Hello September! Busy week for mjfangirl


Hi Everyone!


(image via)


The other night I had my first Japanese class in over 8 months.

Needless to say it was overwhelming but, I really needed that refresher. I will be taking classes to help me study towards the Japanese Language Proficiency Test, Level 2. That will certify once and for all, that I am business level Japanese. I use my language skills at work every day so, its something that I know I can (and need to) improve on. I obviously won't be able to go home after work so, there will be a lot of LONG 13 hours days ahead of me. I'll have to just see how I can balance my schedule best, why still fitting some "Michaeling" time in.

Its getting super chilly in the city and this cool crisp air is just what I've been looking forward to. To be honest, the beginning of summer and the onset of Autumn are the best times of year for me. Everything just feels familiar and stable. I can't wait to wear my combat boots and military style jackets.

In other news, Shanda, my co-organizer at Legacy of Love, and I have been working hard everyday brainstorming some new ideas and developing existing ones for our BAD 25 party. We always accept ideas and suggestions so, if there's something special you're looking for, don't hesitate to let us know!


Thanks to everyone who read and connected to my blog from my post yesterday about fan bullying in the Michael Jackson fan community. Its gotten to be even more of a problem since 2009 and I just want to try and spread the message of love and togetherness the best I can.



there's something about you baby... that makes me want to

give it to you.



MMM.


Lately I have been really into watching my Dangerous: The Short Films DVD. It's seriously one of my favorite to watch because it was the one DVD that I had a difficult time finding when I was in high school and at the PEAK of my Dangerous album obsession. The Dangerous album is still my favorite so naturally, this DVD is one that I can play all the way through with the most ease at any time. I am like SO into this DVD right now.

I once watched "Who Is It" over 60 times in a row trying to figure out what the video was about.


True story.

I'm random... I know.








The Bittersweet Taste of BAD 25



As we get closer and closer to the date of BAD 25's release, I have become aware of yet another issue that has divided the Michael Jackson fan community.

I feel like every time a new album or song or item comes out, there is controversy over whether purchasing these items is showing support for the estate. Some fans still have issues with what the release of posthumous material means. Obviously Michael is not here it. Obviously Michael did not cut any new tracks for it. But obviously (to me anyway) it is still Michael's work.


Now running a Michael Jackson fan club here in New York City, I am totally aware that all fans will have different opinions on different subjects. That is why, at  Legacy of Love, we choose to remain neutral on these types of topics. Yes, my co-organizer and I have our own thoughts and desires, relating to what we'd like to see happen with unreleased material and the anniversaries of previously released material. But so what!!!! Legacy of Love was created to celebrate Michael's legacy and all of what he's accomplished. It also was created to help preserve the camaraderie of the Michael Jackson community on the East Coast. So when a fan logged onto meetup last weekend, and began to accuse me and my co-organizer of NOT being REAL FANS, I was too THROUGH.

He proceeded to urge us to celebrate the "OLD BAD"...


You serious? .....  o_O



I mean I have the old BAD album...


On vinyl.
On cassette tape.
On CD (original album and 2001 remaster).
On iTunes in mp3 form.



 Isn't that enough damn support?      


Was Michael resurrected and forced to like re-record this album for the 25th Anniversary? 'Cause that just went WAY over MY head. All of the material on BAD 25, including the tour footage... Is OLD!


A word for those who don't know how we get down at Legacy of Love...


We will celebrate what we want, when we want at Legacy of Love and if you want to get into the politics of posthumous Michael Jackson, find someone else to entertain that. Its not that serious for me because my goal is to promote and preserve the togetherness of the Michael Jackson community, through celebrating his artistic career. Not everyone is going to agree on everything but, I'm assummmmmming that everyone who calls themselves a Michael Jackson fan, DOES like his music...           I mean... Ya'll do right?

We are not a charity for a reason. (We do have a charity that we love and support, which is Heal The World for Children- check them out here!)

We are not a protest group for a reason.
We remain neutral for a reason.
We celebrate the fans and Michael as an artist-- PERIOD.

I REFUSE to be peer pressured into not recognizing the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest pop albums of all time. Yes, of all time. If you don't want to dance to a song that he recorded, worked his ass off on promoting and perfecting in 1987, that's on you. No seriously. I totally respect that. But, that's not my style.


We work hard on our Meetup.

We pour lots of energy, money, time and LOVE into this group and refuse to have anyone else tear our groups spirit and mission down. We do this out of pure love and dedication to the man. We do not get paid to do this. Its seriously out of love (and some of my passion for event planning).

If you want to debate about what you THINK happened to Michael and what you THINK the fans should be doing, write a letter to the Estate. Log onto a forum. Rant and rave on your Facebook. Subtweet ALL you want. Tweet AT me (I'm MJFanGirl_blog btw.)

Just please.  Don't bring it to Legacy of Love.

We have many other events talking about the "OLD" material. You are free to attend any or all of those, if you aren't into being a part of anything related to new releases. I support everyone's right to have a voice and an opinion but, I have too much going on in my offline life and I can't be but so bothered to debate for hours on this. (But, I DO love comments, so feel free to leave one!) I know what he means to me and I know what part I've personally done in this community.

*Cue Janet Jackson break -- What have YOU done for [the MJ community] lately?*


So in closing I ask...

Are we wrong to to be celebrating BAD 25  ????

Do you prefer being a part of clubs that peer pressure you into leaning one way or do you like being a part of an MJ club that is neutral?  
PS: Don't forget to Pre-Order BAD 25  if you haven't already done so! 8 days and counting...


The Elusive, Mysterious, BAD 25 Michael Jackson Pepsi Can






Mission complete.

If you've been hiding under a rock, you've totally missed the fact that Pepsi came out with limited edition soda cans. The cans were limited but, sold all throughout the United States and other countries such as China, the UK, and Japan. The cans weren't available in just any store. Some fans ordered them into their local grocery stores. Some traveled far and wide to get them. Some got them sent to them from MJ Fans out of the area.

One of my Michael Jackson fan friends gifted this baby to me. I haven't opened it and am kinda undecided on whether I am really going to drink the contents or not....






 Have you opened your MJ Pepsi Can or are you saving it for your children/a rainy day, like I am? 
Share a comment or tweet me and let me know :).


PS: Props to ANYONE that can guess the Michael Jackson playing in the background! (What...? I've gotta  get in the mood when I post! *wink*)


LOOKBOOK: Michael Jackson VINTAGE GLITTER










Michael was not all about the military look. Lets not forget that before Billie Jean on Motown 25, he was rocking sequins, rhinestones, and the vintage glitter look.







This outfit is Michael Inspired but not, "OMGZ I'm a Michael Jackson fanatic" (which I am but, that's besides the point). 

Simple, sexy, clean
----

Jacket:   H&M 
Shoes:  Nine West
Jean Leggings:  GAP
Inspiration:   Michael Jackson



Forever Michael Review & Michael Jackson BAD T-Shirt.

Hey all!

So I am back with an update on the Michael birthday weekend festivities. It was really a great weekend overall but, can I say that I could hardly move on Sunday afternoon?

#truestory


It all started with the MJ Fun Fest held by Heal the World for Children. 

I was one of many volunteers there and was at the registration/sign-in table for the majority of the time. I really enjoy that job because I am pretty organized and consider myself to be a people person so, dealing with wristbanding and consent form collection is my thing. And if you've been reading my blog for a while, you know that my career goal is to become an event producer, and registration is one of my specialties.





The sun was blazing hot but, the shining rays were lovely reminders of Michael's love and the good that we were doing for all of the children. (Plus, we had our handy dandy Michael Jackson umbrellas shading us from the sun. Can you see my arm peaking out on the right side?)


The children engaged in Arts&Crafts, played games, and got to snack on pizza and yummy cake. The best part was watching the kids interact with the Thrill the World dancers and Aarteast, one of NYC's best tribute artists.


And onto the night, Forever Michael.


This year DJ Spinna held a slammin party at Dekalb Market in Brooklyn and as always, the party was awesome and rockin' all night long. I used to dream about parties where they'd play MJ all night long.

Kinda like the HIStory Remix music video but cooler.

Yeah... :)


Here are some pictures of me getting my groove on.





It was a fun weekend. I chose to wore the BAD shirt because we are all so anxiously awaiting BAD 25 and what better way to show my love for the BADDEST man in the history of music?

I got my shirt right here on amazon.com. it's really good quality and a nice fitting Ladies Shirt for those of you who like the BAD era like I do.



Celebrating Michael is always bittersweet but, many good memories were made with my MJ Family.





Well, until the next adventure....



Michael Jackson and the songs he never performed live.


I feel deprived ya'll.

Well, I do.

I told you guys about my experiences seeing the Jacksons Unity tour (here, here, and here -yes, I went three times) but I don't think I mentioned that one of the reasons I couldn't get enough of this tour was because I was able to hear a live rendition of a song that Michael had never done live before!


Yes I know that some folks in the MJ community have reservations about seeing the Jacksons Unity Tour but let me tell you... They did "Can't Let Her Get Away" and it was one of my favorite parts of the entire Unity Tour Experience.


I have a million other songs that we never heard or saw Michael perform live but, I am actually really surprised at how much I enjoyed hearing this song performed by a live band (cause its never been one of those I'd yearned to see performed on stage). It was THE BOMB! Although it wasn't MJ's voice, the music was just EVERYTHING.


Seriously.


One of the things I miss most about Michael is seeing him perform live. Actually no, not even perform. I miss seeing him alive. Like just seeing him smile, walk from a building to his big black SUV, scribble an autograph for a fangirl, I even miss just seeing him blink.

Yes, I do.


But the fact that we will never see him perform live again is something that like just totally breaks my heart when I sit and think about it. 'Cause he should be here. He shouldn't be a past tense memory.


Hearing the music always brings him back to life for me though so, I want to thank the Jacksons for doing the Unity Tour and breathing life into the musical legacy of Michael Jackson this summer.


It means more than you'll ever know.




Do you guys have a song that you wish Michael would've performed live? Share it with me in a comment :-).
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Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 

MJ Season comes to a close with 2012's Heal the World for Children's MJ FUN FEST

image via
So folks, Michael Jackson season finally comes to a close this weekend. Usually this is my favorite time of the year but, with so many last minute changes, spur of the moment even announcements and cancellations, this year has me quite exhausted. I have to admit that I am looking forward to this weekend but, I also want to be done with the packed schedule I've been having lately.


The end of MJ season is bittersweet but, don't think that the celebration is over for the fans.


Its never over!



Weekend is here!

So I am finally on my way to the weekend again! 

I am going away with my family for our annual summer reunion. I mean to be honest, I see most of my paternal family on a monthly basis because we all live in the East Coast and have the annual BBQ for my uncle's birthday that's like THE must-attend event in the family. But, since we have property in North Carolina, we kinda just go down because its a nice relaxing getaway. We do everything from having a fish-fry, to sitting around and watching bootleg movies on DVD, to taking pictures, playing spades, and of course eating some more.

I love being around all of the kids, especially. I am definitely not ready for (or planning to) have any children of my own anytime soon but, I love interacting with children and this weekend I'll be trying to capture lots of cuteness on candid camera. I also love seeing my family grow! It used to be all of us cousins but as we grow, our significant others and children come and enjoy the togetherness as well.



 Did I tell you guys that I've made progress with my Michael Jackson Gallery Wall? 

 Here are some sneak peaks:


 This one was HAND DRAWN by my good friend Shannon. She is SO amazing and MJ is her muse... if you are interested in some beautiful, handmade MJ artwork, let me know. 

In other news I'm bummed about having to downsize our big BAD 25 event. At this point in time, I just don't have enough money to cover costs in case our group does not spend enough at the venue. It is my hope that one day this won't be the case but, it seems like our meetup will end up being at our normal venue again. I am totally okay with that but, I know that everyone craves some kind of change of environment. I used to be an event production intern so I may consult my old manager on some funding/venue ideas. I hope I'll be able to get it together as, I don't want to disappoint my co-organizer or the #MJFAM.                

Its tough.

I have been very good lately about my money though, which is great news. #schweet I've been doing things after work that are either free or very cheap. I have been making lunch and not spending anything, except occasionally when I am in need of my usual chocolate cake doughnut from Dunkin' Donuts with an iced coffee (because someone got me hooked! x_x) OR a hot tea and chocolate croissant from my local deli. Either way, 2 bucks 3 or 4 times a week will not make or break my budget.

I may have mentioned this before but, I was promoted after my hiatus in the Spring and kinda went batsh*t crazy with spending and am just getting my priorities in order. I have a lot of big goals and plans for the future and I don't really want any financial issues holding me back. I've been offered great suggestions, including using mint.com and also reading Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover to get my accounts in order. I will get it together for sure- its just taking some time.



Anyway, I'm off to pack and relax on the rest of this Friday night. I will be lighting a candle, enjoying some green tea ice cream, and hopefully primping and prepping for my short trip.


Talk to you later MJ family!
Be sure to follow MJFANGiRL on social for more! 


Spike Lee, Brooklyn Loves MJ Cancelled - DJ Spinna to Still Spin on August 25th


One of the biggest and most shocking disappointments of Michael Jackson season 2012 has been the sudden cancellation of the BK loves MJ party in Prospect Park. 

I can say that I, like many others looked forward to this all year and the cancellation just 12 days before the event was really frustrating. It was also cancelled last year due to Hurricane Irene.

I hope that it will go on next year since it will be Michael's 55th birthday in spirit.


On the flip side, its awesome to know that the party isn't stopping for DJ Spinna! He will be throwing an alternative event from 6pm-12am in Delkalb Market, also in Brooklyn. Its open to people of all ages and free for children 13 and under - only 10 bucks each for everyone else. You know that I've raved about his work here and here so, you can guess where I will be!


There are also other options like the annual Heal the World for Children Festival which will feature activities, food, and fun for children of all ages that morning. After that, there is the MJ Fanmily Event (organized by 3 rockin' ladies who spearhead the Thrill the World event every year) in Central Park at 3pm.


All of these events can be found my doing a simple Facebook search and if I have any updated information I will post links accordingly.


What are you doing to celebrate Michael's birthday this year?