Final Thoughts on The King of Pop!

Friday morning, the Steve Harvey Morning Show re-played their recording of the first ever "live" international radio show interview with Michael Jackson in 2001! MJ said himself that he has never called in to any morning radio program before that day. I wake up every weekday morning to Steve Harvey's Morning Show and the Crew because he starts my days off with some healthy laughter!

For the first time since MJ's death, I finally missed him yesterday. They were paying homage to MJ because they are burying him tomorrow and/or it's his birthday. Whatever the case, it was Great to hear from the man himself! Instead of hearing a journalists point of view, a stiff reporter, or anyone else for that matter.

Michael said he was a "big fan" of Steve Harvey's and that Steve did a skit about the Titanic in The Kings of Comedy that Michael thought was hilarious. Now, I feel bad for not missing or grieving for MJ sooner! Long before his death, I was desensitized to news of MJ for one reason or another. Either it was too trivial, {I believed it was} false, or it no longer interested me. I grieved for Michael Jackson a LONG time ago, when his appearance changed so drastically that I no longer recognized the person I fell in love with -- along with the rest of the nation.

Of course, Steve & the Morning Crew have a way to make you care about anyone he talks about. I love Steve Harvey. It also brought to mind the post Danny Quinn wrote about MJ having dinner with them one evening. Steve, of course, had MJ cracking up on the phone! Hearing Michael's own words, reactions, and laughter brought it all home to me in a way I did not expect. Nor was I prepared to handle. So, I had to share this with whoever wanted to read it.

Michael Jackson was born the seventh of nine children on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. That's how I'll remember him. That cute kid up front in the Jackson 5! The skinny guy with the short fro who sang the greatest songs I knew all the words to; That phenomenal entertainer whose videos I could perform its entire routine to in our living room for Mama, EVERY SINGLE TIME it came on TV...that's who I will always see and who I will miss, dearly.

For the record, during the time of PYT, Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It, etc. was when I personally thought MJ's appearance was both astounding and perfect. And I never really forgave him for being so ashamed of his God given features that he felt the need to go off the deep end with surgical procedures to alter them...but that wasn't him; not really. That was an outward appearance that only served to darken the glow of his inner beauty the rest of the world clung to about him. Now I know. And I will never forget it.

To Read The Article Steve Harvey Referred To Repeatedly, Click Below:
http://www.buttonmonkey.com/misc/maryfischer.html

To Read A Weird Blog About This With Several More Links Throughout The Article:
http://www.slumdance.com/blogs/brian_flemming/archives/000470.html

-emg

Picture is of GQ's Cover Page for the 1994 Article

The Story Behind CO'89s 20th Reunion

First and foremost, check out our Public Photos at these Links:

20th Reunion '89 Meet-n-Greet at Lew's Grill & Bar which we took over @
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031414&id=1094094218&l=2901f286eb
20th Reunion '89 Family Friendly Picnic at Faulkner's Ranch with LOTS of Amenities they threw in for FREE and we got to have our picnic in the air conditioning @
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031652&id=1094094218&l=b14c49eede
20th Reunion '89 Adult Dance Event where we partied like it was 1989 @
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2031660&id=1094094218&l=5f7a835573

Now, on with the dirt, I mean, the story...

As I made my way into the city yesterday, I saw the rotating restaurant atop the Hyatt Regency Hotel. I couldn't help thinking, "Is it over? Is that it? Am I really not going to see everyone for another 5 years?"

Fortunately, for me, the majority of the Class of '89 wants and looks forward to our 25th Reunion. More '89ers are migrating to our Class Website and even some from classmates.com are finding their way homes to us. Not only is this detrimental for planning a 25th Reunion, it is necessary to keep track of '89ers and keeping us together for years to come with or without reunions.

Let me explain. There are very few things in life that mean much in the long run. The most prevalent of those are the people we know, the relationships we have, and the lives that undoubtedly change and alter our own. You've heard the question before, "Who will visit you when you're old and gray?" The answer is one of many. your children, your grandchildren, your spouse, immediate family members, extended family, or the people you shared the most important developing years of your entire life with?

Believe me, when it comes time for your life to flash before your eyes, you will remember those faces. You will relive those memories in the century of seconds you have left. Each bated breath will cling to the flutter of reverie crossing your mind. And until you've made peace with your past, you will never be content. Take it from a professional...soul searcher. I've been getting to know me for over half my life and I'm an expert anymore, but I digress.

Getting back to the subject, I had to reconnect with my past in order to heal from it. My days at Southwest High School were my finest and my worst. In both respects, I learned a lot and indeed, came out the better person for it, but at a very high cost. I did not graduate with my Class at Southwest High School in 1989. This is a fact that was not lost on everyone during the planning stages of our 20th Reunion. In fact, many of you would not have known had I not told you. I do realize that letting the proverbial cat out of the bag, so to speak, is opening myself up to criticism - but I would rather that be out in the open than held over my head like a dirty little secret {as it was treated by some}.

Yes, the rumor mill was hard at work to unseat me as the acting President of the 20th Reunion Committee. It just failed! Ha, ha! When you are true to God, true to yourself, and true to those around you, you have no fear. I told a couple of people at the Meet-n-Greet that I was just tired of hiding. I hid so much for so long while at Southwest and after I left, that I was tired of pretending to be happy and decided instead to find true happiness. Asking God's forgiveness, accepting His forgiveness, and eventually {after about 5-9 years or so} forgiving myself was the first step. I have hurt some and have been hurt by some. Realizing we are all in the same boat {as in Class}, I see that we are all only human. We all have our own misgivings and mistakes to atone for, but that's another story altogether.

My next step was to "come clean." Opening up my life, writing about my thoughts and my heart has freed me in a way nothing else ever could. I told them, "My life is an open book now, I have no secrets and that's the way I like it." I do. It suits me well.

Apparently, the real problem was that I had no business being the President of our 20th Reunion Committee because I dropped out in my Junior year at Southwest in March of 1988. Both for selfish and really stupid reasons you couldn't fathom...I have written all about this on my super personal blog, which I have been sworn not to over expose. Instead, to let those who wish to know me on that intimate a level to seek it out for themselves. If you search for something long enough, you will find it. I wanted to clear the air about this because it's up to you, Class of '89. I vowed to step down from my "Presidency" after this reunion because of the hassle and headache, however, my "Dream Team" told me I can't! So, it's up to popular demand now. What say you Class of '89? I only have this to left to say:

I have loved you and will always love you as the people I grew up with and cherish remembering. You will always be a part of me now, especially after this laborious undertaking we called our 20th Reunion. For those of you I love and remember and those of you I met for the first time and grew to love during the course of this dream come true, I love you all the same. So, those of you who don't remember me, now you know why. For those of you who did honestly remember me, I thank you. For those of you who knew this little factoid and said nothing, I thank you, too. If only to have allowed the 20th Reunion Committee to accomplish what I set out to do {single-handed if necessary}, I appreciate your silence and support.

For those of you who mastered the rumor mill and attempted to sabotage the entire reunion, shame on you, but know that you are in my prayers. It's up to you to heal yourselves, no one can help you except God. Not me, nor anyone else in our class or in your lives can help heal your wounds except you. Each one of you has to decide to and accept change in yourselves. I wish you His Love, acceptance, and forgiveness of self. Believe me, forgiving yourself IS the hardest part.

The only disappointing aspect of the entire reunion weekend were those of you who hung onto your old cliques, and you know who you are...hell, we all do! It was laughable, disrespectful, and immature. To the rest of the Class, I congratulate you on becoming well-rounded, open-minded, respectable citizens, and new found friends. For being grown ups in a world that has no tolerance or patience. You have overcome the boundaries of race, sex, and discrimination in your own Class. That is saying a Lot for public school educated individuals! :) Myself included. GAT classes or no.

My eyes tear at the thought, the pictures, and the memories of our '89 class members who embraced one another as long lost friends. For those who photographed each other with people you KNOW you didn't hang out with in high school, I commend you! I can't tell you how happy it made me to see social lines crossed if not diminished entirely. It was ALL Worthwhile to see the love, the respect, and support the Class of '89 has for its members. We have come far, my friends. We have lived, loved, and conquered. I can't tell you how proud THAT makes me. That is the ONLY sliver of pride I felt the entire time. Otherwise, it was an entire Class effort and hats off to you, Southwest High School Class of 1989.

I wish you all the love, all the joy, and all the happiness your heart can hold. Most of all, I wish that your dreams come true the way YOU made Mine come true on August 14th and 15th, 2009. Thank you, all.

May God's Blessings Rain Upon You Forever,
Elisa Mendoza (Gilliland)
President, 20th Reunion Committee

-emg

Sci-Fi Scenes & Snippets

EXCERPT: Prey of Light - Battle Winsor Reveal Scene 2009

Her thin brown hair hung loose now, brushing her shoulders in a lush cascade, unlike the tight bun she wore earlier. She stood very still and silent, except for the rise and fall of her breasts. Her eyes were closed as if listening to some distant voice. Across from her, Battle watched, waiting. He had no idea why or what he waited for except that her beauty entranced him.

He made sure not to distract her with any movement. One by one, the strands of her hair began to defy gravity. Her hair hovered above her shoulders in a halo of opaque tranquility. She looked as if she was immersed in water. He began to feel and smell an electrical charge. The hairs on his forearms stood on end. That’s some kind of static.

Battle heard the wind outside the institute barreling into the building like waves against the seashore. Is that in my head or my ears? Suddenly, he heard another sound beside the wind. Was that a whimper, a moan, a laugh? What the hell? Battle’s vision began to blur, the lamplight dimmed between them and she soon became nothing more than a silhouette against a smoky background.

His mind went blank along with his vision. He was aware that he should not witness whatever this was but he stayed his position. Battle, surrounded by the mist, heard a low hum that grew louder. Slowly, the fog around him lifted. Beyond her, shrouded in the mist she projected, Battle could see a beam of light. Then another, and another, crossing one another, forming a box of some kind. A rectangle; a coffin!

Battle Winsor was no longer in the hallway of the institute in Anchorage, Alaska. Or was he? He wasn’t sure anymore but he was sure that his mind and his eyes had to be playing tricks on him. Yet he smelled moist earth and his nostrils stung from the cold. It must be the bourbon.

The beams became clearer and changed shape. Still a misty picture around the edges, Battle didn’t recognize a thing, save for the triangular shape the beams made anew. Inside the pyramid of light lie the black coffin made of a material Battle didn’t recognize. Wait, the lab techs were looking at something black and tin… Remembering the thin objects their bunk mates, that fancy research team, had and kept hidden from them when he and Ronny arrived.

Lying at the center of the strange black coffin was a wild red rose. It was fresh cut with all its thorns. Battle could even make out tiny drops of dew on its petals. Why wild, why the thorns?

“It’ll be dead in a day or two.” He said aloud and felt the room tumble around him. He toppled into the door frame and heard a woman scream somewhere near him.

Holy shit! Battle took a step back. He blinked and found her glaring at him. Her eyes reflected a strange orange glow, apparently cast by the lamplight.

Her eyes narrowed immediately, adjusting to the florescent light in the corridor. She charged him. Battle braced himself and stood his ground. Her hands spread out like claws and she reached for his throat. He caught her wrists, holding her at arm’s length.

“Look lady, I’m sorry to intrude on your private party here, but you were in my way.” Battle noticed the flickering lights around them. They were back in the hallway, just outside of he and Ronny’s room.

“What did you see? Tell me!” The orange reflection was gone from her eyes and she seemed different, somehow. She did not look exactly like she had when they’d met just this afternoon. The brown of her eyes, the red of her lips, the texture of her brown skin? Something in her physical appearance had changed. Battle wanted to know what and why.

Class of 1989s 20th Reunion in ONE WEEK!

It's time to dust off those dancing shoes, ya'll. We are going to party like it's 1989! Come to the Adult Event dressed up, but comfortable. No jeans, no T-shirts, please. That's the ONLY rule! The Final say is:

Dearest Alumni FINAL DATE for Registration Payment is AUGUST 10, 2009 or CALL ROBYN YOUNG to Arrange Cash Payments in Town @ 816-509-1079 or Elisa Mendoza @ 816-716-5141

THE QUOTED PRICES BELOW ARE FINAL and we are asking for PAYMENT for all events available for participation as soon as possible to meet venue payment and head count deadlines.

Thanks to those of You who Have SUBMITTED YOUR ORDERS. The PRICES, LOCATIONS, and ACTIVITIES Available for each event are LISTED HERE:

$0 Each Person is Responsible for the Cost of their own Drinks and Meals for the Meet-n-Greet which will take place @ Lew's Grill & Bar, 7539 Wornall Road, KCMO 64114, 816-444-8080, FROM 7 PM UNTIL, http://www.lewsgrillandbar.com, an Intimate Atmosphere, familiar scenery, great food and drinks, AND YOUR CLASSMATES;

$21 Per Person INCLUDING $21 PER CHILD Over Two Years of age for the Family Picnic @ Faulkner's Ranch, 10600 Raytown Road, KCMO 64134, 816-761-5055, PROMPTLY FROM 12 PM TO 4 PM, http://faulknersranch/FAULKNERSRANCH, Activities Available will be a Great Playground directly next us, Volleyball Net, Horseshoe Toss, and Pond with walking trail close to the Picnic Pavilion and;

$55 Per Person for the 20th Reunion Adult Event to be held @ The Hyatt Regency Crown Center, 2345 McGee Street, KCMO 64108, 1-816-421-1234, FROM 9 PM TO 1 AM, Activities Available will be Memorabilia Table, Live DJ with 80s to Now music mix, {still working on} Karaoke, Possible Portraits on Site, Food Buffet Style Setup, http://crowncenter.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.

PLEASE REGISTER & MAKE PAYMENTS NOW!! Payments made for the SW Class of '89 will go directly to the SW Class of '89 Bank Account with UMB via PayPal, so when you Register and Order you will end your transaction on PayPal's Website. You will see your purchase order, charges, and be given the option to print your receipt. In addition, you will receive an email of your transaction receipt from PayPal, listing SW Class of '89 as the payee! If you have any problems with your order PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER TWICE! Call Elisa Mendoza @ 816-716-5141 for technical support.

If you are uncomfortable paying Online, you may Still DROP OFF YOUR PAYMENTS BY PERSONAL CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO your 20th Reunion Committee Treasurer, Robyn Young as follows; please MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE to: SW Class of '89

SW Class of '89
4922 E. 41st Street
Kansas City, MO 64130

Please CALL ROBYN YOUNG @ 816-509-1079 or me, Elisa Mendoza @ 816-716-5141 ASAP!

Registration Fees are Non-Refundable but WILL go towards future event planning. This is the only way we can Guarantee Our CLASS of '89 will CONTINUE CREATING Future Events for US All. I apologize for any inconvenience and confusion this has caused until now. Hey, whatta ya know, we got our crap together!

Thank you, Elisa
President, 20th Reunion Committee