Blessings, affirmations, grace, and reflection

Man, I've been wanting some red beans and rice for a minute. I soaked my beans the other night, but never got around to cooking them. This morning I was afraid my beans would sprout, so I needed to figure out what I should do. Then I remembered that I have a crock pot in my cabinet. I think I bought it when I moved into my first apartment in Berkeley. I was right out of college, young, and fresh. I happened to ship it back here to New York when I found it in storage. So, I dumped the beans in the pot and turned it on high. Well, the thing only has two settings and no indicator light. I hoped for the best. I got home and all of the water had evaporated and it burned slightly. Note to self, next time leave it on low! I didn't come right home after work tonight. I've had this piece I have been working on for a week now. I wanted to get it finished, but if I come home after work I just crash. I decided to stop at the cute cafe and work on it there. While I managed to stay aw...

“Success” Inaccurately attributed to Ralph Waldo Emerson To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. “What Constitutes Success” By Bessie Stanley (1905) He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in o...

When the Gentrifier is Black need i say more?

I don't understand the mindset of our "role models." They may not consider themselves role models, but they are. Kyla Pratt has decided that she is not yet ready to 'commit' to marriage with the father of her daughter, but she committed to having a child with him. That is an 18 year commitment right there. Jennifer Hudson did the same thing, as did Nia Long, and Halle Berry. In Halle's case she swore she wasn't going to remarry. Now that she and the baby's father have broken up, she is remarrying and dealing with a messy custody battle. Regardless of whether you want to commit to that man or not, you are choosing to commit to him when you decide you will bear his off-spring. That is a minimum of an 18 year commitment to that man. I wish they could see it that way.

Received an email from my boss this morning. Sunday morning. Someone's head was put on the butcher block on Friday. This is why I hustle at work. This is why I put all else aside to do what needs to be done. This is why I am riding my assistant to step up her game. I know who my boss is and she doesn't play. She doesn't always know what she is doing, but she will fire your ass in a heartbeat. So glad I am on her good side. Spending today, writing and researching. Yesterday I bought not one, but two new air filters. My apartment gets really dusty because of the cat litter and because I keep my windows open all day, every day, 24/7. There was one that was left by the guy who was here while I was out west. I bought the replacement model for that one which is much quieter. It also comes with an optional air freshener, which is great when my neighbors are smoking or cooking smelly food. I also suffer from allergies spring through fall, so the second filter is a back up. I ...

One of my bosses met with me regarding goal setting. He said that I should consider moving to the next level. I told him I was already looking into programs. His face fell. Said they will need to start looking for a replacement at job fairs in case I leave. I said OK.  He also said that I am a problem-solver. I like that! Met most of my goals already! I went to a training today. Was about 5 minutes late because I took the wrong exit. I figured I would be one of a handful of people of color and I was right. Didn't want to the be the late black girl. Stereotypes. Another black woman came in after me.  Should have brought my camera, but didn't think about it until the elevator was on my floor. Would have been later if I'd gone back. Went out for air during the break and got locked out! Went to the mall afterwards, but didn't shop. Relaxing and hoping to go shoot tomorrow if the sun is out again.  This weekend is over way too soon! I can't believe it is almost ...

It's Friday. It's raining. I have meetings. I have a training all day tomorrow. I just want some down time. Meh.