Trippin': Atlanta - DnB's Pad

All these years, not once have I ever gone to visit my cousin when she lived in LA. Now that she's gone and moved to Hotlanta, I finally decided to plan my little trip. It started out being only big poppa and I taking the trip. But then there soon became the gradual addition of my cousin and his gf, both my younger sistars and then my other cousin and her bf. That would be eight Houstonians. In the end, I'm really glad that everyone who came along did so cos it made for a fun family affair. I researched and assembled an intense itinerary as I usually do but my preggars cousin in Atl quickly whittled it down something more manageable for an entourage of ten. It was hard to accept but I eventually relented. My cousin and her hubby were wonderful hosts and really went out of their way to make sure all of our needs were met. Their house is A-MAY-ZING! It's three stories. Sort of. There's a basement that has a pool table, a semi-theatre area and two bedrooms along with the other three bedrooms on the top floor. They have this gorgeous deck in the back that looks out into this forested area. There was some mention of ticks and that was enough to make me stay away from those trees. This is also one of the first trips I've taken with my sistars in a long while. I'm not as particularly close with them as I once was. I think it's due to the fact that they're both growing up and at that stage where too much happens in their lives. I prefer not to know anything. That way, I can keep my sanity and people don't get thrown down stairs. But one thing I've learned about them is that they're turning into some fine alcoholics.

The wonderful host and hostess

Some pics of the house.

Cousin and one her dogs. His name is Arlo and he's a Weimerdoodle. Not sure of the spelling. Arlo is one of the most hyper dogs I know.

Their other dog is Coco. She's a maltese and she's super shy and skittish. Complete opposite of Arlo.

Birthday: Pretzel

Here are the fotos from Pretzel's 2nd berfday partay. Before you know it, he'll be turning sixteen and drinking his first six-pack. And then we'll all realize how old we really are! It was a massive turnout as usual. I expect no less from Miss Antsylily and her hubby. Together, they prolly know every single person in Houston. I had a good time saying ello to folks that I don't see on a regular basis. Mostly acquaintances but that's ok. I need more people to start popping out more babies cos when I get hitched, I want a gazillion flower girls and ring bearers. Of course, there will only be one ring bearer actually carrying rings. We ain't balling like that! Right now, I only have three boys, one girl and an unknown in the running.

Pretzel had more fun with the decorative paper than opening up his real presents.

One of his gifts was this dinosaur tent thing that some of the folks started putting together for him.

This was his amazed expression after it was completed.

Dino had a similar expression.

Mama decided to give it a test.

Pretzel followed.

Then papa followed.

The happy family minus the big little brother.

The TNOX trio together again!

They're next in line for wedded bliss and little babies.

Big poppa in papa action.

Musik Mundi: Matt and Kim

Matt and Kim. Full names: Matt Johnson (vocals/keyboards) and Kim Schifino (drums/vocals). Their Daylight song was the only one that I had heard before but I recently got my hands on the whole Grand album and there are a few other goodies. My sistar was telling me that they used the Daylight song on a Bacardi commercial but I don't recall ever seeing or remembering it. It took me awhile to even like this song cos it's a bit to robotix sounding to me but it grew on me. I like it now. They have a dance vibe to much of their musik so it's good stuff when paired with activities requiring energy. Even though they allowed their song to be used in a Bacardi commercial, according to Wiki, there are industries that they will never work with, such as cigarette companies. Good people!

*photo courtesy of amazon.com*


Matt and Kim
Album: Grand (2009)
Song: Daylight

Restaurant: Benjy's

2424 Dunstan Rd #125
Houston, TX 77005-2566

Before seeing Swan Lake, some of us met up at Benjy's for some happy hour. I had been to Benjy's once before but it was a looong time ago and I don't remember particularly enjoying what I had. I don't even remember what it was to be honest. So I never went back. Until now. My friends and I went back and forth a bunch of times about where we should go eat and for some reason I just decided to pick Benjy's. I don't know why I do the things that I do, but I'm glad I did. Their happy hour is actually pretty good. For five bucks, you get about the same size appetizer/entrees as you would ordering from the regular and FULL-Priced menu. We had the Sesame Crusted Agadashi, Housemade Chicken Sausage Pizza, Smoked Salmon Sashimi, Pan-Seared Pork Dumplings and I think something else? I can't remember. It was all pretty darn good. For the happy hour folks, they sit you upstairs in this super quaint room with this Hollywood modern decor. We all had some drinks. I went and got all buzzy after one apple martini. But that's the way it usually goes. I would mos def go back there for happy hour.

Miss EmMa came prepared for the ballet with her very own binoculars.

Everyone getting their dranky drank on.

This guy might look tough with all his tattoos and stuff, but he's prolly one of the nicest guys evar! And he's mos def one of the funniest. I always have some monstrous laughs when he's around.