness in my mouth. I don't think I stopped the hand-to-mouth motion until the bag was completely empty.

The movie was very entertaining, in case you're wondering. But even more importantly, being alone and not feeling lonely was a new and very reassuring feeling. I put on an oldies radio station on my way home, and when Tracks of My Tears came on, I sang along with Smokey and the crew. Since I can't always count on having substitutes, I've decided to enjoy the company of Celeste. She's the permanent one, and that's just fine with me.

The Social Network...can I get one?

I'm supposed to be writing right now. Wait, I meant studying. Clearly, my mind is not where it should be (focused on the four elements of risk assessment). It's been an interesting weekend, to say the least. Wait, stop right there. The most I can do for myself to hold on to my happiness is to stop dwelling on the bad sh*t that happens and get the hell over it. Did you see that? HAPPiness is only half of what HAPPens. The rest, I believe, is how you react to it.
I was really about to write this post about some pretty depressing stuff, but I am alive, and breathing without mechanical assistance. I need to quit complaining. I have a story slash concern on the following topic: meeting women.

The concern:
1. Let's be clear. I am sexually, emotionally, physically, romantically, and everythingelse-ly attracted to men.

But, every day I am realizing more and more, especially in the public health field, men do not rule the world. My issue is: how am I supposed to build a network of lady contacts in the first place? There is a pretty solid group of ambitious and friendly black women at my school, I'd say we're about 15 strong- we go by 'GDubb SistaCircle', so coined by the resident Bison among us. The group pretty much formed through varying degrees of separation, random encounters in class, and introductions of the newbies (like me) to the rest of the crew. It's just like high school- "Did you finish this project yet? No? Me either; meet me in the library. I'm at a table with my friend, you can sit with us." Bam, contact.

So I'm set with a crew for time spent at 23rd and I street. But, what about off-campus? People keep telling me, when I mention that I'm in D.C. for grad school, that I need to build my network and take advantage of all the connections that I can make. Part one, I don't like "taking advantage" of people. I've done it, sure. And people have done it to me, but that doesn't make it right. I know that some people will never make it to true friend status, and will always hold a certain place in my life- the role of 'resource-friend'. Need tickets for a sold out event? Call the resource-friend who works for the sponsoring organization. Can't find the study guide you SWEAR you saved on your external harddrive? BBM the resource-friend who always takes notes and ask her to email them. The list of favors can go on and on. I think it's important to be genuinely concerned with the resource-friend's well-being, and ask them how they're doing (and actually listen attentively to the answer) before you ask them for a quick favor. But again, you have to have some resource-friends in your contacts list before you can use them to your advantage. That's where my problem lies.

The story:
This Friday, the Black medical and law student associations from Georgetown, George Washington, and Howard Universities held a mixer at The Park on 14th. The Black Public Health Student Network, of which I am a member, also made it on to the guest list, so two of my new friends from school and I were absolutely and fashionably in attendance. It was a nice event- quality dj playing music loud enough to hear, but low enough to talk over; delicious crab cakes (and by crab, I mean salmon..but if I said salmon cakes first, you all wouldn't have gotten it, right?); liberally-pouring bartenders, and handsome black men in fly skinny suits. There were a lot of women there, too. No ladies were really giving the stank face to each other like you might expect to see when cliques of black women gather (in separate, but equally judgmental groups) in one place. Everyone was friendly, and actually saying excuse me before trying to squeeze between you and the bar stool to get back to her group of friends. But that was just it- unless we were talking to dudes, or the women we came with, none of the ladies socialized. I guess in a setting like that one, where more winks were exchanged than business cards, it's tough for women to approach each other on a strictly networking/business/resource-friend tip. I've read before that meeting new female friends is just like meeting new dudes. Smile, say hi, and pay a compliment(copyright of that process goes to Belle Woods). In my humble opinion- that's super awkward. I mean, sure, you and your friends look nice and you're here at a professional/student mixer so, I'm assuming we have SOMETHING in common- but to just go up and say hi? No, I'm not ready for the networking world if that's what it takes. What about, gulp, rejection?

I can handle a guy not being interested. I've given a fake name or a mean mug to enough men not to question when karma bites me in the ass and stomps on my ego. The chance I take on saying hi to a good looking gentleman is a risk I don't mind taking. If it plays out well, I may leave with a new number in my phone, or at least entertain a good conversation (because once I say hi, if you have nothing to talk about, I'm walking away). But, when it comes to meeting women (esp black women) for potential resource-friends or even real friends, I have always felt unsure about how to approach and start conversation. Are we supposed to act like homegirls because we're fellow 'sistas'? What if they make a reference to something I can't relate to? They're gonna think I'm a square, when really my inquisitiveness (and sometimes cluelessness) is one of my most endearing traits! I have such a respect for successful black women, I'd act like I would in a room full of Ben Carsons or Kanye Wests. I wouldn't even know what to say or how to act. I'm just in awe and hoping I don't make a fool of myself.

The unrealistic solution:
This is obviously a pretty peculiar predicament. If I wanted to network with women, here's what I would do. I'd invite to my house a bunch of friends who don't know each other, and tell them to bring one female friend. We'd eat a healthy but hearty meal, where the important, educated, and business conversation would take place. Then, we pop 1 (or four) bottles of moscato, champagne or the like, and play a raucous game of Taboo. Business cards will be exchanged, iPhones will be bumped, and Blackberry barcodes will be scanned. The night ends with everyone being handed back their keys, (because my caterer stopped serving alcohol well before people needed to drive home) and people work on fostering the new relationships from there. Some may never speak again, some may become best friends. And, some may enter the resource-friend box. Either way, a night specified for networking goes down, and everyone leaves with at least the potential for a new friend.

So, I guess until I have my own home in which to host this dinner party of a lifetime, it's gonna be awkward moments at a mixer, avoided conversations and neglect of a potential great contact- OR I could get over it and find an appropriate, cool, non-awkward way to say hey to a fellow empowered female.

Any suggestions?