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!!!