And Joining Me

...is the snow. Looks like I'm not the only one who's back. Ugh.

Winter has officially arrived in the District. It has been coming down continuously all day. Hasn't accumulated all THAT much, but enough to make its point. Aight...we got it already!!! Clearly I'm not ready for the snow just yet.

Although with Netflix and a shelf full of books, I guess I have enough to keep me entertained on the cold, snowy nights that are ahead. Just sit back with mug full of hot chocolate, my fuzzy slippers and not a care in the world. Hmmmm...maybe I AM ready for the snow...that sounds good, doesn't it? However, it's also nights like this that leave you longing for a warm body to snuggle up to...

*Sigh* Moving right along...

I've decided to take Monday off to accomplish all of the many things on my To Do list - writing/sending holiday greetings, Christmas shopping, cleaning/laundry/grocery shopping and preparing for my week long stay in NY. And...if I'm honest...to get a much needed break from my boss. She's off on Friday...so I'll have 4 days of not having to deal with her (pray for me y'all). Needless to say, I'm workin' for the weekend!

Since my entry back into Blogland, I've been trying to make my way through my blogroll to check in on you guys...found out that I'm not the only one who has been MIA. Hopefully those who joined me in the fall into oblivion will, too, find their way back. Thanks to all of you who are back on the Journey...I forgot how much I looked forward to your comments.

Smooches!

Somethin' For the Ladies

...and there might be something here for you Fellas to take away as well. I'm all about equal opportunity :)

During my time blogging, I've rarely posted memes or lists...very little of what wasn't my own thoughts or feelings. However recently, while searching for an old friend's address, I came across an email that I've had for almost 10 years now. It's two lists, targeted towards women, but there are definitely a few things on the lists that aren't necessarily gender specific.

For those of you who may have received these lists before - hopefully they will be something you'll enjoy reading again. For those of you who have not - hopefully they will prove to be lists that you, too, will want to hold onto.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD HAVE:

1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you've come.
2. Enough money within your control to move out and rent a place on your own, even if you never want or need to.
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour.
4. A purse, suitcase and an umbrella you're not ashamed to be seen carrying.
5. A youth you're content to move beyond.
6. A past juicy enough that you're looking forward to retelling it in your old age.
7. The realization that you're actually going to have an old age and some money set aside to help fund it.
8. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
9. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry.
10. A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family.
11. Eight matching plates, wineglasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make your guests feel honored.
12. A resume that is not even the slightest bit padded.
13. A feeling of control over your destiny.
14. A skin care regime, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don't get better after 30.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better.

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW:

1. How to fall in love without losing yourself.
2. How you feel about having kids.
3. How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
4. When to try harder and when to walk away.
5. How to kiss a man in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn't like to happen next.
6. How to have a good time at a party you'd never choose to attend.
7. How to ask for what you want in a way that makes it most likely you'll get it.
8. That you can't change the length of yur calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
9. That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it's over.
10. What you would and wouldn't do for love or money.
11. How to live alone, even if you don't like it.
12. Who you can trust, who you can't, and why you shouldn't take it personally.
13. Where to go - be it your best friend's kitchen table or a charming inn hidden in the woods - when your soul needs soothing.
14. What you can and can't accomplish in a day, a month or a year.
15. Why they say life begins at 30.

Amazingly enlightening, huh? Makes you think - do inventory - of your home, your life, your finances, your heart, your soul.

I'm totally feeling #15 of the second list. I honestly believe that I didn't really start living - didn't really get to know me and conduct an honest soul search - until 30. It was at the very beginning of my 30th year that I felt my life was falling apart - and at the every end of my 30th year that I felt it coming back together. An ending making way for a new beginning - a rebirth. I certainly have some very fond memories of life before 30 (my four years at Howard U. were the four of the greatest years of my life) - but I still feel like the BEST is yet to come!

So continue to live lovely lives Ladies - and whether they/it appears on the lists above or not...strive to HAVE the desires of your heart and to KNOW more today than you did yesterday.

GIRL POWER!

Guess Who's Back...

I AM!!!

I Am...and I cannot begin to tell you all how much you have been missed.
I Am...not sure how I'm going to bring you up to speed on what has, or has not, been happening in my life. Might just happen gradually over a series of posts.
I Am...DIVORCED as of September 17. Thank you Jesus!
I Am...still rockin' my natural 'do. It's getting so long and I haven't experimented with it that much. Still just wash and wear but I have a couple things in mind that I'd like to try.
I Am...in awe at what a difference a year makes. I just celebrated my one year anniversary at my gig. God is so good and I am so blessed.
I Am...a dancing machine y'all. Early this summer I started taking Hand Dancing lessons (a swing dance that originated in Washington, DC - similar to Chicago Steppin', West Coast Swing, what would be Boppin' in Philly, and I believe Shag in the Carolina's). I am so in love with this dance. I'm currently being groomed to be a student instructor - watch out now! This is not the last that you will hear about this...believe me. If you live in the DC area and are interested in learning, let me know.
I Am...headed to NYC for the Christmas holiday. If you remember, my company is closed the week between Christmas and New Year, so I'll be spending the majority of that time with my family in White Plains and my friends in the city. Can't wait!
I Am...realizing that it doesn't pay to dip into the recycling bin when it comes to dating - you are no longer with that person for a reason. However...there is this one that I'm convinced might be a possibility, although he kinda intimidates me...so I'm not sure how that would work out exactly.
I Am...thinking about learning to play the bass guitar. Whenever I hear a live band, I'm automatically drawn in by the bassist. I've been thinking about this for over three years now, so I'm not too convinced yet that I'll actually do it.
I Am...so needing a vacation. I didn't take one this entire year, so I'm well overdue. Some place tropical and some time soon.
I Am...reading on a regular basis again. Something about the cold weather that makes me want to stay in the bed all day and read my little heart out. My fingers, most recently, were turning the pages of Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez and now I'm reading What is the What by Dave Eggers.
I Am...addicted to NetFlix. I'm late, I know...but for anyone who is a lover of movies and is not a member, I highly recommend it. So far, I've seen The Illusionist, I Think I Love my Wife, Little Miss Sunshine and Blood Diamond. I have Nine Lives now, but I haven't watched it yet. Any suggestions? I tend to like "off the beaten path/indie" flicks, so if you know of any good ones please feel free to share.
I Am...feeling really good about where I am in my Journey. Could I have a bigger place, sure. More money, definitely. A significant other, sure. But I don't, and that's fine with me :)
I Am...praying for so many, but especially for a friend that recently was sent to Baghdad on a non-military work assignment. Blessings, my friend...many, many blessings!
I Am...not going to be able to truly catch up on the goings on in the lives of the many members of my blog family, but I will try my best and hope that you are all doing well (special shout out to Creole, Harpo, Tracey K and Nikki - thanks for checkin' in on me...love ya for it).
I Am...entering the new year with a wide open mind, a stronger spirit, a joyful heart and a deeper peace within so I'm anxious to see what 2008 will bring.
I Am...sure that I am skipping over some stuff, but if I don't end this now I'm going to be late for dance class.

I Am...BACK!!!

I'm Going Back to Cali...Cali...Cali...

Ladies most DEFINITELY Love Cool James! Wow...what a blast from the past.

Unfortunately, this post has nothing to do with LL's late 80's hit though...sorry.

Part of the new responsiblities that came with my promotion is that I would be taking over some of our smaller meetings throughout the year - while our Senior Director of Meetings would focus on the larger meetings. I found out today that I'm being thrown into the fire and will be managing my first solo meeting this month...and it's in Newport Beach, CA (Orange County) - which is only a hop, skip and a jump from LA!

This isn't only exciting because of the opportunity that it presents for me to prove myself, but also because I can extend my stay and take a mini vacation on my company's dime (well...the airfare atleast...but that's all I need with all the friends that I have in LA). I immediately called my dearest friend in LA (her family graciously and lovingly "adopted" me while I was living in LA so she is like a sister to me) to tell her the good news. She'll be in town (and will host me during my stay) that weekend and I CANNOT wait to see her! I plan on coming home SUPER exhausted with all that I have running through my mind to pack into that weekend. Although what will probably end up happening is that her aunt will cook (throw down, rather), we'll drink wine, reminisce on old times and laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh, laugh...cause that's what we do!

With all of the misery that I endured while I lived there, it is amazing that I can be THIS excited to go back...and I'm glad that I am! Thank you Journey...THANK YOU!

"Her bikini - small; heels - tall, she said she liked the ocean..."

Education or Exploitation

NOTE: The images contained in the link below are extremely graphic (not sexual). Please use discretion when viewing.

Yesterday a co-worker and I went here.

I heard about this traveling exhibition a while back and was anxiously awaiting its arrival to the DC Metro area. For weeks I've been seeing it advertised in the Washington City Paper and had it on my list of things to do. When I learned that my co-worker was also dying to go (no pun intended)...we set a date.

Having always had an interest in pathology (and having watched autopies - on television - and seen various forms of cadavers - courtesy of my friend who snuck me into her biology lab), I had very little reservation about what it was that I was going to experience.

Now, in retrospect, I'm not sure how I feel about the whole thing.

For the sake of those of you who might be planning to visit, as well as those of you with weak stomachs, I will spare you the details. I will say, however, that some of the presentation choices left me wondering: what is this about...really? In addition, the fact that the "bare bones" ticket (am I on a roll or what?) - meaning purchased onsite without audio - was $27.00 left me to question the validity of the "educational" opportunity that this exhibition states it affords. Now...I do realize that I could be biased...living in a city where the majority of the educational/cultural institutions (ie. the Smithsonian) and events are F-R-E-E. But, if your primary intent is to educate, can it not be done at a more nominal cost? And if not, could funds have been allocated or underwritten so as to NOT charge an additional fee for audio that allows you to better understand what was being viewed?

What I didn't know - until I got there and my co-worker explained - was there has been quite a bit of scuttlebutt surrounding this exhibit. First, all of the bodies on display are people that were from China. Second, we are told that they are "unclaimed" bodies or bodies of consenting donors - however, no paper trail (that I know of) has been presented to support these claims. Makes you wonder why China and why no documentation?

Things that make you go hmmmmm...

On one hand I can say, unequivocally, that I did learn quite a bit from this exhibit. On the other hand I wonder to what/whom did I just give my financial support? And does the issue of morality and respect for the dead come into play? My views and thoughts are somewhat mixed.

At the end of the day, it got me to think. It answered some life long questions and sparked conversation between complete strangers over artistically lit human livers, lungs and hearts. But was it worth having to ponder the educational factor versus the sensational factor? I don't know that I have a definitive answer...I guess you'd have to be the judge of that for yourself.

So should it come to a city near you and you decide to visit (or have already) - I'd be curious to know your thoughts...

A Month In Review

I realized today that I've only posted twice this month. For that reason, I thought I would do a run down of what has been going on in my life. Partly to bring you all up to speed (for those of you who are actually interested) and partly to figure out why in the heck I've only posted twice this month. I said I wasn't going to fall back into oblivion again, so it's time to do a bit of inventory.

Here goes my "Pieces of April" - have you seen that movie? Pretty good indy flick.

I digress...

Things are back on track at work and that, friends, is a beautiful thing. As you may remember I experienced a little hiccup, but I didn't let it defeat me. I'm back on track and feeling a lot more confident, I might add. Although I don't live/die by them, I do read my horoscope for fun from time to time. A magazine, that will remain nameless due to shame, arrived in the mail this weekend and part of it read: "Your career is moving forward." I truly believe that...not because of the promotion/raise, but because I truly feel that I am now working in an industry that totally suits my personality and professional strengths. I'm excited to see where it will take me!

Words cannot adequately describe just how much I DETEST my cable/internet company. Last Friday I came home from work to find that my cable/internet service had been interrupted. I called customer service - or what they call customer service - to report my problem. I knew it wasn't an issue with my bill, cause it was paid on time and in full. They checked it anyway and found the aforementioned to be true. They checked for an area/system wide outage. No such luck. They finally determined that it was an "isolated incident" that was going to require a tech visit. The first available time slot? Wednesday evening. *dead* You know I was hot, right? So hot that I decided to write a letter. I was on the fence with whether or not I was going to mail it. The visit from the tech, who informed me that when another tech was dispatched on Friday to disconnect service for one of my neighbors they ended up disconnecting my service instead, sealed the envelope! So I went five days without television or internet. Ummmm, yeah...not cute!

I last reported that I was reading a book called "Small Island" by Andrea Levy. It's been a difficult read to stick with, so I decided to put it down for a while. Instead, I picked up the book on deck - "A Hungry Heart" - which is Gordon Parks' last memoir. WOW! All I can say is that I love him even more...found out he was a bit of a playa...but even that can't take away from his brillance! Just an awesome piece of literary work that I highly recommend.

Much to my dismay, my favorite bartender in the world is leaving the restaurant/bar that had become "the spot" for me and a couple of my really good girlfriends. We have been spending one day out of the last couple weekends toasting him and taking final advantage of what has been a very longstanding "hook up." And although the Greek tapas are to die for, the place just won't be the same without him. Alas we must bid our beloved spot "adio." Here's to all of the good times...Opa!

I am in the early stages of "shopaholicism." Even though I am a bargin shopper, I've got to nip this "disease" in the bud. The rising of the weekend sun finds me twitching...eager for my next fix. It's time for an intervention...after I find those shoes, that bag, my couch and some other key items for my place...but soon...I promise.

Spring, seemingly, has sprung and pheromones are being released at an all time high. I was approached by a gentleman on Friday afternoon and I must say he really peaked my interest (which hasn't been peaked in quite some time). The manner in which he approached me was most flattering, however follow through is key. Then, while having an early dinner - solo - during one of my shopping binges, my presence was requested at the bar. I had just watched "Something New" that morning so I was all about "let go and let flow." I entertained the invitation. It led to 1 1/2 hours of a very pleasant conversation with an extremely interesting YOUNG fellow. And when I say young, I mean 25 years young! Ah well...practice makes perfect.

My heart has been heavy since the tragedy at Virginia Tech. What more is there to say? I pray for peace and strength for everyone, but most importantly for those who were directly affected.

I'm not really a doctor/medicine type person, but I know that there comes a time when we all need to make a visit. In the past month I have had two doctor's appointments and I'm happy to report that all is well. Two down, two more to go - a general physical and the dentist. *Sigh* I loathe the dentist!

That's about it...aside from being reunited with a long lost college friend and sending a drunk text (ya know, like "drunk dial") to my highschool sweetheart - I'm so embarrassed that I still haven't been able to bring myself to call him to explain/apologize.

So, I'm relatively satisfied with my reasons for being MIA. The five days without internet, alone, was cause enough...damn them!

Speaking of which, I have to mail that letter...

Just Plain Ol' Tired

It's official...I need a vacation. Although part of me thinks I don't deserve one since I was semi-unemployed for 13 months...but that just might be all the more reason to take one.

Today our office closed at 1pm to give us a jump start on the holiday weekend. Nice, right? I guess...if your NOT me. Why was I the last one in the office and didn't leave until 6:30pm? So not cool. AND...to top it all off...an issue from my work week from hell (see two posts ago) resurfaced which made matters that much worse. I'm hoping that I defused it enough that it's not going to be a huge issue on Monday.

"Somebody saaaaaaave me...I don't care how you do it, just saaaaaaaave me!"

I know this is a test of some sort...it just has to be. I just wish is wasn't a "pop quiz" and I sure as hell hope I pass!

Today is GOOD Friday, right? *humph*

It would be nice if I had something fun planned for the weekend...maybe cocktails with the girls or a day of shopping and a movie...but nope, I'll be organizing and cleaning ALL weekend because this is the very first weekend (since I've moved) that I have absolutely nothing that HAS to be done and nowhere I HAVE to be. And as the huge pile of clothes, magazines, books, etc. isn't going to magically remove itself from my floor - it looks like I'm going to have to be the one to do it. That's the one bad thing about living by yourself...things can take a bit longer to return back to their rightful place.

"Cinderelly, Cinderelly, night and day it's Cinderelly..."