Blessings, affirmations, grace, and reflection

Another night of only 4 hours sleep and a full day of work...plus some. We had our regular staff meeting and then I had to head over to my new obligation, uh, commitment for a couple of hours. I had some time to kill between meetings, so I went into a Starbux across the street. I really dislike that Starbux. There are some really scary, sketchy characters in there who just sit there all day long. Any time of the day or night you go there they have a table front and center. They often don't even buy anything. This is one of the problems with gentrification. What these folks need a regular old school coffee shop or diner. But the neighborhood is trying to get too fancy for that so they pile up in Starbux. I left out reeking of coffee. My coat still smelled of coffee when I finished over at my obli - I mean commitment. I grabbed a (gross) sandwich because I hadn't eaten in about 7-8 hours at that point. My lunch period was totally interrupted. It is the only "peace" th...

Yesterday I worked on only 4 hours of sleep. I was planning to go to an event after work but of course that didn't happen. I came home since there was a gap of time between and to do a couple of things. It was fairly early so I "rested" just so I wouldn't be so tired. Fail. I never went of course. I was exhausted! Mind you, yesterday was MONDAY! Today, I had a meeting after work. My first board meeting. It was cool. I have a lot of work to do as an officer and I'm not really sure where the time is going to come from, but I think it is something I need in my life right now. Tomorrow night was yet another event - actually two events. I have to attend to business pertaining to the organization I am now serving, so I will try to pop into the second event for a glass of wine after. Or, depending on how tired I am I may just come home and fall into the bed. I said I needed to step up my game - well, be careful what you ask for. I definitely need to step up my game...

Some religions believe that Saturday is the true Sabbath. A day rest and relaxation. Our society (at least the one I live within) believe that every minute of the day should be filled with activity. I like to have at least one day of just rest and relaxation. Sleeping in, catching up on reading, watching movies, etc. Unfortunately, I really don't have that luxury since very little gets done during the week after work. I miss the days of having energy after work to take care of things. Still struggling with how to divest from work. While my laundry continues to pile up, the chores need tending, errands need running, and nails and eyebrows need to be maintained, I will be sitting and catching my breath. For what was deemed a "short" week, I feel worn out. So, today I will be putting the Sat back into Saturday and will have to try to get caught up with my responsibilities tomorrow...with the other procrastinators.

So, another weekend is here! Yea! Today was OK. Not horrible, but got a little rough towards the end of the day. Went to check out a restaurant I'd promised to write about for over a year. Was pretty disappointed with the fare so trying to figure out how to express that without trashing the place since it wasn't horrible. The guy at the restaurant complimented my new camera! Yes! I have to tell my friend in D.C.  Super busy week coming on, so I want to enjoy this weekend.

The peace I felt yesterday was short lived. Today it was back to the madness.  Despite it all, I wound up attending an event after work. The event was boring, but there were some interesting people there.  I realized that despite not liking to go out much anymore I need to mingle amongst the people every now and then so that this doesn't happen to me ....anymore than it has.  I have been trying to rediscover my love for the city. So far, nothing.  I have rediscovered my love for black music with this ! I really, really like 3 day weeks! Tomorrow is Friday! If the weather is nice I plan to go out shooting this weekend.  I'm getting better about planning ahead.  I want to do something really fun and carefree this summer! I need to get back on track with eating healthy. I have been very inconsistent as of late.  I am trying not to fall back into a pattern of stress eating. I have to stay on top of that.  I need to get busy with making s...

Amazingly calm day today. No fires to put out, no meltdowns to deal with. Just peace and productivity. God is good. Please, let it continue and not be a fluke. Please!

I am not surprised, dismayed, or otherwise about Rhianna and Chris Brown's reconciliation. I remember being in an abusive situation at that age and courting danger was part of the appeal. The violence is just part of the passion. Sadly, they live in a world where everyone surrounding them is a "yes man." Such a cute couple, but so toxic. They need therapy and intervention. Eventually one or both will realize that they are worth more and walk away. In the meantime, pray for them.  Pray they don't wind up as the next Bobby and Whitney.

Yes, on Fat Tuesday I came to the conclusion that I need to get in the gym and go hard! Saw someone's blog about losing quite a bit of weight in a short period of time. She looks like a new person! I need to look and feel like a new person. At least, the old me. This morning I had a breakfast meeting. It was strange because I have only been focusing on work for the past couple of years and everything else has basically fallen by the wayside. I was asked to sit on a  Board and I will consider it, although I already feel like I have enough on my plate. When I left, I reflected on my life and realized how miserable I have been lately. I prayed and had a long drive and a long talk with God. I came to the conclusion that I have to walk away from my job. That despite the good I supposedly do daily, it has burned me completely out and there is no passion or joy in my life. None! It is on these long weekends that I remember that I am real person and not just a worker bee. I came to t...

Old digs top floor rear Cute new spot owned by two sisters who are sistas Seconds after snapping this picture out walks Malik Yoba Coffee and perfect pancakes many mornings

So just in time for my four days off I get hit with allergies. How annoying! I stayed in relaxing Saturday and Sunday, but made it a point to get out and enjoy the unusual winter sunshine on Monday. I decided I would head to Brooklyn since I hadn't been over there in a while. I intended to go see this, but couldn't find parking so I just took pictures of the old neighborhood. I was expecting more changes. Many of the businesses were closed. Not sure if it was because it was early in the day, if it was the holiday, if it was Monday, or if they were closed for good. Will have to read the neighborhood blogs to get the scoop.  As I was passing a cute little place tucked away on a quiet street, I nearly bumped into Malik Yoba as he came barreling out with a cute little cafe au lait , naturally curly about half his age trailing at his heels. By the time I look around he had jumped into his black BMW and was gone in a flash. I think my camera scared him. I still have tomorrow off and...

Four day weekend = Freedom

Tired and feeling slightly sick-ish. Like my body can't decide whether it is or isn't going to get sick. Spending the day reserving my energy. Just awoke from a nap and ready for another. Got a lot done online. More to do, but have to start getting head ready for work. Hip is starting to feel better, but stomach is slightly upset. I've been blaming it on a bad burrito from Chipotle since it started hurting shortly after I wolfed one day. I hadn't eaten anything all day other than half of a yucky bagel. Still trying to decide if I will watch the Superbowl and the associated entertainment (commercial/half-time). Right now though, taking another nap.

I just want to dance tonight. I wish there was a club in my neighborhood where I could just dance - just spin in the middle of the floor while singing at the top of my lungs. All the clubs/bars around here are hip hop. I was so depressed this afternoon I didn't know what to do. I finally found a station playing dance music and was able to pull myself up. I think hip and R&B are killing us. Even thought the same songs and same beats are played over and over and over again, it is still better than the strip club music they play on the "black" stations. I know what club I can go to in D.C., but I would have to go all the way downtown to dance here. I feel so alive when I am dancing. I wish I could do it every night so I can feel alive. Dance the blues away!

I still believe one day we can be together.

I am so tired of living in a place where you have to fight for everything. I went to a workshop this morning and then ran my errands afterwards. I had to go grocery shopping, pick up a few things from Target, etc. I went to a Trader Joe's on the way back home and it was packed. People were just so rude and I am still dealing with a hurt hip. On top of it, I wasn't finding what I needed and some of the items were more expensive than I know they are at the other TJs. I put the two items in my cart back on the shelf and walked/hobbled out. I drove across state to go to different TJ. It was crowded in there, but at least I got what I needed without being run over. Every store I went into today was packed - because of the Super Bowl. I debated waiting to do my errands until tomorrow when the game is on, but I wanted to get it all done while I was already out since I don't know what to expect tomorrow. I got as much as I could done then came home to do laundry. Of course there ...

Maybe because I never saw it in action, but I never valued the power of coupling. I am seeing some powerful couples and I wish I knew the power of couples when it mattered. If you have a strong relationship, don't take it for granted. It will take you far in life.