DEC 1
What a great night! I opened up for my label mate Akon's MySpace Show in NYC. It was a long day of hair and makeup prep and fittings, but in the end it was all worth it! The show was a major success and I really felt privileged to be able to share such a special night with Akon. It was the night before the big release of his album Freedom. Not only did the crowd show lots of love, but a number of our other music buddies passed through to support us, including Kardinal Offishal, Busta Rhymes, DJ Khaled, and many more!

We took photos all night backstage and caught up with each other's busy lives. Kardi shared some stories about his recent visit to Barbados for the Annual Hip-Hop Festival. How jealous was I?! But I'm looking forward to getting back on the golden rock for Christmas. I'm really missing my family, friends, the beach, and the food so much!

BUT back to reality, dreamer! Let's deal with the present here! I didn't get out of the NYC venue until after 11 p.m., which was no good because a car was scheduled to pick me up from my condo at 4 a.m. I had to fly to L.A. to tape my Yahoo feature performance and interview. How on earth was I going to be in shape to pull it off? No worries! I'd just sleep on the plane. Problem solved… WELL! NO SUCH LUCK! No, no -- not in my life!

DEC 2
Why did I get stuck with the worst possible seat on the plane? A middle seat in the row in front of the emergency exit. OK, so if you didn't know before, let me warn you -- NEVER take that seat. It doesn't recline! I could have really done with a reclining seat. My back hurt me like never before, of course due to the severe discomfort of not being able to get into a restful position AND the fact that I had the pleasure of sitting next to a grown man with the bladder of a two-year-old, I got ZERO sleep! I was really concerned by this time, and I actually shed a few frustrated tears after the lady in front of me slammed her seat back into my poor head as I made a last desperate attempt to rest on the tray table. Then, I also had a massive headache and my neck was just about ready to retire on me. I hated the travel Gods that day! What in heaven's name did I do, man? Sigh…

Anyways, the more than professional and adorably friendly people at Yahoo took great care of me and even pushed things back a bit so I could get a 30 minute power nap. Everything went well after all, and my band was fantastic! I can't wait to see the final cut online.

I went to dinner that night with the Big Boss Steve Rifkind and friends at Mr. Chow! My chops are still watering thinking about how good that food was! Damon Wayans passed through briefly, and at the end of the night I headed back to my hotel where I had the perfect rest.

DEC 3
Back on a plane again, heading to Sacramento for the big 107.9 The End Jingle Ball show! Artist line-up: Shontelle, Boys Like Girls, Katy Perry, Jesse McCartney, and David Archuleta. It was good seeing David again, and we caught up and talked a lot about the recent Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and how we get super nervous every time we do arena shows. (It takes a lot of skill and energy to really be able to work such a huge stage and connect with such a large crowd.) After doing an interview and a meet and greet with over 100 people, I hit the stage. That was probably one of the best shows I have ever done! The arena was full almost to the max, and they screamed and partied all night. I almost cried when they started singing my songs word for word and every single cell phone was aglow and waving in unison! What a gorgeous sight!

But ha! Yeah guys, you know it. All that only lasted a few moments as I literally ran off the stage, grabbed my luggage, and yep, you got it…back on a plane! Back to L.A., but this time for a studio session with Akon and one of the world's most talented songwriters, Dianne Warren. Great session! I'll keep you guys posted on how it all turned out :)

For now, I hope you guys finally got all the turkey and pie out of your systems!

Tons of love!

Kisses 'n' hugs…
Shontelle

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