Good Ol' Jack, Charlotte's Other Favorite Son

In today’s blog, I would like to acknowledge the birthday of one Jack Edward Marcellia. Let’s take a look at his profile.

Jack Edward Marcellia was born on September 29, 1954 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Henry and Margaret Marcellia. Born an only child, Jack was a “loud, lovable soul” since birth. Despite his very ebullient disposition, Jack did experience some heartbreak at the age of 12, when his father passed away. Jack took the role as “man of the house” to help his mother in any and every way possible, be it housecleaning or tending to the garden.

After high school, Jack attended and graduated from South Carolina University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Jack was also great in sports, as was evident by his love for baseball and football; his true love, however, was wrestling, and this was proven everytime someone mentioned the name Ric Flair.

It was also at South Carolina University that, prior to graduation, Jack found his college sweetheart, Mary Ann Hughes, who later turned out to be the love of his life in an ironic twist of fate. The story goes that Jack and Mary Ann were both best friends with one Bret Douglas, and one fateful afternoon, while Bret and Mary Ann were celebration the completion of their freshman year, Jack locked eyes with Mary Ann and winked at her. Bret knew that both of these “crazy kids” were crazy about each other, so he merely suggested that they at least go out on one date; Bret also promised to support both Jack and Mary Ann, no matter the outcome. Well, Jack and Mary Ann did go out, and the rest, as they say, is history. Jack and Mary Ann ultimately got married in 1978, and raised two children, Jonathan Stephen and Natalie Violet.

After spending most of their lives in Charlotte, Jack decided that he and his wife and children needed a better life, so the Marcellias headed west to Southern California in 2002. They now reside in Torrance, California.

Aside from being a great family man, Jack is blessed to be Bret’s best friend for well over 30 years. It’s also important to point out that within said 30 years, Jack has referred to Bret as “Bret my boy,” of which the latter refers to Jack as “Good Ol’ Jack.”

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
When Bret and I went to professional wrestling school for all of one day.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
When Nattie was a little girl, I would play “Tea Party” her, and I would always get stuck in those little tea party chairs.

FAVORITE ACTOR: Cedric the Entertainer

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Sharon Stone

FAVORITE SINGER: Phil Collins

FAVORITE TV SHOW: King of Queens

FAVORITE MOVIE: The Original Kings of Comedy

FAVORITE ATHLETE: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

FAVORITE CARTOON: The Jetsons

FAVORITE COLOR: Blue

FAVORITE FOOD: Steak and Baked Potato

FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Chocolate Chip

SECRET TALENT:
My kids taught me a little hip-hop… “What up, Money?”

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Read a book or do a crossword puzzle

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I would’ve finished that professional wrestling school, and I would be the one holding the World Heavyweight Championship.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:
My parents, Henry & Margaret Marcellia

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:
Whatever you do, make sure you do your absolute best.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:
Madeline Khan and Bryant Gumbel

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Retire at age 60... Maybe even 59.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Humorous, Strong-Willed, Young-At-Heart

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM)
Bret George Douglas (a.k.a. “Bret my boy”)

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
North Cackalacky, as always.

IF I HAD ONE WISH:
I would be rich and retired… right now.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
I can find humor in almost any situation.

Candi-Girl, You Rock My World!

Hello again!

I would like to wish a happy birthday to a very special gal: Candace Cassandra Jones. She celebrated her 23rd birthday on Saturday, September 18, 2010.

If you would like to know more about Candace, then check out her bio:

Candace Cassandra Jones is the only child of Anthony and Stephanie Jones, and the eldest grandchild of Vivian Jewel Jones. Often known as “Candi-Girl,” she was born in Culver City, California, on September 18, 1987.

Candace is the first grandchild of her generation to graduate from college. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English, but her dream is to become a dancer and a choreographer like Debbie Allen. Candace is also best friends with Sarah Douglas, Natalie Marcellia, and Melissa Roberts.

When she's not hanging out with her friends, Candace is spending time with her grandmother, whom we all affectionately know as Ms. Vivian. Ever since she was a child, though, Candace has always referred to her grandmother as "Gramma Jewel."

Candace’s motto is: “Make sure you always carry an extra smile for the rest of the day.”

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
When I officially became a member of Howie’s Angels—it’s four of us now!

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
I’d much rather keep that to myself.

FAVORITE ACTOR: LaVan Davis

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Cassi Davis

FAVORITE SINGER(S): Donell Jones

FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Tyler Perry’s House of Payne

FAVORITE MOVIE:
Meet the Browns

FAVORITE ATHLETE:
Vince Carter

FAVORITE CARTOON:
Tiny Toon Adventures

FAVORITE COLOR: Red

FAVORITE FOOD:
My Gramma Jewel’s Pork Chops

FAVORITE ICE CREAM:
Chocolate Chip

SECRET TALENT:
I can kinda sorta dance.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Hang out with my Gramma Jewel and my friends

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I would’ve probably gone to Rust College.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:
Gramma Jewel and Grandpa Clark

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:
To quote my Gramma Jewel: “No matter what life throws at you, just keep on in spite of.”

CELEBRITIES WHO SHARE MY BIRTHDAY:
Fred Willard, Xzibit, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Ricky Bell from New Edition, and Holly Robinson Peete

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Have my own dance studio

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Hottie, Cutie, Sweetie

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):
Lizzie, Nattie, and Leili

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
Gramma Jewel’s, Baby—where else?

IF I HAD ONE WISH:
I just want $35,000 dollars—that’s all!

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
I am the first grandchild of my generation to graduate from college. I’m also helping my Gramma Jewel write her very first book.

An Open Letter to Clark Kenneth Jones

First of all, let me express my most sincere love and appreciation to those of you who have already purchase a copy (or three) of Simply Bret. Thus far, I have sold 144 copies, and I am still climbing—thanks be to God.

Today’s blog is a little different, as it is simply a letter that Ms. Vivian wrote ten years after her husband Clark passed away, and here it is:


Dear Clark:

Well, my love, here it is—ten years to the day that you went home to Glory. I guess that I don’t need to tell you how much I still miss you down here. Let me first of all thank you for taking good care of me in the 34 years that we were married. I didn’t have to want or need for anything, because I prayed for a good man who could TCB… and Darlin’, my prayers were sho’ answered; you went above and beyond the call of duty. I want you to know from the bottom of my heart, that I’m still gonna get you for leavin’ me down here with the rest of these hellions (ha-ha-ha)!

Even though I’ve managed this long without you, Darlin’, I still have flashbacks. Every so often, I’ll call your name, or I’ll run upstairs to get you. Hell, I’ll even call up at the school sometimes. Old habits die hard, you know, but yet and still, I know that you are okay… and at the same time, I still miss you like crazy, Darlin’. I sho’ can’t wait ‘til my name gets called when it’s my time, but in the meantime in between time, I’m gonna keep on livin’. Oh, yeah—while it’s on my mind, Bret and Susie have been taken such good care of me over the years, and so has Ted the mailman… God bless their hearts.

Well, my love, I have nothing else to write about, but then again, you know everything that goes on down here on account of your special heavenly room with a view. I’ll be talkin’ to you again in my heart, but just in case, you still better be good while you’re up there… ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

Love You Much,
Viv



Side Note: Ms. Viv wrote this letter on August 31, 2006.

Bret & Susie: 30 Years in the Making

It is often said that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, here are the photos from Bret and Susie's 30th wedding anniversary celebration, which took place Saturday, July 17, 2010 in Hermosa Beach, California.

The lovely couple give a toast to 30 more years. Don't worry, y'all-- they were drinking apple cider... LOL!

These are the results of 30 years-- three beautiful children (L-R): Nikki, Sarah, Bret, Susie, Howard

Bret and Susie pose with their parents, Roger & Sylvia Douglas (left) and Ralph & Charlotte Gosinheimer (right)

Bret and Susie's lovable neighbor, Ms. Vivian-- y'all know she gotta get a picture with the cute couple, Baby!


This is the kiss that has proven within 30 years that they still got it.

Happy Birthday To A Princess of Promise

In today's blog, we celebrate Sarah Elizabeth Douglas, who turns 26 years old today. Here is her story.

Sarah Elizabeth Douglas is the middle child and firstborn daughter of Bret and Susan Douglas. Born in Culver City, California, Sarah has been given the reputation of being "the kinda gal that every man wants to be with, and every woman wants to be like." She is respectful and respected; she carries herself in the way that a woman should. Sarah had a high school sweetheart, but only after graduation did she realize that the guy she was dating was a bit obsessive, so she called it off. Since then, Sarah has decided to stick with her true love—writing.

Sarah is a graduate of Cal State Northridge, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Print Journalism. It is said that Sarah is an excellent writer, and that she has a way with words. She is currently working on a series of children's books featuring a self-made character that she created since junior high school. Aside from this wonderful gift, Sarah is totally oblivious to her silly side. She has been known to make googly eyes and funny faces, just to get a good laugh.

Sarah also has a secret admirer in one Kevin Frazier, a young lad who lives across the street. He fell for her ever since he saw her dressed like Cinderella one fateful day, and the fact that she kissed him on the forehead was icing on the cake for him. Sarah was flattered by Kevin's crush on her, so she became his Valentine, despite the fourteen-year age difference.

Sarah knows that she is incredibly gifted, yet she feels stuck in a job that is going nowhere. She has constantly dealt with blatant politics in the office, and each time she voices her opinions, she is told that she is jumping to conclusions and is overly sensitive. One incident took place at her job where a female co-worker pushed Sarah in front of the supervisor, and once Sarah retaliated, the supervisor reprimanded Sarah. Obviously frustrated, Sarah reported this incident to Human Resources, but after witnessing how callous her co-workers acted, Sarah decided to step out on faith and quit her job. Since quitting her job, Sarah is now enrolled at graduate school. She also has taken a shine to one Duane Anoai.

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
Turning in my two-week notice at a seriously mundane and very depressing job.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
I was writing a letter for my mom, and I accidentally wrote “Oh, Hell!” as the greeting.

FAVORITE ACTOR: John Henton

FAVORITE ACTRESS: Kim Coles

FAVORITE SINGER: Amy Grant

FAVORITE TV SHOW: Living Single

FAVORITE MOVIE: Hitch

FAVORITE ATHLETE: George Foreman

FAVORITE CARTOON: Tale Spin

FAVORITE COLOR: Orange

FAVORITE FOOD: Fried Chicken Salad (I like the way my dad makes it! )

FAVORITE ICE CREAM: Orange Sherbet

SECRET TALENT:
It has been said on more than one occasion that I am a natural born comedian.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Write in my journal and hang out with my friends.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I probably would’ve attended UC San Diego

MY ROLE MODELS GROWING UP:
Outside of my mother: Ms. Vivian, Auntie Sandy, Auntie Cattie, Auntie Tabbi, and Auntie Angie, even to this very day.

THE BEST ADVICE GIVEN TO ME:
You don’t ever have to beg for your own stuff, especially when you know it’s yours.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:
Melanie Griffith, Kurtis Blow, Whitney Houston, and Deion Sanders

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Write and publish my very first book.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Sweet, Smart, & Silly

MY BEST FRIENDS (ACE-BOOM-KOOMS)
Nattie Marcellia, Melissa Roberts, and Candi Jones

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
Santa Monica Pier

IF I HAD ONE WISH:
It would be for others to have the same joy as I have.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
I am the spitting image of my mother, sans the glasses. Also, I am in the process of writing my very first book.

Spotlight: Melissa Leilani Roberts

To celebrate my birthday (as only I know how), I have decided to spotlight one of my personal favorite characters, Melissa Leilani Roberts. Isn't it convenient that I made her birthday the same day as mine—July 12!

Melissa Leilani Roberts is the girl next door... actually, she is the girl who lives just three houses down from the Douglas Family. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California on July 12, 1985 to Franklin and Clara Roberts, Melissa is the only child and only daughter. As a child, Melissa was a tomboy, as she constantly hung around Howard. Despite being considered as "one of the boys" per se, Melissa had a bit of a crush on young Howard, of which the latter reciprocated. But one day, Melissa grew up, and blossomed into a beautiful young lady. After graduating from Oklahoma University in 2007, Melissa moved back with her parents, and the very first individual who noticed how she blossomed was Howard. To this very day, Howard considers Melissa as one of his angels. Melissa appreciates the fact that Howard has always treated her the same.

Melissa graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, but she does not know what to do with her major as of yet. Currently, she works as a data entry clerk in Downtown Culver City, but she knows that her true passion is acting and modeling. Melissa is also the oldest of Howie's Angels-- she has been best friends with Sarah and Natalie "like, forever and stuff."

Although Melissa has openly admitted that she is not flawless, it has been unanimously agreed upon that she does not have a problem with self-confidence. Someone at her job branded her as conceited, to which she reprimanded the individual and said: "No, no, Hon-- I'm not conceited... I'm convinced!" Melissa is often misunderstood by some of her elders, just because she is a young woman with a butterfly tattoo on her shoulderblade, a shooting star tattoo on her ankle, and a navel piercing. While she admits that she was much younger when she decided to get said items, she is happy with her decision, and defies anyone to judge her just because she is not the typical "squeaky clean" girl next door. One person that she does not have to worry about judging her-- outside of Howard, of course-- is Ms. Vivian.

While Melissa enjoys being a "girlie-girl," she is admittedly still a tomboy. She loves football, basketball, and wrestling.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:I got my picture taken with OSW superstar TJ "Texas" Wiley on my 25th Birthday.

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:I was thinking about an episode of The Simpsons in church, and I couldn’t stop laughing.

FAVORITE ACTOR:Reggie Hayes (the dude that played William Dent on Girlfriends)

FAVORITE ACTRESS:Nicole Ari Parker

FAVORITE SINGER:Janet Jackson

FAVORITE TV SHOW:The Cosby Show

FAVORITE MOVIE:Hancock

FAVORITE ATHLETE:Reggie Bush

FAVORITE CARTOON:Duck Tales

FAVORITE COLOR:Yellow

FAVORITE FOOD:Turkey Burger with the works

FAVORITE ICE CREAM:Mint Chocolate Chip

SECRET TALENT:I can Salsa dance.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:Hang out with Lizzie, Nattie, and Candi.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:I wouldn’t change a thing.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:My 5th Grade teacher

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:The Lord has equipped me with what I need, so that I can go out and get what I want.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:Bill Cosby (my favorite), Tracie Spencer, Milton Berle, and Kristi Yamaguchi.

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:Be an actress/model, and a producer.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:Smart, Sweet, and Spicy

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):Lizzie, Nattie, and Candi

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:Ms. Vivian’s House

IF I HAD ONE WISH:Well, I haven’t met Prince Charming just yet, so that’s still in the making.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:I had an opportunity to pose nude for Sexilicious Magazine, but I turned it down because the only guy who should see me naked is the man that I marry.

Happy 51st Birthday, Sweet Little Susie!

Hey, Y'all!

In celebration of Susie Douglas' 51st birthday, I decided to take this time out and honor her, as only I can (LOL)!

Lest I forget: Happy Birthday, Susie—and remember to celebrate it the entire month!

She's the upbeat and fiery matriarch with a heart of gold. She’s also known as Bret’s better half. She's Susan Ariel Gosinheimer, and she was born and raised in New York City, New York on June 1, 1959 to Ralph and Charlotte Gosinheimer. The youngest of two girls, Susie (as she is affectionately called) has one older sister, Angela Margaret. As a child, Susie was the “adventurous, take-charge type,” according to her parents. She attended Empire State High School, where she graduated the fifteenth of her class. After high school, Susie decided that she wanted an out-of-state college experience, so she attended South Carolina University, where she literally met Bret George Douglas. Susie often reminisces about the day that they collided in the auditorium on the way to an assembly, and despite a slight miscommunication, these two became inseparable.

After Susie and Bret were wed in 1980, they moved to Culver City, California, where they raised three children, all of whom are working young adults. Self-confidence has never been Susie’s weakness, as she worked her way to the top of the ladder; she has worked at DGI Enterprises for over 25 years, yet she has been the HR Director for eleven years. Everyone at DGI Enterprises appreciates Susie for her great managerial experience, as she thinks with her head and her heart, and she knows how to smooth out a situation.

Susie's motto is: “I am truly blessed beyond all recognition." She is a true believer that all things do work together for good. A dedicated mother and wife with a remarkable sense of humor, Susie feels humbled and honored to have been blessed with her wonderful husband of 30 years, her three crazy children, and a job that she knows within her heart that she was born to do. Much like her husband, Susie is a member of First Baptist Church, where she mentors the Young Lilies every second Saturday. She also admits that she loves costume parties; she has dressed up as Marge Simpson, ThunderCat Cheetara, and a hippie chick.

Although Susie is a soft-hearted sweetie, she has admitted that she has a touch of a temper. Such was the case when she grabbed a rude receptionist by her throat and hurled her across a desk. Susie later explained that she only acted out in anger because she was informed that Bret was in the hospital, and this receptionist did not help matters at all. Susie has been told time and time again that her temper might wind up getting her into trouble, to which Susie has stated: "That's quite alright—I've got enough ass to back up my temper!"

MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT:
The day I ran into Bret… literally!

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT:
Only one stands out— when I unknowingly slammed a door in Bret’s face.

FAVORITE ACTOR:
John Ritter

FAVORITE ACTRESS:
Mary Tyler Moore

FAVORITE SINGER:
Luther Vandross

FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Small Wonder

FAVORITE MOVIE:
Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow

FAVORITE ATHLETE(S):
Venus & Serena Williams

FAVORITE CARTOON:
The Simpsons (but that’s only because Bret reminds me so much of Ned Flanders)

FAVORITE COLOR: Fuchsia

FAVORITE FOOD:
Steak & French Fries, with Broccoli and Cauliflower

FAVORITE ICE CREAM:
Strawberry

SECRET TALENT:
I am a fairly decent singer.

IN MY FREE TIME, I LIKE TO:
Help out at church on every 2nd Saturday with the Young Lilies.

IF I COULD’VE DONE IT DIFFERENTLY:
I wouldn’t have jumped to so many wrong conclusions when I was in my teens.

MY ROLE MODEL(S) GROWING UP:
My big sister Angela.

THE BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN TO ME:
Remember to count all your many, many blessings.

SOMEONE WHO SHARES MY BIRTHDAY:
Andy Griffith, Marilyn Monroe, Morgan Freeman, and Alanis Morissette.

MY DREAM/GOAL IN LIFE IS TO:
Retire the same time as Bret.

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME:
Sweet, Soft, & Fiery

MY BEST FRIEND (ACE-BOOM-KOOM):
Mary Ann Marcellia

MY FAVORITE PLACE TO VISIT:
Atlanta, GA

IF I HAD ONE WISH:
I would relive my first date with Bret.

SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME:
This relates to my temper—I must’ve blanked out and grabbed a rude receptionist by her throat, and hurled her over her desk. I betcha she won’t try to mess with me again.