tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-222289422012-02-16T22:14:17.650-05:00"It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under." -- Grandmaster FlashStrength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.comBlogger4221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-1678951768680392222012-02-09T14:16:00.003-05:002012-02-09T14:22:36.222-05:00

I wish I knew that when I started this blog six years ago today, that it was also the birthday of one of my favorite writers, Alice Walker!!!! Anyway, thanks for hanging in there and reading about my antics. Time to party.

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-23527023713961393242012-02-08T15:23:00.000-05:002012-02-08T15:25:36.014-05:00

There are people in my life who shower me with great gifts. One of them is my college roomie, who continues to Wow me on my birthday and Christmas. Her latest gift – this tshirt – got to the writer in me. So I went to the site to check out what else they had to offer. I was amazed that you could create your own shirt. Naturally, Only Child Syndrome kicked in and tried to think of what else I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-24448607617803503402012-02-06T20:43:00.003-05:002012-02-06T20:49:55.686-05:00

So here I am, a deadbeat blogger, simply writing a post because I need to get it done. I can freely admit that this will be a half-ass blog post. You may wonder why I'm bothering to write anything at all, if I'm going to be so cavalier about it. Well, I'll explain. I looked at my calendar the other day, and realized my sixth blogday is quickly approaching. I usually use that time to reflect on

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-40491742777429365932012-01-09T21:39:00.004-05:002012-01-09T21:51:10.065-05:00

Recently, my crutty but charming gym got bought out by a larger franchise. My spinning buddies and I mourned, until we realized nothing would change with our 6 a.m. workouts, they're still on the schedule under M, W and F. There were some benefits too. Our new memberships allowed us to visit larger, nicer gyms. I'm talking about stationary bikes that are equipped with fans. A room with boxing

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-53850242848455738852012-01-04T15:52:00.001-05:002012-01-04T15:56:10.679-05:00

I didn't want to do it, but the decision was kind of made for me. I'm a bit of a mimimalist, but I have a friend who is a gadget fiend.(I won't mention her name, so I'll just call her Mom) She laughed at my desire to turn pages, while she quickly jumped on the eBook bandwagon. She tried to move me into the digital world, but I couldn't be swayed. My home library is a source of pride for me and

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-87099914986196074672012-01-02T15:59:00.000-05:002012-01-02T16:06:24.270-05:00

Recently, I confessed to friends that there is a tv show that I simply endure. Like my other shows, I set the dvr up to record it and I watch it whenever time permits. But unlike my other shows, I don’t laugh, grin or even chuckle my way through the episode. They asked why I continue to watch. I told them it’s because I am a bra.There was a time when the release of a black movie was such a rare

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-19445025010142031502011-12-23T17:39:00.003-05:002011-12-23T17:59:34.459-05:00

Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and all that jazz.... I can't believe it's been two months since I've written a blog post... I had so many thoughts that I started and just didn't post.... Like I planned to write about Heavy D's death went down in my workplace, and it was pretty much similar to how my coworkers have responded to other black deaths.... But I didn't write it up, and now it's old news

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-29778222527149315662011-10-06T13:41:00.002-04:002011-10-06T13:41:58.256-04:00

My workplace is quiet. Too quiet. That’s not to say there isn’t a lot of talking going on. My coworkers and I talk constantly, from the minute we get in to the minute we leave. But this is the 21st century. Our communication is centered over email and the company’s i.m. system. When you’re in a silent environment, you don’t want to disrupt it with useless noise. So I’ll send Coworker A a note

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-18917932665274489052011-09-30T16:29:00.003-04:002011-10-03T15:19:13.992-04:00

I mentioned before that I got a part-time job to help cope with the furloughs and other cutbacks my full-time gig had implemented. The second job is retail, so that means I would spend portions of my time going into this store and transforming myself into the bubbly aggressive salesperson that everyone ‘loves.’ Yes, this was very difficult for me.I’d been leading the dual-job life for nearly

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-10148393790024853122011-09-29T10:25:00.005-04:002011-09-29T10:29:16.742-04:00

I was running late for work yesterday morning when I was confronted with a severe case of D.D.G -- Dirty Dish Guilt. My sink was overflowing with used pots, bowls, silverware, plates and glasses. I was already running late … what could I do?People judge you on your dirty dishes. Just like they judge you on your unmade bed. When I was a kid, Mom used to make a big fuss about my messy bedroom. I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-56758027601895616072011-09-13T14:34:00.002-04:002011-09-13T14:35:27.567-04:00

Sorry I've been gone so long. Believe me, it wasn't intentional. I have just been so friggin busy that I began lacking the two things I value most: sleep and sanity. So I decided to quit my part time job in order to catch up on sleep. And the loss of that extra cash has given me a bit of a struggle with sanity, but I'll manage. It just means I'll have to adapt to a biweekly pay cycle once again.

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-42911413658753098212011-08-10T21:57:00.002-04:002011-08-10T22:16:30.242-04:00

To even understand that quote above, you have to check out this video series. And if you think that is funny, just wait until you see the other ones. Sometimes, I don't know how I'd survive without some sort of dysfunction, whether it makes me laugh or cry. And did you know there's a list of black women bloggers you should know? Neither did I. So check them out here, here, and here.

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-38443482475579064212011-08-03T15:38:00.003-04:002011-08-03T16:01:13.734-04:00

And thank God, this is a true story. Much thanks to BGLU to making me aware of it. I usually do my nails myself, so I wish there was a way I could do this at home. I'm not a big fantasy reader, but I am a fan of Acacia and writer David Anthony Durham so I'll be pleased when the last book in the trilogy comes out. There have been times in my life where I needed to recite the words in this poem

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-1893009066301601262011-08-02T20:57:00.016-04:002011-08-03T11:00:35.882-04:00

I decided to undertake a few reorganization projects this year. It's not that I'm terribly unorganized, but we all have some baggage that we need to get rid of from time to time. So I'm thanking Eminem and the TV show "Hoarders" for giving me the inpsiration to start Cleaning out My Closet.I've gotten rid of quite a few things, but there are some objects that I'm going to hold onto:My favorite

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-24953298818192052292011-07-29T14:21:00.006-04:002011-07-29T14:31:17.484-04:00

One of the things I miss about being a kid is how easy it was to make friends, girlfriends in particular. You show up to algebra class and are assigned to work with the chick next to you. Friend. You’re late to school and have to slip into math class unnoticed, when someone discretely opens the door for you. Friend. Your senile English teacher keeps confusing you with the Italian -- not the other

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-49399273927195949322011-07-20T16:00:00.005-04:002011-07-20T16:24:28.049-04:00

I've been watching the News of the World scandal unfold, and I'm now obsessed with all things Wendi Deng, aka "The Smack Down Sister." Here is where I learned she's an Obama supporter and producer of 'Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" (loved the book, can't wait for it to come out in the U.S. of A!) And of course, I can't forget about the actions that led to her nickname. Anyway .... I'd like to

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-52176779324947277962011-07-14T13:01:00.002-04:002011-07-14T13:17:40.373-04:00

How bout I just realized today is Thursday, and not Wednesday? Ah well. I found a new rap song to channel my inner anger. I spent much of my childhood digging up worms, so I'm glad to know I'm not alone. The book/movie 'The Help' isn't the first to shed light on the plight of black domestic workers. Here's some natural hair care advice. And Big Daddy Kane gets the job done.

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-32693991901001064312011-07-13T16:32:00.004-04:002011-07-14T09:57:35.330-04:00

A sock puppet saved my lifeI’m sitting at work with a sock puppet on my neck and I am NOT ashamed. I have named the puppet Soc(k)rates, and it has saved my life.Previously, I mentioned that I was out of town, on vacation. I mentioned the beautiful beaches, the wedding and the scenery. But I did not mention The Pain. You see, I am not as young as I once was. That means I can still hold a drank

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-45113104255170667502011-07-11T17:21:00.015-04:002011-07-11T19:06:10.021-04:00

I just returned from a fabulous island/beach vacation. I was gone for seven whole days and Toni Braxton was right, that is way to long to go without getting in touch. So here's what I did while I was away. I shot stuff with my new camera:I drank stuff: ----- That's an Obamarita. It wasn't that great, but I drank it for vacation's sakeI ate stuff: --- That's an apple fritter. According to the

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-50485103698090111662011-06-29T12:07:00.006-04:002011-06-29T12:31:53.065-04:00

If you're single and looking, you might want to check this out. Should we look at new ways to compliment young girls? I want to be a quitter, but BGLU says that does NOT mean I should quit my job. Shucks! Apparently, I'm not alone in my feelings about my job. As much as I love strawberry jam, I've never made it myself so this makes my mouth water.(**Erykah Badu's "4 Leaf Clover")

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-8915079680896479702011-06-28T13:28:00.006-04:002011-06-28T13:39:02.534-04:00

Dear Mr. President,We had our company cookout, which is a result of the higher ups trying to create a friendlier work environment. Their efforts have resulted in a daily emailed newsletter, suggestion boxes placed everywhere and constant encouragement to buy raffle tickets. Do I sound unappreciative? Quite the contrary. We could’ve used this committee last year, when we had the cookout and ran

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-56166506416135613582011-06-22T12:04:00.003-04:002011-06-22T12:20:22.203-04:00

Father's Day has come and gone, but it's never too late to celebrate a great dad. But let's not forget mothers, particularly this Black breastfeeding mom. "Fighting is easier than dancing or making love." He's right, this is certainly a 'Diversion.' And here it is, a groove slightly transformed, just a bit of a break from the norm.

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-17904725822215933702011-06-15T12:14:00.006-04:002011-06-16T15:22:34.889-04:00

Good reads from around the blogosphere:The Awkward Black Girl creator is just as cool as I'd imagined. I could use this to stomp out the bugs on my messy coworker's desk. "Never be afraid to embrace what you have naturally." I like you, do you like me? An upcoming documentary explores the challenges of dark skinned women, but that's no reason not to love your brown skin. Nikki Giovanni celebrated

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-73930208960470550532011-06-14T21:08:00.007-04:002011-06-14T22:02:26.844-04:00

I’ve matured over the years. I’m a woman, ok? I’m no longer that bespectacled little girl who screamed “I don’t wanna play!” whenever I was forced to join my Lego's with the Boy Who Eats Paste, or asked to make room in my sandbox for the Girl With the Orthodontic Headgear. You see, when you’re already uncool, there is nothing that knocks you further down the popularity scale than being teamed

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-6027927002048937582011-06-13T12:22:00.004-04:002011-06-13T12:25:59.225-04:00

I finally got my money, an issue I agonized about in a previous post. I had great plans of how I was going to use my hard earned cash. I was going to save, pay off some debts, and have some fun. But because I’m trying to explore my financial literacy, I’m going to do more saving than I originally planned.Now that it’s getting warm, the No Goods are making their presence known in my neighborhood

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-67696430066002665282011-06-12T12:29:00.005-04:002011-06-12T12:38:30.768-04:00

1. I'm trying desperately to get into a regular blogging schedule once again2. I learned that I've been bored, so I did some redecorating to help motivate me3. The new design and the addition of Twitter has given me some additional motivation, so bear with me as I think of some worthwhile stuff to say4. I did finally get my money, after mentioning the battle I went through previously5. I did earn

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-28469476247439302492011-06-06T22:00:00.014-04:002011-06-07T22:57:04.770-04:00

At the recommendation of a friend, I picked up a book that a white lady wrote about black maids. I had reservations about reading it -- I tend to havea bias against white writers using black characters -- but I enjoyed the book. The book is set in the 1960s, so there's lots of talk about the civil rights movment, the power struggle between blacks and whites, black domestics battling against their

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-8920538088054722492011-06-02T10:52:00.000-04:002011-06-02T10:58:32.111-04:00

It surprises many people to know that I am a big crier. Beyond this wise cracking facade, I can be, as my mother likes to put it, an Emotional Wreck. While I cry at movies quite often, The Passion of Christ, Joy Luck Club, and Marley & Me, are a trifecta that brings about The Ugly Cry. Throughout my life, I’ve shed tears when I’m about to get punished and when I’ve gotten away with murder, when

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-51579736794175659442011-05-18T22:00:00.000-04:002011-05-18T22:13:05.742-04:00

Now, I'm not a blog jacker, let me say that up front. But if I see that one of my blog peeps is going through a tribulation similar to mine, well darnit, I'm gonna write about it. First, read here about how folks are trying to be shady with The L's money. Crazy scenario, right? Now allow me to piggy back on her plight.I've been CRAZY busy. Good busy, but busy just the same. I learned in April

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-71204579419186675722011-04-28T15:59:00.000-04:002011-04-28T16:08:23.769-04:00

I know where I’ll be. Awake, but still in my pj’s, scarf and glasses, with my eyes glued to the screen. Yep, I’m going to watch THAT WEDDNG, a portion of it anyway. My first alarm clock is usually set for 4:30 a.m. for the gym, so I figured there was nothing wrong with getting up a half hour earlier so I can watch Billy and Kate walk down the aisle. But since I have to be at my spin class by 6:15

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-92086082618874684402011-04-17T17:38:00.000-04:002011-04-17T17:44:37.445-04:00

1. Ugh, the weekends just keep getting shorter and shorter, don't they? 2. I did manage to have a good time. I hung out with my literary peeps and we went to a festival where writer Danielle Evans signed our copies of her book, 'Before You Strangle Your Own Fool Self" 3. I watched Toy Story 3, which made me happy and sad 4. But I need to call my granddad. I've been meaning to do it for weeks, I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-87412033385178805462011-03-24T23:25:00.001-04:002011-04-12T17:27:10.113-04:00

It's my birthday and I'm so happy to be 34 I could scream. The number 33 was so cruel to me. How cruel was it Strength? It was so cruel that if I'm walking down the street and I come across a 33-legged ant, I'm stepping on it and then urinating on its corpse. It was so cruel that if I'm watching Sesame Street and they do an ode to #33, I will throw my television out the window and hope it lands

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-18517570610163910682011-03-20T17:03:00.000-04:002011-03-20T17:12:42.735-04:00

1. Thanks for all your kind words of support on my thesis, I really needed it2. There have been no developments since I turned it in, so I'll take that as good news, Shrug3. I've spent the thesis afterglow discovering season 1 of 'Breaking Bad'. Good stuff4. I finished reading my cavemen books, and I'm eager for the last installment to come out later this month5. I've also been immersed in

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-87852268512972762892011-03-16T15:55:00.001-04:002011-03-16T16:00:18.915-04:00

I have recently given birth, and unlike many new mothers I can say unequivocally that I despise my child. Ok, it’s not a child, exactly, but a 170-page 36,000-word document that has caused me to exist on nothing but bananas and green tea for the last several weeks. Yes, I’m talking about my thesis, or as I affectionately call it, Hemorrhoid.In the early stages of my Hemorrhoid pregnancy, I was

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-79978053490632916302011-03-08T21:38:00.000-05:002011-03-09T22:07:14.160-05:00

I woke up the other day to a sneezing cat. He sneezed twice, then glared at me until I said ‘bless you.’ I did, then promptly fed and watered him. I stood there and watched till he told me I could go about my business. Days like this, I wonder how I reached this point in my life. Young Strength wasn’t always a slave to all things threatening and feline.There was a time when I had a bit of a

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-80303088245754151192011-03-06T22:13:00.000-05:002011-03-06T22:25:16.991-05:00

1. Spent the weekend working on my thesis AGAIN2. At this point, I just want to throw it on somebody's doorstep and walk away3. Thankfully, my fellow grad students got together for a potluck Saturday, and there was moral support everywhere4. Many folks gave me pats on the back after our professor told everyone that I had finished a novel, and was almost done with the program5. It was cool to have

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-67578167368591801522011-03-02T18:43:00.000-05:002011-03-02T19:40:20.200-05:00

Dear Mr. President --First off, bravo for rectifying the racism that existed at my company. Now that I wrote a letter to you, we have new vending machines that supply hearty amounts of Sprite. I thank you, Mr. Prez, and so do the two other black people who signed my petition.But today, I'd like to talk to you about those two other black people. They're new, and they are what I call SWISS --

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-44256867958588418142011-02-25T21:13:00.000-05:002011-02-25T21:36:37.493-05:00

Recently I heard from a blogger that had disappeared from the scene for sometime. This was someone I had linked to, but after noticing the page hadn’t been updated for some months, I eliminated it from list of ‘Goodies’ that you see to the right. Thankfully, the blogger has returned and I’m offering a hearty ‘welcome back.’This writer’s resurfacing on the blogosphere has caused me to peruse my

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-43434692183685981992011-02-20T15:39:00.000-05:002011-02-20T15:45:05.824-05:00

1. It's been so long since I've written a Sunday Spin I've nearly forgotten how to do it2. If I remember correctly, the purpose is to summarize my happenings in seven brief bullet points3. And now that I've thrown away two items, I guess now I can mention what a nice relaxing weekend I had4. I didn't have to work my second job, so that was a plus. I had dinner and drinks with a good friend.5. We

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-198585914585250642011-02-19T19:05:00.001-05:002011-02-19T20:25:41.562-05:00

(week 1)Dear Dan The Computer Man:I appreciate all the rearranging you've done to my work area and giving me a new computer monitor. With all the cutbacks at the company, I'm glad you were able to fit my technical needs into your additional tasks of custodian/payroll supervisor/carpenter. When I saw you leveling that desk the other day, you were less than pleased when I told you about my blank

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-81128144062800081202011-02-09T13:01:00.001-05:002011-02-20T15:45:53.425-05:00

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-9709347471893721112011-01-27T15:43:00.000-05:002011-01-27T15:54:14.542-05:00

I once said I'd start reading more poetry. And now that I've started, I'm also sharing. I didn't write any of these, so follow the links to read the poems in their entirety.In the old age black was not counted fair,Or if it were it bore not beauty's name:But now is black beauty's successive heir,And beauty slandered with a bastard shameevery woman before or after youis doused in your nameyou fill

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-85560068172682434802011-01-24T13:02:00.001-05:002011-01-24T13:05:50.543-05:00

There was a time when I was terribly young and terribly cute, which meant I wanted to be neither. My mother liked to put me in frilly dresses, despite the fact that I lived in an all boy environment, which meant that I needed to dig up worms and play with GIJoes in order to get any street cred. She fought as hard as she could, putting me in ballet, tap and even baton lessons, while I was content

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-19246944586927994712011-01-21T16:55:00.000-05:002011-01-21T17:20:13.206-05:00

I was going to the gym in the cover of darkness when I hear this whisper, “Strength, can I talk to you for a minute?” It was my buddy Jen, my exercise partner in crime. We talk all the time, but this time I was concerned about the cryptic nature of our conversation. Did she want to sell me drugs? If so, was she giving me a good deal? But then she pulled me aside and asked me if I was seeing

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-21820350220831729782011-01-14T16:45:00.001-05:002011-01-14T16:48:18.665-05:00

Growing up I always looked forward to those times when Grandpop would visit. He always watched the Muppets with me and enjoyed playing with my pet parakeets. He often told me about the parakeet he once had – Pretty Boy – and how he was so well trained that he was allowed to roam freely around the house. His life was a mystery. I knew he was an amazing piano player, but I didn’t know why nobody in

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-73713698660768895202011-01-05T15:19:00.001-05:002011-01-05T15:28:42.791-05:00

I mentioned before how I’d been avoiding my good friend “Sheila”, because all of our outings tend to revolve around me sitting in on various kid-friendly events. Yes it may sound cruel from the outside, but picture yourself as a single, 30 something eager to spend time with a friend who only invites you to Chuck E Cheese and kindergarten singalongs. This was not a good look for me in the 21st

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-1130778471333681422011-01-04T16:41:00.000-05:002011-01-04T16:45:04.118-05:00

Happy new year! I, for one, am happy to give 2010 a big ole kiss goodbye. The year started out wonderfully, then it got a little bad, then it got ugly, and then things started to turn around. So its onward and upward for 2011, and I’m looking forward to it. Here’s a few things that have been going on.-Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner? My new uncle, that’s who. It’s never been a secret that my

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-14776319622062728522010-12-04T14:51:00.000-05:002010-12-04T15:45:34.964-05:00

I've been thinking about my grandmother alot lately. She died when I was in seventh grade, but my family often talks about her whenever we get together. I've spent the last month constantly visiting my aunt/hairdresser/therapist as I began my journey of getting my dreadlocks out. (Yeah, I did it, more on that in another post) We shared lots of stories about my grandmom. She was a sweet woman who

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-66475622369191142592010-11-16T12:04:00.000-05:002010-11-16T12:10:48.460-05:00

(To break me out of my occasional writer’s block, I’m creating a series of posts called Firsts. This is where I’ll explore various Firsts in my life. In today’s Firsts, I’ll talk about my first death)I learned about death through a parakeet and my uncle. I grieved the passing of one, and was morbidly fascinated with that of another. I’ll explain.Up until I was 9, I lived in my grandmother’s house

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-2701408788595729122010-11-15T15:15:00.001-05:002010-11-15T15:16:20.042-05:00

1. This weekend was too busy to even recap2. Let’s just say I got my hair done3. Went to an 80s party, where I was ooohed and aahhhed in my one-shouldered, waist-tied New Edition tshirt, leggings and scrunchie on my wrist4. Then I got my hair done again5. I also went to a friend’s church for a singles ministry she started. That was actually a lot of fun6. And then I got my hair done again7. At

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-87422921814782195482010-11-11T13:52:00.000-05:002010-11-11T13:58:51.350-05:00

I mentioned previously that I saw For Colored Girls. And rather than join into the neverending debate about all things Tyler Perry, I thought I’d talk about one of the parts that stuck with me. Janet Jackson plays a woman with a … dare I say it??? ….. FOINE as all get out husband. Her character is a cold, wealthy careerwoman. Her husband also has a successful career, but it pales in comparison to

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-34567862107450758272010-11-09T14:06:00.000-05:002010-11-09T14:08:49.876-05:00

1. I’d apologize for not posting in awhile, but that would give the impression that it won’t happen again2. And no matter how hard I try, I can’t promise that 3. The next few weeks will be pretty busy, including an 80s party, a writer’s workshop and turning in my thesis (guess which of these activities I’ll enjoy the least??)4. I got to see a free screening of For Colored Girls, where I remain

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-35417436323609009282010-10-27T15:38:00.000-04:002010-10-27T15:45:02.897-04:00

I’m slowly but surely getting out of the funk that has plagued me for quite sometime. One of the things that has helped me get through it is just thinking about things that make me laugh or smile. Whenever my mind turns to the dreaded subject of XXXX, I fight it with all might. I whip out my Happy Arsenal, which contains the lyrics to Willow Smith’s ‘Whip My Hair’, the screams of a relative who

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-10633903430855127502010-10-26T16:22:00.000-04:002010-10-26T16:50:42.464-04:00

I've been off the last two days and I actually got a lot accomplished. I mean, I did get some extra sleep in and did my fair share of TV watching, but I will say I was more productive than I have been on past days off.It all started Monday. I woke up and made it to my 6 a.m. spin class. Yes, I did that, on my day off. Serious dedication over here! I came home, showered and slept a little. Then I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-70458065682478552782010-10-24T20:15:00.000-04:002010-10-24T20:20:16.206-04:00

1. The weather was so beautiful this weekend that I couldn't possibly stay inside2. I was so glad that I didn't have to spend it working at my part time job3. I decided to get a jump on my Christmas shopping, so I went to an art gallery that is selling vintage posters through Nov. 14. There were a few posters I fell madly in love with, but they cost $450 *shakes fist*5. Then I went to a museum

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-74621572210024873322010-10-21T09:24:00.000-04:002010-10-21T09:31:06.683-04:00

I’ve never been one of those people who reads the same book twice. I go through it, I either enjoy it -- which means I’ll inflict it on my friends before going on my bookshelf -- or I hate it – which means I’m going to donate it to the library/give it away/sell to my local used bookstore. I rarely reread books. The most I’ll do is revisit an interesting chapter or scene, and that’s that. Sure, I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-18499146570872968282010-10-14T14:24:00.000-04:002010-10-14T14:29:32.889-04:00

I mentioned before that when times geet tough, I get in my bed. Well, the Sleep Olympics have launched in my bedroom again and I’m well in the midst of getting a gold medal. Lately, when my mind is heavy, and I’m stressed out about something I can’t control, I just hop into bed and hope that things will be better in the morning. It had worked in the past. I was able to get up early, get some

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-22181707947436976802010-10-13T16:45:00.001-04:002010-10-13T16:46:31.214-04:00

I mentioned here previously that I’m trying to sprinkle some love dust between my cousin and a girl in my spin class. This is an idea that came to me gradually. The girl – I’ll call her L, since I can’t pronounce her name – is someone I see every Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings when we hop on bikes and pedal our woes away. We talk a bit -- we went to the same college as me, much later than

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-82491857556827692632010-10-12T20:25:00.000-04:002010-10-12T20:50:08.769-04:00

I'm the type of person who gets obsessed with the obscure**. Years ago, I read a novel that had a slight reference to Little Jimmie Scott, so I went on a googling frenzy. And I mentioned here before that I read another novel that led me to do the same with singer Phoebe Snow.Well, my new obsession is Betty Davis. I didn't get her from reading, I actually got her from peaking around in the

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-16684897455537465632010-10-11T12:33:00.001-04:002010-10-11T12:45:18.846-04:00

I haven’t done a Sunday Spin in so long I forgot what it felt like. Let’s see, what’s my goal here? Ah yes, to summarize the last week in seven happy sappy bulletpoints right? Well, let’s see what I can accomplish:1. I had a great weekend where some friends came over for my Chilli & ChitChat 2010, where we gorged ourselves2. I was amazed that I was able to finish my grocery shopping at the Dollar

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-70489025159012586402010-10-07T13:03:00.000-04:002010-10-07T13:08:17.645-04:00

Please excuse the absence. I’ve been too lazy to blog. Then I got to happy to blog. Then I got too sad to blog. Then I got overwhelmed with all the things that I needed to blog that I just let it fall by the wayside. But the other day, I looked in the mirror and I said, “Hey Good Lookin – It’s time to get the blog cookin’!” Corny, I know, but it got me out of the doldrums.Today, I wanted to talk

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-84243585883158036912010-09-08T17:06:00.001-04:002010-09-08T17:20:50.775-04:00

We had a going away party for a colleague recently. It was a potluck, and, gourmet chef that I am, I volunteered to bring the drinks. And, astute planner that I am, I waited until the last minute to do so. So I moseyed on over to my local ____ Store, so I could get the proper items. And here is what happened to me:(Note: The following interaction has been severely dramatized to reflect how I felt

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-5037867432242019512010-09-06T19:45:00.001-04:002010-09-06T19:54:03.976-04:00

1. I had a pretty relaxing Labor Day weekend2. I spent it reading and writing3. And I'm STILL not finished reading 'The Girl Who Played With Fire'4. And I'm still not finished this portion of my thesis, which is due Oct. 15. But I did finish writing draft 4 of my novel!!!6. Of course that only means I'm moving onto draft 5, and, *gulp* more revisions7. Thankfully, I'll have a four-day work week

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-65594533165342996362010-08-31T21:06:00.000-04:002010-08-31T21:35:53.719-04:00

There is nothing worse than a catty woman. I try my darndest not to be catty, and not to be bitter, to just live and let live. But if I were to be catty, I might mention a few things like:-How I ran into my ex at the store the other day, and got my first closeup view of him and his homely wife-After all I've heard about her, I thought that she'd at least be beautiful on the outside. But hey, she

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-30030208524612275072010-08-24T20:40:00.000-04:002010-08-24T20:50:29.810-04:00

1. Yeah, I've been a little stressed out lately2. So much so, that I've gone into work at my part time job on a day I wasn't scheduled to work3. But I must say, it was fun being able to just go home, without anything to do, without anyone to answer to4. Soon, I'll have to write about how my spin class is getting gangsta5. And how much I've been digging Terry McMillan lately (as if you hadn't

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-83942901487247258202010-08-15T21:38:00.001-04:002010-08-15T21:56:25.206-04:00

1. This has been an EXTREMELY stressful week2. Between work driving me crazy, negotiations for a condo falling through and trying to keep my past in the past, I was pooped3. All I could do was sleep and sleep and sleep, which sometimes helps things get better, or makes me feel more drained4. This time it was all drain5. But I'm better now and I know this week will be more bearable6. I planted the

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-79167640196297421702010-08-07T12:54:00.001-04:002010-08-07T13:00:55.337-04:00

I’m spending the summer working on my thesis. My professor has me on a strict plan of handing this research project to her in sections over these warm months, so I can spend the year just revising, and hopefully taking advantage of some financial rewards that come with being a grad student novelist. (Fingers crossed) Dr L has received about a third of my work and we’re going to chat soon

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-46305899565157481692010-08-04T12:52:00.001-04:002010-08-05T16:09:54.651-04:00

We talk about a lot of interesting things at my job, and most recently the topic turned to passion marks. If I recall correctly, we were talking about the Twilight craze and how there were kids being faux vampires who ran around biting each other to show their love. Kids these days don’t even know how to give a proper passion mark.Back in the day, I was quite naïve, if you could believe that. I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-2255508161176581342010-08-03T12:19:00.001-04:002010-08-03T12:24:08.254-04:00

I’ve known Kate for a few years, ever since I started graduate school. Our program is small, so everyone knows each other and tends to take classes together. Yet Kate and I became close when we struggled with a challenging research class (with challenging classmates), and I later discovered that she teaches in the community that I live in. As we continue to battle through the thesis process, we’d

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-70118037553212939512010-08-02T12:20:00.000-04:002010-08-02T12:26:45.178-04:00

1. I just got back from a fabulous three-day trip to the beach2. It was good lounging with friends and meeting new people3. The food was also great, forcing me to cheat on my vow of No Sweets Until Aug. 164. But I only had one slice of apple pie, so if I can get through the rest of this month with no other desserts, I'll consider that an accomplishment!5. I'll soon post pictures of the vacation,

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-65546380065612984252010-07-29T22:22:00.001-04:002010-07-29T22:31:48.554-04:00

It's late.I just finished washing clothes.My bed is covered with said clothes.I haven't packed a thing.All of that means one thing: I'M GOING OUT OF TOWN TOMORROW!!!!I'm headed to the beach for a little while to get some much needed R&R. I took off today so I could get prepared for my trip, but as you can see, not much has happened on that front. What can I say? I'm the Last Minute Queen. I

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-39399138535923358762010-07-19T12:57:00.000-04:002010-07-19T12:59:39.031-04:00

1. If I don’t become a homeowner soon, I may kill somebody2. And that ‘somebody’ might just be directed at the family with the glorious condo listed as a friggin nightmarish short sale, or the real estate folks that couldn’t remove the old people smell from one unit, or the homeowner who thought it would be wise to have wall to wall green carpet3. Through Aug. 16, I will be going through a Sweet

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-47405640620399362392010-07-14T16:09:00.000-04:002010-07-14T16:13:13.127-04:00

1. I didn’t do a Sunday Spin this week because I was just too exhausted, and I figured that all three of my readers would understand (Hi, Mom! * jokes *)2. Trying to become a homeowner is really kicking my butt, but I can’t wait for the day when I can walk into my own front door, paint my office bright red and grow tomatoes in my backyard3. But for now, I have to deal with Craig and dem and the

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-39933628320012881462010-07-13T12:18:00.000-04:002010-07-13T12:29:46.580-04:00

I realized recently that I shouldn’t do yoga. I mean, yeah, I do it, but I’m not really the yoga type. I mean, I enjoy the workout and the feeling of cleansed toxins when I’m finished sweating in that 105 degree room. (I’m talking Bikram yoga, ya’ll) However, I’m not that cheery, nonviolent wholesome person that the exercise is geared toward. I mean, I will go into class with an attitude,

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-8067375361302804882010-07-04T21:17:00.000-04:002010-07-04T21:31:02.399-04:00

1. I went condo hunting today and fell in love with a spot that meets my requirements -- lots of space, good neighborhood2. Let's just hope it doesn't get sold before I can dig my claws into it (since that's happened once already)3. I'm slowly getting out of my funk, at least that's what I keep telling myself, but ...4. I did buy a big ole thing of oatmeal raisin cookies and had my way with an

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-22415002944964607622010-06-28T11:24:00.000-04:002010-06-28T11:26:00.443-04:00

Today I am thankful for ...1. Emergency weekend getaways2. Good friends that allow me to cry on their shoulders3. Holding a newborn! No matter how insomniatic (is that even a word?) she may be4. My obsessive reading schedule which has been whittled down from four books (Jim the Boy, Plains of Passage, Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and Heart of the Matter) to two (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo and

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-35729391428208707692010-06-15T17:13:00.000-04:002010-06-15T17:19:16.942-04:00

At this weekend’s craft fair, I was on the hunt for a Father's Day gift and I was unsuccessful. But I got to look at several wonderful pieces of batik art. I even struck up a conversation with the Kenyan artist who created the pieces I'd been admiring. Actually, he did all the talking:Artist: Dread! Hey Dread!Me: (looking around, and seeing a dreadlocked man calling out to me) Umm, hey Dread to

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-82360384678836433312010-06-13T18:41:00.000-04:002010-06-13T18:50:10.399-04:00

1. I had dinner with friends this weekend, and got terribly ill2. I went to a craft festival, where I managed to find a few good buys in the midst of paintings and jewelry that cost $800 and up3. Got my mouth all fixed for Subway's lemonade, only to spill it all over my living room table, soaking my papers and library books4. But I did get alot of work done as part of my ongoing effort to put

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-9606924026264448492010-06-11T12:54:00.000-04:002010-06-11T12:57:17.017-04:00

As much as I love Alice Walker, I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't learn about this poem until today, when someone quoted lines from it on Twitter. I thought it was beautiful, so I thought I'd share. Enjoy!Never Offer Your Heart to Someone Who Eats Heartsby Alice WalkerNever offer your heartto someone who eats heartswho finds heartmeatdeliciousbut not rarewho sucks the juicesdrop by dropand

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-35001775464662969532010-06-07T15:33:00.000-04:002010-06-07T15:42:10.784-04:00

I have to go to a ton of meetings for work, and at times, I get a little bored. In times when it's tough for me to avoid falling asleep, I tend to write my signature over and over again in my notebook, then give a pensive look to the speaker. This time, I just decided to do some freewriting in my notebook and it led to a bit of craziness that I'll share here.This is all from a county budget

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-41246265178794989662010-06-01T23:08:00.000-04:002010-06-01T23:24:30.878-04:00

The last few weeks have been pretty rough and it's prevented me from blogging. I mean, I would've written about it, but I don't like to bring my laptop into my personal Cave of Despair. I'm doing much better now, and here are a few things that have been going on:1. I've discovered Bikram yoga2. Which means I've stood in a 105-degree room with sweaty, half-naked people and tried to bend like a

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-37168943205329942382010-05-06T12:06:00.000-04:002010-05-06T12:13:48.649-04:00

I’ve always been fascinated with my paternal grandfather. He died when my dad was a little boy and there was little mention of him in the household. Dad and his siblings always got tightlipped whenever I or my cousins had questions about him. How is Aunt D your sister when you guys have different mothers? My daddy’s her daddy. Where is your daddy? In heaven. What was your daddy like? You ask too

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-50829311982647794392010-05-02T20:36:00.000-04:002010-05-02T20:50:50.105-04:00

1. Today was No Bra, Just Sweats Day, and I celebrated accordingly2. Didn't do my hair or put a stitch of makeup on my face3. I was exhausted by my OUTSTANDING 24-hour trip to NYC, which allowed me to get on Weekend Today (Did you see me??) and catch actor Corbin Bleu ('High School Musical') in the play, 'In The Heights'4. But we weren't able to see Today's Lester Holt, which was my friend's main

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-15347539430125115952010-04-27T14:52:00.000-04:002010-04-27T15:00:22.278-04:00

To All of My Coworkers:I sit near the printerI do not fix jamsNor do I replace tonerIf your document didn’t printTake it up with management.Again, I only sit near the printerHow is your paper jam my problem?You think I know the right way to hit itThe divine secret behind making it spitNewsflash: I DON’TSo I’ll keep giving you a blank stareOr my frown, my terrible thug mugUntil you get a clueAnd

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-74452363318493576612010-04-26T14:12:00.000-04:002010-04-26T14:16:46.383-04:00

1. I had a one-day weekend, which is why this post is late2. That one-day weekend was held on Sunday, which was spent househunting3. It’s amazing the things that can turn you off of a neighborhood immediately4. Like the sight of a woman with an unfortunate shade of burgundy hair5. Or a bulletin board notice that gives notification of a sex offender living a few doors down6. Or folks that look

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-268141876726326352010-04-18T20:50:00.000-04:002010-04-18T21:05:50.567-04:00

1. Today was Eat All Your Leftovers Or Throw Them Out Day2. So a few minutes ago, I gorged on turkey burgers, beans and broccoli3. And now I feel quite full4. I recently committed to going to the gym regularly again, ideally four days a week5. That led to the discovery of a 6 am spinning class offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at my gym6. "My name is Mark, and I'm an animal", was how the

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-49374951844737885862010-04-13T13:02:00.000-04:002010-04-13T13:12:47.927-04:00

I’m truly convinced Heather hates me.Heather and I go way back, we’re cool peeps. I knew her back when folks were just starting to realize how much she resembled Winona Ryder. She knew me when I started my first act of rebellion – shaving my legs against my mother’s wishes. (Deep scandal, I know) We roamed that hallowed hell of high school together and we’re all the better for it.Every once in

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-2377877460448301522010-04-11T21:24:00.000-04:002010-04-11T21:41:44.548-04:00

1. The weather has been so beautiful, that it's hard to believe that this was my life just two months ago2. And in just another two months, I imagine this will be my reality yet again, since the cost to repair my car's air conditioning is more than I'm willing to spend3. I'm hearing mixed reviews about the newest Tyler Perry flick, 'Why Did I Get Married Too'4. One friend called it an abortion of

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-6177576045018138182010-04-07T12:17:00.000-04:002010-04-07T12:28:17.774-04:00

The oversharing award of the week goes to my baby cousin, who kept us all on the edge of our seats as to whether or not she would be staying with her children’s father. (They have three kids, ages 3,2, and 1) She announced that if he wasn’t trying to put a ring on it by the end of the week, she’d be gone. And lo and behold, I open facebook one day to learn that she is single. That was followed up

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-39341749050006311472010-04-04T15:32:00.000-04:002010-04-04T15:55:15.427-04:00

1. I woke up this morning (well, afternoon if you want to get technical about it) and decided that 33 is going to be my year2. That means I'll be having a Labor Day party at my own house or condo3. That I'll complete a draft of my thesis this summer, and go into the fall semester just putting the finishing touches on it so I can complete my program by December4. That I'll be putting some serious

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-33601663557704501442010-04-03T13:52:00.000-04:002010-04-03T14:26:21.974-04:00

I didn't know the Undercover Black Man, but I wish I did. I was only vaguely familiar with his blog, but I've been going there reading the archives quite frequently after learning that UBM, an alter ego for TV writer David Mills, died from a brain aneurysm this past week.His name didn't ring any bells with me as I read the various obituaries and tributes that ran in different newspapers. It's

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-41785622826178300352010-03-29T23:45:00.001-04:002010-03-30T00:00:09.474-04:00

I don't go back to work until Wednesday, and I've truly been enjoying my time away from the office. That doesn't mean I haven't been productive. In the past few days, I've managed to do my taxes, work on my thesis, plead to get reinstated into the grad program in the fall, pay bills and get my daily writing tasks in.But there comes a time when you've just got to lay back on that bed and let the

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-10066421354454664812010-03-28T22:20:00.000-04:002010-03-28T22:44:46.539-04:00

1. I had a FABULOUS birthday weekend2. It started with seeing my homie in a play (she did a FANTASTIC job, I might add)3. And it ended just a few minutes ago, with some delicious sushi4. That was almost enough to make me forget the meeting I had with my professor5. The one where she told me she wanted to nominate me for a significant monetary award, but couldn't, because I haven't been enrolled

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-49354862300523867472010-03-24T21:33:00.000-04:002010-03-24T21:48:57.448-04:00

So today was my birthday and what did I do? For the first time EVER, I went to work. I only did that because I've been taking homeownership classes which are right near my office, so I figured I might as well work. I am off the rest of the week though, so that's good.I have a coworker who said she always goes to work on her birthday, just to feel special from all the people who wish her a happy

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-89458028329031329782010-03-21T18:19:00.001-04:002010-03-21T18:25:14.291-04:00

1. I'm so happy the weather has finally broke, time to unleash the skin2. I'm borderline OCD, so each March I'm faced with the same challenge -- to do a bracket or not3. This year, I took i there: I've got three brackets going, two paid & one unpaid4. Let's just say it doesn't look like I'll be winning any prizes, monetary or not (Big thanks going out to Kentucky, Georgetown, Maryland)5. I have

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-73302272085634776682010-03-18T23:55:00.001-04:002010-03-19T00:27:36.624-04:00

My world stopped last week when my hairdresser called. She was having an emergency and wouldn't be able to do my hair that evening. The situation was so dire, that she didn't know when she would be able to do my hair again. So I did what I could do, I comforted Hairdresser, offered words of support, then I hung up the phone and ....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SCREAMED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-26594051649596644432010-03-14T21:19:00.000-04:002010-03-14T21:31:09.590-04:00

1. It has been a great week, which started out with the birth of Baby Extreme!2. Baby Extreme was originally supposed to be born on my favorite holiday, but she just couldn't wait.3. I guess I'll forgive the little tyke, since she was born on Robin Thicke's birthday, and ya'll know how I feel about him.4. It's a three-day weekend for me, since tomorrow is a furlough day, so I spent today hanging

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-18066081310313411172010-03-07T16:14:00.001-05:002010-03-07T16:21:55.961-05:00

1. I'm happy to report that I finally took the comprehensive exam that will take me one step closer to my master's degree2. A 6-hour test ain't no joke, ya'll3. Once it was over, I literally cleared my table of all my notes and dumped them in the trash. So I better have passed!4. My loud upstairs neighbors had the nerve to report me to our leasing company, saying that I WAS TOO LOUD5. That forced

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-22552451925124986672010-03-01T22:22:00.000-05:002010-03-01T22:28:08.619-05:00

Well, February, you were the best of times, you were the worst of times. You brought epic amounts of snow to my little patch of home. You caused me to eat much more than I thought humanly possible. Your winds shook my apartment, rattled my little car and whipped through me as I headed off somewhere to eat or sleep.I reached a level in my Seasonal Affective Disorder that I didn't know

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22228942.post-90454859351282969862010-02-28T22:35:00.000-05:002010-02-28T22:43:57.642-05:00

1. Look at me. I'm exhaustion.2. Exhaustion is having to read/study nonstop in order to take a big time test this weekend3. Exhaustion is trying to study, while working non stop4. But I'll get through it, 'cause soon as I write this post, I'm going to bed5. And then I'll be up at 5 a.m. so I can do more studying and work on draft 3 of my own book6. In my test reading material, I'm now reading

Strength/Courage/Wisdomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16110299281724084609noreply@blogger.com0