January 1, 2002

Happy Birthday Daddy! I love you. I thank God for you and mommy. I hope you have a wonderful day.  

It's been quite a year. I've learned so much. I met a lot of nice people and visited a lot of great places. I'm very thankful to God and very happy with the things that are happening in my life. Growing up, I didn't think I would be a singer, so this is a really nice surprise that I thank God for. I feel great and it's a wonderful way to start the New Year. Some of my friends are away on vacation in New York and Portugal (hi, have a lovely vacation). I pray God will protect and guide them.

I went to the mall and noticed that they installed an ice skating ring for the kids (and a few adults...I saw you guys out there skating like you're 12). It was so sweet and everyone was having so much fun. I thought to myself, this is warm Miami and here they have an ice skating ring and the ice is visibly melting, but did they care, no! Now that's what I call a sense of humor. They made an effort regardless of the circumstances that weren't favorable to what they were trying to accomplish and it was successful and greatly appreciated. The kids were so happy. We should make the effort to do nice things for people regardless of the circumstances. It can really make someone's day. God bless you and Happy New Year.   

January 15, 2002

I have a new web site address. The new site address is www.aishamusic.com. The lyrics page has been updated with the remix version of "Contemporary Girl." The audio interviews are on line. I made excerpts of each version of "Contemporary Girl" and it will be available for download shortly. Hope you like it, if you don't, you have bad taste in music. The song is very special to me. It's not the first song I've ever written, but it is the first song I've ever recorded. You know, when you hear yourself for the first time on record.

The song will be available on some radio stations shortly and will be added to more after. I haven't gotten used to the idea of being a singer...not the singing aspect of it, all that other stuff that comes with it. It all seems so disorienting. The idea of singing as a profession seems odd. Even when I go to places and have to fill out my info, when I put singer or musician, people always ask questions about it and want to hear your music. It's funny, I don't play my own music at home often, usually only when I work on it in the studio. I love my voice and thank God for it, but I know my music, so it's more fun listening to other people's lyrics, it's more of a surprise.

People keep asking me how I feel about it and I don't feel any different from how I felt before. Sometimes when I'm working, during a break, it will dawn on me "you actually recorded a single" ...I have to put it all into perspective though. I'm responsible for this project and I have to follow it through and promote it as best I can. I'm not a fearful person and because of that I undertake difficult things, then there's that moment where I realize just what I've committed to. I think I'm having one of those moments now. It's an exciting challenge though and by God's Grace I know it will do well.

I've started working on the remixes for my second single. It's another CD5, so that means 5 versions. I actually enjoy remixes though, especially techno ones. I've also made changes to the album and added 2 new songs. The CD is really diverse. Last Friday, while I was working on some of the songs, I really realized just how many styles of music the album has ... and it actually works. It's amazing that all those themes were able to compliment each other so well on one record.

My little godbrother is finally getting a dog, actually two puppies (someone should tell his cat). He is over the moon. He called me twice to tell me the news. Congratulations John and if you name one of your dogs after me, you will have a problem! My little sister is doing really well. She's getting great grades in school. She is so well adjusted and outspoken. When I was her age, I would hide behind my parents and not speak. Not my little sister. She is very straightforward and I respect that. Love you guys.   

January 18, 2002

Boy did I have a day. I did a lot of paperwork in the morning, mostly registration and legal documents. Then in the afternoon I went to Miami Beach to take some photos. They were having an arts festival. They had paintings, jewelry and ceramics for sale and local vendors had a variety of foods. I had a really nice time...then things got a little strange. As I was coming out of a shop, a man followed me out of the store and started talking to me. He was trying to ask me out. He was so forward and kept trying to hold my hand. Then he wouldn't let my arm go when I was trying to leave. He wasn't mean or anything, but I don't.

like when people I just meet are that forward. Then, a little later a guy that sells jewelry complimented me on my looks and kept trying to give me a gold necklace and matching bracelet from his inventory. That was odd considering I just met him 2 minutes before. It was really sweet of him, but I said no.  

January 25, 2002

I've been working on two scripts this week and the accompanying soundtracks and it has been wonderful. I'm really growing to appreciate my work more and more each day. I thank God he gave me these projects.

I've also been planning my promo tour for the album. Growing up in the industry environment I have, I always saw or heard about different promo tours, but it's a different story when you have to plan them and then go out there. I want to bring my mom with me, but she is not a fan of flying. I'm like mom, God doesn't want you to be fearful. Terrorists attacks of September 11th didn't make people feel good about flying, but you can't let anyone place fear on you and prevent you from living your life as you should.

Speaking of touring, there's something I've read more than once from different entertainers about their touring practices that saddens me. Entertainers bragging about the number of women they've had sex with when they are on tour, and when they are not on tour for that matter. Most women don't brag about that, but some do. Either way, intentionally or unintentionally, it is setting a terrible example. So many kids look up to entertainers, even though they shouldn't and it's not setting a good example for them. Each time I hear or read something like this, I keep thinking to myself, they really don't know the emotional and spiritual repercussions of what they are doing. 

Yes, God will forgive you if you ask him to, but he does chastise sin and the Bible says sex between people who are not married is a sin. God loves you and knows what's best for you. It was not His intention for anyone to have sex with someone they are not married to. He will forgive you, but he also wants you to turn from that behavior and wait until you are married. I know in the world we live in today, that's not the general view, but that's how God sees things and He knows best.

Not to mention, there are several sexually transmitted diseases a condom cannot protect you from. They are not 100% effective either. Each time a person uses a condom they are gambling with their health. Abstinence is the best answer (abstinence is not having sex until you are married). Even if you have had sex already, I encourage you to wait until you are married to have sex again. It's the least you can do for the person you are going to marry and spend your life with. God bless you.