Song of The Day 1/31/12

Artist Profile: Stephen T Da Kidd

Stephen T Da Kidd

Name: My government name is Stephen Tavon Martin. My dad wanted to name me Phillip though

Stage name: As an artist I go by the name Stephen T Da Kidd, but you can just say Stephen T for short.

Are u a solo act? 

Yes, I am a solo artist, but I am also a part of a team of artists.

If yes, how would u feel if told u had to be part of a group act in order to be famous? 

If I was told I had to be in a group for success, I would ask whoever is telling me this will I still be able to get my message across.

Do you sing,rap, produce? 

I mainly rap now, but I also produce.. And singing?...I'm working on it lol

How long have you been interested in music? Apparently since I was an infant

How did you know that you wanted to pursue a career in music? As a kid I wanted to be a rapper, and then I started producing around the 6th grade and from there I knew that music was what I needed to pursuit for the rest of my life.

What would you want a career in if it wasn’t music? Well I’m actually in college now pursuing a career in entertainment marketing. Even though that’s still related to music that’s what id do if it wasn’t music.

Describe your sound
Can my sound be described? It’s a real combination of a lot of things. I'm a real diverse guy and that shows in my music. Take a middle class Black male who lives and spends a little too much time in the hood, but when he isn’t in the hood he is with some upper class whites with a father who is a low key radical and hippy and mother who remains soft spoken yet very opinionated. Now take that same guy and put him over some 90s R&B samples, rock bands, orchestras, 808s, congos, and some other cool instrumentations, and play that all through you “Dre Beats”.

Who's your biggest influence?  

My biggest influence musically is probably Rick James, he was so ahead of his time.

What do you feel is your biggest strength when it comes to music? 

My biggest strength is my creativity and that I do what I feel. I build songs and mixtapes around that. Most rappers or any musicians for that matter work with what is given or try to imitate a certain sound. Me, I create a sound. I create everything associated with my music. Even when it comes to the covers, I might not be the person who technically creates it, but I actually sketch my idea and give it to the graphic designers to create.

What do you think you need to improve on? 

I can improve on my writing skills. Sometimes I still feel like I don’t get the complete message across and some things are forced. Another big thing I have to improve is my mixing skills. Since I am recording in a home studio without a pro engineer, I need to still work on making it sound like professional quality.

What's one your favorite songs that you've done and why? 

One of my favorite songs I've done has to be song that I recorded in like the 10th grade called “Still Aint on Yet”. It was actually the first song I wrote and recorded solo. This song was really the beginning of my style and sound.

Have u performed for a live audience? If yes, where was it and how did it go? Yeah a few times, I'll talk about the last experience. It was at my school FAMU, during homecoming. A few days before the singer Miguel actually got booed while performing, so I knew it would be a real tough crowd. It was a block party and I got word I would be performing the day of. Well after I prepared my show I realized I couldn’t curse, and lets just say that didn’t go to well, so I was “removed” from the stage.

 Where can we hear some of your music? 

My music can be found on the SLVR RM FCTY website, SLVRRM.BLOGSPOT.COM or on my personal youtube page, youtube.com/STEPHENT06

Where are you from and how does that influence your sound/style? 

I'm from a small part of Miami called South Miami. South Miami and Miami as a whole is real diverse and you see a little bit of everything and that shows in my style and music. Drive through my area and you will see how one song of mine can sound so high class and artsy and the next be a street song about the hood. The lives are really that close where I am from.

 

Where would you like to be in 10 years in terms of your music career? 

10 years from now, I would like to be pretty notable and on my rise taking over the music industry on the business aspect. Possibly my major goal of being the president of a major label, or just the president of marketing for a major label. Basically in 10 years imma be doing some big shit.

Video: Stupid hoe... It almost gave me a seizure

Idk wtf this is....

Love Story: Danielle and Jason

Danielle and Jason 

How long have you been a couple?

Since February 1, 2010 (2 years on Wednesday)

How did you guys meet?

Our mutual friend Emilio set us up through facebook. He told me that his boy thought I was cute & was going to request me & that he was a great guy.  J started messaging me through facebook and we had our first date January 17, 2010 and never looked back. He moved in with me about a month after we were official & we’ve been together ever since.

First Impression

I thought he was so sweet and was very open with me. From the beginning we could always talk about anything & be completely honest. 

First Date
We went to Carrabba’s & a movie (the Book of Eli). It was the best first date I have ever been on. Had a nice dinner with wine & lots of conversation followed by a great Denzel movie and a sweet goodnight kiss on the cheek.

What sets him apart from other guys? 

He accepts me for who I am and has never asked me to change. He is always there when I need him & supports me 110% in everything & anything I want to do. What sets him apart from other guys is that he is not like any of them.

What  keeps your relationship strong? 

Honesty, love & laughter.

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship? 

 Always be honest with one another and everything else will fall into place.

Love Story: Rie and D

Rie & D

Rie: This is from my 25th birthday. I decided that D was the only person I wanted to spend my milestone birthday with. It was nice to get all dressed up for dinner (we were WAY overdressed). It meant so much to start off my first day a year older with the man who makes me so happy. The kiss was a way to calm my nerves (not a real fan of taking pics) but it's so sweet and all I see is how much we love each other.

Rie: This picture is one of my favorites because it was candid. We were at the Stir Crazy for Halloween as part of my bday celebrations.. We didn't even realize his sister was taking it. She posted it the next day... She can tell us how much our "lovey dovey" behavior makes her sick, but somehow it's like she approves of me as his girlfriend and that means a lot. 

 

D: I knew it was being taken.

Rie: We went to visit a friend in the hospital, as a family with his sister and her kids... One of the twins had the phone and snapped this candid but sweet pic of us. We lean on each other, we need each other. I know that I can depend on him. I know that if I'm feeling bad he'll make me feel better.

How long have you guys been together?

D and I have spent almost all of our lives together as friends... We met at some point at Pine Lake elem in the second grade. We also went to high school together. We've always had mutual friends. He's known me before the boobs, during the braces, and after my very destructive relationship with my ex. I knew him before he was tall, with the long blonde hair, and while he was still playing baseball.  

 

Children?

Rie: We have not been blessed with kids yet. But we have discussed baby names. I am just weird like that and I like a man who's willing to think that far ahead with me. He may hate most of the names that I've picked out, but the little exercise shows me just how much he loves me that he wants to have kids with me. And even after he's met my crazy family, he still wants to dip into my gene pool and raise kids with me. He's a keeper!

D: Naw man, I got 15 kids and 10 baby-mommas... Just joking. 

 

How did you guys first meet?

Rie: Is is bad to say that I have no idea when we first met? While I admit I can tell you a story about the first time I saw someone in the 2nd grade, I can't tell you where and when I met D. We never had classes together but somehow we always knew each other and always said hi. I guess that's a good thing, we've known each other so long that there seems to be no real beginning or ending to our friendship. In high school we rode the bus together during the summers and sometimes during the year when my girl wasn't in school and I had no other choice. He was always great about stopping by our table at lunch and saying hi... There was always a hug, like he was so happy to see me. I always just saw him as a friend. Someone cool I talked to. 

D: I used to catch rides home with her and her girl... I had to ride in the back. 

First Date

Our first date is one of my favorite stories. But first the back story. I had finally left my unhealthy situation with my ex in mid 2010 and moved back home. I found him on FB and we began reconnecting after my 6 year disappearing act. We texted frequently but I always saw him as an old friend and had no interest in dealing with his feelings for me. [ I know how horrible and assumptive that sounds.] So funny enough, one day I'm starving and there's no food in the house and he texts me that he's at Keg South (a bar). I asked if there was food there. He said yes. I asked if he'd be willing to feed me. [Again I realize how horrible this sounds] So I told him I'd meet him. Then I scurried around the house to figure out what to wear. [Somehow, even though I knew he was just a friend, I wanted to dress to impress] I get to the bar and find him. He did not look like the D I know from high school. He was tall, blonde beauty. I got bombarded with names as he introduced my to his sister, brother-in-law, nephew and 2 of his nieces... After the fam left [I offered to take him home, which was the turning point in the night because I wanted to spend more time with him and didn't want it to get cut short] we decided to play pool. I'm not the greatest player and he didn't pull the typical guy move and get all touchy feely to attempt to "teach" me. Instead he appealed to my intelligence and explained that the key to playing pool was understanding the geometry of the game. I can remember looking at him as he got ready to hit a ball and thinking "WOW! He's so confident" and that was so sexy. 

What sets him apart from other guys?

 He's special. He's not conceited, he's so laidback some people mistake it for laziness... .But I'm a high stress person and his calm nature helps to keep me calmer than I'd normally be. He feeds me [ Seems simple enough, but the way to my heart is through my stomach] He never makes me feel like I owe him anything. He puts power steering fluid in my car, changes my broken headlights, and drives so I don't have to. He includes me in his life. He had me around his family from day 1. Even before we were official his sisters introduced me to friends as his girlfriend... He anticipates my needs. He often says what I was just thinking about. He's willing to do things to make me happy like go to church, or walk around the mall with me. He makes me feel important. We go to the strip club and his eyes are on me. He's always looking at me, not at the other girls around him. He makes me feel BEAUTIFUL. I've always wanted a man who could be in a room of 100 beautiful women including me and yet only see me. Dustin makes me feel that, everywhere we go. He always makes me feel wanted. 

 

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

Our relationship is strong because I treat him as more than my boyfriend. He's my confidante, I tell him all my hopes and dreams for the future and the past and present. He's my best friend, I share my secrets with him. I tell him everything. He never makes me feel like I can't tell him what I feel or what's on my mind. From the beginning I never felt like I had to front. With him I'm just me. We joke, we kid. We spend time together, whether it's going out or curling up together to watch a movie. We are a big PDA couple. It's rare to see us without our hands being entwined or kissing. We say I love you and I miss you constantly. Life is so short. We make sure that we both know how much we matter to each other. We may not be married, but I think the strongest thing about our relationship is that I treat him like my husband, and he treats me like his wife. 

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship? 
Don't rush into a relationship. The greatest thing that Dustin did for me, was not try to lock me into an exclusive relationship right away. He gave me time to date other people and realize that I was happiest with him. So the decision to become official was made based on my experience with world. Also, don't let other people dictate anything to you. I've had a few friends who feel like D isn't good enough for me. One swears he can't take care of me financially because he's not as educated.. .Another swears he isn't good enough because he's not "attractive" enough. Never let people tell you what you should be with. Let your heart tell you who makes you the happiest.

Video: Sh*t Gangstas Shouldn't Say

Song of The Day 1/30/12

Love Story: Kristy & Raul

 

1.14.12 My birthday trip to NYC -On top of the Empire State Building

 Kristy & Raul

The couple has been together since July 2007 and have been married since May 2009.

2001 in my mom's classroom

How did you guys meet? 

We met back in 2001 when he first got here from Colombia. He was one of my mom’s students at Ponce de Leon middle school and I would hang out with him every time I visited my mom.

First Impression?

My first impression of him was that he was a ref! I know it sounds really mean but he didn’t speak any English since he had just arrived from Colombia and I would make so much fun of him! We then got to know each other and we liked each other back in 2001 but things never worked out. After all, I was only 14 and he was only 15, we were babies then.
 

Our 'first' date

First date

We really didn’t have a first date. After going our separate ways in 2001-2002, we reunited again in 2007 and Raul invited me to go clubbing with his friends. I will never forget it! I was with one of my girl friends and we met up with Raul and his friends, little did I know he was part of a “crew” and there were about 30 of them. Not only was I intimidated with how many people there were, I was super sheltered by my parents and I was hanging out with guys that were covered in tattoos and gold teeth. I definitely judged them and thought I was going to get raped or something but they all turned out to be the biggest sweet hearts of life. I had so much fun that night and it ended up becoming a routine for us to go clubbing Thursday through Sunday.

Proposal 

The proposal was so romantic and unexpected, well sort of. I knew he had bought me an engagement ring. He went with my mom and they picked it out together. On Easter Sunday of 2009, I was home with a sprained ankle. He knows that the way to my heart is through my stomach, so he brought me some tiramisu gelato. As I was eating it, I looked into the bowl and realized that there was something shiny in it. I immediately yelled out "Ew, gross. I think someone dropped their earring in my ice cream". My family told me to take it out, and when I did I realized it was a ring. I was speechless as he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was one of the best moments of my life!

     
What sets him apart from other guys?

He treats me like a princess but he doesn’t let me take advantage of it. He loves me for my weirdness and my bitchiness and only complains about it sometimes lol. He puts me first and tries his hardest to provide for me and our future family. He is the most determined man I know. Not only that, it helps that he is very handsome!

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

Communication! We tell each other everything, we respect each other, we give each other space, we do love to be random, and most importantly we keep the love and passion alive in our relationship. 

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship?  

Respect one another, love one another, communicate, and be forgiving. There may be something that may upset you but ultimately ones love is stronger. Lastly, focus on your future together, the past is the past and there is a reason why it is behind you, do not bring in any DRAMA from previous relationships because it will only hurt you.

Song of The Day 1/29/12

Love Story: Nadine and Leon

Nadine & Leon

How we first met

We first met at the Kevin Hart comedy show at FIU in 2009, where he began scheming after my cousin that I attended the show with. For the following months, from her stories I got the impression from my cousin that she was completely uninterested, and Leon was sweet but not really her type.
After an awkward add on Facebook while I was thinking he was only trying to get closer to my cousin, he somehow convinced me to give him my number, calling to ask how to cook "skrimp". Soon asking him to accompany me to buy school supplies the next afternoon, we chilled just about every single day since then. I just used to hang out on his couch listening to his music and study between classes, strictly acquaintances, then soon friends, and then (him realizing it before me) prospective beaus.
I had just come out of a 3 year relationship only a few months earlier, and I was not interested in Leon at all for the first month or so. His admission of a crush actually scared me at the time, when I remembered my cousin's stories about how he got attached fast lol. Leon started growing on me through his charming, cooking, and taking good care of me. Many steps later we became official on March 15, 2010. We have now been a couple for just about 2 years, and are working very hard to push together even further into the future.

Our Nicknames

We got the names Panda and Giraffe from our friendship days, as one day while we were cooking in his dorm he called me a little asian panda with his goofy little laugh, and I had to get back at him, telling to use his "tall giraffe-self to get the pasta on the top shelf". We are a whole foot and a half apart in height, me 4'10", him 6'4". It creates challenges, (such as when it comes to walking somewhere together on time lol), as well as really fun times.

This photo of us brushing our teeth together was taken at his moms house in Palm Bay, Fl. It marked the first of many overnight trips to his family's house. I've never had so much fun brushing my teeth lol. We traded turns with the camera and even recorded how to properly scrub each tooth, while being sure not to drop the camera in the watery abyss of the sink lol.

These were genuine smiles, and a real capture of that moment in which I realized that I could grow old with this guy. Waking up to fight over the sink, or tell the other they didn't brush enough is something that I can see myself getting used to. Even though we argue quite often and have our many downs, I am so happy we are blessed enough to have ups to make it all worth while. Our rare moments like these cannot always be caught on film such as this opportune frame, but when they do happen, they are beautiful.

What sets him apart from other guys?

Leon is a big goofball, loves to have fun, and is always there to give a good laugh. He is loving, attentive, and very caring. What most people see on Facebook is really close to reality, as we spend just about every single day together, and even then can still find times that we can actually stand each other. I have never trusted someone as strongly as him, especially in such a short amount of time. Even though he does some crazy and stupid things from time to time, I never have to worry about his faithfulness to me and to us. He doesn't lie to me for anything, and I can feel it. He always seems to have a way to reassure me that he is here to stay, and always ready to fight for we have. From time to time we have a breaking point, but we can never seem to cross the line and break us apart. It seems so unnatural...

Any advice to new couples?

• Don't sweat the small stuff. Every time we argue, whether a long heated argument or a 5 minute debacle, we always make up within a few minutes. If it goes past an hour, something is deeply wrong, and we still fall back into each others arms. Always remember you are wasting time by staying mad at each other; precious time that God did not mean for you to spend fuming over something that can be solved with mutual sorrys and some understanding from both sides. Forget who wins and who loses, and try and work it out by saying, "I get where you're coming from". Anything after that is up to what you value more, being right, or staying together.

• When you guys go out to parties, give each other some space and room to roam around, socialize, and even dance with others. We flirt with other people to a respectable point, because we know we will always come back home to the other, and a little joke here and there with other people is harmless and fair if your significant other is understanding enough to accept it. This freedom brings us back closer at the end of the day, and at the same time give each other room to escape this tight relationship.

• When you say you trust someone, do it. Don't look through each other's phones and Facebook, etc. It looks bad on you, and makes it hard for the accused to avoid hiding things. If you trust, it allows thing to be more open without forcing it to light. Leon just told me he's going to the strip club with his friends tonight. I can accept it because I trust him. He knows where the line is, and will check in with me and make sure he shows me I'm worth coming home to in the morning.

Final Thoughts?

We are not a perfect couple at all. We have just matured and learned to appreciate each other every day. Petty jealousy and little fights are too pointless to waste time over. Leon and I argue just about every day as we test the strength of this rubberband we call our relationship. In the end, God keeps us strong enough to snap back into place and hold ourselves together. I am pretty hopeful for our future and we'll all just have to wait and see where the Adventures of Graff and Panduh lead us.

Song of The Day 1/28/12

Arguing in a Relationship Does NOT Equal Love

Photo: Roserehab

Over and Over, I've heard people saying that if there are no arguments in a relationship, then there is no love. This a point constantly reiterated in my newsfeed on Facebook. I'm not sure how anyone can equate yelling and name calling with love. Communication is key in a relationship, but that doesn't mean communication in the negative form. I understand that when people argue, they become passionate and reveal feelings and sentiments that would have otherwise remained unknown, however I don't think that arguing represents a positive quality in any relationship.

From experience, arguing detracts so much love from a relationship. There's nothing enjoyable about fighting with someone that you love. That's why it baffles me that there are people in this world who live to argue with their bf/gf. Every little thing turns into a fight, and because they make up, they think it is okay. 

I hate to argue because it takes so much out of me. It makes me get out of character when all I want to do is get my point across. Why would I want to yell and get angry, when I can talk and have a normal conversation? 

There hasn't been a relationship to exist that has been argument free and I'm not saying that arguments make a relationship bad. I am saying that to believe that a peaceful relationship is an unhappy one, is absurd. If you reach the point that you argue more than you talk to each other, then that is a serious problem.

Baby Left Brain Dead After His Father Allegedly Beat Him

 

 

 

Yosi Mahlab was charged with aggravated child abuse; He allegedly beat his son so viciously that it left him brain dead. The attack on the child happened on January 21, 2012. At this time, no clear motive has be released. He admits to having struck the child in the face at least twice. Claire Chery, the victim's mother, has admitted that she knows that her son may not survive his injuries. The 4 month old is currently in critical condition and has lost all brain activity. He is on life support and has a skull fracture and bleeding of the brain. If the child should pass away, Mahlab's charge will be upgraded to murder.

Song of The Day 1/27/12

Video: Sh*t Drake Says

This is too funny

Man Beats His Mother To Death

 Photo: Sunsentinel.com

Danny Martin, age 30, is being charged with first degree murder for allegedly beating his mother to death in the apartment they shared in Pompano Beach. When the victim, Heidi Mittica, didn't show up for work, her coworkers became alarmed. The employer sent someone by to check on her and that's when the gruesome discovery was made. Her coworkers described her as being being very loving and devoted to her children. The news of her death at the hand of her son surprised them all. 

Song of the day 1/26/12

Happy Bday to Me

It's my 25th birthday today. I'm definitely happy to be alive to see another year. This time last year as I was celebrating another year of life, my grandma lost hers on the same day. It's interesting to look at the dynamic of life. One life was celebrated, as one life was over and being mourned.

This year I have alot to look forward to. I expect big changes as well as many challenges. I'm really looking forward to meeting my first child who should be here any day now. I'm interested in seeing all the ways in which he will change my life.

For the most part, being 25 feels just like it did when I was 24. Nothing major, just another day. I do feel kind of old though. Time is flying so fast. I can hardly keep up with the years as I age. As I look back, many events of the past are a blur. I definitely have no idea where all the years went.

Love Story: Rickita & Joseph

Rickita and Joseph

The couple met at a high school football game and have been together since September 2001. 

First Impression

He was very cute and funny

First Date

We went to the falls to watch a movie and grab a bite to eat. At first I was kind of shy, but at the end of the night I felt more comfortable as we looked at the stars and talked in front of one of the waterfalls.

Proposal
He proposed to me in 2004 on our 3 year anniversary while we were out to eat for dinner.


What set him apart from other guys?

He believed in the same things I did, and wanted the same things out of life. He is a man who is driven to do all that he can do for his family. He's God fearing, good looking, a hard worker, smart, sexy, and did I say Good Looking? LOL

Children 

The couple has 2 children. Josiah is 5 and Trinity is 1. 

The Colzie's 

What keeps your relationship strong?

Faith, Communication, Love, Trust, & Friendship.

Any advice for new couples?

Try to start things off slow by getting to know each other. Make sure that person has most of the qualities you are looking for in a husband or wife. I say most because no one is perfect so get that out of your head. If he/she can make you smile when they're not even around, then that's always good. 

Check It Out!

I had to take time out to support of the people I have known for the longest. Keep it up Bump!  So check out this video ppl! 

 

Love Story: Sara and Rodney

Rodney and Sara in their apartment shortly before Rodney's departure to bootcamp

 Sara & Rodney

Sara and Rodney have been together for about 4 years. They met during their Freshman year in high school, but didn't start dating until Senior year. 

 First Impression

My first impression of him was that he was really HOT!, but way too cocky and flirtatious for me. 

First Date

Our first "date" was to the beach. We had hung out alone a lot previously, but always at my house. Our first "date" to the beach was awesome! 

Proposal 

He proposed when we were in the car. Two weeks prior to the proposal, he kept telling me that he had a ring for me, but I didn't believe him. When  we were in the car going to his family's house for Thanksgiving, he pulled out the ring and said, "will you marry me?" I just blushed and said "yes"  of course!

What sets him apart from other guys?

The fact that we always have fun together and when he's away for 5 min I already miss him; I've never felt that way with previous boyfriends or people that I've dated.

  

What keeps your relationship strong?

I feel what keeps our relationship strong is that we talk about everything.

Love Story: Tiffany and Stany

Tiffany & Stany

Tiffany and Stany have been together for 6 years and married for 4 months. Savion, their son is 2 years & 4 months old. The couple met through a former mutual friend they went on an outing to  a club.

What was your first impression of him?

He was independent and weird, not the average man. His passion for his profession (DJ and online radio station owner) was evident and he was optimistic about life. I saw a lot of qualities in him that I wanted for myself. I already knew he and I would be an item. He was what I wanted: an available, great man and I have no shame in admitting it.

Where did you go on your first date? How was it?

I am not too sure if you can say we ever dated. We were always friends first, so the love we had for one another was just natural. He and I would always laugh at overly-romantic couples. It just wasn't our thing. We'd hang out and explore, not so much "date". We could go out with friends and not make anyone feel uncomfortable or like a third wheel, that's what I admired about our relationship. It wasn't superficial.

The night of the engagement

Q: How did he propose?

Our proposal was more like a mutual decision and conversation. There were no fireworks. We didn't take a trip to the Eiffel Tower. It was just genuine. We were both on the same page and realized that we were already living the married life. We'd been doing so for 4 years and realized that having a celebration and signing a piece of paper wasn't going to make things worse. We just couldn't imagine marrying anyone else. It was destined to happen, so we made it happen. We had gotten engaged August 2008 and set a date for September 2009. I had found out I was pregnant late January 2009 and throughout the course of my pregnancy everyone wanted us to rush the wedding so we wouldn't have the baby out of wedlock. It caused me to think and I did what was in my nature, I postponed the wedding. We walked down the aisle in October 2011 with our 2 year old as our ring bearer. It was perfect. We were in control of our own happiness. We paid for our own wedding in its entirety, no debt! So we were REALLY ready.  :)

What do you believe sets him apart from other guys?

He is weird and so am I. We are like twins, same zodiac sign; Our birthdays are 5 days apart. He was respectful and never once has he displayed any anger or pessimism, which is what I needed in my aura. I never heard him curse and he has a forgiving spirit. He makes me want to be a better woman and I inspire him to be a better man and that's what it's all about. No one can change anyone, but you can inspire them to want to be better.

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

The way we speak to one another. We don't down talk each other, we don't shout or yell at each other, we discuss everything! We sacrifice...We respect...We support...We give...We depend...on one another. We never go to bed mad at one another...

Any advice you want to give to new couples?

Leave the past in the past. We never cared for our past relationships because they obviously weren't for us. Accept the fact that others came before you. Harboring over your past will only hinder your present and future. Which brings me to my next point, If you are going to commit your time and effort to someone, then you have to give your relationship a fair chance. You must trust your partner. You must communicate with your partner and depend on one another. A lot of people get into relationships and all I hear them say is "I am independent and I don't need anyone." This mentality is just what you have said it is, an independent solitary one. If you are going to bring someone into your life you must depend on them and allow them to rely on you. That's what a relationship is, one of freedom, yet dependence. I depend on my husband for support and faith. I depend on him for acknowledgement and attentiveness, for fidelity and truth and there's nothing wrong with that. Before marrying someone, be sure to live with them. Be sure to witness your partner during his/her worst times before walking down the aisle. My husband and I have seen each other at our worst and we've struggled together, so getting married has been a piece of cake. Nothing has changed. People ask me how it feels to be married and it feels...the same.  :)

FMU's Caribbean Pageant. Stany was the host for the event and I went for support.

Taken at the Buju Banton concert before he was sentenced for drug possession charges. It was special because music played a pivotal part in our relationship. We could always describe our love through songs.

Love Story: Zoilamys and Adalbert

  I felt like our souls were connecting!!! Nothing else mattered but us.

Zoilamys & Adalbert

We've been married for 4 years, but we've been together 5 years total. Our wedding anniversary is on his birthday which is April 4. We got married April 4, 2008. I picked this date for three reasons: one, so he can never forget our wedding anniversary (help the man out a little), two, so even on his birthday he still has to get me a gift, and three, if we ever get divorced, he will have the most miserable birthday ever!

First Impression

I first met him at Home Depot where we both worked in 2004. I was a cashier and he was a manager. He was very rude to me when I asked him about a position in his department that I wanted to apply for. He brushed me off and simply said "Yeah, Yeah just apply". I walked away and thought what an asshole. He can take that job and shove it. After that encounter, there's no way I could have imagined that he was to be the man that I would marry.  

 

First Date

 Mid 2006, a mutual friend tried to hook us up, but it failed miserably. When I was available, Adalbert was taken and vice versa. Finally in November of 2006, we were both single. I met him at Flanagan's in the Grove. We spent hours together having fun with our friends and even hung out later that night when all of our friends left. He took me to Fat Tuesday's and bought me a drink, even though I wasn't 21.  I remember sitting on the bench  in front of Gap talking to him and feeling mesmerized every time he opened his mouth. There was a devil on one shoulder telling me not to believe what he was saying and an angel on the other telling me how charming and interesting he was.  All I wanted to do was listen to him. I had heard people talking about love at first sight, and here I was experiencing it. I thought the notion was pathetic, but there I was caught up in the midst of it. I  had butterflies in my stomach, my hands were sweating, and I couldn't stop blushing. I couldn't believe that the guy that was such a jerk to me years ago was making me feel this way. I was really trying to ignore both these figures because I wanted to just hear him. I felt so stupid because all my life I heard people talking about love at first sight and I thought it was so fucking pathetic and here I am listening to this guys that I had cursed out in my mind years back and felling butterflies in my stomach, my hands where sweating, I blushed from time to time. To top it off, I kept staring at his fluffy lips and thinking about what I wanted to do to them. Every girl fantasizes right? At the end of the night, I gave him a passionate kiss. I ended up biting his lip and was so embarrassed when he yelled out "ouch" Thankfully, he just smiled at me. After that date, we continued to talk on the phone for weeks. 

Oh no he didn't...
He was supposed to be my date on New Year's in 2006, but he stood me up. Can you believe that? He didn't even call or anything. I began to feel silly for liking someone so much, so fast. He even had the nerve to have our mutual friend call and tell me that he wasn't going to make it instead of calling me himself. I was fuming that he wasn't even man enough to tell me himself. Then in the days and weeks following, he called me nonstop. He left me apologetic messages trying to explained what happened. At first, I refused to hear him out. Finally after some convincing from our friend, I decided to see him and let him explain what happened. In the end, I told him that we were going to be friends for a while and that he had to gain my trust and respect back. He agreed and we have been fine ever since.

On our 5 day cruise the day before he proposed to me

This was waiting for me in our cabin the night he proposed to me. Feb 14, 2008

Proposal
In 2008, on Valentine's weekend, he surprised me with a 5 day Cruise to Mexico and Grand Cayman. He proposed to me at a French restaurant on board. He was sweating and really nervous, but never in my mind did I think he was going to propose. I ordered a Creme Brulee. Little did I know, he had the waitress put the engagement ring in my dessert. I almost ended up swallowing my own engagement ring. He then got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was a very emotional moment, but I didn't cry. He jokingly told me that I have a heart of stone.

Marriage

We got married two months later on his birthday at the Coral Gables Court House. We didn't have a grand reception; we had a family dinner at the Rusty Pelican. It was simple, yet amazing.

Pregnancy

 Three months after we married ,we got pregnant, and I suffered a miscarriage at 9 weeks. It was one of the most difficult times in my life. I struggled to get past that. At some point, I thought it was a message from God saying that I wasn't able to have children. Fortunately, months later, I became pregnant with my daughter, Chloe. Soon after she was born, I became pregnant with my son, Caden. The doctor told me that if I breastfed I wouldn't get pregnant immediately, but there I was pregnant with my second child so quickly. It's not fun being pregnant and having to take care of a new born . It didn't help much that my husband could sleep through anything. Our daughters crib was on his side of the bed, and no matter how loudly she cried, he was able to sleep through it. I remember one night I decided to get revenge. I held his nose and he woke up freaking out because he dreamed he was drowning. LOL! I felt a huge amount of satisfaction at that moment. My son, Caden, is my miracle baby. At about 5 months into the pregnancy, I was hospitalized. I was dilated 2 centimeters and having major contractions. With the help of doctors, God, my family, and my husband, I was able to remain strong. I carried him up until I was 35 weeks. I was strengthened greatly by that situation  because it taught me that I can do anything with the right support and if I put my mind to it.

Children 

June 11, 2009, the day my daughter,Chloe Alexandria, was born in Mount Sanai  Hospital. At 7:45 pm, weighing 6 lbs 7 oz, length 18 in

May 5, 2010, the day my son, Caden Alexander Martinez, was born at Jackson Memorial Hospital. At 11.30 pm weighing 6lbs 1oz. length 18 in

What sets him apart from other guys?

He is not a cocky guy, but he has an amazing sense of confidence that is very powerful. He is an amazing father, son, brother, husband, and friend. He has the biggest heart that a person could have. He is educated, sexy, loyal, and outgoing. When times got tough for us financially when I was pregnant with my daughter, he stepped up and told me not to worry. I put my trust in him and his plans and he saw us through. He completes me, makes me better, and pushes me when I want to give up. I am madly, deeply in love with him.

 The Martinez's 2011 Holiday!

Making It Last

Though our relationship is doing well now, we've had some rocky times. During our first year together, we had to deal with drama from previous relationships. The situation was very delicate because it involved his other children as well. We had to learn to put that aside and focus on each other.I'm glad that we both stuck it out and made it work. 

Any advice to new couples that are just starting their relationship?

The number one thing in a relationship is honesty. Lay everything out of the table: the past, present, and future. Be honest with  yourself and the other person. Make sure you both want the same things in life. Communicate, if you don't say what you want or what you feel, how is that other person suppose to react or understand you? Finally, respect each other. Respect is fundamental in a relationship.If  you are just starting and you see no progress by the 6 month mark, then move the fuck on.