Dianne Ross Lamont (12/19/31-7/26/06)

Something sad, but ultimately inevitable, happened to my family this week. We lost Grammie, my stepmom's mother, early Wednesday morning. She's always been like a real Grandma to me and my brother, and she was an incredible mother, grandmother, role model and friend. The visitation was Friday night and the funeral Saturday. It was a testament to her influence and reach that the memorial was a packed house.

I'll admit that I shed a few man tears during some parts of the funeral. When my bro delivered a rousing tribute to her with a long speech and poem, everyone (myself included) became overwhelmed with emotion and I'm sure there were only a few dry eyes in the room. She was 75, she had cancer, she leaves six children and 16 grandchildren, and she was truly one of a kind.

It was extremely weird being at her house for the reception following the ceremony. Missing from the head of the table was the original "Miss Manners" and the centerpiece of such a strong family. If any good can come out of the death of a loved one, I suppose it is getting the chance to visit and reunite with your entire family. The circumstances were bittersweet, but I'm definitely glad I went. I guess, in the end, death is indeed a part of life. But the world is now without a great person who I'll truly miss. Thanks for everything, Grammie.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who wants to leave a lasting legacy on Earth because life is incredibly too short.

The Pen is always Mightier

I've been a writer virtually all my life--when I was probably six or something I started writing random short stories, poems, and other things 6-year-olds should not be doing. I know I'll always have the passion and ability to write for the rest of my life. Lately my brother has been on a writing kick too and it's reminded me that good writing is so much more than just a bunch of words pieced together.

Whenever I need an emotional or creative outlet, I end up typing (or hand-writing) whatever's on my mind. In the past, this has come in the form of girlfriend letters, friend e-mails, loved one poems and lately personal blog entries. I just think it's the easiest and most direct way to get out what's on your mind. I wish I was artistic because that would be another avenue, but unfortunately God didn't bless me with that skill.

I've been told I'm a pretty good writer and sure, I've been published lots of places and picked up some awards along the way. But writing, to me, isn't about the author; it's about the audience. When those words can jump off the page and really connect with the reader, that's when it hits home. The best writers can establish a connection with--and deliver an emotional appeal to--the reader that takes the subject off of the author and keeps it on the story, or on the message. This is something I strive to do in most of my writings--whether it be columns, articles or letters. Strong written words have an impact that nothing else in life can have...and it's a lifelong hobby that I will never give up.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who knows the pen is always mightier than the sword and hopes to one day prove that with a Pulitzer Prize.

Cut Off From the World (sorta)

My cell phone is currently out of commission, probably due to my own doing. It's been gradually dying a slow death over the last couple of weeks, and now it just won't even turn on. The Sprint people said I would have to pay an extra $150 for a new one when I went there last, and I was in a hurry so I decided not to. Good job Khalil, now you have no option but to go there and pay whatever they tell you for a new phone...not to mention you probably lost all your #s, pictures, texts, games, ringers and everything else saved on there.

The worst part is I don't know when I'll be able to go and get a new one. It could be tomorrow or it could be some day next week. So if you need to get in touch, look for me online or through e-mail until further notice. Go me.

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who can't live without his phone, but will have to because of his obvious lack of common sense.

A picture is worth...

My blog was gettin' a little dry, so this post is just to break up all the text w/ some pictorials. As always, comments are welcome...

1) A group pic of us Manassholes gettin' our money's worth at the open bar at the Hilton.

2) Me and my boy WD-40 pregamin' in the hotel room before the party.

3) Me and Walter at New Year's in DC...everything's becoming hazy at this point.

So in one photo I'm smiling, in one I'm tryin' to be gangsta, and in the other I look like a deer in headlights. Which do you like most?

KhalilG is a DC-area blogger who is probably the least photogenic person alive.